Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Honors Forum’s mission?

The central goal of the Honors Forum is to strengthen the intellectual community for all highly motivated Skidmore students, and especially to encourage the academic aspirations of exceptionally talented first-year and second-year students. The “Forum,” as the name suggests, is intended not as an exclusive society but rather as a structure for organizing and promoting our common interests as an academic community. Thus, while formal membership in the program involves around 250 students selected for their academic commitments and accomplishments in the various disciplines, most of the honors-designated courses and co-curricular activities sponsored by the Forum invite the participation of other highly motivated Skidmore students as well. (see the Overview)

When was the Honors Forum created?

The Honors Forum inducted its first members in the spring of 1997 and offered its first courses in September 1998. The Skidmore Class of 2001 included the first graduating class of Honors Forum members.

Who oversees Honors Forum?

Honors Council, a tripartite committee composed of administrators, faculty members (one of whom acts as Honors Forum Director), and students, is the governing body charged with oversight of Honors Forum policy and implementation. The Executive Committee, comprised of the Honors Forum’s officers (President, Vice Presidents, and members of each class year), is responsible for creating and implementing Forum projects as well as planning and conducting Forum events. Executive Committee reports regularly to Honors Council. Honors Forum members interested in serving on the Executive Committee should contact the Director. (see HF Council)

How are entering students selected?

A select number of entering first-year students are invited to join the Honors Forum in September based on meritorious academic and co-curricular high school records. They are required to enroll in HF 101: First-Year Honors Colloquium in their first term. (see Membership Eligibility)

How are Skidmore students selected?

At the completion of the first and third semesters, first-year students and sophomores, respectively, who have attained a grade point average of 3.40 and above are invited to join the Honors Forum. Applicants must supply a brief written statement and secure the recommendation of a faculty member. New Honors Forum members are recognized at an initiation ceremony in February. (see Membership Eligibility)

What are the academic requirements for maintaining Honors Forum membership?

Honors Forum members must maintain both a semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.40. Students who fall below a semester 3.40 gpa may maintain their membership; they will receive a warning notice from the Director. Students whose grade point averages fall below 3.40 for two consecutive semesters will relinquish membership in the Honors Forum. Students are also expected to contribute to the Honors Forum community and are asked to complete an annual report on their participation in Honors Forum events. To graduate as an Honors Forum member, a student must have a cumulative gpa of 3.40 or above. (see Membership Policy)

What are the course requirements?

Students must complete a minimum of three Honors Forum course experiences or seven semester hours of Honors Forum course credit. These three experiences or seven hours may consist of honors courses, independent studies, or study abroad experiences. Students inducted in their first year are expected to complete this requirement by the end of the junior year; students inducted in their sophomore year must complete this requirement prior to their graduation. Students must also complete a Capstone requirement their senior year. In most cases, the Capstone is the culminating experience in the student’s major (thesis, research seminar, senior project, recital, art show, etc.). (see Membership Policy and Current Courses)

What are Honors Courses and who may take them?

All Skidmore students are eligible to enroll in honors courses. Most honors courses are either academically enhanced three- or four-semester hour classes, stand-alone one-credit courses, or one-credit honors additions to a non-honors (“parent”) course. Students enrolling in one-hour additions to existing courses must also enroll in the “parent” course. See the Master Schedule for the options available each semester. (see Courses by Department)

What activities does the Honors Forum sponsor?

The Forum both initiates activities (e.g., the recent panel discussions of cultural and campus ethics “Shades of Gray”) and cosponsors campus speakers. In academic year 2002-2003, Honors Forum cosponsored fourteen guest lecturers in eight departments. Honors Forum also typically sponsors and/or offers funding for museum trips, exhibits, receptions, student publications, and other classroom-related activities. The Honors Forum plays a major role in organizing and conducting each spring’s annual Academic Festival. (see Co-Curricular Events)

Can foreign study, independent study, or an internship be awarded honors credit?

Honors credit may be granted for independent study, internship, or international study on a case-by-case basis. Students seeking honors credit for such experiences should consult the Director well before the semester in which they plan to undertake such study. (see Study Abroad)

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please consult the Honors Forum website, or the Forum Director, Prof. David Vella (extension 5291)