HOW TO DO AN
HONORS PROJECT
start
Contents
Click on the options below to learn about Honors Projects.
Expectations
Introduction
Project Types
Process
Honors Project Proposal Form
FAQs
Honors Program students that joined the program Fall 2023 or later are required to complete an Honors Project.
Introduction
An Honors Project:
- is an in-depth academic, creative, or service endeavor
- supplements the honors educational experience
- incorporates experiential learning, or learning by doing
Expectations
Over the course of an Honors Project, a student will:
invest considerable time and effort into the project (a semester or longer)
engage in experiential learning outside of the classroom
gain in-depth understanding of the material, subject, or project
interact meaningfully with other students, faculty members, staff, and/or community partners as appropriate
publicly share project outcomes and experience at the Honors Project Showcase
Project Types
Students have several Honors Project options to choose from. Click on the icons below to learn more about each project.
Undergraduate Research (Capstone)
Service Project
Visual/Performing Arts Project
Internship/Immersive Learning Experience
Study Abroad/ Domestic Experience
Leadership in an Organization
Process
Tap on each process step below to learn more about it.
Project Type & Topic
Before Last Semester
Identify Mentor
Set Goals & Timeline
By First Week of Last Semester
Proposal Form
Complete Project
By End of Last Semester
Project Showcase
'Last semester' above refers to the last semester that you're in the Honors Program before graduating or transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the point of an Honors Project?
How do I come up with a project/topic?
When am I supposed to do an Honors Project?
Can I do an Honors Project my first semester?
What if my project takes more than a semester?
How much time am I expected to invest in this project?
Can I submit a proposal for a project that I’ve already started?
What if I want to do a project that doesn’t fit one of the options listed ?
What if I’m not able to complete my project due to extenuating circumstances?
What if my project takes more than a semester?
That’s fine as long as it’s completed in time to present at the Honors Project Showcase before you graduate/transfer. This showcase takes place the week before finals each fall and spring semester.
Identify a Mentor
Once your've narrowed down a project type and topic, identify a mentor that could guide you through your project. This could be a professor, staff member, community member, local business owner, city official, industry expert, etc. Reach out to them, explain your project, and ask them to mentor you.
How do I come up with a project/topic?
Start by identifying what you care about. Are there needs in the community that you could help meet? Are there research topics that you’d like to contribute to? Do you see something you’d like to change or improve?
Can I submit a proposal for a project that I’ve already started?
Possibly – please meet with us to discuss whether it will meet the Honors Project guidelines.
service project
Identify a local need, either on campus or in the community, and plan how to best address that need. Establish contact with a mentor or a community entity and develop a way to enact your project.
Example
- Plan & orchestrate a supply drive (East Texas Food Bank, Nicholas Pet Haven, Period ETX., local elementary schools, etc.)
- Partner with local community organization for an event to meet a local need (group volunteering, awareness campaign, work day, etc.)
Where to start
Reflect on issues that are important to you or a need in your community. Identify a person or organization you could work with to address the need and reach out to them to find a mentor. A list of some community and civic organizations in Tyler can be found here.
Undergraduate Research
Develop & investigate a research question consistent with the curriculum for the Honors Capstone course.
Example
Complete a research project, including presentation at an undergraduate research conference or publishing your research in an academic journal.
Where to start
Complete Honors Learning Framework (EDUC 1300) and register for Honors Capstone (HNRS 0090).
Honors Project Showcase
Once your Honors Project is completed, create a project reflection poster to present at the Honors Project Showcase. The showcase happens the week before finals in each fall and spring semester. You should present your project at the showcase in the semester that you intend to graduate.
*stay tuned for project reflection poster template*
When am I supposed to do an Honors Project?
You may begin an Honors Project starting in the second semester that you’re part of the honors program. Your honors project must be completed in time for you to present at the Honors Project Showcase which happens around 2 weeks before graduation in each long semester. The Honors Project Proposal Form must be completed no later than the first week of the semester in you intend to graduate.
Can I do an Honors Project my first semester?
We recommend that you wait to do an Honors Project until at least your second semester so that you can get a foundation in honors education first.
Complete Honors Project
Using the project goals and timeline that you outlined with your mentor, work on and complete your Honors Project. Make sure to stay in communication with your mentor about project progress and areas where you need guidance.
Internship/immersive learning experience
Internships/job shadowing allow students to gain more insight about a specific industry or field. The experience should focus on meaningful projects, building connections, and sharpening hard and soft skills.
Example
Places with potentional opportunities for internships/job shadowing include local medical facilities, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and more.
Where to start
Identify a local business or organization that aligns with your personal interests, future career, or academic degree. Reach out to them to assess intership/job shadowing opportunities and establish a mentor.
How much time am I expected to invest in this project?
Roughly 20 – 30 hours over the course of the project. The project should take you about a semester or longer.
