One of the reasons that the University of Arkansas interested me while I was searching for colleges to attend was that they had the Honors College. I wanted to attend a big university, and the Honors College was an opportunity to have smaller, in-depth classes. Honors classes have a smaller class size then the typical introductory lectures one takes the first few years of undergrad. This allows discussion within the class, and a chance for you to get to know your professor better. Honors colloquia are also offered, which allow students to take colloquium in humanities, social science, natural science and mathematics.
Another benefit from being in the honors college is the chance to receive study abroad grants and research grants. Studying abroad is really encouraged in the Honors College, and it was something that I planned to do while in undergrad. In order to graduate with honors, one must complete undergraduate research and write a thesis. Students are guided by professors who are mentors to them during this process.
Honors students can either be College Honors or Departmental Honors. College Honors is a bit more intensive, but both require a number of hours of honors coursework, a defense of an original honors thesis/project, and to maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Freshman honors students also have the opportunity to stay in Hotz Hall, the Honors College dorm. I stayed there my freshman year, and I loved the study spaces and study rooms located on every floor!
The Honors College is located in the heart of campus at Gearhart Hall, and was designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects of New York City, a nationally renowned architecture firm. This recently designed space offers a spacious student lounge flooded with natural light, study areas and rooms for group discussions. A 216-seat auditorium below provides space for classes, lectures, film screenings and other events, and the landscaped courtyard accommodates social gatherings and the occasional game of Frisbee or hacky sack.
Gearhart Hall Honors Lounge
-Selina ’17
