James Scholar Honors Program
- Introduction
- What does it mean to be a James Scholar?
- Benefits of the program
- Freshman Experience
- Sophomore Experience
- How do DGS James Scholars get involved?
- Becoming a James Scholar
- Maintaining James Scholar status
- Upon declaring a major
- What if I am also a Chancellor's Scholar?
- Download the Frequently Asked Questions handout
Introduction
Since at least the 1950's the University of Illinois has encouraged outstanding undergraduate students by offering participation in the James Scholar Honors Program. The program has changed over the years. At present, each college has a James Scholar Honors Program -- a college-level undergraduate honors program.
The programs are named for the fourth president of the University of Illinois , Edmund J. James. James believed scholarship and research are fundamental to human progress, and in the years of his presidency, from 1904-1920, he brought world-class scholars and researchers to the campus, developed many new graduate programs, and fostered a sense of community among faculty and students. His achievements helped to transform the University of Illinois into a campus of international importance.
What does it mean to be a James Scholar?
Honors programs come in many forms. At the University of Illinois, James Scholars will experience many opportunities for engagement -- through academic, experiential, and social avenues. It is through their interactions with faculty, staff, fellow students, and friends that they learn about the diversity of people, ideas, options, and opportunities around them. James Scholars are not sequestered away on campus; rather, they are at the heart of social and academic life.
In DGS, we value exploration in its varied forms. This spirit of discovery is built into our James Scholar Honors Program, as our high-achieving students explore their many passions, interests, and talents.
Benefits of the program
- Gain understanding of 21st century skills that are valuable for all majors and all careers
- Learn more about applying your passions, strengths, and interests
- Be involved in original research and work one-on-one with faculty members
- Service learning activities and active engagement in the community around you
- Leadership opportunities within DGS and across campus
- Enjoy benefits like early priority registration and recognition at graduation
Freshman Experience
In the first semester, DGS freshmen James Scholars enroll in GS 102/199, our honors seminar. The theme of this course is "Preparing for 21st Century Challenges." This course engages students in strengths development, building transferrable skills, exploring academic choices, and understanding the landscape of 21st century careers (regardless of academic major).
Students in their second semester will choose from a selection of DGS honors courses. These courses further explore aspects of the dialogue started in the GS 102/199 experience.
Spring 2010 DGS James Scholar Course Options:
- Business Communication – CMN 211
- The Campus and Environmental Responsibility – NRES 199
- Service-Learning in Washington – SOCW 199
- Creativity, Innovation, and Vision – ENG 298
- Introduction to Leadership Studies – AGED 260
- Writing with Video – ART 250
- Is Humanity Doomed? An Investigation of Classic Psychological Research – PSYC 199
See details of the Spring 2010 selection of DGS James Scholar courses 
Sophomore Experience
As James Scholars enter their second year, the honors opportunities become divergent, allowing each student to gear honors requirements toward his or her own academic and personal interests.
Possible options include:
- enrolling in special honors courses.
- enhancing a standard course with an Honors Credit Learning Agreement (HCLA).
- serving as a member of the DGS Honors Council.
How do DGS James Scholars get involved?
- Serve in a leadership position on the DGS Honors Council
- Attend social events, such as the Fall Welcome Party and the Honor Roll Bowling Party
- Join our newly-formed Honors Teams, such as the Creative Commons, Mentor Program, Social, Volunteer, and Street Teams
Becoming a James Scholar
Approximately 12% of incoming DGS freshmen are invited to participate in the James Scholar Honors Program, based on an evaluation of their admissions application.
Self-Nomination:
- Continuing students who have earned an Illinois cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher are qualified to self-nominate at the beginning of their second or third semester.
- Newly admitted transfer students are qualified to self-nominate if they have earned a 3.6 cumulative GPA or higher at their previous institution.
- Any transfer student who was a member of an official honors program at their previous institution may submit documentation to be considered as a full James Scholar upon their first semester at Illinois.
James Scholar students who transfer into DGS from other colleges on campus maintain their James Scholar designation, assuming that all requirements were met through their previous college.
Maintaining James Scholar Status
To remain an active and certified DGS James Scholar, students must:
- maintain a semester and Illinois cumulative GPA of at least 3.5
- complete two courses for honors credit each academic year
At the end of each semester, students are reviewed for their progress and may be contacted regarding any missing eligibility requirements.
Upon Declaring a Major
Once a James Scholar declares a major, he or she will be held to the standards of their admitting college. Note that each college administers their program requirements differently. Students should meet with their DGS academic advisor or the honors director to discuss their intended major and the James Scholar Honors Program requirements of the corresponding college.
Other James Scholar Programs at Illinois:
- Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
- Applied Health Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Fine and Applied Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Media
What if I am also a Chancellor's Scholar?
The James Scholar Honors Program and the Campus Honors Program are designed to allow students invited to both programs the ability to participate fully in each. Therefore, a student can be both a James Scholar and a Chancellor's Scholar at the same time. Typically, a Campus Honors course will satisfy a James Scholar honors requirement as well. One exception is GS 102/199. Therefore, freshman Chancellor's Scholars will take GS 102/199 and a Campus Honors course in their first semester.
If you have further questions about participating in both honors programs, contact Chris Armstrong, DGS Honors Director, or the Campus Honors Program.
Questions about our Honors Program? Contact:
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Chris Armstrong Admissions and Honors Division of General Studies 217.333.4710 cmarmstr@illinois.edu |