Honors College

Application & Reference Forms

Application form completed by the student. Must be typed.

The Freshman Honors College application includes the following:

• Completed Application Form
• An official copy of your 7th semester transcript (This is a separate process from Admission to the University)
• Reference forms and letter completed by a school administrator/community member and a teacher in sealed envelopes to the applicant
• Essay attached to application packet
• Official verification of ACT score either on official transcript or photocopied from ACT results material.

Evaluation Process

A committee of five faculty members and two current students in the Honors College will review each qualified application against a 100 point rubric with points as follows:

• 40 points-Academic Record to include ACT, GPA, and Transcript Analysis
• 25 points-School Activities, Community Service, Employment, Honors and Awards
• 15 points-Essay Evaluation
• 10 points-Letters of Recommendation
• 10 points-Discretionary

Once the points are collected from each committee member, a matrix will be created, scores averaged, and a line drawn at the top 42 applicants.  These are the applicants who will be invited to campus for On-Campus Interviews.

The interview will be evaluated on a 50 point rubric with points as follows: Appearance, Fluency of Response, Depth of Response, Non-Verbal Communication, and Perceived Personality.

Once the points are collected from each Interview Panel Member, an average will be calculated and these points added to the original 100 points.  A line will be drawn at the top 30 applicants and those are the students who will be invited to the Honors College.  The remaining 12 students will be kept in a holding pool and moved up should someone in the top 30 not accept their invitation.

2020-2021 Application

2020-2021 Reference Form

On-Campus Interview Information

Applications are due January 15, 2020.  The committee will do a preliminary screening of all applicants and the top 42 will be invited to campus to participate in the interview process.  These invitations will be extended the week of February 3rd if not before.  Interviews will be held on Sunday, February 9th.  Students will be placed in two cohorts on that day, with the first group reporting to campus at 12:00 noon and the second group at 2:30pm.

After a brief introductory session, students will proceed to one of four interview rooms where they will meet with an interview team consisting of a member of the selection committee, a current student in the Honors College, and an alumnus of the Honors College.  Each interview will last approximately 20 minutes and each applicant will be asked the same set of questions.  Students will also have the opportunity to take a campus tour if they have not already done so.  Following the interview process, the committee will meet and the top 30 students will receive invitations to become members of the PSU Honors College for the fall of 2020.

The on-campus interview is required for any student who desires to be a part of the Honors College program.  For  those individuals who live a great distance from PSU or who might have conflicts with making the trip to campus, a SKYPE room will be set up in order to conduct the interview.  All skype connections must be video in format.   It will be the applicant’s responsibility to have the necessary computer technology in their possession to facilitate the interview.  All SKYPE interviews must be established well in advance of the interview day to ensure scheduling coordination.  SKYPE can be downloaded free from the internet at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home.

NOTE: All materials must be postmarked by January 15, 2020, to ensure consideration for the applicant in the 2020-2021 Freshmen Honors College Class. Applications received after the Jan. 15 postmarked date will not be considered for review by the selection committee.

Requirements and Admission to the Honors College

Entering freshmen whose applications are postmarked by January 15th prior to the fall semester in which the student will enter Pittsburg State University will be considered for membership.

Students graduating from an accredited high school:

• ACT composite score of 28 or higher OR SAT Critical Reading + Math score (CR+M) of 1310 or higher; AND
• Complete the Kansas pre-college curriculum (or equivalent for non-residents) with at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale

The Pre-college Curriculum as established by the Kansas Board of Regents includes:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of Math (nothing below Algebra I will be accepted) OR 3 units and one of the following: an ACT Math score of 22 or college credit in College Algebra
• 3 units of Natural Science
• 3 units of Social Science
• 3 units of electives (English, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Fine Arts, Computer Information Systems, Foreign Languages, Personal Finance, Speech, Debate, Forensics, Journalism and Career Technical Education)

International students:

1. 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; AND
2. ACT/SAT/National Standardized Test; AND
3. Rank in the to 1/3 of high school graduating class; AND
4. Minimum TOEFL Score of 68 (Internet based); AND
5. Recommendation from the PSU International Program and Services

Of the thirty students selected as members of the new incoming freshman class, the top twelve will receive the Presidential Scholar Award, the next twelve will receive the University Scholar Award, and the final six will receive the Crimson and Gold Scholar Award.

