HONORS AMBASSADORS ABROAD: 2013

For the eighth 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, the National University of Ireland, in Maynooth, Ireland. The group will also spend time in Dublin and environs. Dr. Pamela Rooks (Honors Director / English) and Dr. Chris Kennedy (History) will lead the group. 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 $135 new passport fee and the $22 International Student ID Card. The group will travel over Spring Break (March 15 – 23, 2013).

Who is eligible to apply?

• All applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking, Honors-eligible FMU students.
• All applicants must be capable – individually, or with reasonable accommodation – of handling their own luggage, stairs, and walking tours.
• The required number of Honors credit can include Honors courses in Fall 2012.
• Freshmen: As of Fall 2012, must have completed fewer than 22 credit hours. Must be enrolled in at least one Honors class. Must include midterm grades in application.
• Sophomores: As of Fall 2012, must have completed between 22 and 53 credit hours. At least 6 hours must be Honors.
• Juniors: As of Fall 2012, must have completed between 54 and 86 credit hours. At least 12 hours must be Honors.
• Seniors: As of Fall 2012, must have completed at least 87 credit hours. At least 15 hours must be Honors.
• Note: If there are no suitable applicants in one category, the Committee may select two applicants from another category.

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 (that is, both what you will bring to the experience, and what you hope to get out of it). Be detailed and specific; a very short letter is unlikely to be competitive. Must include e-mail address and student number, as well as the name of an FMU faculty member who is willing to speak in support of your application. Deadline: Oct. 31 (boo!), 3 p.m. Must submit both a hard copy to FH 106 and a word file to prooks@fmarion.edu!
• 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.
• In consultation with the faculty members of the Honors Committee and Dr. Kennedy, 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.