Handbook
Fall /Spring 2011-2012
For more information,
Contact
Dr. Janet Haavisto
jhaavis@ju.edu
904-256-7178
or
Linda Christoffersen
lchrist@ju.edu
904-256-7049
The University Honors Program offers students of high academic ability at JU:
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An Honors Colloquium focusing on values, with senior peer mentors
Interdisciplinary seminars
Excellent teachers & innovative instruction
A dedicated lounge and study area (with refreshments)
A community of student scholars
Trips to conferences of honors students and faculty
Academic guidance and support
Priority registration before registration for classes is opened to other students
Support for research
Cross-cultural experiences
Internship opportunities
Graduation “with University Honors” – the University’s highest honor
The Honors Program at Jacksonville University is unique in that students with high academic ability and
interest may apply to participate. Thus, the program attracts those students with intellectual curiosity and high
standards of personal performance. Currently, around 100 students with a wide variety of interests participate
in the Honors Program. As students move into their majors, the program has a more rigorous GPA
requirement of 3.5 and 3.5 in honors course work. Consequently, those who continue in the program are
recognized across campus for their outstanding scholarship.
In addition, participation in student research opportunities, in which students work closely with faculty mentors
on individually designed research projects, is expected of all honors students. Those who seek graduation with
“University Honors” must also present their work in a public forum, such as, the Jacksonville University
Student and Faculty Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity (held each Spring semester).
If you would like more information, please call or email Dr. Janet Haavisto @ jhaavis@ju.edu (904-256-7178)
or Ms. Linda Christoffersen@ lchrist@ju.edu (904-256-7049) (Gooding Building 122, Honors Lounge).
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Table of Contents
Mission Statement & Aims
Frequently Asked Questions
Application to Enroll in the Jacksonville University Honors programs
Earning Honors Credits
Advisement Recommendations
Course Offerings
Honors Policies
Special Benefit – Priority Registration
Honor Student Association (H.S.A.)
Enrichment Activities
Websites of Interest to Honors Students
Faculty
JU Semester in Washington D.C.
Grants Available to Honors Students & Faculty
National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Prestigious Fellowships & Scholarships
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Mission Statement
The University Honors Program at Jacksonville University aims to challenge talented students to develop
intellectual curiosity and rigor, independent reasoning and creativity, superior communication skills, leadership,
and a system for ethical decision-making. The program enables students with strong academic records and a
desire to excel in the pursuit of knowledge to join with select faculty to form within the university a community
which supports outstanding scholarship, personal growth, and service.
The University Honors Program Aims:
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to offer talented and ambitious students a diverse, complex and integrated education appropriate for such
dedicated students;
to expose students to interdisciplinary experiences and encourage them to make connections among
domains of knowledge;
to guide students to develop their intellectual skills, emphasizing communication and critical reasoning;
to help foster leadership through development of self-confidence, intellectual curiosity, independent
thinking, and professional demeanor;
to guide students to assess and reflect on their beliefs, assumptions, ethics and values;
to encourage students to identify and assess personal, academic, and professional goals and strategies for
achieving those goals;
to provide opportunities for individual research and creativity;
to involve the participants in an honors community;
to involve the participants in service-learning opportunities;
to involve the participants in internship opportunities;
to encourage participation in cross-cultural and international experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are honors courses more difficult?
Honors courses are distinguished not so much by level of difficulty, as by format and content. Our experience
shows that honors students thrive in the Honors Program environment and perform at a higher academic level
because they are more highly motivated and stimulated.
Will I receive a lower grade in an honors course than I would in a regular course?
No. You can expect to earn high grades in either type of course. Superior students routinely achieve high
grades because of their personal motivation and work ethic.
Is financial aid available for honors students?
Yes. Honors students are more likely to be eligible for merit and other scholarships. Applicants for
scholarships and other financial assistance must complete the appropriate procedures required by the Office of
Student Financial Assistance.
Is the Honors Program the only program for academically talented students at JU?
No. In addition to the Honors Program, JU academic departments confer honors on their students. To qualify
for departmental honors, a student must earn a 3.5 or better GPA in his or her major and complete a researched
thesis or creative project. Honors Program students are eligible for both the University Honors and
departmental honors credits for their theses or projects.
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How to Apply
Once an eligible student has been accepted at JU and chosen for the Honors Program, he or she should complete the following form
and return to Linda Christoffersen, Honors Lounge (Gooding) or email to her at lchrist@ ju.edu. Students who have attended JU for at
least one semester and have achieved a 3.2 or higher cumulative average may also apply to join the program.
