Honors Frequently Asked Questions
Honors Program FAQs for UMF Faculty & Staff
The UMF Honors Program offers enriching academic opportunities for high-achieving students, and faculty and staff play an essential role in supporting their success. This FAQ resource provides guidance on how the program works, how students are selected, and ways faculty and staff can get involved—from teaching Honors courses to mentoring student projects and participating in program events. Whether you’re looking to better understand program expectations or explore collaboration opportunities, this guide will help you support and enhance the Honors experience at UMF.
Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty
In MaineStreet, Honors students are coded under Student Services General Tab (Student Group subheading). You may email Lisa Gallant, administrative specialist at umfhonors@maine.edu for student status.
Yes, please click here for guidelines and the proposal form.
Currently, the requirements are few, an GPA of 3.3 or higher and earning Honors credit within the first three semesters of their admittance.
Incoming students have a semester grace period to raise their GPA. If by the end of the first two semesters, the GPA is still below 3.3, then the student is removed from the program. Upper class students are removed once the GPA falls below 3.3; however, students may send the director a request to appeal the decision.
Yes. Non-Honors students may request permission from the instructor. Should there be available seats, staff will register the students.
No. Each faculty member may choose their preferred location
Yes, faculty may request funds for their course, and below are the current levels. Please send an email to the director and administrative specialist for review. Receipts will be required following purchases.
- Up to $500 for day-long HON course-related travel (per course)
- Up to $2,000 for multi-day HON course-related travel (per course)
- Up to $500 for expenses related to HON speakers and day-long workshops (per course)
- Up to $200 for materials related to an HON course (one request per course)
Members serve a three-year term. The director will send out an email request to targeted individuals whom they believe may have an interest in serving; however, all faculty are encouraged to submit a statement of interest.
The Honors Director serves a three-year term. The Associate Provost will request statements of interest from faculty. The Director receives a one-course reassignment per semester.
Frequently Asked Questions for Students
Here are some common questions. If you have a question not listed, contact us!
Yes. Use this form to apply.
To be in the Honors Program, you must maintain a 3.3 GPA and earn Honors credit within your first three semesters after being accepted into the program. You must earn 9 HON credit hours to graduate with Honors. There are three levels of distinction upon graduation: University Honors Scholar, University Honors, and Honors Certificate. More information can be found here. Education students should refer to this page.
Community: Being a part of a group can make all the difference when experiencing something new such as leaving home and living on campus. Shared experiences such as courses and events help build a community and cohort that brings comfort during times of stress and joy!
Honors courses encourage critical thinking and active participation in classroom discussion. Honors courses typically offer specialized topics related to the instructor’s interests, including specific authors, places, genres, theories, and methodologies. Honors students generally report finding these seminar-style classes rewarding and thought-provoking.
Enhancement credit is earned by taking any UMF course and modifying it to meet Honors criteria. More information can be found here. Experience credit is earned through experience such as travel, an internship, or a service project. More information can be found here.
May I apply a study abroad or travel course toward Honors Experience credit?
Yes, each student may apply 3 credits toward Honors recognition levels. Please complete this form.
No. You can earn 9 credits through Honors courses, experiences, and enhancements that can count as general education requirements and electives. Some courses even count towards your major or minor.
The Honors House is open daily 7 a.m. to midnight during the fall and spring semesters. Since all Honors students enjoy the space, please reserve one of our rooms for a meeting or event. Otherwise, the study rooms and workstations are available anytime.
Email umfhonors@maine.edu to let us know, and we will remove you from the program.
No. Some courses might require a fee for supplies, however.
