Pre-Approved Experiences
Each of the 50+ pre-approved experiences is a unique opportunity with experiential components and built-in reflection. They cover a variety of topics and types of involvement from campus, to the local Cincinnati community, and even destinations domestic and abroad.
The pre-approved experiences will count as honors experiences if completed as directed by the contact listed for each experience, and showcased in your learning portfolio within one month of completing the experience. Application deadlines can be months earlier than the beginning of the experience, so plan accordingly.
Important Considerations
- Please note that some of the programs listed on these pages have competitive application processes and/or specific deadlines. For more information about a particular program/project, please visit the website or contact the individual listed below.
- Most pre-approved experiences can only be counted one time as an honors experience; if you are completing a pre-approved honors experience for a second time, please contact your honors advisor to see if it can count as an additional experience.
- Pre-approved experiences are listed below in alphabetical order.
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|
1 |
Contact your Honors Advisor for information. | Research |
UHP Ambassador Leadership Team 1 |
This is a 12-month commitment. Students must be a current UHP Ambassador. Apply by early summer. Contact Lily Davenport for information. | Leadership |
UHP Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program (RaMP) 1 |
The application opens late fall and research takes place in spring. Contact Victoria Cullen for information. | Research |
|
2 |
Apply in early February. Contact Zach Jung for information. | Research |
|
1 |
Complete an interest form, available mid-August for Fall semester and early January for Spring semester; Students must be leaders of their campus or community organization to participate. Students who fully participate through a full semester can earn one honors experience. Contact Vikki Kowalczyk for information. | Leadership |
|
1 |
This is a tabletop role-playing experience that meets once a week throughout the semester. Contact Kyle Key for information. | Community Engagement |
Welcome Event Student Leader for UHP (mentor or coordinator) 1 |
Contact Jose Jacobo for information. | Leadership |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences |
Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
A&S Co-op 1 |
A&S Co-op is an optional way for students to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences. Students must report the experience in Handshake for approval and then register for COOP 2000/3000 or 4000 to count as an honors experience. Contact Loren Papin for more information. | Community Engagement |
|
1 |
The Lead Tutors manage Bearcat Buddies tutors. This experience lasts the entire academic year. Contact Antione Spriggs for more information. | Leadership, Community Engagement |
Bearcat Buddies Ambassadorship 1 |
The Ambassadors play a critical role in recruitment and give valuable input. This experience lasts the entire academic year. Contact Antione Spriggs for more information. | Leadership, Community Engagement |
Bearcats Pantry Outreach Ambassadorship 1 |
Aid the Bearcats Pantry & Resource Center with our outreach projects to increase our footprint across UC. Open to all UHP students interested in basic needs and food insecurity support on campus. This experience lasts the entire academic year. Contact Lauren Sprout for more information. Application for 25-26 is open until August 1; selections will be made by August 8. This experience is unique to UHP students. |
Community Engagement |
|
2 |
Students apply during early spring semester and the experience happens over the summer. Contact Tiffany Dolder-Holland for more information. | Leadership, Community Engagement |
|
1 or 2 |
The number of experiences and UHP grant recommendation is determined by length of time abroad. Contact UC International for more information. | Global Studies |
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) 2 |
Students apply during the fall for the following summer. Contact Michele McDonald in Nationally Competetive Awards (NCA) for more information. | Global Studies |
Crossroad Health Center Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) 1 |
Applications for this experience are generally due 2 months before the start date. Contact Crossroad Health Center for more information. | Community Engagement |
Gen-1 Alpha Ambassador 1 |
Apply for this experience in spring semester. Contact Amber Conley for more information. | Leadership |
Gen-1 Program First Year Experience 1 |
Apply for this experience as part of the UC admissions process. Contact Amber Conley for more information. | Community Engagement |
GlobeMed GROW Internship 1-2 |
Contact UC GlobeMed for more information. | Global Studies, Community Engagement |
Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) 1 |
Contact HOSA for more information. | Global Studies, Community Engagement |
|
1 |
