Honors Seminar Instructors

Honors seminar instructors support students by teaching a one-credit seminar on a topic connected to the instructor’s discipline and research interests. 

Guidelines

Honors seminars meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Creative integration: Students will practice connecting, synthesizing, and evaluating information from different sources.
  • Application and communication of knowledge: Students will practice strategies for applying and communicating what they learn.

Seminar instructors also serve as the honors faculty mentor for students in their section. Honors faculty mentors help students to feel welcome at KU and support the development of their academic interests during their time at KU. This activity includes:

  • Fostering connections to undergraduate research, service learning, internships, and global opportunities.
  • Offering support for major or career exploration.
  • Connecting students to scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
  • Serving as a resource as they apply to graduate school, professional school, or enter the job market.

Proposals 

Topics that address issues in contemporary society or provide opportunities for interdisciplinary inquiry are particularly well-received by students. Please review current seminar offerings for examples.

Seminars meet for 50 minutes, once per week, across the full semester. In some instances, we will approve a 75-minute course over 10 weeks to facilitate content delivery or course activities.

When determining a teaching time, instructors should refer to the Standard Meeting Times schedule set by the Registrar's Office to ensure that each teaching time can accommodate as many students as possible. Note: Tuesday and Thursday mornings are very busy for students with labs.

To propose a seminar, complete this form. Proposals for fall 2024 honors seminars are encouraged by Feb. 1. You will be notified about the status of your proposal by March 15. 

Compensation

Instructors are paid a $2,152 (gross) overload payment for teaching a seminar. Payments will appear in the paycheck at the end of December for seminars taught in fall, or at the end of May for seminars taught in spring.

Questions? Please contact Thom Allen, Associate Director, at t273a306@ku.edu.

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