Application to Enroll in the Jacksonville University Honors Programs
The Jacksonville University Honors Program is open for application to entering students who have attained at least a 3.2
average at the secondary level and a combined SAT score of 1220 or ACT score of 27, and to returning or transfer students
who have attained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher.
I hereby indicate my desire to join the Honors Program at Jacksonville University.
(Please print)
ID_____________________
Name ___________________________________
Date__________________
Address (Campus)_________________________
Phone_________________
Address (Home)___________________________
Phone_________________
City/State/Zip_____________________________
E-mail_________________
Major________________________ Advisor___________________________________
Please check one ():
____ First-time college student
____ Transfer student
For first-time college students:
I understand that joining the Honors Program commits me to completing a minimum of 25 credit hours of honors courses: JU 168,
Honors Colloquium (1 credit); one interdisciplinary Honors Seminar; and other honors courses in my major and/or the university core.
I also understand that I must attain a cumulative average of 3.5 and 3.5 in honors course work at the time of graduation to receive the
distinction of graduating with University Honors, and that I am responsible for obtaining honors academic advisement through the
Honors Program. I must be enrolled in honors credits each semester unless I receive approval to skip a semester. Failure to enroll in
honors credits for two semesters leads to “not in good standing” designation.
For transfer students:
I understand that this commits me to completing a minimum of 13 credit hours of honors courses: JU 168, Honors Colloquium (1
credit); one interdisciplinary Honors Seminar; and a total of 64 hours of graded credit at Jacksonville University. I also understand
that I must attain a cumulative average of 3.5 and 3.5 in honors course work at the time of graduation to receive the distinction of
graduating with University Honors, and that I am responsible for obtaining honors academic advisement through the Honors Program.
. I must be enrolled in honors credits each semester unless I receive approval to skip a semester. Failure to enroll in honors credits for
two semesters leads to “not in good standing” designation.
For all Honors Fellows:
I understand that I am expected to participate actively in the Honors Program, including maintaining good standing in the Honors
Student Association.
Student Signature____________________________
Please return this completed form to Linda Christoffersen or Dr. Janet Haavisto, director of the University Honors Program.
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Earning Honors Credits
In several ways, honors students may earn Honors credits (minimum of 24 for entering freshmen and minimum
of 13 semester hours for transfers ) necessary to graduate with “University honors”:
1. Students entering with scores on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams exceeding the
requirement for AP or IB credit at the University may apply those credits toward the 25 Honors credits
needed to graduate with “University Honors.” However, all students must earn a minimum of 13honorsdesignated credits at JU.
2. Honors Colloquium (JU 168H): A required one-credit orientation course for first-year Honors students
focusing on educational planning, values exploration, and personal development.
3. Honors sections of regular courses, including many core, carrying three or four credit hours each.
4. Interdisciplinary honors seminars: Honors seminars carrying three credit hours each, the topics of which are
specified in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Ordinarily, course designated numbers of JU268H,
269H, 368H 369H, 468H and 469H are reserved for honors seminars. Many are also cross-listed under
departments. Topics vary by semester.
5. Add-on one honors credit: one credit hour of Honors credit in addition to regular course credit. A student
participates in extra projects or research in a particular course under the supervision of the instructor. The
honors project receives a separate grade. Must be approved in advance by the instructor and by the director
of the JU Honors Program.
6. Departmental honors courses: At the upper levels, Honors Program students are expected to propose and
conduct within their major fields research or creative projects carrying three to six credit hours of
independent study per semester. Students seeking University Honors credit should apply for departmental
honors as specified and simultaneously submit their prospectus to the director of the Honors Program.
Upon approval of the completed departmental honors project or creative productions for honors credit by
the students’ departmental supervisory committees, students in the University Honors Program will be
awarded both departmental and University Honors credit. Students are required to present findings in a
public forum such as the Jacksonville University Student and Faculty Symposium for Scholarship and
Creativity, scheduled each year in the spring. In addition, students have opportunities to submit their work
for presentation at state, regional, and national conferences in their disciplines and at the National Council
on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) conference.
7. Study Abroad: Honors Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad in one of the many study
abroad opportunities offered at Jacksonville University. In some programs some of the credit hours
earned can carry the honors designation. Opportunities (ranging from one week to a full semester)
include a number of internship and community service learning adventures.
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Advisement Recommendations
1. Students should enroll in JU 168H, Honors Colloquium, as soon as possible upon their arrival at JU. It is
slated to be offered in both Fall and Spring semesters.
