Honors Program

By Dylan Webster
While still in its infancy, West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Honors College program is growing. For the fall semester, the only course offered was Introduction to Sociology. However, courses in Popular Culture, Images of Women in Literature, and Introduction to Computer Science are now being offered in addition to Sociology for the spring semester. This program is an attempt to offer a more challenging curriculum to students who have shown exemplary achievement in academic endeavors.

The Honors College program is intended to allow students who wish to be challenged an opportunity to further explore areas of interest. President Dr. Marie Foster Gnage is hoping the program receives an ample response. “This is an excellent way for students who wish to achieve above and beyond the norm to more deeply investigate potential career choices,” says Gnage. “It is equally important for eligible students to understand that this is another way to seek out, find, and earn grant and scholarship money. That is usually a big plus for any student,” remarked Gnage.

Professor Greg Busch is teaching the Sociology class this semester. “So far, it’s going well,” stated Busch. While he is still in the middle of the first semester with the program, he looks forward to the coming expansion.

Those who meet the academic standards to participate will receive letters from WVUP informing them of the opportunity. Those receiving letters are urged to contact their advisors to discuss the many benefits of their involvement.

Popular Culture instructor Paul Bibbee stated, “This is a unique and valuable opportunity that should be taken by those who are eligible.” He continued, “Students need to understand that if they wish to transfer somewhere else, this not only looks good, but in some instances, work of this nature is required.”