Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What follows are Frequently Asked Questions about The University Honors Program at Southern Polytechnic State University and their answers.

1. What are the advantages of being in the Honors Program?
   

   While the main advantage of participation in the Honors Program is the intellectual challenge of the curriculum, there are other advantages as well:

   • Eligibility for Honors scholarships or out-of state tuition waivers as appropriate
   • Special orientation programs
   • Priority registration
   • Honors course designation on student transcripts
   • Small classes
   • Honors advising
   • Social and extracurricular opportunities
   • Recognition upon graduation: in the commencement program, on the diploma, and with an honorary symbol as part of the graduation regalia.
2. Are the courses harder? Do they require more time?
   

   Most students will find that the courses are a bit more difficult and may take a bit more time. However, Honors students are rewarded with smaller class sizes, more professor-student contact, and a better opportunity to engage in their studies, to critically reflect on their ideas, and to get feedback from the professor and other students. Professors do not necessarily make the coursework more difficult rather they enrich it with practices that aren't always possible in larger classes.

3. What are the benefits of living on campus as an Honors student?
   

   Students who live on campus have many opportunities to get to know their peers who are also in The University Honors Program. Students who register early and get their housing information in early will have the opportunity to share a dorm room with another Honors student in the Norton Residential Hall. The 2000 Building of the Courtyard Apartments is another area in which there are opportunities for Honors Housing. The sense of community can help Honors students to feel more fully apart of the program and of the school.

4. What are Honors Students at SPSU like?
   

   Honors students at SPSU are bright, friendly, motivated students. Honor students at SPSU often show promising leadership skills and are intellectually curious.

5. I'm interested in majoring in ___. I don't see Honors courses for my major.
   

   Early Honors coursework takes place in the core classes. Honors courses in the major fields are intended for Juniors and Seniors.

6. What scholarship opportunities are available?
   

   Scholarships are available from SPSU for Honors students entering the program. The top students in the group will be awarded $1,000 scholarships for the upcoming year. Students who receive scholarships must maintain their position within the Honors Program.

   Outside scholarship and fellowship information is made available to all Honors students. Honor students who are interested in this type of scholarship will want to maintain a high GPA and participation in organizations and campus life.

7. What is the Student Honors Council and how do I join it?
   

   The Student Honors Council is the student organization that supports The University Honors Program. Students run for membership or office every August. These students then have the chance to influence fundraising, social activities, and governance linked to The University Honors Program.

8. I'm close to meeting the admissions guidelines. Can I still apply?
   

   Yes. Students who do not strictly meet the guidelines for admission, but who have other achievements that show promise of academic excellence are encouraged to apply. Students should be sure to indicate on their applications extra-curricular activities and Honors or AP course work.

9. How will I be kept up-to-date about the Honors Program?
   

   Before school begins, students will receive letters from the program that indicate acceptance into the program, orientation information, and so on. Once the school year begins, communication will be maintained largely through e-mail and the Honors listserv. Students who wish to stay on top of social activities, advising information, scholarship information, and so on will want to check their e-mail regularly for information. Important information will also be posted at the Honors website: www.spsu.edu/honors .

10. How do I become an Honors student if I am already a current student at Southern Polytechnic State University? What if I'm transferring from another school?
    

    Any current student who wishes to become an Honors student may apply by filling out the application posted at the Honors website: www.spsu.edu/honors . Transfer students are welcome to apply as well.

11. Do I have to take an Honors course every semester?
    

    University Honors Scholars must take an Honors course their first semester within the program along with the Honors Hitchhikers class that acts as an orientation class. After that it is suggested that they take an Honors course every semester their freshman and sophomore years so that they only have the six hours in their major field left for their junior and senior years. They should accumulate 18 hours before they graduate.

Departmental Honors Scholars must complete the six hours at the upper level. They may not end up taking an Honors class their first semester

1. What happens during orientation?
   

   During orientation you will join other, new Honors students for lunch so that you get a chance to meet your peers and learn about the program. You also will get a chance to meet the Director and to sign up for your Honor classes as well as your other classes.

2. What do employers think about having Honors courses on my transcript?
   

   Many employers are impressed by students who take the initiative to take Honors courses. Your involvement in an Honors Program demonstrates to future employers your willingness to face challenges and to go the extra mile.

3. Are there any fees or dues related to the Honors Program?
   

   No, there are no fees or dues related to the program.

4. What are the academic standards for the program?

Academic Requirements: To earn either a University Honors Scholar Degree or a Departmental Honors Scholar Degree, students must have minimum graduation GPA of 3.4. The following sliding scale applies as students move towards graduation:

•  Freshmen must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 by the end of the spring term. A Freshman is classified as any student with 0 - 29 hours.

