Honors Program

The UAF Honors Program provides opportunities for students to pursue excellence in academic and personal development. We foster critical and independent thinking and help students become informed, responsible and active citizens. Honors students have access to small classes, research opportunities, intensive advising and scholarships. Students are encouraged to participate in service, leadership, research, study abroad, internships and other opportunities that contribute to their personal growth.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and are pursuing a baccalaureate degree are encouraged to apply to the Honors Program. Entering freshmen must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.6 and a composite SAT score of 1820 or a composite ACT score of 27. Current UAF students and transfer students must have a combined cumulative GPA of 3.5 that includes at least 24 credits of college courses. The Honors Program accepts applications all year. The application form is at www.uaf.edu/honors/.

Program Features

Honors students complete a flexible schedule of courses that includes honors sections of the core curriculum courses, courses developed specifically for the honors program, and standard courses contracted for honors credit by students with individual professors. With approval by the director, students who study abroad may earn up to 12 honors credits for academic courses they take at their host universities. Undergraduate students who complete graduate courses may count those courses toward their honors course requirement. In all cases, courses will only count toward the honors distinction if the student earns a grade of B (3.0) or higher. Honors students must be enrolled full-time and are expected to complete a minimum of 6 honors credits each academic year.

The Honors Program offers students intensive advising with an opportunity to develop a personal plan for their UAF years that builds in extracurricular opportunities, research, leadership, service and more to meet the goals of each student.

The Honors House, located in the heart of campus, provides honors students a casual and comfortable home away from home. The house includes computer labs, a smart classroom, quiet study areas and a place for social gatherings.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a distinction from the Honors Program, students must fulfill GPA, capstone project and honors credit requirements.

GPA Requirement

To graduate with a distinction from the Honors Program, in addition to the other program requirements, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.25 for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the program unless an appeal is approved by the honors director.

Capstone Project Requirement

To graduate with a distinction from the Honors Program, in addition to the other program requirements, students must work with a faculty mentor to complete a capstone project, including a written component and an oral presentation.

Honors Credit Requirement

University Honors Scholar distinction is awarded at commencement to students who complete 27 or more credits of honors course work and/or study abroad and graduate-level courses in addition to the other program requirements. Honors Program Scholar distinction is awarded to students who complete 12 credits of honors course work in addition to other program requirements.

Additional Information

For more information contact the Honors Program at the Honors House, 520 Copper Lane, 907-474-6612, uaf.honors@alaska.edu or www.uaf.edu/honors/.