James Scholar Overview for Faculty
Thank you for your interest in the James Scholar Honors Program! The program is designed for undergraduates who have demonstrated exceptional ability through superior academic performance. The program provides opportunities for these students to use their time and talents in ways that can further enrich their educational experience. It entitles students to certain academic privileges, including early registration time and extended use of library facilities, and charges them with the responsibility for seeking sustained intellectual achievement throughout their undergraduate careers.
Project Requirements
The James Scholar program is university-wide, but is implemented and monitored by each college. Initial participation from students in the program varies slightly depending on their year, transfer status, or previous involvement in the James Scholar program at UIUC. As the new College of Applied Health Sciences program is phased in, there will be several students completing the requirements of the previous program.
If you have a student who is graduating prior to August 2008, please refer to the following link for requirements, Program Requirements for students graduating prior to August 2008.
All students graduating after August 2008 will follow the new College of Applied Health Sciences James Scholar Program guidelines. Please refer to the following link for general requirements, Program Requirements for students graduating after August 2008.
In sum, freshmen are evaluated based on 12 UIUC graded hours and must complete one honors experience during their first year. Sophomore and junior students in AHS are invited to participate upon earning a 3.5 semester GPA (minimum) on 14 graded UIUC hours. Sophomore students who choose to participate must complete two honors experiences per year (one each semester) and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Junior students who choose to participate must elect an option (research, civic commitment, leadership or study abroad) to complete during their junior and senior year. Please select the students’ current academic status to review specific project and program requirements.
James Scholar by class year
Freshman and sophomore students can fulfill their honors requirement by completing one of the following approved options:
- Participate in the AHS 199: The freshman scholars experience (course by invitation only)
- Register for an Honors course (has "&" before section number), Honors Seminar, Independent Study, Selected Topics, Senior Research, Special Problems, Undergraduate Thesis (at least two credit hours) and complete an Honors Credit Learning Agreement
- Elect to take a course as honors (at least two credit hours) by completing an Honors Credit Learning Agreement
- Take a 500-level (graduate) course (please consult your academic advisor prior to registering for a 500-level course)
- A full semester study abroad experience, internship or student teaching
The vast majority of James Scholar participants pursue an option including an Honors Credit Learning Agreement to fulfill the honors requirement.
Faculty Involvement
As a faculty member your participation is an essential part of program success. Under your guidance students are introduced to a variety of research experiences and other opportunities for personal and academic development. Ideally the experience will be as beneficial for you as it is for the student.
When considering whether or not to work with an AHS student on an honors project, consider the following:
- The form or product of the honors agreement is subject to discipline, student interest and availability of resources. See suggested sample projects for examples of past student work.
- Working with a student on an honors project is similar to working with a student on a 2-3 credit hour independent study.
- Any current research projects you have that the student may become involved with in order to enhance the honors project/experience.
- The activity should be viewed as a collaboration between instructor and student.
If you have agreed to work with a student on their honors project, you are responsible for a few key administrative tasks. Please refer to the checklist below to ensure the student receives honors credit:
- When require, complete an Honors Credit Learning Agreement (HCLA) with the student and submit to the AHS College office in 110 Huff by the stated deadline.
- Meet with student to check project progress at least once during the semester. See the Track Sheet
to help track student progress. - Verify completion of project as agreed.
- Provided the project meets the agreed requirements, record the student’s course grade with honors distinction. In Web for Faculty, select the appropriate grade earned that includes an “H” designation. For example, if a student earns an A- in the course, select “A- H” for the grade.
Helpful Resources
Contract that further outlines the nature of the project, including work to be completed, product and evaluation criteria.
Tracking sheet for student use which can be used to check progress throughout the semester.
For your reference, a sample list of projects completed by previous participants can be found here: project samples.
Questions?
Questions? Please visit FAQ for Faculty, or contact the AHS College Office.
