UTSA announces creation of Honors College

(Feb. 22, 2002)—The University of Texas at San Antonio has established an Honors College to provide enhanced educational opportunities for its top undergraduate students.

Open to all majors, the college will emphasize breadth of academic experience across all disciplines, and its curriculum will supplement, but not replace, work in the student's major field, according to Vice Provost for UTSA's Office of K-16 Initiatives Richard Diem, who will serve as dean.

"Honors College members will benefit from small classes--conducive to greater student participation and individual faculty attention," said Diem. "The
college will also offer special interdisciplinary seminars, community service projects and an
undergraduate research program, all designed to challenge talented students."

Other benefits include priority registration for qualifying courses; a study-abroad program; honors scholarships and internships; assistance in applying for fellowships; and a chance to interact as an undergraduate with professional groups such as the National Collegiate Honors Council and the Council of Honors Administrators in Texas.

"UTSA already attracts outstanding students, and many have participated in the university's Honors Program, which formed the nucleus of the Honors College," said Diem. "With the expansion of the program to a full college, UTSA will attract even greater numbers of enthusiastic, committed students and faculty who want to be a part of our centers of excellence throughout the university's six degree-granting colleges."

First-time freshmen, continuing students and transfer students will be eligible to apply for the UTSA Honors College, which will accept its first students for the fall 2002 semester. Application and admission to the Honors College is in addition to that for one of the six colleges.

Entering freshman applicants must have a minimum SAT score of 1100, an ACT score of 26 or be in the top 10 percent of their class. Continuing and transfer students who have completed at least 12 hours of college work with a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.30 may also apply. To remain in good standing with the Honors College, members must complete at least one honors course per academic year and maintain an overall GPA of 3.25.

Students who enter as freshmen and who complete 21 hours of honors courses with a GPA of 3.25 or higher are eligible for graduation with Tier I distinction. Those who complete 30 hours of honors courses with a 3.25 GPA plus a senior honors thesis or project are eligible for graduation with Tier 2 distinction.

Students who meet Tier I or Tier 2 requirements may also qualify for graduation with international distinction by mastering a foreign language or taking part in a study-abroad program. The level of Honors College attainment will be noted on the student’s diploma, in addition to the academic degree earned and the college conferring the degree, Diem said.

Initially, the UTSA Honors College will enroll 300 to 350 students, building to a capacity of 600, or 150 each for the freshman through senior classes. In addition to Diem’s appointment as dean, Ann Eisenberg, associate professor of psychology and longtime director of UTSA's Honors Program, will serve as associate dean, while Daniel Escobar will be director of the Honors College Student Programs and Advanced Placement Initiative. Judi Edelman has been named academic adviser.

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