The University of Tennessee - Martin

The University Scholars Program, founded in 1981, is a sequence of courses and extracurricular activities for a select group of talented and motivated students. A major goal is to provide special academic opportunities which will help these students to perform with distinction in their careers and as citizens. Two themes characterize this program: interdisciplinary and independent study and research. Most Scholars students are selected competitively during their senior year in high school, although a small number may also be selected on the basis of excellent college records in their freshman year. The program currently is limited to 60 undergraduate students at all levels in the University. Scholars students enroll every semester in one University Scholars course, accumulating a four-year total of 10 hours toward graduation, and complete the Honors Core Curriculum. Students also attend visiting academic speakers, cultural events, student organization meetings, and service activities. Participation in national and regional Honors conferences is a regular feature of the program. A four-year scholarship guarantee accompanies the program for students who meet the established standards of curricular and extracurricular performance.

Overview
What you get:

• University Scholars Scholarship
• Bragging rights, seal on diploma, and resumé enhancement
• The opportunity to expand horizons and challenge yourself acadmically
• A chance to know faculty and other intellectually interested, academically motivated students
• Numerous opportunities to learn from members of the academic, scientific, and political world community (through community projects, academic speakers, etc.) in a small group setting

What you give:

• Take University Scholars 118 and 128 during your freshman year
• Participate in the Honors Core Curriculum
• Take one University Scholars class every semester for all four years
• Be a member of University Scholars Organization (USO)
• Attend all USO meetings
• Be on one USO committee
• Attend all semester forums
• Attend one academic speaker presentation per semester
• Attend one cultural event per semester (one must be off campus)
• Publish one piece per semester in "The Scholar" or another reputable publication
• Keep a journal reflecting on your Scholars class meetings (Freshman, Sophomore) or work with a faculty advisor (Junior, Senior)
• Complete one community service activity per semester

Scholarship

Students invited into the University Scholars Program are assured of a scholarship package totaling $5000 for each year of their participation (which can also be applied to study abroad programs). Certain other scholarships may be added to this total. Students must maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA and satisfy the requirements of the University Scholars Program.

Entrance Requirements

Students with a minimum ACT composite score of 28 (or SAT 1240) and high school GPA of 3.5 may apply for University Scholars admission prior to their freshman year. A few students with outstanding freshman college records at UTM, or who are transferring from another institution, may also be invited to apply. Students are selected in a competitive process involving consideration of their academic record, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, written essays, and a personal interview.

Applicants should plan to attend the annual University Scholars Prospect Weekend in February as part of the application process. At the Scholars Prospect weekend, applicants will meet the Honors director and Honors Council and take part in individual and group interviews. In addition to receiving an orientation to the program, applicants will have the opportunity to meet and talk with current and prospective Scholars.

Annual continuation in the program is contingent upon performance.

Application should be mailed by February 1 of the preceding year; applicants will be notified of their inclusion in the program after March 1. Application forms, answers to specific questions, and more information about the University Scholars Program and scholarships are available from Dr. Daniel McDonough (see left side bar for contact information.)

Curriculum

The University Scholars curriculum consists of a special ten-hour sequence of seminars, reading-discussion groups, specialized studies, and a senior project. Students also complete the Honors Core Curriculum. All courses carry full academic credit and are open only to Scholars students. Completion of the University Scholars curriculum and Honors Core Curriculum are required for graduation with the designation "University Scholar".

Honors Core Curriculum
Scholars Course Descriptions
Program Requirements and Policies