The
Honors Forum was created not only to provide an enhanced
curricular and co-curricular experience for its members,
but to mobilize an organized group of motivated students
that will contribute to the intellectual stimulation, strong
collegiality and overall high quality of the academic and
social life at Skidmore. Forum membership presupposes an
active engagement in both the co-curricular and academic
life of the College. Hence, in addition to supporting the
rich variety of College lectures, exhibits, concerts, performances,
etc. throughout the year, Forum members will initiate and
plan events to highlight particular areas of interest in
the humanities, arts, sciences and social sciences. The Forum
will create a close-knit community for its members, who will
in turn invest their common energy toward the promotion of
a richer academic life for the college at large.
At
the end of each year Honors Forum members will complete
a questionnaire that summarizes their participation in
the Honors Forum. The questionnaire will be an important
tool for the planning and advisory boards to evaluate
the success of the co-curricular events and the program
itself; it will also be helpful in determining how and
to what extent Honors Forum members have chosen to share
in the co-curricular activities. To maintain membership,
Forum students must invest significant time and energy
each year in the co-curricular activities sponsored by
or associated with the Honors Forum. |
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The
following page describes the various components that comprise
the foundation of the Honors Forum co-curricular program.
Each year, Forum members select a number of their peers to
serve as a programming board that provides leadership in
the planning and implementation of Forum activities, including
the production of an Honors Forum newsletter. All Forum members,
however, are encouraged to contribute their skills and creativity
to the successful delivery of a diverse set of co-curricular
experiences throughout the year. The Honors Forum programming
board is advised by members of the Honors
Forum Council which
receives College funds to support the co-curricular program.
Development
of Honors Forum Dialogues:
The Honors Forum Council and student representatives will organize approximately
six monthly programs which will provide opportunities for Forum members to discuss
and debate issues. Since Forum members are expected to participate at a high
level in all-college events, selecting invited speakers, artists, and performers,
such as the speaker for Spring convocation or an annual lectureship, provides
Forum members with the opportunities to interact more directly with these individuals.
Other possible events include presentation of collaborative faculty-student research
projects with questions and answer sessions and pre- or post-discussions at performances,
such as black box theater productions.
Production
of the Newsletter:
The Honors Forum Council and student representatives will create a committee
to publicize upcoming events and maintain an online newsletter which will highlight
special activities of the Forum.
Participation
in Social/Recreational Activities:
Honors Forum members are invited to plan a number of unique social gatherings,
such as small dinners inviting one of more faculty members; organized field
trips by bus or van to Boston, New York or Montreal for theater productions,
museum visits, concerts, or similar ventures; brunches or coffee discussions
with no agenda.
Connection
to Other Campus Groups:
Honors Forum members will have the opportunity to connect with other student
groups, especially the Periclean Honor Society and Hathorn and Adams honors
floors. New Honors Forum members will have mentors from Periclean, a program
that will offer the new member the chance to learn more about the academic
community at Skidmore through the experience and insights of an upperclass
student. Honors Forum members are encouraged to join other academic clubs and
organizations.
Related
Links:
Skidmore Clubs and Orgs