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.

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.

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.

Interdisciplinary Research

Research
Research is a cornerstone of the Crawford Honors College experience, offering students the opportunity to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary inquiry. 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.

The Interdisciplinary Research experience will 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.
   

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.