CV FAQ
Why should I join Collegium V?
Collegium V blends the resources of a research university with the advantages
of a selective liberal arts college. This program offers special opportunities
for academic and personal growth. You will become part of a supportive
community of professors and scholars who interact frequently with one
another inside and outside the classroom. Classes are small and taught
by the university's most accomplished teachers. Research opportunities
are encouraged and supported. A wide range of extra-curricular events
will enable you to explore ideas outside the traditional classroom.
When do I apply to Collegium V?
Students apply to Collegium V in the spring of their senior year in high school afterbeing admitted to UTD.
May upperclassmen apply to Collegium V?
Generally not. There are a small number of openings available to freshman who have excelled during their first semester at UTD. Applications will be reviewed in December. Juniors who have participated in Junior College Honors Programs that have an articulation agreement with UTD may also apply upon entering UTD.
Will participation in Collegium V mean taking more classes?
No. Collegium V requirements can be met as you pursue a typical degree
plan in your major. During your freshman and sophomore years, you will
take 12 credits (four 3-credit courses) of specially designed Collegium
V honors classes as part of your regular general education core classes.
In your junior and senior years, you will take an additional 12 credits
of upper-level Collegium V seminars, internships, travel abroad class
work, or honors research. Students entering after their freshman year
will have requirements set for them based on previous academic achievement
and experience.
What are the other requirements for graduating with Collegium V honors?
Along with the required 24 credits of Collegium V courses, students must
be full-time students and be making progress toward a final GPA of 3.5
or better. In their senior year, students must complete a senior thesis
or senior project. They also must participate in a select number
of extra-curricular events over the course of their academic career.
Will work in Collegium V hurt my grades?
No. Collegium V students are not graded on a curve in their Collegium
V classes; grades are based on the quality of a student's work.
Does Collegium V just mean more work and study?
No. In Collegium V classes, the emphasis is on improving the quality of
the classroom experience. Not assigning more work. The program courses
allow greater student participation in discussions and opportunities for
in-depth study of a subject. The assignments in a Collegium V classroom
are stimulating and intellectually challenging.
What if Collegium V is not for me?
As long as you maintain the minimum participation requirements, the decision
to remain in the program is entirely your own. All credits earned in Collegium
V courses count toward degree and graduation requirements whether or not
you stay in the program.
How do Collegium V classes differ from other university classes?
Collegium V class enrollments are capped at 20 students. Faculty are encouraged
to explore innovative ways of delivering material to students in the classroom.
Faculty members teaching Collegium V classes are among the top teachers
and researchers on campus in their field
What honors classes have been offered by Collegium V?
Collegium V regularly offers a wide range of course in the core curriculum
in government, history, humanities, arts and performance, psychology,
sociology, rhetoric, and computer science. Specialized upper-level classes
have also been offered in electrical engineering, computer science, geoscience,
cognitive science, ethics, law, literary studies, and history.
May
I participate in disciplinary honors programs?
Yes. CV students are encouraged to participate in disciplinary honors
programs. CV students are also encouraged to pursuing disciplinary research honors in their major as part of their CV curriculum.
Is there honors housing at UTD?
No. Students may request a CV roommate in their freshman year
through student housing. Many CV members end up rooming together
in their sophomore, junior, and senior years in the Waterview Apartments.
What else does Collegium V offer?
Collegium V is more than a classroom honors program, offering a wide range
of extra-curricular activities and academic enrichment opportunities.
Members have special access to the Collegium V lounge on the first floor of the Green Center for Undergraduate Education 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The lounge houses two
computer rooms, the Alexander Clark Reading Library, a tv/video room, and a small kitchen area.
The lounge is a meeting ground for honors students seeking a place to
work, relax, and make new friends. Many extra-curricular events take place
in the lounge including a weekly coffee social (Java Friday) and occasional
movie nights. Members also receive tickets to on-campus and off-campus
cultural events, including the Dallas Symphony and other local concerts,
performances, exhibits and plays.
What kind of recognition will I receive for participating in Collegium
V?
Collegium V classes are identified on your transcript as honors classes.
Upon graduation you will receive a medallion, a lapel pin, and special
designation on your diploma and in the commencement program. CV graduates also wear special dark green gowns at graduation to distinguish them from other graduates
May I discuss CV with someone while visiting the campus?
Yes. We encourage students who are interested in CV to visit
the campus and meet with the honors director to discuss the program.
Students visiting UTD on a typical Friday during the semester are also invited to attend Java
Friday in the CV lounge from 12:00pm to 1:00pm to meet with current honors
students. Appointments should be scheduled through
Gina Felts at 972-883-4297.
Who directs Collegium V?
The director of Collegium V is Edward J. Harpham, Professor of Political Science and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.
Dr. Harpham has taught at UTD since 1981. He is the author of numerous
books and articles in political theory and American government, and a
winner of the Chancellor Council's Outstanding Teachers Award. You can
visit Dr. Harpham's homepage
or email him.
The Assistant Director of Collegium V is Douglas Dow, Clinical Professor in Undergraduate Education. Dr. Dow teaches honors classes in political theory, constitutional law, professional ethics for engineering and computer science, and American government.
The Administrative Assistant for Collegium V is Gina Felts. She is also the Administrative Assistant for the Pre-Law Society and the advisor to Destination Imagination at UTD.
An elected Executive Committee composed of Collegium V students plays a major role in setting the future direction of the program and supervising the lounge.
Academic Excellence Scholarship Program
The University of Texas at Dallas has an extensive program of merit-based
academic scholarships. They range from $500 per semester tuition supplements
for four years to tuition, fees and housing allowance and a stipend for
educational expenses. Students admitted to the university are automatically
considered for Academic Excellence scholarship awards. Prospective CV Honors students are encouraged to look into the Mcdermott Scholarship Program and the Terry Scholars Program, both which have separate applications.
UT-Dallas at a glance: Fall 2007
Total Enrollment: 14,556
Percent Undergraduate: 64%
Percent Graduate: 36%
Percent Male: 55%
Percent Female: 45%
%Full Time: 63%
% Part Time: 37%
Ethnicity:Anglo (52%), Asian-American (18%), International (14%), Hispanic (9%), African-American (7%)
What is the next step if I am interested?
Submit a completed application form and two letters of recommendation.
You may request an application form by email, phone (972-883-4297), or by mail at our mailing address: Collegium V Honors Program GC 10 The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080-3021.