What are the advantages of being in the Honors Program?
Students in the program enjoy early enrollment for classes, smaller class size, more contact with professors, a private study area in the library, exposure to research, analytical, or performance skills, unique mentoring opportunities for graduate admission and careers, and transcript notation reflecting your participation in the program.

What is the difference between College Honors and the College Honors Program?
College Honors is based on your entire GPA during your career at the College.  An Honors Degree may be awarded upon graduation to students who have completed 60 semester hours at the College, including 45 graded hours. The College Honors Program is a distinct program comprised of a specific series of courses.  Honors classes are designated SS on your transcript. You must be a member of the Program to register for Honors classes.

How do I get into the Honors Program?
There are two ways to enter the Honors Program.  You may be contacted by the College Admissions Department when you apply for admission to the College.  You may also apply yourself for Honors status by contacting the Honors Director who will discuss the program with you and check your academic history to assess your eligibility.  For either method of entry, you will be asked to submit a writing sample of no less than five pages on a topic of your choice.  This sample may be newly written or can be an essay or paper previously submitted for high school or college class work. Your writing sample will be reviewed within 48 hours and you will be notified of the Program's decision. 

How many courses must I take each semester?
The College Honors Program is an incredibly versatile sequence of course  presented in three stages. Each stage consists of nine semester hours.  The entire program consists of twenty-seven hours. You are free to take as many courses as you like and work toward completing each stage at your own speed.  You will receive a transcript notation reflecting your level of completion.  You must complete a stage (9 s.h.) to receive a notation.  If you complete less than nine semester hours, no notation will appear on your transcript.

What are the requirements to remain in the Honors Program?
Honors students must maintain a 3.5 GPA, show satisfactory progress in the program, and satisfactory progress toward graduation. Your  file will be reviewed in May/June of each year.

Who is the typical Honors student and will I fit into the program?
The typical Honors student is highly motivated to achieve academic excellence, and displays a willingness to seek out new challenges and experiences. The program is designed to provide an enriched academic experience and build a community of young scholars with a love of learning.  Our Honors students span all disciplines and many are involved in activities outside the classroom which reflect their personal interests.  Honors students are energetic, creative, and talented.  If you meet the academic criteria, we invite you to join our community.

What classes are offered in the Honors Program?
The Honors Program offers a wide variety of classes that change from semester to semester.  We encourage you to watch the schedule of classes posted on the web site each semester.  You may also contact the Program Director for assistance with your schedule.

What is the Capstone Experience?
The Honors Capstone Experience is designed to provide you with a unique academic experience not available  to non-honors students. Capstone courses have an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary component. College instructor who are experts in their fields designed some of these course with Honors students in mind.  Other Capstone courses are designed by students themselves who wish to pursue a specific interest. The Program has offered Honors students opportunities to travel abroad, to participate in professional conferences, and a chance to take courses related to the performance or research interests of faculty. We encourage you to work with the Honors Director and/or faculty members to design a Capstone experience that will be truly meaningful to you.

Who can I talk to for help?
Dr. Michael Merilan is the Director of the Honors Program and he will be happy to meet with you to answers your questions or address your concerns.  You may reach him at 607-436-2125.