2. HONORS DESIGNED
Design an undergraduate experience that is guided by your goals and
supported by resources reserved for Honors students.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Receive priority registration each
semester, allowing you to choose
class times that fit your schedule—
even as an incoming freshman.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Experience smaller learning commu-
nities and develop short- or long-
term research proposals with faculty.
SPECIALIZED ADVISING
Collaborate with advisors to build
customized schedules in response
to AP and transfer credits and set
goals that accommodate studying
abroad, pursuing a minor or second
major, and/or earning distinguished
graduation designations.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
Engage with a network of
faculty members, community
professionals, and peer mentors
to ensure your success before and
after graduation.
HONORS HOUSING
Elect to live on one of the three
floors reserved for Honors students
to connect and collaborate with
like-minded peers. These themed
living-learning communities are
located in Manchester Hall and
offer female and co-ed options.
DIGITAL BADGING
Earn digital badges within an
electronic portfolio tool to
showcase achievements to future
employers or graduate programs.
Each digital badge corresponds
to a curricular, co-curricular, or
community-related opportunity
and includes the option of
attaching evidence.
RE
Ethan Witting
FINANCE AND INSURANCE;
HONORS UNDERGRADUATE
ASSISTANT
“I never imagined I’d be where I
am now,” Ethan said in reflecting
about the home he has made for
himself in the Honors Program.
But home is a relative term, since
through Honors Travel, Ethan has
found himself in Italy, Germany,
Georgia, and Peru. Where will
your Honors journey take you?
HONORS DEFINED
You’ve probably heard the words “gifted” or “accelerated” in connection
with Honors or Advanced Placement classes. At Illinois State, we offer
a different approach to Honors: We promote exceptional learning for
exceptional learners by inviting you to customize your experience. Pursue
the opportunities that best fit your goals without adding time to your degree.
The Honors Program is dedicated to helping students discover the
possibilities. How will you define Honors at Illinois State?
RE
Jackie Durnil
SPEECH PATHOLOGY; HONORS
UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT
“I believe digital credentialing
will be critical in setting Illinois
State Honors alumni apart
from other graduates. Potential
employers or graduate
program coordinators can
learn so much more through a
badging profile, essentially an
electronic resume, than they
can through a transcript alone.”
ILLINO
IS S TA T E H O N O R S PR
OGRAM
••••HONO
R
S
P RO G R A M A D
M
ISSION••••
Apply now at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
3. HONORS
CONTRACTS
Collaborate with an
instructor to turn
a “regular course”
into a self-directed
investigation based on
your own academic
interests.
HONORS
TRAVEL
Experience learning
in a real-world
setting through
various domestic and
international trips that
can also integrate
service opportunities.
HONORS
SEMINARS
Enrich your course
load with topical,
discussion-based
courses led by Honors
staff or distinguished
university faculty
aimed to develop the
Honors community
and strengthen
marketable skills.
What do you imagine achieving at Illinois State? Anything is possible
by pursuing one or more Honors Learning Experiences each semester,
regardless of your major.
HONORS IMAGINEDRE
Moe Khalil
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR
BIOLOGY; PRE-MED
“If you’re thinking about joining
the Honors Program, be ready
to get involved. There are
a lot of perks and rewards
just waiting for you to take
advantage of.” One of Moe’s
favorite opportunities was
initiating Honors Contracts
and collaborating with faculty
through Honors Research.
These partnerships focused on
discovering a cure for Angelman
Syndrome. What might you
discover?
Basheer Becerra COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT; UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR
“The support of my mentors, during research and as a University Scholar,
has encouraged me to make the most of my time at Illinois State and in
the Honors Program. I’m looking forward to expanding upon what I’ve
already learned and applying this knowledge in every opportunity I pursue.”
Basheer turned his focus to working on a unique bioinformatics application
that would prove valuable to the Illinois State molecular biology research
team, as well as the bioinformatics community. What might you discover?
HONORS
SECTIONS
Engage with your
Honors peers in courses
reserved especially for
you that feature hands-
on application of the
topics and emphasize
a deep exploration of
content.
HONORS
EXPLORATIONS
Examine topics that
highlight trending
innovations, current
events, or pop culture
phenomena, often
offered outside of the
“typical” academic day.
HONORS
RESEARCH
Initiate research or
independent projects
with a faculty expert to
hone your investigative
and critical-thinking
skills in a way that will
prepare you for the
future.
ILLINO
IS S TAT E H O N O R S PR
OGRAM
H
O
N
O R S R E S E A
R
C
H
Sarah Foote GRAPHIC DESIGN
“I want students to think it’s cool to be smart. We can embrace the
fact that we’re a little nerdy and have fun with it.” Sarah ran with the
“Nerdbird” concept, creating 15 different designs before selecting the
final image with her teammates to be used on Honors Homecoming
t-shirts. She was able to turn the project into a Honors Contract with
one of her art professors. What will you create?
