Brookhaven College
Honors College Task Force
Final Report
April 21, 2014
Charge to the Task Force
In March, 2014, Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Student Success Rodger Bennett requested that
the recently formed Honors College Task Force create a report to detail an honors college program at
Brookhaven College. The charge included a review of any previous versions of Brookhaven honors
programs, a review of honors programs across the state, and the request to develop an honors program
that addressed the following: courses to be included in the honors program, criteria that will easily
distinguish an honors course from a traditional course, persons responsible, load, pay and enrollment
considerations, a website for the honors program and a phased-in approach to meet a full honors
program by spring 2015.
Task Force Membership
Hazel Carlos
Anna Masters
Scarlett Hill
Benedict Uroda
Claire Bambrough
FT Faculty – Co-chair
QEP Director - Co-chair
FT Faculty
FT Faculty
FT Faculty/Interim Dean
Don Welsh
Sam Govea
Doris Rousey
PSS
Dean
Dean
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Overall Goals
The Task Force was charged with the review and development of a potential honors program at
Brookhaven College. With this consideration, the Task Force moved forward with the following goals:
A) To review previous and current Brookhaven College honors programs and designations to
inform the Task Force regarding previous efforts to provide BC students with honors
programming opportunities
B)
To review source guides
C) To identify an optimal honors program as defined by Brookhaven College standards of
student and faculty excellence via Mission and Vision statements
D) To establish a timeline to initiate an honors college program
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To establish these goals, the following methods were utilized:
A) A review was conducted of the 1987 Brookhaven College Information for Honors Faculty
handbook. This handbook included an overview and philosophy of the program, faculty
guidelines, proposal for honors courses and evaluation forms.
B) A review of additional two and four-year institution honors programs was completed. This
was achieved via online research, phone and on-site interviews and personal experience of
the committee members.
C) Resource documents were reviewed from:
• A Handbook for Honors Programs at Two-Year Colleges by Theresa James
• National Collegiate Honors Council
• Two and four-year institutions including:
- Austin College
- Lone Star Colleges
- Richland College
- Eastfield College
- Colin County College
- Miami Dade Community Colleges
- Barrett College
- University of Texas
- University of North Texas
- Texas Tech University
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Southern Methodist University
D) Standards and structure for the Brookhaven College honors program were informed by the
college’s Mission statement, Strategic Goals and Values.
E) A timeline was established to assist the committee in determining the scope of the work, to
coincide with current course programming, and to establish priorities for program planning.
Method of Work
A) Review the Charge
B) Review previous Brookhaven College honors programs and current honors programs at two and
four-year institutions
C) Conduct weekly meetings to research and report on specific aspects of the charge
D) Process information for final report
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Recommendations Adopted by the Honors College Task Force
Proposed Mission Statement
Brookhaven Honors College offers an innovative and enriching learning environment to exceptional
students who want to graduate with a competitive edge, well prepared to take on the challenges of the
21st century.
Supported by a team of dedicated faculty committed to rigorous academics and learner-centered
instruction, honors students are encouraged to think deeply and creatively as they seek solutions to
real-world problems and become leaders who actively engage in their communities.
Honors Program Structure
To maintain the highest levels of student engagement, development and academic excellence, the
Brookhaven College honors program will be structured as a “college.” This framework represents a
commitment to the establishment of an environment with standardized expectations for the students,
faculty and staff. It demonstrates to the larger college community the importance of this designation as
a pathway to articulation to the best four-year institutions.
The college structure will serve Brookhaven College in the following ways:
• Improve retention rate through cohort programming
• Assist in the recruitment of well-prepared students
• Through symposiums, lead the college in discussions of various intellectual explorations
Core Courses to be included in the Honors College curriculum
ENGL 1301
ENGL 1302
HIST 1301
HIST 1302
MATH 1314
MATH 1332
PSYC 2301
BIOL 1406
BIOL 1407
GOVT 2305
GOVT 2306
Honors Forum
Composition I
Composition 2
History of the U.S.
History of the U.S.
