Research in Honors 686: 3H or 6H credits
Prerequisite: Junior status; 9H credits
Students who complete 6H credits earn “Honors with Distinction” degree designation
What is Research in Honors?
Research in Honors can be a rewarding academic experience. Students assist a faculty member with research and then design and complete an original and major research project under the supervision of an instructor. Before you can be enrolled in this course, however, you must define the research project and the role you will play in a formal proposal. The draft proposal must be completed by April 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. The entire process should be complete by December 1 (for spring) and May 1 (for fall).
Develop Your Proposal
- Select the research project you wish to work on. Select a research project in your major field based on both the researcher and the topic. Usually, undergraduate students do research with faculty whom they know from their classes, professional societies, or departmental advising.
- Review the Non-Seminar Planning Sheet and schedule a meeting with Dr. Sands to discuss. In this meeting you can expect to discuss your proposal ideas and to be given the opportunity to ask any questions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sands, please email him directly (sands@uwm.edu), or visit our front office in HON 154 for assistance.
- Consult your supervising instructor. Faculty members supervise independent student work on a voluntary but many will be pleased to assist a serious student with a course topic pertaining to their field of study or interest. A faculty member is most likely to participate if 1) they are familiar with the student’s work and 2) the student wants to study a subject of expertise or interest for the faculty member. The supervising instructor advises and guides you, monitors your progress, evaluates your performance, and assigns your grade. The Honors College Director and your supervising instructor will help you determine a sufficient amount of work to satisfy the additional Honors component. You both must agree on the scope, length, and format of your work, the frequency of advising sessions, and a timetable for completion.
- Prepare a proposal. Prepare a one- to two-page proposal that outlines your study’s purpose and scope as well as the course requirements. The proposal will outline the nature of your work and provide criteria for evaluation. In short, your proposal is a mutually agreed upon contract for the semester’s work. Do not treat this stage of preparation lightly. Your success ultimately depends on the quality of your proposal.
The proposal should include:
PART A: Research Proposal (To be completed by supervising instructor in collaboration with the student)
- Describe the research project, including problems to be investigated; the nature of library research, experimentation, or fieldwork to be undertaken; and a tentative timetable for completion of project.
- Outline students’ week-to-week responsibilities (read books, conduct interviews, perform experiments, etc.).
- Indicate how the student will be evaluated.
- Describe the expected product (weekly journal, periodic short reports, final paper or summary) of the student’s research activities.
PART B: Research Proposal (To be completed by the student) - Define your personal goals in working on this project. Why do you want to do this research and what do you expect to gain from it? Think about what you need to know and do to strengthen your candidacy for graduate school or a professional career. (The research director should be able to help you define your goals).
Next Steps
- Submit your proposal through the online form: Honors College Non-Seminar Submission Form. You must include your SIGNED Non-Seminar Planning Sheet with your proposal. After the Honors College receives your form, it will be sent to Honors College Director, Dr. Peter Sands for final
approval. If there are any questions about your proposal, Dr. Sands will be in touch with suggested revisions. The draft proposal must be completed by April 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. The entire process should be complete by December 1 (for spring) and May 1 (for fall). - Once approved, the Honors College main office will send you an email.
- The Honors College will enroll you in HON 686.
- Turn in your final product(s) no later than one week before the end of the semester. This can be delivered to the Honors College main office in room 154 or digitally at honors@uwm.edu. After Honors College administration can confirm that you completed the added Honors component and earned a B- or better in the course, Honors credit will be added to your transcript.
Library Privileges
Working on a non-seminar entitles you to graduate student borrowing privileges at the Golda Meir Library. You may take out a maximum of 50 books and keep them for a whole semester. To avoid overdue notices, be sure to inform the circulation assistant that you have these privileges.
Forms
Non-Seminar Planning Sheet (please note you will need to Download the PDF to edit)