Overview
The talented and motivated students in PVCC's Honors Program have opportunities for extended academic and personal growth through activities and courses that emphasize critical and analytical thinking, verbal expression and creative problem solving. In Honors classes, students explore courses in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences more deeply than in regular sections of the same course, and Honors professors do not simply require more work; they approach the subject in more open-ended, challenging ways. Honors courses are noted on your PVCC transcript, and students graduating with a 3.5 grade point average or above who have completed 15 hours of honors courses (marked with a 77 section number) and a transfer level math class (does not have to be an honors class) as part of their degree program receive special recognition on their diploma.
Over the past few years, two Honors students have been recognized at the national level by being named to the All-USA Community College Academic First Team and at the state level as New Century Scholars, and others have received scholarships and academic awards at PVCC, and have played prominent roles in the Student Government Association and clubs. Our students have transferred successfully to the University of Virginia's College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and to the highly competitive McIntire School of Commerce, to Virginia Tech, the College of William and Mary, James Madison University, Mary Baldwin College, Georgetown University, and Smith College among others in and out of state.
How to Apply to the Honors Program
Follow the steps below:
- Apply to PVCC.
- Take the COMPASS placement tests in PVCC's Learning Center, or you can submit a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. (See #4 below)
- Complete and submit the online Honors Program application form.
- Provide the following items to the Honors Program Coordinator:
- A copy of your high school transcript (if you are a recent graduate) or transcripts from any College or university that you have attended.
- A copy of your SAT or ACT scores if you wish, or if you are submitting them in lieu of the COMPASS tests.
- Two letters of recommendation - one from a teacher, the other from a teacher, guidance counselor, employer or someone other than a family member who knows you well. These letters may be e-mailed to aplunkett@pvcc.edu or sent by regular mail.
- A brief personal statement describing your academic interests and goals. This may be e-mailed to aplunkett@pvcc.edu or sent by regular mail, OR Schedule an interview with Ann Marie Plunkett to discuss these.
Registering for Honors Classes
Students accepted into the Honors Program may take any honors class as long as they have met the class prerequisites. Honors credit classes are designated with a 77 or 78 section number. Click here for a current list of honors classes offered at PVCC. To register for Honors classes, Honors students must email Ann Marie Plunkett who will enroll you, or go to the Counseling Center, Room 132, in PVCC's Main Building and request an override.
Students not in the Honors Program may take an honors class if they meet the grade point average standards for honors, the placement test requirements for the class and receive approval from the instructor. It is the student's responsibility to provide the instructor with documentation (test scores and transcript with GPA) that demonstrate qualifications. For more information, contact the Honors Program Coordinator.
| Fall Semester 2009 | ||||
| Course | Time | Instructor | ||
| BIO | 101-77 | General Biology I | MWF 11:15-12:10 | L. Willis |
| BIO | 101-77L | General Biology Lab | F 1:20-4:20 | L. Willis |
| CHM | 111-77 | College Chemistry I | MW 9:30-11:00 | B. Heyl |
| CHM | 111-77L | College Chemistry I Lab | W 1:30-5:30 | B. Heyl |
| CSC | 110-77 | Intro to Computing | MW 8:35-10:00 | D. Duvall-Early |
| ECO | 201-77 | Macroeconomics | T/Th 11:10-12:35 | M. Moghimzadeh |
| ENG | 111-77 | College Composition I | T/Th 11:10-12:35 | K. Olson |
| HIS | 101-77 | History of Western Civilization I | T/Th 12:45-2:10 | C. Leckey |
| MTH | 240-77 | Statistics | M/W 2:35-4:00 | I. Timchenko |
| PHI | 266-77 | Existentialism | M/W 5:30-6:55 | M. McCarty |
| PHY | 241-77 | University Physics I | M/W 5:30-6:55 | M. Cabral |
| PHY | 241-77L | University Physics I Lab | W 7-10pm | M. Cabral |
| SOC | 200-77 | Principles of Sociology | T/Th 9:35-11:10 | K. Hoosier |
Dr. Ann Marie Plunkett, Honors Program Coordinator
Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Drive, Room 126
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.961.6544
aplunkett@pvcc.edu
