Honors Core Experiences (HCEs)

Students who pursue any of the four minors in the Ogden Honors College must complete 3 hours of Honors Core Experiences (HCEs) through HNRS 1010 Honors Core Experiences (1 hour; Pass/Fail grading).

HNRS 1010 recognizes co-curricular activities and reflection as part of a unique and valuable Honors education, awarding academic credit for the activities that ambitious and active Honors students regularly pursue.

Students will undertake 3 distinct experiences chosen from 6 Honors Core Experience (HCE) categories:

  1. Campus and Community Engagement
  2. Global Citizenship
  3. Arts and Letters
  4. Leadership
  5. Research Engagement
  6. Professional and Personal Development

Two but not three experiences can come from the same HCE category, and no single activity can fulfill more than one HCE.

Students will repeat HNRS 1010 for a maximum of three credit hours to complete the HCE requirement. A student may enroll in multiple sections of HNRS 1010 per semester, though the students should be sure they can complete the requirements of the course before enrolling.

To complete the HCE requirement, students submit proof of completion and respond to reflection questions via Moodle.

Students are strongly encouraged to register for HNRS 1010 in the semester following full completion of the HCE.  Proof of completion must be submitted by the end of the first week of classes in order to remain enrolled in HNRS 1010.  In some cases, a student may enroll in HNRS 1010 while undertaking the HCE activity, but a plan for successful completion must be submitted and approved by the HNRS 1010 instructor of record by the end of the first week of classes in order to stay in the course. 

  • Complete at least 45 hours of documented service activity as a member of Project 225 or another university-approved or community service organization. 
  • Complete at least two courses with the LSU CCELL service-learning designation.
  • Complete a validated domestic (within the US) service experience (at least 45 hours), such as a mission trip or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Apply for a Truman, Humanity in Action, John Lewis, or Udall Scholarship.
  • Complete LSU’s Engaged Citizens program.
  • Serve for at least two semesters as a writer or editor for the Reveille or other university-sponsored publication.

Honors Core Reflection: Campus and Community Engagement (500-1000 words) 1) Describe the activity and your involvement in it.  Include the time commitment and your motivation for undertaking the activity.  2) Explain the ways in which this experience has shaped your understanding of yourself as an engaged member of a community. 3) Discuss how this experience has contributed to your Honors education.  Relate your HCE to specific courses or other aspects of Honors life.

  • Complete a university-sponsored or other validated study or volunteering abroad program (at least 45 hours).
  • Apply for a PPIA, Marshall, Mitchell, Schwarzman, Critical Language, Gilman, Boren, Pickering, Rangel, DAAD, or Fulbright.
  • Serve as an ESL tutor or volunteer (at least 45 hours).

Honors Core Reflection: Global Citizenship (500-1000 words) 1) Describe the activity and your involvement in it. Include the time commitment and your motivation for undertaking the activity. 2) Explain the ways in which this experience has shaped your understanding of yourself as a global citizen. 3) Discuss how this experience has contributed to your Honors education. Relate your HCE to specific courses or other aspects of Honors life.

  • Be an active member of a university-sponsored or community performing arts group, including band, choir, and theater, for at least two semesters.
  • Publish a creative work in a peer-reviewed publication or display a creative work in a show or recital.
  • Serve as an editor for a creative publication, including Cypress Review, Spectrum, and Delta.
  • Attend at least three performances using the OH! pass.
  • Attend at least two OHC-sponsored trips while living in Laville or East Campus Apartments.
  • Complete at least two OHC book clubs.

Honors Core Reflection: Arts (500-1000 words) 1) Describe the activity and your involvement in it.  Include the time commitment and your motivation for undertaking the activity. 2) Explain the ways in which this experience has shaped your understanding of the role of the arts in your life and the larger community. 3) Discuss how this experience has contributed to your Honors education. Relate your HCE to specific courses or other aspects of Honors life.

  • Serve as a leader in a university-approved group, campus unit, or community organization for at least two semesters.
  • Serve as a Residential Assistant for at least two semesters.
  • Complete Leadership LSU.
  • Apply for a Rhodes Scholarship.
  • Complete an Ogden Leaders project funded through the Ogden Leaders Award program.

Honors Core Reflection: Leadership (500-1000 words) 1) Describe the activity and your involvement in it.  Include the time commitment and your motivation for undertaking the activity. 2) Discuss a specific instance of your leadership and explain what you learned about yourself as a leader and/or the qualities of effective leadership. 3) Discuss how this experience has contributed to your Honors education. Relate your HCE to specific courses or other aspects of Honors life.

  • Give a presentation or poster at a professional or academic conference, such as LSU Discover Day.
  • Author or co-author a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Complete an REU or research internship (at least 45 hours).
  • Engage in research at prominent archives, laboratories, or museums in preparation for your Honors capstone.
  • Apply for a Goldwater, Gates, Ford, DAAD Rise, Astronaut Scholarship, or NSF Graduate Fellowship.

Honors Core Reflection: Research Engagement (500-1000 words) 1) Describe the activity and your involvement in it.  Include the time commitment and your motivation for undertaking the activity. 2) Discuss specific skills and perspectives you have gained because of your research experience. 3) Discuss how this experience has contributed to your Honors education. Relate your HCE to specific courses or other aspects of Honors life.

  • Participate in an internship, co-op, or shadowing experience (at least 45 hours).
  • Complete the Distinguished Communicator certificate or medal.
  • Attend at least three OHC career workshops and professional or personal development seminars.
  • Apply for a Hollings, Astronaut Scholarship, or DAAD Rise internship.

Honors Core Reflection: Professional Development (500-1000 words) 1) Describe the activity and your involvement in it.  Include the time commitment and your motivation for undertaking the activity. 2) Discuss specific skills and perspectives you have gained because of your professional or personal development activities. 3) Discuss how this experience has contributed to your Honors education. Relate your HCE to specific courses or other aspects of Honors life.