Honors Scholars and Academic Fellowship Programs Booklet

Honors Scholars & Academic Fellowship Programs

LEVEL UP YOUR EDUCATION

An Enhanced Academic Experience

Are you ready for a more challenging and in-depth academic experience?

High Point University offers the innovative programs and fellowships outlined in the following pages to help you achieve those goals. Honors Scholars and Fellows collaborate with fellow students and faculty to deepen their connection to their education and engage in undergraduate research opportunities.

Honors Scholars and HPU Fellows apply their coursework to real-world issues. They have the time and space to tinker with ideas and materials, to figure out what works and what does not. They practice reflecting on their experiences and presenting their ideas in public.

In addition to these academic benefits, each student accepted and enrolling in the Honors or to any Fellows program is awarded an additional $3,000 per year merit scholarship.

Yes, your grit will be tested, and your ideas will be debated. You will be challenged in ways that can be both scary and exciting. But that is the purpose of college!

I encourage you to continue reading for further information. Remember: if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at abauer@highpoint.edu. I look forward to answering any of your questions.

HPU HONORS AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS

FINDING YOUR ACADEMIC FIT

On the following pages, you’ll explore HPU’s Honors Scholars Program and a variety of HPU Fellowship Programs open for your application.

Fellows Programs include:

n Business Fellows

n Communication Fellows

n Creative Arts Fellows

n Education Fellows

n Health Science Fellows

n Siegfried Leadership Fellows

n Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship

n Natural Science Fellows

What is a Fellows Program? Fellows are groups of students looking to expand the passion they feel for their major or a specific skill set beyond the classroom and traditional curriculum.

Experiential learning is at the heart of the Honors Scholars and each Fellows Program, allowing students to engage in deeper interactions that further their course of study.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Honors Scholars and fellows will receive a $3,000 scholarship renewable annually based on academic performance and continued participation in the program. This is in addition to any Presidential or High Point Scholarship. Fellows must meet GPA and professionalism requirements to be awarded continuation of their fellowship into the next academic year.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for membership into Honors Scholars or any Fellows Program, you must first submit your High Point University undergraduate admissions application. Then, please complete the Fellows Program application that most suits you through your PantherPage. You may apply to multiple programs, but students are only offered admission into one program.

PRIORITY DEADLINE: JANUARY 15

FINAL DEADLINE: MARCH 1

HPU HONORS SCHOLARS A QUALITATIVELY DIFFERENT EDUCATION

The HPU Honors Scholars Program is a highly-selective program for students in any major interested in an advanced and different college experience. A focus on problem-based learning, a living/learning community and interdisciplinary study are hallmarks of the program.

A GLIMPSE AT THE BENEFITS

DISTINCT HONORS CURRICULUM

Honors students complete their own core curriculum, one that replaces the general education curriculum and provides discussion-based courses, hands-on projects, cross disciplinary research and the ability to more easily double major and add minors. At 39 credits, the core curriculum gives honors students more space to explore their academic interests and the opportunity to start their major courses sooner.

SCHOLARSHIP & TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors Scholars will receive a $3,000 scholarship, renewable annually based on academic performance and continued participation in the program. This is in addition to any Presidential or High Point Scholarship. Scholars must meet GPA and professionalism requirements to be awarded continuation of this award into the next academic year.

A LL UNIVERSITY HONORS

The ultimate benefit of the Honors Scholar Program is the chance to graduate from High Point University with the designation of “All University Honors.” This is the highest academic designation a student can receive upon graduation from HPU.

PRIORITY REGISTRATION

Honors students receive priority registration for courses every registration period. This enables honors students to build schedules that best fit their honors and major classes while also allowing time to consider cocurricular and extracurricular activities.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Students in the Honors Scholars Program receive a $3,000 scholarship in addition to any High Point University scholarship. The award is automatically renewable for all four years as long as students remain in good standing in the Honors Scholars Program.

HONORS HOUSING

Honors Scholars form a tight-knit, supportive community in Finch Residence Hall, which is located in the heart of campus, and is home to our Faculty-in-Residence. For their first two years, honors students use Finch Hall as their “home base,” engaging in cocurricular and extracurricular activities such as intercultural events, group meals, project building and study teams. The common spaces include a full kitchen, a workshop space and two collaboration rooms. Honors Scholars are the only second-year students who live in the heart of campus.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL UNIVERSITY HONORS:

n Complete the Honors Core Curriculum with a 3.0 GPA.

n Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.

n Curate and reflect on a portfolio of your academic and cocurricular achievements.

