Learn about Collin Colleges Honors Institute: Q&A with Professor Michael Rose

Cougar News recently spoke with Professor of Psychology Michael Rose, director of the American National Bank of Texas Honors Institute at the Wylie Campus, about the Collin College Honors Institute. Read on to find out what you may be missing.

What is the Honors Institute?

Rose: The Honors Institute is for students wishing to explore critical topics covered in the curriculum in greater depth. The classes are designed to present material not discussed in standard courses. Honors classes are not intended to be more challenging than the other courses offered at Collin College; however, they do reward students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher for their diligent work. Honors courses also give students an excellent foundation for transferring to four-year universities and graduate programs.

How many Honors Institute facilities are available at Collin College, and where are they located? Who are the directors?

Rose: There are four Honors Institute facilities at Collin College. The facilities are located at the Wylie, Plano, McKinney, and Frisco campuses. We have a director placed at each of these campuses. I am the director at the Wylie Campus, Keith Elphick serves at the McKinney Campus, Lauryn Angel works at the Frisco Campus, and Daniel Sattizahn has recently replaced Michael Latham at the Plano Campus.

What is new about the Honors Institute?

Rose: The Honors Institute reduced its Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement from 3.5 to 3.25 to reflect its vision more accurately. The original GPA was among the highest in north Texas and represented a barrier. The honors directors wanted these classes to be a reward for tenacity and diligence. We also wanted to help develop students and play an active role in their continued success and goal achievement.

Why should students consider taking honors classes?

Rose: Some of the changes you may see in these classes are popular books, such as New York Times bestsellers as opposed to a traditional textbook, presentations of controversial topics and themes, opportunities outside the classroom to learn, and leadership development.

What benefits do honors students receive?

Rose: Students receive first-day registration privileges and smaller class sizes for a more intimate experience. Upon completion of an honors class, students receive an honors designation on their transcripts for each honors class they complete. Our transfer agreements with the University of North Texas, Texas A&M University-Commerce, and Texas Womans University are another privilege. If you would like to explore those agreements, please visit the honors website, one of our honors suites, or contact one of the directors.

Honors students also receive free scantrons, blue books, and printing in a private computer lab. The honors suites have a casual lounge area and informal study or conference rooms.

What have students told you about their experiences in honors classes?

Rose: Students tend to be intimidated by the thought of taking honors classes. They may think it will comprise busy work or that they may receive a lower grade than they would have received in a non-honors section of the same course. This fear is quickly replaced with satisfaction and assurance that they made the correct decision.

I have had many students tell me they were so happy they took the chance on the honors class. They often mention that the honors course feels easier because of how it is structured. They love the smaller class sizes and feel the honors class was enhanced because they were in a learning environment with like-minded students who are focused on learning exciting material and developing their academic rsums.

Taking honors classes also provides a community for the students. I often see honors students studying together and developing rapport.

Why do you love teaching honors classes?

Rose: I enjoy teaching honors because it allows me to present material that I may avoid in a regular section due to a lack of time or because I need to spend more time on a particular topic. I enjoy the students and their desire to learn more and dig deeper into many fascinating topics discussed in class. These students have a solid drive to understand the world around them and the desire to gain more from their educational experience. They also keep me on my toes in a class by asking questions I dont tend to get from regular sections; this helps me to grow as a professor.

Would you please share facts that many students may not be aware of?

Rose: Do not be intimidated by these courses; honors classes at Collin College are not the same as advanced placement courses in high school or gifted and talented programs. Those courses tend to include more coursework. Honors classes are different from typical courses. We are here to reward students for their hard work, increase the quality of their academic rsum, help build confidence, and promote a sense of community. Honors courses are not more challenging; they are different. They are courses that are designed to meet the needs of honors students and to help make them better candidates when they are ready to transfer to another college, program, or career.

How do taking honors classes and being in an honors program benefit students?

Rose: Because honors professors must meet specific criteria when teaching honors classes, honors students will start to develop their academic vita (an academic rsum) much earlier than most students. These students are provided opportunities to develop and conduct research and may be offered potential publishing, presentation, and community outreach opportunities.

Where can students find out more information about the Honors Institute? www.collin.edu/academics/honors/