University Scholars
The University Scholars program identifies students who embody academic leadership and enhances the personal and professional development of these students. The intention of the program is to not only identify the most innovative, curious, and motivated Honors students, but to also challenge them to use their talents to the full.
Each spring semester, eligible students are invited to apply for the University Scholar program. The application process involves an extensive written application, and, for the approximately 40 students selected as semi-finalists, an in-depth interview. In the end, 12 students are invited to join the program.
University Scholars receive scholarship stipend for the remainder of their undergraduate career and participate in a number of development activities, including Honors Faculty Mentoring Groups, intimate discussion-based seminars on a wide variety of topics. Additionally, University Scholars serve as ambassadors for Honors & Undergraduate Research and Texas A&M University, representing the office at outreach events and in our publicity materials.
University Scholars typically occupy key leadership positions throughout campus and the community, are involved in significant undergraduate research projects, and go on to win major scholarships such as the Marshall, Goldwater, Truman, and Udall, among others. University Scholars are also frequently accepted into their preferred professional programs or top-tier graduate programs. Overall, University Scholars represent the core values and mission of Honors & Undergraduate Research at Texas A&M University.
Eligibility
To be invited to apply for the University Scholars program, students must
- Be in the second semester of their first year at Texas A&M University (i.e. freshman entering in Fall 2011)
- Have established a cumulative GPR of 3.5 or better.
Selection Criteria
Students selected as University Scholars generally exhibit the following traits:
- High esteem for scholarship, intellection, and learning
- A commitment to the betterment of one’s community
- Demonstrated proclivity for adaptability, curiosity, and self-awareness
- Excellent communication skills, and overall poise, maturity, and comportment
The deadline for application is March 8, 2012, after which time the written applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of Honors Faculty, Honors Advisors, current University Scholars, and members of the Honors Programs Advisory Committee. From this pool, approximately 40 applicants are then invited to participate in selection interviews, which take place in early April. Scholars are announced once final grades for the spring semester have posted. The application is available on the Forms & Downloads page.
Program Requirements
To maintain eligibility for the program, students must maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPR throughout their undergraduate career.
University Scholars are expected to remain in the program for three years, or six semesters. For each semester, they must enroll in an Honors Faculty Mentor Group, which are one-credit hour, S/U courses. Groups are centered on a specific topic of discussion for the semester; they are led by Honors faculty and consist of five to eight students. Meeting times are often flexible.
University Scholars are also expected to be available for recruiting and publicity events as needed, including events organized by the Prospective Student Center, the Scholarships & Financial Aid office, one’s own academic college or department, and Honors & Undergraduate Research.
University Scholars are expected to make good effort to graduate with an Honors Distinction, whether at the University, College, or Departmental level. University Scholars are also required to meet with the University Scholars program coordinator at least once per academic year to discuss curricular and career goals.
University Scholars are expected to contribute to the ongoing development of Honors & Undergraduate Research by serving (as needed and when able) on an executive committee that will advise the office on proposed changes to policies and procedures, community events, and faculty-student relations.
For further information about the University Scholars program, contact Dr. Suma Datta: 979.845.1957 or sumad@tamu.edu.