2. Students in liberal arts and sciences majors should plan on taking a minimum of one 3-credit honors course
each semester.
3. Students with majors requiring more than 60 credits or those entering the program as sophomores or juniors
should try to enroll in two or more honors courses, particularly honors core courses, each semester during
their first and second years on campus. Given scheduling conflicts, it may not always be possible for
students to complete their majors and the University Honors Program. There is no penalty for failing to
complete the program.
4. A student in a major requiring more than 60 credits should meet with his or her advisor to design a
departmental honors thesis or creative work by the end of his or her second year, draft the thesis or project
proposal, form a departmental committee, and obtain approvals for the project from both the department and
the Honors Program director.
5. A student should enroll in his or her department’s senior thesis course and apply for university honors
credits through the Honors Program director.
6. Students should meet with their academic advisors AND with the the University Honors Program as they
plan their schedules.
7. Students are responsible for helping the director of the Honors Program maintain complete and current
records so that the director of the Honors Program can help them achieve their goals, including graduating
with University Honors. Students must provide copies of all documents related to their academic and
extracurricular progress, including Community Service Learning, for the Honors Program files.
8. Ordinarily, first-year students should not register for honors interdisciplinary seminars.
9. Students must enroll in and complete at least one internship opportunity to be eligible to graduate with
University Honors.
Regular Course Offerings:
Note: Any student with a 3.2 cumulative average or better may enroll in courses designated as Honors courses.
Others may enroll with permission of the instructor.
Each Fall and Spring honors sections of the following courses are usually offered.
CIS 150H Introduction to Computers
ECS 210H Principles of Macroeconomics
EH 103H English Composition
EH 203H Classics in World Literature
HUM 311H Ancient Cultures
HY 150H The Modern World
JU168H Honors Colloquium
PPY 101H Introduction to Philosophy
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Special Interdisciplinary Seminars
Each Fall and Spring (and occasionally in the Summer, usually in a study abroad program) interdisciplinary
honors seminars are offered. Some past seminars include, among many others:
ARH 365H Roman Art and Archeology
BLY 405H Human Ecology
BIOL 430H The Many Faces of AIDS
ENGL 378H Celtic Literature and Culture: Braveheart, Dragons, Leprechauns
ENGL 378H Mythology
ENGL 425H Cultural Politics of the Family
HIST 350H The US in World War II
MGT 310H Organizational Behavior
MUS 476H Mozart: The Man, the Music, and the Movie
POL 375H International Political Economy
PHIL 375H Philosophy of Law
SOC 400H Women in Society
Recent Course Offerings
Honors Colloquium (JU168H): This course is a one-credit Honors course, required of all students who participate in
the University Honors Program. The course is a workshop and discussion course focusing on identifying and
clarifying personal and cultural values through students’ attendance at campus and community events, readings, and
creation of a Personal and Professional Development Portfolio. Note: It does replace JU 101 for HonorS students.
Honors sections of English Composition, Modern World History, Classics of World Literature, Introduction to
Philosophy, Humanities, and Macroeconomics.
Interdisciplinary honors seminars: “The Many Faces of AIDS,” “Human Ecology,” “The Ethics of the Human
Genome Project,” “Cultural Politics of the Family,” “Mythology” “Organization Behavior,” and many others.
Departmental Honors courses: Special honors courses in communications, world literature, and nursing have
been offered. Honors Program students are encouraged to propose and conduct research projects within their
majors for up to 6 credit hours per semester. They may apply these credits simultaneously toward requirements
for “Departmental Honors” and “University Honors.” Every spring, a research symposium is sponsored for the
public presentation of the results of students’ research and creative projects.
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Honors Policies
To be “in good standing” as an Honors student:
1. A University Honors Program Acceptance Form must be filed with the Director of the Honors Program.
2. Academic Standards for Honors Fellows (Students who begin college at JU):
 Freshmen (0-28 credit hours) have a 3.2 cumulative average at the secondary level AND a combined SAT
score of 1220 or better or ACT score of 27 or better OR have a 3.2 cumulative average or above at JU.
 Sophomores (29 - 57 credit hours) have a 3.2 cumulative average or above AND have completed at least 7
Honors credits.
 Juniors (58 - 89 credit hours) have a 3.3 cumulative average or above AND have completed at least 13
Honors
credits.
 Seniors (90+ credit hours) have a 3.4 cumulative average or above AND have completed at least 19
Honors
credit hours with a 3.4 average in Honors courses.
