Delaware State University Honors Program

HONORS PROGRAM MISSION:

The mission of the Honors Program at Delaware State University is to provide students with exceptional intellectual ability, motivation and commitment with superior learning opportunities that challenge them to reach new levels of academic excellence in scholarship and creativity.

HONORS PROGRAM VISION:

As graduates of the Delaware State University Honors Program, our students will become the first choice of employers and graduate and professional schools because of their recognized achievements and potential for success.

2021-2022 HONORS COUNCIL:

Dr. Clytrice Watson Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay Dr. Padmini Banerjee

Associate Provost Honors Council Chairperson; Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Department of Psychology Dr. Myrna German Department of Psychology Dr. Rachel Pulverman-Silverman Department of Psychology Dr. Jesse Zuba Department of English & Foreign Languages Mrs. Terry Pauls-Smith Honors Program Assistant

HONORS PROGRAM ASSOCIATION VISION:

The Honors Students Association (HSA) is dedicated to the cultivation, maturation, and outstanding academic achievement of the Delaware State University Honors students whose first priority is individual academic achievement while representing the University as a whole with honor and integrity. The HSA members provide social and scholastic support to the body and inspiration to all the Delaware State University students to achieve academic excellence.

HONORS PROGRAM GOALS:

The main objective of the HSA is for its members to be activity engaged in and support the Delaware State University Honors program. The goals of the HSA are:

1. For each member to earn a minimum of 3.25 GPA for each semester. 2. To motivate, support, and encourage each member in the successful completion of the Delaware State University Honors Curriculum. 3. For each member to earn membership in the National Honor Society of his/her discipline. 4. To provide social and scholastic activities for its members. 5. To function as a unit body of academic leaders who seek to motivate the Delaware State University student body to achieve academic success.

The Honors Program is designed to create and nurture a community of academically bright and talented students who value, and are committed to, excellence and intellectual pursuit. The Honors Program provides its students opportunities to engage in classroom processes that de-emphasize formal, impersonal lecturing methods and passive note taking, and instead utilize methods of colloquia and symposia that encourage active intellectual participation, discussion and involvement in the search for knowledge.

The Honors Curriculum is a four-year program that begins with honors courses being offered in the fall semester of the freshman year. The curriculum consists of: 12 credits of departmental-based honors courses; 6 credits of honors colloquia; and an honors senior research thesis in the students’ major. Honors level courses do not entail more assignments than a regular course; however, honors courses incorporate classroom discussion and peer assessment, and require students to engage in a deeper level of thinking and analysis. Honors students should exhibit improved:

a) analytical/critical thinking and logical reasoning skills; b) problem solving and decision making skills; c) coherent and persuasive oral and written communications skills; and d) skills necessary to perform research at a professional level.

The Honors Living-Learning Community is designed to integrate curricular and co-curricular experiences that supplement classroom learning and academic curricula. Within the honors community, honors students interact with faculty, residential staff, and student and adult leaders in the Delaware State University community. Honors students participate in service to Delaware State University and the local Dover community. Honors students are given the privilege of honors residential housing. Additionally, honors students have membership in the Honors Students Association, where they are given the opportunity to participate in social and extracurricular events.

The Honors Curriculum consists of the following category of courses:

• Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Colloquia/Seminars • Departmental Honors Courses including sections of general education courses • Independent Honors Research/Study Project • Honors Senior Research Thesis

Honors students may be eligible for the following activities:

• Merit Scholarships • Honors Student Housing • Internship Opportunities • Study Abroad Programs • Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates

A prospective honors student must have:

• A GPA of 3.25 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) • A minimum combined SAT score of 1050 (Mathematics and Critical Reading) with at least 450 in each section • Recommendations by two (2) high school or college instructors • A 400-600 word, typed essay explaining why one wishes to be admitted to the Honors Program • A list of academic and extracurricular achievements/awards.

In April each year, the Honors Council co-sponsors Delaware State University Research Day, at which time, all students are given the opportunity to present their research papers and creative works prepared under the guidance of faculty members, before audiences of students, faculty and staff. An Honors Recognition Ceremony follows that evening which recognizes motivated students who strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.