Honors FAQs

The Denison University Honors Program is open to members of the Classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012 with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher. Students in the Classes of 2013 and higher are not eligible to participate in the Honors Seminars but are welcome to attend events sponsored by the Honors Program, and are encouraged to seek assistance with national and international prestigious scholarships and fellowships.

Eligibility

+ What GPA is needed to maintain eligibility for the Honors Program?

For the Classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012, the required cumulative GPA is 3.6. For the Class of 2013 and after are not eligible to participate.

+ What happens if my GPA drops below the minimum requirement? Am I out of the Honors Program permanently?

When a student’s cumulative GPA drops below the minimum required, the student is technically ineligible to participate in the Honors Program, and will be removed from the email list.

+ If I register for an Honors seminar for the coming semester, and my GPA at the end of the current semester falls below the minimum, will I be "kicked out" of the Honors seminar?

No, if you are eligible at the time you enrolled in the seminar, you will be allowed to remain if you choose.

+ If I'm just below the GPA cutoff, is there any way to enroll in an Honors seminar?

Yes. Professors are given the discretion to admit non-Honors students into Honors seminars on a space available basis and if they believe the student has a genuine interest in the course. A non-Honors student may contact the professor teaching the Honors seminar for permission to enroll, which is normally given by the professor’s initials on a drop/add slip for the Registrar

Graduating from the Honors Program

+ What is the difference between graduating "with Honors" and graduating "in the Honors Program"?

Graduating “with Honors” (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude – commonly known as Latin Honors) is based solely on your cumulative GPA (3.6, 3.75, 3.9, respectively). You can achieve this without ever participating in the Honors Program in any way.

Graduating “in the Honors Program” requires that you take four Honors seminars during your Denison career, maintain a 3.6 cumulative GPA, and complete a senior Honors research project. You must also file paperwork declaring your intention to do this.

+ What do I need to do to graduate in the Honors Program?

Graduating “in the Honors Program” requires that you take four Honors seminars during your Denison career, maintain a 3.6 cumulative GPA, and complete a senior Honors research project. You must also file paperwork declaring your intention to do this.

+ By when do I need to make my decision to do this?

You must file your paperwork by January 31st of your senior year.

+ Where can I get the form to declare my intention to graduate in the Honors Program?

The forms are available in Gilpatrick House and are in a manila envelope hanging on the bulletin board next to Cookie’s office door.

+ When is the declaration form due?

The form is due by January 31st of your senior year.

+ If I turn in the declaration form, does that mean I must do everything to graduate in the Program?

No, it is only saying that you hope to do this. Most often when you file the form, you have not taken all four Honors seminar, nor do you know the title of your senior research. The forms are returned to you in spring term of your senior year for completion. If at that time you have not completed all the requirements, you simply notify the Honors Program that you are not eligible to graduate in the Program.

Although Honors Projects ceased at Denison with the Class of 2009, Honors students wishing to graduate “in the Honors Program” must continue to engage in year-long senior research in their major department(s); this has traditionally been fall-spring, but, in some cases, and with Honors Committee approval, this could include spring-fall or Summer Scholar-fall options.  Students must select a faculty supervisor for senior research from their major department(s); however, we also encourage, but do not require, students to seek a second faculty reader, with appropriate expertise, from another department.  This second reader will offer suggestions and critique to strengthen the project, but will not be involved in grading student work.

If you have questions about senior research options, please contact the Honors Program Office at x6573.

Extracurricular events

+ How can I join the Honors Social Committee?

Just come to a meeting when it’s announced. Everyone is welcome!

+ Can I still come to Honors extracurricular events even if I’m not in the Honors Program?

Yes, we don’t check your transcript when you sign up!

+ Can I bring a friend who is not in the Honors Program to a cultural event, like the Broadway Series productions, operas, and ballets?

Yes, for most events. Occasionally, there is an event with limited tickets that is open only to Honors students.

+ How can I qualify for a free ticket to the cultural events?

Get your defensive driving certification and offer to drive one of the 12-passenger vans!

+ How many Chowder Hours can I attend each semester?

Since we offer only three per term, we ask that you come to only one. The exception to this is if one doesn’t fill, then we open it up to those who have previously attended.

+ How can I be removed from the Honors mailing list?

Just send an email to sunkle@denison.edu and you will be removed. However, this will keep you from getting notice of any extracurricular events, scholarship information, and reminders on how to graduate in the Honors Program. So don't complain if you miss out on something good!