Special Student Populations Honors Students   USA began the Honors Program in the Fall Semester of 1999. It is designed to stimulate analytical and critical thinking of exceptionally qualified and highly motivated students. Two Honors Program options are available:   • the University Honors Program resulting in the designation of graduation with "University Honors Program" on the transcript and diploma (with 3.5 GPA or higher overall & in the major), or • departmental programs resulting in the designation of "Departmental Honors" on the transcript and diploma in selected majors.   The features of the University Honors Program are as follows: • Students complete enriched honors core courses, honors seminars and a Senior Honors Project • Assigned a faculty mentor from the student's major department (or suggested by the Honors Program until a major has been identified) • Honors classes are small, limited to 15 students, and taught by the most stimulating faculty • Required to participate on a continuing basis in community and campus service activities • Encouraged to participate in international programs and off-campus internship opportunities • Assisted in applying for national or international scholarships (Fulbright, Rhodes, etc.) • Given priority in registration • Option to select Honors Housing • Have access to and use of the facilities and services of the Honors Center • Specially recognized in the graduation program • Courses completed for honors credit will be indicated on the transcript   To qualify for the University Honors Program, high school seniors must have the following: • Minimum 27 ACT composite (or comparable SAT score) and • Minimum 3.5 high school GPA   USA students and transfer students who have completed no more than 32 semester hours with an overall GPA of 3.5 are also eligible to apply to the program.   For the competitive admission procedure and deadline, see the Scholarships section under Financial Info.   To maintain status as an honors student: • Must enroll in a minimum of 15 semester hours each semester • Maintain 3.0 after the freshman year, 3.25 after the sophomore year, and 3.5 after the junior year and throughout completion of the requirements • May be placed on honors probation for a period of one semester if the required GPA is not achieved; must attain the required GPA at the end of the probationary semester in order to return to full status • Juniors must complete an approved prospectus of their Honors Senior Project • Seniors will present their Honors Senior Thesis at the annual Honors Senior Showcase.   The following courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better:   New Student Seminar (CP 100H-first semester) 2 semester hours Honors English (EH 105) 3 semester hours Honors Math (MA 110H) or (MA 125 & MA/ST 150H) or (ST 210H if required by the curriculum) 3 semester hours Honors Computer (CIS 150H or CIS 250H or 401H) 3 semester hours Two Honors Seminars (with variable content) 6 semester hours Honors Service (at least one semester each academic year) 0 semester hours Intro to Honors Senior Project (HON 301, taken in second semester of junior year) 1 semester hour Honors Senior Project (1-2 semesters, may count toward major) 3-6 semester hours Honors Electives (only 3 hours may be from the major; 6 hours total if senior project is for 6 hours; 9 hours total if senior project is for 3 hours) 6-9 semester hours   30 semester hours total   A separate Honors Graduation check sheet is prepared by the Honors Director for each Honors student upon application for graduation. This will indicate to the student the requirements remaining to graduate with "University Honors Program" distinction.   The Honors Program Director must certify to the University Registrar that the student has completed all requirements for either University or Departmental Honors.   Department Honors Program • Particularly suitable for transfer students or others who have completed significant credits toward graduation • Must complete an Honors Senior Project in their major • Must meet the specific honors requirements of their major department • Must have a minimum 3.50 USA cumulative GPA