I am an incoming, first-year student and am currently planning out my course schedule for the upcoming semester. Where can I find out more information about AP/IB Test Scores and Placement Exams?
- Incoming first-year admits may need to take up to four Placement Exams (depending on your major):
- All required Placement Exams will appear on your checklist when you log into UC Merced Connect.
- All test scores (Placement Exams, AP, IB, etc.) can be found on your Connect Portal.
- After logging into UC Merced Connect, select My Student Record, Student Profile, then Testing.
Can Honors Students obtain a UC Merced campus parking permit through the University Honors Program?
- Unfortunately, the University Honors Program does not provide parking for students. All students who wish to park on campus will have to request/purchase a parking permit through Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS).
- First-year students that plan to park on campus are required to submit an application to TAPS. The link to the application can be found on their website here.
I plan to remain at UC Merced for more than 4 years - can I still participate in the University Honors Program?
- Absolutely! UHP students can still participate in the program, as long as they continue to complete our requirements.
- UHP requirements can be located here.
Do we gain priority registration for Spring 2027?
-
Yes! Priority registration is available for Spring 2027 course registration.
Once accepted to the honors program, do we have to reapply each year, or are we in the program for the rest of our time at UC Merced?
-
You are in for life! No need to reapply each year.
Can we see Mark if we need career advising?
-
Yes, you can see Mark for career advising, but he will also send you to the Career Services Center. Mark can provide an overview, and the CSC will get into detailed planning and support.
What is an Honors Course by Contract?
-
Honors Courses by Contract are non-Honors-designated courses for which you can get Honors credit by completing work according to a contract you work out with the professor of your class. Honors Course by Contracts allows students to pursue individualized work within the framework of a non-honors class and engage in study beyond the course requirements! An Honors Course by Contract outlining and completing additional coursework (typically an extra, self-guided project) to complete during you time in their class.
Are honors classes separate from major classes? For example, is there an Honors Thermodynamics course, and are Honors classes required?
-
Upper division/ major courses often do not have a designated honors section. However, you can pursue an Honors Course by Contract to take those classes for Honors Credit. Honors classes/ contracted courses are required to complete your Honors Program Requirements.
Are we only restricted to one contract, or can we have multiple with different professors?
-
Yes, you can take more than one contract within a semester. Remember that in your contract, you will be taking a deeper dive into the subject. While we do not have a policy on how many contracts you can take, we do want you to have the time to put some effort into these and get the most you can out of them.
If a course is not listed under the honors contract course list, can we still request a contract for that course?
-
Yes, you can still request a contract even if it is not listed on the website!
Do we also have to enroll in honors seminars? Or do those come together with the honors courses?
-
Honors Seminar classes do not count as honors credit courses, but they are still required for participation within the program. They are great for enhancing your critical thinking and building community with other Honors students. You will have to enroll in seminars yourself. When registration time comes, you will be sent an email from Mark with details on those classes and their registration codes.
How many units are the honor seminars?
-
One unit! They are only 1 hour a week.
How does honor housing work, and does it work differently from normal housing?
-
The Honors LLC [Living Learning Community] is in El Portal. It does not operate differently from regular housing, but serves as a community where Honors students can meet and reside with other Honors students. Living in the Honors LLC is not required for participation in the program. If you are interested in residing in the Honors LLC, please send an email to honors@ucmerced.edu.
