Enhancing the Honors Program Experience

The Governors State University Honors Program is now entering its 22nd year as an Honors Program. As Honors Program Co-Chair, I was tasked with researching student-centered initiatives to help enhance the honors experience by attending the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. One such initiative is creating a “Video Lecture Series” where campus faculty, outside organizations, or students have to ability to impart their knowledge to others. As an Honors Program, we value students who have a commitment to becoming life-long learners, and a “Video Lecture Series” would facilitate beneficial professional development. Not only do we value student achievement, but we also value student health and wellness. As students continually strive to better themselves, there must be an emphasis on one’s mental health. The Honors Program can contribute to mental health advocacy through a Mindfulness Ambassador position for the Student Council. This position would coordinate wellness activities throughout the year for honors students and work closely with the Health and Wellness Center. Lastly, the Honors Program can foster social support networks through Honors Program Peer Mentoring. Inviting experienced Honors Program students to become mentors create opportunities to discuss student-centered issues, allowing for the enrichment of the mentee’s Honors Program experience. Mentors are additionally provided a unique opportunity to hone their leadership skills and inspire future generations of Honors Program students. The future for the GSU Honors Program is bright as long as we continue to push the boundaries and redefine what our Honors Program truly represents. Presenter:Logan KrskaUndergraduate Student, College of Health and Human Service