UC Davis 2008-2010 General Catalog - General Catalog - UC Davis

Academic Information 79
College of Letters and Science. Graduation with “honors”
requires that a student meet the appropriate grade point requirement
described in the above table for all UC courses completed.
Students who meet the grade point requirement for graduation
with honors, and who complete the Honors Program of the College
of Letters and Science, may be recommended by their departments
for graduation with high honors or highest honors on the
basis of an evaluation of their academic achievements in the major
and in the honors project in particular. A notation shall appear on
the student’s official transcript indicating that the 194H Honors
Thesis was completed. Graduating students will not be awarded
honors with the bachelor’s degree if more than eight units of grade
I (Incomplete) appear on their transcripts. The College Committee
on Honors may consider exceptions to this condition. Petitions for
this purpose should be submitted to the deans' office.
The Honors Program of the College of Letters and
Science
The Honors Program in the College of Letters and Science permits
students to pursue a program of study in their major at a level significantly
beyond that defined by the normal curriculum. It represents
an opportunity for the qualified student to experience
aspects of the major that are representative of advanced study in
the field. Successful completion of the College Honors Program is
a necessary prerequisite to consideration for the awarding of high
or highest honors at graduation.
Entrance into the honors program requires that a student have
completed at least 135 units with a minimum grade point average
of 3.500 in courses counted toward the major. Other prerequisites
for entrance into the program are defined by the major. The program
consists of a project whose specific nature is determined by
consultation with the student’s major adviser. It may involve completion
of a research project, a scholarly paper, a senior thesis, or
some comparable assignment depending on the major. The project
will have a minimum duration of two quarters and will be noted
on the student’s record by a variable unit course number or special
honors course designation. Successful completion of the honors
program requires that a minimum of six units of credit be earned
in course work for the project.
College of Engineering
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
has established honors programs for the following majors: Chemical
Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Materials Science and
Engineering. Contact the undergraduate adviser in the department
for specific information about these programs at (530) 752-2504.
Davis Honors Challenge
(530) 752-2335; http://dhc.ucdavis.edu
The Davis Honors Challenge (DHC) is a campuswide program for
highly motivated students who are interested in enhancing their
education through special courses, closer contact with faculty and
dynamic interaction with academic peers.
DHC courses are limited in size so that participants receive substantial
individual attention from faculty. In return, students are
expected to participate actively in analyzing real world problems.
Honors courses and small honors sections of regular courses also
encourage individual student participation and self-challenge. Students
satisfactorily completing the program will receive transcript
notation for each academic year of participation.
First- and second-year students take two honors courses and one
problem-oriented interdisciplinary seminar per academic year.
Second year students have the option to substitute an honors contract
for an honors course. Third-year students are required to
complete two honors contracts and one upper division honors
seminar, a team-based project in conjunction with an outside
interested party. Fourth-year students participate in a year-long
team project to identify real world problems, apply research, critical
thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to
develop viable solutions for their outside party. Transfer students
complete the second or third-year program, depending on their
class standing.
Other components of the DHC include honors living learning
communities, a mentorship program and a service learning program.
Each of these programs is designed to enhance students' college
experience.
Entering first-year and transfer students who file a “Statement of
Intent to Register” at UC Davis will be mailed detailed information
about the DHC application process. Continuing students may
obtain information and an application from the DHC Office after
the start of spring quarter.
Integrated Studies Honors Program
(530) 752-9760
The Integrated Studies Honors Program is a campuswide, invitational,
first-year residential honors program, now in its fourth
decade. Course offerings oriented toward research opportunities
are also offered beyond the freshman year. During the freshman
year, the Integrated Studies Honors Program offers specially
designed, interdisciplinary honors courses that satisfy General
Education requirements. Approximately 120 students live in an
Academic Residential Community on campus and take three limited-enrollment
honors courses (open only to Integrated Studies
Honors Program students) and two seminars.
Holders of Regents Scholarships, the university's most prestigious
scholarship awards, are guaranteed places in the Integrated Studies
Honors Program. Other highly qualified students are also invited
to participate and are selected to create a balanced community of
students from all four undergraduate colleges.
Prizes and Awards
The University Medal is the highest campus honor awarded to a
graduating senior in recognition of superior scholarship and
achievement. A College or School Medal is also given to the outstanding
graduating student in each of the colleges and professional
schools.
Departmental citations, special awards and prizes are also awarded
to students for superior achievement and scholarship.
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Each year,
the outstanding graduating senior in the College is awarded a silver
medal, known as the “Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Medal.” Scholastic excellence (in a minimum of six quarters
at UC Davis) is the primary basis for choosing the recipient. The
Mary Regan Meyer Prize is awarded to an outstanding graduate
who has demonstrated expertise and an interest in serving humanity.
The Charles E. Hess Award is awarded to the graduate with the
most noteworthy record of public/community service while at
UC Davis. The Kinsella Memorial Prize, in honor of John E. Kinsella,
is awarded annually to an outstanding individual who sub-