College Algebra – STEM majors
College Math – non- STEM majors
General Psychology
Biology for Science Majors 1
Biology for Science Majors 2
Federal Government
Texas Government
1 Hr. Course
Qualities of the Brookhaven College Honors College
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Small seminar-like class sizes
Coursework involving research, independent inquiry, creative expression and community service
Honors Forum designed to present speakers and programs tailored to student’s interest and
current events and global topics
Transfer eligibility into university honors programs
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Interdisciplinary learning
Service learning and leadership
Experiential learning
Learning communities
Participation in conferences and presentations
Specialized advising
Brookhaven College Honors College Program Administration – See Appendix A
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Director/Dean – Full time
Administrative Assistant
Advisor
Advisory Committee
Faculty Profile, Load and Responsibilities
Profile
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Committed to the honors program and its goals
Provides intellectual leadership
Enthusiastic
Creative in small class settings
Experienced in interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration
Models and promotes excellent writing in the classroom
Challenges students to think globally and discover international connections
Encourages active and collaborative learning
Incorporates the latest technology in the class and with assignments
Creates a problem-solving environment
Load
Full-time faculty who teach in the Honors College in a given semester will receive 20% release time
(refer to Appendix B) to team teach the Honors Forum, develop curriculum, mentor honors students,
participate in professional development, student engagement and activities and consult with the Honors
College Advisory Committee. Adjunct faculty teaching one 3-hour honors course will receive an hourly
contract to fulfill the other responsibilities.
Responsibilities
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Development and delivery of class content
Participation in Honors programming, i.e. may serve on the Honors College Advisory Committee,
lead seminars, and serve as an ambassador for the program
Student mentoring
Ongoing professional development
Learning Community advocate and participant
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Other Considerations
Enrollment
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Minimum number of honors credit hours required each semester to be in Honors program is six
(6).
Honors College student enrollment expectation is four (4) classes per semester in fall and spring.
Support for low enrollment, especially in the first year, is crucial.
Minimum of one section per Honors course will be offered in the first year.
Class cap is 15 students.
Honors Designations
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Details TBA; however, a Brookhaven Honors College Scholar will have successfully completed at
least 25 honors credit hours (including seminar) upon graduation.
Inter-Relational Elements
The success of the Honors College is dependent on many constituents at Brookhaven College. Please
refer to Appendix C for a list of inter-relational departments and discussions with those departments’
representatives regarding their support of the Honors College and its unique needs.
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Destination Website (Honors College Branding)
The web site for the BC Honors College will include the following items:
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Description of honors program
Academic life – describing the quality of honors classes
Information for prospective students
Admissions requirements/recommendation form
Scholarship opportunities
Description of honors activities
Honors faculty and staff directory
List of courses offered
Calendar of activities
Alumni and/or parent testimonials
Articulation agreements
Student activity pictures
eBrochure
Timeline
Immediately
August 2014
August 2014
August 2014
August 2014
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
May 2015
May 2015
July 2015
August 2015 (before classes commence)
Approve program and funding for director/dean
Begin search - identify director /dean and advisor
Marketing of program
Designation of Honors College student center
Outfitting Honors College student center
Course scheduling for fall 2015
Designation of faculty
Begin accepting applications
Coordination of speakers/lecturers
Funding of enrichment activities
Close acceptance of applications
Fall Open House for honors students
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Appendix A
Honors College Administration
The National Collegiate Honors Council’s Handbook for Honors Programs at Two-Year Colleges
recommends a minimum staff, consisting of an honors director/dean, administrative assistant to the
director/dean, advisor and Honors College Advisory Committee.
The Honors Director/Dean:
A. Exhibits high academic stature and standard
B. Demonstrates skills in several of these areas:
 Teaching
 Administrative
 Managerial
 Public relations
 Public speaking
 Sales and marketing
C. Exhibits high energy level and ability to motivate others
D. Demonstrates comprehensive perspective on honors education
E. Works well with the honors committee and all stakeholders
F. Considers institutional effectiveness when creating and maintaining the honors college
G. Manages functions of particular importance including:
 Student relations
 Budgeting
 Communications
 Report writing
 Presentations
 Time management
 Organization
H. Sees director/dean as “the face of the program”
I. Networks with area schools and alternative education programs to develop interest in the
honors college
J. Understands articulation agreements with honors programs at four year institutions
K. Has knowledge or can coordinate service learning or volunteer opportunities in the
community
L. Interacts well with the larger college community
M. Participates in local, regional and national conferences related to honors programs
N. Is familiar with financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Source: National Collegiate Honors Council (nchonors.org)
From interview with David Doyle –Director of SMU’s Honors Program
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Flexibility and adaptability – every day is different
Need to work well with faculty and staff throughout the college
Honors director also teaches, but limited to two courses a semester
Maintain courses that qualify for honors credit – this may change every semester depending on
the courses and what profs are available to teach
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Fundraises – very difficult – SMU Honors has a very small endowment (less than 10K annually)
so fundraising is a big part of the Honors program director
Develops support for students – with SMU mentors, honors programs directors, professors, is
ongoing
Admission process can be time consuming, depending on qualified students each semester.
