By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief
Following the announcement of substantial changes to the Westover Honors Program at the end of the semester, students, faculty, and parents have voiced concerns about the program’s future and direction.
Prior to an official announcement from the Westover executive board about the changes, an email was sent out to students that unofficially announced the upcoming transition, causing a slew of rumors about the program.
Dr. Robert Granger, the Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is spearheading the changes and working to dispel rumors surrounding the program. Granger asserted that the transformation will benefit Westover’s future and allow the program to serve its students better.
“What we’re changing will make it easier to keep the promise we made,” Granger said.
Dr. Robert Granger, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Photo from University of Lynchburg.
In its current model, Westover fellows participate in a separate curriculum that replaces most general education requirements. Students are also required to take honors colloquia courses and complete a senior honors thesis project before graduation.
Changes to the current structure will seek to expand course offerings and allow students to select honors courses from a wider range of disciplines, including their own majors. Granger stated that the restructuring will enable the program to expand its reach on campus and create a welcoming culture for all prospective students.
“We’re trying to achieve a cultural shift into how honors is perceived,” said Granger, who also expressed concerns that the current Westover model was beginning to stagnate and feel exclusive. “I want honors to be more communal.”
Granger has clarified that scholarships and financial aid awards for Westover fellows will not be impacted despite rumors and concerns. Granger also shared that Student Life has committed to keeping the Westover cohorts between Montgomery and Westover Halls.
As a result of the changes, a new Honors Committee will be elected and tasked with developing the new policies of the honors college, among other responsibilities. In an email sent out to faculty last week, Granger listed the following duties of the Honors Committee:
- Develop and set policies for the Honors Program.
- Mentor students and oversee nominations for national awards.
- Foster faculty engagement with the Honors Program.
- Assist with honors-related extracurricular activities.
- Nominates the Honors Director.
The committee will be composed of four elected representatives: one from the School of Professional and Applied Sciences (SPAS), one from the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), and two from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SLAS). Each representative will serve a staggering four-year term.
Nominations for the Honors Committee will close to faculty on Feb. 28, with elections following on March 7.
The Honors Director, overseeing the program, will have the same responsibilities as the committee and will only vote in the event of a tie. The director will serve a three-year term and will be appointed by the Dean of SLAS.
Nominations for the position will open on March 10, with an Honors Director expected to be announced on March 21.
Following the decision to restructure the Honors Program leadership, Granger clarified speculations that Dr. Beth Savage, the current Westover director, was terminated from her position.
“She did not get sacked,” said Granger, who stated that the restructuring will allow for more continuity and “fresh blood” within the program. Savage is eligible for nomination to serve on the Honors Committee or as the Honors Director.
However, some students are concerned about Westover’s future without Savage, who has served as director since 2020 at the helm.
Zoey Horn, the Westover Honors Executive Board President, has worked closely with Savage and trusts in her direction and commitment to the program.
“Dr. Savage is the backbone of Westover,” said Horn. “Nobody does quite the job she does. I’m not sure whose energy will be as contagious as hers.”
Zoey Horn, Westover Honors Executive Board President. Photo via Lynchburg Sports.
After the news was abruptly announced, Horn met with Granger to clarify the situation, which Horn says has left many Westover fellows confused and concerned.
“I think the lack of clarity is the biggest issue,” Horn expressed. “So I advocated for an honest approach moving forward with the students.”
Horn, who has been the executive board president since last January, is skeptical of the changes and fears it will drastically impact the Westover community.
“I think the actual changes themselves aren’t ideal, in my opinion, because the Westover community is really who you get to know,” said Horn. “Those classes give you an opportunity to meet with people outside of your major and your minor in just a different way.”
Horn noted that the Westover Program is special not due to its exclusivity, which is marked by high GPAs and academic achievements, but rather the sense of community.
“It’s not just about the GPAs; It’s about creating leaders and fostering a sense of community, so that when we leave from undergraduate we know how to create those communities, either in our workspaces or in our post-op programs,” Horn said.
As of Feb. 26, the university has not officially announced the changes to Westover.
For the latest updates to the Westover Honors Program, follow The Critograph.
