Description of Academic Enrichment Programs

The Honors Program offers academically talented students an opportunity to engage in stimulating and challenging courses, seminars and colloquia during their tenure at Dean College. Open to students who meet the entrance criteria, honors scholars enroll in honors sections of specific courses, and may enhance non-honors courses through additional intensive reading and analysis with instructors. Exciting academic and cultural activities outside the traditional class environment are also available.

The First-Year Seminar, a course taken during the first semester, helps students make a successful transition to college by teaching students the academic and personal strategies necessary for success at Dean and beyond. Students enroll jointly in a section of First-Year Seminar (FYS) and a paired liberal arts course. The instructor of FYS, a learning specialist, attends the liberal arts course with the FYS students, and then models effective learning strategies for that course directly with students. Additionally, all FYS students participate in a speaker series that addresses critical issues facing college students.

The FOCUS Program for International Students offers a unique and innovative program for all international students entering college in the United States. The program combines cultural orientation, language instruction, as well as academic classes to give the international student a holistic educational experience. The program is ideal for international students who want to strengthen their English reading, writing, and conversation skills; prepare for the social and academic challenges of college; and become familiar with American culture.