Honors Project Proposal Form
Once your project goals and timeline are set, you're ready to complete the Honors Project Proposal Form in collaboration with your mentor. You can find the form here. This form must be submitted by the first week of the semester you intend to graduate at the very latest.
Text
Project Type & Topic
Beginning as early as your first semester in the Honors Program, you can start brainstorming the project type and topic that you're interested in. As you progress in the program, narrow down your options and make a decision. Make sure to start this step early so that you have enough time to complete your project.
What’s the point of an Honors Project?
The point of the Honors Project is to make your time in the TJC Honors Program more valuable and intentional. It helps you build connections to others in your community, gain confidence in your abilities, and makes you a better candidate for whatever you decide to do after you leave TJC. It gives you an opportunity to do something meaningful that YOU care about.
STudy Abroad/ Domestic Experience
Take advantage of academic travel opportunities you might encounter and examine how learning changes in different environments, communities, and conditions.
Example
- LSAMP grant research
- Travelling with academic department at TJC
Where to start
Research travel study opportunities that are available as part of different TJC departments or programs. TJC Travel Study programs can be found here. Information about LSAMP research grants can be found here.
What if I want to do a project that doesn’t fall into one of the options listed ?
Come talk to us about it! We’d love to hear your idea!
Visual/performing arts Project
Create and present independent projects either on campus or in the community, considering your chosen creative medium. The majority of project work should be outside of assigned group or club duties on campus or projects from courses. Content of the project should be largely created and realized by the student. Note that participating in regular campus events, such as band concerts, half-time shows, Belles showcases, or theatre shows, does not qualify as an Honors Project.
Example
- Write & produce a play
- Art exhibition
- Music recital or concert
- Choreograph and/or perform a dance routine
- Publish/share your writing
Where to start
Reach out to creative arts professors on-campus (art, theatre, dance, music, choir, english, etc.) or local professionals in your chosen medium.
Set Goals & Timeline
Once you've identified a mentor, meet with them to discuss the goals of your project and how long it should take. Set realistic expectations about how much you'll be able to achieve in a given time frame. Make sure you'll be able to complete your project in time to present at the Honors Project Showcase the semester you plan to graduate.
What if I’m not able to complete my project due to extenuating circumstances?
Please come talk to us! We will try to help you find an alternative way to complete it if possible
Leadership
Many organizations, both on campus and off, are highly active and involved in the community. As part of a leadership Honors Project, you should gain meaningful experience in things like team dynamics, planning, scheduling, coordinating, leading meetings, planning events, conflict resolution, etc.
Example
- PTK
- Student Government
- United Way
- ETX Food Bank
Where to start
Find an organization that aligns with your values and explore opportunities for leadership. A list of TJC student organizations can be found here.Some community programs and organizations can be found here.
Honors Project Guide
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Transcript
HOW TO DO AN
HONORS PROJECT
start
Contents
Click on the options below to learn about Honors Projects.
Expectations
Introduction
Project Types
Process
Honors Project Proposal Form
FAQs
Honors Program students that joined the program Fall 2023 or later are required to complete an Honors Project.
Introduction
An Honors Project:
Expectations
Over the course of an Honors Project, a student will:
invest considerable time and effort into the project (a semester or longer)
engage in experiential learning outside of the classroom
gain in-depth understanding of the material, subject, or project
interact meaningfully with other students, faculty members, staff, and/or community partners as appropriate
publicly share project outcomes and experience at the Honors Project Showcase
Project Types
Students have several Honors Project options to choose from. Click on the icons below to learn more about each project.
Undergraduate Research (Capstone)
Service Project
Visual/Performing Arts Project
Internship/Immersive Learning Experience
Study Abroad/ Domestic Experience
Leadership in an Organization
Process
Tap on each process step below to learn more about it.
Project Type & Topic
Before Last Semester
Identify Mentor
Set Goals & Timeline
By First Week of Last Semester
Proposal Form
Complete Project
By End of Last Semester
Project Showcase
'Last semester' above refers to the last semester that you're in the Honors Program before graduating or transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the point of an Honors Project?
How do I come up with a project/topic?
When am I supposed to do an Honors Project?
Can I do an Honors Project my first semester?
What if my project takes more than a semester?
How much time am I expected to invest in this project?
Can I submit a proposal for a project that I’ve already started?
What if I want to do a project that doesn’t fit one of the options listed ?
What if I’m not able to complete my project due to extenuating circumstances?
What if my project takes more than a semester?
That’s fine as long as it’s completed in time to present at the Honors Project Showcase before you graduate/transfer. This showcase takes place the week before finals each fall and spring semester.
Identify a Mentor
Once your've narrowed down a project type and topic, identify a mentor that could guide you through your project. This could be a professor, staff member, community member, local business owner, city official, industry expert, etc. Reach out to them, explain your project, and ask them to mentor you.
How do I come up with a project/topic?
