Honors Council of the Illinois Region
Welcome!
HCIR offers grants and conference opportunities for undergraduate students, faculty and staff from member institutions in Illinois. Honors directors and staff from two and four-year colleges and universities share governance of the state council, in association with the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC).
Upcoming Meetings & Conferences
2026
HCIR Student Symposium – March 7 - Hosted by DePaul University (Submit proposals by February 6)
HCIR Directors Meeting - September 25 - TBD
NCHC26 Conference - November 2026 - New Orleans, LA
2027
HCIR Student Symposium – February 27 - Hosted by Northeastern Illinois University
HCIR Directors Meeting - September 24 - TBD
What is the HCIR Student Symposium?
The annual HCIR Student Symposium in February/March brings undergraduates together from all across Illinois and often the surrounding region. Students present original research and scholarship, and they enjoy meeting their peers from other institutions.
The conference provides a welcoming, constructive environment in which undergraduate students can discuss their work and grow from the experience. Honors faculty, directors and students preside over the student sessions and also meet with one another to share ideas and concerns about honors education.
A different college or university hosts the symposium each year.
