Undergraduate
Programs of Study
University Honors Program (HON)
James P. Hill, Ph.D., Director
774-3902
Larzelere 112
Central Michigan University
Website
"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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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