3. Transfer Honors Fellows should meet requirements #1 and #2 above, AND have a cumulative average of 3.2 or
above AND be registered for at least 3 credit hours of Honors courses per semester at JU OR have completed all
requirements for graduating “with University Honors.”
4. Honors Students Association membership is expected. The bylaws of that organization require that to be in
good standing, a student must pay the $25 yearly dues, attend at least two meetings per semester, and participate in
the Honors Students Association activities (including the annual Summit and Community Service endeavors).
5. Orientation: Honors Fellows are expected to participate in the official University Honors orientation each year
to remain current with requirements and opportunities and to strengthen relationships with new and returning
University Honors Fellows.
6. Study Abroad: Honors Fellows are strongly advised to participate in at least one study abroad experience
through the JU International Education office.
To be “active” in the University Honors Program: Students who do not meet requirements for being “in good
standing” may still be “active” in the program (at the discretion of the Honors Director) unless their cumulative
average has fallen below a 3.0 for two consecutive semesters; however, they forfeit benefits (including priority
registration) available to students who are in good standing.
Special Benefit for Honors Students who are in good standing
Priority Registration—Returning students who have officially accepted the invitation to join the JU Honors
Program and who are currently in good standing in the Honors Program qualify for priority registration, which
begins at 8:30 a.m. the day before traditional registration. Some semesters have two priority days for Honors
student registration
Honors Students Association
Honors Students Association: This student club sponsors a variety of entertaining and educational activities
such as a Halloween party, guest speakers, an international summit focusing on one part of the world, and
forums on enrichment opportunities for honors students, as well as community service opportunities.
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Enrichment Activities
Honors Students Association: The Honors Students Association (HSA) is a student club open to all students
with very good academic records. Through this association students have the opportunity to meet and network
with other dedicated, talented students. During the semester, students will participate in community service
events, socials, and campus activities. The student who wishes to remain in good standing in the Honors
Program is expected to be a student in good standing in the Honors Students Association.
Social Events: The program sponsors various parties and social events for students in the Honors Program each
semester. Events may include: Halloween party, Christmas/Winter holiday party, swimming party,
Thanksgiving Dinner, etc.
Honors Program Website: Honors students have been assisting the JU Webmaster in building the Honors
Program website, with each eligible student entitled to a homepage on the campus network.
Trips: A select group of Honors students in good standing will be able to attend the Florida Collegiate Honors
Council (FCHC)conference held in February each year. Another opportunity is the Southern Regional Honors
Council conference held in the Spring term.
Interactions with Honors Students from Other Campuses: Membership in the National Collegiate Honors
Council (NCHC), entitles us to access to an honors listserve, where students and faculty can correspond with
other Honors students and faculty via the Internet.
Membership in Professional Organizations: Because Jacksonville University is a member of the Florida
Collegiate Honors Council (FCHC), Honors students in good standing are also members of this state
organization and entitled to list it on their resumes under “Professional Organizations.”
Writing Contest opportunities: The Florida Collegiate Honors Council funds a writing contest each year.
Categories include all genres: poetry, short fiction, critical thinking essays, research papers. First, second, and
third place winners earn cash awards. JU students have done very well in these contests. Other writing contests
are also available for Honors Students’ submissions.
Service-Learning Opportunities
Campus Kitchens: The Honors Students have adopted Campus Kitchens as an ongoing service-learning
commitment. Two days a week, Honors Students serve meals to residents of a local low-income housing
complex. In addition, Honors Students tutor children four days a week at the same complex.
Pop-tops Collection: The Honors Students collect the pop-tops from drink cans to donate to cancer patients
who can use them to defray much of the cost of chemotherapy treatments. The pop-tops are made of the grade
of aluminum used to make needles.
Pennies for Peace: This effort, founded by Greg Mortenson, raises pennies to build schools to educate children,
especially girls, in countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, where schools have been destroyed or
disbanded. For further information, go to the following website: http://www.threecupsoftea.com/how-tohelp/pennies-for-peace/
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Websites of Interest to Honors Students
National Collegiate Honors Council
National Council on Undergraduate Research
REU Research Experience for Undergraduates -- Every summer the National Science Foundation funds several
REU Programs at colleges and universities around the United States. Each undergraduate student who
participates in a REU Program is given the opportunity to work closely with faculty, post-docs, and graduate
students on research projects in all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Most sites pay stipends of
$1500 to $3000 to their participants. Some of the sites include room and board and travel allotments.
