The Honors College of Old Dominion University
 
REQUIREMENTS
 
 Many benefits accrue from participating in the Honors College.  Our courses are offered in small class settings with some of the best faculty members on campus who emphasize innovation and individualized instruction.  Honors courses are not designed to be more difficult or time consuming, but to

deepen and refine the undergraduate experience.
 Upon completion of the requirements of the honors College, students are awarded a certificate, a medal, and a silver tassel.  Being a graduate of the Honors College is a prestigious accomplishment, one that is viewed favorably by graduate schools and potential employers everywhere.  Further, the Dean of the College guarantees strong letters of recommendation for each successful student.  In addition, Honors College students have faculty privileges at the

library, early registration dates, and a $500 stipend ($250 per semester).  This award is applied towards the student's tuition and fees.  Any balance will then be paid to the student, subject to university regulations.  (Several other honors opportunities and benefits are mentioned in our brochure and on our website: http://www.odu.edu/ao/honors.)
 
Please note the following conditions for maintaining eligibility in the Honors College.  FAILURE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL FORFEIT THE HONORS STIPEND.
 
1. Required courses and GPA.  Incoming honors College students must earn an overall GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of the first year.  To continue in the college, students must earn a GPA of at least 3.25 by the end of the second year and maintain that average as a condition to graduate as an Honors College

student.  Students must be registered as full time students and take a minimum of six lower division courses and maintain a GPA of at least 3.25.  (Note: only two science courses may be used to fulfill the lower division honors requirements.)  Upon reaching the junior/senior year, students must take two upper

division (300-400 level) courses with an honors designation.  (These required courses must earn three or four academic credits.)  Finally, a one-credit tutorial and a senior colloquium are required.  (No tuition will be charged for these two courses.)
 
2. First year in the Honors College.  Students are required to meet with the Dean or Ms. Royall twice each semester during the first year.  First year students are also required to attend honors convocation during the first semester.
 
3. Honors students are required to attend at least one of the lectures in the President's Lecture Series or other major campus-wide lecture each semester.  Notable speakers from a wide spectrum of disciplines and viewpoints are brought to campus each month.