Frequently Asked Questions About the G.H. Cook Scholars Program

WHAT IS A GEORGE H. COOK HONORS PROJECT?

A three-semester independent research project, conducted during your last three terms with the guidance of a faculty committee. The credits for the project itself range from 6.0 to 15.0, with 1.0 additional credit for the semester in which you plan your project. A George H. Cook project will fulfill the college's Experience-based Education requirement and, if appropriate, may also fulfill "research" requirements in your major. (Check with your advisor/Curriculum Coordinator.)

WHAT IS THE GEORGE H. COOK SCHOLARS PROGRAM?

The independent study project/coursework itself [11:015:497, 498 G H Cook Honors Prog (BA, BA)] is, obviously, the focus. But "the program" consists of 1) preparation for the project [11:015:390 G.H.Cook Project Preparation (P/NC 1.0)], a 1-credit course consisting of workshops and submission/presentation of a project proposal at the conclusion of your junior year; 2) an informal mid-point presentation of your progress in your senior year; 3) a written thesis based on the project, which is bound and kept in the Chang Library; and 4) a public defense of that thesis at the conclusion of the project.

Students who complete the program requirements are designated George H. Cook Scholars at graduation, the highest academic honor bestowed by the Cook College faculty.

 WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

Full-time students who have completed at least 24 credits at Rutgers University prior to their senior year. All juniors in the top 15% of the class are automatically invited in the fall to consider the program. But the program is open to any Cook College junior nominated by a faculty member confident in your ability to succeed in and benefit from a sustained, independent scholarly effort under his/her guidance.

WHAT IF I AM PLANNING ON GRADUATING IN JANUARY?

Every year, several students begin their projects in the spring and complete them in the summer/fall, by arrangement with the Director of the George H. Cook Scholars Program (Dr. Timothy Casey).

CAN I DO MY RESEARCH IN THE SUMMER?

Most definitely. This is the reason you present your proposal at the end of the junior year. Many students begin their projects under the auspices of a summer research program/internship or by arrangement with their Project Advisor and complete the project/thesis during the academic year. They register for the program "as if" they were undertaking it during the academic year. Use of the January recess to focus attention to the project is also encouraged, especially now that you can stay on campus during that recess.

All students are advised to complete their literature reviews (background reading) over the summer, to maximize the time for actual research and the availability of faculty and facilities during the academic year.

WHAT IF I AM DOING COOPERATIVE EDUCATION?

Many students have parlayed their Co-op experiences into an honors project, taking advantage of the facilities and expertise of, say, the Department of Environmental Protection to define and conduct their research. However, you cannot earn both Co-op credits and honors project credits for the same academic work: the honors project must be, at the very least, an extension of the Co-op work.

WHERE AND WHEN SHOULD I GET MORE INFORMATION? HOW DO I APPLY?

From the Office of the Director -- 4 semesters before you expect to graduate. Information packets for the coming year are available in December of your junior year.

An APPLICATION form is included in the information packet, which is submitted to the Director (Dr. Casey). This form must be signed by your Academic (major) Advisor, to insure that participation in the program will not adversely affect your completion of graduation requirements. George H. Cook Scholar candidates should also submit (to Dean Ventola) the SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION form sent to CPOs in February. George H. Cook Scholars are typically given merit awards for their final semester.

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