Honors Program

HONORS PROGRAM:

Introduction

The Honors Program at Columbia Union College strives to provide academically talented students the opportunity to engage and explore subject material in greater depth and breadth, inspiring them to excel as independent learners and investigators within a collaborative learning community. This does not necessarily mean more work for honors students than for others... it means a different kind of work, with more individual attention from the professor than in typical classes. The honors classes are also different in design as each class explores the topic from an interdisciplinary perspective, where areas of study are combined into one course.

Being an Honors student means:

• Attending honors designated interdisciplinary courses that fulfill your general education requirements, and are designed to be provocative, interesting and stimulating


• Access and exposure to many of Columbia Union College’s finest professors


• Participating in smaller classes—honors courses will normally consist of 20 or fewer people allowing the opportunity to have thoughtful discussions and to make social connections with fellow honors students;


• Learning through activities such as study tours, concerts, plays, and exhibits while fulfilling your general education requirements


• Conducting research and attending presentations at national institutions within the Washington, DC area


• Engaging in a learning environment surrounded by the most motivated and thoughtful students who want to be challenged to expand their minds


• Developing an Honors project or thesis, thus enhancing professional opportunities or admission to graduate or professional schools


• Challenging yourself to grow as a person through leadership and service

For information about the program

Bradford Haas, Honors Director
The Center for Learning Resources
Columbia Union College
7600 Flower Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Phone: 301-891-4106
E-mail: honors@cuc.edu

Application Procedures

Students who meet the eligibility criteria and have been accepted for regular admission to Columbia Union College are encouraged to submit an application to enter into the Honors Program. An application will only be processed once a completed application packet, including the letters of recommendation, is received by the Honors Director. The Honors Director in consultation with the Honors Council will then determine if membership is granted. Early application is highly recommended since membership in the Honors Program is limited.

Application packets are available at Enrollment Services or call 301-891-4106 to request one. Any further requests for information about the program may also be sent to the following e-mail address: honors@cuc.edu

Applications are to be submitted to:
Bradford Haas, Honors Director
Center for Learning Resources
Columbia Union College
7600 Flower Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Selection Criteria

Admissions to the Honors Program is competitive and based on a limited number of openings each year. Eligibility criteria are established and reviewed by the Honors Council.

The following are the current criteria:

First Year Students

• A minimum composite ACT score of 24 or SAT composite score of 1150


• 3.5 or higher cumulative high school GPA


• Superior writing skills as demonstrated in the letter of intent portion of the application process


• Students who do not meet the minimum selection criteria may still be considered on an individual basis if openings are still available

• 3.2 or higher college cumulative GPA


• Superior writing skills as demonstrated on the letter of intent portion of the application process


• One letter of recommendation from a college faculty member


• Students who do not meet the minimum selection criteria may still be considered if openings are available

Curriculum

Students entering the program will be required to complete six interdisciplinary Honors designated courses by the end of their senior year. Four of these classes will be chosen from the following General Education areas and should be completed by the end of the Junior year:

• Religion


• Social Sciences


• Humanities


• Physical/Natural Sciences

Students may decide whether or not to take the Honors General Education course in their area of study. If students opt not to take the course in their area, then they must take two courses in another area to make up the four total required courses.

The fifth and sixth courses required are ENGL 101-H Honors Rhetoric (a combined Composition/Communications course that meets ENGL 101 and COMM 105 general education requirements), and the Honors Project.

ENGL 101-H Honors Rhetoric

This course examines the processes of writing and oral communication. Honors freshmen are expected to register for this class first semester. (This course is not required for students entering the Honors Program after the freshman year).

Honors Project

This is the opportunity for students to complete an individualized research project or creative accomplishment, produce a documentary, organize a community project or complete a thesis. Students must register for the Honors Project during their junior year. After submitting the project proposal to the Honors Director, the student will then proceed to complete the project during their senior year with the help of a faculty advisor.

Personal Growth and Service

This component provides the framework for students to discover more about themselves while contributing to the community in which they reside. Each student will choose to participate in activities both on and off campus that will help define his or her goals while contributing to the betterment of the community. For each year a student is in the Honors program he or she is required to accumulate a total of 12 points. For example, a student can choose to volunteer, attend a lecture, serve on a committee, attend a professional conference, or be an officer in order to fulfill this component. See the Honors Director for details.

Graduation Recognition

Students fulfilling all of the Honors Program requirements will:

• Wear a special medallion


• Be awarded an Honors diploma


• Be given other recognition during the graduation ceremonies


• Have Honor Program completion recorded on their transcripts