The University Honors Program is designed
primarily for entering freshmen.
However, continuing students at EIU may be admitted
after completing 12 hours if they meet admission criteria.
As part of the admission process, continuing students meet with the Honors Academic Advisor to plan their honors curriculum.
Students who are part of the Honors College have the privilege of being first on campus to register for classes.
Honors students are encouraged to use Priority Registration to plan their academics around Honors course offerings.
Honors students are also eligible for scholarships, special programming, research projects and Honors Housing.
Students may join the Association of Honors Students, a student-led campus social and philanthropic organization.
Students who have completed 25 hours of Honors courses, including a Senior Seminar, and who have a 3.5 GPA at the time of graduation will be certified as graduates of the Honors College.
Admission Criteria
Entering freshmen must meet two of the following criteria for admission to University Honors:
* ACT composite of 26 or higher or SAT of 1100 or higher.
* Upper 10% of the high school graduating class OR with a 3.5 high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
* Permission of the Dean of the Honors College
Application for Entering Freshmen ( PDF ) ( Online )
Honors College applicants must also apply for admission to Eastern Illinois University. For further information, please contact the Office of Admissions .
Continuing students at Eastern may be admitted after meeting the following criteria:
* Attain a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for at least 12 hours of course work undertaken at Eastern.
* Permission of the Dean of the Honors College
Honors Requirements
Students in the University Honors Program are required to complete 25 hours of Honors courses. Course offerings are primarily within the General Education curriculum.
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. Students are encouraged to complete University Honors requirements concurrently with their General
Students with questions about University Honors requirements should contact the Honors Office at 581-2017 or contact Margaret Messer at mkmesser@eiu.edu
Criteria for Good Standing
In order to remain in good standing in University Honors, students must meet two criteria:
Continuous Enrollment
Students in University Honors must meet an hours earned minimum of at least one honors course per semester in order to remain in good standing. In order to successfully complete the program, students should complete University Honors requirements concurrently with General Education courses.
Eligibility
Students will be placed on probation if the following criteria are met:
* Students with 29 hours or fewer who have lower than a 3.0 GPA.
* Students with 30-59 hours who have lower than a 3.2 GPA.
* Students with 60-89 hours who have lower than a 3.4 GPA.
* Students will not be certified as graduates of the University Honors Program without a 3.5 or higher GPA.
Probation and Dismissal Policy
The Honors College will review students' progress in University Honors at the end of each term. Students who are not in good standing at the end of any term will be placed on probation and notified by letter of their status. Probationary students are encouraged to meet with the Honors Academic Advisor to discuss their progress in the program. Probationary students have the following semester to comply with Good Standing Criteria or face dismissal from the University Honors Program.
Questions about good standing, reinstatement following dismissal, or waivers for continuous enrollment should be directed to Margaret Messer at 581-2017 or by email at mkmesser@eiu.edu
Graduation Certification
Students in University Honors must file an intent to graduate in the Honors College Office no later than midterm of the semester in which the student is graduating. Graduation Checksheets are available from the Honors College Office in Booth House or may be downloaded from this website.
Students who complete the 25-hours of University Honors requirements and have a 3.5 GPA at the time of graduation will be certified as graduates of the Honors College. Those students will have notation on their transcripts and will be recognized at graduation ceremonies.
