Parent guide 2015-2016
Welcome to the Honors College Family. We are pleased that you and your scholar chose the Honors College at WKU and we want to be the first to welcome you to the Hill! While it may seem that you have plenty of time before your son or daughter makes the transition to college, August is just a few months away. It is never too early to familiarize yourself with all of the resources available to you and we hope this guide will help you get started.We know that your scholar did not achieve his or her success independently and we welcome your active engagement as they continue their education at this level. By the way, here is a secret that they will not tell you—they still need you…and we do too! Take a moment to read through this information and let us know if you have time, talent, and treasure to share with us. Your scholar’s success is a testimony to your abilities and now, more than ever, your steady presence in their lives will keep them moving in the right direction. If we have not had an opportunity to meet personally, let us make a point to connect in the upcoming year. Please do not hesitate to contact me, or any member of the Honors College team, if we may be of assistance to you.
–Craig T. Cobane, Ph.D.
Facts & Figures
Facts & Figures
During the past academic year:
• College of William and Mary students studied abroad. students completed original CE/T (Capstone Experience/Thesis) Projects.
• Columbia University • Cornell University • Tufts University • Tulane University • University College London
students were awarded nationally and internationally competitive scholarships.
• Vanderbilt University
• University of Kentucky
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students received grants partially funded by private support to pursue research or study abroad opportunities.
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• University of Louisville
Reminders
• Western Kentucky University
Dates
37
• Baylor University
Qs and Tips
249
• Auburn University HFOR
174 190 78
a record number of students graduated.
Students who graduated applied to and were accepted into the following graduate or professional schools:
Getting Started
The Honors College at WKU is home to 1,300 students.
Getting started
Encourage your scholar to apply to H4 H4 (HFOR or Honors Freshman Orientation Retreat) takes place August 13-16, 2015.
Dates Reminders
Our Advice: Apply as early as possible. The retreat reached capacity well before the deadline last year.
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H4 is only for Honors scholars; attendees have the opportunity to meet fellow classmates, upperclassmen Honors scholars, and Honors faculty and staff all while enjoying lake time, sand volleyball, a bonfire and a Spirit Competition. H4 is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of the Honors College before classes begin. Check out the H4 section for more detailed information.
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Our Advice: Attend the first available ATP that fits your schedule. Class selection becomes limited the later ATP takes place. Remember to register for Honors hours (6-9 hrs). If you plan on taking AP exams, avoid registering for those courses.
Our Advice: Requests for Minton Hall are filled on a “first applied, first assigned� basis, so apply for honors housing early!
Qs and Tips
Living in Minton or Gilbert Hall is not required for Honors College students, but scholars who live in Minton Hall or Gilbert Hall become part of an instant community. Residents network with multiple scholars in their major/areas of study and form life-long bonds and friendships.
HFOR
Discover the opportunities now available to your scholar through WKU and the Honors College. All incoming freshmen are required to attend WKU’s one-day orientation, the Academic Transitions Program (ATP). Your scholar will select courses for their first semester, attend sessions (there are parent sessions too!), and learn more about what is offered on campus at the ATP information fair. For more information, visit wku.edu/atp or e-mail atp@wku.edu.
Getting Started
Minton & Gilbert Hall
Facts & Figures
First Steps
H4 (HFOR)
Facts & Figures
What is H4?
Is there a cost?
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Encourage your scholar to come meet their classmates, upperclassmen, and the Honors College staff and faculty. Visit wku.edu/honors/h4 for videos & info!
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Last year, H4 filled quickly prior to the deadline. Due to the size of the venue, we reach maximum capacity at 210 scholars. Apply early! The application deadline is June 22, 2015.
Qs and Tips
What are the benefits to H4? Scholars who attend H4 are: • more likely to study abroad and conduct independent research. • more likely to graduate in four years. • more likely to go to graduate school and apply for national scholarships H4 attendees also learn about faculty expectations, and build a network of support before classes begin.
HFOR
The cost for H4 is $200. This cost covers round trip transportation from campus to the retreat site, all meals, lodging, activity fees, and an H4 T-shirt. Fees will be billed to your scholar’s University Account. More information will be included in the H4 application packet (available May 1, 2015). The H4 Endowment provides scholarships to needy scholars to attend the retreat. More information on the scholarships and on how to support the endowment will be included in the H4 application packet.
Getting Started
H4 is a four-day orientation retreat (including early move in for Minton Hall and Gilbert Hall residents) for the incoming freshmen class of the Honors College at WKU. The retreat is held at Deer Run Retreat Center in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee from August 13-16. Scholars will also meet the Honors faculty and staff who will help them throughout their journey at WKU. Honors College upperclassmen counselors and professional staff facilitate the retreat.
Common Questions Q. What resources does the Honors College offer to aid my scholar? Scholars have access to a network of professionals and fellow Honors scholars to work with every day. The College regularly offers academic and social events like “Picnic with the President,” and advising workshops to support our scholars.The Honors College also works closely with many departments like the Office of Study Abroad & Global Learning and the Office of Scholar Development to provide the best experience possible for your scholar. Q. Does the Honors College offer scholarships? The Honors College offers Honors Development Grants (HDGs) and Travel Abroad Grants (TAGs) to assist students with research and study abroad experiences. Encourage your scholar to check their WKU e-mail address regularly and to connect with the Honors College via Facebook or Twitter to find out deadline information each semester.
