Programs of Distinction

Print Friendly

2011-2012

Georgetown College’s Programs of Distinction are unique scholarship programs aimed at providing opportunities for students to fully engage their interests and apply them to their academic learning. An array of extracurricular activities and learning opportunities complement students’ first-class liberal arts education, regardless of their major. Programs of Distinction Scholars customize their degree through career-related experiences such as job shadowing, unique internships, professional exposure and opportunities to network with leaders in their intended career field. Through those activities, as well as group field trips, lectures, mentoring, leadership development, and volunteering, these Programs pair the liberal arts education provided by Georgetown College to students’ professional ambitions and personal interests. Students accepted into a Program of Distinction receive a $1,000 scholarship per year and are expected to meet all requirements of the Program, including those that relate to academics and participation.

Programs of Distinction Scholars receive a Certificate of Completion upon graduation. As they pursue their intended careers, recognition of the skills necessary for success, which they developed through the programs’ career-related training, makes them more marketable to employers.

Equine Scholars Program: The Equine Scholar Distinction

Students who apply to become Equine Scholars have expressed their interest in pursuing professions and/or extracurricular activities related to the equine industry. The program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to pursue those interests both inside and outside the classroom. At the core of the program is the expectation that all Equine Scholars will pursue a balanced, liberal arts education. A student who enters Georgetown College with an Equine Scholars scholarship remains in the program for their four-year tenure at Georgetown. This program will encourage the student to approach their liberal arts education in a way that develops their interest in equine studies. More information is available on the Equine Scholars website.

Program Elements

Equine Scholars are expected to participate in a variety of planned activities that serve to educate them about the many careers, disciplines and opportunities in or related to the horse industry and introduce them to key leaders in each field. Participation is based on a points system.

All Equine Scholars are expected to do the following:

  • Attend designated Equine Scholars events, which could include lectures, field trips, and other activities specifically designed to explore issues of interest to those involved with the equine industry.
  • Perform volunteer activities designated as give-back to the equine industry. Activities could include representing the program at college or equine events, creating publicity material or presentations, and performing other activities related to an individual’s interest.
  • Complete at least one equine internship, either for academic credit (through a department that offers internships) or not for credit. These internships must be approved by the Equine Scholars Program leadership and by the department chair for academic credit.
  • Maintain at least a 2.65 semester GPA.
  • Complete three Equine Option projects that reflect on their interest in the equine industry. These projects require approval by faculty and Equine Scholars leadership.

The Equine Option projects can take a variety of forms. For instance, a student could complete a paper assignment on a topic with an equine emphasis, create a work of art that is inspired by the horse, make a presentation in a speech class that focuses on some aspect of horses or horsemanship, complete a business class project on the horse business, etc. Students undertaking these projects must complete the Equine Option Approval Form. Note that faculty members are not asked to make any adjustments to their assignments in order to accommodate the Equine Option; this option should be something that fits within the normal structure of the class assignment.

Upon completion of all elements of the program, Equine Scholars will receive a certificate indicating that they have received the Equine Scholars Distinction. Note that no specific major or minor is required, because of the diverse interests of Equine Scholars.

Global Scholars Program: A Program of Distinction

The Global Scholars Program makes it possible for eligible students to obtain a first-class liberal arts education while engaging global learning opportunities customized to their area of study. Global Scholars are students interested in expanding their international understanding through activities designed to develop their ability to meet the present opportunities and future challenges of the global community.

Global Scholars are exposed to programming such as international guest speakers, seminars, and cultural enrichment activities that develop their international leadership potential. Field trips to international companies and organizations also contribute to the College’s goal of preparing students for an active life in the global community.

Full participation in the Global Scholars Program lasts four years. Global Scholars are connected with opportunities that complement their unique interests and career ambitions. The program provides a platform for growth beginning in the students’ first year and prepares them to find their place in the global society. Upon graduation, Global Scholars will have completed two internships with an international focus.

Program Elements

Scholars are expected to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and remain active in the Global Scholars Program, meeting the minimum attendance requirements. All college academic and other policies and requirements apply to Scholars. All Scholars are expected to participate in some unpaid projects as selected by the Executive Director of the Global Scholars Program. These projects will be valuable as networking tools and provide enrichment to students’ global perspective.

All Global Scholars are expected to do the following:

  • Earn at least 10 Global Scholars Points during their first year by engaging international learning opportunities
  • Attend designated Global Scholars events, which could include dinners, lectures, field trips, and other activities specifically designed to explore issues of interest with regard to international learning
  • Perform volunteer activities designated as give-backs to the program. Each scholar will individually agree on activities with the Global Scholars Program leadership team. Activities could include representing the program at college or partner events, creating publicity material or presentations, and performing other activities related to an individual’s international interest.
  • Complete two internships with international focus, either for academic credit (through a department that offers internships) or not for credit. These internships will meet the College’s general requirements for internships and be approved by the Global Scholars Program leadership and the College’s Internship Director.
  • Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Complete an International Learning Option project in at least three classes of their choice that reflects on their interest in the global community. These projects require approval by faculty and Global Scholars leadership. Students participating in the Oxford Honors Program have the option to substitute their Tutorial for one International Learning Option project.

Scholars are expected to complete an International Learning Option project in at least three academic classes. Students will choose in which classes they will complete these projects in, and projects need to reflect on their interest in expanding their global knowledge. These projects require approval by and guidance from faculty and the Global Scholar leadership team. Students will be required to sign a learning contract. The goal of the International Learning Option project is to help students add an international component to their discipline and encourage them to think about how their field of study relates to their career ambitions.

Global Scholars will also be encouraged to join organizations related to their major and as well as international and professional organizations related to their intended career field. Participation in the Global Scholars Program provides students with knowledge of different cultures, skill in international project completion, and real world internship experience so they are prepared for work in the global community.

Please visit the program website for more information and to apply for the Global Scholars Program.