The Arts and Science Honours Academy provides an enriched structure for the undergraduate experience in Humanities, Science and Social Sciences. It is a program for motivated students of demonstrated ability who aspire to a well-rounded education that combines the depth of an Honours degree with the breadth of dedicated interdisciplinary courses (3 FCE under the designation ASHA), a language requirement (1-2 FCE) and an international experience.

Entrance to the Program is competitive. Criteria include high academic achievement (a minimum high school average of 85%) and evidence of community or academic involvement and leadership. Students must complete a separate on-line ASHA admission form, which will include a brief writing piece. Students may be interviewed (in person or by phone) as part of the application process. While admission is normally limited to incoming first year students, the participating Faculties may each nominate up to two students for consideration for admission after the first year.

1. Academic Standing

Successful completion of an Honours Program in one of the following Faculties: Humanities, Science, Social Sciences or completion of degree requirements with a standing sufficient for the awarding of a degree with distinction and a significant independent research course.

2. Second Language

For students registered in the Faculties of Science and Social Sciences - 1 FCE in a (single) language other than English.

For students registered in the Faculty of Humanities - 2 FCE in a language other than English. The language requirement may be fulfilled during the international experience.

3. International Experience

While students are strongly encouraged to go abroad for a full academic year, they must participate in an approved study abroad or work abroad program of a duration of a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks. In exceptional cases, other arrangements may be considered. Students must submit a proposal appropriate to their program to the program director at the end of their second year.

4. Arts and Science Honours Academy Core Courses

3.0 FCEs taken through the ASHA program as follows,

(a) ASHA 220 Quests and Questions (FCE)

(b) ASHA 321 Problems inRepresentation (HCE)

(c) ASHA 421 Invention (HCE)

(d) ASHA 501 The Nature of Research (HCE)

(e) ASHA 503 Capstone Seminar (HCE)

Note:These courses may be used to satisfy the breadth requirements of courses outside the Home Faculty.

Continuation in the program

Year 2

In order to continue into Year Two in good standing, Students must have completed ASHA 220 and must have completed at least 8 HCE with a minimum GPA of 3.30. Students whose GPA is between 2.70 and 3.30 will be placed on probation for one year. One period of probation will be permitted during the program. Probation will be cleared if the GPA at the next annual review is 3.30 or greater.

Year 3

In order to continue into Year Three in good standing, Students must have completed at least 8 HCE in Year Two, including ASHA 321 and 421, must have maintained a GPA of at least 3.30 and normally must have secured admission into an Honours Program in one of the participating Faculties. Students continue work in their discipline either in Calgary or abroad. The international experience is normally done between the end of the Winter Semester of Year 2 and the beginning of the Fall Semester in Year 4.

Year 4

Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.30. Students complete the final two courses (ASHA 501 and 503) and continue their Honours or Major Program. In order to accommodate all the requirements of the Program and the international experience, time to graduation may be extended as appropriate.