Apply now at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
4. HONORS CALCULATED
Illinois State offers merit-based academic scholarships to high-achieving
students. For more information, visit Admissions.IllinoisState.edu/Scholarships.
In addition, the Honors Program awards a limited number
of scholarships to first-year students. Honors Program
applications received by February 1 will receive priority
scholarship consideration. The final deadline for admission
to the Honors Program is April 1.
Apply for admission to Illinois State no later than
November 15 for best consideration.
APPLY TODAY
STEP 1. Gain admission to Illinois State University
STEP 2.Apply to the Honors Program at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
OR
Be invited and apply for the Presidential or University
scholarships
“Being a Presidential Scholar has opened many
doors for me, and because leaders around
campus have been willing to take a chance
on me, I have been granted limitless, unique
opportunities I may not otherwise have.”
—Josh Collier
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE;
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR
OF NEW
FRESHMAN
HONORS STUDENTS
RECEIVE
SCHOLARSHIPS
100%
RE
UPPER 20S
ACT
EQUIVALENT
SAT
AND OR
HONORS PROGRAM PROFILE
3.5+
GPA
ILLINO
IS S TAT E H O N O R S PRO
GRAM
••••PRESID
EN T I A L S C H OLA
R
SHIP••••
••••
••••••••
Scholarship Amount Criteria Eligibility
How to apply for
Honors Program
Presidential
Scholarship
$44,000 total
$11,000 per year
30 ACT or
equivalent SAT*
3.5/4.0 GPA
Freshmen:
invite only
Presidential
Scholarship
application
serves as both
University
Scholarship
Minimum
$24,000 total
Minimum
$6,000 per year
25 ACT or
equivalent SAT*
3.4/4.0 GPA
Freshmen from
traditionally
underrepresented
population or first
generation with
hardship: invite only
University
Scholarship
application
serves as both
Redbird
Academic
Scholarship
Up to
$16,000 total
$1,000–$4,000
per year
25 ACT or
equivalent SAT*
3.4/4.0 GPA
Freshmen:
automatic
Apply for
Honors
Program
separately
* No writing
Apply now at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
5. This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting the Honors Program at (309) 438-2559.
An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity • University Marketing and Communications • 17-0216 printed on recycled paper
HOW WILL YOU
DEFINE HONORS
AT ILLINOIS STATE?
CONTACT
Phone: (309) 438-2559
Fax: (309) 438-8196
Email: HonorsProgram@IllinoisState.edu
Website: Honors.IllinoisState.edu
@HonorsISU
/ISUHonorsProgram
honorsisu
CONNECT
6. Basheer Becerra COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT; UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR
“The support of my mentors, during research and as a University Scholar, has encouraged
me to make the most of my time at Illinois State and in the Honors Program. I’m looking
forward to expanding upon what I’ve already learned and applying this knowledge in every
opportunity I pursue.” Basheer turned his focus to working on a unique bioinformatics
application that would provide valuable to the Illinois State molecular biology research team,
as well as the bioinformatics community. What might you discover?
Sarah Foote GRAPHIC DESIGN
“I want students to think it’s cool to be smart. We can embrace the fact that we’re
a little nerdy and have fun with it.” Sarah ran with the “Nerdbird” concept, creating
15 different designs before selecting the final image with her teammates to be
used on Honors Homecoming t-shirts. She was able to turn the project into a
Honors Contract with one of her art professors. What will you create?
HONORS
CONTRACTS
Collaborate with an
instructor to turn
a “regular course”
into a self-directed
investigation based on
your own academic
interests.
HONORS
TRAVEL
Experience learning
in a real-world
setting through
various domestic and
international trips that
can also integrate
service opportunities.
HONORS
SEMINARS
Enrich your course
load with topical,
discussion-based
courses led by Honors
staff or distinguished
university faculty
aimed to develop the
Honors community
and strengthen
marketable skills.
What do you imagine achieving at Illinois State? Anything is possible by
pursuing one or more Honors Learning Experiences each semester, regardless
of your major.
HONORS IMAGINEDRE
HONORS
SECTIONS
Engage with your
Honors peers in courses
reserved especially for
you that feature hands-
on application of the
topics and emphasize
a deep exploration of
content.
HONORS
EXPLORATIONS
Examine topics that
highlight trending
innovations, current
events, or pop culture
phenomena, often
offered outside of the
“typical” academic day.
HONORS
RESEARCH
Initiate research or
independent projects
with a faculty expert to
hone your investigative
and critical-thinking
skills in a way that will
prepare you for the
future.
