University Honors College

The University Honors College is an interdisciplinary program with courses and activities leading to a certificate of completion in University Honors.

The University Honors College offers special courses and activities designed to help qualified students realize their full intellectual potential and to provide them the best possible preparation for their major degree programs. It does so through a wide range of special classes and interdisciplinary seminars supported by departments and faculty across campus. University Honors is characterized by three dimensions: creating a sense of community; enhancing academic competency; and providing students with the opportunity to develop a unique and challenging program of study.

A student who completes all certificate requirements also receives recognition at the Honors Recognition Ceremony as well as at graduation ceremonies. In addition, the students receive a Certificate of University Honors and special notation on official university transcripts.

Admission into the Honors College is based on the following criteria: high school GPA, SAT/ACT scores, an application, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or academic advisor. All applicants are expected to have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5. Current VSU students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or better may be considered. Special consideration is given to diverse and motivated students eager to engage in Honors level work. The admissions process is based on an incoming first-year cohort, and students are expected to take INQR 1001H in their first semester as part of their provisional acceptance. After successful completion of INQR1001H and approval of the Honors College, students will be considered for full admittance into the Honors College and qualified for funding and benefits such as support for travel and research. Incoming Honors students are expected to live and participate in the living learning community in Reade Hall, the designated Honors residence.

Contact Information

University Honors College | Office of the Dean

Location: Honors House, 102 Georgia Avenue
Phone: 229-245-2490
Email: honors@valdosta.edu
Web: www.valdosta.edu/honors

• 28 hours in the Honors Curriculum as designated below
• 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA, and a 3.0 or higher GPA in Honors curriculum courses. Students failing to meet the GPA requirement will have a one-semester probation period to continue their enrollment in the Honors College.

All students in the Honors College must complete the Global Experience and Understanding requirement with an approved course, research, or experiential activity. Activities include study abroad or semester exchange, the language partnership program, or an approved project supervised by a faculty member. The semester-long commitment fosters understanding of global and cultural issues. In the spirit of the Honors interdisciplinary approach, research, service, and minor program activities will be considered. These activities must be approved by the Honors College. All Global Experience and Understanding activities are listed as HONS 2990.

• Students will learn the arts of inquiry and conversation, culminating in structured research and creative endeavors, academic writing, oral presentations, and creative production.
  • Students will practice the organizational skills of collaboration, planning, and assessment, and the personal skills of self-discipline and task management, culminating in the capacity to guide or direct group-based work.
  • Students will understand the importance of civic involvement and giving back to the larger community, culminating in occasions of service that draw upon scholarship, creativity, and leadership capacities.
  • Students will incorporate an understanding of diverse global and cultural perspectives in their scholarly or creative inquiry, culminating in an international exchange of ideas and activities.
  • Students will incorporate an understanding of diverse disciplinary perspectives in their scholarly/creative inquiry, culminating in a collaborative, interdisciplinary project.