Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I become a member of the University Honors Program?

There are five ways to enter the University Honors Program:

• As an incoming high school student (by meeting the automatic criteria or via ad hoc consideration);
• After the completion of 30 credit hours, when you must have earned a 3.50 minimum GPA and have completed a minimum of two Honors-designated courses (with a minimum 3.0 GPA in these 6 credits);
• After the completion of 60 credit hours, when you must have earned a 3.50 minimum GPA and have completed a minimum of three Honors-designated courses (with a minimum 3.0 GPA in these 9 credits);
• As a transfer student (3.5 GPA minimum and approval of the Office of the Dean); and
• As a result of an ad hoc decision made by the appropriate Office of the Dean, perhaps due to a special nomination letter received from a member of the University of Dayton faculty.

To remain an Honors student you must have obtained a 3.5 minimum GPA and have taken a minimum of 3 Honors-designated courses (with a 3.0 minimum GPA in these 9 credits). Thus, if at 60 credit hours obtained you meet these minimum standards, then you will remain a member of the Honors Program for as long as you maintains a 3.5 or better overall GPA. 

Is it possible to become an Honors student at the completion of the junior year?

No. If you have not earned admission to the University Honors Program by the conclusion of your second year at the University of Dayton, then it is no longer possible to become an Honors student. (you may still, however, graduate “with Latin Honors(Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude & Summa Cum Laude).” This distinction is based solely on grade point average.) All admission and retention decisions are approved by the Office of the Dean in the student’s major field, usually during the summer months and relying on academic data accumulated in the fall and winter terms immediately prior.

What are the requirements for the Honors Program-designated degree?

Honors students who choose to pursue the Honors Program-designated diploma and notation on their transcript. If they do, they must complete all normal degree requirements, plus:

• Maintain a 3.50 or better GPA;
• Successfully complete a minimum of 6 Honors-designated courses (earning a 3.0 GPA or better in these courses) or
• Successfully complete 4 Honors-designated courses and successfully complete an approved study abroad or cultural immersion experience;
• Successfully complete an approved service or leadership activity; and
• Successfully complete an Honors Thesis project. 

Are Honors students guaranteed Honors Thesis grants, Hull Fellowships, and funds to support trips to academic and professional conferences?

No. Honors Thesis grants are awarded on a limited, competitive basis to students who participate in the required Honors Thesis project workshop and who then submit Honors Thesis grant proposals. Grants from the Cordell W. Hull International Fellows Fund for Honors students are likewise given to eligible students submitting applications. In both cases, faculty/staff committees evaluate grant proposals. Requests for support for participation at academic and professional conferences should be made in writing to the Director of the University Honors Program.

Are University Honors students required to attend Honors Program events, such as the annual Honors Address and Honors Symposium?

No. But first-year Honors students are usually required to attend the Honors Author program, and upper-class University Honors students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of as many Honors Program-sponsored academic and extracurricular events as possible.