The honors program was inaugurated by the College in 1930 and modified in 1983; it enables capable students to study
intensively a subject of their choice, thereby becoming acquainted with methods of research, organization of materials, and the
presentation of results in a scholarly manner. Such intensive study stimulates initiative, resourcefulness, and original thought.
Students in all departments are eligible to participate in this program. The program is administered by the Senior Honors
Research Committee. Under this plan, the student is directed in creative research by an instructor who has specialized in the
field and who acts as sponsor. The student enrolls in Honors Research 498 and 499, thereby gaining 6 credits toward
graduation.

Senior Honors Research Program Procedures

1. A junior or senior who has a minimum grade point average of 2.7, with a 3.0 in his/her major, may enroll in Honors Research
498 after receiving permission from his/her sponsor, department chair, and the Senior Honors Research Committee prior to the
Registrar's deadline for adding courses after the semester begins.

2. To receive this permission, students must submit a written proposal stating their thesis, the method and scope of research,
and a preliminary bibliography. Students are encouraged to submit sufficient copies of their proposal early in the semester prior
to their beginning honors work. These copies shall be submitted to the chairman of the Senior Honors Research Committee.
After submitting the proposal, students must meet jointly with their department chair, sponsor, and the Senior Honors Research
Committee to discuss their proposal.

3. If the proposal has been accepted, the student will enroll in Honors Research 498 and an examining committee to be
composed of three members (excluding the sponsor) proposed by the sponsor and approved by the department chair and the
Senior Honors Research Committee is to be assigned. The members of this committee will be available for consultation.

4. With the consent of his or her advisor, the student may register for Honors Research 499.

5. The student shall follow an accepted style sheet. Four copies of the paper shall be submitted to the Senior Honors Research
Committee prior to the examination. Two of these copies will be retained in the library and the other two will be returned to the
student.

6. An oral examination will be administered by the examining committee. A member of the Senior Honors Research Committee
will be present and will report the recommendations of the examining committee to the Senior Honors Research Committee for
final approval. The approval of at least two members of the examining committee is necessary for the granting of honors. The
Examining Committee should be convened at least three weeks prior to commencement. The Registrar must be notified no later
than two weeks before graduation that a student has completed the necessary work to be awarded honors. Candidates should
submit copies to the Examining Committee at least one week prior to the scheduled oral examination.

7. Students who complete Honors Research 498, 499 with a grade of "A"or "B", who have maintained the grade point average
indicated above, who have passed an oral examination in their research topic, and who have met any other requirements which
their major department may require for graduation, will be graduated with honors in their major field.