U NIVERSITY S CHOLARS P ROGRAM A NNUAL R EPORT 2012-13 “The great end of Life is not knowledge - but action.” Thomas Huxley
USP Annual Report 2012-13
University Scholars Program NC State University 102 Sullivan Hall Campus Box 7316 Raleigh, NC 27695-7316 919.515.2353 phone 919.515.7168 fax scholars.dasa.ncsu.edu www.facebook.com/NCSUScholars N. Alexander Miller III, Vice Provost & Director Sean M. Cassidy, Senior Associate Director Allison J. Medlin, Associate Director Kenneth E. Johnson, Assistant Director Chester K. Brewer, Assistant Director Elaine D. Morrison, Administrative Support Specialist
Overview
2
I. Major Achievements, Initiatives & Changes
3
II. Instructional Program Advances
6
III. Research, Extension, & Service Achievements
8
IV. Staff
9
V. Diversity Initiatives
10
VI. Fundraising Successes
10
VII. Connection to NC State Strategic Goals
10
VIII. Five Points of Important Information
13
Overview
“Being involved in the University Scholars Program opened my eyes to programs, events, and ideas on campus and beyond campus. I participated in culturally enriching seminars and political talks. The diverse topics and events I attended have shaped me and made me a well-rounded and well informed student.� Amanda Saad, Biological Sciences
The University Scholars Program (USP) provided a wide range of services to high achieving students in 2012-13, including: Offering a major weekly lecture series, featuring locally and nationally known guest speakers, authors and performers. Providing students with a film series, a book club, and a discussion series focused on important national and international issues. Arranging field trips to cultural sites that preserve our history and to research centers that are creating tomorrow’s knowledge. Teaching one-credit hour courses focused on contemporary issues and literature to upperclassmen University Scholars. Offering an educational Fall Break trip to New York City and an educational Spring Break trip to Ireland and Scotland. Organizing a series of activities and experiences focused on leadership development, outdoor education and service for USP students.
Partnering with University Housing to develop the Scholars Village in Sullivan Hall, which offers a diverse, academically supportive, and enriched environment. Expanding the range of activities available to students living in Sullivan Hall by hiring a group of Scholars Village Assistants to deliver social and educational programming in the Village. Providing a well-developed communication network that informs students about honors courses, scholarships and fellowships, study abroad and internship programs, service projects and leadership opportunities. Coordinating two popular study abroad programs in Florence, Italy and Oxford, England. Assisting the Scholars Council as it provides social, service, educational, and recreational activities for University Scholars.
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I. Major Achievements, Initiatives & Changes Program Scope The University Scholars Program (USP) had an enrollment of approximately 1815 students in Fall 2012 and 1875 in Spring 2013. We served 30 additional students who are not University Scholars but participated in the Florence Study Abroad Program in 2012. We will serve approximately 50 additional students who are not University Scholars through the Florence and Oxford programs this Summer 2013.
Fall 2012 Cohort...By the Numbers Average SAT = 1280 Average HS GPA = 4.63 Students from 18 States 91 had GPAs of 4.0 at the end of the Spring 2013 semester • 182 had GPAs of at least 3.75 at the end of the Spring 2013 semester • Average GPA at the end of the Spring 2013 semester = 3.5 • 97% are registered for classes at NC State for Fall 2013 • • • •
Admissions Students entering NC State for 2012-13 needed to meet two of the following three criteria to receive an automatic invitation to join the program: 1) SAT total >= 1300 (Critical Reading and Mathematics) 2) Weighted HS GPA >= 4.5 or Unweighted HS GPA >= 3.9 3) Rank in top 5% of class Entering students who did not receive an automatic invitation were encouraged to submit an application to join the program if they were interested in the USP.
