Introduction

What It Is

The Honors Program is a Community College of Rhode Island program in which students can enhance their educational experience while at CCRI by studying topics of their choosing in more depth. For each honors course, students complete an extra honors project, usually within a course they are currently taking, giving them honors credit for that course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Honors Program, you must have completed at least 12 semester hours and earned at least a 3.25 Grade Point Average. Students who are eligible receive a letter from the college each semester they are eligible. Students may also participate with a recommendation by a faculty member.

Three Ways To Do an Honors Project

You earn honors credits through (1) supplementary projects within existing course selections, (2) supplementary projects done with independent study courses, and (3) specially designated "Honors" courses. Most students do a supplementary project within one (or two) of the courses they are already taking, relating the project to the curricula covered in the course. This course does not need to be a course in a specific concentration -- it can be any course taken. Students can also separately create an independent study project (see the Independent Study webpage) and add an honors project to it. Finally, there are a few courses at CCRI that already contain Honors in their title, and when signing up for these courses, the student automatically signs up for an honors project.

How to Get Started

All honors projects must be overseen by a college instructor, usually the instructor of the course you wish to earn honors credit. Begin by approaching that instructor, asking about doing an honors project, and talking about potential projects. You might have an idea for one, the instructor might have an idea, or together you may brainstorm an idea. To help with ideas, you can look at projects approved during previous semesters or some example projects. Once you have a project in mind, fill out the application form, and submit the form by the appropriate due date to one of the Honors Program coordinators. No honors applications will be accepted after the due date.

Time Involved

An Honors Project is a substantial academic undertaking on the part of both the student and participating faculty member. The extra 0.5 credit earned in a 3 credit course represents an additional 17% total course credit and academic commitment. This translates to over 20 hours devoted to just the project. Most students end up spending more time than this on their project.

Why Do It?

By participating in the Honors Program, students can take advantage of the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills. Students and faculty will be working together as "colleagues in learning" - a cooperative spirit that reawakens the fundamental purpose of the academy. Students become an integral part of a stimulating academic interchange. These Honors designations on transcripts not only promote transferability to four-year institutions but can also lend an advantage with regard to competitive status in the workplace. An extra .5 credits is awarded for each honors project completed. Students who complete four honors projects or more at CCRI are Honors Program Graduates and will receive special recognition at the graduation ceremony. This special recognition includes (1) a separate statement on the college transcript, which explains that the student has successfully completed all requirements of the Honors Program, (2) an Honors ribbon suitable for pinning on the graduation gown; and (3) a special designation in the commencement program.

Honors Forum

Each year, near the end of the Spring semester, the Honors Forum is held. All Honors students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Honors Forum. It provides an opportunity for students to present their projects.

Honors Program Graduates

Students who complete four or more Honors Projects at CCRI become Honors Program Graduates. The graduates receive special recognition at the College's award ceremony and graduation ceremony.

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