In 2013, Schreyer Honors College and Penn State hosted the inaugural, bi-annual Honors Education at Research Universities (HERU) conference. Designed to share best practices and develop relationships that meet the needs of honors programs and colleges at Research 1 universities, HERU features a unique structure.
Every two years that the conference takes place, it is due to the work of a new planning committee with the host institu- tion serving as chair. That decision, along with creating a committee structure that passes decision-making from one to another, allows the conference to operate with minimal overhead and possess the agility to respond to the changing needs of honors students.
This past summer, after a pandemic-related pause, the Honors College at the University of Houston hosted the fifth HERU Conference, and Schreyer Honors College sent 10 staff members – more than any year prior — to the event. Representatives from the dean’s office, admissions, career development, development and alumni relations, and information technology all made the trip to Texas.
While there, Honors College staff presented on topics such as elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion in honors education, the effective use of an honors advisory board, and more. They also attended various lectures and panel discussions and networked with colleagues from peer institutions like Nebraska, Purdue, Michigan State, Louisiana State, and Arizona State.
Upon returning to University Park, the attendees were eager to share their takeaways from the conference:
Patrick Mather, Dean: “This conference was such a time of friendship, pride, and fun for Team Schreyer. And as the College’s dean, I was incredibly proud of our palpable reputation among attendees and the high quality of presentations at the various sessions by our staff members.”
Melanie Frantz Finocchio, Coordinator of Stewardship: “It was important for me to attend this year’s HERU in Houston so that I could break out of my comfort zone, learn in a new space, and network. My presentation went well! The audience was engaged. Afterwards, in the company of my Schreyer colleagues, I felt a sense of belonging and pride. Although our roles in the Honors College are vastly different, we share at least one commonality—a commitment to our Scholars’ success.”
Sean Miller, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations: “Attending HERU allowed for my colleagues and me to connect with development and alumni professionals at other institutions. The conversations were enlightening, allowing us to benchmark against other programs. It reaff irmed that the Honors College is on the right path forward and our alumni and supporters are second to none.”
Deyo Olorunnisola, Director of Admissions: “Conversations about how people coped with their personal and professional stressors during the pandemic were valuable. Though few came through without stress and major adjustments, people I spoke with had mostly positive outcomes and found new ways to energize themselves. This conference represented a return to ‘normal’ and it was also valuable to see how the pandemic has changed people and the way we think about the work we do to give access to and support students.”
Mather noted that attending the conference was an energizing experience for the Honors College staff, and that plans are being made to incorporate ideas that they brought home.
“Many ideas emerged, and our hallways have been abuzz with discussion since the conference – with perfect timing relative to strategic planning activities,” he noted. “I am particularly excited about best practices and creative ideas in the areas of first-year experience (for incoming Scholars) and mental well-being for the whole community.”
