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Honors professors are very accessible at SMU, often taking time to
have discussions with students outside of class.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW THE FAQ WORKS:
Listed below are frequently asked questions regarding the University Honors Program at SMU. Click on any question to see its answer. If you have further questions, please visit our contact page to request additional information.
•Where does Honors fit into SMU?
•Will I have to take extra classes?
•Can I take non-Honors courses if I am in the Honors program?
•What happens when you graduate from the Honors Program?
•Will the UHP bring my GPA down?
•How do I know if I'm eligible / admitted into the UHP?
•Can I join the Honors program AFTER my first semester / year at SMU?
•Can I join the Honors program if I was never invited to join it?
•Does Honors take away from one's social life?
•How long, on average, does it take to complete the Honors program's requirements?
•How likely is it that Honors students graduate "with Honors in the Liberal Arts"?
•I heard that you can waive the Honors rhetoric class if you have AP English credit. Is this true?
•What happens if I don't pass Honors Rhetoric class my first year?
•Should I take more Honors courses than are required by the program?
•What happens if I don't fulfill my honors requirements by graduation?
•Do Engineering / Dance / Music majors get special treatment in the Honors program?
•Can a Perspective count for Honors credit if it is on the same topic as my major?
•Is the Virginia-Snider Honors community boring / elitist / unfriendly?
•Do non-Honors residents live in Virginia-Snider too?
•Why should I choose Virginia-Snider as my residence hall if I am an Honors student?
•Why is there an elephant on top of Snider Hall?
•Can I get a Richter Fellowship to sponsor my SMU study abroad program?
•Can non-honors students work on Richter Fellowships?
•If I am a Transfer Student, do I have to take Honors Rhetoric?
•Are Honors professors faster lecturers / harder graders than regular professors?
•Does SMU offer weighted grades for Honors classes?
•What can the Honors Advisory Council do for me as an SMU student?
•Who was Franklin G. Balch III?
•How many times can I petition to make a non-Honors course into an Honors course?
•Can I petition AFTER having taken a non-Honors course?
•What is Hilltopics and what does it have to do with the University Honors Program?
•Do Honors students get priority over other students in selecting courses?
•What does the UHP have to do with Departmental Distinction or Honors programs within majors?
•How many students are in the Honors program?
•What is the history of the University Honors Program?
•Does the Honors program grant scholarships?
•What are some examples of the events hosted by Honors?
•How do I get more information or a UHP brochure from SMU?
*If you have gone through this FAQ and you still have any questions about the University Honors Program at SMU that you want answered, you are encouraged to contact one of the individuals on the contact page.
Where does Honors fit into SMU?
See this diagram for a detailed explanation.
Not necessarily. Usually, Honors courses are smaller, discussion-based courses. This means students are expected to participate, read, and write more, but will have fewer daily assignments or tests. Professors expect students to take responsibility in learning, and thus lecture less often and encourage students to share their thoughts on subjects. If a student enjoyed AP, IB, or Honors courses in high school, he/she will likely enjoy Honors classes at SMU as well.
Will I have to take extra classes?
No. All students at SMU must complete 41 credit hours of General Education Curriculum. Honors students take 21 of these required hours as Honors. This means students take no additional classes but instead choose to enroll in Honors sections of required classes. See Graduation Requirements.
Can I take non-Honors courses if I am in the Honors program?
As a rule of thumb, the answer is yes, but not for Honors credit. However, there are exceptions such as when a class is co-listed as both an Honors course and as an upper-level course for a specific major. In such a case, declared majors in that subject would take the class alongside Honors students from different majors. Students may also petition one non-Honors course for Honors credit on-campus, and if a student is abroad he/she may petition for multiple courses to be taken for Honors credit. See Petitioning.
What happens when you graduate from the Honors Program?
Students graduating from the University Honors Program are given Honor cords to wear at the graduation ceremony. In addition, the line "Honors in the Liberal Arts" is inscribed on the students' diplomas and listed on the students' transcripts. The Honors Program also hosts a reception each Spring for graduating seniors.
