El Camino College s15

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

HONORS TRANSFER PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

HONORS TRANSFER PROGRAM

16007 CRENSHAW BOULEVARD

TORRANCE, CA 90506

Telephone: (310) 660-3815 E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Program Requirements...... … 1

Program Benefits...... 2

Honors Curriculum...... … 4

University Honors Transfer Agreements...... ……… 5

Student Responsibilities...... 8

How to Apply to the Honors Transfer Program……… 11

For further information please contact:

Honors Transfer Program Office ……………………………….(310) 660-3815

Joseph Holliday ………………………………………………………(310) 660-3815 Director, Honors Transfer Program

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., when classes are in session. (Hours are limited during the winter and summer sessions) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Purpose The El Camino College (ECC) Honors Transfer Program (HTP) is designed to better prepare the highly motivated student to transfer to a university and complete a bachelor's degree. The program provides a unique learning environment which stresses scholastic excellence and develops the academic awareness necessary to achieve this goal. The major objective of the program is to better prepare students for transfer by focusing on enhanced writing, reading, and study skills.

Admission Requirements 1. Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from high school or, if already in college, from at least nine academic units. 2. Be eligible for or have completed English 1A. Eligibility for English 1A is determined by the ECC English Placement Test, by a score of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement English Test, or by successful completion of prerequisite courses at ECC or another accredited college. 3. Complete an Honors Transfer Program application and submit all required materials on a timely basis. These materials include an essay, verification of English 1A eligibility, and high school (or college) transcripts. High school students may send transcripts through the end of the first semester of their senior year to be considered for initial acceptance. College students must submit transcripts from all colleges attended. Current ECC students who have completed fewer than nine academic units or whose cumulative GPA is less than 3.0 must also submit a Grade Progress Report.

Continuation Requirements 1. Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. 2. Complete English 1A during the first semester in the program (unless it has already been completed). 3. Complete at least one honors course each semester with a minimum grade of C (for a total of five honors courses). 4. Visit an academic counselor for a scheduled half-hour (educational plan) appointment or attend an honors enrichment seminar (or approved Alternate Enrichment Activity) each semester until you have completed the program’s required two counseling appointments and four seminars.

Completion Requirements 1. Earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in all transferable courses. 2. Complete at least two scheduled half-hour (ed. plan) appointments with an academic counselor. 3. Complete four honors enrichment seminars (or approved Alternate Enrichment Activities). 4. Complete a minimum of five honors courses, each with a minimum grade of C. Please see item 8.b. on p. 9 for guidelines pertaining to the completion of the five honors courses. 5. Complete the requirements necessary to be accepted by the transfer institution in your major. 6. Submit an Intent to Complete the Honors Transfer Program form to the HTP office at the end of the next-to-last semester in the program. 7. Must be an active member of the HTP for at least two semesters in order to complete the program.

PROGRAM BENEFITS Guaranteed Admission Priority Admission Consideration  UCLA College of Letters and Sciences  CSU, Dominguez Hills  UC Berkeley  Azusa Pacific (with 3.75 GPA)  UCI  UC, Riverside Scholarship Offers  UC, Santa Cruz  Pacific University: (3.5 GPA)  Cal Poly Pomona  Whitman College: (3.5 GPA)  Loyola Marymount University  Chapman University University Honors Acceptance  LaSierra University  CSU, Long Beach  Pitzer College (3.50 GPA)  CSU, Fullerton  Occidental College (3.25 GPA)  San Diego State University  Pomona College (3.5 GPA)

Other Benefits  Priority registration for all ECC classes to help ensure enrollment in desired classes.  Close academic and social interaction with other highly motivated honors students.  Enrollment in honors classes with a smaller-than-usual class size. All classes are taught by outstanding faculty.  Designation of Completed Honors Transfer Program on ECC transcript upon program completion.  A parchment quality Award of Achievement upon program completion.  Graduated Honors Transfer Program designated on ECC associate degree.  An honors counselor (in addition to the major's counselor), an honors program director and honors program secretary for special help and advisement.  Enrichment seminars which lead to academic and personal growth.  Opportunities to participate in the Honors Transfer Club and/or the Newsletter Committee. Students will receive information and an email invitation to the first HT club meeting.  Increased chances of receiving scholarships.  Special privileges offered by universities with which ECC has an honors transfer agreement. Examples include (contact the honors program at that university): a. an organized visit to their campus to prepare students for transfer. b. opportunities to attend academic and cultural events at the university campus. c. use of their libraries. d. priority scholarship consideration.

