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LSC Update

LSC will re-open access to buildings Monday, Aug. 31. Student Services are currently available online. Visit LoneStar.edu/Fall2020 for more information about fall classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Honors College?

A.  The LSC-North Harris Honors College is an academic program designed for high-achieving students seeking to improve their college transcripts and transferability with challenging coursework provided across all disciplines.  Students will be required to employ critical thinking skills to complete expanded research projects and participate in Honors-related activities and events aimed towards developing leadership. Honors students enjoy the freedom to work independently and collaboratively with faculty who encourage lively, engaging discourse and challenging activities inside and outside the classroom.


Q. What are the benefits of participating in the Honors College?

A. There are multiple benefits to joining the Honors College, including:

  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Special designation on transcripts
  • Pursuit of published research
  • Outstanding faculty mentors
  • Participation at local and regional conferences
  • Exclusive field trips, events and guest speakers
  • Travel opportunities

 

Q. Who can participate in Honors?

A. To be eligible to join the LSC-North Harris Honors College, first year students must met one of the following criteria:

  • A high school GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale*
  • 1150 or higher on the SAT
  • 26 or higher combined score on the ACT*

Current or transfer students may enroll in the Honors College if they have maintained a 3.25 GPA during 9 hours of completed college credit.

 

Q. Will I receive recognition for participating in Honors?

A. Yes, an Honors designation is recorded on your transcript for every Honors contract/section successfully.

In addition, students may graduate with Honors.  The LSC-North Harris Honors College offers three distinctions, they are:

  • Graduate with Honors in Research – Completion of 9 Honors credits, 3.50 GPA
  • Graduate with High Honors in Research – Completion of 15 Honors credits, 3.50 GPA
  • Graduate with Highest Honors in Research – Completion of 21 Honors credits, 3.50 GPA
  • Honors Scholar – Completion of Honors Scholar contract (includes 25 hours of internship); 3.50 GPA

Note: The Honors Scholar may only be attempted after successful completion of 9 honors credits OR after successful completion of 6 honors credits with concurrent enrollment in an additional 3 or more honors credits

Q.What is the difference between an Honors section and an Honors Seminar?

AHonors credits are earned through both sections and seminars. An Honors section will take place as a scheduled class, and activities will be incorporated into the class syllabus.  The Honors College Special Topics in Honors (HONRH courses) are independent study or small-group seminars for supervised honors research. 


Q. Does participation in Honors really matter? 

A. Whether you take one honors course or aim for an Honors Distinction upon graduation, participating in Honors speaks volumes about your abilities and aspirations. Honors designations on your transcript will stand out on university applications and improve your chances of being admitted to the university, college, or program of your choice. Four-year institutions are becoming increasingly selective. Honors participation offers students a competitive advantage when transferring and applying for scholarships.


 Q. Will college Honors be like honors courses in high school? 

A. No, there is usually a world of difference between high school and college honors courses. In many high schools, honors courses are just the normal courses "made harder" with extra readings, extra assignments, and extra hard grading of students. But at college, honors courses are specially "enriched" courses, not normal courses made "harder," and grading standards are the same as in normal college courses. Honors courses avoid the boring lectures/ passive learning approach to education. Enriched honors courses stimulate your thinking; they use provocative and innovative materials covering central concepts and cutting edge explorations, ranging from the classics to the ultra-hip; and they provide the informal, small class environment that encourages discussion and debate on important topics.


 Q. I’m no genius. Will Honors courses be too hard for me?

 A. No. If you meet the eligibility requirements for Honors, you have the ability to succeed in your honors courses and seminars. You will also gain confidence in your own abilities by working with the best students on campus. Most honors students describe Honors as a “family”—with both peer and faculty mentoring to increase student success. Sometimes honors courses may require a bit more work than other sections, but not excessively so. One benefit of honors courses is that they are part of a regular course schedule. Honors contracts are another option. Honors contracts take place outside of a classroom with the guidance of a faculty mentor. Talk to your honors director to create an Honors plan that interests you while meeting your scheduling and workload needs


 Q. Won’t my college GPA suffer if I join Honors? 

A. No, honors courses aren’t graded harder (or easier) than other college courses. A student who averages a 3.5 in regular courses will probably have a 3.5 GPA for honors courses, too. In fact, our data indicates that most LSC-North Harris honors students maintain or improve their GPA’s after participating in Honors.

 

Q. Wouldn’t it be better for me to wait a semester or two before joining the Honors College?

 A. Students joining as incoming freshmen benefit most from the program and are more likely to receive an honors distinction upon graduation. However, eligible students are encouraged to apply to the Honors College at any point during their academic careers at LSC-North Harris.


Q. How do I enroll?

A. Applications are available online at http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1618930-20vMk0YUNy.


 Q. Whom do I contact if I have any more questions?

A. You may contact Professor Brian Kyser, LSC-North Harris Lead Honors College director, at 281-618-1149 or by email at NorthHarrisHonors@LoneStar.edu. You may also stop by the Honors office located in LIB 105.

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