Honors Colloquium is an opportunity for students to explore the university inside and outside the classroom.
Colloquium Schedule
The 30th annual Honors Colloquium was held from July 21 – 23, 2011. Nearly 600 rising high school seniors enjoyed the 3-day program highlighting The University of Texas at Austin.
After checking-in at the Jester Residential Center, colloquists and their families visited a student services Marketplace, took a guided tour of campus, or explored one of our UT Treasures. Colloquiusts were welcomed to their cohort by student and university mentors who introduced them to the advising and student support structures at UT Austin. The Texas Ex-Students’ Association hosted the Parents and Family Program highlighting admissions, housing, scholarships, financial aid, and honors opportunities.
The 2011 plenary speaker was Dr. Michael Starbird, a world-renowned mathematician and University Distinguished Teaching Professor. In his talk, To Infinity and Beyond, Dr. Starbird made the seemingly-incomprehensible concept of infinity relevant and appealing to students of all interests. Following the plenary, colloquists attended Longhorn 101, a detailed presentation of the admissions process at UT Austin. Evening activities included the ever-popular Night at the Texas Union featuring chess tournaments, karaoke, dance lessons, bowling, and movies, followed by late night activities back in the Jester Residential Center.
Friday began with special information sessions including the Honors Program Panel, Life Outside the Classroom, and Financial Aid and Scholarships. Colloquists attended college-level lecture and seminar class sessions taught by over 60 senior faculty members and visited UT Treasures like the Blanton Museum, Brackenridge Field Laboratory, and Nuclear Reactor facility. The day included a meal with UT faculty and students at lunches hosted by our 13 undergraduate colleges and schools. In the evening colloquists were able to explore and experience the resources and services of our Division of Recreational Sports during Forty Acres of Fun at Gregory Gym.
Exploring UT was the agenda for Saturday morning. Colloquists traveled across campus and beyond to participate in activities such as Physics and Chemistry Circuses and the Geological Excursion in Austin. Honors Colloquium officially concluded at noon with the traditional closing ceremony where participants reflected on their experience, said farewell to their mentors, and sang the alma mater, Eyes of Texas.
