Supporting Honors Students Through Departmental Liaisons
As an Honors student, one of the most important and rewarding parts of your academic experience will be completing your Honors thesis. It’s your opportunity to dive deep into a subject you care about, work closely with faculty, and contribute original research or creative work in your field.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own – that’s where your Departmental Honors Liaison (DHL) comes in.
Each department has a DHL, a faculty member appointed by the department chair to support Honors students. DHLs serve three-year terms and act as a bridge between your major and the Honors College. Whether you’re just starting to think about your thesis or you’re already deep into a project, your DHL is there to help you move forward with confidence.
Find your Departmental Honors Liaison here.
How Your DHL Can Support You
Your DHL’s role is to help you make steady progress toward finishing your thesis. That might mean checking in with you, helping you connect with a faculty mentor, or answering questions about department-specific requirements.
DHLs also coordinate with faculty, advisors, and department leadership to make sure Honors students have clear expectations and the resources they need. Many DHLs even organize events or informal gatherings so you can meet other students working on thesis projects.
If your plans change, you hit a roadblock, or you’re unsure about next steps, your DHL is someone you can always turn to. They’re in regular contact with the Honors College and can reach out on your behalf if needed.
Support at Every Stage of the Thesis
Every student approaches the thesis process differently, and your DHL is prepared to meet you where you are.
- If you’re already moving forward: Maybe you have a topic in mind, are working in a lab or studio, and you’ve found a mentor. Great! Your DHL might only need to check in occasionally and help make sure you’re on track.
- If you’re still exploring ideas: Your DHL can help you refine your focus and connect you with faculty who have experience mentoring Honors theses.
- If your interests don’t align with your department:Your DHL can suggest faculty in other departments and guide you through the process of reaching out.
No matter where you are in the process, your DHL is there to support you.
If You’re Short on Time
Sometimes students don’t start thinking seriously about their thesis until late in their academic career. In this case, your DHL can help assess whether finishing is still realistic.
If the full process isn’t possible, your DHL may be able to help you adapt existing work—like a literature review, research paper, or project from a previous class—into a thesis that still meets Honors requirements. The goal is to help you find a path that works for you and meets the standards of both your major and the Honors College.
Staying Connected
Your Departmental Honors Liaison is one of the most valuable resources you have as you work on your Honors thesis. They know you’re department’s expectations, understand what it takes to succeed, and can connect you with faculty, tools, and support systems to keep you moving forward. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself!
Start early, keep in touch, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The earlier you engage with your DHL, the more helpful they can be.
If you ever feel stuck or need additional support, your DHL (and the Honors College thesis team) is here to help. The information for each DHL can be found at www.honors.utah.edu/thesis-requirement/, and you can always reach the Honors College at thesis@honors.utah.edu.
Tia Wisco | Journalism Intern, University of Utah Honors College