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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the research in this program always lab based? What about other types of research?

Not at all. It depends on what type of research is considered appropriate in each discipline. Lots of CALS disciplines do primarily lab-based research, but others do field research, archival research, and so forth. Start by deciding what topics and areas interest you, then talk to faculty members in those areas about what type of research they do and how to get involved.

Does our research project have to be individually initiated or can it be based on our mentor's research?

Most of the time, the research you will do will be initiated by your mentor (particularly if you are in a lab-based science). He/she usually has projects in mind that related to his/her research. Some mentors may have you help them create a project so that you get more experience in the process of research. However, if you have an idea for a project, you should first discuss this idea with your mentor and then get it approved by the CALS Honors Dean.

How do I ask for exceptions to the requirements?

The expectations for students pursuing Honors in Research are clearly outlined in the overview and checklists related to the program. However, students may request an exception to a requirement if they feel the experience meets the spirit of the requirement. These exceptions must be significant experiences to be reviewed by the committee. If you want to ask for an exception to a requirement, follow the guidelines below.

Part I. Understanding science and discovery

  1. Take a course on the list.
  2. Substitution request shall include the following:
    • Evidence: Syllabus of a course taken at another location OR
    • If you learned about science and discovery without a course, provide documentation that shows how you did this and the key concepts of science that you learned PLUS
  • A letter from your mentor/advisor that verifies your knowledge of science and scientific discovery and supports your substitution request.

Part II. First experience in discovery

  1. Take the required course from the list
  2. Substitution request shall include the following:
    • Describe your participation in development a proposal for a study with a mentor.
    • Describe your participation in the conduct of the study.
    • Did you write a paper, prepare a poster describing your study, or present the results of the study to a group of researchers or scholars familiar with the topic?
    • Evidence:
      • Provide a copy of the proposal, mentor name, paper or poster, place presented, date of presentation, who the audience was.
  • Provide a letter from your mentor which verifies your work and supports your substitution request.

Part III. Involvement in a community of science

  1. Take the 388 seminar
  2. Participate in an ongoing group activity (e.g. seminars lead by lab directors, staff, etc.) where you are part of a continuous learning process related to the research process in your area of interest.
  3. Evidence:
    • Provide a letter describing your experience to the CALS Honors and Undergraduate Research Committee and their approval.
  • Provide a letter from your mentor which verifies your work and supports your substitution request

Part IV. Show independence in scholarship through a senior thesis

  1. Take 681/682 as specified.
  2. Take 699 for two consecutive semesters under a single mentor.
  3. Evidence:
    • Provide a letter to the Honors and Undergraduate Research Committee indicating your intention, topic and the mentor for the study, prior to starting the experience.
  • Provide a letter from your mentor which verifies your work and supports your substitution request.

Part V.

Submit an electronic copy of the completed senior thesis, signed by the advisor/mentor to the Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs in 116 Agriculture Hall prior to the date of your commencement. No Substitution is permitted here.

Part VI. Present your thesis at an approved research forum: No substitution.

Suggested Venues: CALS Undergraduate Research Symposium; UW Madison Undergraduate Research Symposium; a professional meeting; a formal lab seminar; etc. Students need to tell us where the thesis results were presented.

How is my progress through the Honors Program monitored?

Once in the Honors Program, students are responsible for monitoring progress toward completion of requirements. The Honors Dean in the Office of Undergraduate Programs and Services of CALS is charged with maintaining the integrity of the program for students who are completing the requirements for honors recognition. This Office audits Honors student records each semester and reminds students who are not clearly progressing toward achievement of the Honors requirements of their obligation.

If a student is clearly not achieving the goals of the program by the end of the semester preceding graduation, they will be notified and removed by Dean's Action. Students who are not meeting minimum GPA or course requirements for their honors program will be removed from the program prior to the start of their final semester and are not eligible to wear Honors regalia in the commencement ceremony.

Can I get credit for a course that is not offered as an Honors course?

Periodically, students wish to take a course for Honors Credit even though the course is not offered as such. The Office of Undergraduate Programs and Services will grant honors credit if the instructor and student agree to criteria for honors work. Complete and submit a course change form to the Honors Dean in 116 Agriculture Hall if you wish “H” designation for the course as part of your program. Be sure to obtain all of the requested signatures.