Union College offers an honors program for students already enrolled at the college. The Seward Interdisciplinary Fellows program lets students develop their own program of study exploring connections among disciplines.

Normally, students apply during fall of their sophomore year. They may be from any discipline but must have demonstrated excellence in their first year at Union College. Current Union Scholars may apply as well. Seward Fellows build an interdisciplinary "Organizing Theme" minor that includes a faculty-supervised independent project. The program includes the privilege of taking extra courses.

An Organizing Theme Minor has at least 7 courses chosen from at least 2 departments, including a two-term independent study project. Students may double count at most one of these courses towards their major. Proposals will be evaluated according to the coherence and academic rigor of the proposed plan of study, and according to the ability of the student to complete the proposed course of study. Students are encouraged to seek out the advice of a faculty member in putting together their proposals.

Who is eligible: Students with sophomore status.

Required GPA: 3.5, but exceptions will be made for students who have taken especially challenging programs.

Privileges:

• The opportunity to take one additional course per term at no extra cost beginning in the winter term of sophomore year.
• Funds up to $1000 to aid in research as a part of an independent study in the interdisciplinary minor. (IEF and Summer Undergraduate Research funding may also be available).

Requirements:

• Two-term independent study project (for one course credit) in the junior year related to the minor.
• Maintained GPA of at least 3.2
• Presentation of completed research at a one-day symposium. All Seward Fellows are also strongly encouraged to make a presentation at the Steinmetz Symposium.

How to apply: Submit to Steve Sargent, Union Scholars/Seward Fellows Director, Social Sciences 214D the following information on type-written pages:

1. Name
2. Class
3. Major, or state undeclared
4. Most recent GPA
5. 1-2 page double-spaced essay describing the theme of your interdisciplinary minor topic and the proposed independent research associated with it
6. Tentative list of classes you plan to take as part of your minor (give course numbers and titles)
7. Proposed faculty sponsor who might serve as your minor advisor, preferably someone who has looked at the description of your proposed program

If you have questions email sargents@union.edu or call 6360.

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