An email that COULD be to you

From amk@sadie.ecst.csuchico.edu Sun Jan 12 14:14 PST 1992
Date: Sun, 12 Jan 92 14:14:38 pst
From: Anne M. Keuneke
To: dezekiel@hpbs949.boi.hp.com, num44@cscihp.ecst.csuchico.edu,
patrick@cscihp.ecst.csuchico.edu, pmulcahy@cscihp.ecst.csuchico.edu
Subject: theses

Gentlemen, This note is to remind you of the commitment you each made when I agreed to be on your committee. I MUST have a well-written first draft (this does NOT say a rough draft, it says a well written first draft) of your thesis NO LATER THAN the middle of the semester (early March, early October) If I do not have it by that time I will not have time to do the work necessary for you by the end of the semester. It is common that at least three drafts are needed for a thesis and as I am on six committees (two from satellite people) and am teaching (at least) three courses, I will NOT be able to do any rush jobs for any of you.

It should also be noted that if you have not already started, you are in big trouble. If you do not, by now, have a clear outline ON PAPER with some sections already completed, you have major problems. It is 95% easier to think a thesis than to write one. Ask the millions of "all but dissertation" doctorate students out there.

The wise behavior would be to have the rough draft written by the beginning of the semester. Then, show it to me so that I can see if your structure is good and the important aspects are presented. You should allow time so that if I see something that reminds me of current research in the field, you have time to look it up and include it (unless you can give me a good argument for not having it)...not enough time is not a good argument.

I thought I should write this so that you know I am not kidding. I have seen some pretty nasty papers come out of here as Master's projects. I refuse to sign my name to something that will embarrass me and Computer Science at Chico.

I also want to note that I am not your care-taker. It is not my responsibility to go to you and make sure you know what you are doing; it is your responsibility to see me and make sure that what you are doing is progressing in the correct spirit.

In case you are wondering, I have had these situations arise in the past and with the experience I have gained in the past two years, I know better than to allow it again. Be assured that you can take me seriously. If I do not see each of you before the 20th of March (or in Fall - mid Oct.) I assume that you have either found another advisor or do not intend to graduate in the spring (fall).

As so well stated on Ralph Hilzer's (I think) office door LACK OF PREPARATION ON YOUR PART DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AND EMERGENCY ON MINE.

Have fun writing those papers ;-)

Anne