Radford University
Undergraduate Catalog
for 1999-00
HONORS ACADEMY
Dr. Janette Newhouse, Director
Buchanan House, (540) 831-6125
The Honors Academy is a Center of Excellence at Radford University that
provides academic opportunities for talented students and recognizes outstanding
student achievement.
Each semester the Honors Academy offers courses that are limited in size,
populated by exceptional students, and taught by faculty members dedicated
to designing enriched classes that engage students actively with content
and colleagues. Honors Academy courses emphasize critical thinking and excellence
in written and oral communication.
For information about courses in a given semester, students should consult
the Honors Academy's class schedule and the University's schedule of classes
in both the honors section and in individual department sections.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment in honors sections is limited to students described below.
New freshman whose high school transcripts indicate the potential for academic
success are invited to enroll in honors classes. Transfer students and current
Radford University students who have demonstrated academic excellence are
invited to apply for admission to the Academy and to enroll in honors courses.
Highlander Scholars who have already been admitted to the Academy may enroll.
Finally, any other student who has written permission from the course instructor
may enroll.
HIGHLANDER SCHOLARS
Students who are admitted to the Honors Academy are Highlander Scholars.
These exceptional students design an Honors Plan of Study (HPS) in collaboration
with their academic adviser (s). The plan of study requires a minimum of
27 hours of honors courses and is subject to the approval of the appropriate
department chair(s) and the Honors Academy Advisory Group. The courses include
General Education courses, a departmental component, and a capstone project.
The Honors Plan of Study is flexible, is compatible with course requirements
in every department, and can accommodate a dual major.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Students may apply to the Academy after their first semester at Radford
University. To be considered for admission, the following grade point averages
are required: 3.0 for freshman, 3.3 for sophomore class standing, 3.4 for
junior class standing, and 3.5 for senior class standing. Moreover, at the
time of admission, students must demonstrate the potential to complete Honors
Academy requirements. Other criteria for admission can be found on the application
form.
To retain their status in the program, highlander Scholars must continue
to meet eligibility requirements and make satisfactory progress toward completing
the Academy's graduation requirements.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
To graduate from the Honors Academy as a Highlander Scholar, students
must have a minimum of 3.5 overall GPA and complete at least 27 hours of
coursework in accordance with the requirements listed below:
*6-12 hours of General Education
12-15 hours of honors in the major related courses as determined by the
HPS
**3-6 hours in a capstone project
* A student may transfer a maximum of 12 hours of General Education honors
or honors-equivalent courses into the Academy.
**Students are required to present the results of the capstone project at
the Undergraduate Forum, which is a university-wide opportunity held each
year in April for students to share publicly their scholarly and creative
accomplishments.
For further information regarding requirements, deadlines, forms, instructions
for honors work in the major, and the capstone project visit the Honors
Academy Office located in the Buchanan House.
SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENT
A joint effort between Honors Academy and Residential Life has created
a learning community on the second floor of Pocahontas Hall. The residential
component will offer the opportunity for a select group of exceptional students
to form a community. Students residing on the Honors Academy floor will
have access to Ethernet connections in each room, a common lounge, and a
resident adviser who is a member of the Honors Academy.
GRADUATION WITH HONORS
Radford University awards two types of Honors degrees, Latin Honors
and Honors in the major through the Honors Academy.
Graduation with Latin Honors is a function of earning the requisite cumulative
grade point average. Students whose cumulative grade point average in all
courses attempted at Radford University is greater than or equal to 3.50,
but less than 3.70, will be graduated with cum laude. Those whose cumulative
grade point average is greater than or equal to 3.70, but less than 3.85,
will be graduated Magna Cum Laude. Those whose cumulative grade point average
is 3.85 or greater will be graduated summa cum laude. To be eligible to
receive Honors, a student must have earned a minimum of 60 semester hours
at Radford University.
Graduation with Honors in the major through the Honors Academy requires
the development of an Honors Plan of Studies, earning a 3.5 cumulative grade
point average, completing Honors courses in General Education and the major,
and completing a senior capstone project. A student who successfully completes
the Honors Academy requirements will receive a bachelor's degree with Honors
in the Major.
Honors Academy
The Honors Academy provides a stimulating academic environment and intellectual
challenges for students and faculty. Emphasizing enrichment through small
classes and active class participation, the Honors Academy focuses on the
development of analytical and synthesizing skills and excellence in written
and oral communication. Through the Honors Academy and the development of
an Honors Plan of Study students can shape and enhance their learning as
they interact with peers and faculty within the Academy.
Students who wish to learn more about the Honors Academy are invited to
visit the Academy office in the Buchanan House or call the Honors Academy
Director, Dr. Janette K. Newhouse, Professor of Educational Studies at (540)
831-6125.
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