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EXPAND YOUR CONNECTIONS
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY’S HONORS COLLEGE IS THE DESTINATION OF CHOICE FOR GIFTED STUDENTS.
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WELCOME
MATTHEW MEANS
MIRTA MARTIN. Ph.D.
HONORS COLLEGE DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT
Congratulations on your achievement to date and your
We are excited to learn you have chosen or are
interest in maximizing your university experience through
considering joining the Fort Hays State University family.
an honors curriculum. Fort Hays State University’s Honors
Welcome! Your commitment to excellence, as exemplified
College will not only provide you with the education,
through your extensive academic and community
opportunities and access you need to have a rigorous and
achievements, make you a superb candidate for our
rewarding college experience, it will also help prepare you
Honors College.
for heightened success after graduation. Our selective and highly competitive Honors College Achieving challenging goals in college will set a precedent
was designed to be a home for students like you:
of excellence that will guide you the rest of your life. FHSU’s
ambitious, high achieving and visionary. With a cohort of
Honors College is focused on developing both mind and
other bright, young minds, you’ll pursue a challenging,
soul, and we’re committed to challenging and inspiring you
enhanced curriculum and live in special housing. You’ll get
to push your limits and exceed what you previously thought
to tackle your passion—from art to zoology and everything
possible. For gifted and talented learners like you, no other
in between—at a higher level. And we’ll support you every
collegiate honors experience will provide you with the
step of the way with exclusive scholarships, mentoring,
same level of support and breadth of opportunity as ours,
priority enrollment and specialized advising and life
which is packed with an enhanced curriculum and research
coaching.
opportunities, special housing, and other benefits solely available to Honors College students.
Are you ready to be challenged, nurtured and invigorated? If so, I urge you to apply to Fort Hays State University’s
We think you’re a great fit for FHSU’s Honors College, and
Honors College. I believe that through your hard work and
invite you to visit campus or contact us to learn why FHSU is
our support, your potential is truly limitless.
the destination of choice for accomplished, high-achieving students.
Matt Means, Director, Honors College mmeans@fhsu.edu fhsu.edu/honors
Mirta M. Martin, Ph.D. President
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WITH HONOR COMES OPPORTUNITIES IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO BE A PART OF THE HONORS COLLEGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING REWARDS AND BENEFITS ENHANCED CURRICULUM, PRIORITY ENROLLMENT AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
by being surrounded by other focused and driven scholars. Starting in fall 2017, Honors College students
Honors classes you take will be smaller and filled
will be housed in a brand-new university residence
with like-minded peers. Opportunities to engage in
currently under construction.
undergraduate research with our eminent faculty will prepare you for graduate study and employment
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
far in advance of typical student pathways. Once
Our Honors College members are all part of the
at FHSU, you will be able to enroll in classes at the
Personal Development Institute, a series of small group
earliest possible date, forever guaranteeing you a
classes designed to give honors students fast-track
seat in your classes.
access to campus involvement while building multiple
A SUITE OF ADVISORS
skills needed for future success. Honors College students can also join the Honors College Steering
Besides your academic advisor, you will also
Council, made up of respected FHSU faculty and
have access to HC staff, a faculty member who
administrators, which oversees all operational aspects
helps students apply for nationally competitive
of the program.
scholarships (such as the Rhodes, Truman, Marshall, Fulbright, Udall and Gates Cambridge scholarship),
PEER MENTOR PROGRAM
and a nationally recognized Life/Leadership Coach,
At FHSU, we view our Honors College students
who will help you clarify and maximize your life
as family. Newly admitted freshmen will be paired
plan. With such a strong network of professionals
with Honors College upperclassmen who can give
at your disposal, you will enjoy a support network
personalized attention and guidance with the many
not found anywhere else.
day-to-day decisions that characterize life as a
HONORS HOUSING AND STUDY SPACE Bright minds do better when surrounded--
college student. FORT HAYS HONOR SOCIETY
and challenged--by similarly gifted peers. Our
All Honors College students are automatically granted
Honors College housing provides you with close
membership in FHSU’s most prestigious student
networking opportunities with FHSU’s best students.
honors organization: the Fort Hays Honor Society.