2 Eligibility for Benefits and Privileges

 Students must check into the details concerning the benefits and privileges offered to them by the university honors transfer agreements. The information given later in this handbook (pp. 5-7) is only meant to be a brief summary. More information is available at www.honorstcc.org.

 Many benefits have critical application deadlines, which must be met to qualify for them. Many deadlines are much earlier than might be expected. For students who apply for scholarships, many universities have early deadlines for both scholarship and admission applications even though they may continue to accept admission applications much longer. Most scholarships are available only to fall semester (or quarter) applicants.

 To qualify for the admission or scholarship priorities and guarantees offered by universities, students must complete the HTP (Honors Transfer Program) and complete sufficient preparation for their major so that they will be a competitive applicant at their chosen university. Of course, students may need to apply while they are still in the process of completing the HTP. Applications are generally made directly to the university.

 Scholarships generally have minimum eligibility requirements in addition to HTP completion. The number, monetary amount, and eligibility requirements for scholarships and awards may change.

Tips for Success

 The preparation courses for the major are especially important to enhance a student's chances of being accepted to the more competitive majors and universities. Give the best effort in these courses. Take most (preferably all) of these courses; all these courses may be required for impacted majors. Take these courses as early as possible. The more completed before applying, the better. This may be especially true for required math courses. Taking any of these courses the summer prior to transfer may not be acceptable.

 Check at the HTP office for more information and updates to the honors transfer agreements with universities and for information about new agreements.

 Take advantage of the benefits offered by universities. Watch the message board at the HTP office, watch for flyers on the information counter, and/or complete any necessary forms on a timely basis. Be sure we have your current email address, and look for email notices from the HTP often.

Awards for Excellence

 Each spring semester, about 20 awards for student excellence ($100 each) will be given by the Honors Transfer Council of California, of which El Camino College is a member. From among its eligible applicants, the HTP will forward a maximum of two applications to a selection committee. The HTP director will notify eligible candidates.

 Each spring the HTP gives up to two award plaques in recognition of outstanding service to the HTP and two in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in the HTP. 3 THE HONORS CURRICULUM

Honors courses are academically enriched to intellectually stimulate students; to encourage independent, critical thinking; and to promote close interaction between students and faculty.

Honors courses are chosen to fulfill the requirements of the associate degree as well as to transfer to UC, CSU, and most other universities. Thus students in the HTP generally complete the same number of courses as other students planning to transfer.

Honors students must complete at least one honors course each semester and a minimum of five honors courses to complete the program. Students should consult with a counselor to ensure that they take the appropriate courses for their major and transfer institution.

New students are required to complete English 1A (unless previously completed) during their first semester in the program. Honors English 1A is recommended, if offered.

The following is a list of currently offered honors courses. Most of these courses are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, and some are offered in the summer and winter sessions as well. Since not all sections are honors sections, students in the HTP must be sure that they enroll in sections listed in the Schedule of Classes under the heading Honors Transfer Program.

Anthropology 1 Physical Anthropology History 1B US History from 1877 Anthropology 2 Cultural Anthropology History 32 Cultural Pluralism in America Art 6 Cross Cultural Art Music 12 Music Cultures of the World Astronomy 25 Stars and Galaxies Oceanography 10 Physical Oceanography Biology 10 Fundamentals of Biology Philosophy 23 Ethics, Law and Society Economics 1 Macroeconomics Political Science 1 Government English 1A* Reading and Composition Political Science 10 International Relations English 1B* Literature and Comp. Psychology 5 General Psychology English 1C* Critical Thinking and Comp. Sociology 101 Principles of Sociology Film/Video 1 Film Analysis/Appreciation Speech Comm. 1 Effective Speaking Geography 5 World Regional Geography Speech Comm. 3 Group Discussion History 1A US History to 1877 Speech Comm. 4 Argumentation and Debate

Only two English courses from the list above may count toward the minimum of five required honors courses.

