Benedictine College - Programs of Distinction

P rograms of D istinction Presidential Scholars Program Honors Program Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program

Programs of Distinction13.indd 1

10/2/2014 9:34:41 AM

Eligibility

Requirements Apply and be accepted for undergraduate admission at Benedictine College.  Demonstrate a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and minimum ACT score of 27.

Application Process RSVP for the Presidential Scholars Weekend

by January 31.  Attend Presidential Scholars Weekend in early February.  For more information go to: benedictine.edu/apply/ visit/presidential

Programs of Distinction13.indd 2

P residential & D ean ’ s scholars program

Each year, 15 outstanding students are awarded with superior merit scholarships to be used toward their undergraduate tuition at Benedictine College.

H ighlight s Discovery Research Project Presidential Scholars individually participate in a yearly collaborative research project through the Discovery Program.

'Great Books' Forum Presidential and Dean’s Scholars host a 'Great Books' Forum each semester in which faculty discuss a piece of literature that has influenced their career and life.

Faculty Fireside Chats Presidential and Dean’s Scholars host discussions each semester in which faculty discuss topics of interest in their respective disciplines.

Service to the Common Good Presidential and Dean’s Scholars contribute to the surrounding culture through ongoing projects within the local community.

Merit Scholarships Presidential Scholarship The 10 Presidential Scholars are the recipients of a full-tuition scholarship, renewable for four years.* Dean’s Scholarship The five Dean’s Scholars are the recipients of a three-quarter tuition scholarship, renewable for four years.*

*Scholars must maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in order to renew their scholarships each year. The renewable scholarship amount will increase with any tuition increase.

10/2/2014 9:34:41 AM

B enefit s The goal of the Presidential and Dean’s Scholars Program is to bring exceptionally talented students together to collaborate in promoting the liberal arts on campus. Scholars should expect to come to an understanding of and dedication to the benefits of a liberal arts education.

The program offers Scholars both academic and leadership opportunities beyond the classroom.

Scholars work closely in a cross-disciplinary fashion, collaborate on undergraduate research, and bring faculty and students together in the 'Great Books' Forum and Fireside Chats, all to promote the liberal arts at Benedictine College. Through these events, Scholars gain the ability to see the importance of communicating across a variety of disciplines.

Presidential Weekend All eligible students are invited to attend the Presidential Scholarship Competition, on Friday and Saturday in early February.* All student participants will write an essay and have an individual interview with two Benedictine College faculty, board, or staff members. The essay will be written from a set of 3–5 prompts.

In addition to the competition, participants will have the opportunity to experience Benedictine by visiting the campus on Friday. Although this is an optional visit day, we strongly encourage students to attend the scheduled activities. A dinner is hosted for students and parents to meet other participants and to meet Benedictine College personnel. Student participants are also invited to stay overnight on Friday of Presidential Weekend in the residence halls with a current student.

FAQ Is the Presidential and Dean’s Scholars Program a scholarship program?

Yes. The Presidential and Dean’s Scholars Program has 15 renewable merit scholarships associated with it.

How are the Scholars selected?

Scholars are selected through review of each participant’s essay and interview.

How many Scholars are there?

There are 10 Presidential Scholars and five Dean’s Scholars selected each academic year.

Is there a deadline to sign up for the Presidential Scholars Weekend?

We ask that eligible students submit their RSVP by January 31.

When will the students selected to receive the scholarships be notified?

Our goal is to announce the results of the competition within three weeks after the competition. However, we ask students for patience if we are unable to reach a decision in this time frame. Students will receive both a phone call and a letter informing them of the results.

Programs of Distinction13.indd 3

What does the competition consist of?

All student participants will write an essay and have an individual interview with two Benedictine College faculty, board members, or staff members on Saturday of the Presidential Weekend. The essay will be written from a set of 3–5 prompts. Students will have one hour to write. We will provide bluebooks and pencils for the essay. Students do not need to submit an essay prior to attendance and will be notified of their essay and interview times and locations at check-in on Saturday.

How do I sign up for the Presidential Scholarship Competition Weekend?

Eligible students may electronically submit their RSVP by visiting: benedictine.edu/apply/visit/presidential.

Is there an alternative to participating in the oncampus competition to be eligible for the scholarships?

No. Participants must attend the on-campus weekend to be considered for a Presidential or Dean’s Scholarship. *For this year's dates or to learn more about the competition, visit: benedictine.edu/apply/visit/presidential.

