Introduction to the University Scholars Program

 

The University Scholars Program (USP) offers highly motivated and high-achieving students the opportunity for small classes and personalized attention to research projects on campus and in the community.

The program consists of eight semester credits of upper-division University Scholars coursework, which can easily be created alongside any of the professional and degree programs. It offers enriched, rather than accelerated, classes that emphasize writing, discussion, critical analysis, problem-solving, and active learning. University Scholars classes allow students to engage in discussions with other bright, curious students in an atmosphere of intellectual creativity and investigation. University Scholars courses are taught by some of the finest faculty at WSU Vancouver, instructors whose love of teaching makes their courses among the most popular on campus.

The University Scholars Lecture Series, a key component of the WSU Vancouver University Scholars Program, brings students in direct contact with internationally renowned scholars and artists. The University Scholars Program experience culminates in a faculty-guided independent research project within students' major area or in another area that captures their imagination and passion.

 

Why be a University Scholar?

  • The experience offers small classes taught by some of the best professors on campus. The emphasis is on critical thinking skills, not rote memory work. Students have the opportunity to take ownership of their learning in the interactive, hands-on environment of a research university.
  • Participation in a research lecture series brings program participants into contact with leading scholars, researchers and community thinkers, whose work and ideas are having a local and global impact.
  • Access to semester-long library borrowing privileges accorded to faculty and graduate students.
  • Support in completing a Thesis or Project, a required capstone of the University Scholars Program experience. This project is a way to showcase focused academic work to prospective employers and graduate schools. The thesis or project allows students to choose an issue of interest to them, and working closely with a faculty member, to create a significant paper and presentation that ties together the student's own ideas with the scholarly discourse in the field. The thesis builds upon and demonstrates the skills for life-long learning that has been developed through he campus curriculum.

What Are University Scholars Students Like?

University Scholars students at the Vancouver campus bring a wide range of life experience to their academic studies. Some are of traditional college age while others are returning to the classroom after years of contribution to family, business, and community.

University Scholars courses offer students the opportunity to interact with peers from many different disciplines. This mix makes for open and stimulating discussions from a variety of perspectives. Univeristy Scholars students excel not only in the academic arena, they contribute to the life of the campus community. They often participate in and lead student clubs and government or belong to national honors societies.

University Scholars students continue to achieve after graduation. Many will go on to graduate and professional schools. With the aid of assistantships and fellowships, they continue their education in a variety of fields at prestigious academic institutions. Other University Scholars graduates make daily contributions to their communities in such varied careers as the arts, business, education, engineering, management, and the sciences.

Who will be a University Scholar?

Students identified as University Scholars will be exceptional undergraduates identified in the campus learning community, who are renowoned for their well-developed personal and professional leadership skills, and also for their considerable service activities impacting a wide variety of local, national, and international communities. They will have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and will be assigned a Research Faculty Mentor.

Which Univeristy Scholars courses are required?

  • UH 301 University Scholars Lecture Series
  • UH 398 Honors Thesis Research Seminar
  • UH 399 Honors Thesis Seminar
  • UH 450 Honors Thesis or Project

Note: Substitutions within certain majors may exist. Check with the University Scholars office for more detailed information.

How Do Students Apply to the University Scholars Program?

Admission to the University Scholars Program is competitive (of those applying, only 15 will be admitted at this time) and requires completion of the application form by April 15, 2008. Coursework will begin in Fall 2008.

Submit completed application forms by email to univscholars@vancouver.wsu.edu or by mail to the address listed below. Please see the Forms/Petitions page for an application.

For more information contact:

WSU Vancouver University Scholars Program
VADM 207
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone: 360-546-9159
Fax: 360-546-9036
univscholars@vancouver.wsu.edu