Only two science or mathematics courses from the list below may count toward the minimum of five required honors courses:

Biology 101 and 102 Introductory Biology Chemistry 1A and 1B General Chemistry Computer Science 1 Problem Solving and Program Design Using C++ Math 190 and 191 Single Variable Calculus and Analytic Geometry Physics 1A and 1B Mechanics of Solids; Fluid, Heat and Sound

All sections of these science and mathematics courses are considered honors level, although they are not designated as such in the Schedule of Classes. These courses are primarily for students majoring in science, mathematics, or engineering. 4 UNIVERSITY HONORS TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Upon completion of the Honors Transfer Program, students may take advantage of the benefits and privileges offered by universities through honors transfer agreements. Below is a list highlighting the key aspects of these agreements. Contact the honors program at each university for details.

University of California and California State University Campuses UCLA: Transfer Alliance Program (TAP)  priority consideration for admission to the College of Letters and Science. (Impacted majors will likely require higher than a 3.0 GPA and completion of all preparation courses for the major with A's and B's. If admission cannot be granted in a student’s major, the alternate major will be considered.) International students may not be considered for priority admission.  several scholarships available to the community college TAP applicants, including six Wasserman scholarships of $4000 (renewable for one additional year)  12 units of honors work at El Camino accepted by the UCLA honors program (requires a 3.5 GPA)  TAP Conference Day -- an organized visit to the campus to prepare students to transfer  courtesy library card to the main undergraduate library at UCLA  complimentary opportunities to attend academic and cultural events at UCLA

UC Berkeley: There is a new TAG agreement for the 2007-8 academic year. When details are announced, they will be

made available and posted at www.honorstcc.org. UC Irvine: Community College Honors Transfer Program  priority admission consideration to the university  priority admission consideration for the campus-wide Honors Program (requires a 3.5 GPA as well as evidence of motivation and leadership)  early admission to the UCI chapter of the Golden Key National Honor Society (requires a 3.4 GPA)  campus tours  guaranteed campus housing  assistance to honors students in obtaining UCI library privileges  complimentary opportunities to attend academic and cultural events at UCI

UC Riverside: Honors Alliance for Riverside Transfers (HART)  priority admission consideration  priority scholarship consideration for students who qualify for merit-based transfer scholarships  acceptance into the University Upper Division Honors Program  priority consideration for a UCR Residential Fellowship  priority consideration for the UCR Summer Research Institute  guaranteed campus housing  complimentary opportunities to attend academic and cultural events at UCR

UC Santa Cruz  priority admission consideration 5

CSUDH: Academic Partnership  guaranteed admission to the university  acceptance into the University Honors Program  requires a 3.4 GPA or a 3.0 GPA and the HTP director's recommendation  courtesy library card to the main undergraduate library at CSUDH

CSU Long Beach  acceptance into the University Honors Program  priority registration  services such as campus tours, financial aid and scholarship information, transfer counseling and pre-admission advising  library privileges  courtesy invitations to faculty lectures and cultural events at CSULB

CSU Fullerton  acceptance into the university’s honors program  priority registration

San Diego State University  community college honors course credit accepted toward SDSU Honors Certificate  priority registration to those students who submit completed applications within established deadlines to the SDSU Honors Program  library privileges

Cal Poly Pomona  priority consideration for admission (requires a 3.5 GPA)  services such as campus tours, financial aid and scholarship information, pre-admission advising, invitations to lectures and cultural events

Independent Colleges and Universities

Chapman University: Priority Access for Chapman Transfer (PACT)  priority admission consideration (excluding Communication Studies and Film)  priority scholarship consideration for students who qualify for merit-based transfer scholarships  acceptance into the University Honors Program (requires a 3.3 GPA) - such students are guaranteed a renewable scholarship of at least $5000 provided they meet application deadlines for financial aid and admissions. A scholarship of $8500 is available for students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6.

