ELEVATING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
By Gaybrielle Holbert & Mirchaye Sahlu
The University of the District of Columbia Honors Program was established in 2009, and was initiated by our current Provost- Dr. Rachel Petty, when she served as Dean of College of Arts and Sciences. The program began with six faculty members to design the program over the course of the summer.
Trilogy had the opportunity to sit down and speak with the Honors Program director, Dr. Alexander Howe, also an Associate English Professor.
Trilogy: In one sentence describe the Honors Program?
Howe: The Honors Program is a collaborative intellectual community, for students and faculty interested in pursuing knowledge.
Trilogy: What are some current projects students are working on or upcoming events?
Howe: The 27th of September we will take a trip to the Holocaust Museum, we are also having a small group of Honor students working on a project that examines what a University is today, and the future of UDC what UDC will be tomorrow, basically.
Trilogy: How do you select students for study abroad opportunities?
Howe: Well, they have to maintain their 3.5 or above GPA and I would usually ask them to write an essay or some kind of proposal, where they write how they will be able to represent UDC abroad. Those are prerequisites for the selection.
Trilogy: What differentiates your program from any other programs offered to UDC students?
Howe: It has an active and ongoing relationship with upper administration particularly because we answer directly to the Provost’s office. It helps mold and build the University and what it will become in the future.
Trilogy: Do you have any active ways or resources in helping sustain the Honors Program?
Howe: We are seeking additional funding streams, we are fortunate enough to have the College of Arts & Sciences and the University Foundation for all their support and contribution to the program by donations and scholarships to our students.
Interested in joing the UDC Honors Program? Students should e-mail Dr. Howe at ahowe@udc.edu.
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