James Scholar Junior/Senior Year
Students must have junior status and a semester AND cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher with 14 earned UIUC hours each semester. At least two honors activities are required each year (one each semester). During the junior and senior year, the James Scholar Program is tailored to meet the students’ academic and professional interests. Students are provided with unique options that are demanding and challenging, yet designed to allow for the personalization and enrichment of each participating student.
James Scholar Options
During the junior year, student must choose one of the following options. Please note, you cannot be part of the program as a senior if you were not in the program as a junior. In addition, students must have at least four semesters (excluding summer) of coursework remaining.
Research Option:
Students choosing the research option will be required to complete the following during their junior and senior year (please note, James Scholar status will still be reported at the conclusion of each academic year). You must complete an HCLA form each semester.
Information on faculty research labs can be found on the following websites:
Junior Year
First Semester:
Propose and complete a literature review of an agreed upon topic. This review must provide the groundwork for a research study/project. Students must obtain faculty approval to enroll in an independent study/ research experience/approved course. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Second Semester:
With faculty approval, students must begin their research project/study. Students must obtain faculty approval to enroll in an independent study/ research experience/approved course. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Senior Year
First Semester:
Continuation of research project/study. Students must be registered for independent study or Senior Honors Thesis.
Second Semester:
Write up of research study/thesis. All work should be complete by mid April. Students must present their research at the departmental honors and awards program unless otherwise instructed by faculty advisor.
Civic Commitment Option:
Students choosing the civic commitment option will be required to complete the following during their junior and senior year (please note, James Scholar status will still be reported at the conclusion of each academic year). You must complete an HCLA form each semester.
Junior Year
First Semester:
Students will prepare a literature review dealing with a current issue in their area of study. Students must obtain
faculty approval to enroll in an independent study/research experience/approved course. Students should consult
with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Second Semester:
Students must prepare a detailed proposal outlining effective programs, projects, strategies, etc. to solve the issue/problem.
Students must obtain faculty approval to enroll in an independent study/ research experience/approved course. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Senior Year
First Semester:
Students will create a program, project, outreach materials, etc. that can be used by professionals working in the field of study. A portfolio of information, program materials, or documents must be presented to the faculty advisor for review. Students should register for independent study, or a course approved by your academic advisor. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Second Semester:
Students will complete an internship, student teaching experience, or equivalent. Outreach materials created during the previous semesters can and should be used during the experience. Additionally, students will be asked to provide a summary of the experience, along with at least one project that was completed during this time. Students should register for the appropriate class. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Leadership Option:
Students choosing the leadership option will be required to complete the following during their junior and senior year (please note, James Scholar status will still be reported at the conclusion of each academic year). Student must complete an HCLA form each semester. For more information, please see the Illinois Leadership site.
Junior Year
First Semester:
Students must complete 1-2 I-programs or LeaderShape. Students must submit a Reflective Paper/Narrative 
with goals to the Dean’s Office for review. Students should register for one Leadership Certificate course.
Second Semester:
Students must complete 1-2 I-programs (must complete 3 programs total by the end of the year).Students must submit a Summary and Goals Statement for leadership during the senior year, submitted to the Dean’s Office. Students should register for one Leadership Certificate course.
Senior Year
First Semester:
Students must serve as a facilitator at an I-program or LeaderShape or take on a leadership role in a student organization on campus. Students will need to work towards completion of the Leadership Certificate offered through the Illinois Leadership Center. Students must submit a Proposal Statement for Leadership during the senior year, submitted to the Dean’s Office. Students should register for an independent study with the Dean’s Office. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Second Semester:
If students have not completed the Leadership Certificate, they should complete it during this semester. Students will be required to implement a leadership-based program for all interested AHS undergraduates with an evaluation component. This program should be coordinated with the Dean’s Office. Students should register for an independent study with the Dean’s Office. Students should consult with your academic advisor for appropriate CRN.
Study Abroad:
Students opting to study abroad during their junior or senior year may file a petition with the Dean’s Office to complete an equivalent semester-long project while studying abroad. Examples of equivalent projects include: a comparison study or participating in a leadership program/service offered at the host institution. Student can also opt to complete the standard requirements. Please speak with the Dean’s Office for additional details.
