James Scholar FAQs

Requirements

How do I submit the HCLA(Honors Credit Learning Agreement)?
You can submit the HCLA using the online system. The process will begin with an invitation to the eHCLA link. It is your responsibility to initiate discussion with the instructor and electronically complete and submit the form. Once you access the form, you will have the option of completing an eHCLA for an(1) enrolled course or(2) a research project with a faculty member. You will be asked to provide the instructor’s netid and department, as well as a short description of the project. If you choose to complete an eHCLA for an enrolled course, you will be required to submit the CRN, number, section and credit hours of the course corresponding to your project idea. Once submitted, the instructor will receive a link to your eHCLA via e-mail. The instructor will accept the agreement, ask for a revision, or reject the form. Once the eHCLA has been approved by the instructor, it will be sent to the SAAO office for final approval.

What is the due date each semester for James Scholars HCLA?

The fall deadline is approximately October 1st. The spring deadline is approximately March 1st.

If my GPA is less than the required 3.5 in the fall semester, can I still be a James Scholar in the spring to bring it back up to the 3.5?

No, you will not be a James Scholar in the spring and you will not earn James Scholars Honors for the year. If you raise your GPA to 3.5 after the spring semester, you will be invited to participate again the following year.

Do I have to take a James Scholar Course?
No, you can submit an eHCLA on any graded course or do research with a faculty member. You can also study abroad.

When do James Scholars need their advising appointment?

James Scholars should schedule their advising appointment before the start of early registration.

Can I do James Scholar projects during my student teaching year?

Yes, in a graded course.

When is the last day I can turn in my James Scholars project? Is it the last day of classes or the last day of finals?

That is determined by the professor.

I am an athlete/I am a senior and already have early registration. Is it worthwhile for me to be a James Scholar?

You need to consider whether or not you wish to do the extra work to earn access to the library “stacks” and the James Scholars designation on your transcript.

If I do not complete my JS project for the class does that affect my grade in the class?

No, but if you do not complete the requirement in the fall you will not be invited to participate in the spring. If you complete it in the fall and do not complete it in the spring, you will not be James Scholars certified for the year.

Courses

Can I use a Chancellor’s Honor’s Class as a James Scholar Honors Class?

Yes.

If I do an eHCLA, which class should I choose?

You should choose a class that interests you and you would enjoy doing an extra project in to learn more about the subject. The course can be for any number of credit hours. It cannot be a practicum or a physical activity (bowling, tennis, etc.) course.

Is there a list of James Scholar classes?
No, however, the College of Education has two honors courses (EPSY 200 and EDUC 102) and designated honors sections of EPS 202 and CI 199.

Is there a minimum number of hours required?

No, there is not a minimum number of hours the class must be nor is there a minimum you must take for the semester outside of the 12 hours required by the college to be a full-time student.

Does doing a James Scholar project add credit to the course?

No, there is no additional credit given other than the credit for the course.

Am I allowed to take two honors classes a semester?

Yes, but you will receive no additional recognition for having a second course.

Can I use a credit/no credit course?
No, you must earn a “B-” or better to receive James Scholars certification.

Research

If I do an eHCLA to do research with a faculty member, do I earn any credit?

No, unless it is tied to a course for which you are already registered. You will then receive regular course credit and no additional credit hours.

How do I complete an eHCLA if I’m doing research with a faculty member instead of taking a course?

On the eHCLA form, you have the option to choose an eHCLA project for an enrolled gradable course or conduct research outside the classroom with a faculty member. If you select the research option, you can complete the form by submitting the instructor netid, department, and a short description of research. Once you submit the form, the instructor you have listed will receive an email with the URL to your eHCLA. They will have the option to approve the research you wish to conduct, ask for a revision, or reject your proposal. Final approval will be the responsibility of the SAAO office.

Certification

Will I receive a certificate in the mail for James Scholar and if so when will I receive it?

Yes, the College of Education sends a congratulatory letter and certificate in June/July.

How do I graduate with James Scholars Honors?
James Scholars Honors designation is distributed annually at the end of each spring semester and is noted on your transcript for each academic year you qualify. You will receive no additional benefit for having James Scholars Honors for 4 consecutive years.

Is James Scholars recognized at Graduation?

No, Bronze Tablet is the only honors recognized at graduation. However, seniors with spring James Scholars status will be included in the College of Education Convocation Program. 

Is James Scholar noted on my diploma?

No, but it is noted on your transcript.

How is it noted on my transcript?

There is an “H” by the course and if the requirement is completed for both semesters, it is noted as “Edmund J. James Scholar (academic year 20--).”