Ever since the Honors College was formed in July of 2005 it has been bringing the students of ETSU the chance to expand their college experience by offering research, creative education and international learning opportunities.
Rebecca Pyles, dean of the Honors College, believes that the composition of the College is “relatively unique.”
“Half of the college is dedicated to helping the students in the formal honors program,” she said. “The other half is dedicated to supporting honors opportunities that are available to all students not just those in the Honors College. At the moment the focus is on undergraduate research and international education.”
This summer the Honors College is sponsoring a study abroad experience to China.
Students will visit Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzshou where they will see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City of the Emperors, the Old City, the Silk Emporium and many other places.
“This is a very special opportunity,” Pyles said. “ETSU doesn’t really sponsor any of their own trips abroad. Usually when there are trips abroad they are offered through a partnership with another school. We are trying to increase the number that ETSU offers on its own.”
Undergraduate research is a major focus for the Honors College. For students who think they may have an idea of what they would like to study but are not sure, the Honors College and the Office of Financial Aid offer the Research Discovery program.
The Research Discovery program is assigned through student worker positions that are assigned to a specific faculty member. Students with a Federal Work Study or an Academic Performance Scholarship can apply for these positions.
“This is intended to give students a beginning exposure to what research is in different fields,” Pyles said. “This is kind of a mid-step to introduce students to research and what to do their own research on.”
If students find a topic that they want to research when they can apply for a Student Faculty Collaborative Grant for their senior year.
“Up to $1,000 is available to pay for the research,” Pyles said. “It can be their senior thesis or independent study.”
Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships are also available for students who are interested in a research topic, but is best for rising seniors who plan to work on a senior research project. Up to $2,500 is available which can be used as a stipend to help pay for personal expenses. “We are trying to do this every year,” Pyles said.
This year, the Honors College has sent 46 students to conferences, funded 29 grants and 20 students are in the research discovery program. “This represents undergraduate students from across the university in five major academic colleges,” Pyles said. “We are real serious about giving students support for these opportunities.

Author