Enrolled Scholar Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the value of completing the University Honors Program degree requirements?
A. Both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards accrue. Not only will you receive an Honors Program Certificate and Medallion at a UHP Graduation Banquet, recognition at commencement, and Honors Program designation on your transcript, but you will spend a portion of your undergraduate experience in Honors classes, studying abroad, conducting original research or creative work, and so much more. You will graduate with an education that places you on the leading edge and prepares you to make a difference in the world.
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Q. What do I have to do once I’m in the University Honors Program?
A. Once a member in the UHP, you are expected to participate in the opportunities that we offer, from regularly scheduled meetings and social/cultural events to more spontaneous spur-of-the-moment events that we notify students of by email. To remain in good standing with the program, students must attend at least two UHP Student Council meetings per semester and participate in at least one UHP sponsored cultural or community service event per semester. From our experience, the more involved students are, the more their imprint is on the program and the more benefits they reap.
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Q. When and how do I register for University Honors Program courses?
A. You will register for your Honors courses at the same time as you register for your "normal" non-honors courses. An email with specific honors class information will go out to all enrolled honors students. Once you obtain the schedule numbers from this email, (the schedule numbers are suppressed on the University's on-line schedule so that non-honors students cannot enroll in honors classes), you will then schedule your honors class(es) yourself, along with your other non-honors classes. Honors classes will not show up on your wish list.
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Q. What if one of the University Honors Program courses does not fit with my schedule, conflicts with my Major requirement, or has already been satisfied by a previous class or AP credit?
A. The UHP curriculum is very flexible, and is structured in such a way that you can pick and choose your honors classes depending on your desired schedule. You do not have to enroll in an honors program class every semester. Alternatively, some semesters you may want to enroll in more than one UHP class. You can tailor the timing of the coursework to your own interests and needs, as long as you fulfill the UHP requirements by the time you graduate.
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Q. Does the University Honors Program work well with demanding extracurricular activities like varsity athletics, Greek life, Associated Students, and so on?
A. Yes, many UHP students are involved in demanding out-of-class activities; however, students must be flexible, accommodating, and use time-management strategies to successfully balance competing schedules and demands. The UHP advisor can support you to reach your academic goals, and it is also your job to negotiate multiple responsibilities.
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Q. Does the University Honors Program offer any scholarships?
A. There are currently three scholarships unique to the UHP. The Provost Scholarship is offered to a select number of UHP applicants. There is no separate application for this scholarship; Provost Scholars are selected from their UHP application. This is a highly competitive scholarship and generally between 10-15 new UHP students are awarded this scholarship each Fall. Provost Scholar candidates are notified in early-mid April. The UHP offers two additional scholarships to students once they are enrolled in the program: The UHP study abroad scholarship and the UHP RSCA scholarship (research, scholarship, and creative activity). Descriptions and applications for these two scholarships are available on the UHP website. These scholarships are competitive, and the more you are involved in the UHP along the way, the more likely you are to receive scholarships.
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Q. How do I stay in good standing with the University Honors Program?
A. You must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in ALL courses, along with at least a 3.0 GPA for ALL honors courses.
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Q. What happens if my GPA drops below the University Honors Program requirements?
A. In most cases, you will be permitted to stay in the UHP on a probationary status. This means that you can continue to take the Honors Program classes, participate in events, and complete the senior thesis/project. However, if by your graduation date, you haven't earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5, you won't be able to receive the UHP certificate or be recognized as having graduated from the program at commencement or on your transcript. A student whose Honors or cumulative GPA falls below the minimum or who otherwise fails to meet the requirements may be required to meet with the Director of the Honors Program to discuss his or her plans for improvement.
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