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 many reasons to participate in the SP 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 and have the opportunity to participate in academic symposiums.ademic 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 Core Skills
During the Honors Program, you’ll strengthen your critical thinking and research skills.
Improve Communication
Crafting an Honors project will give you ample opportunities to improve your writing, speaking, and visual communication skills.
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.
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:
- High school GPA of 3.7 or higher
- SAT score of 1875 or higher
- Top 10 percent of your high school class
- ACT score of 30 or higher
Second Semester and Beyond
If you have 12 or more college credits, you will need a cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible.
Early College or Career & College Promise Students
If you have less than 12 college credits, 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 complete 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.
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
- For more detailed information on program requirements, please consult the SP College Honors Student Handbook.
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 Katherine Widner at kwidner@spcc.edu.
Take Your Education to A New Level With the Honors Program
The South Piedmont Honors Program offers engaging academic experiences that encourage students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, pursue revelatory lines of inquiry, and connect their coursework to personal, professional, and broader societal goals beyond graduation.
Katherine Widner, Coordinator of College Honors