Honors Seminar Proposals
Faculty are invited to submit proposals to teach University Honors seminars in 2012-13, for fall and spring semesters.
The University Honors Program (UHP) comprises the top 7% of UC undergraduate students, from across colleges and disciplines. Admission is very competitive, with entering students having an average ACT score of over 31.
The UHP provides an academically challenging environment in which students are inspired to learn more, experience more and be more. Students are challenged through honors seminars and experiential learning projects focused on:
- Community engagement
- Global studies
- Leadership
- Research and creative arts
Honors seminars are the backbone of the UHP curriculum and are critical to our student's experience and success. Therefore, faculty from across UC's colleges are engaged in teaching honors seminars. Faculty from all disciplines are invited to submit proposals!
Semester Guidelines and Proposal
Download the proposal (MS Word)
Download the proposal (PDF)
Download the guidelines (PDF)
Compensation - $6000 per honors seminar + PBB funds
University Honors has increased the compensation paid to departments for honors seminars. For each course accepted and offered in semesters, the originating department will receive a $6000 payment from University Honors (increased from $2000). In the case of a team-taught course, up to $8000 (increased from $2500) will be split amongst participating departments.
In addition, performance based budgeting (PBB) plays a role. University Honors students come from all of the undergraduate colleges. Therefore, students from across colleges will enroll. Typically, 2/3 of students in each honors seminar will likely originate from a different college.
Under PBB in 2011-12 on quarters, the college listing the course receives $145 per student credit hour for students who are majors in other colleges. With a class of 20 students, if 2/3 (13) are from outside the listing college, then the college could generate $5655 additional dollars (13*$145*3credits).
The semester rate for PBB has not yet been announced.
Semester Pedagogy and Structure
Honors seminars challenge and broaden the intellectual horizons of University Honors students at all levels, regardless of the disciplines in which students are majoring. Honors seminars are expected to align with one or more of the thematic areas - community engagement, global studies, leadership, and research and creative arts. Honors seminars are also expected to engage students in experiential learning, challenging students with creative projects and experiences that take learning beyond the typical classroom. Learn more about honors seminar pedagogy, content and structure.
Resources
See examples of honors seminars (PDF).
View quarterly listings of honors seminars.
View honors seminars with study tour components.
Proposal Review & Selection Process
Proposals are evaluated by a subcommittee of the Honors Council, comprised of faculty and students from across colleges. Criteria for selection will focus on how well the course meets the guidelines, especially related to experiential learning and the thematic areas. The number of courses accepted is based on budget. We anticipate being able to fund 25-30 courses each year. We typically receive 40-60 proposals.
Deadline and Submission
Proposals are due on Monday, December 5, 2011. Please submit the following via email to honors@uc.edu:
- Completed proposal form (submit as a pdf when possible)
- Course syllabus (submit as a pdf when possible)
- Curriculum vitae (for each faculty member involved; submit as a pdf when possible)
- A statement of support from your department head confirming that, if the course is approved, you will be able to offer it during the 2012-13 academic year. The statement does not need to evaluate the proposal. This statement can be emailed directly to honors@uc.edu by the department head.
Notification
Faculty and department heads will learn of the status of proposals in mid-January 2012. Email notifications will be sent. For accepted proposals, the UHP will then collaborate with the departments and the Registrar’s Office to have each new semester seminar entered into e-curriculum.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Raj Mehta (raj.mehta@uc.edu, 556-6252) or Debbie Brawn (debbie.brawn@uc.edu, 556-6226).
