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The Honors Program of Shaw University nurtures excellence in select students who are highly motivated, talented and gifted, and who demonstrate a commitment to the learning process in reaching their potential to become scholars, leaders and role models. It is an innovative, multifaceted program designed to enhance the success of student scholars at Shaw University. The Honors Program’s initiatives and activities concentrate on the growth and development of students’ intellectual, ethical and leadership skills.
All students of the Honors Program are expected to learn and demonstrate leadership on campus through active involvement and participation in campus organizations and initiatives as well as community involvement. Collectively, they compose the Honors Scholars Association (HSA), which elects its own officers and functions as a student entity of the university. The HSA assists in planning the Honors Program’s annual calendar, social and community service activities for students, and is responsible for planning and implementing special activities such as Honors Week.
In addition to the normal academic requirements of matriculation, students must take a one-credit honors colloquium each semester. These special topic courses focus on myriad topics, such as advanced study skills, African American ethnography, the Black Bourgeoisie, and research skills. Honors colloquia are designated as follows:
- (freshman colloquium, fall semester)
- (freshman colloquium, spring semester)
- (sophomore colloquium, fall semester)
- (sophomore colloquium, spring semester)
- (special topics - Honda Campus All-Star Challenge)
- (junior colloquium, fall semester)
- (junior colloquium, spring semester)
- (senior colloquium, fall semester)
- (senior colloquium, spring semester)
Senior students must complete a capstone project which demonstrates critical thinking and original research. This research is presented during the “Senior Night of Excellence” which celebrates their completion of the program. Workshops, career fairs, lecture series, and fun activities that enhance learning and teamwork are regularly offered. Students are encouraged to participate in academic competitions such as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (the HBCU National Quiz Championship) and the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ ethics debate team. They are also actively encouraged to pursue graduate study.
Honors Program students must maintain a 3.25 grade point average and must perform 30 hours of community service each semester.
The Honors Program is for serious and self-motivated students selected as freshmen or sophomores.
The requirements:
For Incoming Freshmen (straight out of high school):
- High School GPA of at least 3.0
- SAT score of 1200+ (math and critical reading) /ACT 17+
- Community service commitment
- Plans for graduate study
- 2 letters of recommendation from high school teachers or community leaders
- A 500 word essay (see application for details)
For Continuing Freshmen:
- SHAW GPA of at least 3.25 at the end of the first semester
- Successful completion of at least 15 credit hours
- Community service commitment
- Plans for graduate study
- 2 letters of recommendation from Shaw University professors
- A 500 word essay (see application for details)
For Sophomores:
- SHAW cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
- Successful completion of at least 30 hours
- Community Service Commitment
- Plans for Graduate Study
- 2 letters of recommendation from Shaw professors
- A 500 word essay (see application for details)
Benefits of the Honors College include:
- An Honors College lapel pin
- Individualized advising
- Eligibility for scholarships and internships
- Participation in special events, field trips, and social activities
- Some priority in housing selection (as available)
- Individualized assistance in preparing resumes and/or applications for fellowships and postgraduate study
- Special Honors College designation on transcript
- Recognition during Awards Day ceremony
- Special medallions to be worn with graduation regalia
- Subsidized conference expenses (based on funding availability)
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