The South Piedmont Honors Program gives students the chance to take their education to the next level by working on personalized projects that align with their interests and goals.
There are lots of reasons to participate in the Honors Program. For one, your honors credits will appear on your South Piedmont transcript, helping you to stand out when you apply to a university or enter the job market. You’ll also receive academic recognition, participate in leadership opportunities, attend exciting events, such as field trips, seminars, and the North Carolina Honors Association Conference, and partake in symposiums and other networking forums.
Honors Program Benefits
The Honors Program will challenge you, but the benefits are well worth it. Here are some of the reasons to participate in the Honors Program.
Build Skills
During the Honors Program, you’ll strengthen your critical thinking and research skills.
Improve Communication
Your Honors project will give you ample opportunities to improve your writing, speaking, and visual communication skills.
Use Technology
You will gain experience in using both technology and information effectively.
Grow as a Person
You will develop a sense of social responsibility and advocacy skills.
Get an Edge
Your Honors Program credits will appear on your transcript, helping you stand out to transfer institutions or employers.
Be Recognized
You can graduate with Full Honors if you meet all the requirements of the program.
Become a Leader
The Honors Program will give you a chance to hone your leadership skills.
Attend Events
You’ll have the chance to attend field trips, seminars, and statewide conferences.
Network
You’ll gain an expanded network of friends, colleagues, and mentors.
How Can You Get Involved?
To participate in the Honors Program, you must meet academic eligibility requirements, as well as deadlines and grade standards throughout your time in the program. The qualification requirements vary depending on how long you’ve been in college.
First Semester Students
If you are a first-semester student, you must have graduated from high school and meet one of the following criteria:
- SAT score of 1875 or higher
- High school GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Top 10 percent of your high school class
- ACT score of 30 or higher
Second Semester and Beyond
If you are a continuing student, who has completed at least one semester, you need at least 12 college credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible.
Early College or Career & College Promise Students
You must meet the same requirements as first semester students. After earning 12 college credits, you must meet the continuing student requirements.
Requirements During the Program
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can create an Honors contract for any 8-, 12-, or 16-week, credit-earning course that you’re taking. Just make sure to submit your contract for approval by the deadline.
Projects must be completed during the same semester they’re approved. You need to earn a grade of B or higher in the course to receive honors credit.
Graduating with Full Honors
To graduate with Full Honors, you’ll need to:
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher.
- Complete four honors projects in four different courses.
- Earn a B or higher in each course.
- Present your project in at least one public forum
Ready to Get Involved in Honors?
The Honors Program is a chance for you to challenge yourself academically while closely collaborating with your faculty mentors. As an Honors Program student, you’ll work with your faculty mentor to design a project based on your interests, connect your project to what you’re learning in class, and complete an honors contract that outlines your project details.
The Honors Program will provide you with an unparalleled educational experience. For more information or to get involved, contact Coordinator of College Honors and Undergraduate Research Katherine Widner at kwidner@spcc.edu.
Take Your Education to A New Level With the Honors Program
This program fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and technological proficiency, equipping students with valuable skills for future success.
Katherine Widner, Coordinator of College Honors and Undergraduate Research