Frequently Asked Questions About JSHP

What’s so special about being a James Scholar?

• Priority registration
• Engagement in student opportunities for learning, scholarship, and professional growth.
• Opportunity to apply for the JSHP Research and Development Scholarship to support participation in conferences, workshops, research presentations, certificate programs, and more.
• Graduate with honors
• Belonging to the JSHP community and participation in an annual celebration

What does it mean to graduate as a James Scholar?

Graduating James Scholars are recognized with honors cords that they wear as part of their regalia at commencement.

How many honors points do I need each semester?

You technically are not required to earn a certain number of honors points each semester, but you must earn at least 4 honors points each year to maintain your status as a James Scholar Honors student. If you have “banked” honors points, you must still earn at least 2 honors points each year in order to maintain engagement with the program.

Can I earn more than four honors points each year?

Yes, students can bank points, not borrow. Students may bank more than four points in a year and use these points to stay on pace with earning 4 honors points each year in the program until graduation.

What if I am a dual-degree student?

You may only be affiliated with one JSHP at a time. Dual-degree students will remain affiliated with the James Scholar program in the department where they initially enrolled for the duration of their degree programs.  For example:

• You are a James Scholar BSW student who decides to pursue a dual-degree in Psychology. You will maintain your affiliation with the SSW James Scholar Honors Program until you graduate.
• As an Urban Planning student already pursuing a dual-degree in Social Work, you receive an invitation to join the FAA James Scholar program and decide to accept. You will maintain your affiliation with the FAA James Scholar Honors program until you graduate.

What happens if I don’t fulfill my requirements in a semester, such as GPA or earning honors points?

Students who earn lower than a 3.50 GPA in one semester, may petition to continue in the program on a probationary semester. If approved, you will need to earn a 3.50 GPA or higher in the following semester or be dismissed from JSHP.  Students dismissed from JSHP before their senior year may self-nominate or be nominated by School of Social Work faculty or staff in the next semester that a 3.50 GPA is earned.  The student will be reviewed fully for readmission in to the program.

Students earning the required GPA but not earning honors points resulting in falling behind in the 4 point/year earning pace will need to submit a statement in the Canvas site to share information about what has delayed their progress in this area.  This information will be used to support JSHP students in continuing to move forward and meet all requirements to graduate with James Scholar honors.

What if I transferred?

If you transferred to the School of Social Work as a James Scholar, then you will only complete 4 points/school year from the time that you join JSHP.  For example, if you transfer as a Junior and join JSHP the second semester of your junior year, you will only be required to earn 6 honors points by graduation.  Students may not be admitted into JSHP after the start of their senior year.