Honors EXCEL Program Advising Reference
What is the Honors EXCEL Program?
The Honors College Experiential Learning Program (Honors EXCEL Program) supports WVU undergraduate students in experiential and community-engaged learning through curriculum, funding and mentorship. Students will propose and complete experiential projects, communicate their work widely, and advance the service mission of WVU.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
All WVU students with a GPA of 3.4 or greater and at least 3 semesters remaining may apply. Students with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.4 may apply with a letter of recommendation from their academic adviser. Applicants do not have to complete the Honors Foundations program to apply to the Honors EXCEL program. Detailed information on how to apply can be found online.
Timeline and requirements
Students must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
First Semester in Honors EXCEL
- Complete HONR 450
- Complete 5 Personal or Professional Development Activities (PPDAs)
- At the end of the semester, you should submit your project strategic plan, PPDAs and funding reports
Middle Semesters in Honors EXCEL
- Complete 6 credits of approved experiential learning (total)
- Complete 5 PPDAs each semester
- At the end of each semester, you should submit a project progress report, PPDAs and funding reports
Final Semester in Honors EXCEL
- Complete HONR 451
- Complete 5 PPDA
- To formally complete the program, you should:
- At the end of the semester, submit your final project product
- Participate in the Honors EXCEL exit interview
- Apply for Honors recognition
Project Expectations:
- Projects may include Service learning/Community Engagement, Disciplinary Research, Global Studies/ Study abroad, Invention/Innovation, Creative Scholarship/Performance, Internships/ Field experience or any combination of these.
- Projects should:
- explore open-ended questions and arguments;
- engage with mentors, other scholars and stakeholders;
- develop and practice cultural awareness;
- demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and persistence;
- acknowledge small failures as necessary for ultimate success;
- provide opportunity for personal and professional growth