They are presented with intellectual and academic challenges through sharing specially designed classes with other students of outstanding potential. These small classes are composed of highly motivated learners and provide a special atmosphere in which important questions and student ideas are treated seriously. There are also some practical benefits from participation in the Honors Program. Each student has the assistance of a specially assigned Honors Program advisor who monitors his or her progress each semester. Advisors provide guidance in selecting courses, preparing for graduate studies, and for any additional individual planning.
Students also benefit by participating in specially planned activities, lectures, and social events.
Trips to the Art Institute in Chicago and to see the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., are annual occurrences. Honors Program students may be given precedence in registration for certain classes. Freshmen gain the opportunity to apply to the Honors Living Centers, if they wish, without being required to participate in the housing lottery. The Honors Program requires not only a high grade point average, but also successful completion of a special series of challenging courses. Students in such major areas have a preplanned course program which includes not only their Honors Program requirements but many of their basic major requirements as well, offered in separately arranged Honors Designate sections of basic courses.