Our admissions process yielded a class of 486 students. These students actively participated in the program by enrolling in USP 110, the Scholars Forum. Approximately 180 of these students chose to live in the Scholars Village in Sullivan Residence Hall. New Students By College (2009-2012) Year
CALS
DN
ED
ENG
CNR
CHASS
PAMS
TXT
2012
103
6
10
245
6
29
29
7
2011 2010 2009
89 90 94
8 12 13
7 11 7
201 210 173
5 3 7
31 26 35
23 24 14
16 15 10
MGMT
DASA
Total
19
32
486
21 18 30
26 29 33
427 438 416
FALL 2012: New Students By Ethnicity and College Race
CALS
DN
ED
ENG
CNR
CHASS
PAMS
TXT
MGMT
DASA
Total
Native Am.
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
4
0.82
African Am.
7
0
0
12
0
1
4
0
1
2
27
5.56
Asian
4
1
0
9
2
1
1
0
1
3
22
4.53
Hispanic
5
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
2
0
12
2.47
Caucasian
80
5
9
188
3
27
19
6
13
27
377
77.57
Undeclared Two or More
3
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
2.47
Total
3
Percent
4
0
1
20
1
0
3
1
2
0
32
6.58
103
6
10
245
6
29
29
7
19
32
486
100.00
Mid-Year Admissions Mid-year invitations to participate in the USP were extended to all freshmen not currently in the USP whose Fall 2012 GPAs were either 3.75 or 3.5, depending on their college. Invitations were not extended to students participating in the University Honors Program (UHP) since students cannot participate in both the USP and the UHP. Based on Fall 2012 grades, invitations were extended to 896 students. 227 (25%) of these students accepted the invitation. SPRING 2013: New Students By College
Total
CALS
DN
ED
ENG
CNR
CHASS
PAMS
TXT
MGMT
28
6
9
33
4
39
10
12
35
DASA 51
Total 227
Largest Graduating Class The 2012-13 year saw the largest ever graduating class of University Scholars. 52 students completed the program during the Fall 2012 semester and 247 completed in Spring 2013, for a total of 299 graduates. This was up from recent years: 254 in 2011-12, 263 in 2010-11, and 209 in 2009-10.
College
Fall 2012
Spring 2013
Total 12-13
Agriculture and Life Sciences
12
73
85
Design
0
11
11
Education
2
4
6
Engineering
10
46
56
Natural Resources
2
7
9
Humanities and Social Sciences
14
37
51
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
2
10
12
Textiles
5
14
19
Management
4
44
48
DASA
1
1
2
TOTAL
52
247
299
Of course, many USP graduates will go on to University Scholars have a wide range of interests graduate and professional schools. Among the and pursuits following their graduation from NC State. We recently surveyed our graduating seniors campuses our students have been accepted to for Fall 2013 are: NCSU, Duke, to learn more about their goals “Being in the University Scholars Program UNC-Chapel Hill, Elon, UNCfor the years to come, and we has expanded my horizons in significant Charlotte, East Carolina, University are extremely excited by their ways. The forums deepened my of Alabama, George Mason, Old responses. knowledge of current events and issues Dominion, American University, while introducing me to many new cultures. I also went on three trips with Santa Clara University, University Our graduates will pursue the scholars program, all of which changed of Virginia and New York University. an array of careers from my life. The scholars program is a great accounting to engineering and asset to my education here at NC State.� The enriching experiences of the from graphic design to forestry. Alison Kensmoe, Computer Engineering USP prepare our graduates for They will work for global a wide variety of academic, corporations, including Wells professional, and personal pursuits. We wish the Fargo, Deloitte, Merck, Nike, IBM, ExxonMobil, best of luck to all of our graduating seniors in their Cisco, and Eaton. Some will join the Peace Corps, various endeavors! while others plan to start their own businesses.
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Scholars Village Expansion The Scholars Village continues to be in high demand among our first year students. Approximately 180 first-year University Scholars lived in the Scholars Village in 2012-13. They had access to special opportunities through our Village in Action program. The program provides small groups of students with the opportunity to participate in a series of community building activities that are designed and delivered by professional and student staff members. In consultation with our partners in University Housing, the Scholars Village will be expanded in 2013-14, from 180 to 218 spaces. This decision was made due to increased demand for space in the village from incoming University Scholars.
