The Honors College was developed by faculty under the auspices of the recently established Othmer Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies at Polytechnic University as part of the Institute’s overall mission to encourage major educational innovation.Professor Mel Horwitch, Director of the Othmer Institute stated, “The creation of an Honors College at Polytechnic University clearly constitutes a significant milestone in the long and venerable history of our institution. The Honors College signifies rebirth, revitalization and commitment to excellence in education. It is also truly gratifying to see the determined and creative work carried out by our dedicated faculty—colleagues representing all disciplines at this University—culminating in such an uplifting and forward-thinking undertaking as the new Honors College.”

The Honors College comprises an enriched intellectual and social experience for undergraduates with superior academic records and ability. The essence of the Honors College encompasses close relationships with outstanding faculty who will act as “Faculty Mentors,” high-level individualized attention and support, the opportunity to earn BS/MS degrees in as few as four years, incorporation of a global learning experience by encouraging study abroad, and active state-of-the-art learning.

The Honors College is overseen by a Faculty Governing Board with representatives from all disciplines at the University and is headed by the first Honors College Faculty Director, Thomas Potts Professor and University Professor of Physics, Stephen Arnold. Professor Arnold commented, “Having already had the great pleasure of offering Honors Physics sections for several years, it will be all the more fun and exciting to implement a University-wide Honors College. We fully expect that this effort will attract the very best students in the New York City/Tri-State Region and from beyond New York as well, especially now with our new Residence Hall. I know I speak for all our faculty in saying that we are looking forward to working with these terrific young people.”#