Honor Curiosity
Honors Experience foundations
The hands-on experience
Honors Experience students engage in additional course work and experiential learning activities outside of the classroom.
Honors courses
You’ll complete four multi-disciplinary courses designed for the experience. These courses highlight the importance of exploring alternative approaches to address the big issues of the day.
Co-curricular activities
Co-curricular activities are student-developed and student-led projects that take place outside of the classroom. You’ll participate in three activities that are centered around leadership development, engaged citizenship, and career preparation.
A learning community
Immerse yourself in a community of curious, like-minded students who love learning for learning’s sake and seek to answer big questions through interdisciplinary study.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honors Experience only about academics?
No. While the Honors Experience has an interdisciplinary academic focus, the experience goes beyond the classroom and is intended to foster personal growth and empower cohorts to create communities of like-minded scholars.
Does the experience require extra classes?
Yes, only one, during senior year. The other honors courses each fulfill core Program of Liberal Studies requirements.
What differentiates an “Honors” FYI?
We will select first year intensives (FYIs) from each current year’s offerings, aiming for diverse topics. Selection criteria is based on the four foundations: inclusive academic excellence, interdisciplinarity, ingenuity, and community.
Is there a penalty for withdrawing?
No. You can leave at any time, and that will not change your progress toward completing your degree.
What are other benefits?
Some of the other benefits to enrolling in the Honors Experience are:
- Early course registration;
- Each cohort participates in a cultural enrichment event. Fall 2023 students traveled to Boston to attend a performance by sitarist Anoushka Shankar; spring 2024 students shared a Vietnamese meal.
- Special funding is available for co-curricular activities.
How does this dovetail with departmental honors?
The Honors Experience has been designed such that Department Honors are not affected. All Honors students must complete a culminating experience in their senior year. Many will want to do this through existing Departmental Honors programs, and are encouraged to do so. Departmental honors will show on the student’s record at graduation, along with the Honors Experience. Departmental Honors will remain open to all eligible students, at the discretion of the department faculty. Participation in the Honors Experience does not guarantee acceptance into Departmental Honors.
Is there funding available for students’ activities/experiences?
Yes, an anonymous gift allows for a Student Honors Fund and cohort-based enrichment activities each semester.
How many honors students are in each cohort?
We are aiming for 10% of the class.
Is there a residency requirement?
No. Students participating in the experience are not housed in the same residence hall. Students living anywhere can participate.
How was the experience co-designed by students and faculty?
Through a special design course, a cohort of sophomores examined other programs and came up with something new. Read the origin story: Sparking curiosity: Students help faculty build Clark’s new honors experience.