Scholars News Desk
Reinventing the Best for the Brightest
September 10, 2009
College Park, Md. - Upon matriculating one of the most academically talented classes in recent history, the University of Maryland prepares for the first event welcoming prospective students and their families. In spite of the state of the economy, The University of Maryland continues to move forward in providing the best to provide to the brightest minds. This past year, a committee reviewed all campus living-learning programs. Recommendations from that Committee’s report were adopted and announced this week by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Nariman Farvardin.
In addition to creating an Honors College, enhancements to College Park Scholars were identified. Two existing programs were revised and a new program, Global Public Health (sponsored by the Maryland School of Public Health), will enroll its first students in the fall, 2010. Global Public Health will provide students an interdisciplinary examination of the connections between public health and a host of socioeconomic, environmental, and geopolitical considerations. Students will have opportunities for interactions with public health organizations, community-based health agencies, and practica that include research, service learning, and study abroad.
In announcing these changes, the Provost commented,“These actions are an important step toward offering programs that excite, challenge, and inspire our students and notably distinguish our programs from those at other institutions. Both programs will aim to increase academic rigor as well as faculty involvement.”
Dr. Greig Stewart, Director of College Park Scholars, is excited about these changes. “The campus is committed to attracting the brightest minds – both faculty and students – to campus.” Citing U.S. News and World Report’s annual survey that once again ranks Maryland among the best universities with respect to learning communities, Stewart observed “By reinventing what we do best [Honors and Scholars], Maryland brings together expert faculty and talented students to provide all the benefits of a residential college experience, with all the advantages of a premier research institution.”
The Honors College and College Park Scholars will welcome close to 1,000 prospective students and family members to campus on Friday, September 11, to convey the excellence available in undergraduate learning at Maryland.
The University of Maryland has posted a related press release on the evolution of College Park Scholars and the Honors College, available online at the campus newsdesk.
For more information on this press release, contact Kevin Baxter at (301) 314-1522, or bax@umd.edu.
