HONORS AMBASSADORS ABROAD: 2010

For the fifth year, President Carter is sponsoring an exciting opportunity for FMU Honors students. Four students (one freshman, one sophomore, one junior, and one senior) will be selected to represent FMU in general, and our Honors Program in particular, to our sister institution (National University of Ireland, Maynooth) in Ireland. These four students, Dr. Pamela Rooks (Honors Director, Professor of English), Dr. Beckie Flannagan (Faculty Liaison with NUI Maynooth, Associate Professor of English), and Ms. Angela Crosland (Public Affairs staff member) will travel from March 13 – 20, 2010 (Spring Break). The group will spend time in Dublin as well as Maynooth.  FMU will cover most of the travel expenses: Air and train fares, hotels, $32 per day towards meal costs. Travelers will be responsible for additional costs, including – if necessary – the $100 new passport fee.

Who is eligible to apply?

·         All applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking, Honors-eligible FMU students.

·         The required number of Honors credit can include Honors courses in Fall 2009.

·         Freshmen: As of Fall 2009, must have completed fewer than 22 credit hours. Must be enrolled in at least one Honors class.

·         Sophomores: As of Fall 2009, must have completed between 22 and 53 credit hours. At least 6 of these hours must be in Honors classes.

·         Juniors: As of Fall 2009, must have completed between 54 and 86 credit hours. At least 12 of these hours must be in Honors classes.

·         Seniors: As of Fall 2009, must have completed at least 87 credit hours. At least 15 of these hours must be in Honors classes.

How can I apply?

·         Write a formal letter to Dr. Pamela Rooks, expressing your interest in being an Honors Ambassador (specify freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior). Explain why you want to go, and why you feel that you would be a good representative for FMU. Be detailed and specific. Must include e-mail address and student number. Deadline: Oct. 27, 3 p.m.

·         As part of your letter, please specify an FMU faculty member who is willing to speak in support of your application. Finalists may be invited to an interview with the selection committee. Dr. Rooks will contact finalists as necessary to schedule a 15 minute interview time between 3:30 and 5 on Nov. 9 or 11.

·         In consultation with the faculty members of the Honors Committee and Dr. Flannagan, Dr. Rooks will select the top applicants. All trip participants are subject to final approval by Provost Chapman.

·          Applicants will be notified yea or nay, by e-mail, before Nov. 15.

What responsibilities will the Honors Ambassadors have?

·         To attend scheduled pre-trip meetings (at least two) to plan and prepare.

·         To become familiar with the school and places to be visited.

·         To meet and interact with some Irish students and faculty during the visit.

·         To be prepared to represent FMU accurately and positively to prospective exchange candidates, and to look out for them if they come here.

·         Upon return, to be prepared to represent Ireland and the institution accurately and positively to exchange candidates from FMU.

·         Complete a QEP on-line student assessment form after the trip.