Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning more about Honors?
Take a look at common questions that are asked and discover more about our Program.
What are the benefits to being in the Honors Program?
- Priority Registration: each Honors student in good standing receives priority registration each semester - getting to sign up for classes before most other students.
- Smaller classes: Most of your Honors classes will be small, discussion-based classes, averaging 20 students. This helps you get to know your peers and professors better, and your professors will be able to write more detailed letters of recommendation for your scholarship and postgraduate opportunities.
- Unique opportunities: Honors students often get special invitations to conferences on campus, are able to attend theater productions with other Honors students/faculty for free, get notified about scholarship and fellowship offers, and more.
- Graduation with distinction: Students who fulfill the 24 required credits in Honors get the Honors status noted on their transcripts upon graduation, receive a pink Honors cord as part of graduation regalia, and receive an Honors certificate along with their diploma.
- Honors advising: Honors students can receive additional, holistic advising from any of the Honors faculty or staff, including the Director. Students also have privileged access to our Fellowship Opportunities Coordinator, Dr. Yee Han Chu, for assistance in pursuing national and international competitive fellowships.
- Honors scholarships: Around 25% of incoming Honors students each year are awarded the Honors Scholarship, and other awards (like Honors Faculty Choice Awards) are offered to select Honors students each year.
- Designated Honors spaces: Honors students are able to use a specially-designated Honors lounge and/or conference room for hanging out, studying, and meeting with their peers.
- Honors LLC: There is an optional Honors Living and Learning Community within one of the dorms so that Honors students can get to know one another better.
Will Honors courses make it more difficult to graduate on time?
No. Since most of the Honors courses will be ES-validated or at the 300-level or above, you will be earning necessary credits for graduation from UND while you complete Honors simultaneously. In addition, the extra support you receive from Honors staff and faculty will help to keep you motivated and on track to achieve your goals.
Are Honors courses more difficult than regular classes?
Honors courses aren't harder; they’re different. They challenge students through reading, writing, active community engagement, and discussion. You will be surrounded by peers and faculty who motivate you to dig a bit deeper and to be an active participant in your classes.
What if I decide not to continue in Honors?
You may leave the Honors Program at any time. Credits earned through Honors count toward graduation and the general education requirements.
Does the Honors Program have additional costs?
You do not pay any additional fees for participating in the Honors Program. In fact, Honors is able to offer a limited number of partial tuition waivers to select students.
Can I still join Honors if I’m already a college student?
Yes, Honors is happy to have students who enter our program with post-high school college experience, either from UND or from another institution. We can work with you individually to help you navigate Honors requirements. We are a flexible, student-centered program, and can make accommodations to compensate for your previous college coursework. You can also complete a transfer student application if you are coming from another institution.
How can I get more involved in Honors?
There are several ways to engage and take on leadership roles within the Honors Program. You can be an Honors Ambassador who represents the program at various recruitment events throughout the year; you can seek leadership within the Honors Program Student Organization (HPSO) and help to come up with programming and events for other Honors students; you can serve on the Honors Committee, consisting of select faculty, staff, and students, to advise on Honors policies; and you can create your own projects, initiatives, publications, or collaborations!