Presidential Award

$9,500 per year for four years plus a one-time Study Abroad Stipend up to $2,000.

• Total four-year package: $40,000
• Presidential Scholars cannot receive any admission based awards (AAA, Valedictorian, Diversity) on top of their Honors College award, however, they can receive college or departmental awards up to the cost of attendance.

University Award

$4,500 per year for four years plus a one-time Study Abroad Stipend up to $2,000.

• Total four-year package: $20,000
• University Scholars can receive admission based scholarships up to the cost of tuition and fees, as well as college or departmental awards up to the cost of attendance.
• The Academic Achievement Award will be the first admission based scholarship applied.

Crimson and Gold Award

$1,000 per year for four years plus a one-time Study Abroad Stipend up to $2,000.

• Total four-year package: $6,000

Members of the Honors College have many opportunities to make great new friends and lay a solid foundation for their success. It all begins with the Honors College Overnight Orientation experience. More than two months prior to their first semester of college, the new incoming freshmen attend this orientation, allowing them the opportunity to stay in the residence halls on campus, meet other Honors College members, and learn more about Pittsburg State University and the Honors College.

On the first day, students participate in a variety of events throughout the day and evening, including a pre-enrollment information session, help sessions, team building activities, and a Who Am I? Show. The Who Am I? Show is simply an opportunity for students to share a special talent or just something about themselves that would help everyone understand who they are and what they are about. This fun and informal activity provides the freshmen with a great way to get to know each other better. There is also an information session for parents to attend.

In the evening, everyone meets back up for the Freshman Honors College Dinner, where parents are invited to join for the special event. On the second day, freshmen participate in the first session of Pitt C.A.R.E.S. (Campus Advisement, Registration and Enrollment Services), which is designed to assist new freshmen with their transition to Pittsburg State University. During Pitt C.A.R.E.S., students gain valuable insights about college life through small-group activities, meet with an academic advisor to plan their fall semester, and complete university enrollment procedures.

"Walking into the Honors College Overnight, I had no clue what to expect, but it turned out to be an exciting learning experience. There was food, plenty of friendly people, never a dull moment, and the talent showcase gave us all a good laugh and a unique way to get to know others. Afterwards, I was really thankful we had that opportunity, because the start of freshman year I was so much more comfortable, knowing how to get around campus and having friends from day one because of the overnight.   ~ Nick Bartelli

All first-year students at Pittsburg State University must live in a residence hall for their first two academic semesters on campus unless they live within a fifty mile radius of campus. For Honors College students living on campus, there is the opportunity to live with other members of the Honors College within a, Living-Learning Community formed in the dorms. By placing Honors College students in rooms right next to each other, they may find it easier to make friends with their fellow members, and even take advantage of their placement to form study groups.

“Having the chance to live in the Living-Learning Community is such an amazing part of the Honors College. It is so nice to be surrounded by like-minded people who have their goals and values aligned with your own. On any given night, we are in and out of each other’s rooms doing homework and just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. It's an amazing family to have while away at school.”   ~ Hannah Overbey

Peer mentor groups are groups within the Honors College, usually consisting of around 2 - 3 sophomore "mentors" and 5 - 6 freshman "peers." The Peer Mentor Program is intended to help the new incoming freshmen acclimate to the college’s academic and social life. Freshmen sometimes struggle through their first weeks or months at college as they adjust to the very different academic and social world of college. Students may feel lost on campus, the diversity of student social life may pull them in many directions, faculty may seem intimidating, and course demands may feel overwhelming. Students often feel that no one – not their advisors, their faculty, or even their parents – can offer them insights into the current realities of college life as well as other students can. Peer mentors are trusted and effective because they have been there, done that.

Peer mentor groups typically address, formally or informally, aspects of the college experience that lie outside (but often overlap) those academic areas where college faculty are most knowledgeable. Peer mentors are experienced students selected for their ability to share basic college information and their personal experiences and insights about college life. For new students, mentors function as models of student success who are willing to share the pitfalls they have encountered in college and the strategies they have developed to overcome them. The mentors’ positive attitudes, their ground-level insights into college life, and their personal experiences effectively map paths to success through the college territory for their slightly younger freshmen.

