James Scholar Honors Program

Since at least the 1950's the University of Illinois has encouraged outstanding undergraduate students by offering participation in the Edmund James Scholar Program.  The program has changed over the years.  At present, each college has a James Scholar Program -- a college-level undergraduate honors program. The programs are named for the fourth president of the University of Illinois , Edmund J. James. James believed scholarship and research are fundamental to human progress, and in the years of his presidency, from 1904-1920, he brought world-class scholars and researchers to the campus, developed many new graduate programs, and fostered a sense of community among faculty and students. His achievements helped to transform the University of Illinois into a campus of international importance.

The Division of General Studies has developed its James Scholar Honors Program to allow students to transfer their honors requirements to all Colleges across campus once they declare a major.


Becoming a James Scholar

Approximately 200 freshmen will enter the Division of General Studies (DGS) as James Scholars students, based on an evaluation of their admissions application.

Students who do not enter the DGS as freshmen James Scholars may nominate themselves for the James Scholar Program at the beginning of their second semester or the beginning of their third semester. Continuing or transfer students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are qualified to self-nominate for the James Scholar Program.

James Scholar students who transfer into DGS from other Colleges on campus maintain their James Scholar designation, assuming that all requirements were met through their previous College.


Benefits of the Program

•    In-depth exploration of the subject areas that fascinate you
•    Learn more about your passions and interests
•    Be involved in original research and work one-on-one with faculty members
•    Service learning activities and active engagement in the community around you
•    Enjoy benefits like early priority registration and recognition at graduation
•    Be part of a campus community committed to helping you realize your potential—academically and
     as a future leader


Components of the Program

Starting in the Fall 2008 semester, incoming DGS James Scholars will enroll in a Fall semester seminar course, GS 102, that will introduce students to the honors experience at Illinois as well as provide opportunities for diverse engagement in their first semester.

Continuing DGS James Scholar students will have special access to honors sections of popular courses offered at Illinois. Additionally, James Scholar students are able to “upgrade” any class to fulfill their honors requirement for the semester. This is accomplished by contacting a course instructor about your interests and agreeing to complete an Honors Credit Learning Agreement (HCLA). Students are required to complete additional course-related assignments, research, service learning activities, or projects that enrich the learning experience.

Students will receive transcript notation of the honors credit for the completion of these courses.


Maintaining James Scholar Status

Students must maintain a semester and cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 to maintain eligibility for the James Scholar Program.

Once a James Scholar student declares a major, he or she will be held to the standards of their admitting College. Note that each College administers their program requirements differently. Students should meet with their DGS academic advisor to discuss their intended major and the James Scholar Program requirements of the corresponding College.

James Scholar Program requirements by College:
   Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
   Applied Health Sciences
   Business
   Media (formerly Communications)
   Education
   Engineering
   Fine and Applied Arts
   Liberal Arts and Sciences


For more information on the DGS James Scholar Honors Program:
View the DGS James Scholar FAQ sheet (need Adobe Reader to view)


Questions about our Honors Programs? Contact:

Chris Armstrong Assistant Director Admissions, Honors, and Scholarships Division of General Studies Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services 217.333.4710 cmarmstr@uiuc.edu