Increased Scholarship, Fellowship and Research Opportunity Outreach In 2012-13, Ken Johnson led an initiative focused on communicating and promoting scholarship, fellowship and research opportunities to University Scholars. More frequent and targeted communications were sent to students, and multiple information sessions were held with staff from Fellowships Advising and Undergraduate Research. These efforts proved fruitful as multiple University Scholars were finalists or recipients in national fellowship competitions: 2013 Goldwater Scholarship Eric Whitmire
2013 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship John Miller, Katie Robertson, Andrew Sen
2013 Hollings Scholarship Melissa Mainhart
2013 Gilman Scholarship Sasha Abed, Melodi Charles, Caleb Haselton
2013 Gates-Cambridge Scholarship Finalist Ian Hill
2012 Rhodes Scholarship Nominee John Miller
2013 Churchill Scholarship Finalist Ian Hill
2012 Marshall Scholarship Nominee John Miller
Increased Program Outreach to Colleges and Departments This year we engaged in regular outreach to college administrators and admissions officers to familiarize them with the goals and requirements of the USP, assist their efforts to recruit high-achieving students to NC State and to seek additional opportunities for University Scholars.
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“The University Scholars Program has opened my eyes to many other areas of interest outside of my field of study. I feel that being a part of the Scholars Forum in particular has made me more worldly and well-rounded, for which I am very grateful. The program is designed to bring an extracurricular breadth into the academic lives of USP students, which is very important in preparing for life after college.� Michael Fusco, Nuclear Engineering
Expansion of Outdoor Explorations Activities In 2012-13 the former Outdoor Leadership Series was rebranded “Outdoor Explorations� and the range of activities offered was broadened to include an international Spring Break trip to Costa Rica and a May trip to Grandfather Mountain State Park. The series served 50 students this year. The series will expand again in 2013-14 with a new Wolfpack Bound trip for first year University Scholars and a service trip at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Popular OE activities, including whitewater rafting, coastal kayaking and a return trip to Costa Rica, will again be offered.
New Website and Increased Social Media Presence With guidance from OIT and DASA Technology Services, Chester Brewer and Allison Medlin designed and launched a new University Scholars Program website: http://scholars.dasa.ncsu.edu/. The new website is easy to edit, flexible, and features a new USP google calendar and dedicated web space for Scholars Council and Scholars Village activities. The USP also increased its social media presence on our Facebook page and newly launched USP Blog. We utilize our Facebook page each week to post announcements, opportunities and photos from recent USP activities. We now have over 1100 followers including current students, incoming students, and alumni.
II. Instructional Program Advances Scholars Forum USP 110/111 The Scholars Forum is a zero-credit hour course that University Scholars participate in for three semesters. The Forum features addresses by major public figures, world class scientists, and renowned authors; conversations with faculty members; debates and discussions of significant public policy issues; and musical and theatrical performances. This year the Scholars Forum served over 900 students during Fall 2012 and close to 800 students in spring 2013. This was the largest enrollment since the 2008-09 academic year. We expect enrollments to remain similarly high in 2013-14. Fall 2012 Forum Enrollment by College
CALS
DN
ED
COE
CNR
CHASS PAMS
TXT
MGMT
DASA
Total
Monday Forum
125
6
9
188
13
44
25
14
34
21
479
Tuesday/Alternate Forum 87
21
14
177
13
49
24
20
36
17
458
TOTAL
212
27
23
365
26
93
49
34
70
38
937
Spring 2013 Forum Enrollment by College
CALS
DN
ED
COE
CNR
CHASS PAMS
TXT
MGMT
DASA
Total
Monday Forum
105
10
13
152
7
52
22
13
43
39
456
Alternate Forum
59
12
13
90
12
55
20
20
35
23
339
TOTAL
164
22
26
242
19
107
42
33
78
62
795
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Scholars Forum USP 110/111 (cont.) Members of the USP staff coordinated a major lecture series as part of the Scholars Forum. They also delivered a book club, a discussion series, a film series, an outdoor education series and a field trip series to students enrolled in the course. During the 2012-13 academic year, USP students had the opportunity to attend 425 different events for forum attendance credit. Attendance at these events by University Scholars totaled 21,318. “Being in Scholars broadened my collegiate experience by allowing me to experience great musicians, photographers, authors, and the like in forum; more in-depth coverage of topics from great professors in honors courses; and great discussion about Great Decisions in Sean's fantastic Special Topics course. The USP has been a wonderful experience and, coupled with my degree in Chemical Engineering, has provided me with a very well-rounded education. Jeremy Roberts, Chemical Engineering
USP 200-Level Courses University Scholars are required to complete 12 hours of approved coursework to complete the academic component of the University Scholars Program. Students have traditionally enrolled in Honors sections, First Year Inquiry courses, Study Abroad courses and graduate level courses to complete this academic requirement. They can also enroll in regular course sections and complete Honors contracts as they work to fulfill the 12 hour requirement. In 2011-12, the USP introduced a new series of USP 200-level courses that students can use in partial fulfillment of this requirement. These 1-credit courses are open to students who have completed three semesters of Scholars Forum, and are designed to enhance their connection to the USP community and complement the USP’s mission. These courses were offered again in 2012-13.
