The Robert Donald Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon offers students the best of two worlds–a small four-year liberal arts college with a community that features excellence and scholarship and the plentiful resources of a major research university.

Named after the faculty member and former UO president primarily responsible for its founding in 1960, the Clark Honors College brings together excellent students and a select group of faculty in an academic program that is both challenging and supportive.

"Robert Clark believed existing UO honors programs weren’t working because they didn’t foster the sense of community needed to make them successful," says David Frank, director, Robert Donald Clark Honors College. "What we’ve built at the University of Oregon Honors College is a community of faculty and students where excellence is the goal; one that features scholarship, with reading, thinking, speaking and writing at its core."

Gaining admittance to the Honors College is no easy task. Staying there is pretty tough, too.

Of the 801 applicants for fall term 2000, just 150 were admitted. The average grade-point average (GPA) of incoming students was 3.9 (4.0 equals "A") and the top 25 percent had Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores of 1,400 or higher.

Once enrolled, the college’s 525 students must maintain a GPA of 3.25. But like many other prestigious colleges, the Honors College seeks applicants with more than high test scores and GPAs. Consistent with the UO’s diversity goals, the Honors College admissions committee takes into account each student’s background and experience.

"It’s a highly competitive admissions process, and students find a rigorous academic program once they’re enrolled," says Frank. "But these students are among the best and the brightest, and most are up to the challenge and do extremely well in this environment."

The Honors College curriculum balances interrelated courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. Class enrollment rarely exceeds 25 students.

The courses emphasize the development of fundamental intellectual skills: critical thinking, writing, reading, speaking and listening. The learning process takes place in a supportive atmosphere, and students are encouraged to play an active role in class discussion.

Students are free to choose any major offered at the UO and have the option of graduating with either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Clark Honors College students also have the option of living in honors residence halls on campus.

Honors College courses are taught by resident faculty members–a major asset of the school. Resident faculty members provide continuity in course offerings as well as advising, which is an essential component of the Honors College program. From the time students arrive on campus until the time they graduate, students work closely with an Honors College faculty member. The Honors College also features invited faculty members from schools and departments across campus.

The capstone experience for Honors College students is the honors thesis. During their senior year, students prepare an advanced research or creative project to present before a faculty committee. In preparation, students work individually with faculty members from their academic major.

"This process is invaluable–both as a culmination of undergraduate work and as preparation for a wide range of academic or professional pursuits," says Frank.

Graduates of the Honors College have pursued careers in the arts, public service and private enterprise throughout the world. Many continued their education in the fields of law, architecture, medicine, and the liberal arts and sciences. Several have won Fulbright, Mellon and National Science Foundation fellowships.

"The Honors College has 2,200 alumni who give generously to the university," says Frank. "I think that speaks volumes about the positive experience they had while students at the college."

Private giving by Honors College alumni this year funded an expansion of the college, located in Chapman Hall, providing extra class space and an expanded library.

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