For example, mentors usually cover time-management strategies; discuss the places, times, and strategies they have found best for studying; offer insights into the ins and outs of residence hall life; and give good advice about avoiding pitfalls in their academic and social lives by sharing the shocks and confusions of their own freshman year.

“I really enjoyed seeing my excitement and appreciation for the Honors College Association mirrored in a number of mentees. They went through the same process as I did: moving to college, meeting other HCA members that ended up being their best friends, and discovering the true value of being a member of the Honors College.”   ~ Cassidy Barnard

Each semester, members of the Honors College are able to take advantage of Priority Enrollment. Students will have 30 hours added on to the total number of hours completed so that they are moved forward into the enrollment time slots. Typically, this means students will enroll one day earlier than their peers each semester. This ensures first choice of seats in classes during each enrollment period.

Pittsburg State University offers a wide array of Study Abroad Program opportunities that are designed for undergraduate and graduate students. Students that choose to study abroad can either travel for a few weeks with a group program, or individually, for a semester or full academic year. The Honors College sponsors short term, faculty led programs during May of even numbered years. Past programs include:

• History and Culture in Italy and Greece
• WWII and the Western Front-England, France, Belgium, Germany and Austria
• The Cold War in Eastern Europe-Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria
• Music, Art and Culture in Switzerland, Italy and France
• History and Culture in London and Paris
• History and Culture in Spain and Portugal

Honors College students, who are in good standing, receive a one-time study abroad stipend, of up to $2,000, for a PSU-approved study abroad program.

“I was so excited for the opportunity to study abroad, but my experience was even more incredible than I could have anticipated! I loved learning about the countries I would be visiting before I even got there. Traveling to multiple countries with some of my best friends that I have met through the Honors College was an experience I hope everyone can try at some point in their college career.”     ~ Carlin Greene

“If you're thinking about studying abroad with the HCA, my advice: DO IT. Studying abroad can seem financially impossible or frightening, but it is such an incredible experience! There's nothing like learning and exploring with your Honors College friends and immersing yourself in a foreign culture. I know that I'll recall the memories we made in Europe for years to come!”     ~ Abbey Chaloupka

As members of the Honors College, students are also members of the Honors College Association (HCA), a student organization recognized through the Campus Activities Association. General meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. These monthly meetings provide students with the opportunity to become involved in numerous on- and off-campus social and service activities. Annual events of the HCA include involvement in homecoming activities, a holiday party, a spring banquet, organization of the Pitt Project, involvement in the Big Event, involvement in the Special Olympics, etc. The HCA also provides excellent leadership opportunities for those who choose to become involved on a higher level. Such leadership opportunities include positions on the executive team, class representatives, Honors College advocates, peer mentors, committee chairs, etc.

2019-2020 Honors College Association Officers

President – Audrey Dainty

Vice President – Olivia Houston

Secretary – Kara Torgler

Treasurer – Travis Linn

Senior Class Representative – Ryan Asauskas

Junior Class Representative – Maggie Murray

Sophomore Class Representative – Sam Eddington

Freshman Class Representative – Taylor Brynds

• ByLaws

Once students are selected for the Honors College, there are certain requirements they must meet for continued eligibility and to graduate as a member in good standing.

Requirements for Freshman Experience

All freshman members of the Honors College must enroll in and complete the Honors 200: Intro to Honors. Schedules must be adjusted so that the student can enroll in this specific course. If the student does not complete the course with a passing grade, they are automatically removed from the Honors College and will lose all Honors College scholarship funding, with no probation period.

Requirements for Earning Honors Credits

All Honors College students must earn a total of 21 honors credits, excluding Honors 200, to graduate in good standing. These credits can be earned through honors gen ed courses, honors contracts, approved study abroad experiences, participation in the Research Colloquium as long as participation is not required for their degree, non-required graduate classes, the Academic Honors Program, or completing both semesters of the Senior Honors Project. 

