Other Study Opportunities

HONORS PROGRAM

The Honors Program is designed to meet the needs of able, motivated students by providing opportunities for intellectual and social development in and out of the classroom. It has as its goals to provide intellectual challenge and stimulation, pushing students beyond their assumed limits; to promote excellence in the classroom through a participatory and interactive environment; an emphasis on challenging material; and an expectation that students are motivated to learn. It is expected that students will take an active role in their intellectual development in Honors courses and outside the classroom.

Requirements of the Honors Program
Students are required to take Honors courses, participate in certain extra-curricular activities and develop their own Honors Scholarship project in their senior year.

Several courses designated “Honors” are offered each semester according to a two-year rotation. These specially-designed and innovative courses fulfill the Foundations of Human Learning degree requirements. Students also participate in one event or activity each semester, such as a cultural event at the Madison Overture Center, a campus speaker, concert or film, or a field trip.

Student who complete the Honors program will have:

• Completed at least five courses designated “Honors.”
• Taken an advanced section of ENG 110 College Writing.
• Participated in an approved extra-curricular event during each semester and written a reflective report.
• Completed an Honors Scholarship contract in an upper-level course in their major.
• Maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.

Admission to Honors
Students interested in the Honors Program should contact the Associate Academic Dean.
New freshmen are placed into the program based on these requirements:

1. A minimum high school GPA of 3.5.
2. A minimum ACT composite score of 25.
3. Rank in the top 15% of high school graduating class.

Continuing and transfer students may apply to the program with:

1. An application that includes letters of recommendation from instructors who can assess the student’s academic potential.
2. A GPA of at least 3.3.

Benefits of Honors
A student completing the requirements of the Honors Program is designated a “Graduate of the Honors Program” on his or her diploma and transcript. Other benefits include:

• Small courses to facilitate participation and interaction.
• Courses with a focused topic or innovative approach to the material or a specialized reading list.
• Creating bonds with other Honors students.
• Achieving a feeling of pride and accomplishment in rising to academic challenges.
• Expanding one’s intellectual horizons.
• Enhancing one’s potential for future admission to graduate schools or gaining employment.