Thesis - USF Honors College

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Thesis

Special Thesis Update - NEW!

Beginning this spring (SP 08), Honors theses of outstanding quality will be published on-line through the USF library website. This is the same recognition given doctoral dissertations and on-line publication means that each thesis will be available to researchers worldwide. Students whose theses are accepted for this distinction will be recognized at graduation as “Grace Allen Scholars,” in memory of the wife of USF’s founding president, who passed away last December.

In order to be considered for this designation, students must submit an extra, unbound copy of their theses to the Honors College main office, along with a letter of nomination from the mentor, no later than April 16, 2008. Because this date is in advance of thesis day, a complete draft may be submitted, with the understanding that any decision will be contingent on the presentation of the final thesis. Further information about format and other submission requirements will be distributed in mid-February.

Grace Allen was known as USF’s “first lady” for her dedication of her time, energy and resources to this institution. In one of his last conversations with Mrs. Allen, Dr. Kleine received her permission to name this outstanding thesis designation in her honor. We are gratified that this program to publish scholarship by undergraduates will be a lasting legacy to a woman who did so much for USF and its library in general and for the Honors College in particular. During her final days, she frequently mentioned us as the part of the university she particularly cherished.

The Senior Honors Thesis is the culmination of your Honors College experience, emphasizing critical thinking, writing and independent, creative work. Since Thesis constitutes six semester hours of the baccalaureate degree program, it should reflect a significant time commitment, be of high quality and demonstrate personal intellectual growth. Your thesis may relate to your major, but it does not have to. You are encouraged to select a topic that you find exciting and satisfying, and that will allow you to be creative.

Honors Thesis Registration

The class numbers used for thesis are: IDH 5975 for Honors Thesis and IDH 5965 for Honors Project. Students completing a two-semester thesis will take two semesters of IDH 5975, and those approved to complete a three-semester thesis will take IDH 5965 for the third semester. The Honors Thesis (IDH 5975) will have two sections: 001 for first semester thesis students and 002 for second semester thesis students.

In order to be registered for Honors Thesis and Honors Project, students are required to complete the online Thesis Registration Request Form. Once the form has been received, an Honors staff member will enroll the student in the appropriate course. If the above link does not work for you, the Thesis Registration Request Form may be found on the main page of the Honors website (http://honors.usf.edu) under "Forms" > "Online Forms" > "Online Theis Form".

The Thesis Registration Request Form is needed because Honors staff need to verify:

1. That student has earned the minimum number of hours (90) required to enroll in the first semester of Thesis.

2. That student has submitted the Thesis Agreement Form, the Prospectus and the Prospectus Approval Form. This paperwork must be received prior to Honors staff registering a student for the second semester of thesis, and the student to receive a satisfactory (“S”) grade.

3. That the Thesis Directors for students completing a three-semester thesis have submitted a “Satisfactory” by the last day of classes for the 2nd semester of thesis enrollment.

Honors Thesis Documents

Honors Thesis Information Booklet

Prospectus Approval Form

Thesis Approval Form

Online Thesis Registration Request Form

You must take two copies of your thesis to the library for binding. Order forms are available at the circulation desk on the first floor of the Library. Return the completed form and the two copies to the Circulation Desk. The charge will be posted to your student financial aid account. Bring the receipt of payment to the Honors office.

The current cost of binding is approximately $9.00 per copy. Prices are subject to change.

When turning your finished Thesis into the Honors College you will need:

One (1) Unbound copy of your final Thesis.
The receipt from the USF Library confirming you have had two copies of your thesis bound.
A fully complete "Thesis Approval Form", signed by your Thesis Director.

Note: The Honors Handbook, which is updated annually, contains more detailed information and is the authoritative source regarding thesis information.