Founded in the 1970's, the Honors Program at Francis Marion University exists to give gifted and ambitious students in all majors the opportunity to:

• work with the University's most stimulating faculty in small but challenging classes;
• engage in interdisciplinary study that synthesizes knowledge from different disciplines;
• achieve their full intellectual potential in preparation for careers and/or graduate or professional school.

Most Honors courses at Francis Marion University are chosen from basic courses which meet general education requirements but which employ different, more collaborative, interactive, and interdisciplinary methods, and which are limited to an enrollment of 15 students per course. Each semester, some upper division courses are offered as Honors. Honors classes often incorporate field trips, dinners, and other special events, and the Honors Program itself offers periodic trips, receptions, and other opportunities for Honors students and faculty. Another important feature of the Honors Program is the Honors Student Association. This chartered student organization coordinates social and academic activities, including play nights, travel experiences, get-togethers, and community service. Each year, a student is chosen to receive the HSA Award; he or she is recognized on a plaque in the Honors Room (CEMC 241). The names of the four student officers for each year are also on a plaque in CEMC 241.

To graduate "With University Honors," students must complete 21 semester hours of Honors classes with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 (first semester freshmen must earn a GPA of 3.0 to remain or become Honors-eligible). Nine of these 21 semester hours must be numbered 300 or above. Three of those nine hours must be earned in the Honors 397 Honors Colloquium, which is offered at least once every year and which deals with a special topic from an interdisciplinary perspective. Three more of those nine hours must be earned by successfully completing an Honors Independent Study project. Students graduating "With University Honors" are awarded a gold Honors Cord at commencement. Each year, the University awards the Duane P. Myers Honors Award to an outstanding graduating senior; he or she is recognized on a plaque in the Honors Room (CEMC 241).

Eligibility for the Honors Program is determined for incoming freshmen by a minimum score of 1100 on the SAT I or a minimum cumulative score of 24 on the ACT. Second semester freshmen retain or earn eligibility with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher; students with more than 22 earned hours retain or earn eligibility with an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher. Anyone curious about his or her eligibility, or with any other questions about the FMU Honors Program, should contact the Honors Director, Dr. Pamela Rooks, Founders Hall 106.

Previous Honors Program Directors: Dr. Richard Chapman, Dr. Jon Tuttle, and Dr. Duane Myers	Current Honors Director: Dr. Pamela Rooks