HONORS COLLEGE STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-2019
Vision
The Honors College at Washington State University will provide the best liberal arts education within a major research university.
Mission
The mission of the Honors College is to prepare our graduates for the 21st century interconnected world through a thought-provoking curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. The Honors College recruits students of high ability and initiative from Washington and across the nation. These students are involved in cutting-edge research; are campus, community, and statewide leaders; are world travelers; and are academic role models. Small, discussion-based classes and an Honors thesis emphasize critical thinking and enhance students’ written and oral communication skills. Study- and research-abroad opportunities together with a foreign language requirement reinforce global understanding and awareness.
Values
The faculty, staff, and students of the Honors College seek to create a community of learning that values
- High standards of scholarship and achievement
- Creativity
- Global awareness and responsibility
- Independent thinking and intellectual risk-taking
- Integrity, character, and moral responsibility
- Respect for diversity among individuals
- Engagement with, and responsibility to, the community
- The spirit of service and philanthropy
Goals
The Honors College plays an essential role in Washington State University’s over-arching vision to be one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities, preeminent in research and discovery, teaching, and engagement.
Goal 1 Recruit and retain academically outstanding undergraduates
Continuing to recruit and retain a strong cohort of well-prepared students into the Honors College enhances the reputation of Washington State University as a destination university. It also provides an outstanding resource of talented students to work with faculty on a wide variety of research projects. Students in the Honors College should represent 5-10% of each incoming first-year class.
Potential Initiatives and Tactics:
- Increase investment in outreach and recruitment for high-achieving students in Washington and the western states including Alaska and Hawaii
- Develop recruitment programs for students transferring from the state’s community and junior colleges, especially those that have Honors Programs
- Continue to provide high quality personalized advising and mentoring by faculty
- Sustain and develop peer mentoring programs, such as Honors 198, and Honors College Ambassadors
Quantitative Metrics
- Average high school unweighted GPA
- Average SAT score (composite verbal and mathematics sections)
- Average composite ACT
- Average GPA of transfer students
- Number of National Merit Scholars
- Number of Regents Scholars
- First year retention
- 4-year and 6-year graduation rates
Targets
- Average high school unweighted GPA 3.84
- Average SAT score (V+M) 1300
- Average composite ACT 29
- Average GPA of transfer students > 3.6
- Number of National Merit Scholars 10 per year
- Number of Regents Scholars 30 per year
- Sustain first-year retention rate at > 90%
- Sustain four-year graduation rate > 70%
- Sustain six-year graduation rate > 90%
Supported Washington State University Goals
Sub-goal 2.a. Enhance student engagement and achievement in academics and cocurricular activities.
Sub-goal 2.d. Align student recruitment, admissions, and retention system-wide to enhance access, inclusiveness, and student success.
Goal 2 Increase number of students studying and conducting research abroad
International experiences better prepare WSU graduates for work and life in a diverse economy and society and increase learning outcomes in diversity and cultural competency.
Potential Initiatives and Tactics:
- Promote existing exchange programs and develop new programs with strategic partners throughout the world
- Create a network of research opportunities with the world’s leading research universities
- Develop internships that offer intercultural opportunities
- Promote nationally-competitive programs such as DAAD/RISE that support international research and internships
- Increase financial support from both the public and private sector for international activities
Quantitative Metrics
- Percent of Honors graduates who participated in an approved study abroad
- Percent of Honors graduates who participated in an international research or internship program
Targets
- Percent of Honors graduates who participated in an approved study abroad program >50%
- Percent of Honors graduates who participated in an international research or internship program >30%
Supported Washington State University Goals
Sub-goal 3.d. Increase WSU’s global presence and impact worldwide
Goal 3 Increase engagement and productivity of Honors students
Research and creative activities are characteristic features of most Honors Colleges and Honors Programs. At Washington State University all students are required to complete an Honors College thesis or participate in an accredited engineering design or entrepreneurship program. Research helps to develop critical thinking and provides opportunities for students to enhance their oral and written communication skills. Working on research projects with Washington State University faculty outside of course or program requirements provides a valuable resource for faculty.
Potential Initiatives and Tactics
- Provide fellowships to support Honors students’ research with faculty
- Provide resources for travel to conferences
- Recognize faculty commitment to Honors College students
Quantitative Metrics
- Number of publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Publications in arts and literary magazines including regional or national Honors publications such as Scribendi
- Number of presentations at professional meetings including on-campus events such as SURCA
Targets
- % of seniors who have done work on a research project with faculty member outside of course or program requirements > 30%
- No valid metric currently available on publications
Supported Washington State University Goals
Sub-goal 1.e. Increase engagement and productivity of graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and undergraduates in mentored research, innovative projects, and creative endeavors.
Goal 4 Increase the number of Honors students who compete for and win Distinguished Scholarships
A significant increase in the number of WSU students who win Distinguished Scholarships increases the overall visibility and reputation of Washington State University and moves the university closer to Association of American Universities (AAU) status. For the individual students who win these awards, incredible opportunities become available during their undergraduate careers and beyond.
Potential Initiatives and Tactics
- Identify scholarship and fellowship opportunities
- Continue mentoring activities and workshops
- Provide resources to help students develop competitive profiles
Quantitative Metrics
- Number of students applying for nationally competitive undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and fellowships
- Number of students being awarded nationally competitive undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and fellowships
Targets
- Minimum of three Distinguished Scholarship recipients per year
- Minimum of one Rhodes/Marshall/Truman/Gates Cambridge applicant per year
- Minimum of one NSF-Graduate Research Fellowship/National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship or equivalent per year
Supported Washington State University Goals
Sub-goal 2.a. Enhance student engagement and achievement in academics and cocurricular activities.