Taught by Sean Cassidy, “Great Decisions” introduces students to important foreign policies issues. “Readings Inspired by Forum,” taught by Ken Johnson, invites students to read, discuss and analyze selections of contemporary literature. Both were offered in the fall and spring. A third course, “Defining the American Dream in the 21st Century,” was offered in the spring and was taught by John Coggin, an alumni of the USP. Total enrollment for these courses was 21 in the fall and 34 in the spring.
USP Study Abroad Programs This year we expanded our program’s commitment to Study Abroad. The USP has provided leadership for a popular summer program in Florence, Italy for over a decade. The USP began providing leadership for NC State’s summer program in Oxford, England in August of 2012. 49 students participated in our Florence Study Abroad Program in Summer 2012 and 48 students will participate in the program this summer. 21 students participated in the Oxford Study Abroad Program in 2012 and 27 students will participate in the program this summer.
Linked Scholars Village-FYI Course This spring, we partnered with the Director of the First Year Inquiry (FYI) Program to consider ways to more deeply connect University Scholars to these high-impact courses. As a result of this partnership, the FYI Program will offer a class (HI 216 - Latin America Since 1826) exclusively for Scholars Village residents in Fall 2013. Students enrolled in the course will live together in the Village and participate in a special Village in Action (VIA) group designed to connect with the course content.
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III. Research, Extension & Service Achievements Expanded USP Service Activities In 2012-13, Chester Brewer led USP efforts to provide expanded service opportunities for our students on campus and in the greater Triangle community. 75 students participated in these service opportunities. We partnered with a variety of nonprofit organizations, including: • • • • • •
Cultural Explorations
Raleigh City Farm Service NC State Blood Drive NC Museum of Natural Sciences Conservator’s Center NC Special Olympics Neuse Riverkeeper “My involvement in the Scholars Program really introduced me to what was available to me on campus. With the various intriguing speakers and community leaders that spoke at Forum, I felt like a much more aware and engaged adult. In addition, the honors work and study abroad opportunities I took advantage of really expanded my knowledge of history and English.” Ryan MacLatchie, Sport Management
Our Cultural Explorations Series continued to be one of our most popular program offerings. 49 students participated in our annual Fall Break trip to New York City. 39 students visited Ireland and Scotland through the series over Spring Break.
Student Leadership, Service and Engagement University Scholars continue to be among the most active and involved students on campus. Their commitment to service, leadership and academic excellence continues to be widely recognized. Among their accomplishments during 2012-13: • • • • • • •
9 first-year University Scholars were selected as Caldwell Fellows in the spring. 24 University Scholars were selected to participate in the Leadership in Action Program sponsored by the Center for Leadership, Ethics and Public Service. 5 of the 6 Leader of the Pack finalists, including the recipient, Rusty Mau, were University Scholars. Seniors Emily Tucker and Mary Charles Hall received the 2013 Mathews Medal, the highest non-academic distinction awarded to NC State students. Freshman Jessica Hatcher received a place with the Fulbright Summer Institute to study in Scotland this summer. 11 Scholars were elected to Student Government for 2013-14, including new Student Centers President Wesley Lo. Sophomores Emily Cox, Emily Scotton and James Turner were inducted into the Order of Thirty & Three.
