Here’s some information you’ll want to have as we approach the end of the semester–information about moving from “aspirant” status to full Paterno Fellow. Take two minutes to read this note carefully.

First, some background: While 72 sophomores have already been accepted as Fellows into the SHC, I know that about a hundred other sophomores are still working hard to finish departmental requirements and to achieve the required 3.4 GPA. (That’s why they are known as “aspirants.”) In addition, hundreds of freshmen are working for the same goal (they are “aspirants” too), and many of them will finish the year ready to be designated as Fellows and Schreyer Scholars because they are ready to declare a major, have taken the necessary courses, and have the 3.5 GPA required of first-year admits.

You should be aware of your eligibility status; if you aren’t sure, check with your adviser to be sure where you stand. After grades are sent out in May, we will know which of you have achieved the necessary requirements for you to move from “aspirant” to Fellow (and to gain acceptance into the Schreyer Honors College). Although all students must ultimately take responsibility for tracking their progress and for letting their advisers know when they expect to meet Paterno Fellows requirements, we will independently check your record to determine who has met the requirements–and then provide the SHC with the final list of accepted freshman and sophomore students. (The SHC is committed to accepting every student who has met PFP requirements.)

Please note that Liberal Arts students have two paths for entry into the Schreyer Honors College: the Paterno Fellows Program (the one you are following) and the traditional Gateway application. If you are a “rising junior” (i.e., finishing sophomore year) and do not meet the requirements for entry through the Paterno Fellows Program, you may apply through the SHC Gateway process. However, while Paterno Fellows who successfully complete the requirements will move directly to the SHC, acceptance is not guaranteed to Gateway applicants.

So let me repeat, for emphasis: If you are using the Paterno Fellows mechanism, and you meet eligibility requirements, you do not have to apply to the SHC in order to be accepted. You’ll hear from us about June 1 with the news. To be a Paterno Fellow, you perform, not apply!