Faculty,
Thank you! We couldn’t do this without you.
This section is just for you. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions from Honors faculty and staff. Don’t see what you need? Let us know and we’ll add it.
Getting Involved with Honors
Want to teach an Honors course, collaborate with students on research, or join the Honors Faculty Council? Contact us and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
FAQs:
Honors Contracts
- What is an Honors contract?
- What is the process and timeline for an Honors contract?
- What are the steps involved?
- What types of projects are good for Honors contracts?
- How do I turn in a grade report for an Honors contract?
- What if a student changes their mind and doesn't want to finish their contract?
- What if I don't think the student did a good job on their Honors contract?
- If a student doesn't finish their Honors contract project, do I still turn in a grade report?
- Can students take an incomplete on their Honors contract?
- Do I have to agree to an Honors contract?
Cross-Listed Honors Courses
- What is a cross-listed Honors course?
- Can I teach a cross-listed Honors course?
- Do I turn in grade reports for cross-listed Honors courses?
Stand-Alone Honors Courses
- What is a stand-alone Honors course?
- How can I teach a stand-alone Honors course?
- Do I turn in grade reports for stand-alone Honors courses?
Honors Capstone
- What is an Honors Capstone?
- Does an Honors Capstone mean more work for me?
- Do I turn in a grade report for an Honors Capstone?
With your approval, Honors students can add an extra project to a course for Honors credit. The Honors contract outlines the project, expectations, and due date, and must be signed by both you and the student before submission to the Honors office. Contracts are not allowed for 1-credit courses, 100-level language classes (unless approved by the department chair), or pass/fail courses.
What is the process and timeline for an Honors contract?
Students are responsible for completing and submitting the Honors contract on time. They are advised to speak with you within the first two weeks of the semester. Contracts are due by the fourth Friday of the semester. For 8-week courses, the deadline is the second Friday of the term; for courses shorter than 8 weeks, it's the fifth weekday.
- Student asks to complete an Honors contract for your course
- You and the student agree on the Honors component
- Both of you sign the contract
- Student submits the contract to the Honors Program office
- At semester’s end, you’ll get a reminder email to confirm completion and submit a grade
What types of projects are good for Honors contracts?
Great question! Honors work is not just more work, it is different work. It should be student-driven, faculty-supported, and promote deeper, broader, and more complex learning.
Strong projects often include:
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- Critical reading of primary texts
- Multiple-draft writing
- Interdisciplinary synthesis
- Creative or process-focused research
- Metacognitive thinking (such as “How do you know?”)
- Community engagement
- Enhanced faculty interaction
- Student-led discussions or presentations
- Creative problem-solving
- Exploration of local and global connections
Projects can take many forms, including:
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- Research papers or literature reviews
- Data analysis or lab work
- Creative works such as writing, art, or performance
- Website or app design
- Video production
- Translation or interpretation
- Service learning projects
- Leading a class session or major presentation
Any meaningful, course-relevant project at an Honors level is welcome. We encourage students to be creative and think beyond the usual.
How do I turn in a grade report for an Honors contract?
It's simple! We have a quick and easy online form right here: Honors Program Grade Report Form. You just need to fill out and submit a grade report for each student.
What if a student changes their mind and doesn't want to finish their contract?
If a student needs to withdraw from an Honors contract, that’s okay. They must inform both you and the Honors Program. If a student withdraws from two contracts during their time in the program, the Honors Director will meet with them to discuss time management and respect for faculty time.
What if I don't think the student did a good job on their Honors contract?
To receive Honors credit, a student must earn a B or better in both the course and the Honors component. If they receive a C+ or lower, they will not earn Honors credit, but they will still receive regular course credit. The Honors component grade is not shown on the transcript. The student will just need to complete another Honors course before graduation.
If a student doesn't finish their Honors contract project, do I still turn in a grade report?
Yes. Unless the student officially withdrew, please submit a grade. You can assign an F for the Honors project. This will not affect their overall course grade or appear on their transcript.
Can students take an incomplete on their Honors contract?
Yes, but it is strongly discouraged. Extensions beyond the semester should be granted only for extraordinary circumstances, similar to an incomplete in the course.
Do I have to agree to an Honors contract?
No, you don’t have to. We know your time is valuable, but we really hope you will. If you want help making the Honors component challenging for the student but manageable for you, please contact us. Thank you for being AWESOME!
Cross-Listed Honors Courses
What is a cross-listed Honors course?
A cross-listed Honors course is a small section for Honors students that runs alongside a regular course you’re already teaching. For example, in a class of 25 students, you might have 20 in the regular section and 5 in the Honors section. This does not increase your total number of students but creates a small Honors group within your class.
Honors students in these courses do not need contracts. Instead, you add extra assignments to your syllabus for them. These could be similar to Honors contract components or activities like a reading group with scholarly texts and discussions.
Can I teach a cross-listed Honors course?
Yes, absolutely! We would love for you to teach one. Please contact the Honors Director and your department chair. Adding a cross-listed Honors course is easy and saves time since you won’t need to create individual contracts or submit extra grades.
Do I turn in grade reports for cross-listed Honors courses?
No, you don’t. Near the end of the semester, we will contact you to confirm if any Honors students did not complete their project or earn at least a B. If so, let us know. Otherwise, students will receive Honors credit.
Stand-Alone Honors Courses
What is a stand-alone Honors course?
A stand-alone Honors course is a class made up entirely of Honors students. It should include 15 to 30 more hours of work than a regular course. Consider adding primary sources, interdisciplinary topics, or global connections to enrich the curriculum.
How can I teach a stand-alone Honors course?
We're so glad you're interested! Please talk to your department chair and to Jenn Horn, the Honors Program director.
Do I turn in grade reports for stand-alone courses?
No. Students who earn a B or above will automatically receive Honors credit. If you feel a student should not receive Honors credit, please contact us.
Honors Capstone
The Capstone is an Honors contract in a 300-400 level course within a student’s major or minor. It includes upper-level work that the student presents to the University community, such as a poster, oral presentation, or performance. We recommend presenting at the Honors Student Symposium or the Endeavor Symposium. The Capstone requires 30 to 45 hours, split between the project and presentation preparation. Students can also expand an existing major-related Capstone to meet Honors requirements.
Does an Honors Capstone mean more work for me?
Working with an Honors student on their Capstone is similar to supervising any other undergraduate project. We appreciate your help!
Do I turn in a grade report for an Honors Capstone?
Yes, the grade is reported just like an Honors contract.
Additional Questions?
Contact us for more information at 812-464-1833 or honorsprogram@usi.edu.