Thams and Becka Present Collaborative Thesis Redesign at CAS Staff Conference
Lauren Thams, Pardee School’s Academic Affairs Administrator, and Claire-Solène Becka, Undergraduate Advisor in Pardee’s Student Affairs and Services office, presented on Monday, June 15th at the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Staff Professional Development Day, highlighting a collaborative effort to redesign the School’s thesis defense experience.
The annual conference, centered this year on the theme “Collaboration & Connection,” brought together CAS staff to exchange ideas, strengthen cross-departmental relationships, and explore ways to improve institutional practices. Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Thams emphasized the value of partnership in driving meaningful change.
During their session titled “Transforming the Defense Experience,” Thams and Becka shared the process behind Pardee’s recent overhaul of the student thesis defense experience. Their presentation underscored how faculty, staff, and students worked collectively to identify challenges, make informed decisions, and implement improvements, all while preserving the academic rigor and values central to the program. By prioritizing shared ownership, early stakeholder engagement, and transparent communication, the team was able to introduce thoughtful changes that enhanced the overall experience.
They also encouraged attendees to view process redesign as an inclusive and iterative endeavor. As Thams noted, meaningful change often begins not with a perfect solution, but with a willingness to listen, collaborate, and adapt. The session concluded with an interactive component, in which participants were invited to reflect on their own programs and consider how similar principles of collaboration and stakeholder engagement might inform future improvements across the university.