Honors Program will hold virtual information session for students considering attending Norwich University
Scholarship starts here. Prospective students can get an inside look at Norwich University’s Honors Program in two webinars this week.
Dr. Michael Thunberg, an assistant professor in Norwich’s History and Political Science Department, leads the program and will lead virtual get-to-know-you sessions from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 9 to 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The program, launched in 2011 led by Associate Provost, Academic Affairs and Assessment Natalia Blank, allows academically strong, highly motivated students to explore modern problems through special interdisciplinary courses, conduct independent research with a faculty mentor, and build toward an honors thesis.
“Honors mentors go above and beyond the traditional teaching and advising responsibilities to help students create a personally tailored academic experience.” Dr. Michael Thunberg, director, Norwich University Honors Program
On- and off-campus activities, such as 2020’s research presentation to members of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., enhance their undergraduate education and prepare them for graduate work and careers.
In an email, Thunberg said he’ll discuss the program’s requirements:
First year honors seminar: An interdisciplinary course driven by faculty expertise in which students learn to engage in intellectual debate.
Contract course: In this course, completed during the sophomore year, students work directly with a faculty member to enhance a current course offering.
Thesis preparation course: This course, taken during the junior year with the Honors director, helps students establish a more focused research interest and begin independent research that will lead to their senior thesis.
Senior thesis: This extensive research project addresses an original question and the Honors Program’s final product. A faculty mentor and two additional faculty committee members oversee this work, which students will present and defend publicly.
Eighty-two students are in the Honors Program now, Thunberg said. Students must maintain a 3.2 grade-point average and complete that year’s requirements to stay in the program.
“While students already take advantage from small classes at Norwich, this is even more of a personal touch,” he said. “Honors mentors go above and beyond the traditional teaching and advising responsibilities to help students create a personally tailored academic experience.
“We strongly encourage students to take advantage of offerings by the Office of Undergraduate Research,” Thunberg added. “Honors mentors can help prepare and submit competitive applications. Most of these opportunities come with funding.”
Learn more about the Honors Program here. Click here for details about Tuesday’s sessions and here for details on Wednesday’s session.
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