Honors Activities

The completion of an honors activity is what makes your James Scholar experience distinct. You can choose from the following options:

• 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

Honors Credit Learning Agreements (HCLA)

Completion of an HCLA is a unique way to enhance your classroom experience by collaborating with your professor or instructor. The options are unlimited and depend on your area of interest, discipline and instructor availability. You may choose to further research a topic discussed in class, work in a lab collecting data for an ongoing research project, develop a program for your volunteer organization, or receive credit for an honors thesis. Faculty are not required to work with you on your James Scholar project, so be thoughtful and prepared in your request for collaboration.

If you choose to complete an HCLA, you must complete the form with your faculty sponsor and return it to 110 Huff Hall by the designated due date for that semester. HCLAs can be picked up from the College Office in 110 Huff Hall or from your departmental advising office.

Choosing an Honors Activity

Consider the following when selecting your honors activity:

• Time Commitment – Completion of an honors project should take approximately 30-45 hours of work beyond regular classroom expectations.
• Personal or Career Interests – Your project is an opportunity to research an area of personal interest, make professional contacts or discover trends in the industry. Consider a project that can enhance your resume, or provide you with an opportunity to work with a prospective employer or graduate school advisor.
• Faculty or Instructor Interests – AHS faculty are leaders in research and service in their respective disciplines. You have the unique opportunity to participate in the research process in a variety of settings. Be open to their suggestions on project ideas, and be prepared with a few ideas of your own.
• Faculty or Instructor Availability – Like you, faculty have a full schedule outside of the classroom. Some semesters may be better than others based on their outside commitments.
• Project Form or Product – Many students complete an 10-15 page research paper. However, you are encouraged to go beyond the “typical” report. The options are virtually unlimited so be creative! For your reference, a sample list of projects completed by previous participants can be found here: project samples.