The request to revise the University Honors Program requirements

Date: May 6, 2014
To: Honors College
From: Office of Academic Affairs
Approved On: April 25, 2014
Approved by: Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee
Implementation Date: Spring 2015

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.

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The University Honors Program in the Honors College

Open to talented and highly motivated students of all majors, the University Honors Program (UHP) in the Honors College is designed to challenge and broaden the intellectual growth of UNC Charlotte’s most academically gifted students. Through a series of interdisciplinary courses, cultural enrichment opportunities, a commitment to citizenship and service, and an individually designed senior project, honors students have a unique opportunity to customize their honors curriculum to meet their own specific goals. The interdisciplinary courses fit the theme, “Issues for Human Survival in the 21st Century,” and are designed to confront political, religious, economic, ecological, gender, race, justice, and human rights related issues and their impact on the global community and the human condition. To stimulate discussion and faculty-student interaction, all University Honors Program courses are restricted to a small class size with program permission required for enrollment.

The University Honors Program (UHP) in the Honors College offers a unique undergraduate experience. UHP is designed to offer a balance of academic coursework, community engagement, and leadership experiences. Undergraduates and entering first year students in all majors who have a record of academic success and motivation to succeed may apply to UHP. The UHP curriculum emphasizes reflective practices through its courses, enrichment experiences, and service projects which culminate in the Honors senior project, a comprehensive capstone portfolio. The University Honors Program encourages its students to participate in Education Abroad programs, research symposia and conferences, and research opportunities. All students in UHP are also part of the UHP Student Association where students enjoy social events and service projects. UHP students graduate with University Honors Program distinction which is noted on their transcripts and on their diplomas.

Requirements

To graduate with University Honors Program Distinction, students must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Complete with passing grade HONR 1100 HONR 1700 Freshman Honors Colloquium with a passing grade (if entering program as first-year First-Year student in fall semester).
  2. Complete two courses (6 hours) from designated honors sections of the General Education Curriculum of LBST 2000-level courses. LBST 2215, Citizenship, in the sophomore year or higher (honors sections only).
  3. Complete two (6 hours) UHP Topics courses at the 3000-level. 15 hours of Honors (HONR prefix) courses and/or honors sections of Liberal Studies (LBST) courses.
  4. Satisfy the UHP Community Service requirement by completing either LBST 2215 (Citizenship) or HONR 2750 (Community Service Practicum).
  5. Satisfy the UHP Enrichment Requirement by completing either a designated honors section of an LBST 1000-level course or HONR 2701 Enrichment Seminar.
  1. Complete the Application to Candidacy process for graduating with Honors as directed by the Honors College.
  2. Complete HONR 3790 3791 (Honors Senior Project), or an approved discipline-based honors thesis/project, with a grade of A which has been approved by the Honors Program Director and Honors Council.
  3. Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 and a 3.2 grade point average in University Honors Program designated courses honors coursework. Maintain “good standing” status through participation in the UHP Student Association.

Honors sections for ENGL 1103 (Accelerated College Writing and Rhetoric) and HONR 1100 (Honors Freshman Seminar) are offered during the fall semester to orient entering freshmen to the philosophy and rigors of the University Honors Program. Students may graduate with dual honors by completing all honors departmental departmental/college honors requirements, in addition to UHP requirements. In this case, the departmental thesis will satisfy the UHP thesis project requirement.

Students in dual honors programs may count one 3000 honors level course toward their 15 hours of honors electives.

Students studying abroad may request equivalency credits for honors coursework from the Director of the University Honors Program.

Residence

University Honors Program students are encouraged to live in the Honors College Residence, located on the third floor of Witherspoon Hall, which provides an environment especially conducive to study and cooperative learning. The commons area of this floor contains a study/classroom area where honors classes may meet.

Study Abroad

The University Honors Program, in cooperation with the Education Abroad Program, also promotes a comprehensive study abroad program, emphasizing diversity, choice, and flexibility. Although study abroad is not required, it is strongly encouraged.

Student Association

Students in the program University Honors Program are also part of the University Honors Program Student Association. The student-led organization organizes social events, special discussions, student mentoring, and community service projects. All UHP students are expected required to attend meetings and participate in two community service projects each semester in order to remain in good standing.