1.  Journal-

What's your BEST IDEA for our food day table that you'll be working at on October 24th for 30 minutes sometime between 11-1?

1.5 TPS-  Group bests-  Mini presentation using room.

2.  Class brainstorm and plan.  First, is it a whole group or little groups?

3.  Action steps...  What do we need to do and who is doing it?

4.  Essays, if time allows.


Dear Honors Community,

Food Day at PC, Part OneFood Day is an opportunity for people across the country to learn about and share best practices for eating that are better for our bodies, our labor force, our society, our animals, and our planet. This year's PC event is a Food Fair, where you can talk to and learn from fellow students, campus clubs, professors, and community members. There are going to be many engaging and interactive things to do -- we hope to see you there. Also, pack a "brown bag" picnic lunch and enjoy a lunch outside. Your 'brown bag' should contain food from home or a healthy local establishment, and should stand in contrast to the 'white bags' symbolic of the fast food and processed food industries. Worth one Hotspot point if you stay 30 minutes or more.

Thursday, October 24, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Library lawn 

Food Day, Part Two - What's Wrong with Frankenfood?

Concerns about genetically modified foods have been on the plate of the U.S. agricultural debate since the first transgenic plants were created in the 1980s, but lately those concerns have erupted into the public consciousness resulting in what some might call GMO hysteria. However, despite all the clamor about the dangers of GMOs it’s unclear what exactly is wrong with them. Some claim that GMOs are bad because they are not natural, while others cite scientific research indicating that GMOs cause cancer, and still others point to the unjust practices of the corporations that produce and sell GMOs. Miles DeCoster, philosophy professor, examines many of the criticisms leveled at GMOs, and sheds some light on what’s really wrong with “frankenfood”.

Friday, October 25, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Honors Hub (worth one Hotspot)

"Let me tell you something private" - Honors discussion

Why are we so interested in secrets and confessions?  Whole websites are devoted to confessions, popular bulletin boards like reddit.com have threads dedicated to them, and they are showcased to increase ratings on daytime television. Join Eric Berge, English/Humanities professor, to examine the role of confession in modern and current poetry and society.

Friday, November 1, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Honors Hub (worth one Hotspot)

Honors Book Club - keep turning those pages for pleasure

We're three weeks out from our book club discussion -- plenty of time to read a really good book for no reason other than pleasure. This semester's selection is "The Last Shepherd," by Martin Etchert, creative writing professor at Phoenix College. The novel follows a young Arizona man's journey to adulthood and his search for cultural identity. The Honors Program has purchased eight copies that we will loan out to you for two weeks at a time. Then, join us at the book discussion to hear a reading by the author and participate in a conversation led by Dr. Lisa Miller, English professor. 

Now - borrow a copy of the novel at the Hub
Discussion - Thursday, November 7, 1:00 p.m., Hub (worth one Hotspot)

Hundreds of Scholarships, One Application

The Maricopa Foundation has opened their Fall application cycle. Many of these scholarships are funded by private monies, meaning some of the restrictions faced by those who can't otherwise access public monies are not relevant for these Foundation scholarships. Check them out at this link. Deadline is October 31. 

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships - up to $30,000 for your university transfer

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is available for students who plan to complete their bachelor’s degrees by transferring to a four-year college or university. The Foundation provides up to $30,000 per year to each of approximately 75 deserving students selected annually, making it the largest private scholarship for two-year and community college transfer students in the country. Get more info and apply online by visiting  this link.

Scholarship Workshop - led by students

PTK students are offering a two-hour workshop on best practices for getting scholarships. This free workshop is open to all students on campus. Hour 1 (12:00-1:00) will focus on Maricopa STARS scholarships. Hour 2 (1:00-2:00) will focus specifically on PTK-only scholarships.

Friday, October 18, 12:00-2:00 p.m., Coronado Room (lower level of the library)

Spring 2014 Registration now open

Spring 2014 class offerings are out and students are registering. Smart students get on this as soon as possible to ensure a seat. Be sure to sign up for an Honors class (or two) while you're at it -- and many of those spots are going quickly! If you'd like some advising assistance, Elaine is still taking appointments. Call 602-285-7305 or come by the Hub to schedule your appointment.

Recruit other Smarties

Do you know any students who would enjoy the same benefits you do as a PC Honors student -- friends, classmates, or that person you always see studying over at that one table in the library? If so, send them to us! The two eligibility requirements are 12 completed Maricopa credits (100-level courses or above) and a cumulative Maricopa GPA of 3.25 or better. You can earn a Hotspot point for every successful recruit.  

PTK Corner

PTK working meeting this Wednesday, 1:45-2:45, in the Student Union (SU117).