A Reflective Honors Program 

How the UIHP works to stand out from others across the country

By Niya Shaul

There are many reasons a student may choose to pursue a school with an honors program or an honors college during the college search. This can be an incredibly exciting prospect for any academically motivated student.

Some common benefits that many programs share include smaller class sizes, more personalized learning opportunities, and peers with similar academic goals and priorities. However, there are key distinctions that set different honors programs apart.

Dr. Emily Hill, the associate director of the UI Honors Program, provided a deeper understanding of why UI Honors is a great fit for academically motivated students. Many students assume honors programs are filled with harder and more intense classes — but not at the UI.

“It’s not [Advanced Placement] for college — we are here to support the high-achieving student, not make life more difficult,” she said. We place a lot of emphasis on reflection. It’s a privilege to be allowed to pause and reflect on ‘why this [experience] is meaningful to my life’.”

Though it may sound counterintuitive, honors encourages students to slow down, be intentional, explore their careers, and embrace their individuality. 

“What do you really want to do to get out there and use the world as your laboratory?” Hill said. “Does that mean study abroad? A student leadership position? Volunteer work? We are here to help you figure out those connections and work through the reflection process too.”

The honors program’s emphasis on reflection helps students emerge as more well-rounded, focused versions of themselves. Students can also expect to have all sorts of opportunities through classes that help them find this version.

“This is the first institution that I’ve worked for that has so many different honors classes because they’re spread out in all disciplines,” Hill said. “I think that’s a real benefit that there are options and that they fit into what you’re studying.”

Whether they want to explore a specific area of study or just a niche interest, UI Honors offers a multitude of options within its program — something distinctive to the school. From learning to write articles in Honors Publications: From Pitch to Print to studying the literary richness of pop star Taylor Swift’s discography in Poetics: Taylor’s Version, there is an abundance of courses exclusively available to honors students. 

Lastly, the emphasis on support and community sets the UI Honors Program apart. Prospective students can look forward to making many connections with not only like-minded peers but staff members as well.  

“We give [a lot of] attention to our honors students,” Hill said. “We’ve worked really, really hard to develop a community and presence. We’re making a lot of progress … We have a whole staff full of professionals that have different focus areas.”

Prospective students may not be in “more difficult” classes but rather can expect a more enriching and meaningful experience. They’ll have access to advising, one-of-a-kind classes, a small yet supportive community, and much more.