Honors Program Protocol Requirements
Dr. Patricia Williamson, Director
989-774-3902; Powers 104
Central Michigan University
www.cmich.edu/honors
Since 1961 the Honors Program has challenged CMU’s brightest, most talented, highly motivated, and creative students both in and outside of the classroom while pursuing an enriched program of study.
The Honors Program Mission:
Providing high academic ability students with unique educational opportunities and experiences, the CMU Honors Program challenges students to aim higher and to achieve more academically, personally, and professionally for the greater good of our disciplines, our society, and our world.
Core Values
The primary values that guide the implementation of the Honors Program mission include:
- Critical thought, scholarly inquiry, and creative expression;
- Respect and appreciation for diverse peoples and ideas in a global society;
- High standards for integrity and personal aspirations;
- Active citizenship and service for the greater good Benefits of Honors Study.
In addition to a unique learning environment, there are many tangible benefits of Honors study:
- Honors Faculty and Alumni mentoring;
- Academic Planning Document that helps map out all courses you will need each semester to graduate from Central Michigan University;
- Eligibility for Honors scholarships and awards including an International Study Award for all advanced Honors students;
- Undergraduate research opportunities;
- Small class size, limited to 20 students in most Honors sections;
- Recognition of achievement through transcript designation "Graduated in the Honors Program" and commencement program notation;
- Eligibility to live in Larzelere Hall, the designated Honors residence hall and community;
- Individualized academic advising through the Honors Program Academic Advisors;
- Eligibility to enroll in graduate courses;
- Opportunity to participate in Honors registered student organizations;
- Participation in a variety of Honors sponsored social, cultural, and international activities;
- Priority registration.
Honors Study Options
Honors study is flexible in nature and can fit into any degree, major, or minor. Several options exist through which students can earn Honors credits:
- Honors sections of departmental courses along with special topics Honors courses offered every semester.
- Special Honors faculty-led courses on Beaver Island, throughout the United States, and around the world each spring and summer terms.
- Honors Contracts which allow a student to take some CMU classes for Honors credit through an arrangement between the student and the instructor, with the approval of the Honors Director.
- An Honors Independent Study of a specific topic under the direction of a faculty member, allowing for more in-depth investigation, empirical research, or expanded coverage.
- A Senior Project, mentored by a faculty member, in which the student makes an original contribution in research, scholarship, or creative endeavor.
Admission and Completion of Honors Studies
The University invites all high ability students to review the admission requirements and Honors application available on the Honors Program website listed above.
In order to remain active in the Honors Program and graduate in the Honors Program, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and earn a grade of at least "B-" in all Honors courses, Honors Contracts, Honors Independent Study, or Senior Project taken for credit. Graduation from the Honors Program also requires completion of the protocol specified in the year of admission.