Open Forum for UW Honors Program Review Sept. 29

A university-level committee charged with reviewing the University of Wyoming’s Honors Program has scheduled an open forum for UW students, faculty and staff Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 9-10 a.m. in the Wyoming Union East Ballroom.

“The review committee feels it is vital to hear perspectives about the Honors Program from the broader university community,” says Maggi Murdock, former associate provost and dean of the Outreach School who chairs the Honors Program review committee.

The Honors Program provides coursework, advising and scholarships for high-achieving students who commit to take certain courses, maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 and complete a senior capstone project.

Appointment of the review committee was prompted by an external review of the Honors Program in fall 2014 by representatives of the National Collegiate Honors Council, of which UW’s program is a member. UW Vice President for Academic Affairs David Jones appointed the committee in March.

The committee began its review in April, continued its work during the summer, and will conclude its work in December by submitting recommendations to Jones. In addition to the Sept. 29 listening session, an additional open session will be scheduled via videoconference for members of the UW community who work outside the Laramie campus.

In addition to Murdock, currently professor in the Department of Political Science, committee members are: College of Arts and Sciences Dean Paula Lutz; College of Health Sciences Dean Joe Steiner; Outreach School Dean Susan Frye, a member of the Honors Program faculty; Donna Brown, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Indy Burke, director of the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources; Steve Bialostok, associate professor in the College of Education and Honors Program faculty member; Associate Librarian Jennifer Mayer; College of Law Assistant Professor Danielle Cover; Associate Professor Ruben Gamboa of the College of Engineering and Applied Science; John Mittelstaedt, former acting dean and professor in the College of Business; and Stan DeVore, former president of the Wyoming Honors Organization.