New Honors Program Fosters Teamwork, Initiative

New Honors Program Fosters Teamwork, Initiative

Academics

October 23, 2014

New Honors Program Fosters Teamwork, Initiative Honors Program
honorsTalented and motivated first- and second-year students at Hollins University who want to work extensively on interdisciplinary and collaborative projects of their own design now have that opportunity through the school’s new honors program, which launches in Fall Term 2014. “We are thrilled to offer this program to our current and prospective students,” said Hollins President Nancy Gray. “It gives them the chance to explore special topics of interest through original work and encourages them to apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills beyond other curricular opportunities at Hollins.” The honors program consists of a four-semester sequence of two-credit interdisciplinary seminars in which students join a small group of fellow scholars. First-year students work closely with two faculty members to identify engaging group projects and then plan, execute, communicate, and present results from those initiatives. During their second year, students focus on individual projects while continuing to actively partner with faculty. “I’m really looking forward to participating in the start of this program,” said Professor of Art Robert Sulkin, who co-directs the program with Associate Professor of Classical Studies Tina Salowey. “The opportunity to work with talented students and a valued colleague is the primary attraction and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to design seminars that extend beyond traditional academic boundaries.” “The timing is perfect for the introduction of this innovative honors program at Hollins,” added Salowey. “Experiential learning, student-driven research, and academic collaboration have long been a part of Hollins’ Short Term and First-Year Seminar programs. It will be a pleasure working with my art colleague to offer these experiences to a group of motivated students early in their Hollins careers with a focus on developing big ideas that will make a difference.”