Students call for recruits

Can you hear me now? Honors College students involved in a phone-a-thon are making calls as part of an effort to recruit incoming freshman. Nearly 200 high school seniors and their parents from across Texas were contacted Wednesday. The majority of those calls were made to the greater Houston area. "(We wanted to) let them know about the program and its history," history junior Derek Goodwin said. "It’s the first step to getting them into the building to get to know the program." Prospective students are chosen by PSAT scores, and the phone-a-thon gives them a chance to ask volunteers about the curriculum, the application process and what to expect from their honors classes and professors. "Our classes are smaller and the professors’ offices are down the hall, so you can always get a hold of them," Goodwin said. Some students said they enjoy talking to so many people about The Honors College."It’s (also) pretty fun," accounting junior Janet de Luna said. "I like calling people and telling them about The Honors College. You get to speak with a lot (of) interesting people." Prospective students contacted were also invited to attend The Honors College’s open house on Wednesday. "At the open house we’ll have sessions with advisors, sessions on college life, a school tour, how to plan financially for college, among other events," political science and sports administration senior Zach Cavender said. "We encourage both the parents and the students to show up." Other students said they like to help out because it is part of a tradition. "The phone-a-thon started as a way for both students to get involved in The Honors College and to recruit new students," chemistry and pre-pharmacy senior Brian Berger said. "It’s a tradition around here that has been going on for longer than anyone can remember. It’s also a good way for us to get our word out." Acceptance into The Honors College is based on a student’s transcript, submitted essays or research papers and other extracurricular activity or experience. Once a student has been accepted there is an initial fee of $70 to join. Students interested in volunteering for the phone-a-thon, which continues through today, can contact The Honors College at (713) 743-9010.