Honors students will become part of a community of scholars, be involved with advanced projects, internships, service learning, and travel opportunities through the Honors Program, providing an exceptional RRCC experience.
Developing interdisciplinary problem solving and research skills help students gain a competitive edge in the college transfer and scholarship process.
Honors students will become part of a community of scholars, be involved with advanced projects, internships, service learning, and travel opportunities through the Honors Program, providing an exceptional RRCC experience.
Students who register for HNR courses will receive additional funding to offset the cost of those credits. For in-state students, funding will typically cover the entire cost of an HNR course. Out-of-state and international students wishing to take HNR courses may have a balance to pay, even after receiving support from the program. Funds are only dispersed once course census has passed and enrollment has been confirmed; disbursements typically occur 2-4 weeks after the beginning of an HNR class.
Program Benefits
- Honors coursework
- Honors capstone project
- Honors advising and mentoring
- Honors field trips/workshops
- Experiential learning emphasis
- Honors designation at graduation
Application for 2023-2025 opens March 7! Select the Dr. John U. Trefny Honors Program when you apply.
To receive the Honors designation on their transcript, students must complete a four-course sequence. This sequence is typically completed over four semesters; however, alternative options are available. Please confer with the Honors Director to discuss alternatives.
Applicants will be selected based on a combination of admission criteria:
- Be pursuing an Associates degree
- Completed admissions request
The introductory Honors course is open to all students at Red Rocks Community College. Students must successfully complete each course to advance through the required HNR sequence. Once a student begins the Honors Program, they will need to maintain a rolling GPA of 2.5 or higher to continue registering for HNR courses. This is to assure that taking Honors courses support student success, rather than distract from a student's primary degree path.
All students working toward an Associates Degree may participate in the Honors Program.
Any student may enroll in the introductory HNR course. Students should use the application link to fill out an expression of interest form.
No, there is not an additional application fee for the Honors program.
Honors classes do not cost students more than non-honors classes.
College credits taken in high school are accepted on a case by case basis.
Honors courses are currently offered only during the morning and afternoon. There are currently no Honors courses offered during evening hours.
Currently, students interested in Honors must complete a four-course sequence.
The Honors curriculum is compatible with all RRCC Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs. The Honors curriculum is not compatible with most Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees or any Certificate program at this time.
No. Honors course grades are calculated in the same way as any other course grade towards GPA. Honors courses are designated with an “H” distinction on student transcripts.
Students may register for the introductory HNR course in either Fall or Spring Semester, within the normal deadlines for class registration. Formal expressions of interest are open twice a year, typically July-September, and then December-February. However, inquiries and written expressions of interest can be made at any time of year by writing to the Honors Director.
Yes, however, HNR courses must be taken in sequential order unless otherwise approved by the Honors Director.
Yes, Honors students will be expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA.
The Honors program is intended for students who will spend two years at RRCC. We understand however, that circumstances may cause students to leave before two years of study are completed. Any Honors coursework completed will be evident on your transcript.
While students in regular classes read almost entirely from a textbook, Honors students read a variety of sources beyond the textbook; as a result, Honors class discussions explore a wider range of perspectives. Honors classes incorporate experiential and active learning. Honors writing and research assignments are more sophisticated than those in non-Honors classes. This is because class sizes will be limited and because students will be selected on their record of successful academic work and high achievement.
Honors classes will never exceed 25 students and in many cases may have significantly fewer students.
Yes! Honors sections will have an H in the section number. There are at least three offered each semester and this is a great way to try out Honors or just take a deeper dive into a subject you love.