1. What is University Honors?

The University Honors Program is a lower-division general education program designed primarily for entering freshmen. Continuing students may be admitted after completing 12 hours at EIU if they meet other admission criteria.

2. How are University Honors classes different from their non-Honors counterparts?

University Honors courses are enriched and integrated academic alternatives of General Education requirements and a limited number of courses outside of General Education. Courses are taught in a personalized environment by distinguished faculty and follow a colloquium style format relying heavily on class discussion and student participation.

3. What are the advantages of participating in University Honors?

Completing courses in University Honors provides the student with an enhanced educational experience over a broad range of disciplines. The University Honors Program encourages leadership and active learning inside the classroom, and through academic and nonacademic experiences in social cultural, and community environments. Students are encouraged to compete at the highest levels for career opportunities, graduate school, and a variety of national and international programming.

4. How competitive is the classroom environment?

Courses are taught with an emphasis on collaborative learning. Subject matter, texts, and evaluation practices are typically the same as in non-Honors sections. Since Honors students tend to be competitive by nature, teaching styles reflect the need to emphasize cooperation and shared learning experiences.

5. How big are Honors classes?

Honors classes have an enrollment of 15-18 students.

6. What are the admission requirements for the University Honors Program?

Entering freshmen (EIU is the college/university of initial enrollment after high school graduation) must meet two of the following criteria for admission to University Honors:

ACT composite of 26 or higher or 1100 or higher on the SAT.
Upper 10% of the high school graduating class OR a 3.5 high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Permission of the Dean of the Honors College.

Continuing EIU students (enrolled at EIU) may be admitted to University Honors after meeting the following criteria:
Attain a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for at least 12 hours of course work taken at Eastern.
Permission of the Dean of the Honors College

7. How many Honors classes should I take each semester?

University Honors students complete Honors requirements concurrently with General Education courses. For students participating in University Honors, approximately 60% of General Education requirements are completed as Honors courses. Students who do not have a declared major and are completing General Education requirements quickly will need to complete Honors requirements at the same rate.

8. What are the requirements to complete University Honors?

Students in the University Honors curriculum are required to complete 25 hours of Honors courses. Seven courses or 21 hours should be completed primarily in the freshman and sophomore years. A 4-hour Honors Senior Seminar must be taken after a student completes 75 or more hours at EIU.

9. What about my AP credits?

AP credits usually apply to general education requirements, but may also count toward general University credit. Your academic advisor will help you interpret the significance of AP credit on your college requirements.

10. Will I have an Honors advisor?

You will be assigned to an academic advisor at the University who will assist with you with general academic planning. In addition, you will have access to an adviser in the Honors College who will provide you with specific information about Honors requirements.

11. Do I have to maintain any particular GPA?

The Honors Council has established minimum cumulative GPAs for students enrolled in University Honors:

3.0 at the end of the freshman year
3.2 at the end of the sophomore year
3.4 at the end of the junior year
3.5 at the end of the senior year

12. Do graduate assistants ever teach Honors classes?

No, Honors faculty hold a terminal degree in their academic discipline. They have been nominated by their departments or invited by the Dean of the Honors College to teach an Honors section, and they have had years of teaching experience.

13. Are social activities available through Honors?

The Association of Honors Students (AHS) is a registered student organization whose membership is comprised of EIU honors students. The purpose of the organization is to promote leadership, strengthen fellowship, and enhance the University experience of its members through social and philanthropic events.

14. Are there any special scholarships for Honors students?

Most undergraduate scholarships are available through the Office of Financial Aid. Visit their web site at:http://www.eiu.edu/~finaid/

The Honors College offers some scholarships for tuition as well as academic research. For a complete listing, see: Honors Students page

National scholarship opportunities are available for continuing students through the Honors College office. Additional information is available at: National Fellowships page

15. What is the purpose of Priority Registration?

Priority Registration is the first week of each registration period. At that time all classes are open. Honors students should take advantage of Priority Registration to plan their academic course load around Honors requirements.

16. Is there Honors housing?

Areas of three residence halls are especially dedicated to Honors students: Pemberton, Thomas and Andrews Halls. Many Honors students prefer Honors housing, although some elect to live elsewhere on campus.

17. What kind of people participate in the Honors College?

Eastern Illinois University is enriched by building a pluralistic campus that celebrates and draws upon the talents of all its students, faculty, and staff. The Honors College seeks academically talented and capable students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, Vietnam War veteran status, or any other basis of discrimination. The Honors College encourages diversity and strives to establish a diverse body of students, ranging from athletes, student leaders, sorority and fraternity members, all majors, all recognized student organizations, introverts and extroverts, international students, all races, backgrounds and religions, and most importantly, all interests. The Honors College promotes academic inquiry, leadership, and service in a vibrant atmosphere created by its students.

18. How do I graduate from The Honors College?

Students who have completed 25-hours of Honors courses including an Honors Senior Seminar and who have a 3.5 GPA at the time of graduation will be certified as graduates of The Honors College. These students are recognized at graduation and a notation is made on the student's transcript.