In fall 2018, I assumed the role as director of the Honors Program. Within the first year I developed the Honors Program Curriculum Framework, created optional scholarly academic tracks, and established the mentoring program under the Honors Fellows. During my second year I conducted an assessment of the program to better understand how to make the program more student centric. As the program grew so did student engagement. On average the Honors Programs hosts two to three events each week. Signature events and experiences that I created include:
- Summer Reading Program – Every summer incoming students read two books. Students meet virtually for book discussions led by current honors students. The books and reading schedule are mailed to students in May and they start meeting virtually in June. Students are introduced to a diverse array of authors from various backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Pre-matriculation Experience – Students are invited to attend a series of workshops the week before the start of classes. During this time students connect in-person and participate in team-building exercises. They are also required to present a poster presentation at the faculty and staff luncheon that occurs on the last day of Pre-matriculation Experience.
- Freshman Illumination – This event is a highlight for our first-year students. Students share their honors thesis concepts with the community and together we celebrate their official start to starting their honors thesis research. Listen to students describe the experience in their own words, https://fb.watch/h3BVBjgU8e/
- Honors Week – This annual event occurs during April of each spring semester. The week kicks off with drumming circle, Building Community One Beat At A Time and ends with the Honors Award Celebration. Every day during the week has a unique theme from community service to faculty and staff appreciation.
- TEDxSNHU (RESEARCHxSNHU) - This experience was established so that students graduating in the fall semester and completing their honors thesis had a platform to share their research. I obtained the TEDxSNHU license that is now used by Global Campus and transitioned the honors event to RESEARCHxSNHU.
It is amazing to look at the Honors Program today and see what I have been able to accomplish. Moving forward I am developing the honors pathway for online students. The first year online experience has been created and was able to be piloted with our Innovation Scholars.