"The Honors Program is for bright, motivated students who want greater depth in their educational experience," said Dr. Yvonne Milspaw, HACC professor of English and humanities, and director of HACC's Honors Program.
"Honors courses don't pile on more work, but they go deeper and give the students ownership of their education. Because the classes are small and intensely interactive, students get to know each other well, and learn to work in a genuinely collaborative environment.
"Top colleges and universities know that students who transfer from community colleges succeed at a much higher rate than most others," said Milspaw. "And they prefer to admit Honors program students, who they see as willing to take intellectual risks and are deeply committed to genuine learning."
Schneck graduated from high school in 1995 and had two false starts in higher education - first a year at Susquehanna University, then HACC. With poor grades and undecided about his future, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in the spring of 1997 and completed two four-year enlistments, the last in San Diego.
"My wife was going to a community college there and loved the experience, had a great time and got me excited about going back to school," said Schneck. "When I reapplied to HACC, I had a whole new appreciation for college and saw it as a real opportunity to study things that interested me."
"That was last year, and I was still on academic probation because of my low GPA from my previous college experience," said Schneck. "But I was more mature and wanted to be in school. By the second semester, I made the dean's list and received a letter regarding the Honors Program with its requirements and smaller classes."
Schneck admits to being apprehensive, fearing the Honors Program would be much more work. But he looked at it as something he'd regret if he didn't try.
He saw students willing to work harder in the Honors Program. "When you accept that challenge, you're willing to dedicate yourself to succeed at that level. It's not enough for me to just pass a course anymore," he said. "I'm not smarter than other students. I just know what I want now and take the time to look for help if I need it."
Working part-time and going to school part-time, as many HACC students do, is not easy, admitted Schneck.
"But you have to make personal sacrifices in order to reach your goals, which for me means becoming an attorney some day. I'm willing to make those sacrifices now that I wasn't when I first started college - back when I wasn't prepared for the time and work it would require and was more interested in making friends and having fun," said Schneck. "I am fortunate that my wife is so supportive. She is a huge part of my success so far and I'm very thankful for that."
"I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to go back to college again, and now I have the chance to do any job that I want. I still have that opportunity."
Honors courses go beyond basics In Honors courses, the intellectual atmosphere is intense, supportive and cordial, emphasizing each student's power of reasoning, creative inquiry and communication. Courses are small, and enrollment is limited, usually to no more than 15 students. They are often conducted as seminars and tutorials where students do independent research.
Honors courses are student centered, making individuals responsible for the pace and direction of their studies. Additionally, they are intense, with depth and rigor of instruction stressed.
The courses are discussion based and interdisciplinary - linking developments in arts, humanities, sciences and technologies to focus on contemporary social and intellectual questions - and diverse, exploring multiple points of view.
Information about the Honors Program may be obtained by visiting HACC online at www.hacc.edu or by contacting the Honors Program Director, Dr. Yvonne Milspaw at yjmilspa@hacc.edu or at 717-780-2555.