FAQ

No, but faculty will be allowed up to $300 per course to purchase materials or supplement travel expenses. On a case-by-case basis and by written request additional funds may be provided. (Note: faculty who taught honors prior to July 2009 may request a $300 stipend in lieu of expense money. Such funds are subject to normal payroll deductions.)

Yes. Honors courses are either full honors or contract honors. In full honors, only honors students may enroll. Those classes are smaller and are taught differently. Please think about offering full honors classes in your department.

In contract courses, students contract with the instructor to elevate a regular class to honors level. For example, genetics students receive 23 and Me kits to analyze their own genome. Later, they report on their results to the class orally and in writing. Simply adding a research paper should be avoided. Projects that are interesting and engaging are best.

We admit first-year and transfer students based upon a global assessment of academic potential. We examine ACT or SAT scores, high school GPAs, required submitted essays, letters of recommendation and other relevant information. Current SAU students who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA may petition the Honors College for admission. Students transferring from affiliated Honors 2+2 programs (SAU Tech, SACC, and College of the Ouachitas, at present) must hold a minimum college GPA of 3.25. Also, they too must submit an online application, required essays, and letters of recommendation.

Honors students must take a minimum of 24 honors hours in order to graduate. The current record is 53 honors hours. Nearly all graduate in four years or less.

Yes, through payroll deduction. Also, a major donor is sought to name the College.

The minimum GPA to remain in the Honors College is 3.25. Students are given one semester to regain that GPA. They retain their honors status while on probation.

About 66% of those admitted graduate with honors in four years or less. Nearly all admitted graduate eventually. A few transfer, fewer still fail to graduate.