Open to all students who are interested in collaborating on innovative ideas. Meets weekly every semester (including summer). Complete the Interest Form or email Candace Wade with questions. Students must be eligible for the program stipend to count as an experience. | Creativity |
|
1 |
Open to all students who have completed Innovation Challenge 1 and are looking to take their idea to the next level. Meets weekly every semester (including summer). Complete the Interest Form or email Candace Wade with questions. Students must be eligible for the program stipend to count as an experience. | Creativity |
International Undergraduate Student Ambassador 1 |
This pre-approved honors experience promotes global citizenship and connecting international students from all over the world. International Undergraduate Student Ambassadors are current UC students who represent a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines. They serve as guides and mentors by sharing their personal experiences with life at UC and in the U.S. Ambassadors connect with prospective students around the world through Zoom, WhatsApp, WeChat, email, and more, offering their insight into student life, academics, housing, food, climate, cultural transitions, and building community as an international student. This semester-long program empowers ambassadors to build intercultural communication skills, develop leadership through storytelling, and contribute meaningfully to the global Bearcat network. Contact Hannah Girman for more information. |
Leadership |
International Virtual Collaboration Experience 1 |
This experience is open to STEM majors across UC. Students will collaborate virtually with students at a university abroad to solve a global problem and develop cross cultural and problem solving skills. The experience takes place virtually during spring semester and can be extended if needed. Contact Dr. Cedrick Kwuimy during fall semester to express interest. | Global Studies, Creativity |
Learning Commons Academic Coach 1 |
Academic Coaches meet with UC students one on one and help them identify and strengthen college success skills and academic habits (topics include but are not limited to time management, active reading, taking class notes, studying, and motivation). For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Academic Writing Center (AWC) Tutor 1 |
Academic Writing Center (AWC) Tutors are UC students who are interested in providing academic support to their fellow students. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Content Review Leader (CRL) 1 |
Content Review Leaders (CRLs) promote active learning and sustainable study habits for students through group-based Content Review Sessions. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Learning Assistant (LA) 1 |
Learning Commons Learning Assistants (LAs) work in a small team with faculty members to implement application-based teaching approaches, often in large-lecture classrooms, to promote active learning and transform course curriculum. Common in-class LA responsibilities may include facilitating group discussions, guiding student groups through problem sets, and addressing student questions through redirection and collaboration. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
|
1 |
Peer Tutors are UC students who are interested in providing one-on-one academic support to their fellow students. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Peer Coordinator 1 |
This experience is for all Learning Commons Coordinator positions including SI, coaching, etc. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement, Leadership |
|
1 |
SRS Leaders are UC students who are interested in providing academic support to their fellow students. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Success Skills Workshop Peer Educator 1 |
The Success Skills Workshops Peer Educator’s role is to present and facilitate students through pre-built interactive presentations. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Supplemental Instructor (SI) Leader 1 |
SI Leaders are assigned to historically difficult courses to develop review sessions designed to integrate what to learn with how to learn. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement |
Learning Commons Peer Leader/Facilitator 1 |
Peer Leaders (PLs) and Peer Facilitators (PFs) within the Learning Commons are upper-class students who provide academic support, mentor and facilitate Learning Community (LC) meetings throughout the year. For more information, email LearningCommons@uc.edu. Note: Prior to Fall 2025, this was eligible for COOP 2000/3000 enrollment or could be used as a self-designed experience. |
Community Engagement, Leadership |
Marian Spencer Scholars Executive Team 1 |
This experience is open to students in the Marian Spencer Scholars program only. | Leadership |
Marian Spencer Scholars International Travel 1 |
This experience is open to students in the Marian Spencer Scholars program only. | Global Studies |
NEXT Innovation Scholars Innovation Advancement Project 1 |
This experience is open to students in the NEXT Innovation Scholars program only. Contact Aaron Bradley for more information. | Creativity |