Start by identifying what you care about. Are there needs in the community that you could help meet? Are there research topics that you’d like to contribute to? Do you see something you’d like to change or improve?
Can I submit a proposal for a project that I’ve already started?
Possibly – please meet with us to discuss whether it will meet the Honors Project guidelines.
service project
Identify a local need, either on campus or in the community, and plan how to best address that need. Establish contact with a mentor or a community entity and develop a way to enact your project.
Example
Where to start
Reflect on issues that are important to you or a need in your community. Identify a person or organization you could work with to address the need and reach out to them to find a mentor. A list of some community and civic organizations in Tyler can be found here.
Undergraduate Research
Develop & investigate a research question consistent with the curriculum for the Honors Capstone course.
Example
Complete a research project, including presentation at an undergraduate research conference or publishing your research in an academic journal.
Where to start
Complete Honors Learning Framework (EDUC 1300) and register for Honors Capstone (HNRS 0090).
Honors Project Showcase
Once your Honors Project is completed, create a project reflection poster to present at the Honors Project Showcase. The showcase happens the week before finals in each fall and spring semester. You should present your project at the showcase in the semester that you intend to graduate.
*stay tuned for project reflection poster template*
When am I supposed to do an Honors Project?
You may begin an Honors Project starting in the second semester that you’re part of the honors program. Your honors project must be completed in time for you to present at the Honors Project Showcase which happens around 2 weeks before graduation in each long semester. The Honors Project Proposal Form must be completed no later than the first week of the semester in you intend to graduate.
Can I do an Honors Project my first semester?
We recommend that you wait to do an Honors Project until at least your second semester so that you can get a foundation in honors education first.
Complete Honors Project
Using the project goals and timeline that you outlined with your mentor, work on and complete your Honors Project. Make sure to stay in communication with your mentor about project progress and areas where you need guidance.
Internship/immersive learning experience
Internships/job shadowing allow students to gain more insight about a specific industry or field. The experience should focus on meaningful projects, building connections, and sharpening hard and soft skills.
Example
Places with potentional opportunities for internships/job shadowing include local medical facilities, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and more.
Where to start
Identify a local business or organization that aligns with your personal interests, future career, or academic degree. Reach out to them to assess intership/job shadowing opportunities and establish a mentor.
How much time am I expected to invest in this project?
Roughly 20 – 30 hours over the course of the project. The project should take you about a semester or longer.
Honors Project Proposal Form
Once your project goals and timeline are set, you're ready to complete the Honors Project Proposal Form in collaboration with your mentor. You can find the form here. This form must be submitted by the first week of the semester you intend to graduate at the very latest.
Text
Project Type & Topic
Beginning as early as your first semester in the Honors Program, you can start brainstorming the project type and topic that you're interested in. As you progress in the program, narrow down your options and make a decision. Make sure to start this step early so that you have enough time to complete your project.
What’s the point of an Honors Project?
The point of the Honors Project is to make your time in the TJC Honors Program more valuable and intentional. It helps you build connections to others in your community, gain confidence in your abilities, and makes you a better candidate for whatever you decide to do after you leave TJC. It gives you an opportunity to do something meaningful that YOU care about.
STudy Abroad/ Domestic Experience
Take advantage of academic travel opportunities you might encounter and examine how learning changes in different environments, communities, and conditions.
Example
Where to start
Research travel study opportunities that are available as part of different TJC departments or programs. TJC Travel Study programs can be found here. Information about LSAMP research grants can be found here.
What if I want to do a project that doesn’t fall into one of the options listed ?
Come talk to us about it! We’d love to hear your idea!
Visual/performing arts Project
Create and present independent projects either on campus or in the community, considering your chosen creative medium. The majority of project work should be outside of assigned group or club duties on campus or projects from courses. Content of the project should be largely created and realized by the student. Note that participating in regular campus events, such as band concerts, half-time shows, Belles showcases, or theatre shows, does not qualify as an Honors Project.
Example
Where to start
Reach out to creative arts professors on-campus (art, theatre, dance, music, choir, english, etc.) or local professionals in your chosen medium.
Set Goals & Timeline
Once you've identified a mentor, meet with them to discuss the goals of your project and how long it should take. Set realistic expectations about how much you'll be able to achieve in a given time frame. Make sure you'll be able to complete your project in time to present at the Honors Project Showcase the semester you plan to graduate.
What if I’m not able to complete my project due to extenuating circumstances?
Please come talk to us! We will try to help you find an alternative way to complete it if possible
Leadership
Many organizations, both on campus and off, are highly active and involved in the community. As part of a leadership Honors Project, you should gain meaningful experience in things like team dynamics, planning, scheduling, coordinating, leading meetings, planning events, conflict resolution, etc.
Example
Where to start
Find an organization that aligns with your values and explore opportunities for leadership. A list of TJC student organizations can be found here.Some community programs and organizations can be found here.