UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT At William Paterson University, Honors College students are given unique learning opportunities. We expect that Honors College students will work closely and collaboratively in multiple settings with exceptionally dedicated and talented peers and mentors. They will appreciate and learn meaningfully about the global and historical backgrounds and current circumstances of diverse groups of people, recognizing the interconnected nature of today’s world. They will demonstrate an acceptance of ambiguity and a willingness to explore and think critically about multiple perspectives. They will evince a strong intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning. Honors College students will give presentations of their research with peers and mentors at events on campus and at regional or national conferences. They will lead and develop campus and community activities. The end of the program is the beginning of an enriched, accomplished, and compassionate life. UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE PROGRAM GOALS The goals of the WPU Honors College program are to graduate students with the ability to do the following: Demonstrate the ability to design, plan, and execute a research or creative Honors thesis project that meets professional standards in the field. Apply appropriate methodologies, theories and techniques to analyze or solve complex issues and problems in their own project. Communicate the methods, techniques, and findings of their research or creative Honors project: In a written format acceptable for professional standards. In an oral or visual format acceptable for public presentation according to professional standards. Demonstrate a commitment to promoting the public good. Recognize the professional, sociopolitical, or ethical implications of their work. UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the WPU Honors College program students will be able to: Describe fundamental concepts in the field of research or area of creative expression. Apply research or creative expression methodologies, principles, theories and skills to their projects. Orally or visually present their Honors thesis projects explaining methodologies, techniques, theories, or findings in a manner meeting appropriate professional standards. Effectively communicate the methodologies, techniques, and findings of their projects in a written format. Participate in community, civic or global service aimed at promoting the public good. Articulate the professional, sociopolitical, or ethical implications of their work. UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE STRATEGIC PLAN Strategic Plan Spring 2019 - to Spring 2022 This plan incorporates the accomplishments of the 2015-2016 working group and changes made from the Fall 2015 semester to the present. University Goal I. Honors Goal Objective Offer Academic Programs of the Highest Quality The Honors College will have a distinctive, high quality academic program promoting student research and creative performance. Stable leadership Curricular reform through developing Student Learning Outcomes Curricular reform through updating first and second year requirements in line with UCC Curricular reform through updating and adding tracks Enhance and expand undergraduate research and creative performance participation Academic and intellectual engagement through collaborative teaching, research with faculty. University Goal II. Honors Goal Objective Achieve Student Success by Increasing Matriculation, Retention, and Graduation The Honors College will enroll and graduate a diverse group of students. Recruit current students into Honors College and Honors tracks Maintain first-year fall to fall retention above national average for Honors Grow diversity in Honors student population Maintain graduation rates Student engagement as seen in senior survey University Goal III Honors Goal Objective Provide Students with Exceptional Opportunities Beyond the Classroom The Honors College will provide innovative, in-depth research opportunities and an intellectual community that develops creative and thoughtful student leaders through a civically engaged and globally informed curriculum. Develop courses with embedded travel Develop co-curricular experiences associated with course time Develop co-curricular experiences outside of course time Develop and expand civic engagement (not in class). Increase conference presentations off campus Increase research and creative performance presentations on campus University Goal IV Honors Goal Objective Enhance the Sense of Community Throughout and Beyond the University The Honors College will enhance the sense of community within Honors and between Honors and the university. Host stellar events involving entire campus Develop relationship with Passaic County Family Head start Develop alumni engagement Develop community building programming beyond the first year within Honors University Goal V Honors Goal Objective Establish the University as a Model of Outstanding, Affordable Public Higher Education The Honors College will build a community of scholars with high impact academic practices. Recruit high performing students to WP at recruitment events Increase university scholarships Encourage private scholarships Percent of first year students who report HC as reason for attending Honors