The Myth of an Honors Education (Multiperspectivism in Honors)

It is my nature to come at the question of honors from an idealistic perspective. I willingly admit that from the outset. However, as a student affairs professional I strive for balance in thought and in practice. I intend, through this manuscript, to provide a comprehensive, thoughtful look at the institutional commitment to honors tracks in higher education. Hence I explore, first, the controversial questions surrounding honors admissions policies. In addition, I look at the discrepancies that exist between the privileges afforded to honors students versus non-honors students. I believe these two issues challenge all honors administrators to remain vigilant in regard to the idea of honor and the oftentimes questionable barriers set in place that confer honors privileges. My graduate assistantship in the Provost's Office at The University of Vermont has provided me with an administrative angle on honors which has pressed me to construct my own unique view of what honors is and can be. In turn, I hope to challenge honors administrators to continue to actively reconstruct the notion of honors education in the Academy. I believe it is to our detriment as educators to remain static in our view of any pedagogy. The ultimate success of an educational program will emerge as a direct reflection of the energy that is invested into its creation and implementation. I seek a transformative view of honors education in this country, a view that can be accomplished through a corresponding commitment to what excellence in honors can mean. I believe honors needs to be defined more broadly to include diverse cultural and philosophical perspectives in recruitment, curricular construction, and overall practice. I also believe honors needs to expand its commonly held conception of selectivity. Finally I see, hidden in the word honors, the word "honor" which should stand as the driving factor behind the subsistence and ongoing development of honors pedagogy in the Academy. For, without honorable energy infused throughout the mission of honors education, the reflection of its intent will appear murky.