10/2/2014 9:34:41 AM

H onors P rogram

Eligibility

Requirements Apply and be accepted for undergraduate admission at Benedictine College. ď ˇ Demonstrate a minimum high school GPA of 3.75 and minimum ACT composite score of 29.

Application Process Submit the Honors Program application and required essays by December 15. ď ˇ Application and essay topics found at: benedictine.edu/honors.

Programs of Distinction13.indd 4

Each year, Benedictine College admits 24 exceptional students into the Honors Program. These Honors Scholars participate in a challenging curriculum that academically distinguishes them from their peers.

H ighlight s Honors Curriculum Honors Scholars are educated from a distinct curriculum that builds upon Benedictine College’s general education requirements and draws from its liberal arts heritage. The curriculum is divided into an Honors core, special Honors-approved classes, optional Honors tracks within each academic discipline, and an Honors capstone course.

Honors Portfolio Students will assemble a required portfolio of their Honors Program work in an ongoing manner, including work samples from Honors-approved courses, personal reflections on progress and growth, and other

program-related content. This portfolio will be reviewed annually by the Honors Committee.

Experiential Component Honors students are expected to become active participants in the life that should follow from a liberal arts education, enriching both the campus and broader community. The experiential activity is developed by the student in collaboration with the Honors co-chairs and committee, as well as relevant department chairs or other faculty. Most projects will begin during the Honors student's sophomore or junior year, culminating in presentations to the college community and beyond.

B enefit s The Benedictine College Honors Program draws upon the four pillars of Benedictine College to offer a unique education to exceptionally talented and motivated students. The Honors Program will provide an academically enriched experience through intensive seminar classes as part of its core experience. The main outcome of the Honors Program its Scholars should expect is personal development: greater

knowledge, a greater love for learning, and a set of skills that will serve them well in graduate school and in further career development.

Scholars are eligible for a one-time $2,000 grant for an approved project if they maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA. Honors Scholars are also given specific recognition during the commencement ceremonies.

10/2/2014 9:34:43 AM

C urriculum Core Honors Scholars take part in distinctive courses that fulfill specific components of Benedictine College’s core requirements.

Scholars Retreat Honors Scholars will fulfill the GS 150, Benedictine College Experience, requirement through a weeklong academic retreat prior to the beginning of classes their freshmen year. They will also receive an introduction to the academic rigor of the program, as well as to the faculty who will teach in it.

Honors English Research Seminar (3) Honors Scholars are required to complete Honors English Research Seminar in place of English Composition. This course is an advanced expository writing course with a strong emphasis on research writing.

Christian Moral Life (3) Honors Scholars will take a special section of Christian Moral Life.

Honors-Approved Courses (12) Honors Scholars will complete at least 12 hours of coursework through unique Honors-approved courses.

These special courses will typically fulfill at least one general education requirement, and often fulfill requirements for various majors.

Honors Track within Majors Honors-approved courses may be utilized to fulfill an optional Honors Track, a customized group of courses reflecting a special focus within the Scholar's major field(s) of study. Honors Tracks are developed in collaboration with major department chairs.

Capstone Course (3) The capstone course is the culmination of the Honors Program. The course will focus on integrating and synthesizing the honors experiences in which the students have participated through an exploration of works related to a specific topic or theme chosen each year. The course will culminate in written and oral comprehensive exams and a final evaluation of the student’s honors portfolio.

Philosophy of Nature (3) Honors Scholars will take Ph 231, Philosophy of Nature (rather than Principles of Nature), to fulfill their philosophy core course. Honors students must also complete Ph 201, Logic, in preparation for Philosophy of Nature, with Logic satisfying one of their two required Philosophical Inquiry foundation courses.

FAQ How many Honors Scholars are selected?

Twenty-four distinguished students are accepted into the program each year.

When is the deadline to submit the application?

The deadline to submit responses is December 15.

Does the Honors Program offer a scholarship?

The Honors Program offers a one-time $2,000 grant to all participants who maintain a 3.5 GPA after their freshman year.

To what purpose can the one-time grant be used?

This special fund can be spent on any approved educational endeavor.

Programs of Distinction13.indd 5

How are Honors Scholars selected?

In selecting Honors Scholars, we look for a student's evidence of academic talent, ability, and desire to have an impact on his or her surroundings; an understanding of the pillars, values, and mission of the College; and a strong appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual culture.

How should I submit my application?

You may submit your application electronically at: benedictine.edu/honors.

