1. What is The University Honors Program?

The University Honors Program (UHP) is a University-wide academic program that strives to enrich the educational experiences of academically ambitious and talented students at The University of Memphis. In many respects, the University Honors Program offers students a unique opportunity to experience both the wide-ranging opportunities of a major research university and the nurturing environment of a small liberal arts college. Students in the UHP may take honors courses that satisfy General Education requirements, and seek a bachelor's degree with University Honors.

2. Why would I want to join the UHP?

Which sounds better--being in a large lecture class of 300 students with a professor who knows you only by your student ID number, or being in a discussion-based class of 15 students with a professor who knows you personally? When asked what they like most about the UHP, honors students inevitably mention the small class size and getting to know their professors on a personal level.

But there are many more immediate advantages of joining the UHP, such as the camaraderie with students who share similar aspirations and capabilities; guidance and assistance from a caring and dedicated staff; early registration privileges so you are assured of getting into your desired classes; the option to live on an Honors-designated floor in a residence hall; access to the Honors Computer Laboratory; and the opportunity to participate in numerous social and cultural activities organized by the Honors Student Council and the Resident Scholar Assistants of Richardson Towers.

The long-term benefits of completing an Honors degree include the solid advantage of having completed a senior thesis when applying to medical, law, or graduate school, and prospective employers or graduate admissions officers understanding that you have accepted the challenge of an honors education.

3. How does the UHP differ from departmental or college honors?

The curriculum that defines the UHP is primarily a lower-division curriculum designed to meet university requirements. Although the UHP offers special seminars that may also meet upper-division university requirements, it does not offer honors courses to meet departmental requirements in a given major. Colleges and departments, however, may establish their own honors programs for their majors.

Normally, departmental or college honors is undertaken in your junior and senior years. For more information about these honors programs, consult the department or college.

4. Who may apply for admission to the UHP?

Entering freshmen who have an ACT score of 27 (or equivalent SAT score) and a high school GPA of 3.5 are automatically eligible for admission to the UHP. Higher ACT scores may offset GPAs, and vice versa. If you do not meet these criteria upon entering the University of Memphis, don't give up! If you attain a 3.00 after your first semester here, you are eligible to apply for admission to the UHP.

Current University of Memphis students and transfer students are also eligible to apply to the UHP. College freshmen and sophomores with a 3.00 GPA and juniors and seniors with a 3.25 GPA are automatically eligible for admission to the UHP.

5. What do honors students have to do?

Honors students are not obligated to do anything, but they have the opportunity to take courses, do research, and earn distinctions that other students do not have. In order to earn the distinction "University Honors," students must complete 24 credits of honors course work during their undergraduate years. The distinction "University Honors with Thesis" requires 21 credits of honors course work in addition to completing an honors thesis/project in the senior year. Students who earn these distinctions are recognized at the University's Commencement exercises and have the distinction recorded on their transcripts and diplomas.

6. What if my GPA slips one semester?

Each student's GPA is evaluated at the end of every semester. Students whose overall GPA has fallen below the minimum will be placed on probation, and they will have one semester in which to bring their cumulative GPA up to the required 3.00 (for freshmen and sophomores) or 3.25 (for juniors and seniors).

If students have not returned to good academic standing after the probation semester, they will be dropped from the program. Students will, however, be given the opportunity to appeal the dismissal from the program within thirty days of receiving notice of their removal.

7. What is the difference between honors courses and regular courses?

Unlike most regular courses, honors courses are generally discussion-based classes that emphasize writing, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking. Honors classes are smaller than regular classes and are typically taught by professors, and not graduate students.

8. Are honors courses more difficult than regular courses?

Honors courses are more challenging than regular courses, but they are also more rewarding. Students in honors courses have greater access to their professors and to other good students, from whom they can seek help in their studies. Honors courses are not graded on a curve, and most students find that their grades in honors courses are equal to or higher than grades earned in regular courses.

9. Will Honors classes prolong my stay at The University of Memphis?

For the most part, the answer is no. The lower-division honors classes satisfy the General Education courses that are required of all students attending The University of Memphis. In many cases, the credit hours associated with an honors thesis or creative project will count toward requirements in the major. There is no reason for Honors requirements to cause a delay in a student's expected graduation date.

10. What is the Honors Forum?

The Honors Forum (UNHP 1100) is a one credit course designed to bring honors students together to establish a sense of community. Many sections are offered each semester by faculty members from various disciplines, with limited enrollment and an emphasis on class discussion. Forum topics generally focus on social issues and student leadership; some sections provide an opportunity to participate in community service projects. Courses are often uniquely interdisciplinary and strongly discussion-based.

11. Is there specific housing for Honors students?

If you are admitted to the UHP, you have the option to live on an honors-designated floor in Richardson Towers. Richardson Towers has a separate wing for male and female residents, as well as a common lobby and a cafeteria. The UHP sponsors six "Resident Scholar Assistants" on each side of the Towers who live on the Honors Floor and help to mentor freshman Honors students and develop activities for students living on the Honors Floor, in order to promote a feeling of community there.

12. Do I have to room with another Honors student?

Not unless you want to. Non-honors students are welcome as long as space is available in the residence hall.

13. Do Honors students spend all their time studying?

No! Honors students have fun just like everyone else. You'll find that Honors students are a diverse group of people—athletes, artists, fraternity and sorority members, writers, musicians, pre-med or pre-law students, and so on—who have a wide range of interests.

14. What if I join the UHP but later decide it's not for me?

The decision to remain in the UHP is entirely yours. We don't think you'll want to leave the program once you experience it, but you're free to do so at any time without penalty. Any Honors work that you have successfully completed will be reflected on your transcript.

15. This sounds great! How do I apply?

Simply submit an application to The University Honors Program, 204 Scates Hall, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152-6140, or submit your application online.

For more information

Call
(901) 678-2690

Mail
The University Honors Program
204 Scates Hall
The University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152-3380

E-mail
tbcmpbll@memphis.edu