Additionally, an honors-only study space in Forsyth
Normally open by invitation only, this club provides
Library ensures the work you want to get done gets
Honors College students with multiple leadership
done in an environment that fosters success. These
opportunities and resources.
locations aren’t just work spaces--they also enable you to form strong bonds of friendship, lasting a lifetime, with people of phenomenal potential and records of accomplishment. Honors College freshmen are required to live on the Honors College floor in McMindes Hall, though there is space for other Honors College students to live on the floor as well. Through interaction with Honors College students and other Living and Learning Community student members on the floor, residents will maximize their residential experience
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ADDITIONAL PERKS Honors College students also receive free on-campus parking tags, free tickets to prestigious visiting performing arts productions and a yearly dinner with FHSU President Mirta Martin.
"The support of other students and professors pushing you to do your best is an experience I believe I could not have at any other university." SAMANTHA ROHLEDER
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SCHOLARSHIPS REGENTS SCHOLARSHIP
TIER 1 HONORS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
A select number of Honors College newly admitted students will receive the Tier 1 Scholarship: $10,000 total award ($4,000 towards tuition and fees and $6,000 towards room and board costs, provided that the student lives on the honors floor on campus). Applicants for the Tier 1 This scholarship is only available to high school applicants. Scholarship must demonstrate: The Regents Scholarship covers all full-time tuition and 1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. fees (up to 18 credit hours), complete room and board 2. A minimum ACT score of 31 or SAT score of 1380. costs, and includes $450 per semester for book costs. Up 3. Evidence of accomplished scholastic or community to one Virtual College class will be covered per semester leadership, submitted by résumé. under the Regents Scholarship. The Regents Scholarship 4. Evidence of accomplished intellectual acuity and will not cover any classes taken during the summer potential, as revealed by responses to two semester or intersession. Applicants for the Regents essay prompts. Scholarship must fulfill at least four of the following five A select group of high school seniors will be awarded the FHSU Regents Scholarship, which is a 100-percent coverage, full-cost award, regardless of in- or out-of-state student status.
characteristics: 1. National Merit Semi-finalist or Finalist status, National Achievement Award or National Hispanic Recognition program status. 2. A minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher. 3. A minimum ACT score of 32 or SAT score of 1420. 4. Evidence of exceptional scholastic or community leadership, submitted by résumé. 5. Evidence of exceptional intellectual acuity and potential, as revealed by responses to two essay prompts.
Contact information for at least one reference who can speak intimately and in detail about your qualifications and potential must be submitted as well.
TIER 2 HONORS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
A select number of Honors College newly admitted students will receive the Tier 2 Scholarship: $6,700 total award ($3,500 towards tuition and fees and $3,200 towards Contact information for at least one reference who can room and board costs, provided that the student lives on speak intimately and in detail about your qualifications and the honors floor on campus). Applicants for the Tier 2 potential must be submitted Scholarship must demonstrate: as well. 1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. 2. An ACT score of 30 or SAT score of 1340. 3. Evidence of accomplished scholastic or community leadership, submitted by resumé. 4. Evidence of accomplished intellectual acuity and potential, as revealed by responses to two essay prompts. Contact information for at least one reference who can speak intimately and in detail about your qualifications and potential must be submitted as well.
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"I have yet to borrow money for my college education/housing because of a combination of the existing scholarships for high-achieving students and my part-time job." KATIE SHOWALTER
SCHOLARSHIP PROVISIONS All three Honors College scholarships are renewable for three additional, consecutive years for students admitted as freshmen. Scholarships are renewable for one additional year for transfer students admitted as juniors. Renewal is contingent on maintaining good academic standing, defined as the following: Regents Scholarship winners: 3.6 cumulative GPA Tier 1 and Tier 2 Scholarship winners: 3.5 cumulative GPA All other Honors College students: 3.5 cumulative GPA Additionally, all Honors College students must be enrolled in school full time and meet all supplementary requirements of the Honors College program. Students who are in a probationary semester may receive their Honors College scholarship during the probationary semester but will lose it if removed from the program. All Honors College scholarship winners must maintain fulltime consecutive enrollment status in order to receive their award. Failure to maintain this status will result in loss of award.
