Read more about benefits of the Honors Program from the National Collegiate Honors Council.

Basically, an honors course delves deeper into the subject matter and challenges students in ways that a non-honors course does not. An honors course does not require students to do more work; it requires students to complete work that is of a higher quality with more academic rigor than work assigned in non-honors courses. An honors course should be different from a non-honors course in a variety of ways.

• Successfully complete at least 15 credit hours of honors courses
• Successfully complete the honors leadership course or equivalent
• Earn required number of enrichment points as presented in honors orientation materials. Examples: volunteering opportunities, leadership development opportunities, travel, workshops, tutoring, and seminars.
• Successfully complete and present a Capstone project

There are competitive scholarship offers each academic year. Both full and partial scholarships may be awarded. Students who meet the minimum qualifications and complete all components of the application process are eligible for consideration. Students may begin the application process via the Calhoun Scholarship application here. While completing the general scholarship application, students must designate their interest in the Presidential Honors program, then complete all relevant additional fields associated with application to the honors program.

Although these scholarships are not based on financial need, college policy dictates that a completed FASFA must be on file for all scholarship applicants. Applicants who have not completed a FASFA or have not designated Calhoun as a recipient of FASFA information are removed from consideration.

• Maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Enroll in honors courses consistent with program expectations leading to successful completion of the program.
• Behave in an honorable, ethical fashion and avoid all misconduct as set forth in the Calhoun Student Handbook
• Meet with assigned honors program coordinator at least twice in the fall and twice in the spring semesters to provide evidence of progress towards meeting expectations for successful completion of the honors program.

No, honors courses earn the same weight/credit as regular classes. However, honors courses appear on the transcript with the honors designation (H) next to the course name. Many transfer institutions recognize this designation as a sign of a student’s willingness to complete more rigorous coursework and may offer students who complete these courses additional opportunities and scholarships.

Honors classes are typically designed as seminar-style classes, incorporating student questions, debate, and in-depth discussion of course material. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with the material and work closely with faculty and peers on assignments and projects throughout the program.

Yes, students will have a dedicated Honors advisor soon after being accepted into the program. These advisors will work with the students to develop a plan to help them complete their education goals in a timely, efficient manner. Students accepted into the program will receive preferential registration status.

Yes! National research shows that students who finish their community college degree before transferring to a four-year institution go on to complete a baccalaureate degree at a much higher rate than students who transfer without a degree.

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