University of Michigan. College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Honors Program

In 1957, the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LS&A) established the Honors Program to provide freshman and sophomores with the opportunity to pursue more scholarly options. Honors courses had already been available for juniors and seniors through the various departments, however, the university felt that new exceptional students were being neglected and therefore attending other institutions that did offer four-year honors programs. The main objective of the Honors Program was to attract superior students to the University of Michigan.

With Robert C. Angell at the helm, an Honors Council comprised of representatives from LS&A departments participating in the Honors Program was formed to develop the curriculum guidelines. The program was designed to ensure a liberal arts education, yet allow students the flexibility to create a program of study based upon their personal interests. In addition to more challenging courses, honors program students were offered special counseling by members of the Honors Council, lodging and camaraderie with others who emphasized academics, extra credit for summer reading, and the opportunity to write a thesis. Top high school seniors were then issued invitations to join the program based on their high school grades, test scores, and a personal interview. Eighty-seven student chose to participate that first year.

Otto Graf followed Angell as director of the program in 1961. Six hundred students were then participating in the program, creating a small college atmosphere within the expanse of the larger institution. Although, the program was an official success, controversy arose in the early 1960s concerning the special privileges afforded the honors students and the accusations that the course work was not much more difficult than in regular classes.

By the time Jack Meiland took over in 1978, more administrative personnel and staff had been added and issues of concern now turned to the validity of using the same grade standards for honors students as for students taking less demanding courses and using technology to handle the administrative information generated by the program. Meiland continued as director until 1983 when he was succeeded by David Shappirio. In 1991 Ruth Scodel became director of the program.

From the guide to the College of Literature, Science and the Arts Honors Program (University of Michigan) records, 1957-1984, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)

Program established in 1957 within the College of Literature, Science & the Arts designed to provide a rigorous curriculum for exceptional students. Early directors include Robert C. Angell and Otto Graf.

From the description of Honors Program (University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts) records, 1957-1984. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 82804809