Being an honors student is more than simply taking difficult classes and participating in a specialized curriculum. Students in the Honors & Scholars programs are members of larger community and culture of honors. In order to enhance the experience of learning and to cultivate scholarship, the programs of Honors & Scholars provide additional supports and priority benefits to our students.
As a part of UT’s first-year experience, every scholar participates in First-Year Studies 101 or an equivalent course. This course is designed to help students with their transition to university life and the Volunteer family. Honors & Scholars offers specialized sections for its members to further develop the honors community and help address the specific needs of high-potential students.
To help our students excel in research and scholarship, honors students enjoy the same privileges at Hodges Library as graduate students: they can borrow books for up to sixteen weeks and reserve a carrel, where research materials and books can be held for an extended period of time.
We understand that the library can be a tough place for students to study during exams and crunch times. That’s why we offer honors students an exclusive study space.
The Honors & Scholars student lounge is housed in the Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. The lounge provides a convenient place to study, hold meetings, or just hang out between classes.
Honors students also have special after-hours access to the building via their VolCard.
We award approximately $100,000 in student grants each year. Honors Vols can apply for an Honors & Scholars Grant to fund special experiences such as study abroad, research supplies, and conference fees. Honors staff review applications on a rolling basis so students can apply at any time.
Priority registration allows students to design an ambitious curriculum that includes specialized coursework, international and intercultural learning, undergraduate research, and service-learning. Priority registration permits honors students to register before other undergraduate students on UT’s campus. All honors students must be advised through their college or department and have all holds cleared in order to enjoy this benefit.