Honors Program
What is the Honors
Program?
The Honors Program is designed to challenge students and provide
opportunities for creative exploration and intellectual development.
The program allows motivated students to fulfill fifteen hours of core
requirements in a more challenging, interdisciplinary environment.
Additionally, the Honors Program offers a four-year option for students
who wish to continue in the program during their junior and senior
years.
What qualifications do I need to be accepted into the Honors Program?
Generally, a student should rank in the top ten percent of
his/her high school class, have a minimum ACT Composite Score of 26, and
have a commendable high school record. These requirements are flexible,
however, and any student with a strong academic background and an
interest in more challenging, creative courses should apply.
What benefits will I receive from being in the Honors Program?
The principal benefit comes from experiencing the courses
themselves. Honors students have close interaction with the Honors
faculty and enjoy the atmosphere of being in courses with other Honors
students.
Additionally, students
who successfully complete fifteen hours of credit in the Honors Program
will receive an Honors Certificate and a notation of this achievement on
official transcripts. Furthermore, students will receive the
designation of Honors Scholar upon graduation. Students who complete
the Four-Year program will be designated as Four-Year Scholars on their
certificates and transcripts, and will be recognized at graduation as
Honors Scholars with Special Distinction.
As an Honors Student,
you may apply for residence at Harvill Hall, where you will be in an
environment with other high-achieving students. Also, you will be
invited to become a member of the Laurel Wreath Society, an honor
society which has the distinction of being the oldest student
organization on campus.
How is the Four-Year Program different from the fifteen-hour program?
Students in the Four-Year Program complete the work of the
fifteen-hour program, which is comprised of courses in the general
education core. They go on to do Honors work in upper-level courses.
These courses are determined by individual departments in consultation
with the Honors Director, and may take many forms. At the end of each
academic year, students doing work in upper-level courses present their
work at an Honors Symposium.
How are Honors courses different from non-Honors courses?
Honors courses are not simply regular courses which are harder
or more work-intensive; the approach is different. Honors faculty are
encouraged to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, and to create an
atmosphere which challenges students. This may take many forms, such as
bringing in outside speakers, encouraging lively classroom discussions,
attending performances and other functions, and pursuing intensive
research interests.
How do I find out about Honors courses?
Honors core courses will be designated with an “H” in the course
schedule. Only Honors students will be in those courses. For
upper-level Honors courses, students should contact individual
departments and ask to speak with the department’s Honors liaison.
(Note: For Fall 2004 courses, contact the Honors Director.)
How do I apply for the Honors Program or find out more information about
the program?
Applications are available in the office of the Honors Director,
Dr. Linda Barnes, in Harned 215. Information about the program will be
posted on the Honors bulletin board beside the door. You may contact
the director by emailing
honors@apsu.edu or calling (931) 221-7119 or (931) 221-7891.
Graduate
Student Benefits From "a Broader Perspective" in Honors Program
Wesley Jarrett, who was a graduate student
in English, was the first graduate of Austin Peay’s four-year Honors Program.
He was a vocal proponent of the program for students who are under-challenged by the
general curriculum. He said, "Success in the Honors Program depends on the
student’s motivation. It gives each student the freedom to explore his or her special
interests."
Jarrett touts the team-teaching by Honors Program professors. He said, "The
team-teaching generates an enriched experience. As students, you get differing views from
professors.
"In fact, the information comes at you like a shotgun blast—not only from the
professors but also from special guest lecturers."
Jarrett realizes how much the program influenced his desire to continue learning. He says,
"For me, my education was not compartmentalized. Through the Honors Program, I could
make connections between the arts and sciences; I could see the relationships there.
"The Honors Program allows inquisitive students to gain a broader perspective."
For more information on the Honors Program,
contact the director by emailing
honors@apsu.edu or calling (931) 221-7119 or (931) 221-7891. |
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