REBECCA ULRICH ’18

HPU Honors Scholar

Awarded placement into the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Illinois.

Major: Biochemistry

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Unique Opportunities:

“Being an Honors Scholar has set me apart as an academically exceptional student, which made faculty eager to take me on as a research student my freshman year. This prepared me for summer research programs on campus, in the United Kingdom and in Iowa, of which the latter two were funded by the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health.”

Preparation for the Future:

“Being an Honors Scholar has taught me how to critically analyze things and to synthesize different pieces of information from different areas into a cohesive piece. It has helped me learn how to examine different aspects of an issue and be open-minded, but analytical and critical. I know I will stand out to future employers because of my broader worldview and unique skill set as a result of being an Honors Scholar.”

BUSINESS FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Business Fellows Program provides students with a four-year, experiential, team-based scholastic, business experience with like-minded students. Working with dedicated directors, students are provided personal mentoring, networking, travel and opportunities to learn about business careers and the ever-changing business world from scholars and practitioners. Students will engage in deep interactions with the business faculty from disciplines such as accounting, banking, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, project management, sales, strategy and supply chain and then have opportunities to see how these disciplines are applied in real-world business applications.

Business Fellows will also have priority access to High Point University’s In-Residence Professionals – world leaders who have committed their time and expertise to help HPU students stand out in a crowded market.

STUDENTS

FELLOWS

PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:

n Work closely with expert faculty members

n Complete core business classes as a cohort

n Have priority access to HPU’s In Residence Professionals and important networking events

n Participate in the Center for Creative Leadership’s Developing Leaders of Distinction Program

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful applicants to the Business Fellows Program will have a declared major in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, marketing or sales and have a track record of interest in studying business. Previous business courses, owning a business, participation in business competitions or conferences and other business-related experience will be an advantage for applications. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 100 incoming business students in each entering class.

n Engage in service to our on and off-campus neighbors, including the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

n Travel to Orlando and participate in the Disney Institute’s Quality Service Certification Program

For more information about the Business Fellows Program, contact:

COMMUNICATION FELLOWS PROGRAM

Each year, the top 50 incoming communication majors are granted access into High Point University’s Communication Fellows Program. Students select a specialization as a media, sport, or publicity and event fellow and are mentored by faculty members with professional and academic backgrounds within that specialization. They work together on creative and research projects, travel to examine trends in their communication industry and receive extra training in professional development. They will graduate with a polished portfolio, a resume and the interviewing skills needed to launch a career in the communication industry of their choice.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Communication Fellows Program is available to students who plan to major in advertising, public relations and strategic communication; event management; game design; hospitality management; journalism; media production; social media and digital communication; sport management; or sports media.

MEDIA FELLOWS

The Media Fellows program provides students with an immersive, holistic understanding of media production and practices, with an emphasis on technical proficiency, aesthetics, storytelling and critical thinking. This fellows program will be especially appealing to students in game design, journalism and media production.

SPORT FELLOWS

The Sport Fellows program focuses on navigating the global sport business industry, including collegiate and professional sport management and network media broadcasting. This fellows program will be especially appealing to students in sport management and sports media.

PUBLICITY AND EVENT FELLOWS

The Publicity and Event Fellows program engages students in the world of advertising, campaigns, social media, persuasion, experience creation and service delivery, and emphasizes writing and visual content development. This fellows program will be especially appealing to students in advertising, public relations and strategic communication; event management; hospitality management; and social media and digital communication.

For more information about the Communication Fellows Program, contact: Dr. Matt Ritter | Associate Professor of Strategic Communication | mritter@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9623

CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Creative Arts Fellows Program provides students with a four-year, experiential, team-based scholastic experience with like-minded students. Working with a dedicated director of the program, students are provided personal mentoring, networking, travel and opportunities to learn about careers in the ever-changing arts world from scholars and practitioners. Students in the Creative Arts Fellows program will participate in value-added learning experiences that embrace the university’s growth mindset philosophy and connect students to faculty, peers and professionals. The programming is threefold, focusing on community building (personal and professional), experiential learning and leadership development culminating in a well-rounded graduate who can differentiate him/herself in the public sphere.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful applicants to the Creative Arts Fellows program will have a declared major in art, dance, English (creative writing), graphic design, music, and theater and have a track record of interest in studying the arts. Previous exhibitions, performances and a robust portfolio will be an advantage for applicants. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 25 incoming students in applicable majors in each entering class.

