, in this issue read about Honors Congress, winter events, student opportunities and more.
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Building a framework with Honors CongressThe success of the Honors College goes beyond specialized Honors courses and the medallions that signifying graduation with distinction. The college is a community that fosters ties among its members while positioning its students to lead. This is especially true for our student organization housed within the Honors College: Honors Congress.
Founded in 1986, Honors Congress is the college’s official student organization. Recently, the organization has undergone structural changes that enlarge the group’s purview and provide a wider range of opportunities for Honors students to get involved, whether their interests are focused on academics, athletics, service, inclusion, facilitation, or creativity.
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The season of winter is upon us, even in balmy Auburn. So, also, is the season of frenzy and stress -- whatever holidays we celebrate, we tend to be rushing around at this time of year to various gatherings, airports and stores. We hurry, then we wait in line, and then we hurry some more. For students, this stress compounds with the arrival of deadlines and examinations, and then the tense anticipation of final grades.
For this final newsletter of the semester then, I would like to wish you all some moments of quiet and calm, after your examinations if not before. I hope you are able to take some time for yourself to sit still, to enjoy the company of loved ones, and also to enjoy some moments just being with yourself. Honors students famously are high achievers. They seek out challenge, and they handle immense complexity in their lives. They are busy souls, always doing, always getting things done. |
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Those are wonderful qualities that the world needs, and I feel so privileged to be the director of a college dedicated to supporting such active and engaged students. But those are also the very students who most need to be urged to find some quiet.
I therefore wish a happy end of the semester to all our students, to the college’s amazing staff, and to the broader Auburn Honors community. I also wish you a time of rest, before your return to campus in January. I look forward to reconnecting with all of you in a few weeks.
Dr. Laura Stevens
Director, Honors College
Professor of English
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Cup at CaterDecember 4 | 9-11 a.m.
Celebrate the end of the semester during Cup at Cater! Stop by Cater Hall on Wednesday morning for a little holiday cheer featuring coffee drinks, snacks and breakfast goodies. This will be the last Cup at Cater of the semester. |
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Finals Week SnacksDecember 9, 10 and 11
During finals week, take a brain break and enjoy some free snacks and goodies (worry worms) in the RBD Honors study room. |
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Break for BreakfastDecember 10 | 8 - 11 a.m.
(while supplies last)
Everyone needs a break, so have one on us! The Honors College will host a free breakfast with cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches on December 10 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Cater Hall exclusively for Honors students. This event will only last as long as the breakfast goodies do, so come early. |
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B.R.I.D.G.E. Fireside ChatDecember 3 | 6 p.m.
Join the group for the last discussion of the semester! Participate in an activity with the B.R.I.D.G.E. group while diving into the third defining word: Integration. |
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Congress Cookie Cook OffDecember 4 | 3-5 p.m. | Cater Hall
For the last event of the semester, Congress is hosting a fundraiser for Honors Formal! For $5, any Honors student can taste a variety of cookies and vote on their favorites. If you are interested in being a baker, please email Ellie Morgan (ecm0086@auburn.edu) to sign up. Bakers will receive free access to all cookies. The winners of our three superlative awards will receive a free ticket to formal! |
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The Undergraduate Research (UR) Fellowship application submission opens on January 10, 2025.The UR Fellowship program is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to apply the knowledge they have obtained in the classroom to a research project! Students may select from a year-long, two-semester and a summer fellowship.
Starting semesters offered are Summer 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026. Here are some of the testimonials from our current students:
"It has completely changed how I view research and inspired me to continue to look into it in the future" - Tessa Allen 2023-24 Fellow
"It is a great opportunity for student that do not know anything about research to dip their toes in" - Brittany Bates 2023-24 Fellow
"I believe it has influenced my future career because of the skills I acquired during my time as a research fellow" - Bailey Branham 2023-24 Fellow
"Undergraduate research is extremely rewarding. Do not be scared to apply or follow through with the program. By the end, after your hard work, you will be able to look back at your achievements with pride" - Jazmine Carroll 2023-24 Fellow
If you are interested in learning more about the URF program, the application process and frequently asked questions, please visit the undergraduate research website.
(Engineering Students: All students applying for a fellowship in the College of Engineering must submit a brief email of intent to Apply for the Fellowship by December 16, 2024 to mla0001@auburn.edu. Visit website for details.)
Interested students should begin identifying a faculty mentor to discuss their research project with. The student and the faculty mentor who agrees to work with them will then submit a joint application using the online portal.
The Undergraduate Research Fellowship application submission will close February 15, 2025.
Fellowship award period can be up to May 1, 2026. |
Apply for a $5,000 scholarship through Phi Beta Kappa
The Phi Beta Kappa Society is now accepting online applications for their Key into Public Service scholarship. The program connects undergraduate arts and sciences majors with pathways into local, state and federal government service. The Society will select 20 successful applicants who will receive $5,000 academic scholarships and will participate in an educational conference experience in Washington, D.C., that will provide them with training, mentoring and resources on pathways into public service careers. Phi Beta Kappa membership is not required, but students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Characteristics of ideal recipients include intellectual curiosity, breadth and depth in arts and sciences coursework, leadership propensity and service to others. Interested students can learn more and apply online until January 21, 2025, at
PBK.org/ServiceScholarsApp. |
Study abroad in Costa Rica and earn a minor
This seven-week Costa Rica study abroad experience includes five classes and will enable students to complete a 15-credit minor in Tropical Conservation and Sustainable Development in one summer. The minor is available to all students across the university and there are no course prerequisites. Here are a few quick facts:
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7 weeks
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5 courses
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15-credit hour minor
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No prerequisites
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Open to all students with sophomore-level standing at the time of travel
The minor is interdisciplinary and collaborative and is taught by Auburn University faculty from four colleges, including the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, College of Agriculture, College of Science and Mathematics, and the University College of Sustainability Studies. Further, faculty and researchers from the partner and host institution, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), will enhance the experience with local knowledge and expertise and support for field classes. More details can be found via Auburn’s International Programs. |
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