The University of Arkansas’ second-annual Honors College Research Conference took place at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the Arkansas Union.
Michael Zachary, the technical director for the honors college, said that Dean Lynda Coon and Associate Dean Jennie Popp initiated the research conference. The conference addresses some aspects of the thesis process that causes students to drop out of not only the process but the honors college all together.
According to the Honors College webpage the honors thesis is a rewarding capstone experience for students and a gateway to research and other creative work beyond the undergraduate years.
Attendance at the conference this year surpassed the total participants and attendees from the conference’s inaugural year. The festivities began with Dean Coon welcoming those in attendance and providing a brief history of the conference.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Demystifying the Thesis”. The conference’s goal is to help make the thesis process one that is digestible for students so that they will be equipped to complete it.
“Our students really look at this as a mountain to climb,” Zachary said. “So, what we’re trying to do is kind of demystify that and make it more of a simple step by step timeline about how you go about creating your thesis. where you begin and where you end, and the process in between.”
Two breakout sessions were held for current and prospective honors college students. This presentation consisted of students who successfully defended their thesis discussing what that process looks like, as well as a professor providing the “best practices” for defending a thesis. The presentation concluded with a question and answer session.
In the Verizon Ballroom honors students who presented their research at regional and national conferences had their work available to discuss with fellow honors students or students who are interested in becoming a member of the honors college. This time was also used as a means to network not just with other students but with professors from the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences.
Along with keeping students involved there has been an emphasis on getting more faculty involved.
“This would not happen without the help of each and every undergraduate college on campus,” Popp said. “The honor’s directors are driving this for their individual colleges. They pick the students that are going to present. They pick the posters. They develop the college info sessions. They are, in my opinion, the most important people that help us put this together.”
Throughout the year students have the opportunity to participate in other events, like workshops teaching students how to put reach proposals together, Dean Popp said.
Katie Wilson, the Associate Director for Student Success, says that the research program is individual and unique. After choosing a project on a specialized topic, honors students are paired with a faculty member.
“We need to make sure that students have the resources to make that happen,” Wilson said. “We can’t just say ‘In four years make sure this is done.’”