More than 150 new students (of the 300 eligible) have joined the UMR Honors Academy for Fall 2007. These Honors Academy students will participate in the new and improved 2007-2008 New Student Honors Seminar Series, which includes social events, distinguished speakers and contests, an etiquette dinner, a formal gala, and a trip for some to the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Denver, Colo. Perhaps the best part of the Honors Academy is that students lead the growth, suggesting speakers, contests and events, and in doing so they help to forge a thriving, intellectually curious, and sociable learning community.
The New Student Honors Seminar Series features special lectures lead by faculty and includes presentations from students as well. In addition to regularly scheduled annual events like the welcome reception, etiquette dinner, and sessions on research, teaching, and learning, the exciting fall schedule includes:

— “Listen to Me Ye Scurvy Dogs,” by Dr. Diana Ahmad in recognition of International Talk Like a Pirate Day
— "Backpacker Magazine Continental Divide Mapping Adventure," by UMR students Michelle Marincel and Brian Payne
— The Salem Witch Trials Special Lecture, by Dr. Larry Gragg, just in time for Halloween; and a report from UMR students presenting their honors coursework at the national conference
To learn more about the UMR Honors Academy and the UMR New Student Honors Seminar visit: http://campus.mst.edu/ugs/honors.htm .