The Honors College at Auburn University is designed to provide a select cohort of high-ability students a means to experience, explore, engage, and elevate their academic dreams. The college offers four types of graduation distinctions, smaller class sizes, priority registration, undergraduate research and internship opportunities, study and travel experiences, access to graduate-level courses, peer tutoring sessions, flexible curriculums, and designated Honors housing and study areas. Students engage in an academically challenging set of courses and programs to provide a deeper understanding of the class material.
The Honors College houses students from every major and discipline across campus creating a diverse and collaborative community. Honors students participate in numerous student organizations, community service, and leadership opportunities.
Honors Student Interviews
Molly Grubb, Senior from Knoxville, TN
Major: Economics and Global Studies, Minor: Spanish and Public Health
HC: As a graduating senior, can you reflect a little bit on your time in the Honors College and how it has impacted your Auburn experience?
MG: The Honors College has impacted my time at Auburn both inside and outside the classroom. I would say that the connections made with the honors faculty and staff are what really helped me the most. I am able to experience this large school and all of its benefits while also having a smaller community through the Honors College. I truly believe that without my involvement in the Honors College, I would be graduating with less confidence than I have now. I cannot wait to see what I do next and that is all thanks to the amazing relationships I have formed at this University.
HC: Can you study abroad as an honors student and what do those opportunities look like?
MG: You most definitely can study abroad as an honors student. I had the chance to study in Italy last summer for almost three months! The Honors College also offers multiple opportunities to study abroad through the college under a program called Honors Study and Travel. If I had more time, I would have for sure participated in one of these amazing programs.
HC: What kinds of research opportunities have you been able to participate in as an honors student?
MG: The Honors College has so many amazing research opportunities that you simply cannot do them all in just four years! I participated in a research fellowship after falling in love with a research project I completed for an Honors contract. This fellowship turned into a publication which was such an amazing experience. I really do wish I had more time to participate in more of the research opportunities offered by the Honors College such as the Honors Research Scholar program.
Camylle Lollar, Junior from Hoover, AL
Major: Chemical Engineering
HC: How does the Honors College curriculum fit within your major curriculum?
CL: I am a Chemical Engineering student and even with our very unique course track, I have still been able to easily weave my Honors classes into my schedule. I personally decided to take most of my core classes as Honors and have had no problem contracting the more specific courses that do not offer an Honors section. I had a lot of help from my advisor on how I could map out my time at Auburn to easily fit within my Honors graduation requirements.
HC: What other things are you involved with outside of the Honors College?
CL: I am on the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChe) executive team, a Cupola Engineering Ambassador, and involved in research on campus. I’ve found that being an honors student on top of these involvement opportunities has allowed me a wide range of friendships and experiences outside of the classroom. One of the best things about Honors is that it is designed to fit in with what you’re already involved in! Taking on numerous roles has not interfered with my being an Honors student but rather enhanced my time here at Auburn.
HC: What is your favorite thing about being in the Honors College?
CL: My favorite thing about being in the Honors College is feeling like I am valued for my accomplishments. Honors makes every effort to support its students both academically and socially and you feel that as soon as you become an Honors student. You do great things on Auburn’s campus, and you get a family of people who support you and your goals in return!
Jack Janik, Senior from Katy, TX
Major: Mechanical Engineering, Minor: Tribology & Lubrication Studies
HC: Why did you choose to join the Honors College?
JJ: Being an out-of-state student, the notion of coming to college without friends or connections was daunting. However, the tight-knit fellowship, personalized advising, smaller class sizes, priority registration, and social events advertised by the Honors College were highly appealing. These available resources made my transition to college a breeze and was the beginning of some of my closest friendships at Auburn.
HC: Tell us a little bit about your involvement in Honors.
JJ: While at Auburn, I have remained involved with the Honors College through several student-led honors organizations. Before my first semester, I was a participant of the Week of Service, where I later served as a counselor responsible for planning the activities and service locations. I have also served as an Honors College Ambassador for three years. In this role, I have had the opportunity to network with current Auburn students and played a role in recruiting prospective Honors College students. Before the Covid-19 Pandemic, I volunteered with Honors Serves at Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental and as an ACT Tutor at Loachapoka High School.
HC: What has surprised you the most about being in the Honors College?
JJ: One of the most surprising aspects of the Honors College is the diversity of the student population and available resources. The Honors College has students from every college on campus, so there are many opportunities to interact with students of differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences. The available Lyceum and Seminar classes further allow students to diversify their studies and learn about topics they would not have been exposed to otherwise.
Allen Li, Junior from Birmingham, Alabama
Major: Political Science and Economics, Minor: Philosophy
Honors student Allen Li was awarded the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship this year, thanks to his work with LGBTQIA+ issues at Auburn University. As a sophomore Li developed the Inclusive Housing Project, which specifically addresses LGBTQIA+ student issues regarding the roommate matching process. Li developed a three-phase plan with Auburn SGA that focuses on prioritizing a safe space for students who may be dealing with harassment, misgendering, fear and anxiety.
HC: What does this award mean to you?
AL: It means a lot that an organization like the Truman Foundation recognizes the intersectionality of my communities and the work that I did through Auburn SGA and HRC (Human Rights Council). I am so excited to have a platform to magnify the work I’ve done at Auburn on a bigger stage and talk about issues in the LGBTQIA+ and AAPI community with leaders all around the nation.
HC: How did the Honors College assist you with this award?
The Honors College gave endless support and reassurance, as well as help with application edits – and of course caring deeply about the LGBTQIA+ community. Honors was also able to connect me with alumni that were incredibly helpful for interview preparations.
For more information about the Honors College please visit honors.auburn.edu. There you can learn about the many benefits of being an Honors College member, any requirements you may need, and an admission timeline. You can also set up a time to stop by for a meeting in-person or online.