Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program

The Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program is a special academic opportunity for high-achieving students.

Students admitted into the honors program take a First-Year Honors (FYH) class each semester during the first year at Augustana. These two classes replace the First-Year Inquiry (FYI) classes required of all students.

In the honors classes, students and faculty use ideas from many different fields to address challenging topics, form new ideas and discussions, address issues using different perspectives, and solve problems in new ways. 

If you are an intellectually curious, highly motivated student, First-Year Honors is a great way to start your college career. You will take part in seriously fun discussions, read thought-provoking texts, and advance your reading and writing skills in ways that will impact any major you choose. 

What is First-Year Honors?

First-year honors (FYH) courses:

• Take the place of First-Year Inquiry (FYI) courses required for all students
• Develop communication and critical thinking skills
• Offer an exceptional foundation for a college education and future career
• Connect students with engaged mentors
• Involve a special sense of community

Any incoming first-year student interested in FYH submits a writing sample and interviews with a professor. The interviews are friendly and relaxed, last about half an hour and involve discussion on what you like to read, write and think about. Find out how to apply below.

How to apply for First-Year Honors

Step 1. Register for an honors interview date below. You will need to submit your writing sample when you register.

All accepted first-year students are eligible to interview for FYH. You do not need to have made your college decision or paid your tuition deposit to interview.

For the writing sample, please tell us about a book, preferably not one assigned in a class, that has had a profound impact on your life or way of thinking. How did this book contribute to some change in your outlook? (1-2 pages, double-spaced).

Step 2. Interview

Admission to the program is competitive, and the interview and writing sample are integral to the application process. Interviews are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a good idea to apply as early as possible. The deadline to apply is one week before the event you plan to attend, or until registrations are full. Dates will fill up.

Interview events for 2024

Honors interviews will be held on campus in Rock Island, in the Chicagoland area, and virtually.

All times are Central Time.

On campus

• Saturday, Feb. 17, 12:45-3:15 p.m. (after the Departmental Open House and Scholarship Competition). → Sign up for Feb. 17
• Friday, March 8, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes a student panel, classroom visit, and lunch; optional tour available. → Sign up for March 8
• Friday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes a student panel, classroom visit, and lunch; optional tour available. → Sign up for April 12
• Friday, April 26, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes a student panel, classroom visit, and lunch; optional tour available. → Sign up for April 26

Interview in Lombard, IL

• Sunday, March 24, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. → Sign up for March 24

Virtual interviews

• Wednesday, March 20, 7-8 p.m. This interview will include a Q&A program with a student panel, followed by a Zoom breakout room interviews. → Sign up for March 20
• Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m. This interview will include a Q&A program with a student panel, followed by a Zoom breakout room interviews. → Sign up for April 18

For information on interviewing, contact Rob Williams and Kassidy Belcher in Admissions.