University of Michigan. College of literature, Science and the Arts. Honors Program.

In 1957, the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LS&A) established the Honors Program to provide freshman and sophomores with the opportunity to pursue more scholarly options. Honors courses had already been available for juniors and seniors through the various departments, however, the university felt that new exceptional students were being neglected and therefore attending other institutions that did offer four-year honors programs. The main objective of the Honors Program was to attract superior students to the University of Michigan.

With Robert C. Angell at the helm, an Honors Council comprised of representatives from LS&A departments participating in the Honors Program was formed to develop the curriculum guidelines. The program was designed to ensure a liberal arts education, yet allow students the flexibility to create a program of study based upon their personal interests. In addition to more challenging courses, honors program students were offered special counseling by members of the Honors Council, lodging and camaraderie with others who emphasized academics, extra credit for summer reading, and the opportunity to write a thesis. Top high school seniors were then issued invitations to join the program based on their high school grades, test scores, and a personal interview. Eighty-seven student chose to participate that first year.

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