Contracts allow students to work with a specific faculty member, either in a class, small groups, or individually, on research projects. Contracts often prepare students to accept the special challenges and benefits of an Honors thesis. Finally, selected upperclass students may qualify to undertake supervised study under a program of reading tutorials. Participants in the University Honors Program benefit from the individualized instruction and class discussion that are characteristics of the program. In addition, Honors students are eligible for Honors scholarships and have been unusually competitive in the award of other scholarships for further study, both in the United States and abroad.
Special attention is given to preparation for professional and graduate schools.
Extracurricular, outdoor, and social activities are an important feature of the daily life of the program. Enrollment in University Honors Program courses is generally restricted to students officially enrolled in the Honors Program. Admission to the program is determined by its Director according to guidelines approved by the University Honors Program Advisory Committee. Generally, admission is limited to students who give evidence of standing in the upper 10 percent of their entering class and who have high ACT or SAT scores, or to students already enrolled in the University who have demonstrated high academic achievement and personal initiative. To graduate with highest distinction, a thesis and a minimum 3.7 GPA is required.