About Crawford Honors College

The generous donation of 1971 alumnus Dr. Curtis J. Crawford and Mrs. Gina Crawford to establish the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College marks a transformative chapter in JJC’s history, emphasizing a shared commitment to elevating academic excellence and nurturing future leaders.

Introduction

The Crawford Honors College at Joliet Junior College (JJC) aims to foster a culture of academic excellence, nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and leadership among its students. The Crawford Honors College is tailored for those seeking a challenging academic experience, enriched with opportunities for advanced research, community engagement, and personal growth and development. This prestigious opportunity is truly intended for academically exceptional students who are seeking a rigorous educational experience.

This landmark initiative positions JJC as a trailblazer, being among the first of community colleges in the nation to establish an honors college. Honors college students will be afforded small class sizes, intensive undergraduate research projects, study abroad possibilities and high impact educational opportunities led by dedicated faculty. In addition, the honors college will provide dedicated study spaces, interdisciplinary courses, and advanced course offerings.

The home of the Crawford Honors College resides in the JJC Library with over 3,000-square feet of space for students to accelerate their leadership skills and continue their education and personal development throughout their undergraduate studies.

Mission, Vision & Core Values

Mission Statement
The Crawford Honors College promotes academic excellence and leadership. We focus on undergraduate research, authenticity, and critical thinking. Through interdisciplinary learning and diverse perspectives, we encourage free inquiry and dialogue. Our faculty and students collaborate both inside and outside the classroom, engaging in opportunities that promote leadership, resilience, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Vision Statement
The Crawford Honors College advances the intellectual development and leadership skills of students by providing exceptional academic opportunities, fostering intellectual curiosity, and promoting excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.

Core Values
The Crawford Honors College values academic freedom, intellectual virtue, and wholistic integrity in the pursuit of academic and personal excellence.

Commitment

Honors College Scholars Criteria
All students admitted into the Crawford Honors College are required to complete at least five (5) to seven (7) honors level college courses (15-21 credits) within a minimum 60-credit degree program. In addition, Honors College students will be required to complete a capstone project. Students are expected to complete at least one leadership experience and one capstone project to earn, and graduate with JJC Crawford Honors College honors distinction.

All honors students must maintain full-time enrollment throughout their fall and spring semesters and complete the associate degree within two years of matriculation to JJC. Honors College students graduating from JJC with at least a 3.8 GPA will receive Crawford Honors Leadership Scholar designation and will receive a full scholarship covering tuition, fees, and books. All Crawford Honors College students are required to graduate with at least a 3.64 GPA and must maintain at least a 3.64 GPA each semester to receive a partial scholarship.

Honors Pedagogy

Academic Rigor
Honors courses are characterized by a heightened level of academic rigor and an emphasis on deeper intellectual engagement. The curriculum is designed to challenge students through advanced content, critical inquiry, and higher expectations for independent thought and scholarly performance. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the material through thoughtful analysis, original research, and meaningful contributions to class discussions and projects.

To support this enriched learning environment, honors courses are limited to a maximum enrollment of 15 students. This smaller class size fosters greater opportunities for individualized faculty mentorship, collaborative learning, and in-depth dialogue—whether in a traditional classroom setting or an online format. This structure ensures a more personalized and dynamic academic experience aligned with the goals of the Crawford Honors College.

Honors courses uphold a high level of academic rigor through a variety of distinctive elements that enrich the student learning experience. These courses go beyond standard curriculum by exploring advanced concepts in greater depth, emphasizing critical thinking, and fostering independent research and inquiry. An interdisciplinary approach encourages students to make meaningful connections across fields, while experiential learning opportunities link classroom theory to real-world application. Rigorous assessments such as research papers, presentations, and projects, coupled with experiential learning, create a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment that defines the honors experience.

Capstone Project

Culmination of Program
All honors students must complete a capstone project to meet Crawford Honors College graduation requirements. The capstone project is the student’s self-initiated, self-led research project that encompasses the wider educational experience through the Crawford Honors College. The capstone is considered the culminating academic project that allows honors students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout their degree program, while tying it all together.

Capstones are intended to be reflective, thought-provoking and foresighted, helping honors students transition from JJC to four-year universities where they will further their academic studies. Faculty mentoring is available throughout the capstone process but is supplemental to, rather than the principle means of, the completion of the project. 

While the capstone project is intended to be identified, developed and completed over the course of four semesters, students may expedite the process should they be completing JJC and Crawford Honors College curricular requirements in a shorter timeframe. It is essential that students work with their Honors Faculty Advisor to discuss timeline and to answer any questions they might have throughout the process.

Oral Presentation
The Honors Research Symposium will take place at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Students in their final semester in the Crawford Honors College will present their capstone project before an audience of fellow honors scholars, honors faculty, family and friends. The presentation must include a poster presentation and can be supplemented by PowerPoint presentation, outline and notes for audience members, etc.

All students are required to meet capstone guidelines and deliverables. If at any time there are questions about what is required as part of the oral or written presentation, please speak with your Honors Faculty Advisor.

Interdisciplinary Research

Research
Research is a cornerstone of the Crawford Honors College experience, offering students the opportunity to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary inquiry through the course HNRS 296: Honors Interdisciplinary Research. Working closely with an Honors Faculty Mentor, students will gain firsthand experience with the research process—developing skills essential for academic, professional, and postgraduate success.