All freshman members of the Honors College must complete a minimum of six honors credits by the end of their first year to be a member in good standing. Any variants to this requirement must be discussed with the Director. Failure to meet this requirement will be cause for probationary status for the first semester of the sophomore year. Failure to meet this requirement by the end of the first semester of the sophomore year will result in dismissal from the Honors College and loss of the Honors College scholarship.

All sophomore members of the Honors College must complete a minimum of twelve honors credits by the end of their second year to be a member in good standing. Any variants to this requirement must be discussed with the Director. Failure to meet this requirement will be cause for probationary status for the first semester of the junior year. Failure to meet this requirement by the end of the first semester of the junior year will result in dismissal from the Honors College and loss of the Honors College scholarship.

All junior members of the Honors College must have completed a minimum of eighteen honors credits to be a member in good standing. Any variants to this requirement must be discussed with the Director. Failure to meet this requirement will be cause for probationary status for the first semester of the senior year. Failure to meet this requirement by the end of the first semester of their senior year will result in dismissal from the Honors College and loss of Honors College scholarship funding.

Community Service Requirement

In order to remain in good standing, students who are members of the Honors College are required to participate in at least 2 hours of community service each semester.

GPA Policy Requirement

To be eligible for continued enrollment in the Honors College, freshmen must maintain a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and earn no less than 24 credit hours per academic year; sophomores must maintain a 3.4 cumulative grade point average and earn no less than 24 credit hours per academic year; juniors and seniors must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and earn no less than 28 credit hours per academic year. The only exception to this rule would be for students in their last year/semester who do not have that many hours left to complete their degree. As long as those students are taking courses required for their degree, it may be less than the 28 per year. Earning credit hours can include summer school, though Honors College scholarships are not available in the summer session.

At the end of each semester, the Director of the Honors College will review the academic records of all Honors College students. Students who failed to achieve the requisite grade point average for their level will be notified that a one-semester probation is granted. The exception to this is first semester freshmen who do not achieve at least a 2.0. They will be removed immediately from the Honors College with no probation period. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have received a one-semester probation and have failed to earn the requisite cumulative grade point average will be dismissed from the Honors College, will lose all Honors College scholarships, and will receive a letter from the Director of Honors College.

2 Year Honors Gen Ed Rotation

Subject to change based on faculty availability to teach courses

Fall Even Semesters:

Honors ID- The Power of Music

Politics 101 or Sociology 100

Spring Odd Semesters:

English 190

History 201 or Honors ID- American History through Music

Fall Odd Semesters:

Psych 155

English 113

Spring Even Semesters:

English 190

Geography 106

Honors Engagement Project Contract Information

Available Scholarships for Honor Students

Policy and Procedure Manual

Senior Honors Project Handbook

The Pillar Point System

Dr. Paul McCallum - Honors English Composition

Director, English Graduate Studies

Specialties
     17th and 18th century British literature 
     Modernist literature 
     British poetry 
     Evelyn Waugh 
     W. Somerset Maugham

Education
     Ph.D., University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire, U.S.A. 
     M.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A. 
     B.A., Morningside College, Iowa, U.S.A.

Research Interests
     Alexander Pope
     Literary celebrity
     Modernism and genres

Dr. Catherine Hooey - World Regional Geography

Coordinator, Geography Program

Education
     Ph.D., University of Western Ontario University, Ontario, Canada, 1993 
          Geography: Perception, Decision Making and Spatial Behaviour     M.A., University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada, 1988 
          Anthropology: Emphasis in Archaeology and Human-Environment Interaction
     B.A., University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1982 
          Anthropology: Emphasis in Archaeology

Courses Taught
     World Regional Geography 
     Environmental Geography (Fall Class) 
     Global Environmental Changes (Spring Class) 
     Geography of Hazards and Disasters (Spring Class) 
     Senior Seminar in Geography (Fall Class) 
     Internship in GIS and Environmental Geography

Research Interests
My research focuses on human-environment interaction. I am particularly interested in marginal environments and how people perceive and adapt to variable conditions. Recent research includes southeast Kansas and mining landscapes, and west-central Alberta and agriculture. Past research has included perception of change in small towns and geographic education.

