Academics - Requirements
“I was blessed, more than 50 years ago, to be a student of an early Honors Program at the University of Maine. The intellectual impact has not waned to this day. It broadened my horizon immeasurably, enabling me to commune with the substantial ideas from diverse ages and cultures. That early seeding of ideas has resulted in a sumptuous harvest, enriching my life to this day.”
Dr. Bernard Lown ’42, Nobel Peace Prize 1985
Joining
- Students who are accepted to the University as first-year students are invited to join the Honors College based on a profile incorporating high school and standardized test performance, admissions essays and recommendations, and other high school data. The Honors College works with the Admissions Office to identify candidates; no special application is necessary.
- Faculty are encouraged to recommend students whom they feel are good candidates for the Honors College.
- Transfer students are identified jointly by the Admissions Office and the Honors College to enter upon matriculation at the University of Maine.
- Students who are motivated and interested in the Honors College are always encouraged to contact the Dean.
Students who are interested in joining the Honors College with fewer than eight traditional semesters remaining before graduation, whether they are transfer students or continuing University students, should consult with the Dean of The Honors College to determine a specific Honors course of study.
Continuing (remaining “in good standing” prior to graduation)
To remain in good standing in the Honors College, students must maintain a 3.30 cumulative (overall) GPA; students between 2.70 and 3.30 following their first year, between 3.00 and 3.30 following their second year, or between 3.15 and 3.30 following their third year will be on “cautionary” status.
(Students entering the Honors College before Fall 2008 will be considered in good standing as long as they maintain a 3.00 cumulative (overall) GPA. Students having a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 may remain on a “cautionary” status for up to 2 semesters. )
Students on cautionary status will not be eligible to apply for Honors housing or to submit proposals for the NCHC conference.
Graduating
To graduate with Honors, a student must successfully
- complete the Honors Civilizations four-semester sequence (HON 111, 112, 211, 212);
- complete one Honors Tutorial (HON 308 – 347) or Tutorial Alternative (HON 349);
- complete HON 170: Currents & Contexts (starting with the class of 2017);
- complete Honors 180: A Cultural Odyssey or HON 188: Cultural Connections;
- complete the Honors Thesis requirement: HON 498 and HON 499 including the thesis defense; and
- attain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.30 or greater at the time of graduation.