Students selected for the Honors College who do not receive any of the above three specialized scholarships may still be eligible for the FHSU Presidential Award of Distinction or University Scholar Award. The University Scholar Award is a $2,000 scholarship for students with an ACT score of 26-28 and is renewable. The FHSU Presidential Award of Distinction is a $3,500 scholarship for students with an ACT score of 29 or higher and is renewable. These are automatic awards and do not require a separate application process. Tier 1 and 2 Scholarships may be combined with any other departmental or non-FHSU scholarships but cannot be combined with the FHSU Presidential Award of Distinction or University Scholar Award. The Regents Scholarship cannot be combined with any other FHSU scholarship or award but can be supplemented with non-FHSU/external awards and scholarships. Room and board awards in the Tier 1 and 2 scholarships will be available to admitted students who reside on the honors floor only. If the student moves off campus or to another on-campus location, they will forfeit the room and board award.
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“I came to Fort Hays State because when I toured, the school had a familial atmosphere. There are so many opportunities for college involvement outside of class here, as well as teachers who care about my achievements.� AINSLEY SMITH
HONORS COLLEGE ADMISSION CHECKLIST APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY, THE HONORS COLLEGE, AND HONORS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS BY MARCH 10, 2017.
Admission is highly competitive. In order to maintain our focus on personal attention and development, no more than 35 new slots will be available for the next incoming Honors College class. It is open to high school seniors and to students who wish to transfer from other institutions. A select number of Honors College positions will be open to current FHSU freshman or sophomore applicants. FHSU student applicants are not eligible for the three Honors
College scholarships. FHSU and transfer students interested in applying for the Honors College must have a minimum total college GPA of 3.5 or higher and must submit ACT/ SAT scores for informational purposes only. The deadline to submit your completed package for Honors College consideration is March 10, 2017. Your package must include all documents for consideration, including your highest ACT/SAT score.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
RESUME
The minimum standard for admission to the Honors
Resumé that lists applicant awards, work, academic,
College is an ACT score of 28 and a cumulative GPA
co/extra-curricular and community service experience,
of 3.5 for high school applicants. University/transfer
and leadership. Please describe in detail any leadership
applicants must demonstrate a total college cumulative
experience that markedly improved organization
GPA of 3.5 and submit their highest ACT/SAT score from
performance.
their time in high school for informational purposes only. ESSAYS
TRANSCRIPT
All applicants must respond to the following essay prompt: • What do you see yourself doing 10 years from
Transcript verifying school GPA and ACT/SAT score. REFERENCE INFORMATION Please provide contact information for at least one
now, and how do you expect your undergraduate
reference who can speak intimately and in detail about
experience to contribute to that vision for your
your qualifications and potential.
life? All applicants must also choose one additional essay from the following options: • Identify one societal problem and describe how you plan to address this problem in your life. • What quality produces the most effective leader, and what is the greatest hindrance to
ADDITIONAL Applicants may also submit a URL for original creative work, research, performances and/or accomplishments. All honors college students must maintain the required minimum cumulative GPA associated with their respective scholarships. A 3.5 Cumulative GPA is required to stay in the honors college, regardless of scholarship status.
effective leadership? • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons were learned? • Rank your top three favorite classes taken to date and explain why. How did these classes significantly deepen and broaden your knowledge and application of the course material? How did they expand and transform your worldview and belief system?
APPLY ONLINE : FHSU.EDU/honorscollege
FIND OUT MORE To be a part of FHSU’s newest and most exciting opportunity for high-achieving students, visit: FHSU.EDU/honorscollege To schedule a visit or for answers to questions: MATT MEANS Director, Honors College and Associate Professor of Music Forsyth Library, Room 74 mmeans@fhsu.edu 785-628-4748 JOSHUA WASINGER Administrative Associate Forsyth Library, Room 72 fhsuhonorscollege@fhsu.edu 785-628-4744 MARIAM SEARS President, Fort Hays Honor Society forthaysstatehonorsociety@gmail.com JENSEN SCHEELE Student Associate Coordinator fhsuhonorscollege@fhsu.edu MEGAN RUST Marketing, Publicity and Outreach Director fhsuhonorscollege@fhsu.edu