The University Honors Program - FAQs

1.  What is the Honors Program?

     The East Carolina University Honors Program is an exceptional, residential educational experience designed for academically motivated students to provide the academic challenge, support and attention of a smaller college with the opportunities of a large comprehensive university. Honors students are housed together with EC Scholars, International Student Scholars and The North Carolina Teaching Fellows and Maynard Scholars to facilitate an educational experience rich in cultural diversity. The Program engages students in research, service and cultural appreciation through the Passport Program and through the many opportunities offered to our students. Honors students have access to research assistantships, scholarships, cultural events, community engagement, leadership development and participation in several Honors Program student organizations and program governance.

2.   What are the program requirements?

      To be invited to join, students must meet either of

      the following requirements:

·        Entering Freshmen:  3.5 unweighted GPA, 1200 SAT

·        Current ECU Students:  3.3 cumulative GPA

     To complete the program and graduate with either  Foundations Curriculum Honors or University Honors (students pursue either option):

·        Foundations Curriculum Honors: 24 semester hours of honors coursework with a minimum 3.3 grade point average

·        University Honors: 30 semester hours of honors courses which includes an independent upper-level project in your major—a thesis, a portfolio, a field experience, or co-teaching -  with a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average

·        All students complete at least one course at ECU incorporating Academic Service Learning – usually HLTH 1050.

3.   What are some of the program benefits?

 Academic Support

·        personalized early registration

·        special advising with dedicated Honors  Program Academic Advisors

·        special library privileges

Enrichment

·        prominent guest lecturers – authors, speakers, researchers and visiting faculty

·        courses enhanced by the latest media

·        fresh, multicultural and multidisciplinary Honors seminars in a challenging, thought-provoking format based on discussion and critical thinking

·        trips, plays, concerts and social events

Living the Learning Experience

·        Serve and Learn Residential Community consisting of high caliber students living together in one residence hall

·        Study Abroad experiences encouraged of all Honors Program participants

·        Leadership development experiences designed specifically for Honors Program students

·        Supplemental educational experiences

4.      Are the Honors courses more difficult than

       regular courses?

Honors classes stress discussion over lecture and essay over short-answer examinations, and have limited class sizes of up to only twenty or twenty-five high caliber students. They offer more challenge and in-depth exploration of course material, and students enjoy both the challenge and the opportunities for more contact with the professors and thrive in an environment where professors recognize the needs of academically motivated students.

5.      How do I earn Honors credit?

 By earning a B or better in the following courses:

·        Honors Seminars (HNRS listings in the catalog/course schedules)

·        Honors Sections of regular courses (sections 294 – 299 in course schedules)

·        Study Abroad credits – with prior approval of the Associate Vice Chancellor of the Honors Program – that transfer back to ECU

·        Any 5000-level class taken while an undergraduate

·        Honors by Contract 
 

6.       How do I register for classes as an Honors 

       Student?

Honors students register using Banner Self Service, just as all other students do, however, you can register on the FIRST DAY of registration and you have added specialized advising available to you, in addition to the advising you receive from your General College or Major advisors.

7.      What if my GPA drops below the minimum 3.3   required for the Program?

If your GPA is between a 3.0 and 3.3, you will have one “probationary” semester in which to bring up your grades before you are excused from the program. However, once your grades are back up to 3.3, you will be invited to join again, even if it takes more than one semester. Students whose grades fall below a 3.0 are excused from the program without a probationary semester and are invited to join again when their grades are back up above 3.3.

8.      Where can I get more information?

Contact us! We’d love to hear from you and our Academic Advisor can assist you with questions you may have about the program. Please visit the “Honors Program Staff” link for contact information.