Laura Machia has been appointed interim director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program at Syracuse University. Behzad Mortazavi, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, made the announcement. Machia is currently the associate dean for academic initiatives and curriculum and a professor of psychology. In her new role, she will manage the program, advise students, coordinate faculty efforts, and oversee the curriculum.
According to Mortazavi, “Laura’s dedication to student success makes her the perfect choice for this role during a crucial time for the Honors Program.” He appreciates her strategic approach in her full-time position, which he thinks will greatly benefit the Honors Program.
This semester is particularly important for the program. A working group, established last spring by Lois Agnew, the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, will conduct a comprehensive review of the Honors Program. Machia will be part of this group, which aims to maintain academic standards while proposing enhancements for the future.
The working group includes members from various schools across the university, and their responsibilities include:
- Linking the Honors Program to the university’s strategic academic plan focusing on experiential inquiry.
- Reviewing the curriculum of the Honors Program.
- Improving the Honors thesis requirement for students in professional schools.
- Creating a governance structure for the Honors Program.
- Enhancing faculty involvement with the program.
The group is co-led by Elisa Dekaney and Jamie Winders. Other members include experts from various fields, showcasing a range of academic backgrounds. These diverse perspectives will help shape the program’s future.
Recent surveys show that student engagement in honors programs can enhance academic performance. For example, a report by the National Collegiate Honors Council found that students in honors programs often show higher GPAs and graduation rates. This data highlights the importance of finely tuned programs like the Honors Program at Syracuse.
As the working group moves forward, their final report on improvements will be submitted to the provost by the end of the semester, ensuring that the program continues to thrive and adapt to the changing educational landscape.
