Gray, Darrell. (2009). Honors College Visibility

“The program should be both visible and highly reputed throughout the institution so that it is perceived as providing standards and models of excellence for students and faculty across the campus.” I do not believe that our program fits this standard. As I walk throughout the campus, there are many signs, banners, and advertisements for various sections of the college. I see many things that revolve around fraternities and sororities, but nothing involving the Honors College and the honors program. Without this visibility, many prospective students will not be attracted to our program. Many students may not even know the difference between the Honors College and the Honors Hall. I sure didn’t. Many potential honors students would end up in classes that are not challenging and don’t push them to achieve their potential.

The Honors College doesn’t really have visibility among our fellow classmates. Among us honors students, I believe that the consensus is that this is a pretty good program. Nobody outside of the Honors College really knows much about the program. Our program can’t provide models of excellence if it does not do anything to stand out or set itself apart. But I believe that in a few years, our Honors College can be a bright spot in this university and in turn be a great recruiting tool. The Honors Program should be one of the top sections of the university since it is composed of the “cream of the crop.” Our program isn’t as developed as other programs on campus so there isn’t as much hype centered around it as it is in others parts of the university. The program also doesn’t have many supporters. Other programs have alumni and others who donate and support in various ways. These programs are able to do more and able to generate more interest and revenue in turn. In time, our program should be up to par with the rest of the university’s many components.