The University Scholar Oversight and Selection Committee oversees the administration of the University Scholar Program. Comprised of faculty members from diverse disciplines, this committee selects each cohort of University Scholars and recommends policy for the program to the Honors Board of Associate Directors.
Current Members
- Heather Cassano (Digital Media & Design)
- Yongku Cho (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)
- R. Holly Fitch (Psychological Sciences)
- Matthew Hughey (Sociology)
- Catherine Little (Educational Psychology)
- Olivier Morand (Economics)
- Sarah Reed (Animal Science)
- Daniel Schwartz (Physiology and Neurobiology)
- Thomas Seery (Chemistry) *Chair
- Erika R. Williams (English)
- Ping Zhang (Molecular and Cell Biology)
Assessment Criteria
Enrichment Programs recognizes that unconscious, or implicit, biases can shape decision making and evaluations in both individual and group settings. Research shows that the following may reduce the impact of such biases: recognizing that they exist, having clearly agreed-upon selection criteria and keeping such criteria at the forefront of the evaluation process at all stages, using evaluative rubrics, and encouraging ongoing conversations about program criteria in order to explore how existing criteria may impact decision making. We also value transparency with student applicants and all involved with the University Scholar Program.
The University Scholar Oversight and Selection Committee considers the following criteria in evaluating University Scholar applications (application overview and instructions):
- Overall Statement of Interests
- Clarity and significance of questions the student intends to pursue
- Evidence of self-reflective learning, curiosity, and engagement with multiple fields of study, methodologies, and/or points of view
- Appropriate, feasible, and challenging overall goals
- Learning Plan
- Clear articulation of learning objectives
- Appropriate and challenging course selection and other learning opportunities
- Feasibility within time frame
- Project Plan
- Creativity, originality, and evidence of independent thinking
- Significance of research/creative project and familiarity with the relevant literature
- Clarity of project description, theoretical approach, and methodology
- Feasibility within time frame and availability of resources
- Overall Review of the Proposal
- Clear integration of the components of the proposal
- Challenging and rigorous proposal