Honors Scholars FAQs
What is the difference between the Honors Program & the Honors Scholars Program?
The Honors Program is CU Boulder’s department within the College of Arts and Sciences that concerns itself with a number of Arts and Sciences Academic Honors related services and programs (i.e. honors classes, events, and information). The Honors Scholars Program, on the other hand, is a community of honors students who are working towards their Honors Scholars designation. The Honors Scholars Program was designed to create community within the Honors Program in addition to the opportunities offered in the HRAP and Honors Thesis writing process. As an Honors Scholar, you have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of fun and informative events, give back to Boulder through community service, and graduate with the designation of ‘Honors Scholar,’ which is useful for resumes or graduate school applications. You do not need to be an Honors Scholar to be in the Honors Program – participation in the Honors Scholars Program is optional and elective.
Do I have to be a student of the College of Arts & Sciences to join the Honors Scholars Program?
No, you do not have to be a member of the College of Arts and Sciences to join the Honors Scholars Program. This program is designed for undergraduate students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences but is entirely open to students from other colleges as well.
Does being an Honors Scholar mean I can take Honors courses?
Because the Honors Scholars Program requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the time of graduation, you will automatically be able to take Honors courses if you qualify for the Honors Scholars Program. However, Honors courses are not exclusive to those participating in the Honors Scholars. As long as you have a GPA of 3.3 or higher, you are automatically a part of the Honors Program (not the Honors Scholars) and are eligible to take Honors courses.
What are the requirements to graduate as an Honors Scholar?
There are several requirements that need to be met to graduate as an Honors Scholar, but they are all pretty simple:
- You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the time you graduate.
- You must complete Honors Program (or Honors RAP) courses totaling 9 credits, with at least 3 of those credits being an upper-division course. Also, only a maximum of 6 credits from Honors RAP classes can count toward the 9-credit requirement.
- You must attend two Honors Program events each semester that you are enrolled on-campus. Events include TV with a Prof, SciTalks, and Honors Coffee Hours. There are some disclaimers, however: 1) Honors Coffee Hours attendance can only count for half of the total number of events you attend and 2) those who are studying abroad for a semester(s) are exempt from attending any events.
- You must complete 5 hours of community service each semester. Valid opportunities can either be organized by the Honors Program or entirely independent.
- During your final semester at CU, you will be required to submit your transcript to the Honors Scholars Canvas community page to confirm that you have fulfilled the course and GPA requirements.
When should I join the Honors Scholars Program?
For students planning to graduate in four years, you must declare your intention to be an Honors Scholar by the end of your fourth semester. That being said, earlier is always better! Again, if you are a transfer student or are planning to graduate from CU Boulder in less than four years, email HonorsScholars@colorado.edu to determine your eligibility.
Where can I find information on Honors Scholars events and community service?
Information on the Honors Scholars events and community service can be found on the Honors Scholars Canvas page as well as the Honors Program newsletter. You can also contact honorsscholars@colorado.edu for more information.
What is the difference between sponsored and non-sponsored community service events?
Sponsored community service events are community service opportunities where the Honors Scholars Program coordinates with other organizations in order to provide group opportunities to volunteer. By participating in sponsored community service events, you will not have to complete any additional community service for the remainder of the semester. Sponsored community service events will be announced on the canvas page. On the other hand, non-sponsored community service events include any community service completed on your own. This community service must be completed through other organizations.
How do I report any community service I did?
The community service completed can be reported through a survey that can be found on the Honors Scholars Program canvas page. This survey will ask for questions with regards to supervisor’s information, date(s) and hours of community service, and a reflection on the community service completed.
What do I do if I am studying abroad for a semester?
If you are studying abroad for a semester, all you have to do is fill out the study abroad form that alerts the program that you will be gone for the semester. This will excuse you from any Honors Scholars requirements for the duration of your time abroad!
How is the Honors Scholars Program accommodating students during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We understand that this can be a difficult time for students, which is why the Honors Scholars Program has implemented a few changes in its requirements. For the Fall 2020 semester, community service hours are not required; any community service hours that you do acquire this semester will count towards the Spring 2021 semester instead. That being said, you are required to attend four events (TV with a Prof, SciTalks, etc.) this semester rather than three. This is intended to be helpful to students because all of this semester’s events are held virtually and are easily accessible. Please contact us if any of these changes seem unclear.
What do I need to do in my final semester before graduating from the Honors Scholars Program?
Before you graduate you need to make sure you have completed all of the requirements for the semester and that you are not on probation for any reason. From there, you will simply submit your final transcript which must show a minimum of a 3.5 cumulative GPA.