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How can I join the Helen P. Denit Honors Program?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you are encouraged to apply. Interested students who do not meet the requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the honors program for further information. Application deadlines are August 19 for the fall semester and January 21 for the spring semester. -
Why should I join the honors program?
A better question: Why not join the honors program? If you are intellectually curious and wish to explore your academic life to the fullest, being a Denit honors student will help you to make that happen. If you need more convincing, here are 5 good reasons to get involved.
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Do I need to take any extra classes to complete the honors program?
No. Many of the honors classes you take will fulfill general-education requirements, major requirements and/or electives.
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How do I graduate from the honors program?
Honors and enhanced classes earn you credits towards graduation from the Helen P. Denit Honors Program. If you enter UBalt as a first-time undergraduate, you will need to earn 15 honors credits to graduate from the program. If you come in as a transfer or current UBalt student, you need only 12 honors credits. See graduation requirements for the specific requirements for your major and college.
When you apply for graduation, you must inform the honors director, Sally Farley, that you are graduating from the Helen P. Denit Honors Program to ensure your name appears under the Helen P. Denit Honors Program section in the commencement program.
deadlines:
- October 15 for summer/fall graduation
- March 15 for spring graduation
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What is the difference between graduating with honors vs. graduating from the honors program?
Graduating with honors means that you have achieved a very high grade point average in your studies and you are recognized as such. The categories are:
- Summa Cum Laude: with greatest praise; signifies graduation with highest honors, i.e., a 3.9 GPA
- Magna Cum Laude: with great praise; signifies graduation with high honors, i.e., a 3.75 GPA
- Cum Laude: with praise; signifies graduation with honors, i.e., a 3.5 GPA
Both honors, as applicable, will be noted on your transcript. -
Do I get any special recognition at commencement?
If you have successfully completed all academic requirements of the honors program, you will be "corded" (given a ceremonial cord to wear around your neck) by the faculty director on stage. Honors students are the only undergraduates to receive such honor. Also, your name will be highlighted in the program as graduating from the Helen P. Denit Honors Program. -
What do honors students do after graduation?
Our students are diverse and motivated. Many of our students attend graduate school directly after graduation while others choose to travel or enter the workforce. Our students have been accepted to prestigious graduate programs across the country and hired at numerous Fortune 500 companies. Many graduates enter law school and some have been admitted into highly competitive early-entry law programs.
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Aren't honors classes just more work?
No. Honors classes are meant to be challenging but also fun and engaging. They are innovative and rewarding! You will get to know your professor and your fellow students quite well and you will learn from each other. The number of assignments will be about the same as in a non-honors class, but they will be more interesting, creative and thought-provoking. Most students report that honors classes are so enjoyable and that they try to take as many as they can. -
Will taking Denit honors classes hurt my GPA?
No. If you meet the entrance requirements to join the honors program, you are qualified to do well in an honors class. But, it’s like anything else in life; you get out of it what you put into it.
You will no longer be an active member of the honors program if your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.3 for two consecutive semesters.
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Can I take a Denit honors class and not be in the program?
Yes. You are encouraged to take an honors class to explore the honors program. To enroll in an honors course, you must have an application on file (unless you're an incoming predesignated honors freshman enrolling in an honors learning community), have the required GPA and contact your academic adviser or Sally Farley for permission. Any student may enroll in an enhanced course without meeting these requirements, but we do recommend submitting an application in case you decide to take more honors courses.
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How will I meet other Denit Honors Program students?
The honors program is set up so that you will have ample opportunities to meet fellow students in classes, in the Denit Den, in the Honors Lab and through many academic, social, recreational and cultural activities. -
Is there a special place for Denit honors students to study and relax?
Yes, as an honors student, you have access to our exclusive Denit Den, which includes a lounge, lab and kitchen. We have computers and printers; a refrigerator and microwave; and free coffee, sodas and snacks. It is a great place to study or relax between classes. Many students call our Denit Den their home away from home. -
Are there additional costs for participating in the Denit Honors Program?
No, there are no additional costs. To the contrary, the honors program provides competitive financial awards for independent research, conference attendance and presentation, and trips to cultural centers. We also do all kinds of cool stuff that's free. Check out our events.
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Will I have an opportunity to research my interests?
Yes, we strongly encourage original research. You will receive one-on-one guidance from your faculty advisers and mentors while you explore and research topics of interest to you. Check out recent examples of our students' research.
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What is the honors program's mission?
The Helen P. Denit Honors Program creates a community of faculty and scholars who strive for academic excellence through diverse, high-impact educational practices that include honors and enhanced courses, financial support and co-curricular activities.
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Why is it called the Helen P. Denit Honors Program?
Helen P. Denit was a former teacher and Montgomery County civic leader. She served on the Woman's Board of Montgomery General Hospital as well as numerous other civic, patriotic and charitable organizations. Under the provisions of her will, she created the Helen Pumphrey Denit Trust for Charitable and Educational Purposes.
Since her death in 1988, the trustees have assisted numerous nonprofit organizations with one-time and multiyear grants. In particular, the trustees have been pleased to support the University of Baltimore Helen P. Denit Honors Program.
As an alumnus of The University of Baltimore, it is especially gratifying for me to be in a position to play a small part in encouraging and sustaining academic excellence.
—Richard Adams, former chairman, The Helen P. Denit Charitable Trust
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Where can I get more information?
That's easy: Just contact us!