Overview and Benefits
The Honors Program does make a difference to the University of Nevada, Reno in the following areas: attraction and retention of the “best and brightest” students and outstanding faculty; innovative curricula and teaching methodologies; improvement of the academic environment through inspiring, encouraging and fostering academic excellence; more prestige and greater academic recognition and visibility; and greater opportunities for post-graduation.
- Honors Curriculum - Taught by distinguished faculty and tailored for eligible Honors students, Honors classes are available in the University’s core curriculum, in the student’s major, and as electives. Students have a wide choice of courses to fulfill Honors credit every semester.
- Dynamic Instruction - The most highly regarded faculty on campus teach in the Honors Program. The general characteristics of Honors classes include cooperative instructional styles, intellectual dialogue, cutting-edge, discipline-based knowledge, experimental learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative teaching techniques.
- Small, Supportive, Interactive Classes - Enrollment in Honors classes is generally limited to a maximum of 20 Honors students. Small classes and the best professors lead to lively discussions and interaction among Honors students and faculty. Because classes are small, students study the subject matter more extensively and in greater depth than in regular classes.
- Honors Faculty – Distinguished faculty – many of whom are recipients of prestigious teaching and research awards – teach Honors classes, mentor Honors students, and supervise Honors senior theses. Enthusiastic and ready to challenge, Honors faculty engage students in open dialogue and guide them in independent research. They offer opportunity for students to broaden and deepen their experiences in their major fields, more individual attention on an academic level, more personal coaching about graduate study and career options, and outstanding letters of recommendation.
- Honors Living Learning Communities – Specifically designed residential learning communities are available to a limited number of Honors Program students who live in designated residence halls and pursue the same curriculum of studies.
- Alternative Learning Opportunities - Honors students are encouraged to participate in a variety of alternative learning opportunities throughout their college careers. Student retreats, faculty seminars, campus-wide symposia, service learning activities, and fine arts series are among the many social and educational activities planned each semester.
- Peer Support Network - Because Honors students take classes together, engage in social functions together, and participate in alternative learning experiences together, Honors students have the frequent opportunity to meet other Honors students from various majors, students who are similarly interested in high academic achievement, and students who are motivated toward professional career choices. The Honors Student Council offers many opportunities for Honors students to get involved in university life.
- University Support Network - The Honors Program is university-wide and compatible with all academic majors.
- University Libraries offers library service to support Honors students
- Office of Undergraduate Research offers research awards to Honors seniors working on their thesis
- University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers study opportunities to travel internationally for Honors credit
- Office of Undergraduate Fellowships provides advice and assistance to undergraduates interested in applying for external fellowships such as the Fulbright, Gates Cambridge, Goldwater, Madison, Marshall, Mitchell, Rhodes, Truman, and Udall.
- Honors Orientation and Advisement – Incoming Honors students are invited to participate in the First-Year Honors Student Weekend Retreat at Lake Tahoe prior to the beginning of fall classes. Honors advising is available each semester for Honors students. The Honors Program requires that each Honors student meet with an Honors adviser at least once a year.
- Priority Enrollment and Early Registration - As members of the Honors Program, Honors students have the opportunity to enroll in classes at an earlier time than most undergraduate students each semester. All Honors students register at the scheduled time that graduate students register. This benefit offers Honors students the widest selection of courses and scheduling options.
- International Study for Honors Credit – The Honors Program considers international study an enriching academic and personal experience. When students register for classes through the USAC program or register for classes at a university in another country, they are eligible for Honors credit.
- Special Recognition at Graduation - All students graduating in the Honors Program receive special recognition for achieving Honors at graduation.
- Eligibility to graduate with Latin distinctions
- Honors coursework identified as Honors
- Honors cording ceremony
- University transcripts with Honors designation
- Diplomas scripted in cursu honorum
- Individual listings in the University commencement program
- Student Academic and Professional Opportunities – There are many opportunities for Honors students to become involved in scholarly and professional activities. Receiving a national fellowship, becoming a member of an Honors society, or presenting a paper at a national conference are achievements noted on resumes and accomplishments valued by employers.
- National Grants, Fellowships, Scholarships and Awards – National fellowships such as Fulbright, Gates Cambridge, Goldwater, Madison, Marshall, Mitchell, Rhodes, Truman, and Udall are highly competitive and prestigious awards that require extensive preparation in the application process. Awards vary widely by eligibility requirements, financial award amounts, fields of study and career objectives, language requirements, and deadlines. Any student who wishes to apply for a grant, fellowship or award should come to the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships in the Honors Program office. A description of individual fellowships and eligibility requirements are available on the Office of Undergraduate Fellowship website.
- Honors Societies – The University of Nevada, Reno is a chapter member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key, among other national honors societies committed to academic excellence. When students apply for membership, they are eligible for fellowships and scholarships through the award programs of these Honors societies. A complete description of these Honors societies is available on the Honors Program website.
- Honors Conferences – The Honors Program at the University of Nevada, Reno is a member of both the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) and the Western Regional Honors Council (WRHC). Honors students are encouraged to attend and participate in these national and regional Honors organizations. Among other opportunities, these professional societies and organizations offer students occasions to travel, make academic presentations, meet Honors students from across the nation, and acquire leadership skills. Students are encouraged to present papers, original research, musical performances or any other original work at both the National Collegiate Honors Conference and the Western Regional Honors Conference. The NCHC meets in the fall; the WRHC meets in the spring. Scholarships to participate in these conferences are available to eligible Honors students. Further information is available at the Honors Program Office.
- The Honors Edge – As the Honors Program attracts better students to the University, it also attracts better opportunities for graduate school, professional school, employment, and national scholarships and fellowships. Graduate schools, professional schools, employers, and screening committees view students in Honors Program more favorably and see this involvement as an advantage.
