Fall 2026

Tuesday, September 1, and Thursday, September 3
Discussion of senior theses in IS Senior Seminar (INTL 305) meetings.

Monday, September 14
Students complete and submit the Senior Thesis Topic Proposal Form (see below) to the Program Director.

Wednesday, September 30
Students submit thesis proposal, draft outline, and bibliography to the Program Director.

Wednesday, October 7
Students submit the names of their two thesis advisers to the Program Director.

Friday, November 20
Students submit a detailed outline, brief chapter summaries, and a revised bibliography to each adviser and the Program Director.

Thursday, December 10
Work-in-progress presentations, 10:00–3:00 p.m.

Spring 2027

Wednesday, January 20–Friday, January 29
Students check in with thesis advisers to report on progress over the inter-semester break.

Monday, February 22
Students submit a copy of thesis draft to each adviser and the Program Director.

Wednesday, March 3
Thesis advisers do their best to share comments on thesis drafts with their thesis advisees and the IS Director by this date.

Spring Break (Saturday, March 6–Sunday, March 21)

Monday, March 22–Monday, March 29
Students reach out to advisers to go over thesis draft comments. Advisers are encouraged to report any concerns to the Program Director.

Monday, April 19
Students submit the completed thesis to advisers and the Program Director.

Wednesday, May 12
Advisers do their best to return theses with comments and a grade to the Program Director.

Voluntary thesis presentations—date TBD

Other notable dates

• Tuesday, May 4, is the last day of classes.
• Sunday, May 23, is Commencement.

International Studies Senior Thesis Topic Proposal

Please complete and submit this form by Monday, September 14, 2026. Please email the form to the Program Director (mahantzopoulos@vassar.edu) and please cc Ms. Sheila Stukes (shstukes@vassar.edu).

• Name:
• Tentative thesis title:
• What are your “disciplinary concentrations” (the two disciplines in which you will do 300-level work)?
• Any ideas about who your advisers might be?
• Have you spoken to them about the possibility of advising you?
• Provide a brief summary of your topic, questions, and sources: