All Donaghey Scholars complete an honors thesis, or final project, during their last year in the Program. Final projects take many different shapes, and they often have an interdisciplinary component. Typically, the project is grounded in the student’s major and intended to give them hands on experience in their field. To ensure success, the student selects a faculty advisory committee and works closely with them throughout the final project process.

To begin the process, Scholars complete the Colloquium II seminar course in their junior year. This course teaches research methods and guides the students through the development of the project. After approval from the student’s faculty committee, Scholars submit a formal proposal to the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program Policy Council for approval prior to their final two semesters in the Program.

Once the project is completed, Scholars present their project for their committee, the Scholars staff, fellow Scholars, and other faculty. Finally, Scholars submit the written component and other documentation of their project to be archived for future reference by other Scholars.

Timeline for the Final Project Proposal

Fall Semester of Junior Year

  • Discuss project ideas with prospective advisors and Program Director or Associate Director
  • Secure the faculty committee

Spring Semester of Junior Year

  • Proposal due to the DSP in electronic form, as well as a paper copy with committee signatures no later than March 15
  • Make any changes recommended by the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program Policy Council

Summer and Fall Semesters of Senior Year

  • Carry out the project in consultation with faculty committee

Spring Semester of Senior Year

  • Write up of final project
  • Draft to faculty committee and Director no later than March 1
  • Final draft to faculty committee and Director no later than May 1
  • Oral presentation of the final project during the first week of May
  • Turn in the final written component and Final Project Exit Form to the DSP no later than the day before grades are due.

Note: December graduates will have slightly different final project deadlines. See the Director for more information.