"It is definitely possible for students to graduate in English without ever having a close relationship with a faculty member," Little says. "That's a shame, and I think that allowing honors without a thesis aggravates this problem."

Little says she received advice from professors advocating either course of action.

"I had some teachers who advocated taking more classes instead, and some who says it would be a life experience," she says. "I think it definitely depends on the student in question."

Manoni also says she received support for her decision to not write one.

"Everyone I spoke to in the department thought my reasons for not writing a thesis were solid, and when I finally made the decision, they were supportive," she says.

English concentrators say that while the change is proving to be a popular one, some students may not recognize the benefits of the new option.

Manoni has met with "a few [people] who are in other concentrations don't think I should still be able to graduate with honors," she says.

"They know I've taken more English classes than non-honors concentrators are required to take, but they think the thesis is a vital element of the honors degree.

"I appreciate what they're saying, and part of me agrees," she says. "But I think the English department has dealt with the issue of fairness to thesis writers."

She cites the fact that high honors are reserved for thesis writers. Honors candidates who choose not to write theses are still required to take general examinations in the spring.

So far at least, both students and faculty seem happy with the increased options.

"I'm happy with my situation, and I think the change is beneficial to the department as a whole," Manoni says.