Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (Grand Ballroom)
Alana Lesnansky, Youngstown State University;
Kayla Zitello, Youngstown State University
Honors programs consist of stellar academics, service-mindedness, and accentuating individual talents. This session will detail what happens when the three are combined – a talent show, which unified students with diverse talents, highlighting the array of aptitudes of honors students at Youngstown State University, while benefiting a good cause.
Caitlin O'Neil, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania;
Bradley Wilson, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
The Honors Program at Slippery Rock University has long used Microsoft Excel to store basic information about students in the program. We describe the process of creating a Microsoft Access database to use for information storage and discuss how the use of Access has improved much of our internal record-keeping.
Sarah Filipski, Lock Haven University
Training students to be leaders can be a difficult process to begin with; however, it is seemingly more difficult when starting from square one. This idea exchange will illustrate the dynamic of how to train student leaders while growing into a new leadership role yourself.
Paul Van Auken, Lock Haven University
This idea exchange will be geared toward developing ideas for fundraising and community events that will benefit honors colleges and universities as a whole. The Lock Haven University Global Honors Club holds many events that assist the surrounding community and would like to share/gain new ideas for events.
Shelli Bond, Lock Haven University
As a student leader of admission and recruitment, it is important to discover new recruitment techniques and communication skills, receive input about training and leading an admissions team, and optimize our interview and open house processes.
William Wingate, Monroe College;
Thrupthy Krishnan, Monroe College;
Kathryn MacDonald, Monroe College
Monroe College honors students recently formed their first official Board with five positions (each with varying responsibilities). This idea exchange will engage attendees in animated discussion about how to foster student leadership in small honors programs and how student boards are the most effective way to get other honors program members involved.
Jonah Garnick, Macaulay Honors College;
Cheyn Shah, Macaulay Honors College
This will be discussion of the current state of "safe spaces" for marginalized students. By examining the comfort and security of such students at the City University of New York, we have devised a set of recommendations as to how honors colleges nationwide might best implement and maintain safe spaces.
Melanie Jeske, Drexel University;
Lexi Oleshytsky, Drexel University
As a way of promoting community in Drexel University's large honors program, the Honors Student Advisory Committee (HSAC) was founded. After overcoming struggles with leadership, membership and program-planning, we have increased our impact on campus. We believe our story and advice can benefit other struggling or start-up honors student organizations!
Lydia Holmes, Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Tech University's honors students are intricately involved in the preparation of conferences, which increases our participation in conferences. As our student conference chair, I will demonstrate the academic, financial, and social benefits gained through student work. Our system of connections, communication, and training will be exhibited. Handouts are available.
Susan Carrafiello, Wright State University
The Wright State University Honors Institute integrates classroom learning, service-learning, and the scholarly conference with the aim of producing civic-minded and engaged students. This session will explore the successful implementation of the Honors Institute since 2006 and offer suggestions on how other honors programs can successfully replicate this pedagogical model.
Amelia Bagwell, Georgia Highlands College
This presentation provides an overview of challenges to implementing a successful honors program at an open-access two year college. Georgia Highlands College will provide the specific institutional example.
Unique solutions GHC Honors created for these obstacles will be highlighted, especially the Diversity Initiative Project and our successful mentorship programs.
Richard Baker, Arcadia University;
Madison Beck, Arcadia University;
Aashika Suseendran, Arcadia University
As part of Arcadia University's honors curriculum, students Aashika Suseendran, Madison Beck, and Richard Baker led a semester-long awareness campaign, rising against women's violence on both a domestic and international scale. Collaborating with eminent speakers and philanthropists, students hosted a culminating solidarity service on September 26, 2013.
Sara McCaskey, Westminster College
In a world where the media is becoming increasingly digital, we set out to preserve the art of traditional print journalism by creating a student-made campus magazine. We hope to open discussion about the creative and logistical challenges we face, and the value of integrating old and new publication practices.
Sherice Evans, National Society for Collegiate Scholars
Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence as a LEADER.
Zane Barger, Slippery Rock University;
Jessica Sears, Slippery Rock University
In 2012, Slippery Rock University's honors program started a fundraising committee in order to create a larger budget for student travel and educational experiences. Two student representatives will share their achievements, failures, and suggestions for improvement.
