Purpose:
The Department of Geography recognizes that some students need special instruction and should have an outlet for their special skills, thus the establishment of an Undergraduate Scholars Program of intensive study for qualified undergraduates. By participating in this Program, a highly qualified student can investigate a subject and its implications more deeply than in the standard program of instruction and also be eligible to graduate with honors.
Required Credentials:
1. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25.
2. Applicant must have a 3.5 GPA in the geography major.
3. Applicant must have completed a minimum of 15 hours of geography coursework.
Additional Requirements:
1. Student will write a paper while enrolled in Geography 4360, Special Problems in Geography. If more time is needed, the student may enroll in an additional section of Geography 4360.
2. Student must give an oral presentation and defense of his/her paper before an Undergraduate Scholars Committee. This presentation is to be followed at a later date by a presentation at a geography student seminar or local or regional geography conference.
3. Deadlines related to writing the paper, the defense, and any other aspect of the student’s Undergraduate Scholars Program will be determined by the director.
Procedure:
1. A faculty member will nominate a prospective Undergraduate Scholar during a regular departmental meeting.
2. Those students deemed potential participants will be advised of the criteria for the Department Undergraduate Scholars Program. If a student is interested and feels he/she qualifies, the student will present an up-to-date UCA Checksheet to the Chair of the Department.
3. The departmental faculty will examine the UCA Checksheet. If all criteria are met, the Department Chair will send the student a letter of invitation to participate in the Undergraduate Scholars Program.
4. As soon as practically possible following the receipt of the invitation, the student will select a director for the Program. The director will be chosen from current geography faculty members.
5. The student, in concert with his/her director, will select the remaining members of the committee. A minimum of three faculty members is required. One committee member may be from another department.