Status Report 1March 20, 2014

Brookhaven CollegeHonors College

Task Force

History of Honors Programat Brookhaven College

• Started in 1978 (BHC campus opened)• Featured interdependent study as opposed to

independent study• Focused on faculty/student and student/student

interaction, use of primary sources, provocative class sessions, field experiences, class projects, guest lectures. All subject areas offered Honors designation for day and evening classes.

• Full participation and limited participation structure

History (cont..)

• Since initial establishment of the program, the College has offered individual courses with an honors designation almost exclusively.

• There has been limited promotion of the program.

• Instructors have chosen to give an honors designation informally to students who have demonstrated a depth and breadth of knowledge and performance of coursework.

History (cont..)

• In 2004, Eugene Gibbons (Instruction VP) wanted to revive a comprehensive Honors Program at BC

• BC sent representatives to the Miami Dade Community Colleges to observe their Honors Program in 2004.

• BC representatives attended the 2004 National Collegiate Honors Council Convention in New Orleans.

2014 Honors College Task Force Charge

I. Charge a. Review any previous version of Brookhaven Honors

Programs b. Review resource guide list of honors programs from across

state c. Develop honors program that addresses the following:

i. Courses to be included in the honors program ii. Criteria that will easily distinguish an honors course

from a traditional course iii. Who will be responsible iv. Load, pay and enrollment considerations v. A website for the honors program vi. A phased-in approach to meet a full honors program by

spring 2015

Honors CollegeTask ForceCommittee

Hazel Carlos FT Faculty – Co-chair 4783Scarlett Hill FT Faculty 4618Benedict Uroda FT Faculty 4871Claire Bambrough FT Faculty/

Interim Dean4751 - 4214

Don Welsh PSS 4677Sam Govea Dean 4216Anna Masters QEP Director - Co-chair 4624Doris Rousey Dean 4652

Resources

• National Collegiate Honors Council Handbook for Honors Programs at Two Year Colleges

• Various Honors Programs at Two-Year Colleges and Four-Year Universities– Miami Dade Community College– Lone Star Community College– Collin College– Southern Methodist University– DCCCD Colleges with Honors Programs

Resources (cont..)

• Consultants – Dr. Alexandria Holloway, founder and former

director of Honors Program at Miami Dade, and consultant for the establishment of Lone Star College’s Honor’s Program

– Dr. Guy Litton, Director of Honors Program, TWU• National Collegiate Honors Council –

Definition of an Honors Program (updated 2013)

Mission/Vision Statement

We are researching other mission/vision statements in an effort to develop a statement that is unique to BC and that is aligned with the strategic goals and mission of Brookhaven College. Emphasis on –

Creative thinkingCritical thinkingService to others

Areas of Research

• Administration – staff, space, budget, marketing, fundraising, recruitment

• Admissions Criteria • Courses Offered/Course Criteria• Faculty

Administration

• Staff – Director and advisor• Space – Location of Honors College Student

Area• Budget – Salaries, operations, enrichment

activities for Honors students• Marketing – Promotion of program to area

high schools and community at large

Admissions Criteria

• SAT/ACT Scores• GPA• Recommendations• Invitation to Participate (i.e.. Phi Theta Kappa)

Courses Offered/Criteria for Courses

• One Hour Honors Course• Minimum Standards for Honors Classes• Honors Common Core

– English– Humanities– Social Science– Science

• Possible Learning Community

Faculty for Honors Courses

• Mastered subject area• Current with research• Handles demands of gifted students and the

Honors College expectation• One who is creative, progressive, and

challenging • Presents breadth and depth of a learning

experience• Structures course uniquely

Initiation Phase

• Identify Director and Advisor• Dedication of Honors College Student Area• Student Area equipment provided –

computers, seating areas, etc.• Coordination of speakers/lecturers• Funding of enrichment activities• Course scheduling• Marketing of program

Next Steps & Timeline

Utilizing a phased-in approach, Honors Task Force will complete the following steps:• Finalize courses to be included in the honors program –

March 26• Establish criteria that will distinguish an honors course

from a traditional course – April 2• Identify Staff and establish Load, pay and enrollment

considerations – April 9• Establish website for the honors program – April 16 • Final Plan – April 18