STUDENTS IN THE CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:

n Complete classes as a cohort

n Engage with faculty mentors

n Have priority access to guests artists

n Receive travel opportunities within the United States to unique cultural centers

n Participate in closed master classes within their discipline

n Develop exhibition or performances with one-on-one faculty mentorship

n Have a VIP behind-the-scenes experience at Disneyland

n Serve as an upper-class mentor for first and second year fellowship students

For more information about the Creative Arts Fellows Program, contact: Dr. Emily Gerhold | Assistant Professor of Art History | Director of Sechrest Gallery | egerhold@highpoint.edu | 336.841.4680

EDUCATION FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Education Fellows Program provides an integrated academic and experiential opportunity for students who demonstrate exemplary potential and a desire to impact the education profession. The four-year experience focuses on the themes of connection, engagement, challenge and leadership. It supports fellows as they work together in common courses to co-design innovative solutions to educational challenges that are manifested in schools and communities. Opportunities for undergraduate research, professional development, and mentorship from faculty and experts within the field are key components of the Education Fellows Program.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful applicants to the Education Fellows Program will have a declared major or licensure area in the Stout School of Education and have a passion for education. Previous work with children or youth, club and organization leadership, educational shadowing or other related experience will be an advantage for applicants. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 25 education students in each entering class.

STUDENTS IN THE EDUCATION FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

n Take select education courses as a cohort

n Participate in special fellows-only seminars

n Provide service to local schools and the community

n Develop as content creators and pedagogical experts

n Travel to unique educational models within the Southeast

n Opportunities for mentorship with educator

For more information about the Education Fellows Program, contact: Professor Rosie Tarara | Coordinator of Education Fellows | rtarara@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9647

HEALTH SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Health Science Fellows Program provides students with a four-year, experiential, team-based scholastic experience with like-minded students. Working with a dedicated director of the program, students are provided personal mentoring, networking, travel and opportunities to learn about careers in the ever-changing world of health science. Students in the Health Science Fellows Program will participate in value-added learning experiences that embrace the university’s growth mindset philosophy and connect students to faculty, peers and professionals. To this end, the Health Science Fellows Program seeks to expose, nurture and develop knowledge and analytical thinking related to the health science discipline. The programming is threefold, focusing on community building (personal and professional), experiential learning and leadership development culminating in a well-rounded graduate who can differentiate him/herself in the public sphere.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful applicants to the Health Science Fellows Program will have a declared major in the Department of Health and Human Performance. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 40 incoming exercise science or health and wellness students in each entering class.

HEALTH SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM WILL:

n Complete classes as a cohort

n Receive priority consideration to Congdon School of Health Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program

n Participate in tours of highly regarded research, clinical and professional health science facilities

n Engage with faculty mentors

n Complete group service projects

n Participate in closed Fellows Symposiums with faculty, visiting scientists and other community leaders

n Take a leadership role in the annual Health Science and Employee Wellness Annual 5k Run/Walk

n Travel and attend Scientific Symposia, Sports Medicine Conferences and other important events in the field

n Serve as an upper-class mentor for first year fellowship students

n Develop an electronic portfolio of completed projects

The departments of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training reserve admission spots for Health Science Fellows. Applicants who meet each program’s admission requirements and are in good academic and professional/behavioral standing must apply through the respective schools and attend an interview day.

For more information about the Health Science Fellows Program, contact: Dr. Braden Romer | Associate Professor of Exercise Science | Director of Health Science Fellows | bromer@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9669

NATURAL SCIENCES FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Natural Sciences Fellows Program will enrich the academic experiences of students who show exceptional promise by providing them with unique and targeted professional development opportunities that prepare them to be leaders in their fields. Key elements of the program include fellows-only sections of introductory courses, coaching on professionalism and scientific communication, backstage access and networking opportunities with leading scientists and innovators, and guaranteed research opportunities with faculty mentors.

As a result of their participation in this unique program, Natural Sciences Fellows will distinguish themselves from their peers as they enter the workforce and graduate or professional programs as poised, confident leaders who have mastered both the hard and soft skills that ensure success in their profession.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful applicants to the Natural Sciences Fellows Program will have a declared major in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience or physics and have a track record of success in their studies of the natural sciences. Previous science-related experience will be an advantage for applicants. The program is highly selective and is limited to the top 60 incoming natural sciences students in each entering class.

