FAQ

  • What are the benefits of participating in the University Honors College?

    • Small, interactive classes with highly qualified professors who are committed to their students
    • Individual attention and opportunities to collaborate with professors and peers
    • Development of a final thesis or project with a faculty member
    • Priority registration for all courses taken in the fall and spring semesters
    • Mentorship from both a faculty member of the major department and a member of the University Honors College
    • Opportunities to study abroad and throughout the United States with other Honors students
    • Opportunities to travel to conferences to present thesis or project research
    • Opportunity to live in an Honors Learning Community in High Mountain East residence hall
    • Opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities like field trips, outings and social gatherings with Honors students and Faculty
    • Special notation of Honors on degree transcript and University diploma
    • Recognition as a graduate of the University Honors College at University Student Honors and Awards Ceremony and Commencement ceremonies

  • What is required of students enrolled in the University Honors College?

    • Honors students must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or above.
    • All students in the University Honors College are expected to be enrolled in at least one Honors course per semester, but most students choose to enroll in more than one.
    • Honors students are required to enroll in and complete an Honors Track. Students should be accepted into their track by the time they have completed 60 credits at WPUNJ.
    • To graduate with Honors, a student must take a minimum of four Honors sections of University Core Curriculum courses, fulfill the requirements of an Honors Track, complete a final project or thesis, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. 
    • Honors students can choose between various campus civic engagement opportunities in order to fulfill their requirements 
    • All Honors students are expected to attend Honors Week events which are typically held in mid-April.
    • All students in the University Honors College are expected to regularly check their William Paterson University email accounts for important University and Honors College information. Most information about the Honors College is shared using email.

  • How do I apply to the Honors College?

    • The Honors College Application is separate from the General University Application. Incoming first-year students (who will be freshmen in the Fall) and incoming transfer students can find the Honors College application through your application status portal. Visit www.wpunj.edu/status to submit your application.

      Note: You must apply to the University prior to submitting your Honors College application.

    • Current WP students should apply in WPConnect in the student tab under Honors application.
    • Find more information about applying here:  https://www.wpunj.edu/honors-program/apply.html

  • What are the benefits of participating in undergraduate research?

    • Through research you learn skills that easily transfer to a job including:  self-management, collaboration, critical thinking and project management. 
    • Completing your own senior research or creative expression project cultivates confidence and prepares you for a successful entry to the work force.
    • Completing your own senior project makes you stand out on job and graduate school applications. 

  • What types of Honors Courses are offered?

    • Most students in their first semester will be enrolled in a cluster of Honors UCC courses. 
    • Every semester, the Honors College offers Honors sections of several UCC courses. Honors sections engage students in active learning and often rely more upon discussion, and they are capped at 20 students. Before priority registration begins in the fall and spring semester, the Honors College produces a list of courses and shares it with students via email. The list of courses is also available via the Honors College website at https://www.wpunj.edu/honors-program/courses.html
    • For sophomores, juniors and seniors who have entered an Honors track, courses will focus on project preparation, development, analysis and results. 

  • Can I take an Honors course even if I am not in the Honors College?

    • Yes! Email Honors@wpunj.edu to request a course permit. Permits will be granted as space allows. You must have a William Paterson GPA of 3.25 or higher to be eligible. Some upper division Honors courses are reserved for Honors College students only, such as the thesis courses.

  • What is an Honors Track?

    • In addition to a disciplinary major and other University requirements, Honors students are required to declare and pursue an Honors Track. Tracks are comprised of five or six courses that prepare the student to complete an independent senior research or creative performance project. Note that Honors Tracks may, but do not have to, parallel a student’s disciplinary major.
    • There are eleven different Honors Tracks to choose from which include: Biology, Business, Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Cognitive Science, Global Public Health, Humanities, Independent, Music, Nursing, Performing and Literary Arts, and Social Science.
    • For more information about each individual track, visit http://www.wpunj.edu/honors-program/tracks.html

  • How can I fill out my Honors Progress Report?

    • In order to fill out your progress report please follow the instructions you received from Honors College. Also, you can refer to the following video. 

  • Who advises Honors Students?

    • Honors students are advised by faculty in their major or by professional advisors.
    • Honors students are mentored by a member of their major department and by a member of the University Honors College, typically their Honors Track Director.
    • Students can find the name of their advisor through WP Connect, under the Student tab. They can also stop by the Honors Office to sign up for additional advising help. 

  • What is the best way to contact the Honors College?

    • Honors students are encouraged to regularly check their William Paterson email accounts for important Honors College announcements.
    • The Honors Office is located in Raubinger Hall, room 207. Please feel free to stop by should you have any questions. You could also contact us via email at honors@wpunj.edu or give us a call at (973) 720-3657.

  • What is the Honors Club?

    • The Honors Club is a social and service organization that plans events, community service projects, and outings for Honors students. 
    • The Honors Club is recognized by the Student Government Association and must conform to its guidelines. The Honors Club is open to all William Paterson University students with an interest in the Honors College. Members need not be a member of the Honors College to join the club.