Honors FAQs

Students New to PVCC:

Follow the steps below:

1. Apply to PVCC.
2. Complete and submit the online Honors Program application form.
3. Provide the following items to the Honors Program Coordinator:
   1. A copy of your high school transcript (if you are a recent graduate) or transcripts from any College or university that you have attended.
   2. While it is not required, you may submit a copy of your SAT or ACT scores if you wish.
   3. A letter of recommendation  from a teacher,  guidance counselor, employer or someone other than a family member who knows you well. These letters may be emailed to jgulley@pvcc.edu or sent by regular mail.
   4. A brief personal statement describing your academic interests and goals. This may be emailed to jgulley@pvcc.edu or sent by regular mail, OR Schedule an interview with John Gulley to discuss these.

Current Students:

Follow the steps below:

Complete and submit the online Honors Program application form.

Provide the following items to the Honors Program Coordinator:

a. A recommendation  from a PVCC teacher or counselor. This should be emailed to jgulley@pvcc.edu

b. A brief personal statement describing your academic interests and goals. This may be emailed to jgulley@pvcc.edu OR Schedule an interview with John Gulley to discuss your interest in the program.

The Honors Program is distinct from other programs and opportunities, including the PTK Honors Society.

PVCC offers other ways of recognizing the academic success of students including:

• Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
• The President's and Vice President's List
• The Distinguished Student Award
• Graduation Honors

• In Honors courses you will work with your instructor to develop the knowledge and skills of the course discipline by engaging in the process of research. Honors courses are not meant to be more difficult than regular courses, but different in allowing you a greater role in directing your own learning with the goal of appreciating the depth and complexity of the subject matter.
• Program graduates earn the Honors Diploma (based on 15 credits of Honors courses completed with a GPA of 3.5 or better) and are noted as Honors Program graduates on their transcripts. An Honors diploma can help you compete in future job and college applications. Honors Program graduates are recognized at graduation with an Honors medallion and notation in the graduation program.
• In addition to scholarship opportunities available only to students in the Honors Program, participation in the Honors Program can make you more competitive to other college-wide scholarships.
• The Honors Program provides opportunities for additional extra-curricular learning, research, and networking experiences.

You can register for Honors classes online just as you would any other class. Honors classes are designated in the Student Information System (SIS) and in printed class schedules with a 77 section number – as in Eng 111-77. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may enroll themselves in Honors classes if they meet the class prerequisites.

For more information about these classes, contact the Honors Coordinator.

The Honors Program allows students to reach for more in their college education. Smaller more interactive classes, student-driven inquiry, research opportunities, and extra-curricular learning activities, enable students to engage problems and research with greater breadth and depth. The Honors Program does not require you to take additional classes and honors classes cover the same core material as regular classes in smaller more interactive classes. Honors classes will be noted on the student’s transcript.

You do not need permission to take Honors courses, nor is it required that you first gain admittance to the Honors Program. Any PVCC student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may enroll themselves in an Honors class just as they would enroll in other courses.