The Scholar’s Academy program, announced at the University of Calgary in April 2011, aims to enhance the academic and professional development of up to 30 of the institution’s best and brightest third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, and to encourage excellence in their future careers.

The program, the brainchild of chancellor emeritus Joanne Cuthbertson, provides each student with a dedicated faculty advisor to provide academic support and assistance with applications for Rhodes and Fulbright scholarships, travel awards for conferences, monthly program meetings and an annual retreat. Students benefit from a streamlined course registration process, participate in a cohort charity project, and will have access to a dedicated study lounge.  (The tartan scarves featured in the picture above are also a unique perk of the program.)

How does this compare with cohort programs for elite undergraduates at other universities?