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IV. Staff Elaine Morrison continued to do exceptional work as our Administrative Support Specialist. She handled all of her diverse responsibilities with great skill. She provided essential support to her professional colleagues, and supervised our work study students. She led a Village In Action group in the Fall, and volunteered her time to assist during New Student Orientation. Elaine will retire this summer after 13 years of service to the university. Chester Brewer has proven to be a wonderful addition to our staff since he joined us in November 2011. Smart, innovative, organized and tireless, Chester works very hard and achieves exceptional results. His work with our Scholars Village Assistants and our Outdoor Explorations Series have been outstanding. He planned and led six Outdoor Explorations trips this year, including a spring break trip to Costa Rica. His skills with technology and social media have also had a real impact on the way we deliver services to our students. This year Chester completed the Wilderness First Responder recertification with the Wilderness Medical Institute. He also served on the DASA Assessment Committee and the Peace Lunch Forum Planning Committee. Ken Johnson continued to manage a range of successful and critical small group activities for USP students. He also managed essential logistics associated with our Scholars Forum. In addition to his regular USP responsibilities, Ken taught one of our 200-level USP courses in Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. Ken planned our annual Fall Break trip to New York City, and co-led our Spring Break trip to Ireland and Scotland. He also co-directed the the Florence Study Abroad Program. Ken advised the Scholars Council and directed our Commencement Marshals for the December and May Commencement ceremonies. Ken also served on the GLBT Center’s Advisory Board, the SECC Advisory Board, and as Team Captain for the 2012 SECC Campaign. Allison Medlin continues to do exceptional work for the University Scholars Program. She manages essential program processes, including admissions, program completion, and communications. With Chester Brewer, she designed and launched the new USP website. She co-led the Spring Break trip to Ireland and Scotland. She represented the USP at many university and college visitation days and the Park Finalists weekend. She also led program outreach efforts for advisers and administrators from NC State’s colleges. In addition, Allison served on the DASA Communication Working Group, the DASA Technology & Communications Council, the Teaching Fellows Advisory Council and the USP Advisory Committee. This spring, Allison was accepted into NCSU’s Ph.D. program in Educational Research and Policy Analysis. In addition to his work as Associate Director, Sean Cassidy served on the Harrelson Committee, which he will co-chair in the upcoming year. He also served on the International Operations Council, the DASA CCC, the USP Advisory Committee and assisted with the planning for the session for high achieving students at Open House. With Ken Johnson, he coordinated the USP’s Fall Break trip to New York City and co-directed the Florence Study Abroad Program (which he led this Summer 2013). Sean also taught one of our 200-level USP courses in Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. Sean was promoted to Senior Associate Director in May 2013. In conjunction with and in addition to his work as USP Director and Vice Provost, Alex Miller served on the following in 2012-13: USP Advisory Committee; Arts Village Advisory Board; Student Center Board of Directors; Friends of ARTS NC STATE Board; Talley Building Committee; Gregg Museum Building Committee; Arts Gala Planning Committee; University Standing Committee on University Housing; NC State Capital Improvement Task Force. He also represented ARTS NC STATE at NC State Foundation Board meetings. Alex served as the Director of the Oxford Study Abroad Program (which he led this Summer 2013). After 28 years of exceptional leadership of the University Scholars Program, Alex stepped down as Director in May 2013.
