FAQ and Student Testimonials
Advising
Who do I contact with advising questions?
For Honors advising questions, please contact Dr. Gerardina Martin. For major specific questions, you should meet with your assigned department advisor. For scheduling information on an upcoming semester, Michelle Wills will email out the Honors full offerings before course registration begins.
In what order should I complete the Honors core classes?
Follow the sequence laid out in the document labeled: “Honor Core Course Sequence”
How do I know what classes are required for my major as an Honors student?
Find your major-specific course planning sheet.
FAQ
My child put a lot of time into AP classes and while it was a good experience, it was also somewhat draining. If college classes are of equal challenge, what is the value of taking even more high powered classes?
How do AP credits work? Aren't those often "general education"?
These are really two questions. First, WCU does accept AP scores in all test areas. Each department has different regulations in terms of what AP score must be earned to give credit for a specific class. A full listing of test credits (including AP/IB/CLEP) can be found on the Registrar web page. Second, in terms of general education, traditional students at WCU must complete 48 credit hours of identified "general education" work. For Honors students, the nine core Honors courses, plus an additional class in either math or science, fulfills all general education requirements. For many majors, these hours become available as "directed elective classes" where students, with advisement from their academic majors and/or Honors, can consider exploring adding a minor (or two!) or even a double major and still be able to graduate in four years. Other options for the "elective classes" include the potential of a semester of international study or a full semester internship (similar to student teaching) where the students apply the theory of the classroom in the larger community. An important exception needs mention. If a major requires specific "cognate" courses that also count as "traditional" general education classes, then students still need to take those classes. For example, Chemistry majors must take CHE 103. That class is also a "general elective" option for other majors on campus, say, History. While the History major would not need to take CHE 103, the Chemistry Major still would.
I have taken more than 8 AP classes, isn't my general education already completed? Why would I do Honors?
If accepted, is it a requirement that Honors students live in Honors housing?
All Accepted students are required to live on the 7th floor of Allegheny Hall for their first year. The 7th floor contains a large central lounge, computer lab, free laundry facilities, and a music room. Watch a virtual tour of Allegheny Hall!
If accepted, how soon is a decision required?
Does Honors offer any scholarships?
How are roommates chosen?
Would being part of the Honors College interfere with playing a sport?
Student Testimonials
What was appealing to you about the Honors College/influenced your decision?
"What was most appealing about the Honors College was the focus on service. I was always
involved with service in high school, so being able to continue being heavily involved
in community service in college was very important to me. Another aspect that was
appealing to me about the Honors College was the sense of community. The fact that
so many disciplines were in one place and were able to interact heavily made my decision
to join the Honors College all the more easier."
— Dana Fillman, class of 2015
"The main attribute of the Honors College that sold me was its claim to provide an
atmosphere that would truly define the college experience and allow me to become closely
acclimated with potential life-long friends. The Honors Curriculum, I feel, was tailored
to my needs as an aspiring leader, and really allows students to embark in a deep
exploration of themselves and the needs/challenges of their community."
— Tony LaFratte, class of 2015
"I wanted to be a part of a group that I knew had a similar belief system for myself.
Community service is very important for me so I wanted to surround myself with people
who I knew also had a similar state of mind. I also wanted to have the opportunity
to travel to South Africa. After hearing about the work they do there and the opportunity
to get to do that first hand, I wanted to be a part of this group."
— Lauren Montemuro, class of 2012
How has Honors impacted you thus far in your college career?
"Honors has essentially made me well aware that there are countless leadership challenges
awaiting attention in the community, and that good leaders need to be well developed
in many areas in order to successfully engage these issues."
— Tony LaFratte, class of 2015
"I have been able to get a lot of leadership experience that will prepare me well for
the future. Networking was another great part of Honors. I have had the opportunity
to meet a variety of professors and get connected with them for projects."
— Lauren Montemuro, class of 2012
"Honors gives me a support group and solid group of friends that I can count on. Honors
has also made me come out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in ways that I never
had before. Finally, Honors has helped me become a more effective leader."
— Dan VanHassent, class of 2014
"Honors is not more challenging with respect to academic courses, but rather getting
involved in volunteering and giving back to my community. Besides meeting so many
wonderful people and building strong friendships, I have learned a lot about myself
and where I want to go in my career."
— Megan Berberich, class of 2014
"Honors has impacted my involvement as a leader on WCU's campus. Without the skills
I learned as a student in Honors, I would have never had the confidence to get involved
-- let alone become a leader!"
— Olivia Kenney, class of 2014
What has been your favorite honors-related event overall?
"My favorite honors-related event most definitely has to be helping out with Dance
for a Chance. I love working with a group of dedicated individuals towards such an
event... it donates its proceeds to a charity of the dancer's choice."
— Katie Collazo, class of 2015
"My favorite Honors event has been Aid to South Africa...This is our signature event
and embodies the beliefs and values of the WCU Honors college."
— Dan VanHassent, class of 2014
"My favorite Honors-sanctioned events include: Hanging of the Greens, Orientation,
South Africa Trips, Tuesday night Frisbee, Holiday Gathering at the Deans', and the
Crossroads Conference. These events embody the principles of Honors through scholarship,
leadership, and teamwork."
— Michael Jendzurski, class of 2013
What was appealing to you about WCU (Other than the Honors College)?
"Besides the Honors College, the overall atmosphere of WCU was appealing to me. The
first time I saw the campus, I absolutely fell in love with it and knew it was where
I wanted to attend college. The different style buildings, the diversity of people,
and the community of the overall campus were aspects I found appealing."
— Dana Fillman, class of 2015
"I like the town atmosphere... it is very close so on weekends there is still a lot
to do if you wanted to walk off campus."
— Lauren Montemuro, class of 2012
"My college decision was centered around the word "opportunity." The primary draws
were the Honors College, Division II Tennis, and the potential to take music to college
through coursework or ensembles. Finally, I knew I wanted to stay somewhat local,
especially knowing how important contributions to my family and alma mater are to
me: you can always make a school seem farther away by how often you return home, but
you cannot move a school closer to home."
— Michael Jendzurski, class of 2013
"Other than the Honors College, WCU's education program appealed to me most. West Chester
is a great school for future teachers, and they have the best Middle Grades Preparation
program I have seen. With a large number of education majors on campus, there are
numerous opportunities to get involved at the different schools and after-school programs
around campus. Many of them are even in walking distance! As an education major, I
know I am getting the best education and experience for a great price."
— Brianna Plaxe, class of 2015