This program provides an extra
measure of challenge and enrichment for students who are academically
distinguished by previous and current achievements and by high levels of
motivation and curiosity. It seeks to challenge exceptionally able
students to perform at the highest level of which they are capable, to
enhance their capacity for critical inquiry and for independent learning,
and to develop their potential for leadership in their future vocations.
The UW-Eau Claire Honors Program has
two components: University Honors and Departmental/School Honors. Students
may complete one component or both.
Honors Program participation is
documented on the student’s University record, thus enhancing his or her
opportunity for future acceptance by graduate or professional schools or
in gaining preferred employment.
University Honors. In small
classes designed for honors students and in special sections of regular
courses, honors students are provided opportunities for close interaction
with faculty and with other honors students. The content of these courses
is designed to stimulate and challenge students of superior ability. The
distinctiveness of honors courses lies not so much in additional work
required of students as in the type and level of performance experienced
by students and faculty.
Admission to the University
Honors Program. Criteria for admission as an incoming freshman involve
a student’s academic standing in his or her high school graduating class
and scores achieved on either the ACT or SAT I. Students who are admitted
to UW-Eau Claire and who meet the criteria will be invited to enter the
program upon their first registration for courses. Students who have
completed at least one semester of work at UW-Eau Claire may be admitted
after demonstrating superior academic performance including attaining at
least a 3.67 GPA.
Requirements. A
student will be graduated with University Honors provided the following
requirements are met:
1. Attainment of a resident and
total GPA of at least 3.50.
2. Completion of one-credit
first-year seminar, Hnrs 100.
3. Completion of at least 12
credits of University Honors colloquia courses (at least two courses at
the 300 level).
OR
If Hnrs 410: Mentoring in Honors
is completed, nine credits of Honors Colloquia courses (at least one
course at 300 level).
4. Completion of at least 12
credits of University Honors elective courses OR
If Hnrs 420: Tutoring in Honors is
completed, nine credits of Honors Elective courses. These courses may be
used to meet General Education, major, or minor requirements as well as
the requirements of the Honors Program. However, no more than one course
from any department may be used to complete University Honors
Requirements.
5. Completion of Hnrs 400: Senior
Honors Seminar (one credit).
Honors Program courses may not be
audited or taken for a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade.
One AP course with a score of at
least 4 may be substituted for one of the required electives.
An appropriate designation will be
placed on the student’s record upon completion of honors courses and of
the program. Credits earned in honors courses meet graduation requirements
whether or not the program is completed. A schedule of available honors
courses may be obtained from the Director of the University Honors
Program.
Department or School Honors.
Various departments offer students the
opportunity to earn honors in their major programs. These involve a
pattern of upper-level coursework designed for students who meet the
eligibility requirements. For information on departmental or school honors
programs, consult the Catalogue descriptions of programs offered by
departments or schools or inquire at department or school offices or at
the office of the Director of the University Honors Program.
