<p>How much value to the student is the Honor's Program at UDel, in terms of academic enhancement, learning among similar peers, prestige at graduation? My daughter is considering studying to become a high school teacher, though that's just her current thinking.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to graduation because we aren’t there yet. However, there is priority registration, very small honors sections of courses, enrichment opportunities like funding for class trips, grants, etc. There are also social events like ice cream socials and Dr. Munson’s talks. Honors housing was great for the first three years before my D moved off campus. There is additional support for all sorts of things through the honors program. There is definitely more work and requirements to be met, but my D would say it is has been worth it.</p>
<p>In addition to the comments from zoosermom I can add that on graduation weekend there is a separate Honors Program Graduate Convocation event. At the overall Graduation Ceremony on Saturday the Graduation Program Booklet lists Honors Program Graduates in a separate heading area under each college’s listing of graduates. During the Graduation ceremony itself Honors Program Graduates and other students graduating with other academic Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude etc.) are asked to stand to be acknowledged and are given a round of applause. At least this was what occurred when our D graduated in 2010. Taking Honors Program courses appears to be helpful in getting into top Graduate Degree Programs and landing highly competitive jobs, at least this was our D’s experience/perspective.</p>
<p>My S is a Freshman in the Honors program. I can tell you that he is having a wonderful experience. Because they are housed together, it creates a smaller social environment in a bigger school. Even in the honors housing, they are divided into floors then sections on the floor. Each section has their own Munson Fellow(an upper-class honors student) who mentors them in the honors program and also an RA. They have their own social events, such as section dinners, activities, movie nights etc. So this smaller environment is very appealing to some students, like my S. As far as academics, they are required to take at least 2 honors classes a semester in their Freshman year. These classes are small and create an intimate learning experience where discussion is encouraged. The honors sections are harder and at least in the labs, they have more difficult work. My S just had lunch with his class this past weekend at his professor’s house! It may not be for everyone, but for those students who like to learn in a smaller environment with the resources of a larger school, the honors program is really the way to go. I don’t think it hurts to have the honors distinction on your resume either.</p>
<p>I’ll add that my daughter is trying to create an overseas summer internship and the Honors Program indicated that they could provide a grant to cover some (if not all) travel and living expenses. The Honors Program at UD has been a very positive experience so far.</p>