Honors Student FAQ
For Students Graduating PRIOR to August 2008
Q: What are the requirements to be certified as an AHS James Scholar?
A: Please refer to Program Requirements for students graduating prior to 2008.
Q: Why are the requirements different for students graduating before or after Spring 2008?
A: The James Scholar requirements were reviewed and revised in order to provide a more comprehensive and meaningful Honors experience for AHS students. Students graduating after Spring 2008 will be held to the junior/senior capstone experience requirements as outlined in the Program Requirements for students graduating after 2008. Students graduating prior to Spring 2008 are welcome to follow a modified 2 to 4-semester sequence, but will not be held to these specific requirements.
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: HCLAs 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: Where do I go if I have additional questions?
A: Contact your academic advisor or the AHS College Office in 110 Huff Hall.
