The Honors Program at Florida State University organized its first-ever Honors in the Major (HITM) faculty gathering, acknowledging educators who guide undergraduate learners in conducting independent and original thesis-oriented research.
The occasion highlighted the essential role of faculty mentorship in enhancing students’ HITM journey.
“We appreciate the committed faculty who guide undergraduate researchers,” stated Michael David Franklin, associate director of the HITM initiative. “This event serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the time and knowledge faculty members dedicate to fostering future scholars and professionals through the honors thesis endeavor.”
Students involved in HITM collaborate with a faculty advisory committee to choose a subject, create a prospectus, produce a written document based on their unique scholarship or creative work, and finally, defend their project orally in front of their committee.
Presently, 220 students and 168 educators are engaged in the HITM initiative. By collaborating closely with faculty, students foster professional connections that assist in their development as researchers and future professionals.
“Our Honors in the Major students actively shape their learning and delve into subjects beyond the standard curriculum,” remarked Carrie Ann Baade, head of the painting and drawing area in the Department of Art and professor. “This often results in innovative thought, original research, and creative problem-solving. Honors students don’t merely conduct research; they are reshaping our understanding of knowledge and creativity.”
HITM projects span a wide range of subjects, having investigated early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, the influence of artificial intelligence in healthcare, the effects of pet ownership on mental wellbeing, the relationship between music and memory, and much more.
“Honors in the Major encourages students to critically engage with their research,” explained Andrea U. De Giorgi, a classics professor and expert in Roman urbanism who has participated in excavations in Italy, Turkey, and Jordan. “It provides an avenue for professional research, enabling them to cultivate a scholarly interest and transform it into something significant.”
The HITM program is available to any FSU student who has been accepted into their major and fulfills the eligibility criteria. This initiative allows students to integrate the knowledge and abilities acquired throughout their undergraduate studies into a culminating project.
“In our department, Honors in the Major instills a sense of authenticity in students as artists and scholars, engaging in work that is meaningful — not only in reality but also in research and cultural production,” stated Daniel Luedtke, assistant professor and area head of printmaking and book arts in the Department of Art.
At the conclusion of the semester, students present their theses before faculty committees. Those who successfully defend their thesis and complete HITM earn the distinction of graduating “with honors,” which is noted on their transcripts and diplomas.
For further details regarding the Honors in the Major program, please visit honors.fsu.edu or reach out to Associate Director Michael Franklin at [email protected].
The article FSU Honors in the Major program recognizes faculty mentorship with its inaugural faculty gathering first appeared on Florida State University News.