Honors Student FAQ

Faculty Sponsor FAQ

Q: Do I have to work with every student who asks me to be their faculty sponsor?

A: No. Approval and acceptance of learning agreements are at the discretion of the faculty sponsor or course instructor.  Sponsors may wish to limit the number of such agreements (i.e. accepting them on a first-come, first-served basis). As a resource, feel free to look at project samples of James Scholar students to decide if you have potential opportunities to offer before committing to serve as a faculty sponsor.  Additional considerations can be found on the Faculty Involvement page.

Q: Is there a maximum number of students I am permitted to work with on Honors projects?

A: No, but you should consider your teaching, research and other commitments when determining how much time you can devote to your collaboration with the student.

Q: How do I know which junior/senior level requirement applies to the student I am working with?

A: Discuss the James Scholar requirements with the student to confirm which track they are following (graduating before Spring 2008 or after Spring 2008).  However, students who are graduating prior to Spring 2008 are encouraged to follow the revised junior/senior capstone experience (which is required for students graduating after Spring 2008).  The revised program is more sequenced and structured, which provides a more comprehensive Honors experience, for both students and faculty.

Q: What if the student is making insufficient progress on their project?

A: It is up to the faculty sponsor and student to determine what "sufficient" progress is for the Honors project.  To avoid discrepancies, faculty sponsors should plan to meet regularly with the student throughout the semester.  These meetings will allow for a consistent check of the student’s progress to project completion.  Utilizing the project tracking sheet and the project contract will also encourage and define project expectation and additional guidelines for the project. 

Q: Can we change the scope of the project after the HCLA has been submitted?

A: The form or product of the learning agreement is limited only by the creative imagination of the student, subject to professional standards of the discipline, and to the approval of the faculty sponsor.  It is the discretion of the faculty sponsor and the student to determine the project details.  Changes made should reflect the student’s interest and must be manageable within the confines of a single semester.  The College recommends completing an additional project contract to document changes and record student and faculty sponsor signatures, therefore signifying the changes are agreed by both parties.  However, submitting an updated HCLA is not necessary.

Q: What if the student does not complete the project as specified in the HCLA?

A: As the faculty sponsor, you are the reviewer and issuer of the grade for each James Scholar student.  If the project is not completed as agreed, whether by the deadline or outlined content, you have the right to not issue the honors distinction when awarding the grade. Documentation of project details (deadlines, expectations, etc.) is extremely important to avoid this conflict.  You are encouraged to utilize the project tracking sheet and the project contract in order to provide clarity and support when awarding the final grade.

Q: What is the deadline for completion of the Honors project?

A: Most faculty sponsors opt for project completion to follow traditional academic deadlines.  However, the completion of the project can fall on any mutually agreed date.  If the scope of the project changes during the semester, you may decide to alter the project deadline to accommodate the project. 

Q: If I am working with a student who is not a James Scholar, but is fulfilling the same project requirements as their James Scholar classmate (research project, civic engagement activity, etc.), can I award them Honors distinction ("H") with their grade?

A: No, only participants in the James Scholar program should be awarded an H.

Q: Can the student use a required class assignment as their Honors project?

A: To be considered a true Honors activity, the student should complete a project that is above and beyond the requirements of their classmates.  Merely submitting a required assignment would devalue the Honors experience.  However, due to the applied nature of classroom experiences throughout AHS, the required class assignment may be an important component of the completed Honors project.

Q: Can I work with James Scholar students on Honors projects who are not in AHS?

A: Yes.  However, each College has slightly different James Scholar requirements and procedures.  Be sure to consult the student for details.

Q: Can I have my graduate teaching assistant complete the required forms, monitor the project or issue the grade?

A: Only the instructor of record should evaluate project completion and issue the appropriate grade.

Q: What does the Senior Honors Thesis entail?

A: The Research Option follows the general outline of the Senior Honors Thesis.  The primary components are a literature review, project proposal, data collection, data analysis and written summary.  The exact form and content will be determined by the faculty sponsor and student.  For details on student registration, timelines or other logistics, consult your academic advisor or Department Handbook (when applicable).

Q: Can students take a course for honors during summer session?

A: No.  A student may only receive honors designation during Fall and Spring semesters. 

Q: Where do I go if I have additional questions?

A: Contact Jen Themanson, College of Applied Health Sciences Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.  Assistant Dean Themanson is located in 110 Huff or at 217-333-2131.