Division of University Studies

Division of University Studies

The Division of University Studies brings together a range of interdisciplinary majors and minors for hands-on, project-based learning experiences that develop critical skills and knowledge need for success after graduation. Courses in our programs are taught by accomplished faculty and staff. 

 

The University Honors Program

The University Honors Program offers a social and academic community for qualifying students who seek to enhance their classroom and co-curricular experiences. As a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), the national organizing body for college and university Honors, we seek to enrich the RWU experience by:

• Providing opportunities to achieve excellence through intellectual and creative scholarship
• Fostering citizenship and social responsibility through leadership in and engagement with local and global communities

The University Honors Program prepares students through engaged scholarship, service, and leadership. The curriculum focuses on civic action and reflection, delivered through academic and co-curricular experiences and the practice of civil discourse.

Membership and Eligibility

Any prospective or current RWU undergraduate student meeting the established criteria for academic excellence may be eligible for the University Honors Program. For further information, please contact the Honors Program Director, Dr. Jeremy M. Campbell (jmcampbell@rwu.edu, 401-254-3583).

Prospective students who complete the Honors Program application (included within the Common App) will be considered for admission into the program. Applicants minimally have earned cumulative averages of a B+ in major subjects and demonstrate a strong interest in being a member of the RWU Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC). The selection committee also considers the number of honors and advanced placement courses taken in high school, academic recognition, community service experience, and extra-curricular activities.

Currently enrolled Roger Williams University students performing with academic distinction within their first two semesters are encouraged to apply provided they are able to complete all program requirements through their remaining course of study. Transfer students of academic distinction may also apply for Honors Program membership.

As the university’s first Living-Learning Community, the program provides an Honors residence housing, including quiet study areas and an activities and seminar space. Co-curricular opportunities and cultural events supplement students’ coursework and academic requirements. Official transcripts awarded to Honors students document their completion of this prestigious and rewarding program.

The Honors Curriculum and Program Requirements

The Honors Program Curriculum consists of 1) Required HONR courses, 2) Optional Honors-designated courses, 3) the Honors Community Engagement requirement, and 4) the Honors Capstone requirements.  All students must also meet requirements for the University Core Curriculum and for their majors, minors, and Core Concentrations. (Note: Students admitted to the Honors program after their first semester at RWU or as transfer students will work with the Honors Director to determine an appropriate curriculum.)

For graduation with Honors, students must plan their course of study to complete a minimum of 18 credits across Groups A-D as follows:

A.  Students are required to take the following (10 credits):

HONR 100       1 credit             Foundations of Honors

HONR 102       3 credits           Honors Challenges of Democracy-counts in the University’s Core curriculum

HONR 103       3 credits           Honors Human Behavior in Perspective-counts in the University’s Core curriculum

HONR 104        3 credits           Honors Literature, Philosophy, and the Examined Life-counts in the University’s Core curriculum

B.  Students choose at least 6 Honors credits from the following:

HONR 101        4 credits           Honors Scientific Investigations-counts in the University’s Core curriculum

HONR 105        3 credits           Honors Aesthetics in Context: The Artistic Impulse-counts in the University’s Core curriculum

HONR 220        1-3 credits       Place as Text

HONR 400        1 credit            Honors Capstone Seminar

HONR 430        1-3 credits       Special Topics Seminar

Any other Honors-designated course (denoted by an HONR course number or Honors course title)

Or, students may contract a course in the CORE or WTNG curriculum using the Honors Contract.

C.  Students complete an approved, academic Community Engagement Project within the final two years of their course of study.  This requirement may be fulfilled by completing one of the following courses:

HONR 300        0-3 credits       Community Engagement Seminar

HONR 350        0-3 credits       Honors CPC Project

HONR 375        0-3 credits       Independent Community Engagement Project

Or, students may petition for a substitution with a course from within a major or discipline.

D. Students complete an Honors Capstone project within the final two years of their course of study (1 credit). 

The Honors Capstone Project includes a) an approved Senior Capstone Project within one or more disciplines, b) a corresponding Honors Capstone Reflection, and c) a formal presentation at one of the Honors Senior SASH symposia (or equivalent).   The Senior Capstone Project must be conducted within one or more credit-bearing courses (e.g., a thesis, studio, project-based, or independent study course) and be pre-approved by the Honors Program and a faculty capstone mentor.  One credit from the capstone course(s) will count towards the 18 Honors credit requirement.

Academic standards and policies for the Honors Program

To remain in good standing with the program, an Honors Program student:

• maintains a cumulative 3.3 GPA throughout their time at the university
• completes all or any allowed combination of the Honors Curriculum, as defined above
• satisfies the Honors Community Engagement Requirement prior to the senior year
• fulfills the Honors Senior Capstone Requirement
• demonstrates engagement in Honors coursework and co-curricular activities
• models university standards for academic integrity and student conduct

The Honors Program Director, working with the Honors Program Academic Standards and Policies Committee, reviews students’ academic progress and compliance with these academic standards each semester. Students failing to meet expectations are notified by letter, and placed on Honors academic probation. Students assigned to the Honors probationary status are required to meet with the Honors Director to discuss the circumstances of the student’s probation and the corresponding remediation plan. If the remediation plan requires more than one year to return the student to good standing, students must apply for an extended probation via an academic appeal to the Honors Academic Standards and Policies Committee to avoid termination from the program.

Academic appeals and substitutions

Students may appeal for exemptions or substitutions of Honors Program academic standards and requirements through the Honors Academic Standards and Policies Committee. Copies of the appeal applications are available in the Honors Program office.

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