Libraries offer $1,250 award for outstanding undergraduate thesis

The Penn State University Libraries announce the third annual competition for the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis. The competition aims to find the best thesis submitted by an undergraduate student in consultation with his or her adviser. The winner will receive an award of $1,250 and second place $750 and third place $500. Undergraduate students graduating in summer 2013, fall 2013, or spring 2014 and from all Penn State locations are eligible for the spring 2014 award.

Students must submit an online application, have a statement of support submitted by a Penn State faculty member, and provide a copy of their final thesis. The competition includes a review of the submitted theses by a faculty jury and an oral presentation by the students chosen as finalists.

2014 Deadlines include:

  • January—discuss the award and thesis requirement with your faculty adviser.
  • March 14 (by 11:59 p.m.)—submit online Student Thesis Application and Faculty Statement of Support.
  • April 7—submit final thesis.
  • April 22—three finalists notified.
  • May 8—public oral defense by finalists in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, followed by a reception in Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library.

Barbara I. Dewey, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications, explains, “Through this award, the Libraries emphasize the importance of utilizing quality research methods and employing a thorough understanding of the legal and ethical issues related to the use of information—both key components of academic excellence.” She continues, “The projects submitted in past years have been very impressive, and each thesis has demonstrated excellence in the research process of locating, evaluating, and utilizing appropriate scholarly resources.”

Details, including submission forms and application criteria, are available at:
www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/admin/thesisaward.html

For more information, see or contact Sandy Confer at slb3@psu.edu or 814-863-4723.