STUDENTS IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES FELLOWS PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:

n Enroll in fellows-only sections of introductory science courses

n Receive targeted coaching on professionalism and scientific communication

n Travel together to a city rich with experiences relevant to careers in the natural sciences

n Travel together for a scientific service trip

n Participate in and receive funding for mentored research projects in the natural sciences

n Receive funding for travel to scientific meetings

n Priority access to participation in the Summer Research Program in the Sciences (SuRPS)

n Coaching for graduate school, professional school, job applications and interviews

For more information about the Natural Sciences Fellows Program, contact:

SIEGFRIED LEADERSHIP FELLOWS PROGRAM

High Point University’s Siegfried Leadership Fellows Program is a premier transformative and empowering leadership experience offered through a renowned four-year progressive program. The program aims to cultivate influential global agents of change.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Successful applicants to the Siegfried Leadership Fellows Program will possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and be focused on pursuing academic and professional excellence. The program is highly selective and limited to the top students who want to be prepared to lead, give, serve and make a positive impact on our global community.

THE FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM:

YEAR 1

LEADING SELF

n Introduction to Leadership Theories

n Increased selfawareness of leadership disposition

YEAR 2

LEADING GROUPS AND TEAMS

n Focus on understanding the viewpoint and needs of others

n Self-assessments and dedicated time for team building with peer mentoring teams

n Civic engagement team project

n Interaction with local government and business leaders

YEAR 3

LEADING CHANGE

n Focus on widening perspective and spanning boundaries

n Self-assessments and dedicated time for team building with peer mentoring teams

n Leadership development with the Center for Creative Leadership

n ‘HPU in the City’ employer trek with companies in the Triad

YEAR 4

LEADING HOLISTICALLY

n Focus on making a difference and leaving a legacy

n Self-assessments and dedicated time for team building with peer mentoring teams

n Mentorship from business and community leaders

n Completion of a legacy project that makes a difference to HPU and/or the city of High Point

ROBERT L. SIEGFRIED JR., CPA

CEO & FOUNDER, THE SIEGFRIED FINANCIAL GROUP, LLP

In 1988, Rob Siegfried had a dream to start his own CPA firm that would transform the accounting industry. What started as a small company in Wilmington, Delaware, has grown into a national firm employing hundreds of people. Accounting Today recognized him as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.” Today, Siegfried provides unique leadership advice and exceptional talent delivery that enable financial executives to become better leaders and to exponentially improve their lives.

For more information about the Siegfried Leadership Fellows Program, contact: Stan Turbeville, Ph.D. | Siegfried Leadership Fellows Program Associate | sturbevi@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9709

STRICKLAND WOMEN’S L.I.F.T. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

LEADING AND INSPIRING FEMALE TRAILBLAZERS

The Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program provides networking, leadership development, mentorship and coaching for female students interested in becoming CEOs, leaders, entrepreneurs, executives and trailblazers in their chosen careers. The program is not limited to any one field of study. Rather, L.I.F.T. students will work alongside accomplished faculty and executives to strengthen their self-efficacy, confidence and leadership capacity. The Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program will generate a sustainable pipeline of women who desire to blaze a trail for themselves and all women as they progress in college and into the next stages of their lives.

“Through the L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program, our students will develop the mindset and skills that allow them to thrive as women leaders in their professions and in their communities.”

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Female students who have exceptional academic, leadership and service accomplishments and want to strengthen these skills with mentorship, coaching and experiential and service learning opportunities will want to apply for the Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program.

STUDENTS IN THE L.I.F.T. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO:

n Interact and network with accomplished female CEOs and business leaders on the Strickland Women’s Leadership Council, HPU alumnae and other students in L.I.F.T.

n Engage in unique experiential learning opportunities, professional development seminars and service projects

n Plan and host seminars and speaking events

n Take unique courses together as a cohort

The L.I.F.T. Fellowship is made possible through the vision and generosity of Elizabeth Miller Strickland. A trailblazer herself, Strickland attended HPU where she was crowned Miss High Point College in 1952. Betty and her late husband Bob, former chairman of the board of Lowe’s Home Improvement, believe in education, mentorship, experiential learning and the God, family and country values that HPU embodies. In 2020, Betty was recognized as HPU Alumna of the Year for her service to High Point University and her visionary leadership to her community.

“I have always believed that you don’t only go to college to simply learn how to make a living, but you go to college to learn how to live. HPU’s mentorship model and practice of equipping students with life skills allow that to happen.”

For more information about the Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship, contact: Dr. Rhonda C. Butler | Director of the Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T Fellowship | rbutler3@highpoint.edu | 336.841.9558