honors program

 The Honors Program at CVA offers expanded opportunities for exceptional students who are curious, highly motivated, and interested in deeper and more self-directed study in liberal arts classes.

Honors students work with the instructor in regularly scheduled courses to create a contract for an honors component, which supplements or replaces some regular course requirements. An honors component requires a self-directed study or research project that is more creative, in-depth, and independent than a regular assignment. Students are encouraged to use primary materials and engage in direct learning experiences such as visits to museums and archives or interviews with practicing artists and designers. Assignments may include leading discussions or making a special presentation in class. Honors students are challenged to work at a high level of critical thinking, writing, and speaking.

Invitations to join the program are extended to members of the President’s List, which recognizes those who have earned a GPA of 3.5 or above. To graduate with honors, students must successfully complete six honors courses. These students receive special recognition at commencement, and their CVA transcript states that they have “participated with distinction in the Honors Program at CVA.”

CVA is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). CVA honors students are eligible to participate in study programs offered through NCHC.