La Sierra University  priority admission consideration  scholarship opportunities  acceptance into the university’s honors program  priority registration

Loyola Marymount University  priority admission consideration ( requires a 3.25 GPA)  complimentary opportunities, such as campus tours, information workshops, financial aid, transfer counseling, pre-admission advising, and cultural events at LMU

Mills College  priority admission consideration  renewable annual scholarship to certified honors students (requires a 3.5 GPA)

Pitzer College  priority admission consideration (requires a 3.5 GPA)

Occidental College: Preferred Admission Agreement  priority admission consideration (requires a 3.25 GPA)  one-on-one meetings (upon request) with individual students to discuss and review general education requirements, major prerequisites, and graduation requirements  guaranteed campus housing  complimentary opportunities to attend academic, cultural and/or social events at Occidental College

Pomona College: Pomona Agreement for Transfer Honors (PATH)  priority admission consideration (requires a 3.5 GPA)  guaranteed campus housing  complimentary opportunities to attend academic, cultural and/or social events at Pomona College

Azusa Pacific  guaranteed admission to the university (requires a 3.75 GPA)

Pacific University  offers each student with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and completion of 6 honors courses a scholarship of $7500. The scholarship will be renewed upon satisfactory academic progress.  guaranteed campus housing

Whitman College  ten Achievement Scholarships of $8000 per academic year (for a total of $20,000 for 5 semesters) offered to California honors program students (requires a 3.5 GPA)  guaranteed campus housing

7 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES

1. Maintenance of HTP Eligibility (per semester) a. Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. b. Complete at least one honors course each semester with a minimum grade of C. New HTP students must also complete English 1A (unless this course has already been completed) during their first semester in the program. c. Program completion requires a scheduled visit with an academic counselor at least two times and completion of at least four HTP enrichment seminars (or Alternate Enrichment Activities). Each semester in the program requires at least one of these activities (scheduled counselor visit or seminar) until the required number have been completed.

Students who are not fulfilling all of the HTP requirements are expected to contact the HTP office to discuss their status if they wish to stay active in the program. Each semester the HTP office checks that each student has fulfilled all of the current semester’s HTP requirements.

Students who complete more than one honors course in a semester (or complete a summer or winter session honors course) may "bank" a course for credit in a future semester in which they do not enroll in an honors course. Ask at the HTP office for details. Requests must be submitted to the HTP office by completing a Request to Bank an Honors Course form.

2. Information and Deadlines Students are expected to check their email regularly for information and announcements. Students are responsible for observing all deadlines and information that applies to them.

3. Seminars a. Students are responsible for attendance at a total of four seminars or Alternate Enrichment Activities. Students are responsible for documenting their attendance by signing in at HTP seminars or as approved by the HTP director for Alternate Enrichment Activities. Information regarding seminar dates, topics, etc. will be available in the HTP office. b. In order to receive credit for attending a seminar, students must be on time and may not leave early. Out of respect for the guest speaker, no one will be admitted once a seminar has started.

4. Counseling HTP students are expected to seek academic counseling on a regular basis. This is accomplished by scheduling a meeting with an academic counselor (preferably one assigned to the major) for a half- hour educational plan appointment. HTP students are required to complete two such appointments while they are enrolled in the Honors Transfer Program, and must submit a copy of the educational plan to the HTP office for verification purposes each time. Counseling appointments are made by the main appointment desk in person or by calling (310) 660-3458. The HTP secretary does not schedule counseling appointments.

5. Priority Registration – Priority Registration is for active HTP students only. a. Priority registration appointments for HTP students who are continuing ECC students should be within the first two days of continuing student registration each semester. Appointments for HTP students who are new to ECC should be within the first two days of new student registration. b. Students should check online to be sure that they receive an early appointment. If there are any problems, contact Joyce Fukuchi (660-3428) in the Admissions Office to request an honors priority registration appointment. c. Summer session/fall semester registration are combined, as are winter/spring.

