LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees has approved establishing an honors college.

Associated Vice President for Undergraduate Education Anne Alexander says elevating the current honors program will help UW recruit more top-achieving students and compete with other schools that have adopted such programs.

Additionally, an honors college could require enrolled students to take part in activities such as undergraduate research, study abroad or internships, which are currently encouraged but optional for honors students.

Alexander says a more rigorous system would demand more of honors students, in turn making them more well-rounded, experienced graduates.

The trustees approved the idea last Friday and the honors college would be fully established by fall 2020.

A search for the first honors college dean is underway now.

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