1. WWW. UMES. EDU / HONORS WWW. UMES. EDU / HONORS 2051 H AZEL HALL (410) 651-6082 UMES Faculty Assembly Presenter: Dr. Ray J. Davis Dean/School of The Arts and Professions & Interim Director Henson Honors Program October 16, 2012 UMES Henson Honors Program

2. Presentation Overview  Historical Perspectives  Current Status of Honors  Benefits of an Honors Program  Personnel  Vision and Mission  Enrollment  Future Challenges and Opportunities  Strategic Initiatives Henson Honors Program: Past, Present, and Future UMES Henson Honors Program

3.  Interim Honors Program Director o Dr. Ray J. Davis  Program Associate o Dr. Brenda Wade  Academic Program Assistant o Mrs. Aundra Roberts  Administrative Assistant o Ms. Whitney Turner Henson Honors Program: Staff Members Honors Program Staff Members: UMES Henson Honors Program

4. Benefits an Honors Program:  Demonstrates to students and parents that the university values and serves the most talented students;  Enhances university’s ability to recruit outstanding students;  Enables the university to be more competitive with peer institutions;  Provides a more challenging, individualized education for talented students within the established university structure; Benefits for an Honors Program UMES Henson Honors Program

5. History of Honors Program at UMES  Established in 1975 as a joint collaboration between Dr. William P. Hytche and University System President Dr. Governor J. Millard Tawes. Purpose: To increase the number talented students at UMES who would eventually attend professional schools (e.g., law school, pharmacy, medical, etc.).  Agreements established with UMB and later Virginia Tech.  Dr. Brenda Anderson-Wade served as first Honors Director  Staff consisted of one person – the Director Brief History UMES Henson Honors Program

6. V ISION To become the university hallmark of academic excellence; that attracts, engages, and prepare academically talented students to become successful professionals, creative thinkers; and global citizens; and that promotes intellectual growth and vitality within the campus community. Vision : UMES Henson Honors Program

7. Purpose: To provide academically talented and highly motivated students the opportunity to enjoy the best education UMES has to offer. Mission: To offer high achieving and motivated undergraduates the opportunity to participate in student-centered learning experiences that promote intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, professional focus, leadership development, and civic participation. Also, to serve the entire University by enhancing the intellectual life of the campus, helping students prepare for graduate school, and serving as a locus for curricular experimentation. Purpose and Mission UMES Henson Honors Program

8.  Admissions:  3.3 Overall H.S. GPA and 1650 SAT Verbal/Math or 28 ACT  Graduate from an accredited high school  Complete Honors Application and Agreement Form  Retention:  Adhere to Honors Program Agreement  Maintain overall 3.3 GPA  Enroll in an Honors course (six hours/semester)  Participate in mandatory activities Admissions and Retention UMES Henson Honors Program

9. UMES Henson Honors Program Enrollment

10. Selected Benefits  Leadership Development  Cultural Events  Early Registration  Honors Housing  Graduate and Professional School Preparation*  Special Library Privilege, comparable to graduate students*  Attending Professional Conferences* Note: *Improvement needed Selective Benefits of Honors UMES Henson Honors Program

11. Future Challenges and Opportunities  Strategic Initiatives to Align the Program to conform to national standards  External Reviewer Evaluate and Assess the Program  Establish an University Honors Advisory Board  Complete Search for new Honors Director Challenges and Opportunities UMES Henson Honors Program

12. Strategic Initiatives and Immediate Next Steps  Conduct an External Review of the Program  Admission Standards  Curriculum Offerings  Program Leadership and Institutional Support  Honors as University Citizen (Engagement)  Program Management and Operating Budget  Immediate Next Steps  Establish a University Honors Faculty Council Strategic Planning Initiatives UMES Henson Honors Program

13. A Summation of Strategies to Improve the Program:  Consider qualitative and quantitative admission standards.  Increase the number of Honors sections of core requirements.  Develop Honors sections of core requirements in most popular majors  Develop a curricular process through which interested faculty can offer experimental honors seminars.  Review the requirements for four-year participation and recognition.  Develop a requirement for a thesis or project as part of the four-year honors recognition. Challenges and Opportunities UMES Henson Honors Program

14. Challenges and Opportunities :  Appoint a Seasoned Director of the Honors Program.  Enhance the academic advisement capability of the program.  Improve co-curricular opportunities and resources. Challenges and Opportunities UMES Henson Honors Program

15.  Provide office space that is centrally visible and adequate to support its expanding responsibilities.  Encourage and support a living-learning community among honors students through honors housing and other means. CHALLENGES and Opportunities UMES Henson Honors Program

16. Thank You! Q & A UMES Henson Honors Program