Q. What is The Honors College?

A.The Honors College at LSC-University Park 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 Honors College at LSC-University Park, first year students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Top 15% of your high school graduating class*
• 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 Honors College at LSC-University Park offers three distinctions, they are:

Honors Program Graduate

• 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
• All receive medallions and special recognition during commencement.
• Honors Scholar (Honors College Student graduating with at least 9 hours of successfully completed Honors credits, at least a 3.5 GPA, and completion of a Honors Scholar contract that includes 25 hours of community service) will receive a bronze medallion, silver and red cords, and additional acknowledgment at commencement.

What is the difference between an Honors section and an Honors contract?

A.Honors credits are earned through both sections and contracts. An Honors section will take place as a scheduled class, and activities will be incorporated into the class syllabus.  Honors contracts take place outside of a classroom with the guidance of a faculty mentor.  Credit for both contracts and sections is indicated on transcripts.

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 contracts. 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-University Park honors students maintain or improve their GPA’s after participating in Honors.

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://lonestarcollegethehonorscollege.formstack.com/forms/extended_honors_firsttime

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

A. You may contact Professor Amy Hirsch, Director of The Honors College at LSC-University Park at 281-290-2753 or by email at UPHonors@LoneStar.edu You may also stop by the Honors office located in 12.517.