If you are graduating with Honors, please contact the office to request an Honor cord and watch for information regarding the reception in April.See also "Statement of Purpose" in What is an Honors Course.
Will the UHP bring my GPA down?
Not likely. Students in Honors statistically earn similar grades in Honors and non-Honors classes. Furthermore, for most students, grade performance in a class is dependent on motivation, and the goal of Honors courses is by definition this principle.
How do I know if I'm eligible / admitted into the UHP?
Invitations to the University Honors Program are sent out about a month after acceptance letters to SMU. Eligible students will receive an academic agreement along with UHP information that outlines the requirements of the program. Interested students are requested to return the signed agreement by May 1 st . If you do not receive an invitation, you are welcome to contact the UHP Director and your application will be individually considered for acceptance into the Honors Program. See Admissions Page.
Can I join the Honors program AFTER my first semester / year at SMU?
Yes. Interested SMU students should contact the UHP Director to set up a meeting.
Can I join the Honors program if I was never invited to join it?
Yes. Interested SMU students who did not receive an invitation can apply after completing at least one semester of course work at SMU. Those interested should contact the UHP Director to set up a meeting.
Does Honors take away from one's social life?
No. Honors students are very involved in social activities on and off campus. Honors students join Greek organizations, religious life, political discourse, student activity groups, and pursue active social lives; being a part of Honors does not damage your ability to make friends and become a member of social organizations. Historically, Honors students have been among the most active participants in campus activities at SMU.
How long, on average, does it take to complete the Honors Program's requirements?
Depending on your scheduling decisions, you can finish the Honors Program requirements in two to four years. Many students choose to finish the program requirements by the end of the sophomore year in order to focus attention on their majors.
How likely is it that Honors students graduate "with Honors in the Liberal Arts"?
In May 2006, more than 90% of Honors seniors graduated with University Honors Program diplomas. This represents the largest graduating Honors class, with 140 students.
I heard that you can waive the Honors rhetoric class if you have AP English credit. Is this true?
No. AP credit does not fulfill any Honors requirements. However, AP credit can count for non-Honors Perspectives credit as part of the General Education Curriculum. It is important to note that AP credit is never lost at SMU and if nothing else, it can count as a GEC elective. See Graduation Requirements.
What happens if I don't pass Honors Rhetoric class my first year?
Students who struggle in Honors Rhetoric consider withdrawing from the Honors Program and taking the non-Honors Rhetoric in order to strengthen writing skills necessary for later college success. However, if a student wishes to remain in the program, Honors Rhetoric will be taken every semester until both semesters are passed.
Should I take more Honors courses than are required by the program?
Many students find that they prefer the Honors course structure to that of non-Honors courses. Thus, it is common to find numerous SMU students taking more Honors classes than they need.
What happens if I don't fulfill my Honors requirements by graduation?
If you do not fulfill requirements by graduation, you will be required to withdraw from the Honors Program. Honors will not be listed on your diploma or transcript. Requirements include maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA (cumulative and in Honors classes) and taking the 7 required Honors courses. Students who do not appropriately allocate Honors courses to their schedules during their first few semesters will be placed on notice and, if they still do not intend to complete the necessary requirements by their junior year, will be automatically withdrawn. See Graduation Requirements.
Do Engineering / Dance / Music majors get special treatment in the Honors program?
No. Any major at SMU requiring more than 126 credit hours allows for a modified version of the General Education Curriculum . Such students take only 3 Perspectives and 2 Cultural Formations or 4 Perspectives and 1 Cultural Formations as opposed to the 5 Perspectives and 2 Cultural formations required for other majors. Such students must take all 5 Perpectives/Cultural Formations as Honors classes in order to graduate with Honors.
Can a Perspective count for Honors credit if it is within my major?
It depends. If the Perspective coincides with your first major, then the answer is no. This is actually a General Education Curriculum rule aimed at getting students outside of their educational shells -- that states a Perspective with a topic in which the student majors cannot satisfy a core requirement. Now, if the Perspective falls under a topic that coincides with your second major or your minor, you may count the course as a requirement, and thus, if it is Honors, as Honors credit.
