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James Scholar Program Overview
The James Scholar honors program is among the most prestigious honors that an undergraduate can earn at the University of Illinois. All AHS students are encouraged to explore this program and, if eligible, consider participating. Program participants receive several benefits, including:
- Priority registration times. As a James Scholar you can register before the general student population does!
- Opportunities to engage academic material differently with more direct interaction with faculty. Enrich your education or develop experiences that will make your resume or application for graduate school stand out from the rest!
- Enhanced relationships with faculty. In AHS we believe it is our personal touch that distinguishes us from other academic units on campus. These strengthened relationships result in better learning experiences in the classroom and only strengthen the ability of our faculty to recognize and recommend your talent.
- Receive honors recognition on their final transcripts and at the AHS convocation graduation ceremony. At the AHS convocation (graduation) ceremonies, James Scholars will wear special regalia, and are given honorary recognition.
Program Requirements & Eligibility
Current James Scholars
To continue participating in the program, you will need to:
- Obtain and complete the Honors Credit and Learning Agreement (HCLA) form.
- Complete the HCLA form and return it to 219 Huff Hall before the 4th Friday of the semester.
- Be sure to work with your professor to complete the honors project so they can enter the honors designation with your final grade at the end of the term.
Important facts:
- You must maintain a 3.5 cumulative Illinois GPA average (evaluated at the end of the Spring term) to remain eligible to participate in the program.
- You must complete at least 14 graded hours each semester (Fall/Spring). **Exceptions can be made for students completing a department required internship, studying abroad, who have concurrent enrollment at another institution, or who do not have 14 hours of requirements remaining to complete their degree.
- You must complete two honors projects every year — preferably one each semester (Fall/Spring) you participate in the program. If necessary, students can opt to complete two honors projects in one term.
Potential James Scholar Students
Sophomores & Juniors
If you are a Sophomore or Junior (with fewer than 75 hours completed) and are not currently participating in the program, you are encouraged to consider nominating yourself at the beginning of any academic semester. Below are the basic requirements:
- You must have a 3.5 cumulative Illinois GPA average.
- You must complete 14 graded credit hours in the semester you are self-nominating.
- You must complete an honors project the semester you are self-nominating. You will follow the HCLA process outlined for current James Scholars above.
- You must finish this semester with a 3.5 semester cumulative Illinois GPA average.
- The instructor must award a final grade (B- minimum) with "honors" designation.
Sophomores or Juniors who comply with the requirements above will be given the James Scholar attribute at the end of the term in which they self nominated. For example, if you self-nominate in the Fall semester and meet all the criteria, you will BEGIN the Spring semester as a James Scholar. As a James Scholar you must adhere to the program requirements outlined for current James Scholars above. If you have questions about this, please contact your Academic Advisor and they will be glad to assist you.
Freshmen
Who is eligible?
Eligible incoming freshmen were invited to participate in the James Scholar program as a part of the admission process. Eligibility was determined after a review of individual high school GPA and ACT scores. Freshmen who earn a 3.5 GPA in their Fall classes are encouraged to consider nominating themselves for the Spring term. If you adhere to the eligibity requirements (see below), you will begin the next academic year as a James Scholar!
What are the eligibility requirements for Freshmen?
- You must maintain a 3.5 cumulative Illinois GPA average (evaluated at the end of the Spring term)
- You must complete at least 14 graded hours each semester (Fall/Spring).
- You must complete an honors project each semester (Fall/Spring) you participate in the program. You will follow the HCLA process outlined for current James Scholars above.
- If necessary, students can opt to complete two honors projects in one term. Completion of AHS 125 counts as one honors requirement!
- Invited freshmen should complete AHS 125 — Freshmen Scholars Seminar — if possible. If this course did not fit with your schedule, you can work with an instructor to turn a traditional course into an "honors" course for you.
Still have questions about the program? You will receive information about a James Scholar Information Session at the beginning of each term. Please make every effort to attend. If you cannot attend this meeting, contact your Academic Advisor or e-mail Dean Gower (gower@illinois.edu) and we will be glad to help!