Sophomore Honors
The Applied Learning Component
Sophomore Honors The Applied Learning Component is designed for high achieving Sophomore students interested in smaller classes and increased interaction with faculty.
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE SOPHOMORE STATUS
AND COMPLETED AT LEAST TWO QUARTERS OF UCR COURSEWORK
The Sophomore Applied Learning Component is an opportunity for excellent
current UCR freshmen who have completed at least two quarters of coursework to
join the University Honors Program. Applications to the Sophomore Applied
Learning Component are accepted on a quarterly basis. Qualified students can
self-select to apply or receive an invitation to apply via their campus e-mail
account. Applicants must have a cumulative UC Riverside GPA of 3.50 or above.
Students who complete all elements of the Applied Learning Component will receive a certificate and letter from the Director of the University Honors Program, and will have this achievement noted on their official University transcript. Other benefits include recognition in the commencement book as completing Sophomore Honors. Additional rewards include smaller interactive courses and Honors housing.
The Sophomore Honors Applied Learning Component is an aspect of the Lower Division Honors Program. It is offered to undergraduate students as an introduction
to the Honors experience and the wealth of opportunities available to undergraduates at UC Riverside. Our hope is that participants will go on to engage in an array of meaningful scholarly endeavors throughout their four year of undergraduate study.
Benefits of Participation
- Small Interdisciplinary Seminars and Courses
- Personal Interaction With UHP Faculty
- Opportunities for Research and Internships
- Personal Counseling and Academic Advising
- Priority Registration
- Development of Meaningful Leadership Skills
- Transcript Notation and Graduation Recognition
- Honors Fellowship, if you meet the criteria
Student Requirements
Academic and completion requirements are outlined in the Sophomore Applied
Learning Contract. A summary of these requirements can be found below.
You can download and fill out a
 Sophomore
Applied Learning Contract here.
Sophomore Applied Learning Contract
- You are required to take a total of two units in this category:
HNPG 09 (2 units) or HNPG 10A and HNPG 10B (2 units)
- You are required to take three UHP courses, which can be seminars or
sections,
a total of 12 units. You cannot receive a grade lower than a "B" in any UHP
section or seminar course. All UHP courses must be taken for a letter grade.
See the UHP course list.
- You are required to identify and submit three applications for:
summer programs or
internships. The UHP advisor can
assist you with the application process.
and
- Participate in the
Co-Curricular Transcript Program through the Student Life and Leadership
Center on Campus.
- We want you to participate in one or more of the following:
- You are required to complete 10 hours of Community Service and 10 hours
of Personal Growth each quarter. Turn in a completed form at the end of each
quarter.
http://www.honors.ucr.edu/PG_CS.html
- See your UHP advisor twice per quarter.
Learning Contract FAQs
The Sophomore Component Learning Contract is designed to guide sophomore
first year students through the completion of the requirements for the Lower
Division program. All participants will be required to participate in a variety
of UHP organized activities, speaker series, community service and other campus
academic enrichment opportunities. Each quarter students are to fulfill the
indicated number of activities, and then turn in the completed form with the
appropriate reflection papers and attachments to their Peer Mentor. Failure to
complete elements of the learning contract will adversely affect the student's
standing in the UHP, and may result in dismissal.
Q: What happens if my grade point average falls below a 3.50?
A: In order to receive Lower Division Honors recognition at the end of
the sophomore year, an overall grade point average of 3.50 and grades of B or
better in the honors courses is required. Honors credit for a section or seminar
will not be given if a student receives a grade lower than "B" in that Honors
section or seminar. It is expected that UHP students maintain these same grade
point requirements from quarter to quarter. All students below the required 3.5
GPA will be notified in writing and placed on UHP probation for one quarter. If
a student's GPA falls below 3.2, it is sufficient for immediate dismissal from
the UHP. If the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is not attained the following
quarter, status in the University Honors Program will be revoked. A student may
also be placed on UHP probation for failure to complete his or her learning
contract.
Q: Do I get priority registration as an Honors student?
A: YES, you will
be able to choose your classes within the first few days of the enrollment
period. This makes a world of difference in getting the classes and schedule you
desire. UHP students see this as one of their favorite "perks" of the University
Honors Program. Because current most students do not become active in the
Sophomore Component until Spring quarter, priority registration will not take
effect until Fall quarter enrollment.
Q: How do I find workshops or speakers series to attend?
A: Workshop opportunities and speaker series will be advertised
through emails and Peer Mentors. Students should check emails regularly for
updates and schedules. Students are encouraged to attend a variety of workshops
and speaker series for their own personal knowledge and development. Attendance
at workshops and speakers series can be used to fulfill the quarterly
Personal Growth hours. However, students cannot bank
their hours and credit for hours will not carry over from quarter to quarter.
Q: How many total Honors course units do I have to take to complete the
Sophomore component?
A: All UHP courses must be completed with a letter grade of B or
better with the exception of HNPG 10A/B which can only be taken for an S/NC
grade. To complete the Sophomore Component a total of 14 UHP units must be
completed: 2 units, 4 units, 4 units, 4 units.
Q: What is the difference between an Honors seminar and an Honors section?
A: The Lower Division University Honors Program offers two types of
classes to its students; seminars and sections. Honors seminars are similar to
upper division classes. They do not have discussion sections and tend focus on a
narrower topic. These classes are 4 units, limited to about 20 students, and
fulfill general breadth requirements and/or electives. Honors seminars are
listed in the schedule of classes under "HNPG."
Honors sections are discussion sections exclusively for Honors students,
limited to 20 students, and led by the professor rather than a teaching
assistant. Honors sections are listed in the schedule of classes under their
subject heading and designated by an "H". For example, an Honors section of
"Introduction to Philosophy" will be listed as "PHIL 01H."
Q: What is the "Community Service & Personal Growth" Requirement?
A: Honors students must contribute to the prosperity and health of the
community of which they are a member. The University Honors Program asks its
Lower Division students to participate in community service to meet this end. A
student must contribute at least 10 hours of community service per quarter.
Students must also verify their service by completing a community service
verification form. The Honors Program will introduce students to a variety of
community service options. Students are also welcome to find their own avenues
for community service and draft a brief proposal to inform the Honors Program
about that project.
The personal growth aspect can be an activity that enriches the student's
life in a variety of ways. Students participate in activities like biofeedback,
martial arts, speed reading classes, music, sports, etc. If you are uncertain
about your personal growth activity, just ask the Honors staff. For more
information on these topics check out the Community Service & Personal Growth
pages.
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