Honors Option (H-Option)

Approaching a Professor about an H-Option

Step 1: Approach Instructor and Develop H-Option Plan

You must first approach your instructor BEFORE submitting and H-Option contract for credit with the Honors Program. Instructors are not obligated to grant request for honors options. Together with your instructor, you will develop a plan to determine what would add depth of knowledge, practice, or leadership to the course. The nature of work undertaken for H-Option credit may vary according to the academic interest of you and your instructor. Listed below are some suggestions: 

  • Delivering a lecture to class on an issue raised by the course readings 
  • Writing a paper that involves extensive library, laboratory, or field research 
  • Collaborating with a professor on a research project 
  • Preparing an annotated bibliography or literature review of material relevant to the course or your senior thesis
  • Creating a website, video presentation, or work of art related to the course or senior thesis

Step 2: Write an H-Option Proposal

Describe the nature of the H-Option assignment in a paragraph that details the planned work and justifies its consideration for Honors credit. This proposal must be described in the H-Option form. Please include the following points in the proposal:

  • How often you and your faculty will meet to review and/or evaluate your progress
  • Brief description of the topic/subject/theme to be covered and the size/scope of theproject
  • What medium you will use (writing, website, video, creative piece)
  • The results of the project- Will you produce a paper, a presentation, a video, a published article, a report on the research, etc.
  • Your goals/aims for the project- How do you see it impacting your work in the course?

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Certification of H-Option Completion Form

  • Type all information into the form. 
  • Submit the form to the Honors Office by the due date.

NOTE: The Honors Program reserves the right to ask for further details or to reject the proposal.

Students who attempt but fail to complete two H-option contracts will not be allowed to enter into any further H-Option contracts.

H-Option Agreement (opens in a new tab)

Procedural Information & Deadlines

The honors option submission deadline is the 14th day of the semester (7th day for Term classes). Check the weekly Honors email for specific deadline information each semester.

  • Current as of Spring 2024: The H-Option contract process has moved completely online. Click the contract button below for the new electronic form.
  • PLEASE NOTE: SELU email access is necessary for entry into the form.