Soar in 4 & Thrive-in-5 Scholars
About the Program
The Soar-in-4 Scholars Program in the College of Arts & Letters recognizes and supports high-achieving undergraduates across our majors. Architecture students, whose degree is a five-year program, participate in the companion Thrive-in-5 Scholars Program. Together, these initiatives provide personalized advising, professional development opportunities, and early course access that help our students graduate on time and launch successful careers.
Participation is by invitation only, based on academic performance after the fall semester. Students selected represent the top of their cohort and are invited to apply. Admission is competitive, and scholars are expected to demonstrate academic commitment, follow-through, and a passion for their field.
Program Benefits
- Advanced Course Registration – priority access to courses before the general student body, ensuring timely progress to graduation.
- Mentorship & Networking – personalized support from faculty, academic advisors, career counselors, and department chairs. Many departments host luncheons, workshops, or faculty-led advising sessions just for Scholars.
- Student Ambassador Opportunities – invitations to represent Arts & Letters at recruitment events, student orientations, and community fundraisers.
- Recognition – a certificate of achievement, a congratulatory letter from the Dean, and an exclusive commencement cord upon program completion.
- Dean’s Reception – annual recognition and networking event with the Dean of the College.
Department-Specific Opportunities
- Anthropology – Faculty mentoring lunches.
- Architecture (Thrive-in-5) – Professional development tailored to a five-year degree track.
- English – VIP access at Off-the-Page events, “Chat & Chew” faculty conversations, signed book bundles, Jaffe Center visits, graduate school prep, and mentoring.
- History – Tours of signature spaces such as the Fogleman Museum, the Weiner Spirit of America Collection, or the Larkin Presidential Study.
- Languages, Linguistics & Comparative Literature (LLCL) – Faculty luncheons.
- Music – Priority access to practice rooms and studios, travel funds for competitions, and networking with visiting artists.
- Philosophy – Engagement with internationally renowned thinkers, meals with visiting scholars, and participation in faculty research.
- Political Science – Faculty luncheons and mentoring.
- Public Administration – Priority access to internships, Advisory Board lunches, and career roundtables on graduate school and leadership.
- School of Communication & Multimedia Studies (SCMS) – “Behind the Scenes” roundtables with media, film, and journalism professionals.
- Sociology – Luncheons with faculty and guaranteed course access.
- Theatre & Dance – Complimentary tickets to productions, advising with the Chair, and invitations to donor receptions.
- Visual Arts & Art History (VAAH) – Professional roundtables with visiting artists and advisory board members, plus mentoring and portfolio development.
Why It Matters
Soar-in-4 / Thrive-in-5 Scholars join a prestigious community of high-achieving students across FAU. In Arts & Letters, they gain priority access, personal mentoring, professional connections, and special recognition – all designed to help them thrive in their studies and graduate ready for graduate school, careers, and leadership roles.
For more information, please contact Barclay Barrios, PhD, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at bbarrios@fau.edu