What are the requirements for joining CSUB's upper-division University Honors Program? Incoming junior students (either transfers from another college or native CSUB students continuing in the university) will be invited to enter the CSUB University Honors program if they have earned a 3.50 or above GPA in their first two years of college. They will receive a letter from the Director of the University Honors Program inviting them to participate in the program. Students must confirm their intent to participate by calling (661) 654-3420.
What are the upper-division honors requirements? All students at the university (regardless of their majors or career goals) are required to complete three upper-division "theme" classes, one in each of the following areas: Theme I (Natural Science and Technology), Theme II (Arts and Humanities), and Theme III (Social and Behavioral Sciences). CSUB University Honors students must satisfy at least two of these three themes by taking specially designated courses through the Honors Program. The program will offer three upper- division honors theme classes every year-one in each of the three different areas. This means that all upper-division honors students will have six honors theme classes during their last two years from which to choose their two honors classes (one per year). These upper-division honors theme courses are not graded more severely than non-honors courses, nor do they require additional work. They are, however, taught by our very best professors at the university, and they are filled with other exceptionally bright, hard-working students, which means that the level of discussion is appropriately high for honors courses. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in the program.
What is the Independent Study Honors Seminar? In addition to completing two of their three upper-division theme courses through the University Honors Program, CSUB honors students are required to take an Honors Independent Study with one or more of the professors in their major discipline. This is the last and most exciting of the honors requirements because it offers a one-on-one intimate academic experience that can lead to conference papers, publication in one's chosen field, graduate study, international programs, and/or success in finding a job after graduation. These Honors Independent Study courses are offered for 1 - 5 variable units, depending on the extent of the project and the agreement between the student and his/her professor. The Honors Independent Study requirement should not be confused with the Senior Seminar that each student must take in his or her major discipline. These are two distinct classes that satisfy entirely different university requirements.
What are some typical examples of Independent Study Projects that have been approved in the past? Here are some examples of the Independent Study Honors Seminar that might appeal to students: (1) assisting a professor with a research project, (2) proposing and completing a research project chosen entirely by the student, (3) researching possible graduate schools and writing applications for admission, (4) preparing a paper for presentation at a national, state, or local conference, (5) applying for a job after graduation, and (6) pursuing international study overseas. Students who have additional ideas about potential projects are encouraged to discuss them with a professor in their major department and/or with Dr. Michael Flachmann, Director of the University Honors Program (661-654-2121).
When should honors students take their Independent Study Honors Seminars? These Honors Independent Study units should be completed during the first two academic quarters of the student's senior year. The first step is contacting a professor in your major department who might be willing to supervise your project. Most professors will be working on their own research projects, and they will be overjoyed to have a bright, energetic honors student join their team as an assistant. You will never know what the possibilities are till you ask. Once you and your professor have agreed on the parameters of your project, you will need to fill out the proper paperwork.
How do I complete the paperwork for this project? To begin filling out the paperwork visit our Honors Program secretary, Linda Dirkse, in the Office of Academic Programs, Education Building, Room 242. You will need to complete two forms: an Independent Study Honors Seminar form and a Petition for Course by Individual Study. This process, including registration for the independent study course, must be completed no later than the winter quarter of the student's graduation year. Failure to do so may jeopardize receipt of several of the rewards students earn for finishing the process (see below).
What benefits do students receive for completing the CSUB Honors Program? Students who complete two years of the CSUB Honors Program (as juniors/seniors) will have this accomplishment listed prominently on their official CSUB transcripts. Students who finish all four years of the Honors Program (including all six lower-division honors classes, the two upper-division honors theme courses, and the Independent Study Honors Seminar) will receive the following additional benefits: four-year honors designation on their transcripts, honors listing in the graduation program, and a lovely gold and silver four-year honors medal to be awarded at our end-of-the-year Honors Convocation.
What additional advantages does the program offer? In addition to providing special sections of general education classes taught by the university's top professors, the CSUB Honors Program offers the following extra advantages: priority at registration (so students will always get the courses they want at the most convenient times); a new Honors Lounge where students can relax between classes; special waivers in the general education program; international study opportunities; excursions to cultural events; parties and other enjoyable social occasions; and increased scholarship potential.
How do I find out more information about the CSUB University Honors Program? If you have further questions about the program after reading this Fact Sheet, please call Dr. Michael Flachmann, Director of the University Honors Program, at his office (661-654-2121) or his home (661-831-9081). Or you can send him an e-mail at mflachmann@csub.edu or a letter c/o the Department of English, CSU Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, California, 93311-1099. Interested students are also encouraged to visit the CSUB University Honors Program Web Site at www.csub.edu/honors, which includes a two-year projection of honors classes, further information about the program, and photographs of past and current participants. The Honors Office is located on the second floor of the Faculty Towers Building, Room 201-D, and the new Honors Lounge is in Cafeteria 100, which is on the north side of the cafeteria adjacent to Runner Park and the Library.