Why You Can’t Say “NO” to Honors

1. Why You Can’t Say “NO” to Honors A Guide for Students

2. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsWhat We Are • An academic program at Bergen Community College • Offering Honors sections of General Education courses • At no special cost to you • Geared to meet the needs of the brightest students • For freshmen, transfer and continuing students who meet ONE of the criteria • Combined SAT score of 1700 or higher • Accuplacer score of 275 or higher in English • College GPA of 3.4 or higher • A professor’s or a counselor’s recommendation • For Honors Mathematics, a minimum Math SAT score of 600 OR Math Placement exam 90-120

3. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsBenefits • Small classes • Top professors • Four-year college atmosphere • Friends who share intellectual interests • Early registration privilege • Access to Honors Advising • Access to Honors Lounge • A red and gold cord and tassel at graduation • Honors Diploma • Honors Awards • Greater opportunities for transfer and scholarships

4. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsSmall Classes • There are 8 to 20 students in each section • More personal attention • More student participation

5. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsTop Professors • Honors Students receive the benefit of being taught by professors who are: • Dedicated • Informed • Available • Interested in your progress

6. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Four-Year College Atmosphere • Honors classes offer an atmosphere of intellectual challenge and excellent progress, much like the four-year college. • You will find: • Motivated students • An excellent study atmosphere • Research focus • Study groups • Conference Participation

7. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Meet New Friends • Too many friends already?!  • Meet others like you in the classroom • Get involved in the Honors Association activities • Come to the Honors Association events • Visit the Honors Lounge in Honors Hall

8. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Priority Registration • School of Honors students have a Priority Registration privilege set to Day 1 • Make a convenient schedule for yourself • In WebAdvisor, select the semester and “Honors” to see a full listing of courses • REGISTER EARLY

9. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Recommendations • We recommend you take one or two Honors courses per semester • To obtain an Honors degree in all transfer programs, you need 18 honors credits • The Honors-by-Contract is an option available to you if you have taken at least four courses we offer, and you still need credits to graduate with honors, and for an independent study in advanced courses

10. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsAcademic Conferences and Publication • Honors students have an • opportunity to participate • in student conferences • Beacon Conference • Northeastern Honors Conference • JKW School of Honors Student Conference • New Jersey Women’s and Gender Studies Conference • Selected papers are published in The Bergen Scholar, our student academic journal

11. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Advisement • Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Makowiecka as soon as you can • We’ll answer your questions about our School • Help you plan your course of Honors study • Help you design an individual Special Project to Make the World a Better Place – see The Honorary for details • The complete Honors Faculty Advisement Schedule will be posted on the web site

12. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsDiploma • Students obtaining an AS associates degree in Science or an AA associates degree in Arts must successfully complete 18 credits in Honors courses • Students obtaining an AAS must take 12 credits in Honors courses and maintain an overall GPA of 3.4  • Students who complete the JKW School of Honors requirements graduate with an Honors degree in their major, receive an Honors Award, and a red and gold cord and tassel  • Note: Students enrolled in certificate degree programs are ineligible to receive an honors diploma

13. Judith K. Winn School of Honors Honors Association • The Honors Association is a student club that supports the mission of the JKW School of Honors • Honors students are automatically its members

14. Judith K. Winn School of Honors HA Events: Honors Week • Features academic programs such as lectures, mini-conferences and seminars • Features social events for students and families • Is held in October and April • Is open to the whole college community • Always needs student volunteers

15. Judith K. Winn School of Honors To Register • Simple, quick and easy • If you meet ONE of the requirements to qualify for Honors courses, you can register for an Honors course of your choice using the WebAdvisor • All registered students gave access to a WebAdvisor account • In case you need help, contact the office at 201-493-3567 • Once you meet your Honors course professor, you will be asked to sign an Honors Contract given to you by your professor

16. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsContact Information Dr. Maria Makowiecka mmakowiecka@bergen.edu Director Honors Hall 3 and Pitkin L-329 ~ Phone 201-447-9281 Mrs. Wendy Dodge wdodge@bergen.edu Honors Assistant Honors Hall 1 ~ Phone 201-493-3567

17. Judith K. Winn School of HonorsLast Word We are available to provide you with more information as needed, and help you get involved in our community activities to maximize the benefits of your Honors status at Bergen www.bergen.edu/honors facebook.com/bergenhonors