The Scholars Program helps foster a close-knit, vibrant academic community for high-achieving and motivated students. Scholars will enroll in a sequence of first-year courses together, and participate in social and academic events throughout the year.
Most students at Union College enroll in three courses each term. Scholars have the opportunity to enroll in a fourth course each term (beginning in the Winter Term of their first year) at no extra charge. Scholars rely on fourth course registration to pursue additional majors and/or minors, but also to enroll in any courses of interest throughout their time at Union.
All Scholars are invited to participate in the Scholars Professional Development Accelerator (SPDA) during their first two years at Union. The program will help prepare Scholars for internships, fellowship applications, and post-graduate opportunities.
Benefits of the SPDA include:
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
From invitations to private meet-and-greet networking sessions with alumni to program workshops and early application opportunities – student participation in the SPDA increases visibility with leading employers and priority access to career management resources.
STEP-BY-STEP SUPPORT AND SUCCESS STEPS STUDENTS CAN USE TO CHART PROGRESS
The SPDA includes a term-by-term list of success steps, recommended program activities, career advisor engagement, and resources.
FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION SESSIONS
Our program offers scholars a financial literacy curriculum. Learn motivations and tips for making healthy decisions about your finances. Acquire budgeting strategies such as how much you should budget for rent, food, entertainment, transportation, and more. Upon completion, students gain confidence in managing their financial responsibilities and obligations.
INCLUSION IN THE SCHOLAR RESUME BOOK
Scholars who successfully complete all program success steps will have their resumes included in a special Resume Book. The Resume Book will be developed in the Career Center in Becker Hall and then shared with dedicated and engaged alumni leaders and employers.
All Scholars will develop a sophomore project and receive one-on-one mentorship from a Union College faculty member. The sophomore project allows Scholars to pursue their research interests and develop their own, unique courses of study. The sophomore project provides an early opportunity for Scholars to engage in experiential learning and creative problem solving.