Debunking Myths Surrounding J. N. Andrews Honors Program

It is easy to spot preconceived notions regarding the J. N. Honors Program and its students on campus, but some contain misleading information or are too oversimplified to convey accurate insights. This article will address some of the most popular myths surrounding Honors by clarifying its purpose, the experience it offers, and how the campus has benefited from Honors since its establishment in 1966. If you find yourself curious or intrigued about the Honors experience, start it off by joining us at the Agape Feast next Friday, February 3, 2023, at the HPAC from 6 to 7:30 PM to enjoy the cheerful music, delicious food, and wholesome worship service with amazing people

Myth #1. Honors is only for “smart” kids.

Before we address this myth, it is essential to define what we mean by smart, and how Honors views smart. Merriam-Webster defines smart as “​​having or showing a high degree of mental ability,” and it is true that they strive to create a program that is “intellectually challenging.” However, high academic performance is often something one develops throughout their lifetime, not something they are born with. When we say Honors is only for smart students, it implies that this group is reserved for students genetically gifted with academic ability. This is far from the truth. Honors is about growth.

Honors is a program that replaces the general education requirements through its curriculum called SAGES (Scholars’ Alternative General Education Studies), which involves discussion, writing, and research. In all honesty, I was also very intimidated four years ago by those wordings as my confidence in my academic skills, especially writing, was hitting rock bottom. But it took me less than a couple of months to realize that Honors is not where I am pressured to prove my ability, but where I am supported to improve, no matter where my starting point is. In fact, one can always find room for intellectual improvement in this community!

The Honors admission clearly states that the program is “designed to maximize critical thinking, creative problem-solving, research and reasoning skills,” not to pick the ones who already have these abilities perfected. The GPA requirement is 3.50 for high school students, and 3.33 for college transfers. 3.33 is equivalent to a B+, a grade that does not necessarily prove someone’s genetic intelligence but signs the person’s diligence and dedication for education. Honors never existed to distinguish who is smart or not. Instead, it was established to make an even more welcoming environment for those with goals aligning with Honors, just like any other campus group.

Honors has a clear purpose, and this purpose designs and structures how this group runs; that structure might work well for some individuals and their academic/career plan, but not others. But as long as there continue to be students who find this program beneficial during their years at Andrews, Honors will also continue to make an environment where they can thrive.

Myth #2. Honors is hard.

College Honors is hard.

P.S. Support makes it doable, and many students find that support (emotional, spiritual, social, academic,...) in Honors through programs like Honors buddies and the Honors library.

Myth #3. Honors is all about prestige and having a fancier resumé.

Honors can be a prestigious addition to your CV or resumé, but no prestige comes without a cost. If anyone who reads the resumé finds value in Honors, that would mean that the program offers a quality education and experience that employers love to see reflected in their employees!

Consider it this way: wouldn’t you list a club or extracurricular activity that meant a lot to you and was important during your college career on your resume? Many Honors students spend their entire undergrad years in this program, and contribute a great deal of time to Honors courses, especially during their senior year for their research project. Even if a student joined the group for prestige, by the time they have given all their effort into successful completion, Honors would mean a lot different to them compared to when they initially joined. Even if it did not change, they are writing down and specifying something on the resume about themselves—their time and hard work—not necessarily the history of Honors.

So really, Honors is all about what you make out of it. And if many students have found Honors an essential part of their college journey, important enough to specify on their resumé, maybe you would end up with a similar experience when you join them! → (Application)

Myth #4. Honors is expensive!

Honors students pay about $50 as their fee to join the program. In return, they enjoy all the benefits (which I will not specifically list here since there are A LOT, but you are welcome to check them out in the Honors student handbook). You might have heard of some relatively expensive events, such as cultural outings. That is because the events themselves are pricey for rightful reasons (ex., world-class musicians’ performances, large-scale musicals). In fact, Honors makes the experience more affordable through group discounts and free transportation that would not have occurred if you were going to watch yourself. I promise you, Honors is just trying hard to let students have cultural experiences outside the Barren Winter…I mean, Berrien Springs.

