Shawnee State University's Honors Program

Shawnee State University has designed its Honors Program for students with exceptional academic ability and curiosity. The courses designated as fulfilling the Honors Program give these students unique opportunities for reflection, discussion, and investigation while also fulfilling certain standard graduation requirements. The program brings these students together in a challenging but supportive environment which nourishes their intellectual, social, and creative growth.

Honors Courses

Honors courses are specially designated sections of the General Education Program (GEP). Our Honors courses emphasize writing as well as critical and analytical thinking, and other skills relevant to the course. In addition, students are encouraged to think independently and creatively. Honors students graduating with a four-year degree are required to take six GEP Honors courses (18 semester hours). One of these must be Honors Senior Seminar, which focuses on a particular theme or problem and requires students to write a 20-page persuasive paper that addresses the theme or problem from contrasting perspectives. Honors students graduating with a two-year degree must take three (9 semester hours) GEP Honors courses.  Any SSU student with a minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher may register for an Honors course without officially joining the Honors Program, at the discretion of the instructor, provided there are sufficient places in the course for Honors students.

All incoming Honors students are also required to take Introduction to Honors, a course desgined to help Honors students transition into the University, learn what it means to be an Honors scholar, become acquainted with other Honors faculty, students and the director. The course is taught by Dr. Rhoni Maxwell-Rader, director of the Honors Program.

Honors Activities

The Honors Program offers several events, specifically designed for Honors students, each academic year. These events may focus on a theme or topic of interest or special significance or may be designed to provide an opportunity for enhancing the community of Honors students. Honors students are expected to participate in at least one Honors activity per year.

One special event is our Honors Orientation for incoming students. This event is held each year in August to introduce students to SSU, the Honors Program, Honors faculty and each other. Our orientation also coincides with early hall move-in. Students living on campus are permitted to move in earlier than other residence students, on the morning of Honors Orientation. Honors students may live in the Honors residence hall or other halls. Information about the Honors residence hall and Honors Orientation is mailed directly to incoming Honors students.

Honors Residence Hall

Beginning in fall 2011, our Honors Program began offering an Honors residence hall. Honors students are able to live on campus together in a living and learning community. Having the honors students living in the same complex allows students to bond with one another and to work together. During the 2011-12 academic year, the honors residence students assumed leadership of the University's reclycling program and hosted a number of events specifically designed for the residents. The hall also boasts a resident assistant (RA) who is in the Honors Program.

Honors Community Service

A vital part of the Honors Program is providing opportunities for our students to use their talents to make a difference in the community. Our honors students are required to complete six community service projects during their time at Shawnee (only three are required of those completing an associate's degree). Our program offers one sponsored project each term for which students can participate. As well, students can choose from projects on their own or secure projects using our University's community service office. Our hope is that our students will continue to be involved in their communities beyond the Honors requirement and graduation.

Honors Program Admission Requirements

Admission as a Freshman. Admission into the Honors Program is selective and attempts to build a community that has the characteristics of a selective admission college or university within the larger population of Shawnee State.

Incoming freshmen students who have applied for or accepted admission at SSU may be offered admission in the Honors Program under the following  criteria:
• Evidence of significant scholarly achievement in high school (generally in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class or a high school GPA of 3.5  and above);
• Or a score of 26 or above on the ACT or combined 1,290 on the SAT

Transfer Admission. Students who have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.3 at another institution of higher education may be offered admission into the Honors Program. Transfer students who have taken relevant Honors courses at other institutions may request that up to 9 hours of appropriate classes be applied to the Honors Program at the discretion of the program director or the provost. At least 9 hours of Honors coursework must be completed at Shawnee State.

Admission of Current SSU Students. Any Shawnee State student with a minimum GPA of 3.3 may be admitted into the Honors Program.

Honors Graduation Requirements

Honors Program Certificate for Bachelor's Degrees. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 and satisfactorily complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of specially designated Honors sections of the GEP and/or Honors Contracts. Nine hours, which must include Honors Senior Seminar, must be completed at Shawnee State University and cannot be transferred in. As well, students must have completed six community service projects and required reflections assignments.
Honors Program Certificate for Associate Degrees. Students are required to satisfactorily complete any 9 hours of specially designated Honors sections of the GEP and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 at Shawnee State. As well, students must have completed three community service projects and required reflections assignments.

Contact Information

Rhoni Maxwell-Rader, Director, Honors Program, Department of Social Sciences, Massie 234 or Phone 740.351.3094.

Susan Montavon, Administrative Secretary, Office of the Provost, Massie 124 or phone 740.351.3177.