The Higher Learning Commission

SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE HONORS PROGRAM

Members of the Subcommittee on the Honors Program:

Dr. Gorman L. Duffett, Director, Grasselli Library, Chair
Dr. Janet D. Larsen, Professor, Department of Psychology
Ms. Kate Mesch, Student
Dr. John S. McBratney, Associate Professor, Department of English

HONORS PROGRAM

The numbers of students who have been recruited into the Honors Program of John Carroll University have remained relatively constant since 1994 averaging about 200. Retention and graduation have also been constant and parallel to the general university. Together these factors would indicate a mature program that meets the goals of the University.

Criteria for admission to the program as a First Year student include: a score of at least 1270 on the SAT, a score of at least 28 on the ACT, an A- average in high school, a letter of recommendation, and an application that includes a writing sample. If the applicant to the Honors Program is already a JCU student, the applicant must have a 3.5 current average, a list of activities, a writing sample, and a letter of recommendation.

The Honors Program Bulletin and the Honors Program describe the philosophic basis of the Honors Program, its objectives, course offerings, programmatic efforts, and related information.

The report submitted to the University Planning Committee calls for more program-specific physical space, recruitment of minority students, and additional 300-level course work. Goals of the Honors Program submitted to the University Strategic Planning Committee reiterate these needs and call for greater visibility for the program.

The Honors Program Bulletin states the purposes and organization necessary to fulfill Criterion One of the North Central Criteria for Accreditation, which calls for clear and publicly stated purposes consistent with its mission and appropriate to an institution of higher education.

The faculty committee for the Honors Program monitors the management of the Program and provides input from the greater institution. The current committee includes: Dr. F. Komla, Classical and Modern Languages; Dr. Maryclaire Moroney, English; Dr. Douglas Norris, Mathematics; Dr. Lauren Bowen, Political Science; Dr. Richard Fleischman, Accountancy; Dr. Anne Kugler, History; Dr. Karen Schuela, Accountancy; and Dr. John Yost, Psychology. There is one vacancy on the committee. Physical and financial resources are sufficient for the students enrolled. These factors together satisfy Criterion Two.

Courses being offered in the Honors Program are outlined in the Honors Program Bulletin. These courses demand more active engagement in the course content, more theory, and more discussion. Cross-listed classes are offered and encouraged for Honors Program students due to unusual topics or instructional approaches to the topic.

Consistency of graduation and retention rates would indicate that Criterion Three is being met. Over the past five years, the Honors Program graduation rate has averaged 80.6% of those entering the program four years previously. Students are completing required courses with results that show their proficiency and competency. They must maintain a 3.5 average to stay in the program. Failures to maintain this average or to complete required courses are the main reasons for removal from the program.

Essentials for Criterion Four are in place, but concerns outlined by the program for better space, more diversity in the student body, more upper-level Honors Program course work, more attention to retention and greater visibility for the program, all show a need for greater resources than are currently available. The goals developed in December of 2000 set forth directions for future progress and assess the factors that will enhance or impede this progress. The Honors Program Bulletin provides evidence of meeting Criterion Five in very general terms. Such integrity in practice is part of the Jesuit and Catholic character of the University.

Comparing the 1994 Self Study Report with current realities reveals a continuing effort to establish a program staffed by outstanding faculty serving a consistently able group of students. Students and faculty continue to actively debate perceptions of elitism and student reluctance to enter the Program reflecting a healthy program aware of its strengths and possible weaknesses.



		SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE HONORS PROGRAM Members of the Subcommittee on the Honors Program: Dr. Gorman L. Duffett, Director, Grasselli Library, Chair Dr. Janet D. Larsen, Professor, Department of Psychology Ms. Kate Mesch, Student Dr. John S. McBratney, Associate Professor, Department of English HONORS PROGRAM The numbers of students who have been recruited into the Honors Program of John Carroll University have remained relatively constant since 1994 averaging about 200. Retention and graduation have also been constant and parallel to the general university. Together these factors would indicate a mature program that meets the goals of the University. Criteria for admission to the program as a First Year student include: a score of at least 1270 on the SAT, a score of at least 28 on the ACT, an A- average in high school, a letter of recommendation, and an application that includes a writing sample. If the applicant to the Honors Program is already a JCU student, the applicant must have a 3.5 current average, a list of activities, a writing sample, and a letter of recommendation. The Honors Program Bulletin and the Honors Program describe the philosophic basis of the Honors Program, its objectives, course offerings, programmatic efforts, and related information. The report submitted to the University Planning Committee calls for more program-specific physical space, recruitment of minority students, and additional 300-level course work. Goals of the Honors Program submitted to the University Strategic Planning Committee reiterate these needs and call for greater visibility for the program. The Honors Program Bulletin states the purposes and organization necessary to fulfill Criterion One of the North Central Criteria for Accreditation, which calls for clear and publicly stated purposes consistent with its mission and appropriate to an institution of higher education. The faculty committee for the Honors Program monitors the management of the Program and provides input from the greater institution. The current committee includes: Dr. F. Komla, Classical and Modern Languages; Dr. Maryclaire Moroney, English; Dr. Douglas Norris, Mathematics; Dr. Lauren Bowen, Political Science; Dr. Richard Fleischman, Accountancy; Dr. Anne Kugler, History; Dr. Karen Schuela, Accountancy; and Dr. John Yost, Psychology. There is one vacancy on the committee. Physical and financial resources are sufficient for the students enrolled. These factors together satisfy Criterion Two. Courses being offered in the Honors Program are outlined in the Honors Program Bulletin. These courses demand more active engagement in the course content, more theory, and more discussion. Cross-listed classes are offered and encouraged for Honors Program students due to unusual topics or instructional approaches to the topic. Consistency of graduation and retention rates would indicate that Criterion Three is being met. Over the past five years, the Honors Program graduation rate has averaged 80.6% of those entering the program four years previously. Students are completing required courses with results that show their proficiency and competency. They must maintain a 3.5 average to stay in the program. Failures to maintain this average or to complete required courses are the main reasons for removal from the program. Essentials for Criterion Four are in place, but concerns outlined by the program for better space, more diversity in the student body, more upper-level Honors Program course work, more attention to retention and greater visibility for the program, all show a need for greater resources than are currently available. The goals developed in December of 2000 set forth directions for future progress and assess the factors that will enhance or impede this progress. The Honors Program Bulletin provides evidence of meeting Criterion Five in very general terms. Such integrity in practice is part of the Jesuit and Catholic character of the University. Comparing the 1994 Self Study Report with current realities reveals a continuing effort to establish a program staffed by outstanding faculty serving a consistently able group of students. Students and faculty continue to actively debate perceptions of elitism and student reluctance to enter the Program reflecting a healthy program aware of its strengths and possible weaknesses. For comments or questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Swenson.