Honors College
Faculty
Interim Dean: Thomas Varacalli
Lecturer: Fr. Joseph Matlak, Elisa Neff
Program Mission
Drawing guidance from John Paul II’s encyclical on Faith and Reason, the Honors College of Belmont Abbey College is a four-year “great books” program designed to benefit students who have demonstrated intellectual excellence and seriousness of mind in the pursuit of truth.
Program Goals
The principal aim of this program is to explore issues and questions of permanent importance through study and discussion of some of the greatest texts of the past and present. Lectures, in-class discussions, and assignments emphasize and encourage depth of thought and clarity of expression. In the pursuit of these aims, student involvement is collaborative rather than competitive. The ultimate objective of study and discussion is not victory over another or individual dominance. Rather, it is mutual assistance so that the best in each student is brought forth and true understanding can emerge as fully as possible. Accordingly, students are especially urged to listen to authors, teachers, and each other with what the Rule of St. Benedict calls “the ear of your heart.”
In addition to the study of great texts, enrichment of writing skills, and a genuinely collegial experience, The Honors College also features the following curricular and extra-curricular opportunities:
Independent Study
Through the Honors Thesis, Honors College students are able to examine more closely, analyze more carefully, and reflect more fully upon questions and matters pertaining to a text of their choice or their chosen majors.
Cultural Enrichment
Three times each semester, Honors College students are able to attend theater, music, and dance performances in nearby Charlotte for a nominal fee or for free. These events are presented by the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Carolina, the North Carolina Dance Theatre, and other internationally known performing artists.
Beach Retreat
After sophomore years students are invited to attend a retreat at the beach which centers on the reading and discussion of a Shakespearean play.
Study Abroad; Guest Lecturers; Dinners with Faculty and Administrators
In the summer prior to their senior year, students in the Honors College are encouraged to study abroad for a month, under the guidance of Belmont Abbey College faculty or educators from other institutions. Each student receives financial assistance towards this endeavor in the form of a $3,500 travel grant.
Honors College students also benefit from the wisdom of academic guest lecturers speaking on contemporary issues or shedding further light on the texts that Honors College students have studied. In addition to spending time together in class, Honors College students, faculty and/or administrators periodically dine together both on and off campus.
Admission to The Honors College
Each year, the College admits a limited number of entering freshmen to The Honors College. To gain admission, a student must complete The Honors College application and must take part in an interview with the Director or Assistant Director. While each applicant will be looked at holistically, the following qualifications are desirable:
- Un-weighted high school GPA of 3.50 or higher
- 1200 SAT score (with a minimum verbal score of 600)
- A love of books and learning
- A willingness to further develop writing ability
- Excellent character
- An openness to considering questions of contemporary and permanent importance
- A collaborative approach to learning
A student must maintain a GPA of 3.25 to remain eligible for participation in The Honor College. If a student’s GPA drops below 3.25 he or she will be placed on probation for one semester. If the student’s GPA is still below 3.00 after two consecutive semesters, he or she may be removed from The Honors College.
Honors Fellowships
Students admitted to The Honors College are eligible for an Honors Fellowship. Recipients of this award receive substantial financial assistance towards tuition. The Honors Fellowship may include other forms of institutional aid from Belmont Abbey College as well as any federal or state grants for which a student may be eligible.