Honors education has a long and proud history at the University of Kentucky. The Honors program at UK dates back to 1958 which provided an enhanced academic experience for thousands of students. The success of the Honors College depends on its Lewis Lecturers and Honors Faculty who teach Honors classes, support Honors theses, and/or adapt existing classes for students to earn Honors credit.
Information for Faculty
The National Collegiate Honors Council recognizes the diversity of what defines an “Honors Education” and notes five primary “modes” of learning. The LHC and UK are fortunate to be able to provide opportunities in all five areas, although to meet the needs of various majors, Honors students are only required to demonstrate experience in three of the modes (the first, second, and fourth). These modes are:
Research and Creative Scholarship ("learning in depth")
This is exemplified by Honors courses taken within the major and the required senior thesis or creative project.
Breadth and Enduring Questions (“multi- or interdisciplinary learning”)
HON 140, the foundation course required of all LHC students and other HON courses that meet UK Core Requirements are examples of this mode.
Service-Learning and Leadership
The Center for Personal Development (CPD) offers a variety of non-curricular opportunities, including the Rising Leaders program, and leadership development workshops. CPD also collaborates with the Singletary Scholars program, Honors College Ambassador Team, and Peer Mentors to provide leadership development curriculum. Service-learning courses are also offered through the LHC and other units across campus.
Experiential Learning
Education Abroad, internships, and undergraduate research experiences are also strongly encouraged and facilitated.
Learning Communities
Honors students are encouraged to live within the Honors Residential Experience. All Honors students must participate in Lewis Launch, the new student orientation. Events occur throughout the academic year to foster community and engender intellectual engagement on important issues.
Who Currently Teaches Honors?
Faculty Directories
Ways to Support Honors
Supervise Honors Thesis, Adapt Existing Course for Honors Student, Propose New Honors Course
Questions?
Contact Associate Dean Pearl James or Director of Undergraduate Studies Ryan Voogt.