Frequently Asked Questions
What is so special about Honors?
Everyone involved in the program…students and faculty, make this
an extraordinary opportunity. Students are from a wide variety of majors;
they are enthusiastic about learning, responsible, independent, dedicated,
and involved in campus and community activities. Like our students, Honors
faculty must apply to the program. The courses they propose are created
for Honors students, and often afford the faculty an opportunity to teach
a subject, or employ an approach, that is not possible in other courses.
Are Honors courses harder than other courses?
You will work hard in Honors, but within a small class of learners like
yourself, and with one-on-one mentoring from the professors. You will
read primary sources, write extensively, design and implement your own
research projects, and become an active creator of knowledge rather than
a passive recipient of someone else’s opinions. If you do well in
regular classes you'll do well in Honors classes, too.
Will the Honors Program constrain my other academic
options?
No. Honors is a very flexible program focusing primarily on your core
coursework. To graduate from the Professional Honors track, you need a
minimum of 21 Honors hours, only a small proportion of your 120 total
credit hours. To graduate from the University Honors track, you need a
minimum of 28 Honors hours. Your Honors advisor will help you integrate
Honors courses into your degree plan.
How am I considered for admission to the Honors
Program?
The Honors program has a separate admission process. You will prepare
a portfolio that represents not only your academic record, but your achievements,
your leadership skills, your interests, character, future goals, etc.
We are looking not only for students who have a past record of achievement,
but who demonstrate the potential to achieve (perhaps for the first time)
at TAMUCC, and who are willing to make an extraordinary commitment to
their education. Is this you? For complete details, see “How to
Apply” on the Honors Program home page.
How much do previous grades or SAT scores count in the admission process? Some programs "skim" incoming students for the highest GPA and SAT scores, then invite those students into their Honors program. Because we admit students according to our mission statement, we take into account grades and SAT scores as one indicator (but only one) of ability and promise. So there is firm high-school GPA requirement for entry into the program, although honors students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA while at TAMUCC. For transfer students, we consider college GPA carefully and expect the applicant to explain failures in performance in their letter of application. In sum, academic records are weighed in light of other materials provided by the applicant.
What are the benefits of joining the Program?
The first benefit is the close relationship with faculty and other Honors
students. These relationships extend beyond the classroom and involve
social and extra-curricular events. Such contacts might prove important
in terms of your future goals, since TAMUCC faculty will help you make
connections to graduate programs and employers. Second, every Honors course
you complete will be fully identified on your transcript. Third, if you
successfully complete the requirements to graduate from the Honors Program,
this distinction will be noted on your transcript and you will be awarded a medallion to wear for graduation. Fourth, Honors students
have 6-week check out privileges at Bell Library.
Fifth, Honors students can register early, along with graduate students,
on SAIL. First-year honors students are eligible
for specially designated Honors housing (on a first-come, first-serve
basis).
Are there special scholarships available for Honors students?
Honors students with a 3.0 GPA and who actively participate in the program are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship after admission to the program. That scholarship is renewable so long as the requirements of the award are met.
What is HSA?
This is the Honors Student Association, an active university student organization
that works to enhance Honors program activities outside the classroom.
Students assume leadership roles both within the program and within the
wider university community. When you are admitted into the program, you
are automatically a member of HSA. To remain in good standing in HSA,
you must attend at least one meeting each semester.
How will being in the Honors Program benefit me after college?
The small classes, unique curriculum, and expanded opportunities (both
in and outside of classes) will enhance your undergraduate experience.
In additional to being challenged and fulfilled intellectually, successful
completion of program requirements will increase your self confidence.
The formation of a mentoring relationship with faculty in the discipline,
especially the director of your Project of Excellence, will continue far
beyond the undergraduate years. The Honors program will certainly give
you a competitive edge. But it should also enlarge your sense of what
our community and world need from educated, committed individuals.
In concrete terms there are many benefits:
1. You will be able to register for classes on SAIL with graduate students even as a first-year student.
2. You will be able to check out books for 6 weeks instead of 2 weeks.
3. There is a special "honors floor" in Port Hall for honors students (first come first serve....space is limited to 14 students).
4. You will have the opportunity to work through the HSA with remarkable bright, socially-gifted individuals in a variety of activities.
Contact Web Manager | Last updated 11/03/2005