The Honors College is a special academic program designed for students who want to have an intellectually enriched experience in college. Students who begin the Honors College at Wayne College enroll in at least two Honors classes each semester and an Honors Colloquium. In addition, Honors students have the opportunity to participate in an Individualized Study Project, an independent study under the guidance of a faculty member. After completing their coursework at Wayne, students can continue the Honors College on the Akron campus and graduate as "University Honors Scholars."

Established on the Akron campus in 1975, Honors College alumni include more than 1,000 graduates. These are students who have distinguished themselves by completing the requirements of their major for a baccalaureate degree as well as the requirements of the Honors College. They receive the distinction of “University Honors Scholar”, which is announced at the graduation ceremony and noted on their records.

The program is supervised by the University Honors Council, which includes the Coordinator of the Wayne College Honors College as well as faculty from the Akron campus representing the University's seven bachelor degree-granting colleges, two students, and several administrative staff members. The council is responsible for all decisions on admission to the program and the award of honors scholarships. It monitors the selections students make for their honors distribution courses, and it evaluates and revises the policies and the requirements of the program.

Admission Requirements
The program seeks students who have demonstrated their ability to excel – whether in school, careers, or life experiences. For students entering from high school, first consideration will be given to those applicants who have achieved at least two of the following:

• high school cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50
• high school class rank among the highest 10%
• ACT composite score of at least 27 or SAT combined score of at least 1200

For students entering as transfer students, as continuing students at Wayne, or as students who have delayed the start of their college studies, comparable evidence of academic excellence and potential is required. If you have leadership potential that may not be highlighted in your academic record or if you are entering college after pursuing a career or other responsibilities, please include a letter describing your circumstances, accomplishments, and goals along with your Honors application.

Click here for application instructions or to receive a brochure about the program.

Questions?    Please contact:
        Honors College Coordinator
        Professor Janet Minc
        phone: 1-800-221-8308, ext. 8750

Honors College Scholarships
Honors College students are eligible for academic Honors scholarships awarded for merit. Honors Merit and Recognition Scholarships, renewed annually if grade point averages warrant, pay for one half or one quarter of normal tuition and general fees. Other scholarships and student aid available at The University of Akron Wayne College are described in the Academic Catalog, the Viewbook, or the the financial aid page. For more information contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 330-684-8942, or 1-800-221-8308, ext. 8942.

Your Academic Major
As an Honor student, you will be admitted directly to the University's degree-granting college of your choice. You may select any major, provided that your goal is ultimately a baccalaureate degree. Each Honors student is assigned a faculty adviser in the student's major to provide guidance in course selection.

If you decide to change your major, you do not need to reapply to the Honors College, as it is university-wide.

The Honors Distribution Requirement
In preparing for a baccalaureate degree, honors students complete the more flexible Honors "distribution requirements" in place of the university's general education requirements. The honors distribution requirements allow each student to tailor his or her own program by choosing 38 or more credits of courses from four groups: humanities, languages and the arts, social sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics. With the advice of your college adviser, you design your individual plan.

The Honors Colloquium Series
Honors students at Wayne enroll in an Honors Colloquium class once during the first two years of their college experience. Colloquium classes are small discussion-based seminars that focus on a particular topic and examine it in depth. Colloquium topics are wide-ranging. Recent colloquia at Wayne College have included subjects such as "Water: Origin and Destiny of Life," Family: Myth, Metaphor, and Reality" and "The Pursuit of Happiness: Conflicting Visions and Values."

Honors Students and Research
At Wayne College, Honors students may choose to complete a one-credit Individualized Study Project, working under the guidance of a faculty member. Faculty can also include Honors students in their research by inviting them to participate. During their last year of study at the University, Honors students complete a senior Honors project, working with a faculty member to design an original work of research or creative expression.

  STUDENTS are expected to:

• contact the faculty adviser by the first week of classes to establish a regular meeting time for the semester.
• meet with the faculty adviser weekly or bi weekly throughout the semester.
• work with the faculty adviser to create a plan for the project that clearly delineates the objectives, materials and resources to be utilized, and final outcome.
• be responsible for working independently and meeting all deadlines.
• demonstrate progress at agreed upon intervals.
• request criteria for final evaluation from the faculty adviser.

  FACULTY are expected to:

• be available to meet with the student on a weekly or bi weekly basis throughout the semester.
• work with the student to establish structure, methodology, and learning objectives for the project.
• direct the student toward resource materials.
• clarify expectations and establish criteria for final evaluation.
• submit a final grade for the project.