Myth #5. Honors is one big clique.

Instead of a clique, I see it as a community. I agree; those two might seem similar. After all, clique and community refer to a group that shares common interests and values. However, the word clique contains the idea of exclusivity and alienation. But to use those words towards Honors, the opportunity to join this group is pretty wide open! Did you know you can join during your freshmen, sophomore, and even junior year? On top of that, all the events are open to ALL, whether that be the cultural outings, agape feast (next Friday!), or the Honors Church.

One of the best parts of Andrews University is the diversity it has, whether that be nationality, ethnicity, culture, and whatnot. Many clubs and groups manifest this diversity in their own way. Honors is just another example of a good group of people gathered to add to the academic diversity at Andrews University, expanding the options for its students.

Here are some insights from students taking Honors courses and those who took General Education courses. 

“I think we should have an Honors program! Having taken both Honors courses and many of the non-Honors equivalent courses, I can speak to Honors being a significantly different and valuable experience for those who want the type of learning the program offers. It is also legitimately a really great community. As to whether it is alienating, I don’t think it is, as the requirements focus on an attitude and desire to learn rather than strict high grades. The program also encourages a lot of research, which is amazing for both the students involved and the school!”  - T Bruggemann (senior, computer science & physics)

“I can see how people might think Honors students often hang out with other Honors students, but I think that is an obvious thing to happen since they take a lot of classes together. It’s natural for anyone to spend more time with those who share more common factors and experiences. ” - Gina Park (junior, music)

“I think the fancy name might be a little intimidating, but really, the Honors program is just a different way of learning. A little more discussion-based and hands-on for those who prefer that—it absolutely is something that everyone and anyone can do if they want! I’ve been in Honors since my freshman year, and I have never felt that the classes I am taking are ‘better’ or ‘harder’ than the general requirements, nor have I ever felt that I am ‘different’ or particularly smart for taking them. It’s just a different style of teaching that happens to suit me, whereas the general requirements are another style of teaching that I personally don’t prefer.” -  Nora Martin (junior, English and psychology)

“I’m sure the Honors community benefits the campus directly, but at the same time, I don’t think it matters if they don’t. Even if Honors exclusively benefits the Honors students, such as the extra boost on their resumé, they deserve it. They actively tried to make themselves more appealing for their future goals by applying to the program and working hard within it, and that opportunity to strive should not be taken away. This applies to any other experience or extracurricular activities you can gain during college. You have to reach out for every chance you can get if you think that opportunity could help you hone your skills and provide the edge you need. I did not apply to honors because I fulfilled my general education requirements in my previous college, but anyone interested in taking Honors should apply. Honors is available to everyone as long as they are committed to the work, and provide many great opportunities, including the Honors research project. This is a great experience to have in one’s education, and also likely helps a lot when going into the workplace.”  - Jessica Bowen (senior, animal science)

Closing Words
Most of the time, leaders portray the character and atmosphere of a group. And Honors has outstanding leadership displayed by students, but especially by the faculty and staff members led by Dr. Pittman, the program director. One simple but clear example of that leadership is Dr. Pittman recognizing every individual and their name from day one they enter the program.

Working as an Honors officer for the past three years was an opportunity to witness the hard work, careful consideration, and planning Ms. Maxine (Honors administrative assistant) and Dr. Pittman put into this program. This experience was also an assurance that I was not wrong to choose this program my freshman year based on my judgment of its leadership.

So if you find this curriculum fitting well with your academic goals and values, I encourage you to check out the program, email Honors, visit the office, or connect with us on social media (FB, Instagram, and TikTok)! Even if it does not, you will always be welcome to join the events, such as the Agape Feast coming up next Friday at the HPAC at 6 PM! We look forward to seeing you there.