This course is designed to introduce students to the foundational elements of academic research while allowing them to explore questions that are personally and professionally relevant. Honors Faculty Mentors, who are experts within their respective fields, and Faculty Librarians, provide individualized guidance throughout the research journey, helping students refine their interests, shape their methodologies, and build confidence as independent scholars and researchers. 

As part of this experience, students will:

  • Conduct an in-depth literature review to identify relevant research gaps and potential topics aligned with their academic discipline or career goals.
  • Develop a formal project proposal outlining research questions, hypotheses, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  • Carry out research in accordance with ethical standards and established guidelines for safety, integrity, and human/animal subject protections when applicable.
  • Apply appropriate data collection and analysis techniques, including quantitative and/or qualitative methods, as guided by the nature of the project.
  • Produce a comprehensive written report and deliver a formal presentation of their findings at the Honors Research Symposium, held each fall and spring semester.
  • Engage in discipline-specific research utilizing library resources and services with guidance from Faculty Librarians.
     

Participation in HNRS 296 not only fulfills honors credit but also prepares students for advanced research in their fields, continued undergraduate and graduate-level study, and professional opportunities requiring analytical and problem-solving skills. The Crawford Honors College strongly encourages all students to take advantage of this enriching academic experience. 

Interdisciplinary Research Examples:

Example 1: Dr. Patrick Mills has worked with students to understand how fish can be optimally attracted to feed. The nature of this research is interdisciplinary as it exists at the crossroads of biology and chemistry. Additionally, this research has applications towards the control of invasive species in our region which touches on many other disciplines, including ecology, transportation logistics, and cultural aspects related to recreation in our region.

Example 2: Dr. Andrew Morrison has worked with students on projects related to the physics of musical instruments including Caribbean steelpans, violins, and trumpets. The nature of this research is interdisciplinary through the intersection of the arts (music) with the sciences (physics). The research also involves the use of engineering, math, and computer programming skills.

Leadership Experience

Leadership experience is a vital component of the Crawford Honors College. This requirement is designed to cultivate initiative, responsibility, and the ability to positively influence others. A leadership experience involves taking on a meaningful role that provides students with the opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving, competencies that are essential in any career path.

Whether on campus or beyond, stepping into a leadership role builds confidence, deepens self-awareness, and strengthens a student’s ability to navigate complex situations with integrity and purpose.

Examples of valuable leadership experiences include:

  • Serving as an officer in a registered student organization
  • Active involvement in planning and completing Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) annual college project or Honors in Action (HIA) project
  • Mentoring or tutoring peers through an official campus program
  • Organizing a local fundraising event or advocacy campaign in the community
  • Leading a youth group, sports team, or nonprofit volunteer project outside of college
  • Publishing original research or presenting at an academic conference

Students are encouraged to pursue leadership experiences that align with their passions and long-term goals, and to reflect on the lessons learned through these opportunities. Students should consult with an Honors Faculty Advisor to confirm whether a particular opportunity fulfills the leadership requirement.

Global and Community Engagement

Crawford Honors College students are encouraged to broaden their perspectives through meaningful regional and global experiences. Participation in study abroad programs allows students to deepen their understanding of international cultures, engage with global issues, and develop the skills needed for thoughtful, responsible global citizenship. These immersive experiences foster intercultural awareness, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Honors students may apply for scholarship funding specifically designated to support Honors College study abroad participation. These funds help make global learning experiences more accessible and can be used to offset program costs, travel, or related expenses.

Current study abroad opportunities include:

  • Austria
  • Canada
  • Costa Rica
  • England
  • France
  • Germany – Technical students
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Guatemala – Vet Tech students
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • South Africa
  • Spain

Students interested in study abroad are encouraged to connect with their Honors Faculty Advisor and the college’s International Education/Study Abroad Advisor early in their academic journey to plan and prepare for these transformative opportunities.

Honors College Standing

Good Standing
All students will receive communication from the Crawford Honors College about their standing after each fall and spring semester. A student who meets the cumulative GPA requirement and documents satisfactory progress of honors requirements will be deemed in Good Standing. Students who maintain a 3.8+ GPA and show substantial progress toward completion of Honors College requirements will continue to receive a full scholarship for tuition, fees, and books to be used in the subsequent semester at JJC. Students who maintain a 3.64-3.79 GPA and show substantial progress toward completion of Honors College requirements will receive a partial scholarship for tuition, fees, and books to be used in the subsequent semester at JJC.

Substantial progress toward completion of Honors College requirements is defined as registering for a minimum of one honors approved 3+ credit hour course per semester, with a developed plan for meeting experiential learning, capstone and research requirements. 

Honors Activity Notice
A student who meets the required Honors College GPA but fails to show substantial progress toward completion of Honors College requirements or fails to satisfactorily participate in Honors College activities (missing 2+ required activities in the semester), is placed on Honors Activity Notice.

Participation in Honors College activities is demonstrated by attendance records and/or submission of the Honors College participation agreement and completion form. A student who does not satisfactorily meet the Honors college participation requirements for two consecutive semesters will be dismissed from the Crawford Honors College.