Some FAQ about the John Wesley Honors College
- What is the difference between a John Wesley Scholar and a Mary C. Dodd Honors Student?
- Is the John Wesley Honors College compatible with all of IWU's majors?
- Does it cost more to participate in the John Wesley Honors College?
- Does joining the Honors College give me another major or minor?
- How many students are there in a typical Honors College course?
- Will my GPA suffer if I take honors courses?
- Do honors courses require a lot of extra work?
- What opportunities does the JWHC offer students beyond the classroom?
- How active are Honors College students in campus life beyond the JWHC?
- How can I learn more about the Honors College?
John Wesley Scholars complete their applications as seniors in high school, enter the John Wesley Honors College as freshman, and participate in honors courses and co-curricular activities throughout all four years at IWU. Mary C. Dodd Honors Students apply to enter the Honors College as sophomores or juniors and have the opportunity to integrate various core elements of the honors curriculum into their remaining college coursework. The Dodd Honors Program begins in the fall of 2010 and is open for applications from current freshmen or sophomores who are attending or planning to transfer to IWU.
Yes, the honors curriculum complements any of IWU’s 70 majors. Students are concurrently enrolled in the John Wesley Honors College and an academic division within the College of Arts and Sciences and have advisors from each to assist in integrating their honors and major coursework.
No, there is no additional fee to participate in the honors curriculum. The John Wesley Honors College also covers expenses associated with the numerous co-curricular opportunities that its students enjoy.
No, the honors curriculum is not a separate major or minor. It is primarily an alternative core curriculum that fulfills many of the general education requirements and supplements students’ major coursework.
Honors College classes are capped at 10-15 students (depending on the course) in order to facilitate a more active and creative exchange of ideas among faculty and students and to encourage a vigorous inquiry-based style of learning.
Based on past statistics, there is no reason to think that participation in honors courses will adversely affect one’s GPA. Honors courses will challenge students to become actively involved in their education and to honor God with a first-rate academic effort. But our studies show that students in the Honors College generally possess an honors GPA that is at least as high as their GPA in general course work.
Honors courses are definitely challenging, but this has little to do with workload. What makes honors courses truly challenging is the holistic ways they draw students out of their comfort zones and dare them to reflect creatively on their learning. The honors curriculum’s focus on depth and relevance means that students spend less time on busy work and more time engaging primary sources, learning through hands-on experiences, and grappling with the enduring significance of course material for their life and faith.
The Honors College provides a vibrant and supportive community for its students. Events of all kinds—such as social gatherings, service opportunities, faculty-student fellowship outside the classroom, special chapel services, devotional groups, and unique cultural experiences—are planned each semester by the Honors College Student Association. JWHC students also have exclusive usage of Epworth House, the hub of formal and informal community life for the Honors College Students Association, which includes a spacious lounge area, kitchenette, and study rooms.
Very! Most Honors College students take full advantage of the broad array of opportunities that a thriving university like IWU offers. Indeed, we are extremely proud of how many of our students distinguish themselves each year in athletics, student government, singing groups, ministry teams, residence life leadership, journalism, and various other student leadership roles.
Email jwhc.admisions@indwes.edu, or call 765-677-1441.
