Honors Program 

Director: Dr. Judy Elsley
Student Advisor: Marilyn Diamond (801) 626-7336
Office Manager: Leanna Riddle (801) 626-7591

Location: Library, Room 225
Internet Address: weber.edu/honors

Since 1969, the WSU Honors Program has provided capable and motivated students with an unusually rich, supportive, and challenging academic experience. Honors education fosters the growth of intellectual independence and initiative, invites a more sophisticated level of classroom and extracurricular interaction, and examines complex issues from diverse perspectives. Classes are small and generally taught in a seminar format that provides an intellectually stimulating environment conducive to free exchange and critical analysis.

Entrance Requirements

A student may make application for entrance into the Honors Program at any time after formal acceptance by the Weber State Admissions Office. However, in order to take advantage of the many options available, early entrance is recommended. An application form is available in the Honors office or on the Internet at weber.edu/honors. For entrance requirements please see the Honors Handbook located on the Honors Web site.

Retention Standards for the Honors Program

To continue in good standing in the Honors Program, students must maintain a cumulative 3.3 GPA and take an Honors class at least every semester until their general education requirements are completed; thereafter students will take at least one course every other semester. No grades below "B" will be accepted for credit toward graduation with University, Departmental, and/or General Honors. The progress of Honors students is reviewed each semester.

The Honors Designations

There are three Honors designations in the Honors Program: University Honors, Departmental Honors, and General Honors.

• University Honors is available to:
  (1) students earning a bachelor's degree
  (2) students who have completed 27 hours of Honors courses and fulfilled the Honors Program core requirements
       (see University Honors Core Requirements below)
   
• Departmental Honors is available to students majoring in departments with designated Departmental Honors options. Please see the major department's Honors requirements in the WSU Catalog or come to the Honors Center, Library 225.
   
  • BIS Honors Emphasis is also available to students who elect to graduate with a BIS degree. A student may design an individualized Honors curriculum to be used as one of the three areas of emphasis for the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree. For information consult either the BIS or Honors office. 
     
• General Honors is available to students completing the requirements for an associate's degree and successfully completing 12 credit hours of Honors courses.

Students entering the Honors Program as Freshmen or Sophomores usually elect to graduate with University Honors after completing their associate degree with General Honors. Students entering the Honors Program as Juniors or Seniors usually elect to graduate with Departmental Honors. Students may elect to graduate with only one of the three Honors designations, or they may elect to graduate with all or a combination of Honors designations: General Honors, University Honors and Departmental Honors.

Official recognition for the completion of an Honors designation will be made on the graduating Honors student’s transcript and diploma and will also be entered into the university’s graduation program. In the event a student completes Departmental Honors in more than one department, notation of each will be made on the transcript.

University Honors Core Requirements

Students will complete three of the four classes listed below:

1. HNRS 1110 Introduction to Honors (3)
2. HNRS HU/SS 2110 Intellectual Traditions:Great Ideas of the West in the Classical & Medieval Eras (3)
3. HNRS HU/SS 2120 Intellectual Traditions:Great Ideas of the West in the Modern Era (3)
4. HNRS HU/SS/DV 2130 Intellectual Traditions:Great Ideas of the East (3)

In addition, the following courses are required:

• HNRS 3900 Honors Colloquia (3) – 2 classes are required
• HNRS 4830 Directed Readings in preparation for Senior Project (1)
• HNRS 4990 Senior Project (3)

The remaining hours, to complete the 27 hours required, can be earned through Honors general education courses and/or through departmental Honors components.

Weber State University 2008-2009 Catalog