HONORS PROGRAM CONTRACT COURSE PROPOSAL
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Proposals must be submitted to the Honors Program Office
by the end of the third week of the semester to which the Contract applies.
[The information on this Contract Proposal Application must be typed or printed neatly.]
STUDENT INFORMATION
Name
Major/Minor/Specializations
Local Phone No.
Email
Class Standing (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
COURSE INFORMATION
Title
Dept.-Crs-Sec
Instructor
Department
Sem Hr
Semester (e.g. Spring 05)
Phone No.
Contract Proposal Title
Date Submitted
Target Date for Completion
SIGNATURES
Student Submitting Proposal
Date
Supervising Instructor (please read accompanying instructions)
Date
Honors Program Director
Date
 Approved
 Not Approved
COMMENTS/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS (requires Honors Program approval)
Honors Program Director
Date
HONORS PROGRAM USE
 Student Notified Proposal Received
Final Contract Course:
Date
 Approved  Not Approved
Honors Program Director
Date
 Student Notified Final Contract Course Approved/Not Approved
Date
See Instructions on # 2
Revised: Aug-12
PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
The complete proposal will consist of this form, a course syllabus, and typewritten proposal addressing each of the
six sections described below (two to five sentences for each point). The proposal should be organized according to
these points. There is neither a minimum nor a maximum number of pages—the clarity, content, and thoroughness
of the proposal are what will be evaluated.

Introduction: A description of the project, including the project’s goals and an explanation of how and to
what extent the project goes “above and beyond” the normal course requirements.

Methodology: A description of the methods to be used in completing the project. Include statements
addressing whether the methods used are also employed in the non-contracted portion of the course.

Resources: A description of the specifics regarding the types of resources to be used in completing the
project. Include a separate Bibliography/Literature Cited section in the proposal if necessary.

Timeline: A timeline for completion of the proposed project.

Assessment methods: A description of how the completed project will be assessed by the supervising
instructor for the purposed of potentially obtaining Honors credit. This section should be done in close
coordination with the supervising instructor.

Final presentation: A brief description of the form in which the final results of the project are to be
submitted for evaluation. Note that the final results should represent either a minimum 20-page research
paper or a project of equal value. Contact the Honors Program director to discuss equivalent alternatives if
required by the nature of the project.
PROPOSAL PREPARATION CHECKLIST
 The application form has been completed, including student and supervising instructor signatures.
 The written proposal includes each of the sections described above, is clearly written, and is detailed.
 The course syllabus has been attached to the completed proposal.
TO THE SUPERVISING INSTRUCTOR
Thank you for your willingness to serve as the supervising instructor for this Honors Contract.
Honors Contract courses are designed to allow students to gain Honors credit for courses that are not otherwise
designated as Honors, especially those in the student’s major program of study. The intent is to have the student go
“above and beyond” the normal course requirements under your supervision and with your guidance. A significant
component of the educational experience in a Contract course is the preparation of the proposal itself as a wellwritten proposal requires not just writing skills, but considerable critical thought and an understanding of the topic to
be addressed as well. Consequently, while it is expected that you will provide guidance, please ensure that the
proposal represents the student’s work.
Please note that the final grade for the course submitted to the University should be based on exactly the same
criteria applied to every student in the class and should not take the additional contracted work into account. The
contracted work is intended to qualify the student for Honors Program credit only, and should be assessed separately
from normal course requirements and on a credit-no credit basis.
Upon completion of the proposed project, the student will submit materials described in the proposal to you.
Following your evaluation of these materials, please provide the student with a signed memo stating your evaluation
of the completed Contract. This memo will be included by the student with the materials submitted to the Honors
Program and will be important to the evaluation of the Contract completion by that office.
Revised: Aug-12