Handbook Honors

James Scholars

The James Scholar Program is a University-wide program established to encourage undergraduate research and independent study. Students designated as James Scholars are entitled to certain academic privileges, including access to the “stacks" in the library, priority in assignment of registration times and official recognition on the University of Illinois transcript. The program gives a student a special opportunity to explore various topics and to receive recognition for those endeavors.

James Scholars can earn honors credit in undergraduate courses by either enrolling in an honors section of a course or by completing an Honors Credit Learning Agreement with the instructor of a course in which the student agrees to undertake a special project. Only courses completed for traditional letter grades may be taken for honors credit. Successful completion of the project earns the student transcript-designated honors credit for the course. To qualify for this certification, eligible students must complete one honors course a semester, obtain a grade of "B-" or better in the course, and maintain UIUC and cumulative grade point averages of at least a 3.50. (Students who are studying abroad for either fall or spring terms must complete one honors course in the traditional manner during the semester they are enrolled on campus. The study abroad semester will satisfy the other required honors course.)

Students who are eligible to participate in the James Scholar program will be contacted by the Student Academic Affairs Office the first week of the fall term. Transfer and continuing students must have at least 3.50 UIUC and cumulative grade point averages. Entering freshmen who are in the top of the College’s admitted applicant pool based on their ACT/SAT score and High School rank/GPA are invited to participate in the College of Education James Scholar program.

Bronze Tablet

Continuous academic achievement is recognized by inscribing the student's name on a Bronze Tablet that hangs on a wall in the Main Library. To qualify for Bronze Tablet, the candidate must rank in the upper three percent of the College graduating class on the basis of cumulative grade point average. Additional selection criteria may be found in the Programs of Study catalog under University Honors. Bronze Tablet candidates are specially honored at both the College of Education and University Commencement ceremonies in May.

Dean's List

Students are accorded Dean's List recognition at the conclusion of each semester based on the following criteria:

• completion of at least fourteen academic semester hours taken for letter grade (A through F); and
• grade point average which places the student in the top 20% of the College class. Dean's List recognition is noted on the permanent academic record for each term earned, and students are notified of their accomplishment by the Dean in writing.