Honors Opportunities is a program to encourage academically talented, motivated students to pursue knowledge, both in breadth and depth, in order to achieve their maximum potential.
What does the program provide?
- Special courses with small enrollments in Communications, Humanities, Natural Science, and Social Science
- Close work with faculty members on in-course honors projects
- Opportunities to meet and share ideas with other honors students
- Honors designation on RCC transcripts for honors classes
- The satisfaction of meeting a special challenge
- Honors scholarships, which pay 100% of tuition costs
Who can participate in the Honors Opportunities Program?
Recent high school graduates who:
- have an American College Testing (ACT) composite score of 25 with no score below 22
- plan to be at Richland for at least the equivalent of one year’s full-time work
- have no need for developmental-level course work
- agree to complete all honors commitments before graduation or transfer
- maintain a 3.4 grade point average (GPA) while at Richland
Current RCC students who:
- have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 for 12 or more semester hours in courses numbered 100 and above
- plan to be at Richland for at least the equivalent of one year’s full-time work
- have no need for developmental-level course work
- agree to complete all honors commitments before graduation or transfer
- maintain a 3.4 grade point average (GPA) while at Richland
I am already a Trustees Scholar. What can Honors offer me?
Money is not the only, or even the most important, benefit of Honors Opportunities. In addition to small classes and intellectual challenges, you will leave Richland with an impressive transcript that highlights your Honors work for transfer institutions and employers.
Richland classes are challenging already. How are Honors classes different from the others?
Honors classes represent a combination of the best students, teachers, and curricula at Richland. In these courses, students will experience high levels of scholarship and intellectual engagement, interacting closely with one another and with faculty. Rewarding small class sizes and individualized projects.
Do I need to take additional courses to participate in Honors Opportunities?
No. You do need to complete Honors work each semester in the program. Honors work includes Honors-designated sections of transfer courses and in-course independent projects in non-Honors classes. In your first semester in the program, barring exceptional circumstance, you will need to take an Honors-designated class. After that, we encourage you to continue taking these courses although we also welcome in-course projects from students pursuing their major field of study or an area of strong interest.
Is Honors Opportunities all about course work?
No! Honors Opportunities students will enjoy cultural and social experiences beyond those normally available to community college students. Recent trips include sightseeing in Chicago and participating in a state-wide Honors conference. Here on campus, pizza parties and other opportunities for socializing happen each semester.
As a member of Honors Opportunities, you will also have connections to students and schools around Illinois through membership in the Honors Council of Illinois Region, a Midwestern Honors group which includes Honors directors and members from around the state and beyond, including Millikin University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Another benefit: A special Honors advisor who works closely with you to help you plan for academic and professional success.
How can I learn more?
Call or e-mail Professor Laurie Hughes (lhughes@richland.edu, (217) 875-7211, Ext. 373) or Professor Rosemarie King (rking@richland.edu, (217) 875-7211, Ext. 349).
Applications for the Honors Opportunities Program 
are available for download or on campus at the Honors Opportunities Office (C163).
