Frequently Asked Questions
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| Question 1: |
What are the differences between the University Honors Program and the University Scholars Program? |
| Answer: |
UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
The University Honors Program is designed to prepare excellent students for admission to and success within graduate and professional schools, for excellent jobs in the chosen field of study, and to position students for major national scholarships and fellowships. The Program centers on NC State’s mission and institutional strengths in discovery-, inquiry- and creativity-based learning. Honors students are provided with many opportunities to gain a superior education through in and out of class experiences that will connect students to one another as well as the faculty and campus at large. Honors students will spend 75% of their program time focusing on developing their academic lives and 25% on enrichment activities. |
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UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The University Scholars Program (USP) is a living-learning program that provides personal, professional and leadership development for outstanding students. The program enriches the undergraduate experience through a series of carefully designed experiences that introduce students to the visual and performing arts, encourage them to consider contemporary issues drawn from the sciences and politics, offer them opportunities to connect their academic and career goals, and challenge them to be leaders in and active contributors to our society. Scholars students will spend 75% of their program time focusing on enrichment activities and 25% on academic coursework activities. |
| Question 2: |
How do the programs fulfill their missions/accomplish their goals? |
| Answer: |
UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
The University Honors Program offers a series of Honors Seminars and workshops, and requires a significant capstone research or artistic/creative experience in the discipline that focuses on the creation or expansion of new knowledge. The Seminars are designed to promote the importance of discovery, inquiry and creativity in small (20-25 students) discussion-based classes. Regardless of the course topic, students will come to understand both the history and consequences (ethical dilemmas, social and political changes, and the like) of discoveries, inventions, new art forms, new ideas, and books. Honors students are required to complete a total of 18 credit hours: 12 hours of Honors Seminars and, in consultation with a faculty mentor, a 6 credit hour capstone project.
The University Honors Program also provides students with tickets to a variety of cultural events on the NC State campus and in Raleigh. Other special events, such as cookouts, movie nights, and other social events, as well as a variety of academic programs are coordinated by the Student Honors Governing Board. |
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UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Students in the University Scholars Program enroll in the Scholars Forum [HSS 110/111] for three semesters. This 0 credit hour course features lectures, performances and presentations by accomplished speakers and performers. It is complemented by free tickets and transportation to cultural events on our campus and in the community, dinner conversations with NC State Faculty and USP alumni, an Outdoor Leadership Series that offers students the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and explore the natural world, and educational field trips throughout the region.
Students in the USP also have access to a wide range of courses that are designed for and restricted to excellent students. These courses, offered by academic departments across campus, feature innovate pedagogy and fewer students than standard course sections. While they are expected to enroll in these courses, students in the USP have the flexibility to select the courses that are most consistent with their degree requirements to complete USP requirements. Scholars are expected to complete 15 hours of approved coursework by the time they graduate (in addition to the three semesters of Forum) while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.25. |
| Question 3: |
Why can't I participate in both the University Honors Program and the University Scholars Program? |
| Answer: |
NC State enrolls many outstanding students. To allow the USP and the University Honors Program to serve as many students as possible, students are required to choose one program. In addition, choosing one program helps insure that students are not overloaded by the requirements associated with each program. Finally, participating in only one program will help students foster a sense of community within and commitment to their chosen program. |
| Question 4: |
Can I return both the USP response card and the Honors application? |
| Answer: |
Yes, but once you are contacted by the University Honors Program about your application you must decide which program to enroll in and must communicate your decision to both programs. For example, if your application to the University Honors Program is approved and you accept the invitation to join, you must inform the Scholars office of your decision to decline participation even though you have already sent in your response card. |
| Question 5: |
How many students will enroll in each program for the next academic year? |
| Answer: |
The University Honors Program plans to accept 150 applicants during the upcoming academic year. The University Scholars Program will enroll approximately 500 new incoming students. |
| Question 6: |
Are there any additional charges associated with participation in either program? |
| Answer: |
No. Students do not pay an additional fee to participate in either the University Honors Program or the University Scholars Program. |
| Question 7: |
What are the differences in the residential components of each program? |
| Answer: |
UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
Students in the University Honors Program will have the opportunity to live in the Honors Village, a living-learning environment located on NC State’s East Campus. The Honors Village provides students with a small residential community experience and offers many exciting programs. Freshman residents of the Honors Village have an upperclass Honors Mentor to help with the transition to university life. Located close by is a dining hall, computer lab, Thompson Theatre, a campus convenience store, and Pullen Park. Additionally, the University Honors Program office, located in Clark Hall, offers a student lounge and small library where students can find a quiet place to study. |
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UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
University Scholars have the option of living in the Scholars Village, located in Sullivan Hall. Identified by University Housing as a “premier” residence hall, Sullivan Hall is home to approximately 550 University Scholars. Located on NCSU's West Campus, Sullivan contains its own 24-hour Help Desk and 24-hour computer lab, and is located by the largest dining hall on campus, a campus convenience store, and Lee athletic field. One of the most active residence halls on campus, Sullivan is home to award-winning educational, social, and service programming courtesy of Sullivan Hall Activities Council (SHAC) and the USP Scholars Council. Additionally, the University Scholars Program Offices and the Scholars Lounge are conveniently located inside Sullivan Hall. |
