Union's Scholars Program creates a
number of special opportunities for talented students
eager to take advantage of the diversity of the College's
intellectual experiences.
Selected from the top applicants to the
first-year class, scholars participate in a program that
builds on the best of what Union does — small classes,
independent study, and terms abroad. In its first two
years, the program has attracted more students than
anticipated, with about twelve scholars in the Class of
2000 and another thirty in the Class of 2001.
Linda Cool, dean of the faculty and
director of the scholars program, says its thrust is
“to enhance the aspects of a Union education that we
thought were our hallmark.”
Those include the freshman
preceptorials, which focus on developing reading,
analyzing, and writing skills; close interaction between
faculty and students; involvement in independent
research; and terms abroad and other types of off-campus
experiences.
In the freshman year, Union scholars
participate in a scholars preceptorial — a two-term,
small, discussion-oriented class led by experienced
faculty members and taken in addition to the normal
nine-course load. Students engage in discussion and
present their own work, as well as attend special events
including lectures, theater, and dinners with faculty who
teach in the various areas explored in class readings.
Often, scholars will present their work in the spring in
a special Union scholars section of the Steinmetz
Symposium.
During their sophomore year, students
complete a two-term, one-credit, independent research
project, working one-on-one with a professor of their
choice.
“We think that really talented
sophomores will be ready for independent research,”
Cool says. “One of the purposes of the General
Education curriculum is to get students experimenting
with a variety of different disciplines, and we hope that
students who are already sophisticated and mature enough
would find this a very broadening experience.” The
project culminates in a major paper, which the student
presents at the Steinmetz Symposium.
The junior year, still somewhat under
development, comprises participation in a term abroad or
an off-campus internship. During the senior year,
scholars are expected to complete honors theses in their
majors; they may also carry one extra course without
charge.
Scholars have the option of graduating
early, but they must enter the program with at least two
advanced placement credits, take additional courses
including one summer course, and consult closely with
their advisors and the dean of the faculty. However,
scholars are encouraged to remain at Union for the full
twelve terms to take maximum advantage of the educational
opportunities offered to them.
Cool emphasizes that the scholars
program has tremendous flexibility and that scholars are
encouraged to branch out, studying in a variety of
disciplines and finding the connections between them.