•  Sophomores must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.2. This guideline will be used to assess your GPA at the end of any spring term while you have between 30 - 59 credit hours.

•  Juniors must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.3. This guideline will be used to assess your GPA at the end of any spring term while you have between 60 - 89 credit hours.

•  Seniors must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.4. This guideline will be used to assess your GPA at the end of any spring term while you have over 90 credit hours. You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 to graduate from the Honors Program.

Honors Project: Students must complete an Honors Project and presentation. In addition, students are required to submit a final written report that is bound and placed in the library.

Probation: The Director of the Honors Program or a designee will examine GPAs at the end of the spring semester for minimum GPA purposes. Students that fall below the required GPA will be placed on probation for the fall semester. Students on probation must raise their grades to the correct cumulative average by the end of the fall semester or they will be dropped from the program.

16. Aside from academic standards, what other obligations do I have as an Honors student?

You must attend the mandatory meetings and meet the goals of the program; otherwise, your obligations are the same obligations that other students at SPSU must meet as they concern academic honesty and good citizenship. Information concerning your obligations to the university community can be found in the catalogue and online.

17. I would like to visit or tour the campus. Who should I contact?

You should contact the Recruitment Office at (678) 915-3521 or send an e-mail requesting a private visit to visit@spsu.edu . If you wish to meet with Dr. Nancy Reichert, the Director of the University Honors Program, during your visit, make sure you indicate this when you schedule your meeting.

You may also want to attend one of our Open Houses as well. RSVP by calling (678) 915-3521.

18. Who should I contact for more information about the Honors Program?

You may contact Dr. Nancy Reichert by calling (678) 915-3928 or by e-mailing honors@spsu.edu .

19. Why should I consider Southern Polytechnic State University? What degree programs do they offer?

There are many reasons to consider SPSU. Our excellent curriculum, experienced and dedicated faculty help students to maintain their HOPE scholarship and to obtain well-paid employment once they graduate. Our student teams win top honors in highly competitive regional, national, and international competitions. The Steel Bridge Team, the Aerial Robotics Team, the SAE Supermileage Team, the Concrete Canoe Team, and the Formula Race Car Team have all done well in recent competitions.

Students have a wide variety of choices for their degree programs. The following list just begins to name some degree options:

Architecture

Our Architecture Program is the only public nationally accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree in Georgia. Students get a chance to bridge theory and practice through on-site community outreach. They get a chance to work with upper-level peers through the mentoring program. Our graduates not only have careers in architecture, but they also work in city planning, construction and computer design. For more information concerning our Architecture Program, visit the website at http://architecture.spsu.edu/ .

Biology

Our Biology Program offers exciting opportunities for our students. The Biology Degree balances traditional studies with the growing emphasis on biotechnology. Students with degrees in Biology may go on in careers such as dentistry, drug design and development, medicine, and molecular biology research. For more information concerning our Biology Program, visit the website at http://biology.spsu.edu/ .

Computer Science

Our Computer Science Program balance fundamental concepts with relevant labwork, giving our students a breadth of knowledge that includes programming, operating systems, computer architecture, and data structures. Students with degrees in Computer Science have diverse career opportunities in programming, software development, and system developments. For more information concerning the Computer Science Program, visit the website at http://www.spsu.edu/home/academics/computing.html .

Electrical Engineering Technology

Our Electrical Engineering Technology Program keeps in step with industrial innovation through its Industry Advisory Board with representatives form BellSouth, Georgia Power, Home Depot, and Lockheed. Our graduates are adept at design, production, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Computers, medical electronics, automation, communications, instrumentation, radar, and robotics are all powered by electronics. Students with degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology go on to careers in design, development, manufacturing, fiber optic, process control, and component and system design. Companies that hire our graduates include Automated Logic. BellSouth, Georgia Power, Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, and Lucent Technologies. For more information concerning the Electrical Engineering Technology Program, visit the website at http://www.spsu.edu/catalog/ugrad/curriculum/eet.html .

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Our Mechanical Engineering Technology Program builds on core courses in calculus and physics, moving students quickly toward courses where students design machines, tools, and manufacturing systems. Students our challenged in labs to work with welding, metal cutting, CAD software, and advanced equipment, such as the three-dimensional prototype printer. Students are encouraged within classes and labs to go beyond the analysis of existing solutions by creating designs that maximize efficiency and save costs. Companies that hire our graduates include Applied Refrgeration, Delta Airlines-II, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, General Motors, Lockheed Aeronautical, and Lucent Technologies. For more information on the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program, visit the websit at http://met.spsu.edu/ .

Updated: August 6, 2007