, in this issue learn about our fall study & travel courses, hear from an Honors alumnus, and view upcoming events and student opportunities.
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Study & Travel to Greece and Japan this fallThis fall the Honors College is offering two amazing Study & Travel courses to Greece and Japan. Travel the world with Honors!
HONR 3087 – Study and Travel to Greece
This immersive program offers a unique blend of academic and field-based learning experiences across Athens, Nafplio and Crete. Participants will explore the distinctive cultural heritage of these regions through a variety of hands-on activities, integrating historical insights with delightful food and beverage experiences. From ancient ruins to vibrant local markets, students will gain a profound understanding of Greek culture while savoring its renowned cuisine.
HONR 3087 – Study and Travel to Japan
This course will provide an immersive experience through travel to Tokyo and Tsukuba, Japan. Students will spend nine days traveling through these cities, experiencing both the rich cultural history of Japan as well as Japan’s innovative technology and future-thinking design. This trip will focus on how Japan's leadership in sustainable and resilient communities, and students will be able to bring their experiences back to support their future studies. Our travels will include many walking tours, interactive activities, opportunities to connect with Japanese companies and experts, and much time to explore on their own.
Learn more about each of these courses during our Study & Travel Information sessions on February 27 and 28, 2025. |
Honors Alumni Spotlight: Hu "Oliver" ZhaoHu "Oliver" Zhao continues to draw inspiration from the life lessons he learned as an Honors College student, shaping both his personal growth and academic career. Currently pursuing a doctorate at Texas A&M University, Zhao and his journey are a testament to resilience and dedication. Learn more about Oliver through the button below.
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Make a nomination for the Eagles of Excellence Awards!Every spring, the Honors College looks forward to celebrating our hard-working students, faculty, volunteers and alumni. The Eagles of Excellence Awards recognize those who have gone above and beyond, in the Honors College as well as generally at Auburn University, in the arenas of leadership, research, service and teaching.
The nomination portal is now open and you may submit for multiple awards through the portal. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. Learn more about each award and nominate someone (or yourself) today! |
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As the past few days have introduced me to the delights of Auburn’s early spring, one of the most famous lines of English literature has been running through my mind, from the General Prologue to Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
. Opening with an evocative description of the natural world as it awakens from the cold of winter, Chaucer observes that at this time of year, “Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages” (Then people want to go on pilgrimages). My own desire is less for myself to go abroad at this moment, than it is for all of you, the Honors College’s wonderful students, to graduate from Auburn having had the life-altering experience of educational travel.
Why do I think travel is so important, especially for students who already exhibit impressive academic accomplishments and deep engagements in co-curricular activities? The short answer is that no matter how good a student you are, no matter how hard you study on our campus, you will learn things through travel that you cannot learn otherwise, and you will internalize those lessons on a bone-deep level. |
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When I was a sophomore in college, I enrolled in a course on the history of Mexico that included a spring break trip to Mexico City and Morelia, a beautiful colonial-era city in central Mexico. I had been to Canada several times as a child, and once had been to Germany with my family, but this was my first time being outside of the United States without my parents. More than three decades later, I think about this trip all the time. I did lots of tourist things like visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, but those are not really what I think about. Rather, I remember countless small experiences I had -- navigating a crowded subway, timidly haggling in a street market, playing hide-and-seek with young
children in a city park, witnessing levels of poverty I had never seen before in the outskirts of the city, touring churches that looked and felt so different from my home churches in their expression of the same religion, getting sick from accidentally drinking untreated water, getting lost and then finding my way back to the hotel that in truth was just around the corner. |
Study & Travel Information SessionsFebruary 27 & 28 | 2 p.m.
Delve into the rich history and culinary traditions of Greece or jet set to the ubër-modern yet century-old country of Japan with the Honors College. Learn more about both of these exciting fall semester study & travel opportunities at one of our two information sessions. Stop by Cater Hall on Feb. 27 or 28 at 2 pm to find out how you can explore the world with our especially designed study and travel courses. Eísai étoimos? -- Ikuzo!! |
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Cup at CaterMarch 5| 9-11 a.m.