When will students learn of selection results?

Students will be notified after January 15.

Learn more at: benedictine.edu/honors.

10/2/2014 9:34:43 AM

Eligibility

G regorian F ellows L eadership P rogram

Requirements

Each year, the Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program provides 25 exceptionally motivated students with unique educational and leadership opportunities intended to advance the Catholic culture on campus, in America, and in the world.

Apply and be accepted for undergraduate admission at Benedictine College.

H ighlight s

 Demonstrate a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and minimum ACT score of 27. Consideration will be granted if you do not meet the academic requirements but have an extensive leadership résumé.

Application Process Submit the Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program application (including a leadership and community involvement résumé)

by December 15.  Application found at: benedictine.edu/gregorian.

Programs of Distinction13.indd 6

Retreat Gregorian Fellows take part in a Fellows-only retreat that consists of academic and practical components.

Presidential Roundtable Gregorian Fellows meet with the President of the College for luncheon discussions of key issues of the day and the Fellows’ role in shaping American culture.

Campus Involvement Gregorian Fellows are required to join a campus club or organization for the year to both observe peer leadership and to serve an active role on campus and/or in the community.

Fellows Forum Gregorian Fellows meet monthly with a facilitator to discuss classic and contemporary texts that shed light on enduring questions and significant aspects of the human experience.

Fellows Workshops Gregorian Fellows learn specific competencies to assist them in their effectiveness as leaders in society and for the Church.

Discovery Research Project Gregorian Fellows attend Discovery Day to be exposed to peer research and observe and critique oral forms of communication. Later in the program, Fellows conduct their own research project through the Discovery Program, Benedictine College’s undergraduate research opportunity.

Gregorian Grant Gregorian Fellows receive a one-time $2,000 grant that can be spent on any approved educational endeavor.

Distinguished Speaker Series Gregorian Fellows attend on-campus lectures delivered by accomplished scholars and leaders who are experts in their fields or organizations.

Summoning the Fellows for Counsel Gregorian Fellows exclusively meet and converse with the distinguished speakers to delve deeper into the presenter’s topic or area of expertise.

Service to the Common Good Gregorian Fellows participate in ongoing service projects within the local community.

10/2/2014 9:34:45 AM

B enefit s Named for St. Gregory the Great, the first Benedictine to become Pope, the Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program is a unique educational opportunity for students to advance Catholic culture on campus and in the world.

The purpose of the Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program is to graduate students of character and competence who are committed to greatness.

Gregorian Fellows should expect to grow in knowledge, love for learning, and skills that will serve them well in preparing for graduate school or a career.

The offerings of the program consist of both academically-themed components, such as the Fellows Forums, Retreat, and Distinguished Speaker series, and also practical components such as oral presentation skills, persuasive writing, and team management.

Gregorian Fellows are eligible for a $2,000 grant for an approved project if they maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA after their freshman year.

FAQ How many Gregorian Fellows are selected?

Twenty-five outstanding students are given this opportunity each academic year.

If I am not Catholic, is this program for me?

Students do not need to be Catholic to participate.

Though there is a strong Catholic viewpoint in several modules, the majority of the modules provide a broad perspective on leadership.

What can Gregorian Fellows expect to gain from their participation?

The main outcome Gregorian Fellows should expect is personal development: greater knowledge, a greater love for learning, and a set of skills that will serve them well in graduate school and career development.

Does the Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program offer a scholarship?

The Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program offers a one-time $2,000 grant to all participants who maintain a 3.5 GPA. To what purpose can the one-time grant be used?

This special fund can be spent on any approved

Programs of Distinction13.indd 7

educational endeavor. Study abroad, internships, service learning projects, or special research opportunities are examples of the many ways this grant can be used to help Fellows pursue the experiences that will enable them to develop their fullest potential.

When is the deadline to submit the application?

The application deadline is December 15.

How are Fellows selected?

In selecting Gregorian Fellows, we look for a student's evidence of academic talent, leadership ability and desire to have an impact on his/her surroundings, and a strong understanding of the importance of promoting Catholic identity in public life.

How should I submit my essays and rĂŠsumĂŠ?

You may submit your materials electronically at: benedictine.edu/gregorian.

When will students learn of selection results?

Students will be notified after January 15.

Learn more at: benedictine.edu/gregorian.

10/2/2014 9:34:45 AM

www.benedictine.edu

Programs of Distinction13.indd 8

10/2/2014 9:34:46 AM