The Honors College Parents’ Advisory Council (HC-PAC) also offers research and study abroad scholarships; please see page 12 for more information. Q. How can I help my scholar transition to their collegiate career? Encourage your scholar to become familiar with the Honors College and campus before the start of the fall semester. Visits to campus are encouraged and welcomed! Professional staff at the Honors College can be reached throughout the months leading up to H4 and the start of the semester and they are ready to assist with any questions or concerns your scholar may have. Be sure to keep this list of campus contacts for quick reference: The Honors College at WKU 270-745-2081 Housing and Residence Life 270-745-4359 Student Financial Assistance 270-745-2755 Office of the Registrar 270-745-3351 WKU Restaurant Group 270-745-2416
Join the Community Support the Community Dates
• Suggest that your scholar try something new like studying abroad, conducting research, or applying for a national scholarship.
• Relax and enjoy the experience! It will be fun and rewarding for both you and your scholar.
Qs and Tips
• Scholars have the most fulfilling collegiate experiences when they find a balance between academic life and co-curricular activities. Encourage your scholar to get involved with the college community.
• Encourage your scholar to limit their visits home. The first weeks of the semester are key to integrating your scholar into the campus community. If they frequently visit home, their transition will take longer and be more difficult.
HFOR
• Visit your scholar on campus! Each fall semester, WKU hosts the annual “Parent and Family Weekend,” with activities for you and your scholar. The Honors College hosts brunch and tailgating activities for Honors College families who visit that weekend. Watch for more information in late August/ early September. Do not forget about Homecoming too!
• When your scholar encounters difficulty, listen and offer advice, but encourage them to tackle the problem on their own and come talk to someone in the Honors College. The Honors College and WKU are here to support your scholar when conflict arises, but we cannot help if we do not know about it.
Getting Started
• Join the Honors College community for parents. See page 10 for more information.
Facts & Figures
Tips
Reminders
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Facts & Figures Qs and Tips Join the Community
Get Connected.
Dates Reminders
The Honors College at WKU The Honors College at WKU Parents @WKUHonors Use the hashtag “#wearehonors” to tag us in your Honors College tweets!
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Active HC-PA members are involved in many ways: • Members receive a quarterly e-newsletter containing valuable resources to help your scholar be successful, event invitations, upcoming deadlines, campus activities, and other information. • The opportunity to participate in recruitment efforts for the Honors College in your community. • The opportunity to make a difference in the overall experience of your and other scholars’ educational journey.
E-mail Jennifer.Pyle@wku.edu, or call 270.745.2081. Please fill out the enclosed Parent Association Form.
HFOR
The Honors College Parents’ Association (HC-PA) is open to all parents and guardians of current scholars and alumni. Led by the Honors College Parents’ Advisory Council, the HC-PA plays an important role in keeping parents connected to the College, allowing them to assist their scholars to make the most of their experience at WKU.
Ready to get involved? Getting Started
Honors College at WKU Parents’ Association
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Semester study abroad — Costa Rica
Chad Coomer (‘14, Louisville) Chris Yates (‘13, Columbia)
Summer internship — Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems Summer study abroad — Tanzania
Elizabeth Gribbins (‘15, Louisville) Anna Helton (‘13, Bowling Green) Summer study abroad — Belgium
Katie Meek (‘14, Elizabethtown)
Dates
Summer Internship — San Francisco Chronicle
work: 270.745.2340 cell: 270.799. 9766 fax: 270.745.5300 email: amanda.lich@wku.edu
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Semester study abroad — Morocco
Amanda Coates Lich Senior Director of Development Gifted Studies Gatton Academy Honors College
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Jamye Hardy (‘14, Nashville, Tn.)
Qs and Tips
Summer internship — National Cancer Institute
During the academic year 2013-2014, over 20 students received grants funded by private support. For more information on supporting these grants, please visit wku.edu/honors/makeagift, or contact Amanda Coates Lich.
HFOR
Suzanne Spalding (‘13, Lebanon)
Getting Started
Previous recipients include:
These grants are made possible through private support of Honors College families, friends, and alumni. Helping scholars achieve their dreams, no matter their financial situation, is a priority for the Honors Parents’ Association and Council.
Facts & Figures
The Honors College Parents’ Advisory Council (HC-PAC) works to create resources to invest back into the Honors scholars.
Reminders
DATES
Facts & Figures
May 1 - H4 application available (wku.edu/honors/h4) June 22 - H4 application deadline
January 25 - Classes Begin March 7-11 - Spring Break (No classes; administrative offices open) May 9-13 - Final Examinations
Fall 2015 Semester
Qs and Tips Join the Community Support the Community Dates
August 13-16 - H4 August 16-20 - WKU M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan (WKU orientation) August 24 - Classes Begin and Picnic with the President September 1 - Labor Day (No classes; administrative offices closed) TBD - BBQ with the Professors TBD - Parent and Family Weekend October 1-2 - Fall Break November 7 - Homecoming November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break December 1-11 - Final Examinations
HFOR
Spring 2015 Semester Getting Started
Summer 2015
Reminders
REMINDERS
Facts & Figures
your ATP date as early as possible at wku.edu/atp.card.
Dates
Honors College at WKU Parents on Facebook. Reminders
“Like”
Support the Community
Visit
wku.edu/honors/h4 to learn more about the H4 Honors Freshmen Orientation Retreat.
Join the Community
Encourage
your scholar to start checking their WKU Topper e-mail account daily.
Qs and Tips
Schedule
HFOR
Join
the Honors College Parents’ Association e-mail list online or via the included Parent Association Form.
Getting Started
Fill
out and return your Community Info form included in your welcome packet.
www.wku.edu/honors