North Harris College's Honors Program offers enrichment of course materials to highly motivated, academically capable students, giving them the freedom to work independently and collaboratively with faculty members and encourage lively, engaging discourse and activity outside the classroom.

Honors credit is earned through special contracts in classes with a coordinator who is committed to an open-ended approach to learning. Students are encouraged to contribute extensively and creatively through small group interaction, seminars, laboratories, oral reports, special research projects, informal discussion, and both individual and group projects.

Opportunities for All Honors Students

• present original research at local, regional and national conventions
• submit research for publication
• apply for transfer scholarships
• meet and exchange ideas with other honors students
• attend special functions

How Do I become Eligible For Honors?

Any student can attempt an Honors contract with permission of the instructor in his or her regularly scheduled class. Applications may be found at NHC's information desk, in any office suite, or in A-168-H.

What's in it for me?

Honors Program Graduate

If students successfully complete 15 hours of Honors contract credit with a GPA of 3.5 or better, they earn the designation "Honors Program Graduate" on their diploma and transcript. Honors Program graduates receive special recognition at graduation and a medallion commemorating the event. In addition, the Honors Council works with senior institutions so that Honors Program Graduates may matriculate directly into the senior institution's honors program which may offer students such benefits such as early registration, special housing, and scholarships.

Are Honors Program scholarships available?

Any student in the Honors Program who is carrying six or more college credit hours, has at least a 3.5 GPA, and is attempting at least one honors contract is eligible for the Honors Program scholarship after the completion of 12 hours of college credit. The scholarships are awarded to the top students who apply, based on their GPAs. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees for the following semester. The Honors Program scholarship is renewable for an additional two semesters, with reapplication.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Student Evaluations

Students are asked for feedback on the Honors Program twice a semester. The mid-semester evaluation consists of simply filling out a form and writing comments. At semester's end, students are asked to evaluate both the Honors contract(s) and their Honors Coordinator/ Instructor in writing. The evaluations are the source of student feedback that help shape the future of the program.

Honors Course Descriptions

Descriptions of all Honors Contracts and the faculty administering them are available in each office suit on campus. They can be found in a three-ring binder at or near the secretary's desk. If you have questions about what is required for a particular contract, or if you wish to know more about the seminar coordinator for your contract, stop by any office suite and ask to see the Honors Program course description booklet.

For the Business/Technology Student:

Being an Honors Program student also benefits the technical student. Prospective employers look more carefully at and give extra consideration and time to job applicants with honors designations on their transcript. This indicates to them a student who is willing to accept a challenge, set goals and follow through on projects.

Activities

You are invited to take a look at our Calendar of Events and our newsletter The Honors Scholar to find out what is going on with the program and with the Honors Student Organization. All the activities sponsored by any of these will be promptly posted here.
Need More Information? If you need more information or if you have any comments or suggestions about the program or any particular Honors contract, feel free to contact Sandy Deabler at 281.618.5528 or any member of the Honors Faculty, the Honors Council or the Honors Student Organization.