University Honors Program
What is the University Honors Program and Why Should You Join?
Take on the world through immersive scholarship and genuine community in the Honors Program at UNC Asheville. We welcome self-motivated learners, challenge-seeking creatives, and service-oriented innovators to dedicate their talents to research and academic excellence that advances our community and our world.
A university honors program is designed for high-achieving students to deepen their learning through academically challenging courses, research projects, leadership opportunities, and other exclusive experiences that cannot be found in regular classes.
Through UNC Asheville’s Honors Program. You have the opportunity to:
- Participate in enriching co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
- Forge strong relationships with outstanding professors.
- Join a group of similarly motivated peers.
- Earn Honors credit while studying abroad.
Benefits of University Honors Participation
Benefits of University Honors Participation
The University Honors Program at UNC Asheville influences every aspect of your education. You’ll access a rigorous Honors curriculum, demonstrate academic achievement, and distinguish yourself in the job market or graduate school applications.
You’ll also be eligible to take exclusive courses, live in our Honors housing block as a first-year student. Participants can also run for leadership positions in the Student Honors Advisory Council and access highly collaborative and dedicated study spaces like the Laurel Forum, Honors Library, and Honors Seminar Room.
How to Join the University Honors Program
Incoming, First-Year Students
As an incoming first-year student, you are automatically considered for admission to the Honors Program through your UNC Asheville admissions application. There are no additional requirements, deadlines, or applications. The Honors Program assessment considers the strength of the curriculum you’ve completed along with your grades in core academic classes, writing, recommendations, demonstrated leadership interest, and potential for impact in our community.
If you are admitted to the University Honors Program, you will receive a separate acceptance letter from the Director of the Honors Program by early April. If you are not initially admitted but are highly interested, you may request to join the waitlist by emailing the Director. Waitlist decisions are made on a rolling basis according to space availability.
Transfer Students
UNC Asheville’s Honors Program holds memoranda of understanding with some schools to transfer Honors credits. It generally takes at least three years to complete the full course load leading to Distinction as a University Honors Scholar. To ensure that you meet program requirements, we recommend that you plan out your curricula with your academic advisor or the Director of the University Honors Program.
You may also choose to pursue Recognition as a University Honors Scholar, which has fewer credit hour requirements and is suited to students who plan to study at UNC Asheville for fewer than 3 years.
Current Students
As a current UNC Asheville student, you may submit a University Honors Program application after completing your first semester. Before applying, you should schedule an advising meeting with the Director of the University Honors Program to ensure that an Honors pathway is available in your course of study and to obtain the application materials. Applications are considered on a rolling basis each semester.
Requirements to Graduate as an Honor Scholar
Requirements to Graduate as an Honor Scholar
UNC Asheville’s Honors Program leads to two types of accolades: Distinction as a University Honors Scholar and Recognition as an Honors Scholar.
To remain in good standing, you must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 in Honors coursework and an overall GPA of at least 3.25. You should also complete at least three hours of Honors credit every academic year
“The environment fostered in the Honors program is constantly providing opportunities to grow within the University as well as the community. With access to unique classes and events such as the Asheville Ideas Fest, this growing cohort is one I am proud to be a part of!”
Honors Program Faculty & Staff
Robert C. Tatum, Ph.D.
Director of the University Honors Program, Professor of Economics; Cary Caperton Owen Chair in Economics
Office: 156 Karpen Hall
Phone: 251-6569
Email: rtatum@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday 9:35 am – 10:35 am
Thursday 9:35 am – 10:35 am
Office hours also available by appointment.
Lisa Sellers
Program Associate for Honors and Undergraduate Research
Office: 141 Karpen Hall, CPO 2150
Phone:
Email: lsellers@unca.edu
Grayson Randall, MPA
Honors First-Year Student Success Specialist
Office: 031 Ramsey Library
Phone:
Email: grandall@unca.edu
Anna Corbitt
Clare Pierce
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Dr. Melinda Grosser, Steve and Frosene Zeis Assistant Professor of Biology
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Dr. Renuka Gusain, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, International Studies and Humanities
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Curt Cloninger, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication
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Dr. Samer Traboulsi, Professor of History
Contact SHAC at shac@unca.edu
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Co-President: Olivia Pirnat
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Co-President: Valentina Rozeff
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Officers: Chiara LoBianco and Clare Pierce
Ready for What's Next?
Take on the world through immersive scholarship and genuine community in the Honors Program at UNC Asheville. We welcome self-motivated learners, challenge-seeking creatives, and service-oriented innovators to dedicate their talents to research and academic excellence that advances our community and our world.