Honors College Strategic Priorities

(Draft)

May 2025

Mission

The mission of the Honors College at Montana State University is to prepare academically motivated students to think critically and independently within a challenging and supportive community, by partnering with all other colleges, departments, and programs at the university.

 

Priority #1: Academic programming

Offer academic programming that introduces students to new ideas and connections across disparate fields of academic discourse, develops critical thinking and communication skills, provides challenge through academic rigor, and prepares students for a life of creative discovery and inquiry within and beyond their primary field of study.

Goals for 2027

  1. Ensure Honors courses/seminars that fulfill Core requirements in all the following Core areas: CS, IA, IN, RH, IS/RS. Incentivize departments across campus to offer courses for Honors students that are foundational across multiple majors.
  2. Expand learning opportunities for Honors students in leadership, public service and professional development. Ideas:
    • Workshops or 1-credit courses in resume writing, interviews, grant writing, etc.
    • Workshop on applying for graduate school
    • One-credit course on applying for major scholarships
    • Honors Presents events
    • Alumni and community mentorship program
  3. Expand Honors opportunities commensurate with growth in the College to ensure that all students who desire an Honors degree can meet the degree requirements without extending time to degree. Ideas:
    • Additional Great Expeditions courses
    • Additional 1-credit offerings / weekend seminars

Priority #2: Culture of Public Service

Develop a strong culture of public service among Honors students, faculty and staff by actively encouraging Honors students to participate in student organizations and government, local and state organizations; take advantage of university and community service opportunities; and develop a strong connection to place for Montana.

Goals for 2027

  1. Develop a new Honors seminar and/or one-credit service-learning opportunities. Ideas include:
    • Place-based learning opportunities, e.g., “Yellowstone as Text”
    • Montana geography, history, culture and politics
    • Bus tour
  2. Activate Phi Kappa Phi Honors society to do service projects.
  3. Create more opportunities for service within the Honors College. Ideas:
    • Expand the scope of Honors Ambassadors
    • Develop a mentorship program
    • Establish a service leadership board

Priority #3: Prestigious Scholarships

Identify top students for Presidential Scholarships, including academically high-potential Native students, to recruit to Montana State University. Identify top MSU students for nationally competitive scholarships, mentor them in developing highly competitive application packages, and supply compelling institutional endorsements.

Goals for 2027

  1. Create a major scholarships advisor position.
  2. Expand the scholarship opportunities supported.

Priority #4: Development

Through fundraising and partnerships and working with the MSU Alumni Foundation, increase funds available to provide unique educational opportunities for more students.

Goals for 2027

  1. Add two more Presidential Scholarships.
  2. Create at least one transfer student scholarship.
  3. Solidify partnerships supporting the Honor Bound program.