Among the many highlights of the growing partnership between SHRS and the David C. Frederick Honors College (FHC) is a plan to create more streamlined pathways for undergraduate students to earn Honors designations. Thomas E. Platt, associate dean for Academic Partnerships emphasized, “We want to make it very clear to students that SHRS is ‘Honors friendly’, and it’s important to get that message out as soon as possible, particularly to first- and second-year students who may be considering an undergraduate program in our school.”
The Honors distinction and Honors degree designations have been in place for several years now, but recent developments to make these designations more attainable for a greater cross section of the student body have opened the door for many students who may not have previously considered the pursuit of such academic achievements.
One example of the steps SHRS is taking to become even more Honors friendly is naming David Bodnar, academic advisor in the SHRS Center for Academic Advising and Student Success, as the official liaison between SHRS and FHC.
“Having Dave as the liaison will ensure students are getting the best and most appropriate information about navigating their journey to SHRS, while participating in the Honors College,” states Kathy Kelly, associate dean of Academic Outreach and Advising. “We have also identified faculty ‘champions’ in our undergraduate programs who are working together to identify opportunities for curricular updates that will foster greater interest from students enrolled in the FHC.”
Another example of the school’s efforts to expand engagement with FHC is the promotion of the prestigious Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) degree. Offered at only a few universities worldwide, the BPhil enhances the bachelor’s degree in any major with the addition of an independent research thesis.
Kevin Conley, associate dean for Undergraduate Studies noted, “Historically, SHRS has jointly awarded more than 60 BPhil degrees from several of our programs; however, participation has fallen off over the past few of years. There is a need for increased faculty participation to serve as mentors for these students. The hope is that as we reach curious students sooner in their undergraduate experience and connect them with a willing mentor, together they will build a strong partnership for multiple years in a given lab, making the idea of pursuing a BPhil much more credible and appealing.”
Interested faculty should discuss their desire to be a mentor with their respective department chair. Students interested in pursuing a BPhil degree should start the conversation with their academic advisor and/or program director then follow up by completing the SHRS Student Research Application.