Checklist for advisors of students pursuing Honors in the major via thesis

Checklist for advisors of students planning to register for 360 (Senior Thesis Research) with the intent to pursue Honors in the major

Discuss thesis work with the student and agree to serve as thesis advisor. This conversation will ordinarily occur during the spring of the student’s junior year.

Examine the grade report that the student submits to the department chair/program director. Verify that her grades are sufficient to pursue departmental honors: GPA of 3.5 in the major including courses above the 100-level for most departments/programs, although some may require a higher GPA. Look at her grades and courses outside of the major as an indication how much time she will have to devote to her thesis and whether she has all necessary skills.

If her GPA in the major falls between 3.0 and 3.5, the department/program may petition CCI on her behalf. The request to the department/program should be initiated by the advisor, and the petition should come to CCI only if you and your colleagues support the student for honors work. Either the advisor or department chair/program director may submit the petition once department/program support is obtained. These petitions must be filed no later than the third week of classes in the fall semester, although some departments/programs may have earlier deadlines for petition.

Sign the student’s add form to register for 360 in the major. If the major is an interdepartmental one, she should register for 360 in that program, not your home department.

For additional information about the program, please refer to Articles of Government, Book II, Article IV Honors at http://www.wellesley.edu/DeanCollege/bk2a4.html or to the CCI site at http://www.wellesley.edu/Registrar/main-thesis.htm