FAQs

1.  How do I know if I am eligible for the Honors Program?    2.  Are Honors courses harder than other courses?    3.  Do I have to take more courses if I am in Honors?    4.  What are the benefits of the Honors Program?    5.  How much input do students have in the program?    6.  Are there social aspects to the Honors Program?    7.  Can I take Honors courses without being in the Honors Program?    8.  What exactly are the Honors Houses?    9.  How do I register for Honors classes?    10.  Do I have to maintain a certain GPA?    11.  How do I apply to the program?   

1.  How do I know if I am eligible for the Honors Program? Top of Page

If you are entering Chico State as a first semester freshman, you should have one of the following to apply for the Honors Program:
  • High school GPA of 3.5 or above OR
  • SAT score of 1200 (math and verbal scores only) or above OR
  • ACT score of 27 or above
Students not meeting these criteria will be considered, but on an individual basis. We encourage you to apply if:
  • you have participated in honors programs in high school OR
  • you are a life member of the California Scholarship Federation OR
  • you are a National Merit finalist OR
  • you are a transfer student with a GPA of 3.3 or above

2.  Are Honors courses harder than other courses? Top of Page

No! Since honors classes are smaller, there is much more interaction between the students in the class and the professor. You have an opportunity to take an active role in your learning experience. There is generally no extra work, just a different structure to the class.  Most students enjoy their honors classes because there is less "busy work" or "cramming" than they often encounter in non-honors classes. Honors courses do require more involvement in the material, but they are not more difficult. In fact, most honors students find that taking honors classes actually enhances their GPAs.

3.  Do I have to take more courses if I am in Honors? Top of Page

No. You take the same number as all other students. A summary of Honors classes is available.

4.  What are the benefits of the Honors Program? Top of Page

One of the goals of the program is to help students get involved as soon as possible in the rich cultural and intellectual mix of the University. But there are many other important benefits you will also appreciate. You will work with excellent teachers and other motivated students in small classes. As an honors student, you may be eligible for membership in Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi, both nationally recognized honors organizations. You receive priority registration. And, of course, successful completion of the program results in special recognition on your diploma and transcripts. More information about benefits are listed here and in our brochure, viewable as a PDF here.

5.  How much input do students have in the program? Top of Page

Honors students have direct access to the program director and to the program advisers.  The program also conducts course evaluations for each Honors class every semester, soliciting the anonymous input of all students in the class.  These evaluations encourage students to share their opinions regarding Honors classes and the program in general.

6.  Are there social aspects to the Honors Program? Top of Page

Yes. The Honors program sponsors several activities each semester. We have a "Fall Welcome" every year for our incoming freshmen to meet each other and our continuing students. There's always free food involved. We also have "Finals Fuel-up" which usually involves Chinese food the Sunday before finals week. These, among other activities, bring together students, often with faculty, in unique and lively ways.

7.  Can I take Honors courses without being in the Honors Program? Top of Page

If there is room in a course after meeting the requests of all honors students, we encourage qualified non-honors students to "sample" the program by taking a course of interest to them. We do, however, encourage all qualified students to apply to the program.

8.  What exactly are the Honors Houses? Top of Page

Situated on the north end of campus in one of Chico State's newest residence halls, the Honors Houses are an easy walk or bike ride to class. They have spacious and comfortable double and triple bedrooms, large living and dining areas, and well-equipped kitchens. You can prepare your own meals or eat in the central dining hall that serves all residence halls. Honors Houses have computer access to the campus network, as well as a television and a DVD player. Students in the Honor Houses blend a balance of quiet study time with an active social life. The spaces are limited, so you need to apply early if you are interested in living there. More information about the houses is available.

9.  How do I register for Honors classes? Top of Page

You register for Honors courses the same way as other classes: through your Portal account. You will find Honors courses listed in the Class Schedule or a list of classes offered next semester is available. Special advising for Honors students is available at summer orientation and throughout the year.

10.  Do I have to maintain a certain GPA? Top of Page

Yes. You need 3.3 or above cumulative GPA to remain active in the program.

11.  How do I apply to the program? Top of Page

You can download an application or you can call 530-898-5749 and request one. If you wish to talk with a faculty member about the Honors Program, please call Dr. John Mahoney, Honors Director, or Dr. Zanja Yudell, Honors Adviser. 
     
Contact Us | Help | Links