Our Students

Honors students pursue

• Research experiences with faculty, many times providing the foundation for a thesis or special project.
• Major scholarships and fellowships during and post graduation.
• Study Abroad experiences.
• Field studies, practicum, conference presentations with other Honors students and their own disciplines.

Honors students are highly involved in University life

• Serve with university departments, programs, Registered Student Organizations.
• Engage with Honors RSO, the Honors Assembly and as Honors Ambassadors.
• Active residency in our 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. Interested students should complete the UHP Application, then mail or bring it to the UHP Office (Morris Library, Suite 110).

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. Charles Ruffner at ruffner@siu.edu