The John Wesley Honors College (JWHC) at Indiana Wesleyan University hosted a visit day for prospective students on Feb. 7.
Honors College visit days exist both to assess potential future JWHC scholars, but also to sell the school and the Honors College to the prospective students.
Rusty Hawkins, the dean of the Honors College, described the program as a cohort within the broader Indiana Wesleyan community.
“Honors college students take intentionally interdisciplinary classes that are rooted around the big questions of human existence,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said the program’s delivery sets it apart.
“It is less about lectures, getting information and taking exams, and more about getting discussion, writing papers and doing more creative projects,” Hawkins said.
While the Honors College has built a national reputation for excellence over its 25-year history, Hawkins said that it is designed for students of all kinds, not just those who excel academically.
“It’s not for students who are geniuses; it’s for students who might be more inquisitive about things,” Hawkins said. “If you are the type of person who just has a lot of questions that you want answered, it is a kind of community that caters to asking questions. Our curriculum is built around big questions.”
Those big questions are answered in classes like What is Truth?, What is the Good Life?, What is Humanity?, What is Beauty?, Who is Our Neighbor? and How Then Shall We Live?.
Beyond academics, the Honors College offers students opportunities for friendship, mentorship and community.
Josh Cartwright, a current Honors College student, said he has had positive experiences with professors during his time in the program.
“I’ve had several professors engage with me outside of class, whether that’s going on a run, chopping wood with their family, eating a nice dinner… It’s just incredible,” Cartwright said.
Students also build strong relationships with one another throughout the program.
“Initially, I came to college not knowing exactly who my people were, but through the Honors College the relationships that I developed are truly genuine,” Cartwright said.
Tiffaney Hughes, a John Wesley Honors College and IWU graduate, echoed this experience.
“It has really helped me in fostering good community with other people and creating connections,” Hughes said.
Hughes said the impact of the Honors College extends beyond a student’s time at IWU.
“I don’t think I would be who I am today if I hadn’t gone through the Honors College,” Hughes said.
