Davis Honors Challenge

Thompson Hall: the living/learning community of first-year Davis Honors Challenge students.

Davis Honors Challenge (DHC) is a open-application honors program for motivated UC Davis undergraduate students who want more challenging course work. All incoming first-year students, on-campus first-year students and transfer students entering UCD in the fall can apply for acceptance into the program. The program encourages students to "think critically, learn collaboratively, solve real-world problems by working in teams, improve oral and written communication skills, and develop new research skills." The program also provides participants with a range of academic services not offered to regular undergraduate students. The offices of the Davis Honors Challenge which moved to 1342 Surge III in Spring 2010. It was previously located in Room 162 Kerr Hall. Program details can be found at dhc.ucdavis.edu.

The Davis Honors Challenge is a part of the University Honors Program.

Program Expectations

First-Year Students

A victory tunnel while we raffled prizes at the New Student Welcome BBQ in Fall 2013.

Fall Quarter: • 1 Challenge Section/Course and • Understanding the Research University Seminar

Winter Quarter: • 1 DHC Freshman Seminar (FRS) • Maintain a B average in all DHC courses • Take all DHC Courses for a letter grade (not Pass/no Pass) • Maintain a cumulative UCD GPA of 3.25 or higher

Second-Year Students • 1 Challenge Section/Course (Fall 2012), and • 1 4 unit DHC Collaborative Research Seminar (Winter or Spring), and • 1 Honors Contract or DHC Freshman Seminar* (Contract could be done any quarter, DHC Freshman seminar most likely Spring) • Maintain a B average in all DHC courses • Take all DHC Courses for a letter grade (not Pass/No Pass) • Maintain a cumulative UCD GPA of 3.25 or higher * DHC-Only Freshman Seminars (FRS) Taught by DHC Faculty and only open to 1st-and-2nd-Year DHC Students.

A part of the University Honors Program art gallery in Spring 2013.

Third-Year Students • 1 Honors Contract (HNR 190X-1 UNIT GRADED) taken Fall, Winter, or Spring • 1 Project Preparation Seminar (HNR 190X-2 UNIT GRADED) • 1 Project Seminar (HNR 194-3 UNIT GRADED) • Note that the Project Preparation Seminar and the Project Seminar are a two course sequence which must be taken either Fall-Winter, or Winter-Spring • Maintain a B average in all DHC courses • Take all DHC Courses for a letter grade (not Pass/No Pass) • Maintain a cumulative UCD GPA of 3.25 or higher

Fourth-Year Students • Complete a year-long project or an Honors thesis.

Program Perks

• Check books out from the library for 3 months instead of 2 weeks as if they were grad students (you need to tell them when you get your library account)
• Personal counselors who will work with you to get the most out of your time at UC Davis
• Living in Thompson Hall with other DHC First Year students
• Priority Registration starting Winter Quarter of your Freshman Year

A group of third-year students after presenting at Convocation in 2013. First year students taking a silly photo in front of Wall Hall in 2011. DHC students getting competitive at our Games Night in 2012. DHC seniors at the UHP Completion Ceremony 2013.

2012-10-11 15:24:25   Being in the DHC has connected me with faculty, introduced me to like-minded peers, and best of all: a chance at the art-and-science fusion course taught by Dr. Ullman! It was the neatest class I've taken at UC Davis, and I wouldn't have had the opportunity without the DHC. Now after I graduate, I'll have an art piece in the arboretum to commemorate my time here. :) —RandomCandor