University Honors Program
Description: The University Honors Program (UHP) at Plymouth State brings together a diverse group of high-achieving students from across our many programs to engage in socially and intellectually stimulating events, leadership opportunities, reflection, and participate in optional variable credit independent studies.
Admittance: Membership is currently extended to the top 10% of PSU’s undergraduate students, as measured by GPA. Students are invited into the UHP from Admissions entering their first semester at PSU or when transferring based on prior academic performance. Alternatively, a student may be admitted into the UHP upon request if they demonstrate the required criteria during their first (0-30 credits) or second years (31-60 credits). Admittance is not allowed for upper-level students (61 credits or more) because they do not have enough time to adequately earn the UHP distinction. Lastly, a student that may not be in the top 10% GPA in the University but may be in the top 10% of their Major can be recommended by a faculty or staff member as being deserving of Honors distinction and may be admitted after review and approval of the Advisory Council. A majority vote is necessary for admittance.
Membership: There is no fee for membership. Students must meet the minimum expectations/criteria to remain an active member of the UHP which are outlined to them upon admittance. Students who fail to meet the minimum requirements will be provided written notice and will have a maximum of one semester to fulfill the outlined requirements to retain active membership. Failure to do so will mean removal from the UHP. Additionally, at the discretion of the Advisory Council, any student who fails to represent the UHP appropriately, such as but not limited to violating the PSU Code of Conduct, can be removed from the UHP through a vote from the Advisory Council.
Activities: The UHP is an active organization. We advertise many Enrichment Events and host many Social Events each semester which bring together UHP students from across campus. We provide support for Honors Passion Projects (optional independent studies). We work closely with PSU Residential Life to offer an enriching Honors Residential Life experience to UHP students.
Key Benefits of Membership:
- Enrichment, community, and purpose
- Leadership opportunities
- Strengthen resume
- Honors distinction on transcript and diploma
- Honors cord for commencement
- Use of the honors lounge and study space
- Honors housing
- Priority course registration (with Dean's and President's List)