Scholars Academy Program, University of Calgary. Presentation on the new program delivered at NACADA, Region 8 conference in Portland 2012.

1. Scholars Academy Program
Braden O’Neill, 2011 Rhodes Scholar
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

2. Why a Scholars Academy?
“One reason for the Ivies’ historical dominance,
aside from enrolling and nurturing top students,
is their elaborate prepping mechanisms that
accord students everything from mock interviews
to instruction in table manners.” Brownstein,
Andrew. “Ambitious Colleges End the Ivy Lock on
Prestigious Fellowships.” Chronicle of Higher Education
48.3 (2001).
Program conceived by Chancellor Emeritus
Joanne Cuthbertson and modeled on successful
programs in the US that employ developmental
advising models as a framework to support high-
achievers.
High-achievers: high academic standing (though
not necessarily gifted), intellectually curious,
inspired by research, determined, articulate, and
community focused. Tomorrow’s leaders in
research, industry, and politics.
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

3. Common Concerns of High-Achievers
Multipotentiality/Identity Concerns
Stress of High Expectations
High levels of anxiety
Early career/identity foreclosure
Time Management
Fear of failure
Peer relationships (lack of emotional intelligence)
Low self-esteem outside academic success
Coping with life issues without compromising
academics
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

4. Scholars Academy: Eligibility
Minimum of 3.6 (CGPA)
One year of completed
undergraduate study
Leadership potential
Academically inclined
Ambitious and articulate
Return to community
All faculties welcome
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

5. Program Benefits (aside from tartan scarves)
Dedicated advisor;
Recognized on official transcript under “Awards and Scholarships” and
on your Co-Curricular Record;
Travel Awards limited to students in the Scholars Academy to cover
costs of presenting at academic conferences;
The cohort experience: the stimulation and influence of peers equally
ambitious and successful from interdisciplinary backgrounds;
Annual Retreat with professional development workshops, personal
growth seminars, and the planning of your Cohort Charity Project;
Mentorship from an external community member;
Attend prestigious university/community events and have the
opportunity to network with the big leagues;
Exclusive speaker series;
Dedicated study lounge.
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

6. First Cohort: Some Statistics
Of the 23 students comprising the first cohort, 5
are graduating:
1 scholar admitted to Harvard Law
2 Rhodes Scholarship finalists
1 scholar admitted to Osgoode Law School with
scholarship
1 scholar admitted to Master’s program at Lund
University
1 scholar admitted to Master’s program at McGill
1 scholar admitted to Master’s program at London
School of Economics with scholarship
Some statistics: Overall
Over 250 combined awards and scholarships
Average CGPA 3.86 (4 have perfect GPAs)
High School Valedictorians: 4
Work Part-Time: 14
Play piano: 8
Professional Bakers: 3
All athletically involved: kickboxing, skiing, climbing,
tennis, dancing, and one male cheerleader who
participated in the World Championships in 2010
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

7. Meet a Scholar: Taya
City of Birth: Omsk, Russia
Faculty/Program: Arts (Psychology)
Favourite Book: Master and Margarita
Words to Live By: Everything happens for the Previous Degrees: BSc and MSc (Computer science)
best
CGPAs: 4.0
Grandest Achievement: Going back to the
university
Biggest Mistake: Not filing for an immigration
status for my parents when it was a good time to
do it.
Role Model: My x-fiancé
Charity of Choice: Doctors Without Borders
Person, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner
with tonight: The two of my grandparents who
had passed away
Finish the sentence: In 10 years I will figure out
the formula for happy life
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

8. Meet a Scholar: Yan
City of Birth: A City in China with a difficult to pronounce English
name.
Favourite Book: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, by Richard Faculty/Program: Medicine (ungraded)
Carlson
Previous Degree: BSc in Biology (4.0)
Words to Live By: "in three words I can summarize everything I
learned about life: it goes on." - Robert Frost
Medical Class: 2014 (aka: Hellbenders)
Grandest Achievement: Successful prenatal embryonic + fetal
development
Biggest Mistake: inheriting the short-sightedness allele from my
parents
Role Model: Dr Doran (yes, you can ask me "who" and "why" - if
you don't know him, you should!)
Charity of Choice: Martha's Table, a local Kingston, Ontario
non-charity style "restaurant" for those in need of food.
Person, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with tonight:
Someone I don't yet know I've met or haven't met yet.
Finish the sentence: In 10 years I will be hopefully minimizing
the number of mistakes I make on the wards or in clinic.
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

9. Input Activity
www.ucalgary.ca/sap

10. Questions?
Veronique Ram
Program Coordinator
Scholars Academy
University of Calgary
vram@ucalgary.ca
www.ucalgary.ca/sap