Recently the Catawba Honors Program (CHP) sent out invitations to apply to the program to qualifying students. Here at Catawba, the honors program is structured different than at most schools; Catawba Honors Students take different and unique classes rather than just a more advanced version of the classes regular students take. Some of the unique courses that have been offered for students in the CHP in the past are Cash, Money, Billionaires; Enlightened Kite Flying; Food, Glorious Food: Food, Culture, and Society; Ireland: Myth and Reality; Origins of Races and Racism; Philosophy and the Integration of Knowledge; and Re-reading Harry Potter.
Being part of the CHP comes with many benefits. For starters, most of the honors courses offered not only meet honors graduation requirements, but also meet general education graduation requirements. Another great thing for underclassmen is that being in the honors program allows you to register for classes with the seniors. Honors students also get more opportunities to travel, both domestically and internationally, at discounted rates because the honors program subsidizes them. Freshman Ashley Bain says she joined the honors program because she “thought it would give me more marketability after graduation” and because “the classes offered are very interesting.”
Those who received an email invitation to apply to the program and want to apply are required to write an essay on one of two prompts given. One of the options is “Imagine you have 1 million dollars at your disposal to donate to a philanthropic organization/endeavor of your choice. You must donate it all. To which organization(s) and/or effort(s) will you donate the money and why?” The other prompt is as follows: “Colleges and universities frequently invite speakers to campus to address the entire community about important, contemporary issues. The best speakers are engaging and thought-provoking. If you could invite a speaker to come to Catawba College who would you invite and why? You may select anyone from the 20th or 21st Century.”
Dr. Vandergriff-Avery, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the College Honors Program, has given a few tips for those who wish to apply to the program.
1. Read your chosen essay prompt carefully and respond to the question directly.
2. Your essay will be read by members of the College Honors Program Faculty Board. As you write your essay, keep this audience in mind.
3. Reviewers are looking for evidence of originality and clarity of expression. Proofread carefully.
4. Have fun and be creative! We want to get a sense of who you are and this is your opportunity to demonstrate what you will contribute to the Catawba College Honors Program.
