Innovations in Honors Program

The Innovations in Honors Program offers students the opportunity to undertake a civically engaged, problem-solving sequence of Innovation Labs that will culminate in a solution proposal and action plan, answering authentic problems that are relevant to our city, state, and region. Admission to the IIH Program is determined by application and students will begin their IIH coursework - 15 hours required in total - after their first year in college. Students admitted to IIH will be full members of the Honors College with all the benefits therein and those who successfully complete their IIH requirements will receive special acknowledgment at Commencement.

Program Requirements

The requirements for a student completing the Innovations in Honors Program include:

UHON 2000r - Sophomore Honors Studies
UHON 3000r - Junior Honors Studies
UHON 4000r - Senior Honors Studies
UHON 2850 - Innovation Lab I
UHON 2860 - Innovation Lab II
One Brock Scholars Seminar or an approved 3-credit-hour experiential option
Departmental Honors Thesis or an Honors College Thesis

Capstone Experience

Capstone experiences may include: Departmental Honors Thesis in the student’s major department, or the Honors College Thesis, UHON 4995r, a two-semester research or creative project resulting in a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member and approved by a faculty examining committee.

Experiential Option

IIH students must also complete either a Brock Scholars Seminar that may fulfill general education requirements, or an approved credit-bearing experiential option. All experiential options will include a final written summary and a reflection piece; all experiential options must be approved by the Dean or Associate Dean of the Honors College. Possible credit-bearing experiential options may include, but are not limited to the following:

A study abroad or domestic study-away experience
An undergraduate research project or experience
An extensive, self-directed community service project
An application for a national scholarship or fellowship

Leadership Requirement

Students in the Honors College are required to meet a leadership requirement; such a requirement could be met in a myriad of ways including working as a team leader in the Innovation Lab. Other possible leadership experiences may include: participation in UTC’s Student Government Association; a leadership position in any other student organization; an RA position; leadership in a research environment; leadership in a local organization or community agency; leadership within the Honors College itself, particularly as part of the Honors College Student Council. Completion of the Leadership Requirement will be determined by the quality of the leadership reflection essay included in the student’s learning portfolio.

Learning Portfolio Requirement

Each student in the Honors College will maintain an electronic portfolio that will be the repository of their reflection essays on all academic course work and out-of-classroom, experiential, research, and leadership experiences. Portfolios will also include relevant assignments, including a copy of the honors thesis.

Additional Information and Notes

All requirements for the selected degree(s) and major program(s) must be met. IIH students must complete the appropriate Honors Studies courses (2000, 3000, and/or 4000) for each semester they remain in the program.