What is an Honors College Contract?

Honors Contracts are advanced academic agreements between students, faculty, and the Honors College that provide an opportunity for students to engage in in-depth, independent study or research projects within their chosen discipline. These contracts are typically designed for undergraduate students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and are seeking additional intellectual challenges and opportunities. Upper-level courses are those within the 3000 and 4000 levels. No more than two contracts can be completed within a single semester.

Honors Contracts provide motivated and academically driven students with an enriched academic experience that fosters intellectual growth, independent research skills, and specialized knowledge in their chosen discipline. They offer a platform for students to pursue their intellectual passions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field while receiving mentorship and recognition from the Honors College and faculty advisors.

Key features and benefits of Honors Contracts:

  • The Honors Contract does not affect the student’s grade in the course. To receive honors credit for the course, the student must complete the contract satisfactorily and earn an A or B in the course. If a student does not complete the work specified in the contract, they do not receive honors credit, but the course grade is not affected. Upon the completion of the contract, the Honors Office notifies the Registrar to add the “honors” notation to the course if the contract has been successfully completed.
  • Honors Contracts involve close collaboration with a faculty mentor. This mentorship provides valuable guidance, expertise, and support throughout the project. The faculty mentor helps students refine their research objectives, navigate the research process, and provide feedback and mentorship to ensure academic rigor and success.
  • Engaging in an Honors Contract cultivates and enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Students learn to independently navigate scholarly literature, collect and analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. These skills are highly valued in academic and professional settings and contribute to students’ overall intellectual development.
  • Completing an Honors Contract project may provide opportunities for students to present their research findings at conferences, publish their work in scholarly journals, or participate in other professional development activities. These experiences contribute to students’ networking, establish connections with experts in their field, and enhance their credentials for future academic pursuits or professional careers.

Where do I find the Contract Proposal Form?

Current Honors students can access the “Contract Proposal” form in the Honors College Canvas Community. The “Contract Proposal” form must be completed by the student.

For the contract proposal, give as much detail as possible. Avoid overly general descriptions, such as “student will write an extra paper.” If your contract description is too general, it will be returned to you for revision.

What final form should the contract take?

That is between you and your instructor, although you may contact the Honors College with any questions or concerns you might have.

What courses can be used for contracts?

Any 3000-level or above course. Please note that courses in which an Honors section is already offered are ineligible for Honors contracts. Additionally, contracts are projects that can only be completed in courses in which you are currently enrolled, working directly with the professor teaching the course.

How do I choose a course to contract, and how do I get the instructor to agree to the contract?

You should try to choose courses that interest you and for which contracts will be real benefits to you. Regardless, you need to form a general idea of what a contract project might be (or at least be able to tell the professor which course topics you find particularly interesting). Don’t approach a professor without any ideas. When you have a basic contract idea, approach your instructor and, if necessary, explain what a contract is. Do your best to design a contract topic that is interesting and useful for both you and your instructor.

Is it possible to contract a course over the summer, during a study abroad, or in an 8-week course?

Students who have extenuating circumstances (e.g., are graduating early or started the Honors College after their first semester) might be able to contract a summer or 8-week course, but only with the Dean’s approval. You must schedule an appointment with the Dean prior to the summer session or the start of the 8-week course to discuss the additional requirements needed to complete a summer or 8-week contract. Any contract forms submitted for a summer or 8-week course will not be considered if you have not received prior approval.

Additionally, students may contract one study abroad course for Honors credit with prior approval from the Dean.

What is the difference between an Honors Contract and an Honors Thesis?

An Honors Contract is appended to an existing non-honors course. An Honors Thesis is a research project that requires extensive reading, writing, and experimentation and extends two or more semesters.