Centennial Honors College

In-Course Honors Project Guidelines

WHAT IS IN-COURSE HONORS?

In-course honors (ICH) is the process of completing honors projects to earn honors credit through regular courses. It is a collaborative contract between the student and instructor to enhance learning beyond the course syllabus. Mentoring relationships focus on educational enrichment and professional development.

SAMPLE PROJECT TYPES

Depending on the students major, an honors project may be completed in the areas of research/scholarship, performance, or professional development. An honors student might:

  • Research and scholarly papers
  • Original music or art
  • Challenging lab experiments
  • Coding for apps or CNC machines
  • Data modeling
  • Professional development or observations
  • Classroom presentations

GUIDELINES

Application Deadline: Fourth Friday of the semester (first Friday in the summer)

Project Deadline: Friday before finals week (except capstone courses - thesis, recital, etc.). An incomplete is allowed only if an incomplete is taken in the course.

Grading: Projects are graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory, independent of the course grade (except capstone courses).

Minimum Course Grade: C- in course is required (higher in some departments)

PROCESS

  • Identify a Class: Choose the class that offers the best opportunity for an honors project (unless a specific class is required)
  • Talk to Your Instructor: Outline project ideas and requirements with your instructor
  • Submit Application: Submit the In-Course Honors Application by the deadline
  • Maintain Progress: Regularly communicate with your instructor to ensure steady progress; communicate changes to your Honors advisor.
  • Submit Final Project: Submit the final project to your instructor by the deadline
  • Confirmation: The Honors College will confirm with your instructor the satisfactory completion of your project.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PROJECT TO ADDRESS ON THE APPLICATION

  • Project Topic: Describe the topic you will study in greater depth beyond classroom requirements. Provide a clear focus/plan for your project in one or two sentences.
  • Anticipated Product: Specify what you will submit to your instructor for assessment (e.g. research paper, presentation, honors thesis).
  • Major Steps and Timeline: Outline the major steps necessary to complete the project, including a timeline and deadlines for each step.
  • Progress Review: Explain how and when you will confer with your instructor on progress and issues.
  • Human Subjects: Indicate if your project involves human subjects.
  • Animal Subjects: Indicate if your project involves animal subjects.

Contact the Office of Sponsored Projects at irb@wiu.edu to determine if IRB approval is required.

QUESTIONS ABOUT IN-COURSE HONORS PROJECTS

Contact an academic honors advisor at 298-2228, or via email. Go to wiu.edu/honors/staff for contact information.