Oct 06, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Opportunities


 The Encompass Distinction

Contact: Joshua Ambrose, Executive Director of the Center for Experience and Opportunity

Students earning the Encompass Distinction will build on a liberal arts tradition to develop the core qualities of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, pursuing the education, opportunities and support they need to become the new generation of innovators. In earning the Encompass Distinction, students develop the foundational skills of questioning, networking, observing, experimenting, and associating. Through problem-based learning across the curriculum, a careful scaffolding of interdisciplinary reflection, frequent experiential learning opportunities and high-quality mentorship opportunities, students develop key qualities necessary to turn their passion into purpose. This program has three core components—Curricular, Experiential, and Mentorship—which are designed to augment a students’ traditional major or minor.

Global Fellows

Contact: Dr. Amy McNichols, World Languages, Literature, and Cultures

The Global Fellows Program is an academic and co-curricular opportunity to enhance academic study in any discipline by formally acknowledging a student’s commitment to global learning, and providing a comprehensive way for that student to develop fully as a global citizen.  Throughout a structured three-year program, Global Fellows will deepen and broaden their understanding of global issues, develop heightened intercultural competency, and cultivate the skills and attitudes necessary to lead successful personal and professional lives in a global context.

Students will apply to the program in the spring semester of their first year, and commence the program in the fall semester of their sophomore year.

To satisfy the co-curricular requirements of this program, Global Fellows will regularly participate in workshops to develop intercultural competency and professional skills that will serve them in a global context, and allow them time for meaningful reflection on their own identity as global citizens.  They will also collaborate to do community outreach, and plan and participate each semester in a Global Issues Colloquium: a gathering open to the public for attendees to have in-depth discussions of current, major issues that are global in scope.

The academic requirements for Global Fellows are: proficiency in a world language equivalent to at least the fifth semester of college study (demonstrated through placement or coursework), more international courses (with more breadth) than what is required by the McDaniel Plan, the completion of a study/experiential learning abroad program (short or long term), the completion of a Senior Capstone Experience in the major that is connected to the student’s global learning, and finally, the submission of a “Global Learning Portfolio”, which will provide an opportunity for reflection on the student’s global education throughout his or her career at McDaniel College.

At graduation, students will receive a special notation on their diplomas to reflect their completion of the Global Fellows Program.  This notation will be accompanied by a letter explaining the program for presentation to prospective employers, and for inclusion in graduate and professional school applications.

Questions regarding the Global Fellows Program should be addressed to the Director of the Global Fellows Program, Associate Dean for International and Intercultural Programs, Dr. Amy McNichols (x2461 or amcnichols@mcdaniel.edu).

The McDaniel Honors Program

Contact: Dr. Corey Wronski-Mayersak, English

At a college recognized for changing lives, the McDaniel Honors Program challenges students to develop their intellectual potential. The program opens doors to challenging courses in many disciplines, often taught in innovative ways. In addition to enriching electives, McDaniel Honors students enjoy priority registration, extended library loans, a special study lounge, connections with accomplished alumni, support to present research at conferences for honors students, and a unique opportunity to study abroad as early as their first year at McDaniel Europe or at Glasgow University in Scotland. The Honors Program is designed to complement any major or student-designed program. Because honors electives fulfill one or more general education requirements, completing the honors curriculum offers a flexible, customized path through the liberal arts experience.

Students who complete the following program requirements receive the designation of College Scholar.

  • Overall GPA of 3.5 or better
  • Demonstrate intellectual and moral character befitting a member of the Honors Program
  • HON 1200 Honors: My Design (2 credits; fall of 1st year)
  • HON 2200 Honors: My Career (2 credits; fall or spring of 2nd year)
  • HON 2201 Great Works (4 credits; spring of 1st year)
  • HON 3200 Honors Journal Club (2 credits, fall or spring of 3rd year)
  • Three honors modules, selecting from among the following:
    • Honors electives (4 credit courses that also fulfill general education requirements; may sometimes fulfill a major or minor requirement as well; must meet one or more of the four student learning outcomes)
    • Honors-enriched experiences (maximum of 2 allowed; may range from 1-4 credits; at least one should be in the major field of study)
    • Study abroad (each semester abroad counts as one honors module)
  • HON 4491 Honors Senior Colloquium (2 credits; spring of senior year)
  • Completion of a College Scholars Project (4 credits; senior year, met by pursuing departmental honors or proposing a distinct project)

 Education Abroad

Contact the Director of International and Off-Campus Programs at IPO@mcdaniel.edu.

Education abroad, or study abroad, is for students in every discipline. Studying abroad offers students the opportunity to have a different cultural experience while pursuing academic work that supports their goals and plans. While abroad, students may take courses in their majors as well as those that fulfill other McDaniel Plan requirements. The Director of International and Off-Campus Programs in the Center for Experience and Opportunity (CEO) on the lower level of Rouzer Hall, advises students interested in studying abroad and provides a resource center for information about overseas programs in general.

