Reaud Leadership Institute / Minor in Honors Studies
The Reaud Leadership Institute focuses on leadership development, global influence, and a variety of experiential learning opportunities to help students grow into influencers. The Minor in Honors Studies supports the mission of the Reaud Leadership Institute by engaging students in a unique multidisciplinary set of courses focused on developing their leadership and critical thinking skills.
From the first year on campus to the senior thesis, students in the institute will have opportunities to engage in leadership development experiences that aim to inspire deep learning and prepare them for career success.
The 19-hour Minor in Honors Studies enables a select cohort of the best students in the Reaud Honors College—Reaud Fellows—to take innovative and rigorous courses from the best faculty at Lamar University.
All Presidential Scholars/SETX Legends Scholars will be invited to participate in the creative and advanced interdisciplinary learning experience that is complementary to several majors at Lamar University with special emphasis, but not limited to, majors that include Political Science, Sociology, and Criminal Justice.
Reaud Fellows enrolled in the Minor in Honors Studies will participate in the Reaud Leadership Institute and graduate as a Reaud Honors College graduate.
COHORT-BASED CURRICULUM
People learn better when they study as part of a group. The Minor in Honors Studies curriculum is built around providing a community learning environment that will provide an interactive and dynamic setting for students to expand their knowledge, foster creativity, build leadership skills, and inspire greater progress in each other.
Reaud Fellows will take Honors-only sections with additional Topics, Seminars, Contracts, and Petitions allowing students to differentiate coursework needed to graduate with a minor in addition to a student’s major program.
Courses will offer “deeper thinking” discussions, critical and analytical problem-solving, and exploration of innovative ideas. The minor program will culminate into a creative Senior Capstone Project, which may count as a High Impact Educational Practice (HIEP).
REAUD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE OPPORTUNITIES
Students who study together at the Reaud Leadership Institute will participate in:
- Global Leadership
- Research and Scholarship
- Stepping Up Civic Leadership
- Alumni Mentor Program (AMP)
Additional seminars and topics will offer an intense review of contemporary topics, global issues, current policy, and leadership opportunities.
Global Leadership
- Leadership seminars and topics taught by world-class experts foster experiential learning and leadership opportunities for students.
- Honors Leadership Community helps students identify their big-picture goals, aspirations, and academic support networks.
- Model United Nations emulates the real-world Model UN focusing on world peace and problem-solving for global issues and concerns.
- Moot Court is a nationally-recognized program for Oral Advocacy that helps prepare students for law schools and is open to all majors.
- Study Abroad and Partners in the Parks experiential learning opportunities help students define their global study pathway for academic credit or interdisciplinary exploration.
Research and Scholarship
- Student research and scholarship opportunities through the support of LU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
- Major/minor-specific research projects led by expert faculty mentors build on student learning goals.
- Honors Scholars Day offers students the ability to present and share their undergraduate research and capstone projects with students, faculty, and the community.
Stepping Up Civic Leadership
- Students serve on local 501(c)3 boards and participate in volunteer opportunities in the community.
- Honors Experiences offer students a variety of experiences from civic leadership to volunteerism.
Alumni Mentor Program (AMP)
- Alumni Mentors serve as a contact for internship opportunities, engage with students in one-on-one chats and in group discussions, and offer tours and connections that provide students an inside look at the careers and skills that will help them prepare for success.
- AMP is hosted on LinkedIN and developed with alumni leaders serving in the Reaud Honors College Alumni Advisory Council.
WHY YOU SHOULD BE A REAUD FELLOW
As students study together, they develop relationships that transcend course material and morph into life skill training. By being a part of a select cohort of high-achieving students, Reaud Fellows will be uniquely poised for career success given the close peer support relationships they will build throughout their experience in the Minor in Honors Studies.
Interested in becoming a Reaud Fellow?
Find out more about our:
We look forward to learning more about you, as we consider your application to become a part of the Reaud Leadership Institute community and pursue the Minor in Honors Studies.
Apply for a Presidential Scholarship/SETX Legends Scholarship by Jan. 15. All Presidential Scholars/SETX Legends Scholars will be invited to participate in this distinguished program.