The pioneers behind UMPI’s new honors program.Adam Weyenth, Sarah Harris, Darius Haskell, and Evan Zarkadas.
Many universities in the United States have an honors program. The University of Maine at Presque Isle has had challenges maintaining one. But four students– Evan Zarkadas, Darius Haskell, Sarah Harris and Adam Weyenth–are working to change that.
“We used to have honors classes like regular classes,” Haskell said. Students in the classes would work on skills such as team leading and research. Together the current students have made a plan on what a new honors program would look like.
“The target is to find interesting students,” Zarkadas said. Honors will have a live program. The program is still in its early stages.
Freshmen-and-sophomore-level classes would work in groups. Students who wish to join must have a grade point average of 3.0. They must also have taken an FYS-100 course. New members will be welcomed with an induction ceremony.
Sophomores in the program must complete an Hon-200 course. They are also able to go on the honors retreat during the spring semester. Retreats are used to help students figure out their research projects.
Juniors have must take a Hon-300 course. Students must participate in University Day with at least one presentation. Presentations take place once a year.
Seniors are required to take Hon-421. Students will lead this course. Students will choose and create the projects. Seniors must go to two honors events a year.
The students hope that this student-based program will bring more school pride to UMPI. Benefits of the program are that students will gain more confidence in their day-to-day lives. Graduates will also have an honors designation on their transcripts.
