Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Honors Program?

The Honors Program serves self-motivated and qualified students by providing exceptional and intense learning experiences in classes that are usually highly interactive. Topics are explored in depth; typical assignments emphasize critical thinking, extensive reading and writing, and student presentations and critiques. Activities may also include opportunities for individual research projects, close interaction with faculty, and participation in community and cultural events.

Writing and critical thinking skills are at the heart of the Honors Program curricula. The ability to write and communicate clearly and effectively are central to a student's success in school and career. The emphasis on interactive classroom settings, critical thinking, library research, strong writing skills and group presentations and critiques anticipates the rigor and intensity of the university experience. At the same time, the personal attention extended by committed and caring professors, counselors and classmates guarantees a supportive atmosphere.

Why do I want to take honors courses?

• To encounter outstanding faculty committed to your success and the highest standards of teaching      
• To connect with other students committed to academic achievement and intellectual development
• Receive an Honors Course designation on your transcript which communicates high achievement to transfer institutions and future employers
• Access to Honors Program Co-Coordinators and faculty mentors
• Participation in special honors events and activities, including speakers, performances, and service activities
• Priority registration to ensure enrollment in desired Honors classes
• Letters of recommendation from Honors Program Co-Coordinators and faculty
• Technology in the Classroom: Students enrolled in specific Honors classes receive Tablet Notebook computers with wireless capability. 

Am I eligible to take honors courses?

The Honors Program is open to all new and continuing students (part-time or full-time, day or evening) that meet the following criteria:

•  3.0 or higher GPA 
•  9 or more college credits 

*Current students who have not yet earned 9 college credits but have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA are also eligible with the recommendation of an advisor in consultation wiht the Honors Program Cooordinators. 

*New Students with no college GPA and no remedial needs are also eligible with the recommendation of an advisor in consultation with the Honors Program Coordinators.

*Students can have no more than 3 honors courses or a combination of 3 honors courses and honors contracts per semester.

What is different about honors courses?

Honors courses emphasize seeing the interrelationships between topics and concepts. Students are encouraged to bring their personal knowledge and experience to bear on a question or issue and interact with others during class discussions and group projects. The major focus of an honors class is not on increasing the quantity of the workload. Instead, honors courses increase the quality of the learning experience by exploring topics in greater depth and breadth. As a result, honors students encounter a range of historical, technical and cultural points of view that they may not have experienced in a non honors section of the same course. The emphasis on interactive classroom settings, critical thinking, library research, strong writing skills and group presentations and critiques is extraordinarily valuable to the student because it anticipates the rigor and intensity of the university experience. At the same time, the personal attention extended by committed and caring professors, counselors and classmates creates and sustains the 'small and supportive' atmosphere that students come to love about the Honors Program.

Are honors courses more difficult?

Most students describe Honors course work as more challenging and exciting, and more stimulating and thought-provoking. Honors classes emphasize student involvement, participation and performance. Honors students are encouraged to think analytically and creatively and are taught to communicate their thoughts effectively. Group projects are a component of nearly all Honors classes. In this setting, students pool their skills and benefit from each others strengths rather than compete against each other. As with any non-honors class, honors expectations and assignments are relayed to students well in advance of their due date. Although students will certainly find their honors course work challenging, students who enter the program with strong, well-organized study skills will find that they have very little trouble handling their honors work load.

Join the Honors Program and Fulfill Your Potential!