Requirements for the Honors College

Honors College students need to maintain both good academic standing and participation requirements (together, these are called active status) to be eligible to register for classes and use Honors College perks, including priority registration. Students must also be working toward an Honors degree or credential. To stay in active status: 

Your First Year 

  • You must enroll in and complete two Honors College courses during your first two semesters (fall, spring, summer). There may be times where this isn't possible with each semesters' class offerings, so ask your advisor if you have questions or need help with scheduling.  
  • Usually, we recommend that you take an HNRS 1120/Legacy class in the fall, and an HNRS 2000-level course in the spring.  
  • You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 to stay in good standing. 

Your Second Year and Beyond

  • You must enroll in and complete one Honors College course per academic year. This could be one class during the fall semester and one class during the spring semester, or one class during the fall semester and one class during the summer semester. 
  • You'll need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 to stay in good standing. 

Transfer/Alternative Entry Path Students 

  • If you are admitted to the Honors College and have more than 30 credit hours at UNM or the school you transferred from, we strongly encourage you to take an honors course in either your first or second semester after being admitted to the Honors College. 
  • You'll need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 to stay in good standing. 

Our advisors will review your academic record a few times a year to make sure you’re still in Active Status and will work with you if you need any help getting back on track. Learn more about your options if you fall into Pending Active Status or Dismissal. 

Pending Active Status 

Pending active status is for students participating in Honors but who may need some additional support. If you meet the participation requirements for Honors but have a cumulative GPA between 2.8 and 3.2, you may be placed on pending active status.

Students on pending active status can:

  • Enroll in Honors classes
  • Continue working toward Honors credentials/degrees
  • Participate in Honors events and programs
  • Receive priority registration 

You'll be required to:

  • Meet with your advisor to make an academic improvement plan
  • Attend at least two events or workshops in the Honors College

Dismissal 

Beginning Fall 2026, if you have been on pending active status for more than two consecutive semesters, you will be dismissed from the Honors College. You will no longer be able to register for Honors College courses or receive Honors College benefits, such as priority registration or participation in our events and programs. 

You will also be dismissed from the Honors College if you:

Dismissal from the Honors College is meant for students to be able to focus on their academic journey as best fits their current situation, not as a punishment. We encourage dismissed students to reapply in future semesters! 

Dismissal Appeals

 If you would like to appeal your dismissal from the Honors College, schedule time with your Honors College advisor on Student Hub to discuss your individual circumstances. Once you review your situation with your advisor, you can formally appeal by emailing a letter to Honors College Chair Jason Moore (jrm@unm.edu) with the subject line “Honors College: Dismissal Appeal.” Decisions can take a few weeks, so please plan accordingly, especially if you are enrolled in any Honors College courses in upcoming semesters.