Empower. Enlighten. Engage.
Discover and grow through LAS Honors. Challenge yourself and deepen your knowledge, skills, and passions as a James Scholar.
The mission of the LAS Honors program is to empower students to be global citizens and global stewards, to enlighten them with deeper understanding of the diverse world in which they live, and to engage them with the core values and responsibilities of moving toward a sustainable future.
To be in LAS Honors means that you not only are an academic achiever but that you are an inquisitive and engaged person. You’re going deeper, making connections between subject areas, engaging in complex thinking, and connecting it with the world around you.
Students in the LAS Honors Program—referred to as James Scholars—deepen their knowledge, skills, and passions through unique growth and enrichment opportunities.
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What is LAS Honors?
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For current James Scholars
Access the LAS Honors Student Handbook and program requirements, get current news, learn about LAS 122 and Honors Abroad, and honors graduation information.
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Admission to LAS Honors
There are three methods of entry into the LAS Honors program: invitation, self-nomination, and intercollegiate transfer.
Instructions and timelines vary depending on which group you are part of.
Hear from LAS James Scholars
Kaitlyn Steffgen
As simple as it may seem, my favorite James Scholar experience was taking an Honors course. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would shape me into the communicator I am today.
Alex Koscielski
The biggest lesson I learned from being a James Scholar is the value of putting yourself out there. Being in LAS Honors motivated me to realize my true potential at Illinois.
Mackenzie Klein
I was fortunate to spend my spring break volunteering in New Orleans, helping various organizations and charities while learning about the impact of Hurricane Katrina.