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Why Choose Honors?
The University Honors Program is made up of wide variety of
diverse students from all three colleges. Find out what these current students
have to say about making the University Honors Program part of their exciting
experience here at UC Riverside!
Jen Barr
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Junior, Creative Writing and
Anthropology Double Major
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 "I
was reluctant to join honors because I thought it would be comprised of
hyper-competitive nerds with no lives who’d sacrifice their spleen for a
GPA increase. Instead, I found a group of outgoing, motivated people
with a wide range of interests and passions and an earnest desire to
make the world better. I’ve loved the opportunities to take the honors
classes and the close interactions I can get with faculty because of
them. For example, last spring I took an honors poetry seminar with
internationally-acclaimed author Chris Abani which led to doing an
independent project with him, an amazing experience. I also am an editor
for Audeamus, the multi-disciplinary academic journal for honors
students across the UC system, which was started here in 2006. I have
never enjoyed working with a group of people more, nor has any other
experience I’ve had taught me quite so much about leadership, teamwork,
and The Chicago Manual of Style. The staff at honors has made my college
experience an infinitely more personal one: the staff are not only my
advisors and confidantes, they’re also my friends."
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Mike Bogseth
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Senior, Biochemistry Major
with a concentration in Medical Sciences
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 "The
University Honors Program offers a great college environment by
surrounding its students with many others who are passionate about
something. This passion is infectious, and is a main factor that has
allowed me to pursue my own career path with a zealous commitment. My
Honors experience is comprised of creating lasting relationships,
pushing my limits, learning from others, and discovering much about
myself. Many of the activities I have participated are directly do to
networking from the Honors Program. The Honors Program has a lot to
offer, and if you play your cards right, you can capitalize on its
vastness of resources."
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Cliff Cheung
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Junior, Business
Administration Major
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 "When
I was deciding between which different UC campus I wanted to attend, I
carefully did my research in order to discern between which UC would
best fit me. Sure every campus has nice libraries and gyms, but does
every campus have an honors program? What is so different about the
program? Well the honors program gives students an unparalleled college
experience, allowing students to realize their potential as scholars and
people. They encourage you to utilize all the resources on campus while
providing support you need and deserve as a first year student. So I
encourage those who are hands on and want to take control of your
college experience to join the honors program as the first step of many
smart decisions you will make! " |
Curtis Darling
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Senior, Biochemistry Major
with a concentration in Medical Sciences
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 "I
chose Honors because of the opportunities that I believe have shaped me and have
had an incredibly huge impact on my college experience and who I am today. The
Honors program not only looks great on any application or resume (I know plenty
of students who really wish they had joined as a freshman), but will also
help you succeed. I realized the other day that the majority of people I know in
my classes and the majority of faculty I know well, I know from the Honors
program - from staying in the Honors residence halls, taking Honors classes, and
of course SUHP. I really have gained much more than I ever thought I would:
leadership experience as a Peer Mentor and Resident Advisor, connections with
(and excellent letters of recommendation from) UCR faculty, literally
life-changing guidance from my peer mentor, and lasting friendships with
numerous focused and goal-driven people." |
Elizabeth Lehto
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Senior, Biological Sciences Major
with a concentration in Medical Sciences
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 "Why
join honors? Because it’s awesome! With the honors program you get the chance to
work closely with professors that teach honors classes. Free breakfast on
Wednesdays gives you the opportunity to make friends while taking a well
deserved break from your studies. The honors lounge provides a great hangout
place between classes and a good spot to nap for commuter students who have gaps
between classes. There are lots of opportunities to participate in community
service projects, and priority registration means that you do not have to worry
about classes being full. " |
Tanya Manifold
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Sophomore, Pre-Business Major
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 "Where
to start? There are so many reasons to choose Honors. From a practical
standpoint, you get to register early for classes, giving you much more
control over your academic plans. It gives you a step up over other
freshmen, who are typically the last to register for classes. But along
with early registration and the whole “looks good” on your transcript
and resume, Honors can have a huge effect on your college experience.
Things like SUHP (Summer Undergraduate Honors Program), HNPG 9, Honors
discussions & seminars, and Honors housing provide you with a chance to
make life-long friends and, at the very least, establish a consistent
group of familiar faces at a time when many freshmen are struggling to
transition from high school to college. For commuters like me, you’ll
find the Honors office a great place to hang out between classes and
find the resources you need. Requirements like the Learning Contract may
just seem like a lot of work but they can be more beneficial than
burdening. The Learning Contract “encouraged” me to pursue opportunities
I may not have otherwise pursued. I got a major-related internship my
winter quarter to fulfill community service requirements and a
major-related research position spring quarter to fulfill an Honors
courses—all in my first year at UCR! Oh, and there’s always free food
and good company at Muffin Mornings!" |
Chalesea Schuler
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Sophomore, Liberal Studies
Major
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 "I
was doubtful about joining the University Honors Program at first
because throughout high school the only honors class I took was
calculus; however I am extremely glad that I did. The honors program
introduced me to a wide variety people who share the same interests as
me, including my roommates. The UHP allows me to interact directly with
professors in a small classroom environment. Not to mention, priority
registration allows me to get all the classes that I need. There are
many opportunities available specifically to honors students for
example: jobs, internships, and community service projects. In addition
there are many interesting research projects open to honors students.
The Honors Fellowship is a wonderful way to offset the high expense of
textbooks. The University Honors Program provided me with the personal
support that was necessary for me to be successful during my transition
from high school to college." |
Sneha Surapaneni
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Junior, Biology Major
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 "Why
honors? Well, why not? Going to college was a very scary idea for me. I
was afraid that I wouldn’t have anybody to guide me and that I’d simply
be “student number 837403” in the UC system. I didn’t even know what
“units” were. But this was the total opposite of what my experience at
UCR has been like, all thanks to the honors program and the wonderful
staff and peer mentors. As part of the honors program, I got priority
registration for classes. I got to take small classes with direct
interaction with UCR faculty. I got to participate in research projects,
which the staff at UHP helped me find. For any and every problem, I knew
that I could go to any of the honors staff or my peer mentor and they
always gladly went out of their way to help me. The environment at the
honors office is so friendly that, believe me, you won’t want to leave." |
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