Western Carolina University

Above: Honors students celebrate The Honors College’s ten-year anniversary during WCU’s annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Sylva (Oct. 2007).

Opened with just 77 students on July 1, 1997, The Honors College was the first residential honors college established in the University of North Carolina system. The motto of Ad Vitam Paramus, which translates to “preparation for life” reflects the Honors College mission to help over 1,400 high-achieving students get more out of their education through Honors courses and special academic, leadership, and social opportunities. The Honors College also offers the opportunity to live amongst fellow Honors students in one of the two Honors College residence halls, Balsam or Blue Ridge.

Honors College Incentives

• The centrally located Honors residence halls—Balsam and Blue Ridge—provide a living, learning community and the potential to build life-changing relationships
• Direct access to the Honors office, located in Balsam:  faculty and staff, advising services, and meeting space
• Smaller classes, less lecture, and more one-on-one work with dedicated faculty
• Priority registration
• The ability to customize one’s Liberal Studies curriculum
• Library privileges equivalent to those of graduate students
• The receipt of an Honors College diploma, upon completion of requirements
• Opportunity to participate in the HC Advisory Board