University Scholars Senior Thesis

Thesis Project Overview
This document provides a broad overview of the steps necessary to complete a thesis. For information about timetable, stages of the project, etc., go to: Thesis Project Overview.

Guidelines for Formatting the University Scholars Thesis
Students who are currently writing and completing University Scholars thesis projects should become familiar with the extensive guidelines at: Guidelines for Formatting the University Scholars Thesis. Should questions arise, please feel free to address them to your thesis director or to your University Scholars adviser.

Paradigm of the University Scholars Thesis
For the general framework of the thesis, go to: Paradigm of the University Scholars Thesis.

Thesis Defense
The final thesis defense is usually conducted at the end of the semester once the thesis has been reviewed by the faculty mentor. You should give a brief 15-20 minute summary of the thesis before the Director and two readers. The Thesis Committee will then pose questions to you. After this discussion, you will be asked to leave the room and the Thesis Committee will agree on a grade. You will then be called back into the room and advised of the results.

Oral Examination for Thesis (Signature Page)
Access a blank copy of the evaluation page at: Oral Examination for Thesis. This form is to be signed at the conclusion of the oral defense by the committee faculty and must be submitted (or faxed) to the University Scholars office on the date of the defense.

Final Copies
Once you have finished writing, defending, and editing your thesis, you will need to prepare a final paper copy for the University Scholars office. This copy will be bound and kept in the thesis library located in the University Scholars Program office, Morrison 203.

There are particular guidelines that must be followed as you prepare your final copy. Many of these are listed in the "Guidelines for Formatting the University Scholars Thesis" listed above. Careful attention to formatting standards will ensure quality binding of the finished product.

Number of Copies
The University Scholars Program requires a shelf copy of your thesis. You may also purchase additional, professionally-bound copies for a small fee. So, for example, if you want five personal copies, please submit a total of six printed sets, boxed, if possible, with a colored sheet in between each copy.

Please note: The program strongly recommends, but does not require, that each University Scholars student print and purchase an additional bound copy to be given to their thesis director.

Paper Type
The shelf copy must be printed on white, bond paper, 20-24 pound, with a minimum 25% cotton content. Personal copies can be on either bond or regular paper. You can purchase bond paper from any stationary or office supply store. Also, Baylor Copy Services (Morrison 121, 710-1914, http://www.baylor.edu/copy/index.php?id=43099) may be able to print your copies for less cost than some commercial print shops.

Cost
The University Scholars Program pays the binding cost for the shelf copy. The binding fee for personal copies is $10 per copy plus a $3 postage charge per copy, if applicable.

For example, if you wish to purchase two personal copies of your thesis and have them mailed to your home, you would need to bring three copies to the University Scholars office and pay $26 ($20 binding fee + $6 postage).

The University Scholars Office accepts cash, check or money order for payment. Checks should be made out to "Baylor University."

Turnaround Time
Once the copies have been submitted to the University Scholars office, they are sent to the binders for final production. It takes approximately three months for them to come back to the office, at which time personal copies will be available for pick-up or for shipment to your address. If you intend to pick up personal copies from the office, you will be notified via email when they are ready.