Southern Regional Honors Council
Swisher Library Scholarship Data Base -- The research librarian at JU has organized a rich list of graduate
scholarships. Many also have Internet links. You can locate this website at
http://junix.ju.edu/UserWebPages/djones1/fellowships.html.
Faculty
Faculty in all areas of the University teach Honors students, although most Honors courses are offered through
the College of Arts and Sciences.
Faculty Who Have Taught Honors Courses
Prof. Anne Acker, computer information systems
Dr. Carole Barnett, humanities
Dr. Ruby Borg, economics
Dr. Julie Brannon, English
Dr. John Buck, economics
Dr. Ray Clines, English
Dr. Erich Freiberger, philosophy
Dr. Dick Gibson, English
Dr. Janet Haavisto, English and director of the University Honors Program
Dr. Leigh Hart, nursing
Dr. Douglas Hazzard, Spanish
Dr. Robert Hollister, mathematics
Dr. Kay Hood, nursing
Dr. Karen Jackson, biology
Dr. Scott Kimbrough, philosophy
Dr. Steven MacIsaac, political science
Prof. Joy McConnell, nursing
Dr. Pat McLeod, English
Dr. Therese Vitrant-O’Connell
Dr. Ray Oldakowski, geography
Prof. Cheryl Sowder, art history
Dr. Barry Thornton, economics
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Dr. Elizabeth Porter, economics
Dr. Dennis Vincent, music
JU Semester in Washington D.C.
The University also offers students an opportunity to spend a semester in Washington D.C., interning in all
different areas of government and business through its affiliate, The Washington Center for Internships and
Seminars. The Washington Center’s program promotes future leadership for the public, private, and nonprofit
sectors of society. Sophomores and juniors are eligible if they have a 3.0 or higher cumulative average and
recommendations of faculty. Scholarships are often available through the Washington Center.
Grants Available to Honors Students & Faculty
Portz Fund grants, funded by the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), are available in the amounts of
$500 and $1,000 for innovative student-oriented projects. Funding deadlines are March 15, June 15, and
December 15 for $500 grants. September 15 is the deadline for the $1,000 grant. Contact, University Honors
Program, Washington State University, PO Box 645120, Pullman, WA 99164-5120 or email lawrencj@wsu.edu
for information and application.
National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
The primary objective of the national Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of
superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. Admission to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is by
invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter in accordance with the bylaws of both the
chapter and the national Society. Both require superior scholarship and good character as criteria for
membership. Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society, not an honorary society or fraternity. Membership is earned;
it is a true honor. The academic qualifications of Phi Kappa Phi at JU are as follow:
Standards for All Nominees
full-time students
at least 32 credit hours earned at JU
Standards for Juniors
have earned at least 75 credit hours
at least a 3.85 JU GPA and 3.85 cumulative GPA
Standards for Seniors (and December graduates)
at least a 3.75 JU GPA
at least a 3.75 cumulative GPA
The JU chapter was established in 1975. Many other honor societies based on a student’s major are also open
to excellent students.
Prestigious Fellowships & Scholarships
Prestigious fellowships are wonderful academic opportunities for sophomores and juniors, requiring the
applicant to be nominated by his or her university. Often they provide for a substantial scholarship and unique
academic opportunities. Generally, students should have above a 3.5 cumulative average and a strong academic
record to be nominated by JU. Each fellowship has unique selection criteria in addition to the academic standard
set by JU above. Here is a list of prestigious fellowships available to JU nominees:
Rhodes Scholarships
Mellon Scholarships
Truman Scholarships
Goldwater Scholarships
Udall Scholarships
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans (www.pdsoros.org)
Marshall Scholarships (www.britishcouncil-usa.org/usabms2.htm)
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Bryce Harlow Scholarships
The Washington Center
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships
Elizabeth Edgar Hall
Talbot Women’s Scholarships Fund
Rotary International
Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Beta Kappa
Engalitcheff Scholarships
Bowen Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarships
Every year seniors at American colleges and universities are nominated for the most prestigious fellowships, the
Rhodes Scholarships, which entitle them to two- to three-year appointment for advanced study at Oxford
University in England, including all tuition fees plus living and travel expenses. The Rhodes Scholarships are
the oldest international fellowships, with the United States authorized to endorse 32 Rhodes Scholars annually.
The criteria for the Rhodes Scholarships are as follow:
 literary and scholastic attainments
 fondness for and success in sports (desirable, but not essential)
 musical ability (desirable, but not essential)
 integrity, concern for others
 leadership
 physical vigor/energy
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