Aaron Hanlin, Kent State University
A staff representative will provide samples of the new honors publication, Brainchild, a collection of art and literature that was developed by honors students enrolled in an editing and publishing course at Kent State University.
Sam Reisman, Millikin University
After some of the key leadership graduated not long after its creation, the Student Honors Advisory Council began to take a downward spiral. However, a year and a half later, a drastic change was made and now the Council is attempting to make a comeback.
Jennifer Meadows, University of Indianapolis;
Jenna Whalen, University of Indianapolis
Top Dog Communication is the student run public relations firm at the University of Indianapolis that allows students to work together in a group to create and implement PR campaigns for local non-profits. In 2011, Top Dog was named the student run firm of the year.
Timothy Berg, Ball State University;
Jason Powell, Ball State University
Covering topics outside our specialization means that teaching the interdisciplinary humanities comes with its own unique challenges. We have developed two approaches to a three-semester humanities sequence that have helped us continue to teach that vital exposure to the humanities canon while still drawing upon our own strengths and interests.
Alexandra Arriaga, Tennessee Technological University;
Rosa Vasquez, Tennessee Technological University
"Salsa For Life: Helping people one step at a time" is a service project aiming to improve the psychomotor skills of mentally disabled individuals by teaching them how to salsa dance. Benefits include improvement of psychomotor abilities, self-esteem, coordination, memory, concentration, social interaction, among others.
Timothy Nichols, South Dakota State University
As part of its strategic plan, the Honors College at SDSU collected data and distributed a survey to solicit feedback and determine student needs, perceptions, and satisfaction. Results informed the College's leadership and future direction. Our presentation emphasizes the research process and value of leveraging student feedback for program improvement.
Brandon O'Neill, Youngstown State University
This presentation focuses on the impact of Greek life on honors students, and the contributions made to Greek life by honors students. I will debunk myths of Greek life based upon personal experiences. Additionally, academic and personal support systems built into Greek life, which benefit honors students, will be shared.
Jade Gustavsen, Millikin University;
Danae Peters, Millikin University
In 2010, our honors program volunteered to host the 2013 Spring Symposium of the Honors Council of the Illinois Region. Two of us volunteered to co-chair, planning and organizing the event. This presentation details our processes and what we gained from the experience.
David Stockert, Dickinson State University
Questing the efficiency and value of current honors programs implemented in colleges today. The purpose is to determine whether or not honors programs should include curriculum that is more pertinent to life and the advancement of society. Also, why aren't students encouraged in honors programs to focus on other students and how to make their experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
Emily Bohn, Eastern Kentucky University;
Spencer Manning, Eastern Kentucky University
The Eastern Kentucky University Honors Program has a student-run mentoring program known as the Nerd Herd. The mentoring program has transformed from a disorganized and chaotic organization to an organized and effective mentoring program that remains entirely student driven.
Olivia Acciavatti, Lynn University;
Maureen Goldstein, Lynn University;
Jonathan Guarneri, Lynn University;
Loise Pimentel, Lynn University
A portrayal of the development, designing, and editing involved in generating an academically creditable and aesthetically pleasing honors journal.
Jessica DeNeui, South Dakota State University;
Donna Flint, South Dakota State University;
Dan Kemp, South Dakota State University;
Michael Preheim, South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University honors students designed a magic show for local middle/high school students. The show included card tricks and juggling and was followed by short workshops in which students learned about the mathematics involved the tricks. We'll do some magic and share information about this activity.
Ariel Abner, Eastern Kentucky University;
Michael Deaton, Eastern Kentucky University
Service learning is a teaching approach that combines formal instruction with related service projects in the community. Advocates for service learning claim that learning is not only enhanced, but the quality of learning is significantly improved. Our honors program has recently implemented a service component, taking learning outside the classroom.
Dana Faught, The Fund for American Studies
The Fund for American Studies sponsors academic internship programs in Washington, DC each summer and semester. Programs include transferable credit and an internship placement. Program areas of focus include: public policy, economics and international affairs; journalism, communications & PR; business & government affairs, nonprofit sector & community service.
