The Honors First Year Experience
First-Year Honors Experience
The First-Year Honors Experience (FYHE) is the foundation of every student's journey through the UTA Honors College. Designed exclusively for students entering the Honors College directly from high school, this distinction introduces you to the people, opportunities, and experiences that define Honors at UTA while helping you build a strong foundation for success.
Students who successfully complete the First-Year Honors Experience are recognized during a special Honors celebration each spring before continuing to the next phase of the Honors curriculum.
Earning the First-Year Honors Experience Distinction
To complete the First-Year Honors Experience, students must:
- Complete any combination of three (3) Honors Courses, Contracts and/or Honors Experiences
- Complete three Gateways
- Maintain a 3.200 or higher GPA while participating in the program
Honors Courses
Honors Courses provide engaging, discussion-based learning in small classroom settings led by outstanding faculty. With the exception of Honors UNIV, Honors Capstone, and Honors Enrichment courses, every Honors-designated course counts as one Honors Course toward the First-Year Honors Experience, regardless of the number of credit hours it carries.
Gateways
Gateways are one- to three-hour academic, social, informational, or service events designed to connect students with the Honors College, the UTA community, and one another. Whether attending a faculty lecture, participating in a service project, or exploring campus resources, Gateways encourage students to engage beyond the classroom while building meaningful connections throughout their first year.
Honors Experiences
Honors Experiences are high-impact learning opportunities that take place beyond the traditional classroom. These experiences encourage students to apply what they are learning in meaningful ways through activities such as research, leadership, service, professional development, study abroad, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Why It Matters
The First-Year Honors Experience is an intentional introduction to the opportunities available through the Honors College. By engaging in Honors Courses, Gateways, and Honors Experiences during the first year, students begin building habits and connections that support long-term success at UTA and beyond.
Throughout the program, students are encouraged to become culturally aware, research engaged, individually accomplished, service and leadership oriented, and professionally developed. These five pillars shape the Honors experience and prepare students to make the most of their time at UTA while developing into thoughtful scholars, leaders, and engaged citizens.