The Baruch College Faculty Handbook

Last
updated on 10/3/13

Overview

Since its inception, the Baruch College Honors Program has attracted outstanding students and seeks to create opportunities that expand Honors students’ horizons in terms of the options for their careers and lives.  Faculty members serve as the foundation of the Honors program; Honors faculty have identified active learning and academic rigor as key components of their work in the Guiding Principles of Honors Classes. Classes join students in the process of inquiry through case studies, group projects, vigorous discourse and innovative uses of technology. A growing number of students are now studying abroad and culminating their undergraduate educations with an undergraduate thesis.  The program is also advised by the Honors Faculty Advisory Committee.

The Honors Program takes pride in the personal and supportive advisement provided to each scholar. Advisors help students connect with the resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

Scholar Programs

Most students are admitted into the program as entering freshmen, either directly (Baruch Scholars) or via acceptance into the Macaulay Honors College at Baruch (Macaulay Scholars). They are given full-tuition scholarships, a comprehensive honors curriculum, and access to a number of cultural enrichment opportunities.

Others (Provost’s Scholars) are admitted into the program based on academic performance at Baruch and recommendations of honors program faculty. To be eligible for admission, students must successfully complete at least one honors course and are asked to submit a letter of recommendation from the faculty member.  Students who have entered Zicklin with a 3.6 GPA are eligible to apply for the Zicklin Honors Program.

Most honors classes are open to students who are not enrolled in the Honors Program so long as they meet GPA requirements (3.3 for 1000 and 2000 level courses and 3.4 for courses at the 3000 level or above).  To find a list of current Honors courses, type ‘h’ in the course number of the online schedule of classes.

Fellowships & post-graduate opportunities

The Honors program includes the Fellowships and Post-Graduate Opportunities Advisor, who works with students, alumni, and faculty to recruit and prepare students for competitive national fellowships and post-graduate opportunities.  For more information, contact Fellowships@baruch.cuny.edu or view the Fellowships webpage.

Departmental Honors/Thesis

Student may opt to write an honors thesis in their major or minor areas of specialization (course numbers 6001-60003 in most academic disciplines). Faculty play a critical role in identifying qualified students and either chairing or serving as readers on thesis committees. Each student must submit a written application and prospectus prior to registering for the thesis. The application must be approved by the prospective mentor, the departmental chairperson, and the Chairperson of the Committee on Undergraduate Honors prior to registration. For questions relating to the thesis, you should contact the Chair of the Committee on Undergraduate Honors or the Baruch College Honors Program Director.  Applications are available on the Baruch College Honors Program Website.

Helpful resources for faculty:

• Get involved in Honors
• Contact Honors staff or Baruch.honors@baruch.cuny.edu
• Visit the Honors Faculty Digital Community, which includes the Guiding Principles of Honors Courses.
• View the undergraduate Honors mission statement
• Honors Thesis Guidelines
• About Fellowship and Post-Graduate opportunities for students
• Encourage a student in your class to apply to the Provost’s Scholar Program