Wikipedia:WikiProject University of Texas at Austin/Dean's Scholars



The Dean's Scholars (often referred to simply as DS) program is an undergraduate honors program for natural sciences majors at the University of Texas at Austin. The program was started in 1983, and admits about 30 incoming freshmen per year. In total, the group consists of about 180 students. Founded in 1983, the program is geared toward introducing talented students to scientific research early on in their college careers. Unlike the individual departmental honors programs within each college, Dean's Scholars encourages inter-department breadth by requiring students to take varied selection of math and science classes. However, many students are members of both departmental honors programs and Dean's Scholars.

Curriculum
During their first year, all Dean's Scholars take a research methods class (NSC 301) and an honors seminar. For the most part, specific Dean's Scholars classes are few when compared to other honors programs like Plan II. Instead, DS uses modified versions of the departments' own degree plans, but with more electives and a required senior research thesis.

Activities
Dean's Scholars places heavy emphasis on social activities that often have important academic elements. A big part of the program is putting students in contact with other students that have "similar aptitudes and interests", most of which is done through recreational and social events.

Friday Lunches
Friday Lunches are held each afternoon in a specified room where Dean's Scholars receive free lunch and a speaker is invited to lecture on a topic of his or her choice. The menu varies, but generally the food comes from one of the off campus restaurants near campus. Speakers are chosen by a group of Dean's Scholars in coordination with the Director.

Trips
Dean's Scholars organizes many trips throughout the year to University of Texas at Austin owned facilities in Port Aransas and Fort Davis.

Intramural Sports
Dean's Scholars participate in various sports against other honors and student organizations on campus. Sports include soccer, football, basketball, and many others. Participation is free and open to anyone, encouraging all to participate.

Middle School Enrichment Program
Founded to keep middle school kids interested in science, the Middle School Enrichment Program (MSEP) is one of Dean's Scholars most active programs. The program requires a continuing commitment from DS students who visit area middle schools and perform science demonstrations.