Honors Student FAQ

For Students Graduating AFTER August 2008

Q: What are the requirements to be certified as an AHS James Scholar?

A: Please refer to Program Requirements for students graduating after to 2008 

Q: When does Early Registration begin?

A: Pre-registration typically takes place in November for spring semester, and March for summer/fall semesters. As a James Scholar participant you will be allowed to register on the first day of pre-registration. You will gain early registration status the semester following your registration in the program.

Note: Your academic advisor will send emails to your UIUC email account reminding you to schedule your pre-registration advising appointment. It is your responsibility to meet with your advisor in a timely manner in order to best utilize your early registration status. Plan ahead!

Q: What constitutes an academic year?

A: An academic year is defined in the College of AHS as the Fall and Spring semesters combined. Summer session honors activities will not be accepted as a substitute for Fall or Spring term.

Q: How do I know if I can receive Honors credit for a course?

A: Almost any 2+ hour course can be taken for honors credit. You can earn honors credit for most Gen Ed or major courses by completing an Honors Credit Learning Agreement (HCLA). With the completion of an HCLA you may also elect to earn honors credit for an independent study, senior research project, or an honors course (denoted with "&" before the section number). You can also earn honors credit for experiences outside of the classroom. For a full description of options, see the Honors Activities page.

Q: Can I pursue the Honors option for a class outside my major?

A: No, you can elect to take almost any 2+ hour course (General Education, elective, correlate, etc.) as Honors provided you have instructor consent and have completed an HCLA.  However, keep in mind that each College has slightly different James Scholar requirements and it is your responsibility to ensure you and your instructor are following the AHS guidelines.

Q: Where can I find an Honors Learning Credit Agreement?

A: Honors Credit Learning Agreements (HCLA) can be picked up from the College Office in 110 Huff Hall or from your departmental advising office.

Q: How do I know for sure I received honors credit?

A: The instructor will award your grade with honors distinction (“H” with the grade). For example, if you earn an A- in the course, your grade will read “A-H”. If you did not receive honors distinction you should contact your instructor.

Q: One of my class assignments sounds similar to a James Scholar project idea.  Can I use the assignment to fulfill my James Scholar requirement?

A: No.  Your Honors project should be above and beyond your classroom or curricular requirements.  Merely submitting your assignment will devalue the Honors experience and put you at risk of losing your James Scholar status.

Q: Which capstone option (research, civic engagement, leadership) is the best?

A: This largely depends on your academic interests and career goals.  Discuss the options with faculty and your advisor so you choose the option most appropriate for you.

Q: Can I start one capstone option my junior year and switch to a different option my senior year?  For example, if I pursue the Research Option my junior year, can I switch to the Leadership Option my senior year?

A: No.  You must complete the option you select at the start of your junior year.  You are making a four semester commitment so consider your options carefully!

Q: Do I have to work with a faculty member in my department on the junior/senior level capstone requirement?

A: No, you are not limited to the Honors opportunities in your department.  However, you and your faculty sponsor should follow the guidelines outlined for AHS James Scholar participants.  

Q: Can I change the topic of my civic engagement or research project?

A: While preparing your literature review or working on your proposal, you may find that your intended topic idea changes.  However, after your proposal is submitted and approved (second semester junior year) you should not make major changes to your topic.  Work closely with your faculty sponsor throughout the process to make sure the topic is a good fit for both of your interests. 

Q: If I lose my James Scholar status (too few hours, less than 3.5 GPA, insufficient project, etc.) during my junior year, can I regain honors status and continue with my project during my senior year?

A: No.  The capstone experience is a four semester commitment.  If you lose your Honors status at any point during your junior or senior year, you are no longer eligible to participate in the James Scholar program.

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

A: Contact your academic advisor or the AHS College Office in 110 Huff Hall.