FAQ

You have questions. We have answers.

What are the advantages of membership?
When is my honors paperwork due?
Is there funding available to help me with my CHS Honors Project?
How do I apply for membership?
How do I make changes to my program of study?

Where Can I Find General Information About the Honors Program?

The University Honors Program staff can provide general information about the honors program procedures and policies. The College of Human Sciences Honors program sets procedures for the CHS Honors program, approves programs of study/degree programs, the Honors Project Proposals, and monitors student performance to meet GPA requirements.

How Do I Start Preparing My Program of Study?

The process begins by clearly defining your career and educational goals. Your academic advisor can help you identify faculty, students, and professionals outside of the university to get information to form your career and educational goals. You can also look at information from professional societies or graduate and professional schools. Talk to faculty in courses that you take who teach or perform research in areas of interest to you. See a list of CHS Honors contacts for help determining who to contact. Once you are ready to begin the paperwork, you can find the Program of Study in the canvas module.

How Do I Develop My Honors Project?

Talk to faculty members who are doing work in areas that you have an interest. They may be faculty from whom you have taken a course. Look at the research interests of faculty. A great place to look is under each faculty member’s contact page.

During your junior year you should select your research interest area, meet with potential project advisors, know the scope of your project, and begin background research on the subject. The Honors Project does not have to be in your major. Check the CHS Honors website for additional tips on the honors project process.

How Do I Register for My Honors Project?

Once you have completed your project proposal form and received approval, please work with your faculty project advisor to sign up for the course. Using the online Registrar form in AccessPlus, determine the department course designator (e.g., KIN 490H, AESHM 490H) and section (usually your faculty project advisor’s initials). Discuss with your faculty project advisor how many credits the project will be worth (i.e., 2-4 credits). Credits assigned will depend on the scope and complexity of the project. Your faculty project advisor will be responsible for assessing the number of credits for your project.

Please see this link for step by step instructions.

I Would like to Contract a Course to Earn Honors Credit, but the Course Does Not Have an “H” Designator. What Do I Do?

Interested students should meet with the instructor, either before the term begins or as early in the term as possible, to develop a plan for the semester. After meeting with the instructor, the student is responsible for writing a summary of about 150 words outlining how the Honors designation for the course will be earned, including a schedule of meetings and a means of sharing the results of the student’s learning. Complete the online qualtrics form with your professor no later than the Friday of the fourth week of the semester. Upon approval by the Honors Office, the student will carry out the work outlined in the contract. Honors will notify the Registrar’s Office and the “H” designation is added to the course number on the student’s permanent record. Once the grade is submitted at the end of the term, the “H” course will appear on the degree audit about 2 weeks after grades are available. For more information visit the University Honors Program.

I have questions that aren’t on this website, who should I contact?

The College of Human Sciences has CHS Honors mentors that are available to talk with students about the program. You can also talk with your advisor, a CHS Honors Liaison, or stop by 131 MacKay Hall.

Need More Information?

CHS Honors Program

131 MacKay Hall
2302 Osborn Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011-1078

515-294-8436

jtipton@iastate.edu

Need More Information?

University Honors Program

2130 Jischke Honors Bldg.
603 Farm House Lane
Ames, Iowa 50011-1057

515-294-4371

honors@iastate.edu