Panel makes the magic happen
At our core, we want to cultivate an honors community that feels like home <3
The Polymathic Scholars Student Leadership Panel is a group of 15-20 students who organize all the social and outreach initiatives that form the fabric of the Polymathic Scholars community from admissions to graduation. Panel is comprised of four committees that collaborate on both student-facing and behind-the-scenes responsibilities, weaving together an enriching cultural experience to supplement the rigor of CNS Honors academics.
Our Committees
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The Special Programs (SP) committee organizes the main signature events and traditions that characterize the Polymathic Scholars experience. Some of our favorite events include Welcome Picnic, Mentorship Cookout, Camping Trip, Chautauqua + Art Gallery, and end of year Banquet! SP makes every moment shared with our community members feel truly special.
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The Small Events (SE) committee organize social events that support Polymaths through their every day lives. SE hosts Friday Lunches, coffee tabs, registration socials, voter registration drives, mental health socials, and more, bringing Polymaths together to celebrate the small moments in life.
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The Mentorship Program (MP) Committee sorts incoming students into mentorship groups within one of four Polymath Houses: Amber, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire. MP plans House Events, manages interhouse comptetitions, and organizes Polymath student networking opportunities.
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The Public Relations (PR) committee cultivates Polymathic Scholars brand recognition via social media, merchandise design, and marketing. PR is the inspiration behind the illustrious Polymath totes, T-shirts, keychains, and limited-edition Polymathic Scholars designs that Polymaths wear in their day to day lives. PR also designed this website!
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The Interhonors (INH) committee works to foster collaboration between the three CNS Honors Programs: Polymathic Scholars, Dean’s Scholars, and Health Science Scholars. INH works with panel members from the other programs to organize collaborative events and strengthen the honors community.
Why Panel?
From recruiting new freshies to celebrating alumni and beyond, I love the lineage of dedicated students that come out of Polymath Panel. The shared memories of Sunday meetings and post-event Panel dinners have made the Panel experience so rewarding and made Polymath as a whole feel like family.
- Neha Yawalkar, PR Committee
Benefits of Joining Panel
Long-term leadership opportunity
Marketable skills in project management, graphic design, professional communication, and recruitment
Direct references from CNS Honors faculty directors, Steering Committee faculty, and other distinguished professors across UT campus
Influence over Polymathic Scholars events, merch, and social opportunities
Built-in network of highly dedicated and driven friends working towards the same goals!
“Panel serves as a cornerstone for fostering the culture of Polymath, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting diverse perspectives. By providing a platform for innovative thinking and nurturing well-rounded individuals, it enriches the academic environment and contributes to the growth of a dynamic learning community.”
Cortni Oluleye
Academic Director of Polymathic Scholars
Join the Squad
Polymaths are eligible to apply for Panel following their first complete year in the program, and every spring thereafter. The application process involves a digital submission form and a casual interview with the committee chairs, where you get to show us what makes you passionate about our community!
Each Freshman class also gets to elect two Freshman Representatives to join Panel after their first semester. More info on this will be shared during Freshman Seminar!
Panel applications typically open every March, so check your inbox for our newsletter this Spring if you are interested in applying! This is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience in CNS Honors and make the most of UT’s expansive resources here at the College of Natural Sciences.