Dr. Kirstin Lawson-American History post 1865

Coordinator, History Program

Dr. Lawson joined the History faculty at PSU in 2009 after serving as a visiting professor in the Department of History at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. She has also taught classes for the History Department at the University of Missouri and for various colleges in California. When she’s not working with her students who are doing undergraduate research or doing her own research into the history of healthcare in the Tri-State Mining District, Dr. Lawson is usually helping southeast Kansas kids with the Sunflower Kiwanis, crocheting scarves for Marines serving in Afghanistan, or traveling to wild and exotic places like Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.

Education
     Ph.D., University of Missouri, Missouri, U.S.A., April 2008.
          Dissertation: Healing the Frontier: Catholic Sisters, Hospitals, and Medicine Men in the Wisconsin Big Woods, 1880-1920
     M.A., History, University of Missouri,Missouri, U.S.A., June 2001. 
          Thesis: Unmasking the Flirt: Epidemic Influenza in Columbia, Missouri, 1918
     B.A., History, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.A., June 1999, Highest Honors. 
          Texas Teacher Certificate (Lifetime Certification, issued May, 1999): Secondary History and Social Studies. 
          Composite (Grades 6-12), Secondary English and English Language Arts (Grades 6-12)

Courses Taught
     HIST 201: American History to 1865 
     HIST 202: American History from 1865 
     HIST 430: History Theory and Practice 
     HIST 608: Women in American History 
     HIST 620: History of the South 
     HIST 636: Native American History 
     HIST 660: Industrial America, 1865-1914 
     HIST 813: 19th Century Social History

Advising
     Phi Alpha Theta (History honor society)

Publications 
     Book Project - Healing Americans in the Wisconsin Big Woods, 1885-1920 
     “The Birth of a Clinic: Picher, Oklahoma, the Bureau of Mines, and Healthcare as Social Control.” 
          Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Convention, January 2012. 
     “The School Sisters of St. Francis and the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe: Missions of Culture, Education, and Health.” 
          Rural Women’s Studies Association, September 2009. 
     “Gilded Age Healthcare and the ‘Good’ Doctor: Joseph P. Cox and Northern Wisconsin.” 
          Mid-America Conference on History, September 2008. 
     “Healthcare as a Citizen’s Right: Public Health at the Hayward Indian School, Wisconsin, 1901-1920.” 
          Midwest Junto for the History of Science, April 2008. 
     "Sacred Teas, a Sisters’ School, and an Indian Priest: Modern Medicine and Holistic Healthcare on the Lac Court Oreilles Ojibwa 
          Reservation, 1885-1920." Midwest Junto for the History of Science, April 2007.

Dr. Gary Wilson-Introduction to Sociology

Sociology 
Specializations 
     Community Sociology 
     Public Policy (Criminal Justice) 
     Social Deviance 
Teaching responsibilities include basic sociology, social problems, social deviance, marriage and family, and community sociology.

Justice Studies 
Specializations 
     Public Policy (Criminal Justice) 
     Social Deviance 
Teaching responsibilities include introduction to the justice system, social deviance, community sociology, and law and public policy.

Dr. Gary Wilson was honored with the 2001 Outstanding Faculty Award by the Student Government Association from the student nominees of faculty that demonstrate excellence in instruction and service to students on campus.

Education 
     Ph.D., University of Arkansas, Arkansas, U.S.A., 2012 
          Public Policy: Family Policy, Criminal Justice 
     M.S., Pittsburg State University, Kansas, U.S.A., 1997 
          Sociology 
     Graduate Coursework: University of Missouri – Kansas City, University of Tulsa, and Oklahoma State Universit

Courses Taught 
     Introduction to Sociology 
     Social Problems 
     Social Deviance 
     Community Sociology 
     Crime & Public Policy 
     Introduction to the Justice System 
     Marriage & Family 
     The Family & Society 
     Race & Ethnicit

Publications
     Dissertation (2012) – “Tar Creek Superfund Site: Family & Community Impact Analysis” 
          The study examined family decision-making processes in the face of an environmental disaster. The goal of the study was to 
          determine why residents either chose to leave the Tar Creek area or to remain in place after many warnings about the health 
          risks and several programs that would have subsidized relocation.

