The University of Lynchburg is excited to announce significant enhancements to its Westover Honors Program, which are designed to provide an enriched and more comprehensive academic experience for its honors students. 

The program is evolving to offer a wider range of course options and increased faculty involvement.

The core of the transformation lies in expanding the honors curriculum. Currently, Westover honors courses take the place of courses from the DELL curriculum, Lynchburg’s general education program. 

In the Fall 2025 semester, Westover students will have the opportunity to select honors variations of courses from a broader array of disciplines, including those within their major. 

An honors variant of an existing course requires a written agreement between an honors student and a professor, outlining the completion of an enriched curriculum in a course in which they are already enrolled. 

This approach allows students to delve deeper into their specific areas of interest and engage with challenging material at an advanced level.

“Honors variants will allow our students to truly personalize their honors experience,” said Dr. Rob Granger, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “By offering honors opportunities within their major, we are empowering students to become even more competitive in their chosen career paths. 

“They will gain a deeper understanding of their field, setting them apart after graduation.”

The honors curriculum will consist of a dynamic combination of dedicated honors courses and honors variants of existing courses across campus. This flexible model allows faculty to offer tailored honors experiences within a student’s primary course of study.

To ensure the program’s continued academic rigor and success, a dedicated committee of faculty will oversee the Westover Honors Program. This committee will be composed of representatives from all three schools at the University of Lynchburg, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives. 

Additionally, an honors director, nominated by the honors committee, will provide leadership and guidance for the program.

“We are committed to providing our honors students with the best possible academic experience,” said Dr. Jeremy Welsh, VP for academic affairs and chief academic officer. “The new committee and honors director will play crucial roles in maintaining the program’s high standards and fostering a vibrant community of scholars.”

These changes will not impact any Westover scholarships or financial aid packages. Students’ financial support remains unchanged, and the University of Lynchburg is dedicated to providing students with the resources they need to thrive in the Westover Honors Program.

This model of combining dedicated honors classes with honors variants in regular courses is one used by many universities, including Clemson, Radford, Virginia Commonwealth, The George Washington University, Western Carolina, West Virginia, Baylor, and Temple.

By expanding course options, fostering faculty involvement, and maintaining financial support, the University of Lynchburg aims to enhance its already vibrant community of scholars passionate about learning and intellectual growth. 

The evolution of the Westover Honors Program represents a significant step forward in providing an exceptional academic experience for the University’s most dedicated students.