FAQs

Prospective freshmen or transfer students who wish to be admitted to the Honors Program must first apply for regular admission to the University of Montevallo. Afterwards, prospective students may apply separately to the Honors Program. The Honors Program application includes an essay and asks for a student’s academic experience (e.g., GPA, extracurriculars, etc.).

Current UM students may also apply to join the Honors Program. In addition to the application, a letter of recommendation from a UM instructor is required.

The application is available at www.montevallo.edu/honors. The priority deadline for admission each year is February 1.

The University of Montevallo Honors Program takes a holistic approach when reviewing applicants for admission. While traditional metrics like GPA are factored into admissions decisions, it is also important that applicants demonstrate their potential as motivated, curious, and civic-minded students in the short answer and essay portions of the application.

A committee comprised of nine faculty members, representing the College of Arts and Science, the College of Business, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Health Professions, plus representatives from Admissions and the Carmichael Library, reviews the applications. Although there are no set requirements, the committee typically prefers a high GPA and involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities. The committee heavily focuses on the essay portion of the application.

Test scores are optional. If you submit a score, it will be reviewed as part of the admissions decision. You will not be penalized if you choose not to submit a score. Instead, more weight will be given to other components of your application.

If you have any questions, please contact the Honors Program by emailing honors@montevallo.edu.

In addition to the unique courses and community-building experiences of the Honors Program, many perks and benefits are available to Honors students. These benefits include:

• Priority registration (registering for classes early)
• A peer mentor program
• Funding for travel to academic conferences
• Early move-in for the fall semester
• Honors housing in Ramsay Hall (as available)
• Honors Orientation for first-year Honors students
• An Honors student lounge
• An Honors textbook library
• Social events and cultural outings
• Networking and professional development events

Students who wish to live in the same Residence Community with other Honors students are provided with this opportunity in Ramsay Hall. The amenities of the on-campus Ramsay Honors experience include:

• Double rooms with private baths
• Coeducational housing
• A study room/lounge in the basement
• A classroom on the first floor for meetings, Honors events, and some Honors classes

To be eligible to live in Honors housing, one must be an active member of the Honors program. To apply for these rooms, please check “Honors Student” on your Residence Hall application. Space is limited in Ramsay Hall. Housing assignments for new residents are made based on the date the housing application is received. Applying early increases your chance of receiving your hall and/or roommate preference.

To remain active and in good standing in the Honors Program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 and complete at least one Honors course each academic year. The Honors Program will alert students to status changes through email correspondence.

• Active: Active status means that the Honors student has met any and all requirements to stay current in the program. Active students retain all perks and benefits of the Honors Program, including priority registration.
• Inactive: Inactive status means that the student failed to take an Honors course within a year, but still maintained their GPA. Inactive students lose all benefits of the Honors Program. To regain active status, a student must email the Honors Program Director (honors@montevallo.edu) and enroll in another Honors course.
• Probated: A student is placed on probation from the Honors Program for one semester if their cumulative GPA drops below a 3.2. The student can still sign up for Honors courses and retains all other Honors benefits. If a student’s cumulative GPA rises to or above a 3.2 the following semester, they will regain active status. If the student’s GPA does not increase to at least a 3.2, they will be suspended from the Honors Program.
• Suspended: A student is suspended from the Honors Program when their cumulative GPA is below a 3.2 for two consecutive semesters. The student loses all Honors privileges and may not register for Honors courses. If a student raises their cumulative GPA to or above a 3.2 again and wishes to be reinstated into the program, they should email honors@montevallo.edu.