Transforming Students into Scholars

Dr. Flaherty is chair of Triton College’s English Department and, since 2006, directed the college’s Scholars Program. He also taught in the program prior to becoming director. Under his leadership, Dr. Flaherty guided the academic pathways of hundreds of students who, after their education at Triton, embarked on successful careers and/or transferred to some of the nation’s leading institutions – Boston University, Georgetown, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt and many others. Dr. Flaherty and the faculty of Triton’s Scholars Program are committed to offering students personalized attention and support, and are committed to accompanying students in pursuing their goals. Dr. Flaherty earned a Master of Liberal Studies degree at Hamline University and a doctorate in English from Northern Illinois University. His favorite Shakespearean play is King Lear, but his favorite play to teach is Hamlet.

“The reason I keep directing the program is because of the continued student successes. It is so rewarding. The transformation our students go through – from day one with students often not quite sure what they’ve gotten themselves into to the transformation that happens over their two years here, and what they have been able to accomplish – is amazing to see. All students in the program want to succeed and have strong goals. We help students achieve their goals, whatever those goals might be. And we provide a caring, friendly environment for students. There is a strong sense of community here.”
Dr. Michael Flaherty
Director of the Scholars Program

Triton College’s Scholars Program is more than just a guided pathway, it’s an opportunity to discover your potential and achieve your dreams. Join us and start your journey of success today!

We look forward to welcoming you to our community of scholars!

Benefits of the program include:

• Small classes devoted to intensive reading, discussion and research
• Emphasis on language, analytic and critical thinking in an intellectually demanding setting
• Special recognition on transcripts and diplomas
• Participation in special activities, such as museum visits, guest lectures, Scholars Open House, graduates’ reception, theater evening and more
• Waiver of in-district tuition
• Full academic scholarships for qualified students and more!

Contact Program Director, Dr. Michael Flaherty, at michaelflaherty@bonaprinting.com or 708-456-0300 ext. 3250.

Visit vesd.bonaprinting.com/scholars-program for program eligibility, application, course information and more.

Entering first-year students must meet the following criteria:

• An accumulated minimum G.P.A. of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
• Faculty and counselor recommendations
• Additional indicators of academic potential

While the program is designed for students entering from high school, current Triton College students are sometimes accepted, but must meet these criteria:

• 15 minimum college-level credits
• 30 maximum college-level credits are allowed. However, students with more than one semester completed are rarely able to match required program courses with their academic plans.
• A minimum 3.5 G.P.A.

Current students should have placed at college level English upon entrance to Triton, and have no more than one 'W' (withdraw) grade.

This is an academically rigorous program that welcomes highly motivated students who are looking for a course of study leading to an associate degree and excellent opportunities to transfer to competitive four-year colleges and universities.

Students must be in preparation for an AA or AS (not AAS or certificate) degree.

The application process is managed by each of the public high schools in the Triton district. Private high school students residing in the district also may obtain applications from their counselors or contact Triton College directly.

For more information and a printed application form, please contact your high school counselor or Michael Flaherty or write:

THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Triton College
2000 Fifth Ave. River Grove IL 60171
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3250

Current Triton Students:
To qualify for admission, a Triton student must live in-district, intend to pursue a bachelor of arts and sciences degree at a four-year school and have a 3.5 cumulative G.P.A. with no less than 15 and no more than 32 transferable credits. Transcripts must show a college level efficiency in Math and English.

Online Applications are not available.

Scholars Program courses are enriched versions of regular courses, designed to help talented and highly motivated students achieve their maximum potential. A total of 60-64 semester hours of course work is required to complete the Scholars Program. The courses are transferable, meeting the first two years of general education requirements at colleges and universities. The course work emphasizes analytic and critical thinking skills, and language development in an intellectually demanding atmosphere.

Scholars Program classes are characterized by:

• Smaller class size
• Seminar format
• Greater interaction among students and with the professor
• More in-depth treatment of course content with an emphasis on analysis, synthesis, critical thinking, application and discussion

Course Offerings
Scholars Program students must register in a total of 15-16 hours each semester. Register in any two Scholars courses, plus the one-hour Scholars Seminar course on Wednesday afternoons.

Scholars Program students have transferred and successfully completed programs at universities listed below.

In the fall semester of 2002, the Triton College Scholars Program adopted a service-learning initiative, whereby all freshmen Scholars Program students will complete 24 hours per semester of volunteer activities in their communities.

Service-learning partners include agencies in the areas of social service, culture and history, library service, animal care, health service, and literacy service. The program invites any interested not-for-profit agencies within the service district of Triton College to contact the program for information about becoming a service-learning partner.

Purpose and Goals of Service Learning
The service-learning mission is threefold. Service learning provides volunteer opportunities to Triton College Scholars Students who will share their talents, skills, interest and expertise. In addition, service learners will assist nonprofit and health care agencies in recruitment of students for their special activities and/or daily tasks. Lastly, Scholars Program service learners (SSL) will document and report the value and impact of service learning student work to interested parties.

Service Learning Forms:

Service Learning Agreement - Agency
Service Learning Agreement - Student
Service Learning Student Reflection
Service Learning Time Log
Volunteer Protection Act of 1997