Honors Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between honors courses and standard courses?

Faculty teaching honors courses will assign thought-provoking readings and projects and guide and advise students on how to successfully meet these challenges. Honors courses should not merely generate more work for the student, but rather provide work that is more appropriate for high-ability, motivated students. Honors-level performance will be developed over time, as mentored by the faculty member.

The objective of the increased effort in these courses is to improve the depth and thoroughness of understanding of the course material, enabling students to gain a more profound appreciation of the subject matter. Students’ learning outcomes should demonstrate that they have analyzed problems, evaluated possible decisions or actions, and drawn reasonable conclusions or generated unique solutions. These learning outcomes may be as varied as the students themselves.

Students may experience a variety of learning activities, which could include collaborative learning, field experience, debates, documented projects, interviews, service projects, presentations, or discussion panels.

To determine the rigor of honors courses, Lake Land College uses Bloom’s Taxonomy, a well-known description of levels of educational performance. For a complete look at honors course criteria, view “Honors Course Guidelines” under “Forms” at https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/honors-experience/honors-program/.

What is honors independent study?

Independent study is an opportunity for a student to investigate an area of interest that goes beyond a Lake Land College course. A minimum of 30 hours of time is expected for each one hour of credit in independent study.

To determine the rigor of honors courses, Lake Land College uses Bloom’s Taxonomy, a well-known description of levels of educational performance. For a complete look at independent study course criteria, view “Honors Independent Study Course Guidelines” under “Forms” at https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/honors-experience/honors-program/.

What is the difference between the honors program, academic honors, and graduation from Lake Land College with honors?

The Lake Land College Honors Program provides outstanding college students the opportunity to experience honors-level coursework, honors independent studies, and other enriched learning opportunities. This allows students to address important topics, engage in critical thinking, and learn cutting-edge techniques in their fields. Eligible freshmen, current Lake Land College or transfer students are encouraged to apply for membership in the program. Participation in honors activities and a minimum GPA of 3.25 are required for membership. Students who complete the honors program are recognized at the commencement ceremony and earn honors designations on their transcripts. Students in the honors program may also be invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, earn Academic Honors distinction, or graduate with honors.

Academic Honors distinction is earned by all Lake Land College students who have completed at least 6 credit hours during a semester (excluding summer term) with a GPA as follows:

• Honors: 3.50 – 3.64 GPA
• Dean’s List (high honors): 3.65-3.79 GPA
• President’s List (highest honors): 3.80 – 4.00 GPA

Graduation from Lake Land College with Honors can be earned by all Lake Land College students. It is based on the final GPA for graduation, using only courses and grades earned at Lake Land College. The final range of cumulative GPA to be awarded graduation honors is as follows:

• Cum Laude: 3.50 – 3.64 GPA
• Magna Cum Laude: 3.65 – 3.79 GPA
• Summa Cum Laude: 3.80 – 4.00 GPA

How do I graduate from the honors program?

In order to graduate with Full Status, honors students must earn at least a 3.25 overall GPA at Lake Land College, graduate from a college transfer program, and successfully complete at least 4 honors options.

In order to graduate with Associate Status, honors students must earn at least a 3.25 overall GPA at Lake Land College, graduate from a college transfer program, and successfully complete at least 2 honors options.

Please note that no more than 2 honors options may be completed each semester.

Who do I go to for honors program advisement?

Casey Reynolds, Honors Experience and PTK Advisor, at creynolds50492@lakelandcollege.edu, helps students identify opportunities for engagement in the Honors Experience, including answering questions regarding PTK and Honors Program requirements and initiating honors courses or independent studies. Students may also contact Tessa Wiles, Director of Dual Credit and Honors Experience and PTK Advisor, by email at ptk@lakelandcollege.edu or by phone at 217-234-5044.

Does participating in the honors program cost more or demand more credit hours in order to graduate?

Honors options (honors courses or honors independent studies) are the same cost per credit hour as any other Lake Land College transfer course. Also, honors options are more challenging versions of general education coursework, but do not demand more credit hours in order to graduate from Lake Land College.

Do honors students receive any special recognition?

Honors students receive designations on their college transcripts for completed honors options and for graduating from the honors program. In addition, honors program graduates receive honors recognition and are eligible to wear honors regalia at the Lake Land College commencement ceremony.

What is the deadline to apply for the honors program?

The honors program accepts applications year-round. However, students are encouraged to apply as soon as they apply to the college itself. The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll be able to start your honors courses and honors independent studies.

Are there scholarships for honors students?

Honors students are encouraged to participate in the Lake Land College Presidential Scholarship Program, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements. Honors students also possess highly competitive credentials for scholarships offered through the Lake Land College Foundation. National scholarship opportunities are available to honors students when they transfer to 4-year colleges or universities, including the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program.