Honors Study Topic
Honors Institute Is Ultimate Phi Theta Kappa Experience
Immerse yourself in the 2004-06 Honors Study Topic, Popular Culture: Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are, during the 2005 International Honors Institute!
Plan now to attend the Honors Institute, scheduled for June 20-25, at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Known as the ultimate Phi Theta Kappa honors programming experience, the Honors Institute is a six-day conference that brings together members, advisors and alumni to closely examine the Honors Study Topic. The Institute is known for its mix of inspiring lectures, in-depth discussions led by specially trained Seminar Leaders, experiential exercises, and field trips.
The Institute takes place during the summer in a different city each year and is held on the campus of a major college or university. Students and advisors reside in college dormitories for the week and enjoy the opportunities for fellowship provided by their quarters.
A member who participated in the 2004 Honors Institute wrote, "I enjoyed the whole experience! I learned a great deal from the speakers and from the people in my dorm. I was able to understand and reflect upon the different ideas, opinions and backgrounds of each individual I encountered. It was great to meet other Phi Theta Kappa members from around the nation and world."
Perhaps the most highly acclaimed aspect of the Honors Institute is the Seminar Group. Institute participants are divided into groups of 18-20 people. These Seminar Groups, led by advisors known as Faculty Scholars, meet after each of the speaker presentations throughout the week. In the Seminar Groups, Institute participants are able to express their opinions in a comfortable setting, discuss the theories explored during the General Sessions, and share ideas for chapter projects and research. For many participants, the Seminar Group is where the real learning takes place.
"What I enjoyed most about the Honors Institute experience was my seminar group," stated a first-time Institute attendee. "The group gave everyone the opportunity to discuss how they felt about the presentations, and it allowed us to share ideas on implementing the Honors Study Topic at home in our chapters."
"As always, the time spent sharing experiences with other faculty and students is the best part of the Institute for me," noted a longtime chapter advisor. "The seminar groups were, as usual, the highlight."
Another benefit of the Honors Institute is that conference participants have time to take advantage of the host city. Institute attendees are treated to an educational field trip as part of the conference experience. In the past, Institute participants have enjoyed touring the Biltmore Mansion, exploring the museums and attractions in our nation's capital, and viewing art in the renowned Getty Museum. Although the schedule varies from year to year, Institute attendees will also have at least one full day of R&R to explore the city, visit local attractions, or just hang out with friends.
Finally, the Honors Institute provides a special educational opportunity for chapter and regional officers. Time is set aside during the Institute for this group to explore the many programs and initiatives Phi Theta Kappa has to offer. With a little help from their friends, officers will return to their chapters and regions loaded with ideas for implementing the Honors Study Topic and other Society programs.
Visit www.ptk.org/honors/institute for registration information and complete details regarding the 2005 International Honors Institute.
As one Institute attendee exclaimed, "Everything about the Institute was just perfect!"
