Helpful Hints for Honors Students

1. Go to class.  Much of what a is learned in a college course is not inside the textbook.  Students learn mostly from lecture and discussion in class.  Students who attend class regularly tend to be the students with the best grades.  Going to class should be your highest priority.
2. Take advantage of your professor’s office hours.  The majority of professors at Purdue University Calumet are happy to assist students in many ways.  Stop by during office hours to ask for help, discuss a point made in class, or just to say hi. 
3. Participate in the Honors Program.  Honors Program events and activities give students a chance to develop leadership and communication skills.  Extracurricular activities also allows students to get to know the professors and upper -class students who have a wealth of information they would love to share.
4. Check your email regularly.  The Honors Program’s main form of communication is through email.  Faculty and student officers will email important information about deadlines, new Honors courses, scholarships, field trips, parties, and other information.  
5. Create a portfolio or some other system of organization.  While pursuing your undergraduate education you will accumulate all kinds of records of your work.  When the time comes, you will want to apply for graduate schools, jobs or internships.  It will be much easier for you when all your information is in one convenient place.
6. Don’t be afraid to try something new.  Being a member of the Honors Program gives you a chance to try new things.  Take a class outside your major area.  Attend a lecture or presentation.  Submit a proposal to present at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference.  Students learn and grow from new experiences and it looks good in your portfolio.   
7. Participate in class.  Be sure to ask questions or add productive comments during class.