6. Honors Code a. Properly documented cases of cheating or plagiarism will result in the student being dropped from the HTP without possibility of reinstatement. b. Signing in at an HTP seminar and not attending the full time is dishonest and may result in the student being dropped from the HTP.

7. Drops and Reinstatements a. Students who do not complete an honors course with a C or better and/or who do not fulfill the HTP seminar/counseling requirement will receive a letter of suspension from the HTP. They may reinstate by completing a Reinstatement Request form in the HTP office. b. Students who fulfill the honors course and HTP seminar requirement but finish the semester with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 will be suspended from the HTP. These students can request reinstatement as soon as there is reasonable expectation that their cumulative GPA will be above 3.0. They need not wait for grades to be posted. A Grade Progress Report can be submitted in the middle of the next semester to verify expected GPA improvement. c. Students who have been suspended from the HTP may be reinstated into the program a maximum of two times by completing a Reinstatement Request form. d. Counseling visits, seminar attendance, and honors courses taken while a student is suspended will count toward completion.

8. Completion of HTP a. Students who expect to complete the HTP must submit an Intent to Complete the Honors Transfer Program at the end of their next-to-last semester in the program. This form provides much of the information necessary for the HTP office to determine which students should receive the following benefits:  Admission assistance to universities with which the HTP has honors transfer agreements.  An HTP Award of Achievement.  Completed Honors Transfer Program noted on their ECC transcript.  Graduated Honors Transfer Program designated on their ECC Associate Degree. Students must be in at least their second semester of active membership, must have completed at least three honors courses with a minimum grade of C, must have completed at least two seminars (or alternate activities), and must have completed at least one counseling visit (with ed. plan) in order to submit an Intent to Complete form. b. To take full advantage of any honors transfer agreements the HTP has with universities, students must complete the HTP in good standing, including:  A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in all college courses.  A minimum of two counseling visits and four seminars or Alternate Enrichment Activities.  A minimum of five honors courses with a grade of C or better. No more than two of these courses may be from honors English courses, and no more than two may be from the specially designated science and mathematics courses. Upon request and verification, one honors course may be accepted from another college. Students should plan to complete the five courses from the regularly offered honors curriculum. Honors contracts for courses which are not part of the regular curriculum will not be granted, except under extraordinary circumstances and at the sole discretion of the HTP Director. When this privilege is allowed, it will be allowed only once.  A minimum of two semesters as active members of the HTP.  Sufficient preparation for their major so that they will be a competitive applicant at their chosen university. These requirements may include specific courses as well as minimum grades.  Timely submission of any honors transfer agreement forms required by the transfer university.

9 APPLICATION ESSAY BASED ON THE UC PERSONAL STATEMENT

The personal statement is an important part of your application. There are limitations to what grades and test scores can tell universities about you. The university uses your statement to learn more about you as an individual -- your talents, experiences, achievements and points of view. Think of the personal statement as your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions officers and faculty who will be evaluating your application. What would you like them to know about you that may not be evident from a review of the rest of your application?

Focus: Academic Preparation Rationale: The University seeks to enroll students who take initiative in pursuing their education (for example, developing a special interest in science, language or the performing arts; involvement in educational preparation programs including summer enrichment programs, research, or academic development programs such as EAOP, MESA, Puente, or other similar programs.) This question seeks to understand a student's motivation and dedication to learning.

Question: What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field - such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities - and what you have gained from your involvement.

Focus: Potential to Contribute Rationale: UC welcomes the contributions each student brings to the campus learning community. This question seeks to determine an applicant's creative interests, and potential to contribute to the vitality of the university

Question: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Start Early: Allow time for reflection, thoughtful preparation, and revision.

Choose a topic for each essay: Look critically at the information in your application: your grades, awards, activities and work experience, family and income. Anticipate questions an admissions evaluator will have after reading your application. The personal statement is your opportunity to answer those questions.

