Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to complete Heidelberg's General Education Requirements?

No. Students in the Honors Program complete a series of seminars and a series of support courses. The thematic seminars and the support courses provide the breadth of learning which non-Honors students acquire through the General Education Requirements.

What commits me to the Honors Program?

A student will successfully progress through the honors curriculum beginning with HNR 111 and concluding with HNR 455 maintaining a 3.3 GPA (see withdrawal policy).

What is an Honors Seminar?

An Honors Seminar is a semester-length course designed by a faculty member, which reflects one of the four themes of the “Life of the Mind”: the Scholar, the Scientist, the Artist and the Citizen. The issues around which the seminars are focused reflect the instructor's expertise and/or special interests. Honors students are encouraged to complete one seminar each year although there is flexibility permitted.

How do I complete the Service Learning component of the Honors Program?

The Service Learning component typically occurs during the junior year, with some flexibility allowable. Honors students complete a minimum of 40 hours of service at one of the selected area agencies either prior to or during their completion of HNR 307, Introduction to Service Learning. The Service Learning Coordinator who tracks their progress and facilitates reflection of students' service experiences during the Service Learning Seminar prepares students for their placement experience.

Can I major in Education and still complete the Honors Program requirements?

Although education requirements are demanding, it is possible to complete an education major and fulfill the Honors Program requirements in eight semesters. The chair of the Education Department should be consulted in planning support courses. Students pursuing a degree in music education are able to fulfill both education and Honors Program requirements because they do not complete additional support courses beyond those required for the education certificate. They do complete all other Honors Program requirements.

What if I fall below the required GPA for continuation in the Honors Program?

If an Honors student falls below the required GPA of 3.3 for continuation in the Honors Program, there is a semester grace period during which she or he can bring the GPA back up to the minimum. If an Honors student's GPA remains below 3.3 for two consecutive semesters prior to completing 56 semester hours, she or he may appeal to the Dean of the Honors Program for an additional semester to improve her or his GPA. If an appeal has not been made or an appeal has been denied, she or he will return to the General Education Requirements. After the completion of 56 semester hours, the student will complete the Honors Program curriculum minus Service Learning, the Senior Honors Project and the honors portfolio to ensure that she or he will graduate with her or his class.

What are the benefits of the Senior Honors Project?

First, the student is permitted to explore an issue, research area or service project, which is self-selected. Second, the student works with a faculty member who has agreed to mentor the project. Third, on completion of the Senior Honors Project, the student has a valuable piece of work for use as a writing sample for the job search or graduate school entrance.

Is the Honors Program an "add-on" requirement?

No. As suggested above, because Honors students are not required to complete the General Education Requirements, the Honors Program does not entail additional academic hours or courses to complete. It is a replacement, not an "add-on," series of components.

What are the privileges and benefits the Honors Students receive?

Many Heidelberg Honors students have the opportunity to study together in a community of scholars in seminars specifically designed for them. During those semesters when an Honors student is registered for an Honors Seminar, registration is without additional fee if the student registers for "over-hours." In addition, Honors students enjoy priority registration. Honors students have access to the Honors House, with its lounge and computer lab. Finally, Heidelberg Honors students graduate with an Honors Diploma, a valuable credential for the job search or graduate school entrance.

What should I do first?

Register for HNR 111, Introduction to the Life of the Mind. In this one-hour course you will be introduced to the four seminar themes, the theory behind Service Learning and other aspects of the Honors Program.