Program DescriptionThe UMKC Honors Program seeks to attract exceptionally motivated and academically talented undergraduates to study in an environment that encourages excellence.Traditional and nontraditional undergraduates, from every school and college at the University, will develop their academic and leadership skills within the context of a broad, interdisciplinary education, which will ultimately prepare them for graduate studies and professional careers. The UMKC Honors Program is designed to enrich the college experience of the most outstanding students through the integration of traditional and novel approaches to learning from the behavioral and social sciences, the humanities, the hard sciences and other divisions of the University. In Honors, students enjoy small classes taught by some of the best professors, guaranteeing a stimulating intellectual challenge.
Honors CreditIn order to accomplish these goals, all honors students have the opportunity to enroll in honors courses and a weekly interdisciplinary colloquium taught by some of the best faculty on campus. Colloquium allows honors students to meet informally on a regular basis to discuss and debate important issues. The Honors Colloquium introduces students to a different theme each semester, selected based on faculty and student research interests. Here all the honors students, freshmen and seniors alike, meet with the UMKC faculty and distinguished guest lecturers on subjects ranging from the environment to religion, from the fine arts to astronomy.Honors credit may also be received from:
Program InitiativesOn campus UMKC offers a supportive atmosphere to encourage integrative thinking through an exciting Living/Learning Community and specialized advising with Honors Faculty Fellows. Leadership skills are honed through special institutes and unique seminars where students reflect on and analyze their community-service experiences. Finally, with an eye toward giving students a leg up on their graduate school and career goals, honors students are strongly encouraged to conduct innovative individual and collaborative research or artistic activity in the form of the senior honors thesis.Some of the other advantages that the UMKC Honors Program offers students include:
Admission to the Honors ProgramTo be considered for admission, a first-year student should:
Transfer students generally need to:
Continued Participation in the Honors ProgramHonors students are required to register for the Honors Colloquium at least three-fourths of the time they are enrolled in the UMKC Honors Program. Additionally, a minimum overall grade-point average of 3.2 is required for all honors students for continued participation in the Honors Program. Students whose overall grade-point average drops below a 3.2 have a one-semester grace period during which time they can remain in the Honors Program while they work on bringing their cumulative grade-point average above the 3.2 minimum. If, at the end of the grace period, the student's grade-point average is still below a 3.2, the student will be dropped from the Honors Program. In view of certain extenuating circumstances, and in consultation with the student's academic adviser, the director of the Honors Program may choose to allow the student to remain in the program.Honors Living-Learning CommunityThe UMKC Honors Program, in collaboration with the Department of Residential Life, sponsors the Honors Living-Learning Community. Located in UMKC's new residence hall, this community of honors students has the opportunity to live and learn together through cohort classes, special programs and events, informal interaction with UMKC faculty, social activities and community service. The program is designed to build cohesive community among the honors students, promote student and faculty engagement and provide continuity of the intellectual learning experience outside of the classroom.Study AbroadMembers of the UMKC Honors Program are strongly encouraged to spend a summer, a semester or a year studying in a foreign country. Taking classes and living abroad is one of the most personally and intellectually fulfilling experiences a student can have while an undergraduate. The Honors Program organizes a summer study abroad program, but in consultation with the Honors Director, students can earn honors credit by participating in any study abroad program. For more information on Study Abroad, see http://www.umkc.edu/international.The Honors HouseThe Honors Program is pleased to invite all honors students to make use of the Honors House: 5317-19 Holmes, 3rd Floor. Members of the Program have free access to a newly remodeled space where they can meet, hang out, study, conduct discussion sessions, etc.SEARCH: Students Engaged in Artistic and Academic ResearchHonors students completing the senior honors thesis or undergraduate research are encouraged to present their findings at the annual SEARCH Symposium for Research and Creative Achievements. The purpose of this symposium is to display and celebrate undergraduate participation in outstanding research and other creative endeavors. Presentations may be in the form of poster presentations or other performance media displaying creative works.For more information, see the SEARCH section under Learning Programs and Resources in the catalog. Undergraduate Honors ClubThe Undergraduate Honors Club is a forum whereby the honors students contribute to the governance of the Honors Program. Traditionally, members are responsible for organizing the social and community service activities for the Honors Program as a whole.
UMKC College Mock Trial ProgramThe UMKC Mock Trial Program is closely affiliated with the Honors Program. Most practices are held in the Honors House, and priority in the selection process is given to honors students. Moreover, students may also earn honors credit for participating in Mock Trial.UMKC is a member of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA). At the beginning of every school year, AMTA provides a 'case' which is available to all members on its Web site. Using the case materials and the various rules of evidence and procedure (based on the rules that govern practice in United States federal courts), the student teams of 6-8 present the case in front of judges in competitions against teams from around the Midwest, as well as the entire nation. Students can participate either as attorneys, witnesses or both. Mock Trial is an excellent activity for those students who are considering attending law school for several reasons. Mock Trial helps students develop the skills that make trial lawyers successful (e.g., excellent oral communication skills; the ability to quickly develop and articulate a logical, persuasive argument; and an understanding of the rules of evidence). However, the UMKC College Mock Trial program is not just for pre-law students. The oral communication and logical reasoning skills that are honed in mock trial will benefit all students, regardless of their intended vocation. Doctors, politicians, business persons, pharmacists, teachers, accountants and just about every other potential profession rely to some degree on these skills. Indeed, theatre majors are encouraged to apply because Mock Trial witnesses are essentially actors. Participation is only open to current UMKC undergraduate students who do not have a prior graduate or professional degree or prior UMKC students who have graduated within 120 days of the tournament. Selection for the squad is always highly competitive. Students interested in becoming members of the program should contact the coach, Derek Moorhead (phone: (816) 235-6094 or e-mail: moorheadd@umkc.edu). |
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