Kick off March with coffee, tea and breakfast treats at Cater Hall! Stop by March 5, to sip, snack and celebrate the new month with us. See you there! |
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Casino Night!February 27 | 6:30 p.m. | Broun Residence Basement
Join Congress for an evening of slots, music and mocktails! |
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Working Meeting and Director VisitMarch 3 | 6 p.m. | Mell 2550
Hear from the director of the Honors College, Dr. Stevens! She will be presenting ideas she has for the future of Honors. Immediately following, work will begin on formal decorations! |
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Watch Party - Auburn vs. Texas A&MMarch 4 | 8 p.m. | Mell 2510
Join Congress for a Basketball Watch Party to watch the Tigers take on Texas A&M. Congress will provide free pizza and drinks to keep you fueled while you cheer on Auburn, relax with friends or even tackle some homework while enjoying the game. |
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Family DinnerMarch 17 | 6 p.m. | Cater Back Porch
Congress is excited to see everyone for their second Family Dinner of the semester! Join Congress to eat food, play games and hang out together! |
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General MeetingMarch 24 | 6 p.m. | Mell 2550
Come hear updates on all Congress happenings! Immediately following the General Meeting, we will be working on putting the final touches on our decorations for formal. We'd love your help! |
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Become an LEAD Mentor
What is the LEAD Mentorship Program? The Honors Peer Mentorship Program is a lifeline for incoming Honors College freshmen to help ease the transition into the Honors College and university life by grouping new students with experienced upperclassmen. New students have a contact from the first day they arrive on campus to help them navigate this new step in their lives.
Mentors are paired with a small group of first-year students with whom they interact throughout the summer and fall semester. In addition, there will be some responsibilities during the spring semester. All mentors will assist in planning one large group activity for all participants.
If selected as a mentor, you will be required to participate in the following:
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One spring training session: April 27, 1-5 p.m.
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Hold space in your schedule for HONR 1087: Honors Mentor Lyceum (1-hour credit) (Class will be Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.)
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Whitney Comer at
wrc0024@auburn.edu.
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Join the Honors Ambassador TeamInterested in becoming an Honors Ambassador? The Honors College Student Ambassadors play a vital role in furthering the Honors College mission. Ambassadors represent the college to prospective students and assist in the recruitment of first-year, transfer and prospective students. Applications open February 25 and close on March 23. |
Apply for the Astronaut Scholarship (ASF)The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation supports high-achieving students in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while honoring the achievements of the United States' astronauts.
The ASF awards more than 70 scholarships valued up to $15,000 to each selected scholar. Scholarship programming includes an Astronaut Scholar conference, mentorship, professional development, networking and recognition.
The Honors College is proud to have two previous ASF winners, Ayden Kemp (2023) and Maggie Nelson (2022).
More information about eligibility and nomination criteria can be found through the button below.
Nomination packets should include:
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two letters of recommendation
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You will need a faculty member to sponsor your nomination. This faculty member can write one of your letters and should be someone you know well (i.e. through research, classes, student organization, etc.).
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personal statement
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copy of academic transcripts
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C.V. or resume
For questions regarding the application process and upcoming deadlines contact Dr. Whitney Comer. |
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Honors Research Fellowship applications dueHonors Students conducting research in any field may now apply for an Honors Research Fellowship. This fellowship allows students to secure funding
ranging between $500 to $1500 for research-related expenses. Utilize these funds to support research projects, research-related travel or conference travel.
Fellowships will be granted based on factors such as anticipated graduation date, commitment to the Honors College and project needs.
Applications are due March 7 2025. To learn more about the fellowship and apply click the button below. | |
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HONR 1077 Peer Instructor Applications for Fall 2025 Open March 17Interested in giving back to our incoming class of Honors students? Apply to be a Freshman Exploration Peer Instructor!
Peer Instructors are an integral part of class, helping students navigate their first year in Auburn and in Honors. They provide an informed voice, serving as representatives of the Honors student experience. The responsibilities of a Peer Instructor include but are not limited to: attending class, attending meetings with their instructor, co-facilitating classroom discussions, communicating with students, and representing Honors through an upperclassman perspective.
Honors Peer Instructor positions are available to students who are in good standing, currently enrolled in the Honors College, and who have successfully taken Freshman Exploration. Peer Instructors will be enrolled in an Honors Lyceum course and receive credit for their experience.
Applications close April 4th at 11:59PM
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Become a Gogue Center Ambassador
The Gogue Center Ambassadors provides a leadership opportunity for Auburn University students dedicated to serving the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. Ambassadors work across campus, within the Auburn community, and beyond, acting as hosts and volunteers for GPAC-sponsored performances and events. This select group of students serves as a liaison between Auburn University’s student body, academic departments, and GPAC, as well as with prospective students, alumni, donors, faculty and administrators.
To apply, students will need to submit the following documents:
Applications are open today through March 7, 2025. |
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