Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Records
Title
Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College Records
Date(s)
- 1983-2008 (Creation)
Extent
4.0 linear feet (4 records boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Honors College at South Dakota State University began in the fall of 1999. President Peggy Gordon Elliott wanted to change the then honors program into something more prestigious. She invited Harriet Swedlund and Bob Burns to investigate other honors programs at various colleges and universities, and then develop a program for SDSU. / The College was designed to reflect the characteristics of SDSU faculty and student body. It provides highly motivated students with the opportunity to pursue the challenging and flexible honors course study as they simultaneously work toward a degree in any major. The program represents South Dakota State University's further commitment to rewarding academic excellence, encouraging campus involvement, and developing academic enrichment programs for students. / Students enrolled in the Honors College have the chance to work in smaller class settings without having to sacrifice involvement with other students. It is an opportunity to pursue a more demanding curriculum while having an equal opportunity to share in the full benefits of university life. In turn, the presence of the Honors College students motivates all SDSU students and faculty to achieve at a higher level. / The mission of the South Dakota State University Honors College is supporting the highest quality academic and enrichment opportunities for motivated and academically suited undergraduate students. The Honors College features carefully designed, yet flexible, curricula and attention for enrichment experiences that instill a sense of pride in academic accomplishment, promote a high level of global awareness, support an understanding of cultural diversity, enhance communication skills and contribute to a lifetime commitment to serving community needs. The Honors College is dedicated to the operational principles of flexibility, accommodation, inclusiveness and revision to meet changing conditions.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed of composed of mainly of material dealing with the organizing of the Honors College including are minutes, correspondence, notes, and proposals. Also included is material related to the Griffith Honors Forum Lecture, clippings, news releases, and other files related to the operation of the college.
An item of note is found in the Griffith Honors Forum Lecture folder. It is a copy of a lecture given by documentary film maker, Ken Burns, for the program in 2001.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only. Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
- English