However, in some cases groundwork for the honors project may be started in the fall of the junior year, or even earlier. Note that the optimal timing of the honors project varies by discipline. For instance, projects in the Humanities are normally carried out in the senior year with groundwork begun the preceding summer, whereas in the Sciences, an earlier start may be warranted. At the discretion of the department involved, the honors project may be included in the total hours requirement for the major. However, it should not normally be substituted for regular curriculum requirements of the major, with the possible exception of the Capstone.
Substitutions require the advance approval of the department chair.
The honors advisor will normally be the member of the department who has the most knowledge and expertise in the general area of the honors project. The prospective advisor, the student, and the department chair must approve of the selection. The honors advisor is solely responsible for determining the honors course grades. The supervisory committee will be chosen by the honors advisor and the student, with the approval of the department chair. The committee will have at least three but not more than five members, including the honors advisor and one faculty member outside the department.