Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Applications are reviewed holistically, so we consider your academic record, faculty recommendations, and goals, not just your GPA. Exceptions are regularly made for students who are otherwise outstanding or well recommended, and all interested students are encouraged to apply. We do generally look for students who are college-ready in reading, writing, and math, but current or past developmental coursework doesn't automatically rule you out. If your academic history is still limited, the Program Coordinator may ask to meet with you to talk through your readiness.

First, apply to the Honors Program. Once you’re admitted, an indicator is placed on your student account showing that you're eligible for Honors coursework and contracts. However, the indicator doesn’t let you add Honors courses on your own. You still have to be added manually, which can happen in one of two ways:

• Your regular academic advisor can help you register for Honors sections.
• The Honors office can register you, or move you from a regular section into an Honors section, after a meeting with us.

Meeting with the Honors office doesn't replace your regular academic advising, so be sure to still see your advisor. Current Honors course offerings are listed under "Documents" in the left-hand menu.

No. Many students take a single Honors course or complete one contract without pursuing the full program, and that's perfectly fine. Every Honors course or contract you complete is noted on your transcript, makes you eligible for Honors scholarships, and counts toward a graduation cord after a year of active participation. Completing the full program (15 credit hours of Honors coursework or contracts) earns additional recognition, but it's entirely optional.

No. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year college students, with its own membership requirements and fees, and a separate chapter here at Lee College. The Honors Program is an academic program run by the college, built around Honors coursework and contracts. You're welcome to participate in both! If you have questions about Phi Theta Kappa, please contact the chapter advisor, Sherilyn Reynolds, at sreynolds@lee.edu.

Invitations from other honor societies are likewise separate from, and not affiliated with, the Lee College Honors Program.

Honors course offerings change each semester, so check the current list under "Documents" in the left-hand menu. If the course you're interested in isn't offered in an Honors section, you may still be able to earn Honors credit through an Honors Contract (see below). Summer courses are eligible for contracts too.

First, make sure you've been admitted to the Honors Program, since contracts are open only to admitted students. Then talk with your instructor early in the semester and let them know in writing (an email works) that you'd like to pursue a contract. Together, you'll design a project that goes beyond the regular course requirements and complete the Honors Contract form, available under "Documents." To earn Honors credit, you'll need to:

• earn a B or better in the course;
• complete your project on the timeline you agree on, no later than the end of the following long semester;
• meet with your instructor at least twice outside of class.

Your finished project is reviewed by two additional faculty members or experts in the discipline. If you change your mind along the way, you can return to the standard course requirements at any time without penalty. For the full process, see Section 3.3 of the Honors Program Handbook.

Yes, with a few things to keep in mind. Honors courses and the Honors Seminar aren’t currently offered online, so online students earn Honors credit through Honors Contracts in their regular courses.

This path puts more responsibility on you as the student. Contracts require at least two synchronous meetings with your instructor, so you'll need to be available for real-time conversations, whether by video call, phone, or in person. You'll also need to take the lead in reaching out to your instructor and keeping communication going throughout the semester. Keep in mind, too, that taking on a contract is always at the instructor’s discretion, and many online courses are taught by part-time faculty whose availability may vary, so it's a good idea to ask early.

Otherwise, the same program policies apply to you as to any Honors student. You become eligible for Honors scholarships once you’ve completed a contract, and you can earn the same recognition, including transcript notations, a graduation cord, and the Honors medallion. You’re also welcome to join our events and extracurricular activities, though many of these take place in person on campus.

If you're an online student interested in Honors, we encourage you to reach out to the Program Coordinator early so we can help you plan.

Dual Credit students are welcome to apply, and many dual credit students who take courses in person on our main campus have been very successful in the program! Dual Credit applicants are held to the same admission standards as any other applicant, and interest alone doesn't guarantee admission. Eligibility also depends on your individual circumstances, including where and how your courses are taught. For example, taking dual credit courses off campus or entirely online introduces some additional considerations. Please reach out to the Program Coordinator to talk through whether Honors is a good fit for you right now.

No. Your eligibility depends on your Honors coursework or contracts and on staying in good academic standing, not on extracurricular participation. That said, we hope you'll join us! Events, trips, service opportunities, and the Student Honors Council are some of the best parts of being in Honors, and they're a great way to get to know other students and faculty.