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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
University Honors Program

High Impact Experiences

University Honors students complete a total of three high impact experiences by the time they graduate. These are opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning outside the classroom in a way that directly aligns with their individual goals. This requirement also gives students the opportunity to reflect on how these experiences impact their learning in preparation for life after college such as graduate school or employment applications.

Students must complete high impact experiences in at least two of the categories listed below.

High Impact Categories

  • Leadership
    • A leadership role does not have to be a paid or official elected position within an organization – a student can gain leadership skills from all kinds of experiences, including group projects for classes
    • Some examples: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Resident Assistant (RA) or Village Mentor for University Housing, New Student Programs Orientation Leader, Student Government, UHP Ambassador, UHP Fellow, participation in a student organization, etc.
  • Disciplinary breadth
    • Exhibiting and commitment to interdisciplinary learning by completing two majors or a major and minor from different colleges.
  • Select Explorations trips run by the UHP or another campus unit
    • For example, a fall or spring break trip with the UHP or an Alternative Spring Break trip hosted by Leadership and Civic Engagement.
  • Sustained Volunteer service
    • A minimum of 45 hours with the same organization or project over an academic year.
  • Sustained non-course based undergraduate research
    • A minimum of 45 hours with the same lab or project over an academic year.
  • Professional development
    • Developing skills that will prepare students for careers through internships, co-op experiences, and other career-related opportunities.
  • Participation in Arts NC State
    • For example performing in marching band, performing in a University Theatre play, serving a stage crew, being in a musical ensemble, or being on a dance crew.
  • Active participation in a Living and Learning Village
  • Other experiences
    • Students may propose experiences not captured above by submitting a one-page proposal detailing the experience and the ways it aligns with their goals. The proposal should be submitted to the student’s UHP advisor for review in advance of the experience.

Those are just some examples. If you are doing something that you think will be transformative or greatly impact your education, contact your UHP advisor. Chances are it might count.

Required Reflection

After completing each high-impact experience you must submit a request for credit and either a short reflection paper (link opens in a new tab/window) or final product (i.e. a poster detailing a research project, a paper summarizing an internship, etc.).

Honors students must complete one reflection paper for each experience.

Essay Length3-4 pages
Essay Due DateWithin the same semester of experience completed
Example Content to IncludeSummarize your experience and how you arrived at this experience. Who helped you get to this experience? What did I learn about myself during this experience? What did I learn about others? How did this experience challenge my assumptions? Was this experience what I expected? Would I change the experience in any way? What were the most memorable elements of the experience? What were the most challenging elements of the experience? How did this experience improve my communication and/or team­ building skills? Did this experience impact my career or academic skills or aspirations? How? What impact will this experience have on my future? Study Abroad Only: What did I learn about my own culture and country? What did I learn about the culture and country in which I studied? How did this experience increase my self­-confidence and independence?
Essay Structure12 point font, double-spaced, header that includes: Name, High Impact Experience Title, Date; Ex. Tuffy Wuf, Wake County Internship, Summer 2024
What to ExpectThe UHP staff will review your completed form. If approved, your experience will be recorded within 4-6 weeks of submission. If you have any questions, please contact your Program Advisor.

*Please note this form is not used to track HON Seminars or approved advanced coursework (including Study Abroad approved advanced coursework credit)