Honors Program Frequently Asked Questions
HONR 101: The main assignment in HONR 101 is a 7-10 page research paper on a topic of the student's choosing. The assignment is broken up into smaller chunks throughout the semester. The class also reads a book, which facilitates discussion during class time. Class may also include guest speakers.
HONR 201: The main assignment in HONR 201 is presenting the research conducted in HONR 101 at a conference. Students either give a talk or do a poster presentation. There is also a book in HONR 201, with class discussion and guest speakers.
SVL 101: Service learning focuses on a service project that benefits either the college or the Bloomington/Normal community. Students discuss and decide on the project, delegate and complete tasks for the project, and implement the project by the end of the semester.
- We accept students on a rolling basis, meaning we process applications as we receive them. There's no hard deadline to apply.
You will receive an acceptance email within two weeks of your complete application being received.
- Yes! The Honors Program can be started in either the fall or the spring semester.
The cost for the Honors Program is the cost of tuition for the Honors courses (6 credit hours).
Honors students must maintain at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA to remain in the Honors Program. Should a student drop below this requirement, a semester-long probationary period is allowed.
The Honors Program coursework will give you a chance to engage in academic work outside the formal classroom such as field research, community service, service learning, field trips, or other similar experiences. There are also fun, social activities that are planned each semester.
"Honors Program Completion" is listed on a student's transcript if they complete all elements of the program. Courses where a student has done an in-course Honors project will also have Honors designation on the transcript.
If a student’s program of study or timeframe at the college makes it impossible to complete the entire program, students are welcome to do individual elements of the program, and those elements will be denoted on the transcript.
Honors students are recognized at Commencement in the program and wear special honors cords.
Absolutely! Part-time students are eligible to join the Honors Program!
Of course! The Heartland Honors Program accepts any student who meets the program eligibility (see the link in the left-hand panel).
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for community college students. Any Honors student who earns a 3.25 GPA and has completed at least 12 credit hours will be eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa, with membership dues paid for by the Honors Program.
The hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa guide the Honors Program overall.
Please reach out if you have any other questions! You can find our contact information in the left-hand panel under "Contact Us."