Apply now at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
7. Moe Khalil
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR
BIOLOGY; PRE-MED
“If you’re thinking about joining
the Honors Program, be ready
to get involved. There are
a lot of perks and rewards
just waiting for you to take
advantage of.” One of Moe’s
favorite opportunities was
initiating Honors Contracts
and collaborating with faculty
through Honors Research.
These partnerships focused on
discovering a cure for Angelman
Syndrome. What might you
discover?
Basheer Becerra COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT; UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR
“The support of my mentors, during research and as a University Scholar,
has encouraged me to make the most of my time at Illinois State and in
the Honors Program. I’m looking forward to expanding upon what I’ve
already learned and applying this knowledge in every opportunity I pursue.”
Basheer turned his focus to working on a unique bioinformatics application
that would provide valuable to the Illinois State molecular biology research
team, as well as the bioinformatics community. What might you discover?
Sarah Foote GRAPHIC DESIGN
“I want students to think it’s cool to be smart. We can embrace the fact that we’re
a little nerdy and have fun with it.” Sarah ran with the “Nerdbird” concept, creating
15 different designs before selecting the final image with her teammates to be
used on Honors Homecoming t-shirts. She was able to turn the project into a
Honors Contract with one of her art professors. What will you create?
HONORS
CONTRACTS
Collaborate with an
instructor to turn
a “regular course”
into a self-directed
investigation based on
your own academic
interests.
HONORS
TRAVEL
Experience learning
in a real-world
setting through
various domestic and
international trips that
can also integrate
service opportunities.
HONORS
SEMINARS
Enrich your course
load with topical,
discussion-based
courses led by Honors
staff or distinguished
university faculty
aimed to develop the
Honors community
and strengthen
marketable skills.
What do you imagine achieving at Illinois State? Anything is possible by
pursuing one or more Honors Learning Experiences each semester, regardless
of your major.
HONORS IMAGINEDRE
HONORS
SECTIONS
Engage with your
Honors peers in courses
reserved especially for
you that feature hands-
on application of the
topics and emphasize
a deep exploration of
content.
HONORS
EXPLORATIONS
Examine topics that
highlight trending
innovations, current
events, or pop culture
phenomena, often
offered outside of the
“typical” academic day.
HONORS
RESEARCH
Initiate research or
independent projects
with a faculty expert to
hone your investigative
and critical-thinking
skills in a way that will
prepare you for the
future.
Apply now at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
8. HONORS DESIGNED
Design an undergraduate experience that is guided by your goals and
supported by resources reserved for Honors students.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Receive priority registration each
semester, allowing you to choose
class times that fit your schedule—
even as an incoming freshman.
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Experience smaller learning commu-
nities and develop short- or long-
term research proposals with faculty.
SPECIALIZED ADVISING
Collaborate with advisors to build
customized schedules in response
to AP and transfer credits and set
goals that accommodate studying
abroad, pursuing a minor or second
major, and/or earning distinguished
graduation designations.
DIGITAL BADGING
Earn digital badges within an
electronic portfolio tool to
showcase achievements to future
employers or graduate programs.
Each digital badge corresponds
to a curricular, co-curricular, or
community-related opportunity
and includes the option of
attaching evidence to be reviewed.
HONORS HOUSING
Elect to live on one of the three
floors reserved for Honors students
to connect and collaborate with
like-minded peers. These themed
living-learning communities are
located in Manchester Hall and
offer female and co-ed options.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
Engage with a network of
faculty members, community
professionals, and peer mentors
to ensure your success before and
after graduation.
RE
Ethan Witting
FINANCE AND INSURANCE;
HONORS UNDERGRADUATE
ASSISTANT
“I never imagined I’d be where I
am now,” Ethan said in reflecting
about the home he has made for
himself in the Honors Program.
But home is a relative term, since
through Honors Travel, Ethan has
found himself in Italy, Germany,
Georgia, and Peru. Where will
your Honors journey take you?
HONORS DEFINED
You’ve probably heard the words “gifted” or “accelerated” in connection
with Honors or Advanced Placement classes. At Illinois State, we offer
a different approach to Honors: We promote exceptional learning for
exceptional learners by inviting you to customize your experience. Pursue
the opportunities that best fit your goals without adding time to your degree.
The Honors Program is dedicated to helping students discover the
possibilities. How will you define Honors at Illinois State?
RE
Jackie Durnil
SPEECH PATHOLOGY; HONORS
UNDERGRADUATE ASSISTANT
“I believe digital credentialing
will be critical in setting Illinois
State Honors alumni apart
from other graduates. Potential
employers or graduate
program coordinators can
learn so much more through a
badging profile, essentially an
electronic resume, than they
can through a transcript alone.”
ILLINO
IS S TA T E H O N O R S PR
OGRAM
••••HONO
R
S
P RO G R A M A D
M
ISSION••••
Apply now at Honors.IllinoisState.edu
