Honors Program Benefits
Graduates earning Distinction as a University Honors Scholar are recognized in the Commencement program, receive the Distinction on their University transcript, and are eligible to wear the white Honors Stole at Commencement.
Some additional benefits of participation in the program are given below.
- Exclusive access to Honors courses taught by award-winning faculty. Honors Faculty hold PhDs from Oxford, Princeton, Yale, UC Berkeley, Columbia, and other internationally recognized programs
- Opportunity to apply for University Honors Program Scholarships.
- Exclusive access to Honors classroom, social, and study spaces, such as the Laurel Forum and Honors Library (photo below)
- Small classes, limited to 16 students
- Tailored student support from the Director of the Honors Program
- Unique opportunities for student/faculty engagement
- A tight-knit community of self-motivated learners
- Honors sections of P.L.A.C.E. courses (Public Liberal Arts Core Experience)
- Service-learning opportunities on campus and in the greater Asheville community
- Self-directed study and independent study courses (including Readings in Honors and Undergraduate Research in Honors)
- Earn honors credit while studying abroad.
- Leadership opportunities in the Student Honors Advisory Council and across campus
- Exclusive social and academic events outside of the standard curriculum
- Awards for graduating seniors
- Optional Honors housing block in West Ridge Hall, located in the University Botanical Gardens
The Laurel Forum
Leadership Opportunity: The Student Honors Advisory Committee
The Student Honors Advisory Committee (SHAC) consists of elected officers and plans activities and events for the Honors Program.
Honors Foris
Honors Foris
Away From Home Programming
UNC Asheville’s Honors Foris encourages students to engage and immerse themselves in off-campus activities that enhance learning. Foris integrates “away from home” programming to propel students into experiences that amplify their educational journey.
Each academic year, the Honors Program will offer one or more Honors Foris experiences. These may include course field trips, service learning, conference attendance, study abroad, or other off-campus Honors opportunities. Each experience contributes to the academic excellence embraced by the Honors Program.
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.