37th Annual NCHC Conference

The theme of the 2002 NCHC Conference is "Peaks and Valleys in the Honors Experience." The terrain of Utah's Wasatch Front, a series of basins and mountain ranges created by plate tectonics, allows a multiplicity of diverse natural habitats--from alpine meadows to salt flats--to exist side by side. Likewise, from the first pioneering efforts to find refuge and establish community in the valleys, the Western frontier has ignited newcomers' hopes even as it has presented unforeseen challenges. The 2002 conference invites us to consider the diverse range of experiences that make up the topography of Honors, as well as explore the hopes and challenges that come with pioneering and sustaining an Honors Program. We will use not only the new Grand America Hotel and Salt Lake City but also the dramatic landscape of the surrounding environs to enrich our discussions of teaching and learning, communities, texts and contexts.

Master Classes
Master Classes in Fine Arts are again planned for the 2002 conference. Each class is limited to 10 participants; faculty, administrators and students are invited to participate. The Master Classes will take place Friday, November 1, from 5:30-7:45 p.m. with the Master Class Showcase, scheduled for Saturday evening, November 2, from 8:00-11:00 p.m. when students in music, drama, and poetry will present their work. The creativity of the students, the variety, and quality of the presentations will certainly accentuate the aesthetic evening. For more information on the master classes, contact Donzell Lee.

Mini-Institute for Major Scholarship Preparation
Wednesday, October 30, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Organized by the NCHC Committee on Honors Advising and Major Scholarship Preparation, this mini-institute will deal with ways in which honors programs and honors colleges mentor students for major national and international scholarship competitions such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Fulbright, Gates, Goldwater, and Udall Scholarships. Dr. Bob Graalman, President of the National Association of Fellowship Advisors, will join Edwin Goff, Beth Powers, and John Richardson (committee members experienced in scholarship competition mentoring who are active in NAFA as well as NCHC) in leading this mini-institute on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

"The Melting Pot or Salad Bowl? The United States in 2002"
Wednesday, October 30, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
"The Melting Pot or Salad Bowl" explores the various challenges of facilitating a truly diverse Honors Program in terms of students, faculty, and curriculum. Designed for participants from all types of institutions, both those with diverse programs and those who are struggling to achieve diversity and multiculturalism, the workshop will feature multiple panels. Panelists will share their expertise, raise important questions, and facilitate discussion among the participants. Last year’s workshop included such topics as recruitment for diversity, retention, and developing multicultural awareness inside and outside of the classroom.

This year's National Issues Forum brings conferees together for open discussion of this critical issue, beginning with consideration of three choices: 1. Look Beyond Race and Ethnicity. 2. Build Self-Identity First. 3. Open All Doors to Everyone. Participants should return home with ideas for local action. Information about the issue and the Web forum beginning in September will be available at www.teachingdemocracy.org.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, October 31
On Thursday evening, we will have the opportunity to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in its weekly rehearsal. Known around the world for its stellar performances, the choir, even in rehearsal, will leave lasting impressions.

Gala
Friday, November 1
This year the NCHC Gala will take place in the ballroom of the new Grand America Hotel. The gala will highlight music and dance typical of Salt Lake City. Musical genres will include both jazz and classical music. Operatic selections by members of the Utah Opera Company will fill the ballroom with wonderful singing. Finally, a pas de deux will highlight the occasion.

Service Project
NCHC, in conjunction with the University of Utah, will offer NCHC conference attendees the opportunitiy to get involved in a community service project. There will be an orientation session on Thursday afternoon, followed by the actual field experience Thursday afternoon and Friday. Details of the service project will appear on this site at a later date.

Park City Excursion
Friday, November 1
An excursion to the mountains (Park City) has been planned for Friday afternoon for those who may be interested. Park City is an attractive resort town in the Wasatch Mountains, 32 miles east of Salt Lake City. Once a mining town, Park City caters to the thousands of skiers who come to its three ski resorts. In addition to the mountain setting, Park City offers shopping and fine restaurants. The cost for this trip will be $8.00. A registration form for this excursion is included in the conference registration packet. If there is not sufficient interest, the trip will be cancelled.

AND DON’T FORGET OUR PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS:
Beginning in Honorsã , Wednesday, October 30, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Honors Teaching, Wednesday, October 30, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Developing in Honors, Thursday, October 31, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Students in Honors, Thursday, October 31, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
City as Textã , Thursday, October 31, 12:30-4:30 p.m., with wrap up session from 4:30-5:00 p.m.
(please note that registration for CAT© will take place on-line at <www.asu.edu/honors/nchc>)

More information will be added to this page in the future.
Please check back often for updates on the exciting activities planned for
the 2002 NCHC conference in Salt Lake City.