Status Report 1 March 20, 2014

1. Status Report 1March 20, 2014 Brookhaven College Honors College Task Force

2. History of Honors Programat Brookhaven College • Started in 1978 (BHC campus opened) • Featured interdependent study as opposed to independent study • Focused on faculty/student and student/student interaction, use of primary sources, provocative class sessions, field experiences, class projects, guest lectures. All subject areas offered Honors designation for day and evening classes. • Full participation and limited participation structure

3. History (cont..) • Since initial establishment of the program, the College has offered individual courses with an honors designation almost exclusively. • There has been limited promotion of the program. • Instructors have chosen to give an honors designation informally to students who have demonstrated a depth and breadth of knowledge and performance of coursework.

4. History (cont..) • In 2004, Eugene Gibbons (Instruction VP) wanted to revive a comprehensive Honors Program at BC • BC sent representatives to the Miami Dade Community Colleges to observe their Honors Program in 2004. • BC representatives attended the 2004 National Collegiate Honors Council Conventionin New Orleans.

5. 2014 Honors College Task Force Charge

6. Honors CollegeTask ForceCommittee

7. Resources • National Collegiate Honors Council Handbook for Honors Programs at Two Year Colleges • Various Honors Programs at Two-Year Colleges and Four-Year Universities • Miami Dade Community College • Lone Star Community College • Collin College • Southern Methodist University • DCCCD Colleges with Honors Programs

8. Resources (cont..) • Consultants • Dr. Alexandria Holloway, founder and former director of Honors Program at Miami Dade, and consultant for the establishment of Lone Star College’s Honor’s Program • Dr. Guy Litton, Director of Honors Program, TWU • National Collegiate Honors Council – Definition of an Honors Program (updated 2013)

9. Mission/Vision Statement We are researching other mission/vision statements in an effort to develop a statement that is unique to BC and that is aligned with the strategic goals and mission of Brookhaven College. Emphasis on – Creative thinking Critical thinking Service to others

10. Areas of Research • Administration – staff, space, budget, marketing, fundraising, recruitment • Admissions Criteria • Courses Offered/Course Criteria • Faculty

11. Administration • Staff – Director and advisor • Space – Location of Honors College Student Area • Budget – Salaries, operations, enrichment activities for Honors students • Marketing – Promotion of program to area high schools and community at large

12. Admissions Criteria • SAT/ACT Scores • GPA • Recommendations • Invitation to Participate (i.e.. Phi Theta Kappa)

13. Courses Offered/Criteria for Courses • One Hour Honors Course • Minimum Standards for Honors Classes • Honors Common Core • English • Humanities • Social Science • Science • Possible Learning Community

14. Faculty for Honors Courses • Mastered subject area • Current with research • Handles demands of gifted students and the Honors College expectation • One who is creative, progressive, and challenging • Presents breadth and depth of a learning experience • Structures course uniquely

15. Initiation Phase • Identify Director and Advisor • Dedication of Honors College Student Area • Student Area equipment provided – computers, seating areas, etc. • Coordination of speakers/lecturers • Funding of enrichment activities • Course scheduling • Marketing of program

16. Next Steps & Timeline Utilizing a phased-in approach, Honors Task Force will complete the following steps: • Finalize courses to be included in the honors program – March 26 • Establish criteria that will distinguish an honors course from a traditional course – April 2 • Identify Staff and establish Load, pay and enrollment considerations – April 9 • Establish website for the honors program – April 16 • Final Plan – April 18