University Honors Program (HON)

Dr. Ed Long, Program Director
Judy Idema, Associate Director
774-3902
Larzelere 112
Central Michigan University
www.cmich.edu/~honors/index.html

"Far from being a mechanism for elitist self-aggrandizement, honors is above all an open invitation to explore and to inquire fearlessly with like-minded students and faculty and, in the process, to develop a love of excellence and to reach new and profoundly satisfying levels of scholarly achievement and self-understanding." 
Richard Cummings, Ph.D., Former President of the National Collegiate Honors Council

Honors Study
Benefits of Honors Study
Honors Study Options
Honors Program Requirements
Admission and Completion of Honors Studies
Centralis Program

Link to Honors Program web site

Honors Study
Since 1961 the Honors Program has challenged CMU's brightest, most talented, highly motivated, and creative students both in and outside of the classroom while pursuing an enriched program of study. Honors study at all levels is distinct from traditional class work in that it is generally more in-depth, demanding, creative, and self-initiated. A primary aim of the Honors Program is to provide a qualitatively unique learning experience through classroom and individualized study opportunities. By using innovative instructional techniques and an emphasis on self-discovery, Honors professors are able to provide a learning environment which presents a deeper and broader understanding of a subject, resulting in a synthesis of many relevant issues.

Benefits of Honors Study
In addition to a unique learning environment, there are many tangible benefits of Honors study:

--Small class size, limited to 20 students in Honors sections.

--Honors sections offered for many University Program courses.

--Honors sections offered for written and oral communication competency requirements.

--Individualized study opportunities through Honors Contracts, Independent Study, or a Senior Project.

--Recognition of achievement through transcript designation "Graduated in the Honors Program" and commencement program notation.

--Eligibility to live in Larzelere Hall and Trout Hall, the designated Honors residence halls and communities.

--Access to specialized academic advising through the Honors Program Office and Honors Academic Advisor, located in Larzelere Hall.

--Eligibility to enroll in graduate courses (director of Honors Program will review request and notify student and registrar's office of decision).

--Faculty mentoring through Independent Study or Senior Project opportunities.

--Use of Honors Course Offering Schedule which lists descriptions of all honors classes being offered for the upcoming semester.

--Opportunity to participate in the Honors Outreach Network (HON) student organization.

--Priority registration.

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Honors Study Options
Honors study is flexible in nature and can fit into any degree, major, or minor. Several options exist through which students can earn Honors credits:
--Honors sections of many classes offered both Fall and Spring semesters.

--Honors Contracts which allow a student to take almost any regular CMU class for Honors credit through an arrangement between the student and the instructor.

--An Honors Independent Study of a specific topic under the direction of a faculty member, requiring more in-depth investigation, empirical research, or expanded coverage.

--A Senior Project, mentored by a faculty member, in which the student synthesizes many areas of previous study together, conducts original research, or engages in a creative endeavor.

--An Honors Colloquium which offers a first-year introduction to the Honors Program.

Honors Program Requirements
There are a number of requirements which must be met by all Honors students. These requirements are arranged in Protocols or programs of study. There are several different Protocols available, each of which is described in detail in the Honors Student Handbook. Honors students will receive the handbook upon acceptance into the Honors Program so that they can plan their program of study accordingly.
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Admission and Completion of Honors Studies
The university invites all high ability students to participate in the Honors Program.

--Outstanding high school seniors and transfer students applying to Central Michigan University with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 are encouraged to apply. High school students with a composite ACT score of below 24 will be required to have a 3.75 GPA. Upon admission to the university and the Honors Program, these students will be encouraged to participate in Honors study by enrolling in Honors sections, Honors Contract work, or Independent Study. In addition, they are invited to join the Honors community by residing in Larzelere Hall or Trout Hall.

--Undergraduate students currently enrolled at CMU and who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 are invited to become active in the Honors Program.

--In order to remain active in the Honors Program and Graduate in the Honors Program students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and earn a grade of at least "C" in all Honors courses, Honors Contracts, Honors Independent Study, or Senior Project taken for credit.

--Transfer students admitted to the Honors Program may apply up to 6 credit hours of previous college or university Honors coursework. Transfer students should meet with the Director of the Honors Program to discuss this options.

Centralis Program
The Centralis Scholarship Program provides merit-based awards to outstanding entering freshmen and community college transfers. The University's Honors Council has developed specific plans of study, called protocols, for the three types of awards: Scholar; Gold; and Community College. All Centralis award recipients are automatically admitted to the Honors Program and are eligible to enroll in H or HON designated courses, and complete Honors Contracts for their courses. Check with Financial Aid for additional information.

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