Is it difficult to double major / do lots of activities / play a sport if I am in the Honors program?
No. In fact, many Honors students are double (or triple) majors, student athletes, and leaders on campus. Honors classes do not generally require more work but instead require work in a different format than non-Honors classes. If Honors students spend more time studying, it is only because Honors students place more importance on academics and wish to excel at a higher level.
Is the Honors community boring / elitist / unfriendly?
Definitely not. Honors residents are visibly the most involved students on campus. Essentially, the Honors community provides an opportunity for students to network with peers of similar ambitions in every dimension--personally, socially, and academically. Students with a strong drive to pursue diverse interests, both serious and fun, can thus bond together in Honors to pursue success and enjoy the residence hall experience. See Virginia-Snider.
Do non-Honors residents live in Virginia-Snider too?
Yes. Some non-Honors students who are on scholarship live in V-S. However, this residence hall is populated by predominantly Honors students, and Honors students receive first preference for spots in V-S. See Virginia-Snider.
Why should I choose Virginia-Snider as my residence hall if I am an Honors student?
Many students choose Virginia-Snider (V-S) because it is a larger Honors community in terms of numbers. It is also home to many upperclassmen Honors students, which is said to create a respectful environment for learning. However, V-S also offers an amazing community of students who connect over non-academic activities as well. Whether you are meeting in one of the lounges for a study session, Thursday night TV, or you and your roommate are getting ready for an evening lecture or a night out in Dallas, V-S provides a dynamic place to make connections. V-S won the "RLSH Community of the Year Award" in Spring 2006 and has picked up numerous other awards for involvement and spirit. See Virginia-Snider.
Why is there an elephant on top of Snider Hall?
C.W. Snider, for whom the hall was named, was said to be fond of elephants. See Virginia-Snider.
Can I get a Richter International Fellowship to sponsor my SMU study abroad program?
No. However, a Richter Fellowship can sponsor a longer stay for additional research abroad. In addition, course credit can be earned by enrolling in an independent study to write your final paper upon returning from your Richter trip.
Can non-Honors students work on Richter International Fellowships?
No. Richter Fellowships are strictly for University Honors Students.
If I am a Transfer Student, do I have to take Honors Rhetoric?
Depending on when you transfer, you will have to take at least one and possibly two semesters of Honors Rhetoric. See Transfer Students.
If I am a Transfer Student, and my previous college/university had an Honors program that I was involved in, do my Honors credits carry over to SMU?
No. Honors classes must be taken at SMU. Because there is no universal standard yet for Honors classes, we cannot accept Honors credit from other schools. The exception is if you complete a study abroad program sponsored by SMU at another university. For example, if you attend "SMU-in-Oxford" and take Honors classes at Oxford, those will count for University Honors Program credit.
Are Honors professors faster lecturers / harder graders than regular professors?
Not necessarily. Honors classes might cover more material or similar material in more depth, but courses will be similar in content volume to non-Honors courses. Honors professors tend to expect more from Honors students but also take the quality of students into account when grading. No Honors classes are graded on a curve, and Honors classes tend to have higher average grades than non-Honors classes. See What is an Honors Course.
Does SMU offer weighted grades for Honors classes?
No. SMU does not participate in grade weighting.
I saw that there was an Honors CF or Perspective offered one year but not the year that I want it. Is there a process for me to request that a professor teach a certain Honors course that once existed?
You can send course requests or ideas to the members of the Honors Advisory Council or the Honors Program staff. However, courses do change from year to year and the Honors Program has no way of guaranteeing that professors offer certain classes beyond Rhetoric.
I want more CF/Perspective credits but I don't like the current Honors CF/Perspective course selection. How does the UHP encourage professors to create more courses?
The Honors Program offers a Course Development Award to faculty who create new Honors courses. This financial incentive is open to all professors and encourages varied and interesting courses each semester. See Faculty Development Award.
What can the Honors Advisory Council do for me as an SMU student?
The Honors Advisory Council works to form both short and long-term goals for the Honors Program and modifies the program as changes are needed. Students are encouraged to submit ideas for events, course ideas, and other suggestions to the Honors Advisory Council representatives for consideration. See Honors Advisory Council.