Students meeting certain criteria are automatically invited to enroll in the Honors program.
Advises students
Creates/schedules enrichment activities – although some students will find their own – SMU
encourages this practice
Administrative Assistant to the Director/Dean
This position assists the director/dean in all aspects of honors college administration including:
• enforces honors college policies
• implements course scheduling
• coordinates attendance at conferences
• coordinates Honors Forum presentations
• serves as liaison between the director/dean and faculty
• coordinates service learning opportunities
Advisor
The advisor will assist students with transfer and articulation planning, course scheduling, and
coordination of services including financial aid, counseling, graduation and honors orientation.
Honors College Advisory Committee
The committee will work closely with the director to establish long-term planning for the Honors
College, assess effectiveness of the program and advocate for any specific needs of the program.
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Appendix B
Salary Projections for Honor College Administration
Director/Dean
$42,023 - $74,428
Administrative Assistant
$28,557 - $32,141
Advisor (Full Time)
$28,557 - $32,141
Faculty Release Time
20% or Adjunct Equivalent $2,164 x 2 semesters =
$4,328
$4,328 x 6 Instructors = $25,968
Total
$125,105 - $164,678
*Based on full-time employment
*Salary Bands (Bands I – V) are quoted from the Dallas Country Community College Human Resources
Compensation and Salary Schedules.
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Appendix C
Inter-Relational Elements
Departments that impact us directly (and will need to be as supportive as they are able):
Admissions – must work directly with our Director or selection committee.
Advising – ideally we need a dedicated advisor to the Honors College, at the very least we MUST
have one advisor who is the expert concerning the Honors College and how it works with the core.
Counseling – Skill Shops attuned to Honors students’ needs.
Library – this will require more periodical purchases (online and offline) and focused book
purchases coordinated with the Honors College with guided toward deeper learning.
Marketing and Public Relations – Get the word out about seminars, our Program, etc.
Multicultural Center – Since this is going to be a very intensive course work relying on creativity
and critical thinking, our students MUST have a firm grasp on our cultural definitions of plagiarism and
the student code of conduct so that every student has a level playing field and our International
students get the support that they need to be successful.
Outreach and Recruitment – Identify and recruit students for the Honors College.
Student Life – Our students need to be actively involved in the life of the college at large.
Tutoring – May not only help our students but may be a great source of tutors and tutor
certification for our Honors students with not only aids in cementing the course material but it adds to a
growing resume’.
Offices that serve us well as they serve the whole college (no special treatment is required here):
Book Store
Business Office
Career Development Center
Disability Support Services
Financial Aid
Health Center
Police
Testing Center
Registrar
Inter-Relational Elements – Discussions
Meeting with Brian Borski (Director of SPAR) 4/15/14
Involved with Student Life, Brian Borski, was very supportive of the Honors College and could see our
students being very involved with student government as well as various clubs on campus. He sees our
students in leadership roles. He is ready to join us at a table for future discussions
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Meeting with Sarah Ferguson (Executive Dean of Educational Resources) 4/15/14
Sarah Ferguson saw both the importance of the Library as a training tool for more research driven work
as well as Tutoring as support and a place for our students to get valuable experience.
Meeting with Oscar Lopez (Vice President of Student Services) 4/17/14
Oscar was very supportive of our program but somewhat hesitant because of space considerations in Sbuilding to adopt our position of X003 as a locus for the Honors Program but he understands the
necessity of our program having space in a one-stop-shop. Oscar feels that we need to do more for our
outstanding students and he would like to see Service Learning as a component in our courses.
We discussed the method of denoting the honors program on the student transcript and Oscar
volunteered his services to spearhead the transcript changes necessary. He also suggested that we
combine with other colleges within the District of like programs and get consensus on the changes that
would be district-wide. He also suggested that we should use Colleague as much as possible for the
ability to be able to retrieve data and run statistical reports easily. One important addition would be to
add a “Student Type” to Colleague for our Honors Program. He is quite willing and excited to sit at the
table for future discussions as we move forward.
Future discussions:
Admissions application process: Mike Meyer and Juanita Flint
Development of special SkillsShops e.g. Critical Thinking: Beverly Neu Menassa
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