Goals | Admission Requirements | Continuation Requirements
The Honors College for Leadership Studies is designed to be a community of student scholars preparing to be leaders, capable of, and committed to, making significant contributions to the academic world and to the community at large, whether locally, state wide, nationally, or internationally. The mission of the Honors College is to recruit academically outstanding students committed to learning and leadership and to produce graduates who serve as leaders in their communities, capable of pursuing the highest academic and professional career goals.
The Honors College goals intend:
1. To provide an innovative, advanced education program to academically talented students;
2. To prepare students to function in leadership and service roles; and
3. To promote campus events and activities aimed at developing and maintaining an invigorating intellectual and cultural atmosphere.
The Honors College curriculum is designed for students to grow not only through disciplinary specific knowledge and skills, but also to develop key liberal arts and leadership goals, namely, for students to learn (1) to communicate effectively; (2) to think critically; (3) to manage information effectively; and (4) to demonstrate civic responsibility through leadership and service. Students enrolled in the Honors College are given special opportunities, including special dormitory accommodations and access to Honors College computers and library.
Honors Admission Requirements
Freshmen
Freshmen applicants for admission to the Honors College must meet the following requirements:
1. Achieve a minimum ACT composite score of 20 or the SAT equivalent and no sub-score below 16;
2. Meet the general admission requirements of the University; and
3. Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.30 for courses in the college preparatory curriculum (CPC).
The procedures for becoming a member of the College are: (1) graduating high school seniors with an ACT composite score of 20 or above are extended a letter of invitation to join the College upon their acceptance into the University; (2) an information brochure and an application form are enclosed with the letter of invitation; and (3) students are required to complete the application form and write an essay. Once the information is in the Honors College’s Office and evaluated/documented, a letter of acceptance is sent to the students.
Information regarding students who made composite scores of 20 or above on the ACT or SAT equivalent is supplied by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Some students with ACT scores of 20 or above may choose not to be in the College. It is “a dedicated choice.” Information about admission to the College is available to all prospective and current students in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment as well as in the Honors College Office.
Sophomore/Transfer Students
Students whose cumulative grade point average is at least 3.20 and whose candidacy for admission into the College is supported by recommendations from two college teachers will be considered for admission.
Continuation Requirements
In order to remain active in the Honors College, students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. Freshmen and sophomores must enroll in the core curriculum Honors courses. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above. If students fail to earn a CGPA of 3.00 or above, they are placed on probation in the Honors College for the following semester. Failure to bring the CGPA up to 3.00 at the close of the probation semester will result in the students being dismissed from the College. Students must participate in all Honors College projects, attend monthly meetings, and submit information to keep their file folders updated. Students who violate the guidelines will be removed from the Honors College or placed on probation.
Students will be awarded the distinction of “Honors College Scholar” at graduation if they have a cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) of 3.00 or above, have completed a minimum of 24 hours of Honors credits, have presented the Honors College Portfolio, and have viewed the exit videos. Honors College graduates will be cited in the Commencement program and wear the white honor cord. They will also receive the Honors College seal to be placed appropriately on their degrees.