Many of you may have heard about or even given your feedback for the external review of the Honors Program. We’ve recently received the reviewers’ assessment, so here are a few of their suggestions. Please read on and consider what you would like to see in the program as we continue on this journey to define our identity as a program and shape it into a community that helps us develop into the individuals we strive to be. 

Some of the major problems Honors students have run into are beginning college with lots of credits from AP classes or dual enrollment. Since many Honors courses are required liberal core classes, many of which, such as English or history courses, can be earned through AP credit or dual enrollment, it can be difficult for students to earn enough Honors credits to graduate with Honors. Because of this, it would be ideal to offer more upper-level or major-specific courses. With more courses available, some of these classes may not emphasize discussion and communication skills as many current classes do. Because of this, it may be ideal to increase class sizes in these courses. As the Honors Program should be enhancing your educational experience, please think about what professors or courses you think could be a good fit for the program and get involved in discussions regarding these possible changes to current Honors classes.

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Offer more upper-level, major-specific classes with increased class size

Another of the reviewer’s suggestions was a revision to the requirements of being an Honors student. With busy schedules, it can become a chore to attend extra events, so perhaps it is time to create other ways to fulfill requirements and help students stay engaged in the Honors community. Some possible options could include traveling through an ABST or study abroad or serving in a particular leadership role. Again, these are points of future discussion, so be on the lookout to provide input in the coming months.

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Create other ways to fulfill requirements of being an Honors student

 

A final suggestion from the reviewers was to narrow and clarify the Honors mission. The current mission statement of Honors focuses on outcomes of expanding worldview and developing skills in critical thinking as well as oral and written communication, and teamwork. The Honors program also emphasizes service, attendance of Honors events, and travel. Perhaps the Honors mission and outcomes should be narrowed to help students focus on developing a few of these skills more fully. Some ideas regarding this narrowed focus include an Honors Program centered on social justice or service or global learning, giving the program only one or two major focuses rather than the multitude we have currently. 

 

Narrow and clarify the Honors mission

These suggestions are ours to consider. Any changes will take time to be enacted, as they will be thoroughly discussed with students, faculty, and alumni. Please do not hesitate to get involved in this process. As current students, our input regarding what we want the Honors Program to be is valued highly. This is our education, and it is up to us to make the most of it, so consider who you are, who you want to become, and the ways that Honors, through professors, classes, and additional requirements, can help you develop personally and professionally into who you strive to be. 

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