Signs of the new academic year have definitely emerged. The driveway next to Bishop hall is currently being repaved. Tappan, Emerson, Wells and Bishop Halls are undergoing their final cleaning, and the Honors & Scholars Program office is buzzing with activity. I adore the beginning of the year. It is energizing to anticipate all 2,400 of you--our Honors & Scholars students--arriving on campus in the next ten days. I can already visualize all of the vans lined up on the lawns and streets outside Bishop, Wells, Tappan and Emerson Halls, chock full of clothing items, furniture, and school supplies. Let me be the first to welcome you (back) to Miami!

We have been busy this summer preparing for your arrival. Kristy Burton, the new Associate Director for Enrollment Management, is putting the final touches on our applications and brochures and updating our website. John Forren, the new Associate Director for Curriculum, is busily planning an exciting array of courses for the spring semester, and Kari Taylor, the new Assistant Director for Academic Support, has developed some exciting ideas for reaching out to the students in our residence halls. Deb Stanley, the Assistant Director for Experiential Education, has also been organizing plenty of service projects for those of you who wish to engage in the community. All of the resident assistants and advisors in the Honors & Scholars halls are immersed in their orientations and looking forward to fostering energizing and fulfilling environments in the residence halls, and the Honors faculty are polishing their course syllabi. As you can tell from these descriptions, we can’t wait for your arrival.

Once you settle into your new living spaces, we hope that you will join us at the appropriate welcome session where you will have the opportunity to meet the Honors & Scholars staff in person.

Dr. Carolyn Haynes, Director, Honors & Scholars Program