Honors Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible for me to be enrolled in SU’s Early Assurance Program and also to complete the requirements of the Honors Program?

Absolutely! The Honors Program was intentionally designed to be completed in three years in order to support as many students as possible, including those who wish to finish their undergraduate courses in less than four years. Many of our current Honors students are in the Early Assurance Program. We take the time to work with each student to make sure as many Honors classes as possible will also fulfill the needs of their prospective graduate program requirements. Contact Dr. Laurel Rodgers at lrodgers2@svztur.com if you have any further questions or concerns regarding completing both the Early Assurance Program and the Honors program simultaneously.

Is there a fee associated with the Honors Program?

There is a $25 fee associated with each of the Honors Seminars (HON 101, HON 201, and HON 301). However, the Student Honors Council (made up of Honors Students) has control over how this money is spent in order to enhance the Honors program and/or the Honors student experience at Shenandoah University. This fee may be eligible to be covered by financial aid.

I did not hear about the Honors Program until after the incoming first year application deadline. Can I still apply to join the program?

YES! We have a second application opportunity during your first year at SU. Qualified applicants will be invited to join as they start their Sophomore year and will be enrolled in the Honors Seminars at that time.

I submitted my Honors Program application essays. When should I hear whether I am being invited to interview for the Program?

We will review your application after your essays and your letter of recommendation have been submitted. Once both are submitted you will receive a response from us in about a week. If it has been longer than a week since you submitted your essays, please double check whether your letter of recommendation has been submitted.

I am in an Honors Program at another college and plan to transfer to SU. Can I join the Honors Program at Shenandoah University?

We are in the process of establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with area Community Colleges in order to allow direct transfer from their Honors Program to SU’s. The MOU will be effective starting Fall 2020. If you intend to transfer prior to Fall 2020 and/or are from a college or university that does not have a transfer MOU with Shenandoah University, please contact Dr. Laurel Rodgers. There are still options for participating in the Honors Program, but each student will be considered on a case by case basis. Joining the Honors Program is partially dependent on how many Honors courses you have already completed and how many courses you still need to complete at SU.

I completed Dual Enrollment and AP courses in high school and will be transferring in most of my required General Education courses. Will I still need to complete the General Education component of the Honors Program?

Yes, you will still be required to complete six credits of Honors General Education courses. However, we have intentionally selected Honors General Education courses that will overlap with your other degree needs in order to reduce the need to take “extra” classes. There are frequently one or two courses required for your major or for graduate school that will also count as a General Education course.

There are only a few Honors Courses currently listed. Will there be enough courses available for me to complete the program?

Yes, we are building our course offerings based on the needs of our students. As each new student joins the program we will add courses that are specific to needs and interests of those students.

What is the expected time commitment outside of classes if I join the Honors Program?

The Shenandoah University Honors Program is a program that pushes its students to their highest potential. Because of this, there is a time commitment that its members are expected to fulfill each semester. The student leaders aim to hold meetings each month with all honors students, and attendance is expected. Undoubtedly, the time commitment for student leaders is more demanding due to frequent meetings with council members. The leaders work to find a time in which the most members possible can attend meetings by creating surveys to determine the most convenient times.

Outside of periodic program-wide meetings, students are offered several volunteer opportunities throughout the semester to get involved in the community. There are also events such as leadership conferences and speakers that members are encouraged to attend, which prove to be valuable experiences that enrich their education outside of the classroom. Attendance at meetings and Honors Program sponsored events is critical in running a smooth, beneficial program. However, we also take into consideration that Honors Students are managing busy schedules when we schedule events.