There will be one faculty member responsible for advising all senior thesis students. For the 2002-2003 academic year, the faculty adviser will be Rajiv Sethi.

Typically, the adviser is not an expert in the specific area of your research. It's better to think of the adviser as an expert in the research process. Think of your advisor as the academic equivalent of an athletic coach. He or she cannot run the race for you but can help you run the race just as fast as you are able, which is most likely faster than you think yourself capable.

Your adviser will meet with you throughout the year on a weekly basis at times arranged for your mutual convenience. If you find yourself stuck, making no progress, don't hide but rather let your adviser know. Here are some concrete things your adviser can help you with:

selecting a well-defined question for your research project;
formulating a conceptual framework;
explaining technical problems you encounter in your reading;
suggesting bibliographical sources and strategies;
commenting on your drafts as part of the process of revision.

Regular meeting with your adviser is not optional. It is a required integral part of the course. Only through regular conferences with your adviser will you know if your Senior Thesis is meeting department expectations. Your adviser is your most useful resource in finishing a Senior Thesis.