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“I really enjoyed being involved in the University Scholars Program. It gave me a lot of cultural and global experiences that I wouldn't have otherwise been able to have. I learned an incredible amount in a short period of time and had a really great time in the process. I also made a lot of friends through the program who I still stay in touch with today. I've always felt honored to be a part of this program and it has helped encourage me to always do my best in my classes as well as how to seek new opportunities with confidence and excitement.” Christa Dolan, English
V. Diversity Initiatives The University Scholars Program continues to seek a diverse cohort of students. Approximately 17% of University Scholars entering NC State University during 2012-13 were drawn from minority groups and 9% were from underrepresented groups. Scholars Forums offered USP students many opportunities to reflect on the importance of diversity. Visits by Grenoldo Frazier, co-sponsored by the AACC and Multicultural Student Affairs; Scott Ainslie; and Shana Tucker wove history and music together with their performances of African-American, Blues, and Jazz music. Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and Laurelyn Dossett shared stories and music from their project, “Connecting Crossroads in North Carolina.” Dr. Mark Katz, Chair of the UNC Music Department, gave an in-depth presentation on the history of hip-hop music and turntable technology. A partnership with the GLBT Center and OIED brought in advocate Hudson Taylor, who gave an inspirational
presentation about his organization, Athlete Ally, which encourages respect and inclusivity within the athletic community, regardless of sexual orientation. ARTS NC State events provided opportunities to develop an appreciation for art from diverse cultures. Included in the Forum schedule were a lecture by ethnomusicologist Laith Ulaby, a ground-breaking performance by modern dance master Nicholas Lechter, an African Dance workshop by master instructor L.D. Burris, and an exhibition of African-American artists entitled “Spirit-Fire-Shake!” In addition, the Forum schedule included a wide range of lectures, films, performances and workshops celebrating diversity sponsored by on-campus organizations including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, NCSU Libraries, Multicultural Student Affairs, the Office for Institutional Equity, Chaplains’ Cooperative Ministry, CSLEPS, and the Union Activities Board.
VI. Fundraising Successes During the 2012-13 academic year, the University Scholars Program received over $5,000 toward our endowment fund. While we did not have a specific fundraising agenda this year, we did include information about giving when we emailed our alumni newsletter in the fall. We also continue to include giving information on our USP website. For 2013-14, we plan to launch a new fundraising campaign in honor of our 35th year anniversary as well as Alex Miller, who stepped down as the USP Director this year after almost 30 years of service to the program.
VII. Connection to NC State Strategic Goals The success of our students through educational innovation The Scholars Forum extends learning beyond the traditional classroom and into a range of venues and environments across campus and the community. The co-curricular activities delivered through the course encourage students to explore the arts, consider important societal questions, engage in conversations with peers and faculty and explore the natural world. Our 200-level courses feature small class sizes, emphasize class discussion, encourage students to consider how their academic disciplines can provide answers to critical debates in our society and allow upper-class University Scholars to remain engaged in the USP after they have completed their scholars forum requirements. Inspired by the mission of the USP, these courses highlight important local and global issues and the arts.
“My involvement in the University Scholars Program has been spectacular. I loved every minute of being a part of it.” Nidhi Gandhi, Biochemistry
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The success of our students through educational innovation (cont.) Our Florence and Oxford Study Abroad programs allow students to enhance their undergraduate careers with an international study experience. In addition to the academic coursework delivered in these programs, students have access to field trips, museum visits, theatrical and musical performances and a wide range of additional co-curricular activities. Our Village in Action (VIA) Program is designed to build community among Scholars Village residents, help residents make connections with staff and to allow students to engage in a series of enrichment activities that encourages students to learn outside of the traditional classroom. Each resident is assigned to a VIA group made up of approximately 20 village residents, a professional staff member and student staff members. During the fall semester, each group participates in a beginning of the year welcome dinner, an arts event, and an outdoor exploration or service event. They also attend an international meal and discussion, and participate in a student led conversation about a contemporary social issue. The program continues in the spring semester and includes a similar set of activities.