Naveed Farrukh, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
Shejuti Paul, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Sanctuary, the Southern Regional Honors Council Arts Journal, serves as an annual creative outlet for students from over eighty institutions to submit many forms of art. This year, Sanctuary seeks to promote the 2013 edition by introducing social media and fully integrating our online blog in order to diversify submissions.
Andrew Faris, Florida Atlantic University;
Kadeem Rickets, Florida Atlantic University
This presentation will show that democracy is the inevitable byproduct of economic progress in China and that the growth of the middle class in China will cause its government to become, in the long run, democratic.
Marybeth Smith, Louisiana State University
The French House was dedicated in 1935 as a center for the study of French language, literature, and culture. Now home to the Louisiana State University Honors College, the Renaissance-style chateau serves as a historical record of institutional transformation.
Jacob Carberry, Eastern Kentucky University;
Steffen Wilson, Eastern Kentucky University;
Jacob Wright, Eastern Kentucky University
In comparison to non-honors students, honors students have more drive to excel in courses while also being active in student organizations, clubs, jobs, and social lives. Here, a variety of technological tools that can facilitate this balance for honors students will be outlined. All technology is inexpensive and readily available.
Alannah Rosenberg, Saddleback College;
Thatcher Carter, Riverside Community College
Multi-college faculty workshops on a micro-regional level show great promise in promoting high-quality honors curriculum, especially for two-year institutions. This session reviews workshops conducted in California under the auspices of the Honors Transfer Council of California and the Bay Honors Consortium.
Glenn Hansen, Northern Arizona University
We need to prepare our students for an ever changing and global culture. The honors program incorporated strategies of global learning into its curriculum using curricular and co-curricular initiatives. Ethnic diversity, globalism, and environmental sustainability are emphasized.
Brenda Charles, Dickinson State University;
Inga Larson, Dickinson State University;
Margaret Marcusen, Dickinson State University
President Theodore Roosevelt left his mark on the Badlands of North Dakota. Institutions and organizations in this area bear his name and are modeled on the principles by which he lived. The Honors Program at DSU has intricately incorporated Theodore Roosevelt into its foundation, creating a unique, creolized identity.
Richard Badenhausen, Westminster College;
Joan Digby, Long Island University/LIU Post;
Jeffrey Portnoy, Georgia Perimeter College
The Publications Board supports and oversees publication of the Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council(JNCHC), Honors in Practice (HIP), and NCHC's monographs. The Publications Board, editors, and authors will be available to encourage manuscript submission and to discuss NCHC's publications.
Kathleen King, Hillsborough Community College;
Bill Atwill, University of North Carolina Wilmington;
Heather Thiessen-Reily, Western State College;
Joan Digby, Long Island University/LIU Post
Honors students are engaged in a variety of disciplines, academically focused, and are interested in educational context. The Partners in the Parks program uses multidisciplinary pedagogy, experiential engagement, and personal development to provide pertinent academic and intellectual connections to the national park system in an affordable week long camping experience.
Amy Story, Baldwin Wallace University
Interested in incorporating service into your honors program or college? Explore several methods for meaningful and substantive integration of service into your program as well as ways to include service in your mission, learning outcomes, and assessment practices.
Alan Grose, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
This idea exchange will provide information on The Washington Center's experiential education programs and scholarships available to honors students.
Jordan Burk, University of New Mexico;
Claire Stasiewicz, University of New Mexico
Student staff members of Scribendi will provide samples of their publication and answer questions about the publication's 25 years of history and its process. Scribendi is an annual publication of undergraduate art and literature by honors students in Western Regional Honors Council schools, produced by a student staff at the University of New Mexico.
Brittany Kusniar, California University of Pennsylvania;
John Troutman, California University of Pennsylvania
Leadership is a defining quality in any organization. Proactive leaders, strong constitutions, and membership involvement, are ways to enhance honors student governments. Representatives of the Student Honors Advisory Board will share their ideas on the importance of leadership and related components. They will welcome new ideas and experiences from others.
Joan Digby, Long Island University/LIU Post
At this Idea exchange table leaders of previous and forthcoming Partners in the Parks advenures will discuss their experiences with interested students and faculty who might think about attending or leading an exoedition. Information available about 2014 PITP trips.
