University Honors Program
The University Honors Program (UHP) is an academic experience for motivated undergraduate students who seek a challenging and intellectually enriched learning environment. The program cultivates students' academic development by providing small classes and seminars led by some of the university's most accomplished teachers and scholars. It also allows students to work one-on-one with their professors on customized H-Option projects.
Further, through high-impact practices such as study abroad/travel study, special field trips, service learning projects, and scholarship opportunities, the program supports Honors students to achieve their full potential as students, prospective professionals, and future civic leaders. Finally, the program has fashioned fruitful collaborations with other Student Diversity, Engagement, and Success subunits, such as the Undergraduate Research Program and the McNair Scholars Program. These programs help students pursue experiential learning opportunities outside of the UHP through Honors Exchange Points.
If you meet the requirements of joining the Honors Program on campus, you can have the opportunity to join the Honors Advantage Learning Community! As a member of this group, you will be guaranteed registration for Honors courses, get a head start on undergraduate research, actively participate in service learning projects, learn leadership skills, and much more.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
My name is Jackie Carper, and I graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Marketing and Communication in Spring 2022. I’m currently employed at RR Donnelley and am loving my career!
In 2018, I committed to UWW after learning about the University Honors Program. During my time at Whitewater, I was part of the University Honors Program Learning Community, took a plethora of honors courses, traveled to New York for an eye-opening course on immigration, and served as the Honors Student Association President from 2019-2021.
The Honors Program has been such a formative experience for me. It challenged me to do my best work while providing an academic and social structure that allowed me to thrive. It gave my college career extra meaning in that I could really impact our community in more ways, and I know I left Whitewater better because of it.
It saddens me that some experiential travel opportunities have been suspended due to a lack of funding. I truly hope that you will find it in your heart to support a high-impact program that has been a life-changing blessing to me and so many other students!
HONORS DATES AND DEADLINES
Events:
- The Upper Midwest Honors Collegiate (UMHC) Conference: March 27-29, 2025.
- Honors Program Spring Appreciation Reception: May 16, 2025, 12:00-2:00, UC Conference Room 0259
H-Options Deadlines:
- H-Option Form 1 due: Monday, February 24, 2025, at 4:00 pm.
- H-Option Form 2 due: Monday, April 28, 2025, at 4:00 pm.
- Note: You are welcome to submit Form 2 earlier than the deadline. Email David Welsch (welschd@uww.edu) for extensions.
FORMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Program Applications
H Option Forms
- Please submit your H-Option through the H-Option web application portal here.
Honors Exchange Points Applications:
- Exchange Point Application
- Applications are accepted on a rolling deadline basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure your points are recorded promptly.
Honors Program General Scholarships
- The Honors Program offers three scholarships—the John & Genevieve Olsen Foundation Fund, the Lois D. Fritschler Foundation Fund, and the Exemplary Student in the University Honors Program Award—available through the Honors Program General Scholarship application on WINS. The application window is December 1, 2025, to February 22, 2026.
Study Abroad/Travel Study Award
- The Honors Study Abroad/Travel Study Award supports sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Honors Program. It provides a tuition credit the semester after returning from study abroad or a travel study. Apply before your trip; submit a report before your first semester back.