Students may choose to study abroad for a semester or full academic year, during the summer or January Term. Many options are available for study in hundreds of destinations throughout the world through McDaniel’s affiliation with various institutions and universities abroad. The College has its own branch campus and national study abroad center in Budapest, Hungary — McDaniel Europe (see below). The College also has student exchange programs with Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles in Belgium and Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, both of which enable students at one institution to engage in a semester of study at the other. McDaniel is part of the ISEP exchange consortium, which offers exchange programs to universities in over 50 countries. In addition, a study abroad opportunity is available for Honors students in partnership with the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a consortium of U.S. colleges (Principia Consortium). Each January Term a number of faculty members also take small groups of students on academic study tours abroad. It is also possible to intern, volunteer and conduct research abroad.

Federal and state financial aid is only available for affiliated programs. Institutional aid and scholarships may be applied to McDaniel College Budapest and all exchange programs. It is also possible to apply for education abroad scholarships, the deadlines for which may be one year before you study abroad.  Planning for an education abroad experience is essential and should begin early in the semester prior to your planned semester away. The requirements, application procedure and deadlines vary by program. For more information, contact ipo@mcdaniel.edu or visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/studyabroad.

McDaniel Europe

Contact the Director of International and Off-Campus Programs at ipo@mcdaniel.edu.

McDaniel Europe in Budapest, Hungary, is the European branch campus of McDaniel College. Established in 1994, the Budapest campus is the College’s signature education abroad program and most popular study abroad site. In addition to serving as a national education-abroad center, the Budapest campus provides a four-year undergraduate program for international students from over 20 different countries, leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art/Art History, Business Administration/Economics, Communication, Political Science and Psychology. A wide range of courses offer the chance to fulfill McDaniel Plan requirements, and coursework in additional majors is sometimes possible with careful planning.

All courses are taught in English by highly qualified Hungarian, European and American professors. Credit-bearing internships may be possible in some disciplines. Faculty-led field trips to cities throughout Central Europe are also a regular part of the program. McDaniel students are able to transfer all financial aid and institutional scholarships to the Budapest study abroad program.

Special Domestic Off-Campus Semester Programs

McDaniel College offers several single-semester programs designed to enable students to pursue specialized interests. The Washington Semester Program, administered by The American University, enables students to study public affairs in the nation’s capital. The Gallaudet Visiting Student Program is an opportunity for students to study and/or complete the ASL and Deaf Studies minor by immersion in the language and culture of deaf people.

Students considering a special off-campus semester in the U.S. should consult with the education abroad advisor in the CEO and their academic advisor, or appropriate program advisor, as well as the Bursar’s, Financial Aid, Registrar’s and Residence Life offices at the College.

Scholarships and Fellowships

McDaniel College has a proven record of helping students win competitive scholarships and fellowships, including the Gilman, Fulbright, The National Securities Scholar Program, The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and more.

To learn more, contact your academic advisor and visit the Center for Experience and Opportunity.

Career Development

The CEO office provides both workshops and for-credit experiences to help students prepare for their careers ahead. CEO staff also provides a full range of career services for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni. Counselors are available to help students to clarify their skills, interests and work-related values; make career- and life-related decisions; research career options; plan for graduate school and search for internships and employment opportunities.

To learn more, contact your academic advisor and visit the Center for Experience and Opportunity.

Gallaudet Visiting Student Program

Contact: Eddy Laird ASL/Deaf Studies

One semester of study is available to juniors and seniors who wish to complete the requirements for the ASL and Deaf Studies minor. The one semester at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., provides immersion in the language and culture of deaf people. Credit earned becomes a part of your record at the College. The Practicum may be counted as part of the study. Prerequisite: A 2.5 or higher score on the ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI).

Washington Semester Program

Contact: Dr. Christianna Leahy, Political Science and International Studies

To enable you to spend one term in specialized study of public affairs in the nation’s capital, McDaniel College participates in the Washington Semester Program, sponsored and administered by The American University. Each semester you may study the American Government, the formulation of American foreign policy, the District of Columbia as an urban area, the administration of justice, problems of international development, and economic policy formulation, or engage in research projects, seminars, internships, and other formal courses at The American University.

Common Ground on the Hill

Executive Director: Walt Michael, Artist in Residence

Common Ground on the Hill is a traditional music and arts organization whose purpose is to offer a quality learning experience with master musicians, artists, writers, and crafts people while exploring cultural diversity in search of “common ground” among ethnic, gender, age, and racial groups. Two weeks of classes and workshops are offered each summer and events are sponsored during the academic year. Peaceful solutions to social and individual conflicts are sought through the sharing of artistic traditions. In a liberal arts context, these courses in the humanities and the arts may be taken for graduate and undergraduate credit by contacting Dr. Henry Reiff, Acting Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, or Walt Michael, Artist in Residence.

Military Science

Military Science can be an integral part of a student-designed major or an elective supporting any major. The courses are designed to develop each student’s leadership ability and to prepare the student for commissioning as an officer in the Active Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Courses are open to both men and women. Students will find that Military Science provides instruction and practical experience which complement any undergraduate major.

Undergraduates Enrolling in Graduate Courses

Undergraduates at McDaniel College may enroll in graduate courses once they have successfully completed at least 80 credits in their undergraduate program and secured the GPA required for admission into the College’s graduate program.

Prior to registering for graduate courses, students must have the approval of the Dean of Student Academic Life, who will consult with the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. Normally limited to one or two courses, these credits may count toward either the undergraduate or graduate degree at McDaniel College  - but not both.