Enhance interdisciplinary scholarship to address the grand challenges of society Speakers in the Scholars Forum regularly discuss the grand challenges of society such as climate change, alternative energy, violence and guns, and the state of the oceans. Our guests highlight the need for interdisciplinary solutions to effectively address these and similar challenges. Our faculty conversations series allows our students to listen to presentations from faculty members drawn from a range of disciplines studied on our campus. These presentations inevitably stress the value of collaboration across disciplines and help students see the value of and opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
Enhance organizational excellence by creating a culture of constant improvement The University Scholars Program’s Advisory Committee includes members drawn from all of NC State’s Colleges and has additional members representing campus partners. The committee was chaired by Dr. Traciel Reid during 2012-13. A list of committee members is below: Traciel Reid, Associate Professor College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Chair Vicki Martin, Assistant Director, Academic Programs College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Hernan Marchant, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs College of Design Ben Ojala, Director, Student Success & Advising Center College of Education David Parish, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs College of Engineering Adrianna Kirkman, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs College of Natural Resources Jo-Ann Cohen, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences Nancy Powell, Professor College of Textiles Erin Dixon, Director of Undergraduate Programs Poole College of Mangement
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Carrie McLean, Executive Director First Year College Eva Feucht, Director Park Scholarships Janice Odom, Director Caldwell Fellows Susan Grant, Director University Housing Kala Bullett, Associate Director University Housing Alex Miller, Vice Provost & Director University Scholars Program Sean Cassidy, Senior Associate Director University Scholars Program Allison Medlin, Associate Director University Scholars Program Tamlin Cermak-Serfass, Student Representative Scholars Council Member
Enhance organizational excellence by creating a culture of constant improvement (cont.) The committee is responsible for considering and approving new program initiatives, changes to the program’s requirements and changes to admissions standards. During 2012-13, the committee approved a modification to the program’s admissions standards that introduced a required minimum SAT score for an automatic invitation to join the program. The change was driven by a desire to manage program resources and deliver an outstanding experience to students in an era marked by decreasing financial resources. In consideration of feedback from Scholars Village residents, the USP and our village partner, University Housing, incorporated several changes to our Village programming model. We increased the number of Village in Action groups to make each group smaller. The new, smaller size of 14 students will allow for more intimate community building among residents. In addition, the number of Village in Action events per group will be increased in order to sustain focused community building over the duration of the semester. Finally, the desired learning outcomes for the Village have been updated to more accurately reflect the mission and values of the USP. We have embraced web-based technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of our student services. Required program forms, assessment tools, Scholars Forum event registration, and Scholars Forum attendance records are all available through web-based programs.
Enhance local and global engagement through focused strategic partnerships New partnerships have been established this year as we expanded our Outdoor Explorations and USP Service opportunities. Outdoor Explorations embarked on a Spring Break trip to the University of Georgia’s research and education facility in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This trip proved so popular and successful that a return trip is planned for May 2014. We plan to continue to deepen the USP connection with this wonderful program and facility. Through USP Service activities, a new partnership has been established with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. What began with a volunteer activity at their annual Bugfest! event, has blossomed into a continuing collaborative effort to connect USP students with innovative programming and cutting-edge scientific research. The Scholars Council, an organization open to all University Scholars, has established ongoing partnerships with schools and local community service organizations. Their annual Halloween and Spring Carnivals, hosted in partnership with several West Campus organizations, each bring in over 60 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Raleigh for a special afternoon on campus. “Living in the Scholars Village my freshman year was probably one of the best choices I made in college! The friends I made then have stayed with me all four years and the group activities we did really brought us together. The more intimate group setting was great for fostering those bonds.” Grace Jones, Biological Sciences
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VIII. Five Points of Important Information
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•
University Scholars are recognized as leaders on our campus. 5 of the 6 finalists for Leader of the Pack were University Scholars. The student selected, Rusty Mau, is a University Scholar. 9 of the 24 students selected as Caldwell Fellows are University Scholars. Two University Scholars received the Mathews Medal. Three University Scholars were inducted into the Order of 30 & 3. 11 University Scholars were elected to Student Government for 2013-14.
•
University Scholars achieved success in scholarship and fellowship competitions. One University Scholar won a Goldwater Scholarship, one University Scholar won a Hollings Scholarship, three University Scholars won Gilman Scholarships and three University Scholars received NSF Graduate Research Fellowships.
•
University Scholars were highly engaged in co-curricular educational activities through the Scholars Forum (USP 110/111). Students enrolled in Scholars Forum had access to 425 events through the course. Attendance at these events by University Scholars totaled 21,318.
•
The Scholars Village continued to be a critical and successful component of the University Scholars Program. Demand for the village is high among incoming students and we have increased the number of spaces in the village from 180 to 218 for the 2013-14 academic year.
•
The number of students completing the program requirements upon graduation continues to increase. A record 299 students completed the program during 2012-13.