Honors Program
Rest assured that, by being a student at the University of Evansville, you will be among bright, talented students who have the desire to excel academically. Historically, one out of ten UE freshmen was a high school valedictorian, and one out of three had a 4.0 high school weighted grade point average. You will be in good company. However, if you want to maximize your experience beyond the norm, then the Honors Program may be for you. The program provides an enhanced curriculum, special events, activities, and a unique community environment. Students who value interdisciplinary course work and enjoy interaction with students from other academic areas and cultural backgrounds especially appreciate the Honors Program. The program attracts students from all majors and the requirements are manageable for students with demanding schedules. Our students realize many benefits associated with participating in the Honors Program while at UE and after graduation as they further their education and start their careers.
Criteria for Applying to the Honors Program
Applications are automatically mailed to admitted students who meet Honors Program application criteria. They are also available upon request from the Office of Admission.
Freshman applicants:
Freshman applicants interested in applying to the Honors Program should have:
- High school unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above and minimum SAT of 1900 or minimum ACT of 29
Transfer applicants:
Transfer applicants interested in applying to the Honors Program should have:
- Cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above
Current students:
Current University of Evansville students may apply for admission to the Honors Program. For admission, the Honors Program faculty committee considers UE GPA, course work, and a recommendation letter from an academic advisor or faculty member.
Honors Program Requirements
A minimum of 21 points is required to complete the Honors Program. Points can be accrued in a variety of ways: honors courses, studying abroad, internships, honors project, contract courses, independent research and study, and participation in various Honors Program events. To remain in good standing in the Honors Program, students are expected to participate in the program and are required to have a GPA of 3.0 by the end of their freshman year, 3.1 by the end of their sophomore year, 3.2 by the end of their junior year, and 3.3 to graduate from the program.
Honors Program Benefits
The most significant benefit of the Honors Program is being among others who enjoy intellectual engagement. Other benefits of the program include:
- An enriched learning environment that provides opportunities to interact with professors and peers from many academic disciplines
- Incoming student early registration for fall courses — available to students who are admitted to the Honors Program by March 1, 2011, and who have submitted their admission deposit by April 1, 2011
- Priority registration — beginning the second semester of enrollment, honors students may register after seniors, allowing them priority course selection
- Honors housing — students have the option to live in Powell Residence Hall, the Honors Program residence hall (space is limited)
- Honors lounge — located in Powell Residence Hall, the lounge is open to all honors students 25 hours 7 days per week with computers, printers, and unlimited paper
- An opportunity for leadership experience and to shape the program by serving on the Honors Program Student Advisory Council (HPSAC)
- Community of peers and faculty — UE's scholar-in-residence hosts a weekly tea, at which honors students and faculty members chat and get to know each other in an informal atmosphere
- Opportunities to interact with special guests to campus (i.e., Honors students got to meet with Kenneth Yalowitz, former ambassador to the Republic of Belarus and Georgia, and Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation: the Dark Side of the All-American Meal, during their recent visits to campus)
- Honors distinction — Honors Program graduates receive an engraved medallion, honors cords, and a certificate of completion
- Employers and professional or graduate schools generally look favorably on the enriched experience students gain by participation in an Honors Program
