Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning

James Scholars


Introduction

Since at least the 1950's the University of Illinois has encouraged outstanding undergraduate students by offering participation in the James Scholar Honors Program. The program has changed over the years. At present, each college has a James Scholar Honors Program -- a college-level undergraduate honors program.

The programs are named for the fourth president of the University of Illinois, Edmund J. James. James believed scholarship and research are fundamental to human progress, and in the years of his presidency, from 1904-1920, he brought world-class scholars and researchers to the campus, developed many new graduate programs, and fostered a sense of community among faculty and students. His achievements helped to transform the University of Illinois into a campus of international importance.

"James Scholars" are undergraduate students invited to pursue a specialized course of study for no less than two years of their undergraduate course work. Each student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.6/4.0 to become a James Scholar. James Scholars who graduate with "University Honors" are also awarded the Latin honors of In cursu honorum.

Admission

Entering freshmen who meet the criteria for James Scholar status will be invited by letter to participate as James Scholar Designees.

  • Any student who has not received an invitation to apply may self-nominate after the completion of one semester of study at the University of Illinois. Admission requires a 3.50 cumulative GPA. Download the Self-Nomination form or obtain a copy in the FAA College Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, 110 Architecture building.
  • Students may not self-nominate after their junior year.
  • Nomination forms are available in the FAA College Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, 110 Architecture building, and must be returned to the office prior to the 4th week of the semester.

Continuance

Students must meet multiple requirements to maintain their status in the James Scholar Honors Program. Each academic semester (fall and spring) the student must:

  • Maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA. (James Scholar Designees must earn a 3.25 GPA during their first semester in residence. Thereafter they must meet program GPA requirements.)
  • Complete at least 14 hours of coursework.
  • Complete an honors experience each semester while in residence. Students enrolled in off campus programs (e.g., study abroad, student teaching, and off-campus internships) are exempt from the honors experience requirement.

Courses cannot be retroactively changed.

Students who fail to meet the above criteria will lose their James Scholar status. They may not re-apply until one academic semester has passed. Students re-apply using the Self-Nomination Form.

Recognition

Successful performance in the James Scholar Honors Program for one academic year is recorded on the student's official University transcript as "Edmund J. James Scholar (academic year 20--.)"

Students entering the FAA James Scholar Honors program in or prior to the fall 2008 semester who successfully complete a minimum of six semesters in the FAA James Scholar Honors Program (four semesters for transfer students) will receive recognition at graduation.

Students entering the FAA James Scholar Honors program after fall 2008 who successfully complete a mimimum of six semesters in the program (four semesters for transfer students) and complete one of the designated service learning/engagement courses (see below) for a minimum of one semester will receive recognition at graduation.

Honors Experiences

There are several ways students may fulfill the requirement for an honors experience each semester.

Courses not listed above that combine academic content with experiential service learning or engagement may also qualify, pending review and approval of a petition to the College office.

  • Completion of an honors course offered through the Campus Honors Program (CHP). James Scholars who are not also members of the CHP must contact CHP to request permission to enroll in these courses.
  • Completion of an i-program through the Illinois Leadership Center may be substituted for enrollment in an honors course for one semester. Students must bring the completion certificate to the FAA Undergraduate Academic Affairs office the same semester the program is completed in order to receive honors credit.

Spring 2013 James Scholars in Urban Planning:

  • Reema Abi-Akar
  • Jonathan Blanks
  • Emily Blumenthal
  • Nicholas Evans
  • Paul Finn
  • Sean Keane
  • Maximillian Mahalek
  • David Mischiu
  • Flora Ramirez
  • Matthew Rejc
  • Jennifer Speaker
  • Ethan Tabakin
  • Quan Chak Daniel Tse
  • Jizhe Yang
  • Roman Yanke
  • Peiyong Yu

Fall 2012 James Scholars in Urban Planning:

  • Reema Abi-Akar
  • Jonathan Blanks
  • Emily Blumenthal
  • Clare Cutler
  • Nicholas Evans
  • Paul Finn
  • Sean Keane
  • Evan Liew
  • Maximillian Mahalek
  • Kerri Malone
  • David Mischiu
  • Kathryn Pond
  • Flora Ramirez
  • Matthew Rejc
  • Jennifer Speaker
  • Ethan Tabakin
  • Quan Chak Daniel Tse
  • Jizhe Yang
  • Roman Yanke
  • Peiyong Yu


Previous James Scholars: Spring 2012