The Honors Program and Reception
by Jess Currier
The honors program at Cape Cod Community College (4C’s) is an amazing way for students to challenge themselves and show their hard work and success to potential transfer institutions, proving that they can handle a higher level of work. Kate Martin is not only a history professor at 4C’s, but she is also the honors program coordinator.
“Community colleges often get a bad rap, undeservedly, as not having academically rigorous programs.” Said Martin, “This is simply not true-- and it’s not just the colleges; I think some community college students give themselves a bad rap thinking they are less capable than they are.” High school is often known for drama and gossip, so much so that it can hinder student potential. Students that may not have done spectacular in high school should not assume that they will not succeed in the 4C's honors program. Martin highly suggests students who are eligible to go for taking an honors course, to show themselves just how well they can do. “It’s more about curiosity, and self-discipline to submit quality work on time.” said Martin.
Kate Martin
Students who are curious about what makes them eligible for honors courses, or the program, should know that they must have a high school GPA of 2.7 or higher- and returning students need a college GPA of 3.2. Students who meet those criteria are highly encouraged by Martin to consider the 4C’s Honors program. “Students need to earn a B or better in the class to earn the Honors credit,” said Martin, “but if they pass the class with a grade lower than a B, they still get college credit, so as I said, it's worth trying.” Commonwealth Awards Scholars who finish three or more Honors courses and a Colloquium are granted distinctive regalia at the commencement ceremony, and admitted to the Honors College at four-year institutions (the subject varies each year). They may be eligible for a scholarship if they engage in extracurricular activities (as usual, extracurricular activities are recommended).
This fall semester, there are 28 students presenting their research at the honors reception, which will take place in the college cafeteria on Wednesday, November 24th, from 12pm to 2pm. There is excitement around the fact it will be held in person, as because of the pandemic it has not been held in person since Fall 2019.
“For the reception,” Martin said, “while we will have a few of the students presenting remotely, and we can put their presentations up on YouTube, we will not be recording the in-person presentations since we don't really have that capability. However, the in-person presentations are where it's at-- there's a chance to interact, to discuss research findings, to ask and answer questions. That's why we encourage students who can get to campus to present in-person.” Students and those wishing to attend who are wondering if masks will be worn, there is no need to worry: masks will be worn by speakers and CDC guidelines will be being followed with social distancing included.
Next semester, there will be an offering of four Honors courses: English Composition II Honors with Professor Schaefer, Intro to Children's Literature Honors with Professor French, World History since 1500 CE Honors with Professor Martin, and the Honors Colloquium: Hot Topics, where Professors Etter and Gates will look at Ethics Questions and the Environment.
Ellis Marcel, an honors program student this past semester, thoroughly enjoyed her involvement in an honors class. “The experience of being in the Honors program has been my favorite part of the semester by far.” She said. “The work in the program has challenged me in a very good way, and it has encouraged me to never call something impossible, no matter how daunting it is.” The program has pushed Marcel to accomplish more than she ever thought she could accomplish, and it has taught her that one should never imagine themselves inside of a box. “It’s like running; you can always go farther than you think, you just need to get out of your comfort zone. That is another reason why the Honors program is so great.” There will be people in the program that are willing to push students beyond their limits, while still being by their side the whole time, leading students to new heights that were never imagined possible.
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