Did you know that nearly one out of every four URI students is Honors eligible?
It’s absolutely true!
Students who began their academic career in the fall of 2015 and have at least a 3.4 GPA (those who began in fall 2014, must maintain a 3.3 GPA) are eligible to take advantage of all the benefits afforded by involvement in the Honors program. These include Honors courses, Honors advising, Honors housing, academic and fellowship opportunities, and an Honors degree.
What was once viewed as inaccessible for most, the stuff of ivory towers… has thrown open its doors and is inviting all who are interested to step inside.
When Dr. Lynne Derbyshire took over the helm as Director three years ago, the requirements for Honors as a first year student were an SAT score of 1,200 and a GPA of at least 3.5. Derbyshire saw the inherent inequity in tying standardized testing to academic capability and championed hard to have the requirements changed. Now, in addition to the first eligibility requirement, students who have a 3.8 GPA coming to the University are able to participate.
Just to demonstrate how significant this change is, keep this in mind. Before TD Summer 2014, one student was Honors eligible; under these new guidelines, before TD Summer 2015, nineteen students were identified as Honors eligible.
A first generation college student herself, Derbyshire is well aware of the struggles and insecurities faced by many students when they initially step onto a college campus.
She does not want those sorts of insecurities to prevent students from moving forward and achieving all their goals. She and the rest of the Honors staff are committed to leveling the playing field and expanding access to EVERYONE interested in academic achievement.
Dr. Derbyshire says, “I did not come to college thinking of myself as THAT person… often times, it is the students who are first generation, or those from underrepresented groups and economically disadvantaged high schools who do not see themselves as “those” people. I want to change the picture of who is capable of getting these opportunities.“
As Derbyshire sees it, education is life changing, not only for the individual, but also for that individual’s family, their community, and ultimately the world as a whole. She says: “ I am one of the luckiest people on earth. I want to be able to see other people have the same opportunity.”
For more information on what the Honors program can do for you, please visit their webpage: https://web.uri.edu/honors/, stop by to see Dr. Derbyshire during her open advising hours at Taft Hall on Wednesdays from 2-4 pm, or speak to your TD advisor.