Our Students | University Honors Program | SIU

Join us if...

• You are drawn to asking big questions in collaborative, interdisciplinary settings.
• You wish to make a difference in the world and are curious to explore ways to do so through academic work and community engagement.
• You are eager to become involved in research and creative practice both in and outside of the classroom.
• You are hungry for the experiences and friendships that will launch you on a lifelong quest for knowledge and personal growth.

Honors students pursue:

• Research experiences with faculty and graduate students, many times providing the foundation for a thesis or special project.
• Field studies, practicum, conference presentations related to academic study.
• Study Abroad experiences coordinated by the Study Abroad Program or by the student’s academic program/College.
• Job shadowing, externships and internships related to identified career choice.

Honors students are highly involved in University life:

• Serve with university departments, programs, Registered Student Organizations.
• Engaged with Honors RSO, the Honors Assembly and as Honors Ambassadors.
• Active residency in our Abbott and Smith Halls Living-Learning Communities.
• Attend and support diversity of university activities and special events.
• Fulfill 20 civic engagement hours per year, a blend of community/university service.

You must apply to join Honors. We look at your application as a whole — your intellectual explorations thus far; your extra-curricular activities; personal experiences and personal context; and engagement with the community.

Entering freshmen qualify for admission on the basis of an ACT composite score of 23/SAT 1140  (or higher) or a high school GPA of 3.3/4 (or higher). However, we know that this score is only one aspect of your full potential.

Students who receive the Chancellor's or Excellence scholarship from SIUC are automatically accepted pending submission of the application and letter of intent.

Continuing SIUC students with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher may join the University Honors program and  if accepted into the Upperclassmen entry track may complete the program with 12 semester hours of credit.

Transfer students qualify for admission to the program on the basis of a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher on all non-SIUC college-level work and complete the program with 12 semester hours of credit.

Upon admission into the UHP, students will complete the:

• Honors Certificate: Completion of 18 hours of UHP-approved coursework. This work may include up to 6 hours of AP or up to 6 hours of honors courses taken at other institutions. The total number of courses must include one UHON 351 course and may include a senior project or thesis under the direction of faculty member. These are prepared in advance and approved by the director of the UHP. For transfer students with an Associates Degree, the number of UHP-approved coursework is 12 credits may include a senior project or thesis.
• Honors Residency: Incoming freshmen are encouraged to spend their first year living in the Honors LLC, situated in either Smith or Abbott Hall (West Campus). Students live and learn in an exciting, dynamic environment, comprised of students from all colleges and majors, and unified by a commitment to engagement and excellence! The Honors LLC will provide students with academic support, the opportunity to network, and the potential to develop life-long friendships.
  
  Social events, leadership and service opportunities, special workshops, and enrichment activities will be part of your LLC experience. Residents are expected to participate in all LLC events.
  
  Upperclassmen are strongly encouraged to continue their LLC experience in Smith and Abbott Hall for sophomore year and beyond.
  
  Exceptions to the residency requirement may be granted under certain circumstances. Requests for exceptions should be addressed to Director, Dr. Jyotsna Kapur at jkapur@siu.edu

UHP students in good standing are entitled to:

• Specially designed, small classes that substitute for Core Curriculum Courses or electives
• Access to the Honors Living Learning Communities located on West Campus
• Early registration for all classes
• Extended borrowing privileges from Morris Library
• Access to graduate level courses in some departments
• Invited gatherings with Distinguished Lecturers
• Access to Major Scholarship Advisement with support for competitive national scholarships
• Peer support
• Graduating with Honors (if all requirements are fulfilled)
• Access to Honors staff who take a personal interest in you and are there to assist you in any way possible in reaching your goals
• Develop lasting friendships with other outstanding Salukis who value education and take it seriously