Special Programs: EDMUND J. JAMES UNDERGRADUATE HONORS PROGRAMS
NOTE: This document was generated from the 1995-1997
UIUC Programs of Study.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but be advised
that requirements may have changed since this book was published.
Errors may have also been introduced in the conversion to a WWW
document. Thus for items of importance, it might be wise to seek
confirmation from either the paper version or a live human being.
Undergraduate honors programs, named
for one of the University's distinguished presidents, Edmund J. James,
provide a number of special curricular opportunities to academically
talented undergraduate students. Designation by the University as "James
Scholars" recognizes students of extraordinary ability and achievement.
It entitles students to certain academic privileges, including the extended
use of library facilities, and charges them with the responsibility for
seeking sustained intellectual achievement throughout their undergraduate
careers. James Scholar honors students are characterized by outstanding
academic records; high general aptitudes for college work; and reputations
for seriousness of purpose, persistence, and self-discipline in educational
endeavors.
A student electing to participate
in the program may enroll in any undergraduate curriculum; unusual academic
arrangements are open to James Scholar honors students in all courses of
study. These arrangements include provision of honors courses and sections,
special seminars, and interdisciplinary colloquia. In addition, James
Scholars are encouraged to pursue individual scholarly interests through
independent study and research projects. Administrative coordination of all
undergraduate honors programs is currently conducted by the Office of
Admissions and Records. There is no monetary award associated with this
program, and students who need financial assistance should apply to the
Office of Student Financial Aid.
Nomination
Procedures
Academic requirements for
participation in the program are determined by the respective colleges.
Undergraduates in most colleges may "self-nominate" into the program,
provided that the decision is based on prior achievement and on high school
and college faculty or administrative advice, and is accomplished prior to
the terminal dates set for entry into academic programs leading to honors
degrees. In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, entering students
with higher than a predetermined college selection index are automatically
admitted as James Scholar Designates. (See further information
regarding James Scholar honors students in Liberal Arts and Sciences.)
Students may elect to leave the program or may be removed for failure to
meet standards of academic performance in the various
colleges.
During summer advance enrollment,
freshmen in most colleges will receive additional information regarding
specific college programs leading to honors degrees. At that time, in
consultation with an adviser, a student may self-nominate into the program
and select an honors course or plan other honors activities.
Although the honors program in
each college varies in detail, any incoming freshman electing to undertake
an honors program will enter the University as a James Scholar Designate.
After completion of a period on campus, each designate's record will be
reviewed by his or her college. The student then will be invited to
continue as a full James Scholar honors student
or advised to leave the program on the basis of criteria
developed by the college. Resident and transfer students wishing to
self-nominate into the program should inquire at their college
offices.
James Scholar
Recognition
Successful performance for one year as
a James Scholar honors student is recognized and recorded on the
student's University record as Edmund J. James Scholar
(year).
Specific inquiries regarding the
honors program of a particular college may be addressed to the college
office in care of the honors dean.
Honors Credit Learning
Agreements
It is not expected that a James
Scholar honors student will take a full schedule of special courses;
however, at least one honors activity each semester is considered normal.
To encourage sustained independent intellectual activity by superior
students, the campuswide Honors Credit Learning Agreement Program enables
students to earn officially recognized honors credit in regular
undergraduate courses. This is accomplished by a learning agreement between
student and instructor whereby the student undertakes a special
course-related project. Upon successful completion of the project, the
student is awarded transcript-designated honors credit for the course.
Forms for initiation of honors credit learning agreements are available in
the college offices.
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