Frequently Asked Questions

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Students in the University Scholars Program enroll in the Scholars Forum [HSS 110/111] for three semesters. This zero-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, educational field trips throughout the region, conversations with NC State Faculty and USP alumni, and an Outdoor Leadership and Service Series that offers students the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and explore the natural world.

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 innovative 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 12 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.

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.

NC State enrolls many outstanding students. To allow the University Scholars Program 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.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
University Scholars have the option of living in the Scholars Village, housed on Floors 2-4 in Sullivan Residence Hall, located on NCSU's West Campus. Every Village resident is assigned to a small Village In Action (VIA) group that participates in specially-planned events that allow them to interact closely with their peers, an upper class Scholars Village Assistant (SVA), and a professional staff member. These events also count towards their Scholars Forum attendance. Only first-year University Scholars can live in the Village, making it a very cohesive, active community. Coming in Fall 2012 - Sullivan Hall will be completely renovated during the Summer of 2012 with new furniture, fixtures, lighting...the works!