Write in a natural style: Present your information and ideas in a focused, thoughtful and meaningful manner. Support your ideas with specific examples. A personal statement that is simply a list of qualities or accomplishments is usually not persuasive.

Proofread: in addition to checking your spelling, be sure your grammar is correct and your essays read smoothly.

Solicit feedback: Your personal statement should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone, but others – family and teachers – can offer valuable suggestions.

Ask advice of whomever you like, but do not plagiarize from sources in print or online, and do not use anyone’s published words but your own.

10 HOW TO APPLY TO THE HONORS TRANSFER PROGRAM

To apply to the Honors Transfer Program, complete and submit all required materials to the HTP office. These materials include:

1.Application checklist (last page of this handbook).

2. A typewritten application essay (minimum of two double-spaced or one single-spaced page), based on the personal statement required for UC admission (page 10 contains an HTP adaptation of these instructions). 3. Verification of eligibility for (or completion of) English 1A. 4. High school transcript. High school students may send unofficial transcripts through the end of the fall semester of their senior year to be considered for initial acceptance.

5. Transcript(s) for any colleges attended. A Grade Progress Report is required for all current ECC students who have completed fewer than nine academic units or who have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0. Acceptance is contingent on timely submission of all required application materials. Early application is strongly recommended.

Application deadlines were chosen to ensure the benefit of priority registration to those who apply on time. Apply by the first week in May for summer session or fall semester acceptance to the HTP; apply by the third week in October for winter session or spring semester acceptance to the HTP. Applications of qualified students will be accepted continue to be accepted after priority registration deadlines have passed.

Application materials may be submitted in person to the HTP office: Student Services Center Room 102F (hand to the secretary or put in the plastic pocket on the door of Room 102F)

Application materials may be mailed to: Honors Transfer Program c/o Social and Behavioral Sciences Division El Camino College 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506

THE HTP APPLICATION IS THE LAST PAGE OF THIS HANDBOOK.

Staple together this page and the following one (FOR OFFICE USE ONLY), your application essay, all appropriate transcript(s), and proof of English 1A eligibility, and submit the packet to the HTP counter located in the Counseling Division, Student Services Center, Room SSC 102F.

HONORS TRANSFER PROGRAM APPLICATION

Date Application Received: ______G.P.A.: ______(H.S.)______(College)

______Name Student Identification No. ______Address ______City State Zip Code (______)______Telephone Number E-Mail Address

Transfer Plans: ______University name Semester and year you plan to transfer

Major or Field of Interest:______

I graduated (will graduate) from high school in: ______(month/year)

I have completed and attached (in the following order) to this application checklist:

1. my essay on higher education (refer to page 10 of handbook). 2. a copy of my ECC English Placement Test scores or my Advanced Placement English Test score or verification of having completed prerequisite courses for English 1A at an accredited college. 3. my current transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for initial acceptance. 4. Grade Progress Report (if required). This report is required for all current ECC students who have completed fewer than nine academic units or who have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0.

If I am a high school student, I am submitting a transcript through the end of the first semester of my senior year. If I am transferring from another college, I am submitting transcripts for all colleges attended. All currently enrolled ECC students must submit an unofficial copy of their ECC transcript with the application (even if they have not yet completed their first semester at ECC) along with the Grade Progress Report. I understand that my application to the Honors Transfer Program will not be considered until I have submitted all of the required materials to the HTP Office in the Student Services Center, Room 102F.

______

Signature Date

If admitted, I will allow the Honors Transfer Program to release my name and address to colleges and universities participating in honors transfer agreements with El Camino College.

 Yes  No ______Signature

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Approved

Student Essay ______

English Placement Status: ______

Course completed ______

ECC Placement Score ______

AP Test Score ______

Passed Eng. 2R. 7, A, or AX ______

High School Transcript: _____

Name of High School: ______GPA _____

College Transcript:

ECC (# of Units ) GPA _____

Name(s) of other College(s) ______

Other colleges (# of Units ) GPA _____

APPROVED DENIED DATE______2nd review: APPROVED ______DENIED ______DATE ______

REVIEWER’S COMMENTS: