University Honors Scholars

Downloadable Honors Scholars application (.doc) (.pdf)

The University Honors Scholars Program is a program within Honors intended to expand and enhance Honors education. Since its inception in 1999, the number of Honors students who have chosen to enrich their education with the many benefits of University Honors Scholars recognition has steadily grown to over 250 current members of the Honors community. University Honors Scholars are characterized by their high level of academic achievement and their commitment to the value of Honors education.

Honors students graduating with University Honors Scholar designation on transcripts and diplomas complete a minimum of 24 hours of Honors work. Frequently, University Honors Scholars graduate with Honors credits far beyond the required minimum. As much as half of the required coursework may be Honors general education (required of all U of L students), with at least 12 credits in small Honors seminars of no more than 16 students featuring interdisciplinary work and experiences outside the classroom. University Honors Scholars receive multiple benefits (see below) from their Honors participation, including registration consideration in Honors seminars that incorporate subsidized travel and reservation of space in other seminars that encourage interdisciplinary perspectives. The Overseers International Seminar, which has taken students to many countries including China, Rome, Kenya and India, is part of the seminar series as is the national seminar that includes fieldwork in off-campus locales such as New York City and Washington, D.C.

University Honors Scholars Benefits

• Significant proportion of coursework completed in close interaction with peers in the University Honors Program and with Honors faculty from many departments.
• Independent research experience providing excellent preparation for graduate and professional training.
• Enhanced seminars that encourage interdisciplinary perspectives and experience outside the classroom, and typically fulfill WR requirements.
• Priority consideration for space in seminars that include either international or domestic travel (based on the level of Honors activity).
• Enhanced programming for seminar participants that may include notable speakers, cultural events and voluntary service opportunities.
• Opportunities to present seminar discoveries and research at Honors conferences.
• Recognition at graduation and on transcripts as a University Honors Scholar. Students are designated University Honors Scholars upon graduation if the requisite 24 hours of Honors coursework is completed, and the grade point averages required at admission to the program are maintained.
• The opportunity to sign up for a scheduled advising appointment each semester before other Honors students. In order to be eligible, an Honors Scholar must have completed at least three honors courses (a minimum of 9 credit hours) and be making significant progress toward completing the Honors Scholars requirements. to top^

Eligibility

Admission to the University Honors Scholars Program requires the submission of an application, available in the Honors Office or on the web (see above). Eligibility requires a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, active status in Honors, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in completed Honors courses and intent to finish the 24 hour program. Exceptions require approval of the Honors Program director.

Students apply for University Honors Scholar status any time after the first completed semester of college coursework. Transfer students who wish to participate should schedule an appointment with the director to review transfer credits before submitting an application.

Requirements, Arts & Sciences
University Honors Scholars must complete 24 credit hours of Honors courses, which may include up to 12 credit hours of general education requirements. The remaining hours must be earned in Honors seminars, consisting of interdisciplinary seminars at the 300 level or higher. Scholars must take at least one seminar from a division or unit different from the division of their major. Many University Honors Scholars take coursework well beyond the required 24 hours.

Other Colleges
Requirements in colleges other than Arts & Sciences may vary.

Exceptions
The following work may be substituted for University Honors Scholars Program requirements as follows:

• General education credits may be substituted with: Honors seminar, departmental honors course at the 300 level or higher, or departmental honors seminar.
• Honors seminars credits may be substituted with: An undergraduate research project such as a college honors thesis or a departmental research project that includes a significant written component. to top^

Sample Coursework Outlines

UNIVERSITY HONORS SCHOLAR
Honors General Education	Hours		Honors Seminars	Hours
English 105	(3)		Hon 341	(3)
History 106	(3)		Hon 356	(3)
Psychology 201	(3)		Hon 436	(3)
Hon 214	(3)		Hon 346 or SHP  or departmental research	(3)
Total: 24 credits

UNIVERSITY HONORS SCHOLAR (with exceptions made)
Honors General Education	Hours		Honors Seminar	Hours
English 105	(3)		Hon 341	(3)
History 106	(3)		Hon 356	(3)
Psychology 346***	(3)		Hon 436	(3)
Political Science*	(3)		SHP**	(3)
Total: 24 credits * 300+ departmental honors course ** Significant departmental research or senior honors project *** Departmental course cross-listed with Honors seminar.

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