by Nicholas Philippou
The goal is to turn Kingsborough Community College into “a flagship honors program,” according to Dr. Reza Fakhari. Fakhari says that the honors program will, “lift the value of the entire College,” and also “lifts the value of the degree for the rest of students.” The plan is to prepare students better for four-year colleges by enhancing their overall academic experience on campus. Dean Fakhari said that he and President Regina Peruggi set a goal for a “full-fledged honors program,” to be operational by 2010. Fakhari described the next generation of honors students at the college as “globally competent students, with a solid liberal arts education, that can be "agents of change” His vision for the Kingsborough experience is one that will lead top schools around the country to increase opportunities for admissions There are three major areas where the program is already working.
Scholarships have already increased for the top achievers and will continue to increase if and when student performance demands it.
Honors curriculum is being enhanced in nearly every major with an increased number of Honors classes already approved for the Spring Semester. The other area where resources are being used is increasing extracurricular activities that four-year Universities love to see on transfer applications. There is also a great deal of effort being made to increase communications between the Honors program and the rest of the college. The hope is that if the faculty, administration and the students are all energized and motivated to make progress instead of waiting for it, the results will be worth it. Dean Fakhari was eager to point out how the program seems to already be ahead of schedule because of an excited student body.
When Dr. Regina Peruggi became President of Kingsborough in May of 2004, she brought with her a new vision for the college. Dean Fakhari was eager to point out that the President, “has given the full support of the school resources and faculty,” to the success of the honors program.
He was especially grateful for the addition of Dr. Rachelle Goldsmith this year as the new Director of the Honors program. Dr. Goldsmith had been Director of the College Now program for twenty-three years, before taking her new post. Within a few moments of speaking with Dr. Goldsmith it is clear to see her excitement, and enthusiasm for her job, and for the students in the program. Dr. Goldsmith said the primary goals of the program over the next twelve months are “to enrich the academic life for Honors students so that their skills are completely compatible for transferring to a four-year school.” She recognized that programs at Miami Dade Community College and Hillsboro Community College, both in Florida, will serve as “good models” for Kingsborough.
She stressed that while other schools could serve as models, “our goals and missions here will ultimately shape the program,” and that she has already networked with directors from some top colleges. Dr. Goldsmith also mentioned that she has already attended some Honors conferences, so that she could “expose the college on the local, regional, and national level,” so that other Universities start to recognize Kingsborough’s commitment to excellence. She said “Name Recognition,” for the program is a major part of the goals set for the Honors program by 2010. Ultimately the success of the Honors program is expected to positively effect the entire student body. With more honors students, more tutors are expected be available for motivated students. The overall college experience will be “enriched,” by asking students to do more, Scholarships will continue to increase as long as students continue to improve.
Both Dean Fakhari and Dr. Goldsmith are expecting Honors students to open doors for the entire college. Already top schools like Columbia and NYU have increased interest in the program and reached out to Honors students on campus. Last year NYU admitted nine students from Kingsborough including one with a full scholarship. Columbia just visited Kingsborough for the first time, to encourage students to apply because they want top transfer students to admit next fall. The expectation is that the Honors program will ultimately help all students interested in pursuing higher education after Kingsborough. By 2010 Kingsborough will have been transformed into a premier Honors college.
The new slogan for the program is “Start here, go anywhere.” To this point it is not only well said but a job well done. To find out more about the Honors program, stop by M-378, the official honors office. The office will be expanded in January but the program’s reach is growing everyday.
For further information, please contact the Honors Program office in the Honors House in M377B, (718) 368-5365, or email: Honors@kbcc.cuny.edu. or contact Dr. Rachelle Goldsmith, Director of Honors Program at RGoldsmith@kbcc.cuny.edu
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