Honors Program
The LLCC Honors Program provides unique educational experiences for academically superior students in order to challenge, educate and reward them at a level consistent with their intellectual need and abilities. The Honors Program emphasizes critical thinking, student interaction, in-depth reading and discussion, smaller classes, special study facilities and contact with other high-ability students. All students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to participate.
Trustees’ Honors scholarships are available for students in the Honors Program. These scholarships are administered through the LLCC Foundation. For more information, please call 217-786-4502, visit www.LLCCFoundation.org or stop by the LLCC Foundation Office in Menard Hall. Students applying for the scholarship but not receiving one may be admitted to the program.
Students may be admitted to the program at any time. Applications for admission to the program can be obtained from the Arts and Humanities office. Phi Theta Kappa members may take honors coursework.
Admission to the Honors Program
New Students
High school seniors, graduates and LLCC students who have earned fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit must meet the following requirements:
- high academic achievement demonstrated by class rank, GPA, ACT/SAT test score (minimum ACT composite score of 25 or a 1200 on the SAT), and awards and honors; and
- two letters of recommendation from the student’s former or current high school teachers; and
- a 300- to 500-word essay describing personal and career goals and explaining in what way participation in the Honors Program would help reach them; and
- a list of awards, honors and other accomplishments.
Continuing Students
Applicants who are currently enrolled at LLCC and have earned more than 12 semester hours of college credit must meet the following requirements:
- a 3.50 GPA;
- high academic achievement demonstrated by awards, honors and other relevant information; and
- two letters of recommendation from the student’s former or current college instructors; and
- a 300 to 500 word essay describing personal and career goals and explaining in what way participation in the Honors Program would help reach them; and
- a list of awards, honors and other accomplishments.
Retention in the Honors Program
If a student’s cumulative GPA drops below the required 3.50, they will be placed on probationary status within the Honors Program. A student may not graduate from the Honors Program while on probation. To be removed from probationary status, the student must raise the cumulative GPA to a 3.50. While on probation a student must earn a GPA of 3.50 or higher each semester. A student whose cumulative GPA remains below a 3.50 after one semester (not including summer) will be dropped from the Honors Program. Students may apply for readmission to the Honors Program at such time as their cumulative GPA is at least 3.50.
Completion of the Program
In order for an Honors Program student to complete the program and be awarded special honors at graduation, he/she must have enrolled in and satisfactorily completed at least 15 credit hours of honors courses, including HUM 112, from a minimum of 5 honors courses. “Satisfactorily completed” is defined as receiving a grade of C or higher in the honors courses and having a cumulative GPA of 3.50.
For more information about the LLCC Honors Program, contact the Honors Program director 217-786-2240 or 800-727-4161, extension 62240.