Posted on February 24, 2012 - by nshaw

2012 Developing in Honors™

Developing in Honors: Nuts and Bolts

The 2012 Developing in Honors™(DIH) nuts-and-bolts workshop at the 2012 NRHC council meeting follows the practice of the NCHC in that it aims to meet the needs of experienced honors administrators, faculty, and professional staff (defined as having at least one year experience in their current honors positions by the time of the 2012 Baltimore Conference), though others involved in programs at earlier stages of development are also welcome, and encouraged, to attend. At the regional meeting, our aim is discuss topics of common interest as well as brainstorm solutions to unique challenges. The nuts-and-bolts session is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

The facilitators will develop an agenda based upon the discussion topics in the forum below. We ask that you post questions and issues in advance to help us plan, if at all possible. There is no deadline–we hope to stimulate ongoing discussion before, during, and after the event–but an earlier response will contribute to a more concrete agenda. Of course you also should feel free just to join us and share at the session as well.

Looking forward to seeing you in Baltimore!

Summary for Nuts and Bolts session

In the 2012 Developing in Honors™(DIH) nuts-and-bolts workshop at the 2012 NRHC Meeting in Baltimore, honors directors, colleagues, and students shared concerns and strategies in an extremely productive brainstorming forum.  Primary topics of discussion included:

–space and resource concerns

–the development of curriculum

–student participation in honors events

Through discussion participants shared various successful strategies.  In particular, those who attended noted that when program administrators emphasize the role of high profile and centralized space in the admissions process, upper administration tend to respond positively and aim to satisfy this need for resources.  In general the participants developed strategies that demonstrate the value of honors programs—committed students; a strong academic profile; and space that showcases the institutions educational value and suitability for students.

Student leaders and faculty also discussed how to engage students in regular honors events.  Some institutions use a system that tracks student participation and offers incentives for particularly active students.  These, and others, also emphasize creating activities—speakers, documentaries, special dinners—that occur at times that are particularly convenient for students, in particular at institutions with a strong or exclusive commuter base.

In general, this workshop followed the practice of the NCHC and its efforts to meet the needs of experienced honors administrators, faculty, and professional staff (defined as having at least one year experience in their current honors positions by the time of the conference).  The workshop also benefitted from the attendance others involved in programs at earlier stages of development, as well as student leaders in various honors programs.

Our thanks to all those who contributed to and participated in the discussion!