College Honors: Frequently Asked Questions
How are students admitted into the program?
Most students are admitted as incoming First Year students prior to their attendance at RCNJ. Admission is based on both past performance and the potential the student has for being an intellectually independent and engaged learner. Grades and scores are indicators of performance but not sufficient for admission to the program. The application process for all students includes data regarding prior GPA or RCNJ GPA, and a writing sample - preferably a portfolio style assignment previously completed. One-third of our students are Transfer Students or Continuing RCNJ students. Students currently at RCNJ are also required to submit two faculty recommendations. Under the new Fall 2009 curriculum, Continuing students or Transfers must apply in time to begin the program when they still have four remaining terms here. Any student may request an interview of s/he decides this would enhance the review of their application.
What is required for an Honors Project or Honors in the Major Project?
The goal of the project includes especially the goal of developing in students the recognition of the value of intellectual mentorship and to become comfortable with that process as well as for the student to initiate research or experiential work, critically share their work and produce work of publishable quality that the student is able to present in an articulate manner to a diverse intellectual audience. Ideally, students would have been narrowing and defining their project ideas throughout either the H-Option of the current program or within the curriculum and mentoring of the program commencing Fall 2009.
What is an H-Option?
This is the Honors-Option available under the current program and to all students admitted prior to Fall 2009. Students may complete three H-Options in courses "related to their major" and receive an Honors Certificate. One of these courses may be a 200 level course. The others would be 300 or 400 level.
What is the learning goal for the H-Option?
The student and faculty mentor come to an agreement for work necessary to fulfill the H-Option that is both related to the course in which the student is enrolled and, equally importantly, related to the student's long-term learning goals. For a College Honors student this can be related to narrowing or defining his/her Honors Project which would usually be completed in the last two semesters of study at RCNJ, or could be an extension of student initiated research of interest for a graduate school portfolio or employment in a particular field. The work performed for the class, including the H-Option must be "A" or "A-" quality, corresponding to a "H+" or "H" grade. Otherwise, a regular letter grade is awarded. A written contract must be submitted by the student & faculty mentor and approved by the Director so that the Registrar allows the H grading option for online grading.
What is the role of a Mentor?
Commencing Fall 2009, all College Honors students will also have a faculty Mentor to guide their progress in the program. Mentors must have some knowledge of the student's chosen field of study sufficient to meaningfully advise on career or graduate school options. Most importantly the Mentor must be willing to devote time and resources to the development of a future professional colleague. The Mentor must communicate with the student in a candid and honest manner, providing constructive advice on a regular basis. The Mentor must be willing to hold the student to high standards of academic work.
What are Faculty Readers?
For completion of the Honors Project and Honors in the Major, two additional Readers are required to assist the Faculty Sponsor in assessing the work of a particular student. These Readers are selected by the Faculty Sponsor and student in consultation. Often these Readers provide competence in disciplines outside the field of the Faculty Sponsor but related to the work of the student, especially in the case of double majors or minors.
