Honors Program
(A member of the National Collegiate Honors Council)
Program Overview
The Honors Program at Mohawk Valley Community College strives to motivate exceptional students in all fields of study to develop to their fullest potential. The program enriches students’ learning experience through independent research, challenging projects, and collaborations with faculty and peers – all while preparing them for further study or a vibrant career.
Students must complete three steps to earn the “Graduate with Distinction” title. Completed individual steps will be noted on student transcripts.
The program will be offered to all eligible students beginning in Fall 2013.
Step 1: Take Introduction to Honors (HP 101).
Introduction to Honors is a one-credit course that replaces ED 100 for students participating in the Honors Program. The course is offered every fall and spring semester, so students have two opportunities to join the Honors program in an academic year. The course will prepare students to conduct an independent research project and help build community among the Honors Program students.
Presidential Scholars, those students who receive free tuition because they graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class, are required to take Introduction to Honors. They will have the option to continue or leave the program after completing the course.
Step 2: Choose to take Honors Seminar OR conduct an Independent Research Project.
Students will have the choice to take a three-credit Honors Seminar or to select a faculty mentor with whom they will collaborate on a non-credit independent research project. The seminars will be small classes (capped at 12 students), and will be interdisciplinary and discussion-based to emphasize deep learning, specifically critical reading and writing. Starting in Fall 2013, three college seminar classes will be offered every semester, taught by faculty in a variety of disciplines.
For the research project, students will be encouraged to work with professors whose classes they are already taking and to consider all fields of study, even those outside of their majors. Students will meet regularly with faculty mentors, and at the end of the spring semester, present their research at a formal reception for the college community.
Step 3: Complete an Honors Capstone Research Project.
Students who chose to conduct an Honors Independent Research Project in Step 2 will conduct a separate project on a different topic for Step 3.