Distinction Program

The Distinction Program recognizes students for excellent scholarly research and creative work in their fields of study. Students apply to the program at least one year prior to their anticipated spring defense date, and then work with an advisor throughout the year to complete an independent research project or creative work. Students must be at least sophomore standing at the time of their application. That work is then defended in the spring of their junior or senior year through a written thesis and presentation before an advisory committee.

Projects completed in the context of a seminar or capstone course may be used for Distinction, given they are done at a high level, the timeline extends beyond the term of the course, and meet the guidelines and expectations of the program. Projects conducted in the Honors Program cannot also be used for Distinction.

Anyone who completes the program will be recognized as having graduated “With Distinction” on their permanent academic transcript, their diploma and in the graduation program. Students who complete the program can also apply to receive an Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Card as part of our Five Cardinal Experiences.

 

Eligibility

Undergraduate students in all disciplines with sophomore standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. Applicants must have a letter of support from a faculty advisor who has committed to advising the project. Students with a lower cumulative GPA may be eligible in special circumstances with a strong recommendation by a faculty advisor. 

University Approval

Any projects involving human subjects or the use of vertebrate animals must receive approval from the Institutional Review Board or the Animal Care and Use Committee. Approval must be received before the onset of data collection.

Application

Proposal Due Date: The deadlines for the 2024-25​ year will be September 19, October 31, January 30, and March 27 by 4 pm. Late applications will not be accepted. You should plan to apply at least one year prior to your intended defense date.

Complete the Distinction Application here to apply.

Components within the application include:

1. Background information about you and your project

2. Project proposal (attached within the application). View the proposal guidelines below.

3. IACUC or IRB approval (attached within the application) if applicable

4. Signed advisor letter of support from an Otterbein faculty member (attached within the application). Ask your project advisor for this early in the process. The letter must convey support for the project and student. This letter should be sent from the faculty advisor to sburk@otterbein.edu by the deadline.

Any questions can be sent to the Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Work, Dr. Steffanie Burk (sburk@otterbein.edu).

Final Thesis and Defense
The defense should take place during weeks 11-13 of the spring semester at least one year after your initial application. Your completed final thesis must be submitted to your advisory committee at least one week prior to the defense (i.e., no later than the end of week 12). The deadline for submission of the final electronic thesis to the library is the Friday of week 14.

You will work closely with your advisor to create a presentation for your defense. The presentation will summarize key points from your thesis and should include each of the major subsections.  Your advisor, co-advisor (if applicable)/second reader, and Distinction Representative will have the opportunity to ask questions either throughout or at the conclusion of your presentation. They will then complete a rubric based on your written thesis, work throughout the year on the project, and defense.