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University Honors Program

Prospective Students

Honors Seminar Section L1 raid a Dairy Queen

A Freshman Honors Seminar group takes a break to cool off in Campustown.

The Freshman Honors Program (FHP) offers a unique educational opportunity for a limited number of entering freshman students. We emphasize learning in small group, and you'll find a sense of community among students with similar abilities. At the end of the freshman year, many students choose to continue their honors education by joining their college Honors Program.

Students in FHP are automatically placed in an Honors section of Freshman English (Engl 250H), a special section of Library 160, and a Freshman Honors Seminar. These two classes are required of all students in the FHP, and they form the academic core of the program.

"I am VERY glad I chose to participate in FHP, because it has really been a great experience for me this year. I met almost all of my friends through the program and really enjoyed the opportunities it has afforded me."
—Jason Crowley

The Honors sections of Freshman English (English 250H) emphasize critical reading and writing. Students write papers based on readings and a general topic selected by the instructor of each section. Each Honors section is limited to 25 students. The small class size allows students to receive individual help from the instructor and also promotes interaction between the class and the instructor. Students who receive a C or better in English 250H will have satisfied the University's Freshman English requirement.
 

Students enjoying a ballpit at the Freshman Honors Retreat

Students enjoy the ball pit at the annual Freshman Honors Retreat.

The Freshman Honors Seminar (HON 121H) meets twice each week. Each section is limited to 10-12 Freshman Honors students and is led by two upper-class Honors students. The purpose of the seminar is to help students become familiar with Iowa State, the Honors Program, and other Honors students. The seminar includes an explanation of university policies and procedures and their effects on freshmen, tours of various facilities at Iowa State, and discussions of individual and group educational goals.

Students playing HSB sponsored broomball

Broomball is one of the most popular events for the Honors Student Board.

"I was eager to enter the Freshman Honors Program at Iowa State. I have found that the more things you get involved with in college, the smaller it seems. The Honors Program is an outstanding way to get involved - you surround yourself with motivated people."