Bernice Braid, Long Island University Brooklyn
NCHC's Honors Semesters Committee designs and co-sponsors programs for faculty - Faculty Institutes - and students - Honors Semesters. For information, to sign up for mailings, and to view photos, booklets and information about recent projects, come to this table.
Brenda Charles, Dickinson State University;
Jami Harrington, Dickinson State University;
Inga Larson, Dickinson State University;
Margaret Marcusen, Dickinson State University
Service learning projects have traditionally focused on helping within the local community; DSU has taken a different approach. Instead of focusing on our own needs, honor students have opted to confront a conflict in Guatemala. Students are submerged in the Guatemalan culture, making tangible contributions to poverty stricken areas there.
Halcon Bewley, Metropolitan State University of Denver;
Naomi Bolts, Metropolitan State University of Denver;
Jennifer Raby, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Faced with the challenge of increasing student involvement in a highly diverse, commuter-school environment, students in Think Tank - the honors student organization at Metropolitan State University of Denver – developed a unique subcommittee structure for their student organization. Learn how this innovation can increase involvement in your student groups.
Krisanna Graham, Pittsburg State University;
Jessica Wade, Pittsburg State University
Retention and active participation by members is a goal shared by many honors programs. By allowing students to take ownership and become more involved, we have seen a complete transformation in our program. This presentation will discuss the challenges and successes we have seen with student leadership and community building.
Terra Klima, South Dakota State University
Through a strong service program in the honors program, students are motivated to respect and assist those in need, the elderly, and one another. They have been exposed to diverse projects and have transformed into leaders in honors, on campus, and in the wider community.
Kevin Holton, Monmouth University
This would be an open forum to discuss bringing creative-career oriented students to honors programs, and how to emphasize the necessity of educating people in the Arts.
Samantha Allen, Gardner-Webb University;
Ellen Huneycutt, Gardner-Webb University
Special Events at Gardner-Webb University are great ways to get honors students together and involved in a short-term capacity. We will present the findings from our Halloween Murder Mystery party that honors students will come together for a night of fun, mystery, and murder. Through leadership from the executive honors council, we were able to make this a night that joined active members, non-active members, and even non-honors students of Gardner-Webb University in a unique way. Not only was this a time to fellowship within the honors community, but it was an easy way to recruit non-honors students into the program.
Haley Dyer, Morehead State University;
Meredith Eckstein, Morehead State University;
Marina Kirtland, Morehead State University;
Calie Morgan, Morehead State University;
Andrea Wilhoite, Morehead State University
Be-YOU-tiful is a service project, currently filing for nonprofit status, designed to help prevent the ramifications of low self-esteem. The project targets the pre-teen/early teen girls in hopes to raise confidence and help aid them throughout life.
Jacob Ailts, South Dakota State University;
Kyla Larsen, South Dakota State University
Come socialize with some of the SDSU Social Committee to learn about the different events we put on and have planned for our honors students. We will share with you ways to make your events successful, fun, and inclusive from beginning to end.
Bethany Pace, Towson University;
Shannon Smith, Towson University;
Stephen Torres, Towson University
The Towson University Honors College is committed to creating a student-led community of intentional, engaged scholars. Join us to learn how our newly formed Leadership Council and several innovative programs have helped us to renew this commitment during a period of rapid technological change and institutional growth.
Stephen Engebretson, Dickinson State University;
Christina Jacobson, Dickinson State University
The Dickinson State Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program incorporates a very diverse student body into a group of young leaders. The contrasting views experienced while working closely with a wide variety of students challenges young leaders to compromise, work together, and think outside the box to solve today's problems.
Amiya Ahmed, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
Shejuti Paul, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
Nyshad Thatikonda, University of Alabama at Birmingham
The International Bazaar is a tradition at UAB that allows students to showcase their unique backgrounds through cultural booths, cuisine, and performances. The event has been shown to promote cultural awareness on campus and within the community. As such, more universities should adopt International Bazaars to enhance their own diversity.
Hallie Savage, Clarion University;
Douglass Sullivan-Gonzalez, University of Mississippi
