NEIU's Honors Program Helps Students Shine

   "Honors students are wonderful," says Physics Professor Dr. Paul Dolan. "They are among the best students we have." Northeastern Illinois University's (NEIU) Honors Program (UHP) assists high-achieving students dedicated to academic excellence, according to the UHP brochure. Its goal "is to help [students] invest in [their] personal and professional future." The UHP is a 2-tier program that accommodates freshmen and sophomore "Honors Students" and juniors and seniors "Honors Scholars" and students are encouraged to join at either level. UHP Administrative Assistant Peggy Shannon, M.S. Ed, says, "We want at least three semesters to work with you," Shannon said. The reason for this is there is a minimum of five (maximum ten) classes required to graduate in the program.

Incoming freshman, in order to be eligible for admittance, must have a high school degree or equivalent and must also have earned a composite score of 25 or higher on the ACT, or rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class. Transfer students and continuing NEIU students must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.  All new applicants must complete an application on the NEIU Honors Program website, submit an entrance essay and, to be eligible for tuition scholarships, submit a statement of academic purpose

"The UHP provides so many opportunities: scholarship opportunities, travel opportunities, etc. It is a whole other level of university education," UHP Undergraduate Assistant and Alpha Chi, Zeta Chapter President Cathie Anderson said. UHP graduates have continued their education at many different universities. One recent graduate, currently attending New York University, earned a perfect score on the GRE. Some have published books and various scholarships have been awarded, including the NEIU Presidential Scholarship, Illinois Lincoln Laureate and numerous merit tuition scholarships.

According to Dr. Dolan, honors students become part of a group of like-minded achievers. Currently, 127 NEIU students participate in the honors program. Advantages for UHP students include: small classes, specialized curriculum, priority registration, graduation with distinction and academic community inclusion. In addition, students are given the opportunity to develop an undergraduate thesis that may subsequently be presented at the Student Symposium or even considered for publication.

The deadline to apply for an annual UHP Tuition Scholarship is July 15. For more information or additional inquiries contact the Honors Program at Honors@neiu.edu, check out the application at www.neiu.edu~hprogram, or call (773) 442-6044. The UHP office is located in the B building room 141 and is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.