The Dorothy & Bill Cohen Honors College Weekly Update

Weekly Update Header, November 19


Events & Deadlines


Drop by the Lounge This Morning

Grab a slice of quiche and a donut courtesy of Dr. Harrison in the Honors College Lounge TODAY from 9 - 11 a.m. (or until it's gone). Of all the evidence that proves the value of diversity, nothing is more beautiful than a well-baked, properly seasoned, quiche. While each separate ingredient is average as a standalone, something truly amazing happens when they are all united. The same can be said for each of us. By ourselves, we do great things, but when collaborating with others who represent a wide and diverse range of identity and personal preference, we are capable of moving mountains!

Who says that "Real Men Don't Eat Quiche"? Dr. Harrison says not only do they eat it, they bake it! Stereotypes and biases such as this one have the potential to be destructive. Therefore, let's work together to destroy this and other deficit-informed barriers that drive a wedge between people. 


2022 Barry Goldwater Scholarship Workshop

The Goldwater Scholarship Program supports college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the nation’s next generation of research leaders in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

Dr. Coleen Pugh, Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, will be hosting a workshop to assist undergraduate students interested in applying for the 2022 Barry Goldwater Scholarship on Monday, November 22, from 2 – 3 p.m. in the RSC 142.


Applications Open for the Outstanding Cohen Honors Student Award

The award recognizes a high-achieving senior leader who takes on challenges and demonstrates commitment to academic excellence in Honors. You are eligible if you are a graduating senior who has completed at least 90 credit hours by the end of the summer 2021 semester AND maintain active standing in Honors including a minimum 3.25 overall GPA.

Selection will be based on the following:

  • Involvement at WSU and within the Cohen Honors College
  • Leadership
  • Contribution and service to the surrounding community
  • Demonstrated success in Honors courses

Apply here. The application deadline is February 15th at 11:59 p.m.


News & Information


Dean Engber and 4 Honors students standing outside ESU

2021 Kansas Honors Connections Conference

This past weekend, four students and two faculty members attended the Annual Kansas Honors Connections Conference at Emporia State University! They enjoyed interacting with other Honors program directors, professors, and students from across the region. Three students did a splendid job of giving either an oral or poster presentation!

  • Grace Peterson presented about "The Effect of Affordable Materials on the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells"
  • Kazune Tazawa presented about "Find a Better Way to Neutralize Acid Mine Drainage"
  • Ngoc Vuong presented about "A Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholders' Policy Recommendations to Improve Behavioral Health in Kansas"

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Break is next Wednesday through Friday, November 24-26. Take time to catch up with family & friends and to rest.


Complete Survey about a Possible New Course

The Honors Student Council recently received a suggestion for the creation of a course on LGBTQ+ History. They want to gauge student interest in this course. Click here to share your thoughts.


Grid graphic with photo of Denae Sawyer in the middle and information about her experience with the Cohen Honors College surrounding.

Student Spotlight - Denae Sawyer 

Submit Information for the Student Spotlight

The Cohen Honors College wants to give a shoutout to AMAZING students like you! To be featured on social media and in weekly update, click here to complete the form.


Supplemental Instruction Leaders Needed 

The Office of Student Success is in need of Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders for Biology and Chemistry. They are students who have previously succeeded in the course. SI Leaders attend the same class, taking notes and listening closely to the professor. At each session, they guide the students through the course concepts and share the strategies they used to be successful in the course. If you are interested in becoming a SI Leader, click here to apply.


Apply to Mortar Board for the 2022-2023 School Year

Mortar Board Honor Society is accepting applications from all students who have 60+ credit hours and are not graduating before December 2022. As a member, you will get to experience the three core values of the organization: Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. You will also have many chances to get to know your fellow members through activities, aside from the leadership team and service events. The amount of and the variety of these activities is up to you and your fellow members. Be aware that all of the money given to the society through your one-time membership dues goes directly into the member experience, so you benefit directly from your membership fee. If you cannot afford the fee, the Wichita State chapter can find ways to assist you so that you can be a member.

Click here to applyApplications are due on December 31st at 11:59 p.m. For more information, please visit their profile on Facebook or Instagram.


General Information about Honors

Email honors@wichita.edu at any time with questions or concerns.

The Honors student lounge, kitchen, and printing areas in Shocker Hall are open 24/7 by keycard access for all Honors students. Talk to the Honors Student Assistant at the desk or email honorsassistant@wichita.edu if you have any trouble.

We want to hear from you! Submit your news to the weekly update.