| Abstract: |
This paper discusses attempts made by the author to reinvigorate the College Honors Program at Union County College in New Jersey (UCC). Created in 1985 to offer an enriched learning experience for exceptional liberal arts students, the Honors Program helps students develop their thinking skills and achieve academic success. However, due to decreased enrollments, reduced resources, and frequent changes in directors, the program declined. Promising students who qualified for the program often opted to go to four-year institutions instead of UCC. Funding was also a concern, since full scholarships for honors students were discontinued. The author, appointed director of the program in 1995, implemented several means for recruiting both college and high school students, using various methods for identifying honors students and providing them with information about the program, visiting high schools, and advertising. Results of this initiative suggest that though enrollments are up only slightly, prospects look encouraging for the future of the honors program. (YKH) |