Read more to see what's new  with KSU Honors College programs, students and faculty!

News & Updates from the Honors College
Welcome Back from the University Honors Program Director
 
As one of the newest members of the Honors College, I  have enjoyed  having the  opportunity to  learn more about  KSU's Honors students.   As  Honors students , you   distinguish  yourselves by  setting high expectations and striving to optimize your  academic experience in college . You value and personify the Foundations of Honors Learning: critical thinking, leadership, interdisciplinary learning, creativity and innovation, information fluency, professionalism, appreciation of diverse viewpoints, and effective communication.    

You have chosen Honors for a variety of reasons:  small class sizes, H onors housing, our Honors faculty, the Great Books program,  Honors Club, and  becoming a part of a community of hard-working and high-a chieving students like yourself. O f course,  you also benefit from priority  registration ,   Honors designations on your college transcript , and cool cords to wear  at graduation.  

What is Honors Education? The National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) defines honors education as "a distinctive learning experience" because of the "opportunities for measurably broader, deeper, and more complex learning-centered and learner -directed experiences . . . than are available elsewhere in the institution." In KSU's Honors College, we share NCHC's vision of an "honors community . . . composed of carefully selected teachers and students who form a cross- or multi-disciplinary cohort dedicated to achieving exceptional learning and personal standards."  

I am excited to be joining Honors College as interim Director of University Honors, a role held by the highly respected Dr. Liza Davis before her retirement in December 2016. Although she  is  a petite woman, she  leaves  big shoes to fill. Since the program began 21 years ago, KSU's Honors students have  earned  a reputation for distinguishing themselves at KSU and beyond.  I'm  excited to be a part of Honors College tradition and look for ward to working with all of you.   Let's make 2017-2018 a wonderful year !  

William Lentjes Chosen as 2017 Portz Scholar

William Lentjes graduated as a Spring 2017 KSU Honors Scholar with an undergraduate degree in Architecture. He was chosen as one of four students nationally as a  2017 National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Portz Scholar. He was nominated by Dr. Kami Anderson for  his capstone project, "On Craft." William will be featured at a plenary session at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in November and will receive a $350.00 stipend. 

Please click here for more information on the Portz Fellowship program.
Peer Mentors Hired for Fall Semester

This fall the Honors College is introducing KSU 1101-H for University Honors Program first-year students. The course is designed to satisfy KSU's first-year seminar requirement and provide University Honors Program students with an intentional look at the 8 Foundations of Honors Learning during their first semester of college. Within each course, there will be a Peer Mentor assigned to assist in the curriculum but also to engage with and welcome the newest members of KSU's Honors community.

"Higher education research and student development theory have documented the profound impact of peers on the undergraduate experience. Fellow students are a significant influence on intellectual development, academic engagement, moral development, clarification of political and social values, determination of academic and social self-concept, and interpersonal skills" (Greenfield, Keup, & Gardner, 2013, p. 224). It is for these empirical reasons that the Honors College will embed Peer Mentors into each section of the new KSU 1101-H course.

We are excited to welcome the inaugural Peer Mentor team. The six students selected are each outstanding University Honors Program students with varying experiences as current students at KSU and within UHP. We know that they will support the transition of our new UHP students in robust ways that have meaningful impact. In the coming months we will feature each Peer Mentor in the newsletter. We look forward to introducing them to you!
University Honors Program Director Emerita Dr. Liza Davis Recognized

The Department of Career Planning and Development surveys Kennesaw State University graduates every year about their career paths and future plans. This survey also asks the students to include which faculty or staff member made the biggest difference in their academic lives during their time at KSU. Dr. Liza Davis, University Honors Program Director Emerita, was named in this survey as one of the professors who had made the greatest difference in students' lives. 

Dr. Davis retired in December of 2016 after 20 years as the Director of the University Honors Program, and 28 years as a Professor of English at Kennesaw State University.
Honors Club Officers Chosen

The Honors Club is a registered student organization intended to support students in the Dual Enrollment Honors Program and the University Honors Program in their curricular and extracurricular experiences.

This year's leadership is excited to welcome all Honors College students to join the club by visiting Owl Life, signing in, and searching for the Honors Club. We hope you'll join us for events and activities throughout the year!

Meetings this fall will be held on both campuses and a schedule will be available soon. The first meeting of the semester will be held on the following dates:


Kennesaw Campus:
Tuesday, August 29 12:30-1:30pm in the Austin Residence Complex Honors Lounge 

Marietta Campus:
Friday, September 1, 11am-12pm, D-104


Honors Club Officers:
Anna Deeb - President
Masood Al Ansar - Vice President
Shaharazad Stephens Muhammad - Secretary
Ruth Beard - Treasurer
Sarai Bauges - PR Rep Kennesaw Campus
Christian Murphy - PR Rep Marietta Campus
Vincent Insinga - DEHP Representative
Madyson Casey - Member at Large

Do you have an accomplishment we can share?  Email your news and photo to [email protected].
Dates and Deadlines

September 4 Labor Day Break - No Classes
September 19 Honors Faculty Lunch and Learn
October 30 Honors Fall Festival
November 20-26 Fall Break - No Classes
November 30 Gingerbread House Building Contest - Kennesaw and Marietta campuses

Need a reminder?  Never miss an Honors event or deadline by signing up for Remind text messages!

Honors students can now sign up to receive text alerts about important KSU Honors news and deadlines. 

Kennesaw Honors students: text  @uhkennesaw to 81010

Marietta Honors students:  text  @uhmarietta to 81010

Dual Enrollment Honors students:  text  @2016dehp to 81010
STAY CONNECTED:
KSU Honors College | honors.kennesaw.edu