By: Piper Crabtree
Amongst other experiences that consistently challenge and encourage growth, Honors students thrive here at SNC because of their involvement on campus. One of the ways these students can be involved is through the Honors Student Advisory Board. Participating in this organization not only spreads a powerful message of communio throughout campus, but also demonstrates and grows members leadership and communication skills, inspires impactful change on campus, and builds a foundation for all honors students to create unique and dynamic relationships and experiences.
The Honors Student Advisory Board (otherwise known as HSAB) is a leadership group consisting of honors students that works directly with the honors faculty and staff. They are not only the representatives of the Honors Program, but also work to help strengthen the program through effective discussion and evaluation with their mentors. Members of HSAB are nominated and elected by their peers and are encouraged to run for positions from their time as first-year students all the way through their senior year. Once elected, HSAB representatives devote their time to attending monthly meetings, planning and attending events, and gathering impactful student feedback. This feedback is used to benefit honors social events, but also to improve the Honors Program as a whole.
As previously stated, HSAB participants plan social events for their peers with the goal of growing a close-knit community of learners. Some of these events include monthly “Snack Chats”, an annual Movie on the Lawn night, Trivia Nights, and the Honors Christmas Extravaganza. These social events allow honors students to not only have enjoyable college experiences, but also grow and discover new relationships with their fellow like-minded peers. These events may include opportunities for discussion and debate, such as monthly “Snack Chats” where the Honors Office offers a conversational space paired with sweet treats for its participants. Events may also be planned for the purposes of introducing new honors students to the program and community, such as the annual start of the year “Movie on the Lawn” or HSAB-led student meetings. Lastly, events may be celebratory for the progress made and the accomplishments achieved. These events may look like the excitedly anticipated Christmas Extravaganza or graduation celebrations. This November, the honors program will be hosting a Brewery Tour for this year’s graduates! No matter the event, HSAB exemplifies the meaning of communio on campus by bringing honors students together for enjoyable and enriching experiences.
By offering HSAB positions to students, honors students have the opportunity to grow and develop characteristics that will last a lifetime. These skills such as leadership, communication, commitment, and assessment, can be carried into their future personal, professional, and academic lives. With the help of their mentors, HSAB representatives gain valuable experience planning events and evaluating the performance of these activities, creating a lasting impression on members’ values and the program’s success.
The Honors Student Advisory Board is an important group on campus that truly exemplifies the Honor’s Program mission by empowering students of outstanding ability to fulfill their intellectual, spiritual, and personal potential. They bring like-minded students together, inspire positive change on campus, and develop rich skills that can be applied to all aspects of their future lives.
