Welcome, Scholars!
As Executive Director of the Binghamton University Scholars Program, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our prospective and current University Scholars! All of us associated with the program--staff, current students, and alumni-- share the goal of making your time at Binghamton University challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable.
University Scholars represent the top 2% of incoming undergraduates at the University, the most accomplished and talented members of a highly competitive admissions pool. In addition to being driven and talented, our students are a civically engaged and socially conscious group of diverse students from all over the world. Scholars have what it takes to fulfill their dreams and to change the world. Our program provides you with every opportunity to reach those lofty goals!
At Binghamton, the Scholars Program is one of endless opportunities rather than endless requirements. It is focused on creating a shared and cohesive experience for students like you in each of your undergraduate years that still allows you to forge your unique path through the University. Your Scholars experience begins with living and learning in the Scholars Learning Community in the Newing College residential community, where you will live among other Scholars and form lasting friendships. Your first Scholars classroom experience begins with SCHL127, "Scholars Cornerstone Seminar," a course designed to help you get off to a great start as a new college student and to help you to learn how to think in sophisticated, interdisciplinary ways. In your second semester, you move on to the first of two Scholars-only courses taught by the best and brightest professors at Binghamton University from across the academic disciplines.
As you move into your respective academic paths toward graduation, the University Scholars program offers you a range of high-impact learning experiences that are unique to your aspirations and ambitions. In your second year, you will participate in a leadership and service project. In the third year, the Scholars program helps launch you on an experiential learning experience of your choosing such as study abroad, higher-level research, or an internship. In your final year, you will complete a culminating capstone experience, a substantial project or paper that demonstrates the academic rigor of your undergraduate experience. For those who excel, the distinguished designation of President's Honors or All-University Honors are conferred upon graduation, a designation only available through the Binghamton University Scholars Program.
Throughout all four years, we will continue to offer professional events and opportunities, and social events that help make us a community. You can find details about all of the opportunities and requirements of the Scholars Program in the Binghamton University Scholars Program Student Handbook, and elsewhere on this website. For prospective students, we hope you will join the University Scholars program and help us continue our tradition of excellence. For those who are entering the program, best wishes for a great scholarly experience at Binghamton University. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
Sincerely,
Stephen R. Ortiz
Executive Director, University Scholars Program
Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Enrichment
Associate Professor of History
