The Yavapai College Honors Program fosters academic, personal, and professional growth, equipping students for successful futures during and after college.

Academic Excellence: Honors students engage in courses that enhance critical thinking and collaborate with distinguished faculty on research initiatives.

Enrollment in at least one honors course each fall and spring semester is required.

Financial Support: Qualified students receive one complimentary class each semester.

Personal and Professional Development: Mentorship from faculty and honors advisors guides students in their academic and career paths.

Leadership and Service Opportunities: Students assume leadership roles and engage in community service projects, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.

Academic Recognition: Honors students earn a special designation on transcripts and diplomas, with eligible students invited to an honors graduation ceremony.

Extracurricular Enrichment: Access to cultural events and opportunities to travel for local and national conferences are available.

Community and Networking: Networking events with honors alumni provide valuable professional connections and mentorship.

Advisor Support: Experienced YC advisors offer guidance tailored to the Honors College experience.

Honors Society Membership: Integration with Phi Theta Kappa and other honor societies offers additional academic and professional benefits.

To ensure continued participation in the Yavapai College Honors Program, students must meet the following requirements:

GPA Requirement

1. Academic Performance:
   • Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 throughout their enrollment in the honors program.
   • Students must achieve a grade of C or higher in all honors-designated courses. Receiving a grade lower than a C in an honors course may result in probation and require the student to retake the course or an equivalent honors course.
2. Participation and Engagement:
   • Honors Courses: Students must enroll in and complete a minimum of one honors-designated course per semester.
   • Workshops: Students are required to attend and actively participate in all mandatory honors workshops organized by the honors program.
3. Leadership and Service:
   • Community Service: Students must complete a minimum of 6 hours of community service per academic semester, contributing to college or community projects as specified by the honors program.
   • Leadership Activities: Students should demonstrate leadership by participating in at least one college club, organization, or honors leadership program each academic year.
4. Conduct and Integrity:
   • Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and conduct, as outlined in the Yavapai College student code of conduct.
   • Behavior: Any instances of academic dishonesty, misconduct, or violations of college policies may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal from the honors program.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Progress Reports: Students will be evaluated at the end of each semester through progress reports submitted by their honors advisor and faculty mentors.
6. Probation and Appeals:
   • If a student fails to meet any of the eligibility criteria, they may be placed on probation for one semester.
   • Students will have the opportunity to appeal decisions or meet with honors program administrators to discuss an improvement plan.

• 3.5 GPA+
• Good Standing in the Program
• Met Service Learning and Leadership requirements each semester
• Portfolio completion
• Campus Engagement
• 12+ honors credits
• Cords/Stoles
• Recognition in Graduation Program
• Honors Graduation Celebration in Spring

• Financial Support Opportunities: Students may apply for additional funding for research projects, conference attendance, study abroad programs, and internships.
• Career Panels and Workshops: Access to career development panels, professional workshops, and mentorship programs with industry leaders.
• Research and Scholarly Activities:
  • Capstone Projects: Engagement in research or creative projects.
  • Research Symposiums: Opportunities to present research findings at poster sessions and symposiums.

Does the Honors College truly make a difference?

• Absolutely! It reflects your abilities and ambitions. Students enrolled in Honors programs are often seen as the top performers, showcasing exceptional academic skills and a strong drive to fully engage in their college journey.

Would I perform better in college if I chose not to join the Honors College?

• While that can be true in some instances, it's often not the case. This program was specifically designed to help high-achieving students excel. Without a peer group that values academic excellence, social activities may take precedence over studying. Moreover, talented students may find regular classes too easy, which can result in them not putting in their full effort.

What distinguishes Honors classes from non-Honors classes?

• Students enrolled in Honors classes receive instruction from some of the top faculty on campus. Although the workload can differ based on the class and instructor, each assignment is crafted to challenge you and promote your intellectual, social, and personal development.

Will the Honors Program be too challenging for me?

• If you are accepted into the Honors College, it indicates that you have what it takes to succeed in your Honors courses. While Honors courses may require a bit more effort than regular courses, they are not overwhelmingly difficult. The engaging material and dynamic faculty often create a class experience that offers valuable insights and knowledge without being more difficult.

Is it feasible to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities while in the Honors Program?

• Absolutely! The program was created to allow students to successfully engage in various extracurricular activities while maintaining a healthy balance with their academic responsibilities.

Who participates in the Honors Program?

• Students in the Yavapai College Honors College come from a wide array of backgrounds, majors, and interests. The program welcomes full and part-time students with diverse personalities and life aspirations. However, all Honors students are united by their dedication to achieving academic excellence, their goals to fully engage in their college journey, and a desire to broaden their perspectives.

Does it cost to be part of YC’s Honors College?

• No, in fact, you are eligible for a scholarship for one class per semester while you are in the program.

Members of the Honors College may be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa Membership. While it is not required, being a member of PTK recognizes and encourages scholarship, the development of leadership and service, and cultivates fellowship among students at Yavapai and colleges throughout Arizona and the United States.

PTK is the only scholastic honor society recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges.

Benefits of PTK Membership

Joining the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society can unlock new opportunities for your academic journey. This organization provides a wealth of resources, including scholarships, opportunities for intellectual enrichment, and personal development through programs centered around Phi Theta Kappa’s four hallmarks of excellence: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Fellowship.

Please visit www.yc.edu/ptk for more information.