Presentations  
     Marjorie Donovan and Gary Wilson, "Focus on Sex, Gender, and Society: In-Class Cooperative Learning Experience," 
          International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning, October 13-15, 2005, Cocoa Beach, Florida. 
     Marjorie Donovan, Gary Wilson, Chuck Killingsworth, and Adonna Helmig, "Attitudes About Firearm Violence Among High-School 
          Youth in the Rural Midwest," American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting, Nashville, Tennessee, November 17-20, 2004. 
     Marjorie Donovan, Gary Wilson, Chuck Killingsworth, and Adonna Helmig, "Attitudes of Rural Midwestern Public High School 
          Students Regarding Firearm Violence," American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, November 19-22, 
          2003.

Dr. Mark Peterson-US Politics

Areas of Specialization 
     Political Economy 
     Political Parties and Interest Groups 
     Social Movements 
     Democratic Theory 
     American Politics 
     International Relations

Dr. Peterson joined the faculty of the Department of Social Science in 1995. Prior to that appointment, he taught for two years as a Visiting Lecturer at West Virginia University, and as a Teaching Assistant at Indiana University. His primary interest is democratic governance and the relationship and influences between economic and governmental institutions.

Dr. Peterson was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award by the Student Government Association from the student nominees of faculty that demonstrate excellence in instruction and service to students on campus in 1997, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2009.

Education
     Ph.D., Political Science, Indiana University, Indiana, U.S.A., 1994
     M.A., Political Science, West Virginia University, West Virgina, U.S.A., 1982
     B.A., English, Antioch College, Ohio, U.S.A., 1978

Courses Taught
     POLS 101: U.S. Politics 
     POLS 270: Introduction to Political Science 
     POLS 516: Political Parties and Elections 
     POLS 517: Congress 
     POLS 554: Kansas Legislature Distant Internship Program 
     POLS 578: Democratic Theory and Public Opinion 
     POLS 616: Interest Groups and Social Movements 
     POLS 630: International Political Economy POLS 686: Senior Seminar in Political Science

Advising
     Faculty Advisor for the Green Gorillas
     Faculty Advisor for the Campus Democrats

Publications
     “Antiwar Protest and Elections: Influence on Congressional Debate During the Vietnam War.”Published in the Proceeding of the 
          Sixth International Conference on Alternative Futures and Popular Protest, 2000, Volume II, edited by Colin Barker and Mike 
          Tyldesley. ISBN: 1 899927 18 2 
     Book Reviews of Jihad vs. McWorld by Benjamin R. Barber and Generation X Goes To College by Peters Sacks. Midwest 
          Quarterly , Volume 40, Number 2, Winter 1999. 
     “Protest Politics, the Media, and Public and Elite Opinion During the Vietnam War.” PoliticalCommunication, Volume 13, Number 3, 
          July-September 1996: 364-366.

Dr. Julie A. Allison-General Psychology and The Power of Music

Responsibilities 
     Teaches courses in the Psychology and Counseling Department, including General Psychology, Applied Psychology, Psychology 
          of Adjustment, Cognitive Processes, and Social Psychology 
     Advises Psychology majors

Course Links 
     PSYCH 155 General Psychology 
     PSYCH 265 Applied Psychology 
     PSYCH 275 Psychology of Adjustment 
     PSYCH 456 Introduction to Social Psychology 
     PSYCH 463 Cognitive Processes 
     PSYCH 756 Social Psychology

Current Research Interests 
     Psychology and Law 
     Interpersonal Violence 
     Death and Dying

Education
     Ph.D., University of Kansas (Social Psychology) 
     M.A., University of Kansas 
     B.A., University of Kansas

Dr. Susan Carlson-English Literature

Specialties 
     British Romantic and Victorian literature 
     19th century women writers 
     Literary theory

Education 
     M.A., Ph.D., Ohio State University, Ohio, U.S.A. 
     B.A., Drew University, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Publications 
     Articles on Charlotte Brontë and Mary Shelley

Dr. Craig Fuchs-The Power of Music