Once your topic is narrowed, you can begin to search for a department, and then a faculty member who does research in the field in which you are interested. There are several ways to go about finding a thesis director, and the way you choose will most likely depend on your discipline. Don't assume that you must follow a certain path; it is important that you find a good thesis director, and there are many ways to accomplish this as you meet with faculty, staff and even other honors students that can direct you to colleagues and share their experiences with you.
As you choose a thesis director, you will form a thesis committee. It is very important that you understand the role of the committee and your responsibility in communicating with each committee member:
Director. Normally, the honors thesis committee consists of three members, the thesis director, a second reader, and a third reader. The director is the faculty member with whom you will work most closely on your thesis or creative project. The director is normally a regularly-appointed member of the ASU faculty, chosen by the student, with professional expertise in the thesis/creative project area. Among the members of a thesis committee, the director’s suggestions and vote are the most heavily weighted.
Second Reader. Typically the second reader is a faculty member, but exceptions to this rule are sometimes appropriate. In all cases, the second reader will be another suitably credentialed person that your thesis director and you decide is appropriate to serve. This committee member is responsible for assisting you with research as needed, reading one or two of the drafts, giving you comments on those drafts, and being present at the oral defense. Some second readers meet almost as regularly with students as the director; others become involved only at significant points (e.g. a statistician when statistics are being analyzed).
Third Reader. The third reader is a qualified professional selected by the director and student together. A third reader will offer insights beyond those offered by the director and second reader. You and your thesis director should choose the third reader no later than six weeks prior to the defense and the third reader should have a copy of your manuscript at least one month before the defense. Once the third reader is assigned, please notify your Barrett honors advisor. Click to download a list of available Third Readers:
List of Third ReadersTips for Working with Committee Members:
It is critical that you and your thesis director communicate meeting times and expectations effectively; remember that ultimately your thesis director must approve your thesis so work closely with this individual to safeguard against last minute problems/conflicts.
ALL thesis/creative project committee members must read, agree with and sign your prospectus which is your action plan for honors research.
ALL thesis/creative project committee members must be in attendance at your defense; in the event of an emergency the committee member to be absent should find an appropriate replacement that will definitely need to be at the defense.
ALL thesis/creative project committee members must sign your prospectus.
ALL Barrett honors students must complete their thesis by their ASU graduation date.