Franklin Green Balch III, an ivy-league educated professor of Political Science, was hired in the 1960s as the first director of the "Superior Studies" program at SMU. Over the years, Superior Studies grew from a small group of 40 upperclassmen to the University Honors Program of over 850 students from all four classes.
I want a mentor, or another student who can give me advice on the Honors Program, and on which Honors courses to take. I want this person to be involved, understanding, and honest. How do I find such a wonderful person?
The University Honors Office can request Honors mentors for you from the UHP constituents at any time. In addition, Dr. Doyle and the student Honors Program Coordinator are excellent resources for advice on your academic career. See the contact page.
When do I need to petition for Honors credit if I intend to make a non-Honors course count as an Honors section?
Ideally, petitions are completed within the first few weeks of the semester. The latest day to complete a petition is the final day of the semester in which you are taking the course. Any petitions turned in after the close of the semester cannot be considered for Honors credit. See Petitioning.
How many times can I petition to make a non-Honors course into an Honors course?
You can only petition one course on campus for Honors credit. If you study abroad, you are allowed to petition as many courses as necessary while participating in an SMU Study Abroad program in order to fulfill your Honors requirements. SMU-in-Taos qualifies as "study abroad" for purposes of petitioning.
Can I just write an extra essay in the non-Honors section of a course and have it count as an Honors course?
No. You must fill out the necessary paperwork to petition before the end of the semester. In addition, the Office of General Education must approve the petition for you to receive Honors credit. Petitioning often requires more than an additional essay and students are encouraged to be creative when petitioning courses.
Can I petition AFTER having taken a non-Honors course?
No. The Honors Program, under no circumstances, allows retroactive petitioning.
What is Hilltopics and what does it have to do with the University Honors Program?
Hilltopics is a student digest published weekly. It was founded in 2004 by 7 Honors students in order to offer an alternative voice of commentary and criticism on campus. Students, both Honors and non-Honors, are encouraged to submit articles to Hilltopics for publication. See Hilltopics.
Do Honors students get priority over other students in selecting courses?
No. SMU registration occurs in order of total credit hours taken. Many Honors students, however, happen to register earlier than average because they entered SMU with college credit from AP or IB programs in their high schools.
What does the UHP have to do with Departmental Distinction or Honors programs within majors?
The University Honors Program offers the flexibility for students to complete UHP requirements in their first 2 years at SMU. This allows students to focus on Distinction or Honors within their majors, a path many UHP students take. Please contact your individual major advisor for information regarding Departmental Honors or Distinction. See Departmental Distinction.
How many students are in the Honors Program?
There are currently over 850 students who are participants in the University Honors Program.
What is the history of the University Honors Program?
In 1966, the University hired Dr. Franklin Balch to be the director of the new "Superior Studies" program, which allowed talented upperclassmen the opportunity to take seminar classes and participate in special dinners and receptions. In the late 1970s, Superior Studies was divided between Departmental and General Education programs. Thus, the University Honors Program began, changing from a group of 40 upperclassmen to over 850 students in all four classes. The University Honors Program has grown considerably over the years, but nonetheless maintained its dedication to offering smaller, discussion-based classes as well as a varied calendar of special events and opportunities.
Does the Honors program grant scholarships?
Yes. The Honors Program occasionally offers Study Abroad Scholarships by email.
What are some examples of the events hosted by Honors?
The UHP schedules approximately one event a week. Examples include dinners with campus guests or professors, lectures, informal book club meetings, social events in Virginia-Snider, "field trips" to museums or theatres in Dallas, and information sessions regarding special opportunities for Honors students. Each semester offers new events, so be sure to check the calendar for upcoming Honors activities. See Honors Events.
How do I get more information or a UHP brochure from SMU?
Send your name, address, and email address to the Honors Program Coordinator. Contact information is available on the contact page.
If you have gone through this FAQ and you still have any questions about the University Honors Program at SMU that you want answered, you are encouraged to contact one of the individuals on the contact page.
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