Prospective students experienced a day in the life of a ULM honors student. The program held its annual invitational on Jan. 24, engaging with potential members and local high schoolers.                 

Since its inception three years ago, the Honors Invitational continues to be one of the largest events sponsored on campus. Over 120 high school students, along with their parents, attended the invitational, shattering the previous year’s record. 

“The event was an absolute success. We had the most participants ever to attend despite the bad weather,” Honors Program director Joshua Stockley said.

Council members created a schedule of events that allowed students to explore campus, listen in on honors classes, and ask questions to a panel of current and former students. 

After eating a quick lunch, students chose two honors lectures to sit in on. Five professors conducted a mock class, where students got to learn about the differences between honors and regular courses.

  “I liked going in the classes, experiencing the many lectures the Honors Program had,” a prospective student said. 

While the students were in class, parents took part in a session discussing tuition fees, financial aid and the cost of attendance at ULM. The financial aid office attempted to clear up any questions or concerns mentioned by attending parents. 

The afternoon continued with a campus tour led by Hawkseekers. Participants navigated the university, exploring academic halls and campus facilities. Students visited the Student Success Center, library, and honors lounge. Hiking up the stairs of Walker Hall, high school students got to understand the reality of life here at ULM. 

The invitational ended with a Q&A session with a panel consisting of current students and alumni. Stockley moderated the session, asking the audience for questions. 

Students asked a variety of questions regarding the experience of an honors student. Freshman representative Noah Stephen answered, explaining why he joined the program.

“Honors is a mosaic of different people from different backgrounds and experiences,” Stephen said. “They combine together to share ideas and share experiences and build each other up.”

The Honors Program provides students with various opportunities for leadership, social engagement and scholarships. The program’s goal is to prepare incoming students for their future career, whether they plan to be as a scientist or an artist.

“We want to see you hone in on your career skills,” Stockley said. “We want to see you become a leader, even if it is on a campus in a tiny town like Monroe.”

Recently, students have recognized the Honor Program’s worth since the number of members joining the program increases yearly. The Honors Program is one of the only on-campus RSOs to not experience a decrease in enrollment numbers.

The incoming freshman class of 2024 is on track to be the largest class ever admitted into the Honors Program.