Eclectic Scholars Honors program

At Hiram College, students in the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program are immersed in an experience worth more than just a line on their diploma.

Click here to schedule an interview

NOT YOUR TYPICAL HONORS PROGRAM

Students that are involved in the Eclectic Scholars Program are given an opportunity to live in a community of like-minded students, to challenge themselves with enriched curriculum, to network with alums and other experts in their desired fields. Learn more about student grants, fellowships, and scholarships.

ECLECTIC SCHOLAR BENEFITS

As an Eclectic Scholar, you can take your experiences and opportunities for academic enrichment, professional development and interdisciplinary discourse to new heights. Some of the perks include:

Henry Hall is the home of the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program. The designated living space brings together a network of peers who respect one another, the concepts of community, and the importance of academic and intellectual life. Additionally, students have access to programs designed specifically for them, as well as spaces that foster collaboration and support from peers. Qualifying students may also receive an annual housing scholarship for being in the program.
Early Move-In – New, incoming honors first-years get to move in a day before the rest of incoming first-year students, regardless of which dorm they are living in allowing them to make connections and get settled before First Days and the start of classes.
Priority registration – Students may register early for one course per semester.
Free overload – Honors students may, for no additional cost, register for over 18 credit hours one semester per year.
Peer Mentoring Program – First-year students are paired with upper-level students for additional support.
New Student Retreat – First-year students, along with a few peer mentors, faculty, and staff, take part in half-day retreat to engage in team building activities and develop connections as a new cohort.
Events and Activities – Students may attend both on and off campus activities including performances, lectures, and meals with visiting scholars.

The enhanced curriculum for Eclectic Scholars include:

HONR 10000: Also know as “Intro to Honors”, this course is required of all new honors students in the first fall semester in the progra. It meets once and week in the evenings during the fall term (1 credit hour)
A minimum of one designated honors course per academic year (3 or 4 credits) from across disciplines with over 30 options to choose from. An honors courses can also be contracted from non-honors.

Once students are apart of the program they are expected to:

Maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Earn a minimum of 15 points per academic year under the Eclectic Scholars Honors points system, including both honors course work and campus involvement.
Honors students must complete at least 3 years of program requirements to graduate with Honors on their diploma.

The Eclectic Scholars Honors Program seeks students who are academically ambitious, open-minded, and involved in extra-curricular and community activities. The following credentials are recommended:

3.5 or higher high school GPA
Involvement in enrichment experiences such as creating or holding a leadership position in an academic or social club, participation in independent research or an entrepreneurial endeavor, involvement in environmental or sustainability clubs, or other volunteer work.
Desire to explore complex interdisciplinary issues and ideas

Admittance to the program is based on a brief application interview with and Eclectic Scholars Honors Program faculty member. Click the link at the top of the page to schedule your interview.

Involvement in enrichment experiences such as creating or holding a leadership position in an academic or social club, participation in independent research or an entrepreneurial endeavor, involvement in environmental or sustainability clubs, or other volunteer work.
Desire to explore complex interdisciplinary issues and ideas

High School Seniors & New Transfer Students:

New incoming students are invited to schedule an interview by clicking the link at the top of the page as early as November each Fall for the following academic year. Qualifying students, based on their high school unweighted GPA, will also receive email invitations to apply that include the link to schedule an interview beginning in late January and extending through the Spring semester. Interviews for the coming academic year can be scheduled through May 31st each year.

Interviewing has CLOSED for the 2023-2024 academic year, but see below about joining as a Sophomore if interested.
Interviews can be scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year as early as November 2023. New students are encouraged to apply and receive admittance to Hiram College before interviewing for Honors.

Sophomore/Secondary Pathway:

Not ready for honors quite yet? Need to get settled at Hiram before jumping into Honors? We have a Secondary Pathway! First-year students who earn a Fall semester Hiram GPA of 3.5 or higher will receive an invitation via email early in the Spring semester to interview.