NEXT Innovation Scholars Leadership Development Pathway 1 |
This experience is open to students in the NEXT Innovation Scholars program only. Contact Aaron Bradley for more information. | Leadership |
Office of Nationally Competitive Awards Fulbright Bootcamp 1 |
This experience takes place over the summer. Students must be applying for a Fulbright award to participate and must complete the registration form. Students must participate in the Bootcamp and complete and submit a Fulbright application for this to count as a pre-approved experience. Contact Jenny Hyest for more information. | Community Engagement |
PD 1015 Peer Instructor 1 |
Students enroll in COOP 3031. Contact Crystal Pfander for more information. | Leadership, Community Engagement |
|
1 |
Students from across the country attend a week-long camp for engineering experiences. Each week provides a different experience. Camp counselors assist with camp, operationally and logistically. Contact Blaire Bartish for more information. | Community Engagement, Leadership |
PDCI E2 First Year Learning Seminar TA 1 |
Attend our Monday seminar course to take attendance, grade assignments, and open modules each week . Contact Andrea Talbott for more information. | Leadership |
PDCI E2 2nd-5th Year Learning Seminar TA 1 |
Attend our Monday seminar course to take attendance, grade assignments, and open modules each week. Contact Andrea Talbott for more information. | Leadership |
|
1 |
Apply to work in the PDCI Office and support staff and students! Contact Kelsi Goins for more information. | Leadership |
Peer Educator-Student Wellness Center 1 |
Peer Educators assist with programming and outreach across campus to educate students about relevant issues related to health and wellness that impact our campus community. Peer Educators dedicate at least 10 hours per week to working in the role, whether behind the desk in our student space welcoming students in and answering questions, or planning and executing wellness related events and tablings. Peer Educators educate, assist, and refer their peers to wellness services and resources in an evidence informed, non-judgmental way. Contact the Student Wellness Center for more information. | Community Engagement, Leadership |
Student Orientation Assistant (SOA) 1 |
Contact the New Student Orientation Office for more information and application deadlines. | |
Student Orientation Coordinator (SOC) 2 |
To be a SOC, a student must successfully complete being a SOL first. Contact New Student Orientation Office for more information on the position. | Leadership |
Student Orientation Leader (SOL) 2 |
Contact the New Student Orientation Office for more information and application deadlines. | Community Engagement |
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2 |
Contact Dr. Sherry Thornton or Kerissa Preston for questions. | Research |
Taft Undergraduate Research Award 2 |
Apply for this award to pursue research by early March. Contact the Taft Research Center for more information. | Research |
|
2 |
Students must register for INT3030 Section 2. Applications are reviewed on rolling basis and students receive 1 experience for the seminar and 1 experience for the internship. Contact Brodie Theis for more information. |
Community Engagement |
UC International Spring Break Trip 1 |
Opportunity for international students to explore a vibrant and historically rich US city. Applications open in December for the following spring break. Contact Corrie Cicale: cicalecm@ucmail.uc.edu for more information and to apply. | Global Studies |
UK Fulbright Summer Institutes 1 |
Contact Jenny Hyest in the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards for more information. | Global Studies |
UpSpring 360 Summer Camp for Children Experiencing Homelessness 1 |
Applications open March/April for June 10-July 17, 2025 paid internship. Contact Jordan Mitchell for more information. | Community Engagement |
|
1 |
Explore your early-stage, scalable business idea through the Venture Lab. Apply online today! Cohorts are every semester. Contact Candace Wade with questions. This experience will be added to your UHP record after successful completion of the program. | Creativity |
|
1 |
Available for students who have completed the Venture Lab Accelerator and are looking to take their idea to the next level. Contact Candace Wade with questions. This experience will be added to your UHP record after successful completion of the program. | Creativity |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips. | Global Studies |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
A&S Ambassador Executive Board 1 |
A&S Ambassadors play a crucial role in recruitment for the college. All students interested must serve a minimum of 1 year and demonstrate full commitment to their role on the board during this year-long time period. Please contact Sydney Johns if you are interested. | Leadership |
A&S Co-op 1 |
A&S Co-op is an optional way for students to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences. Students must report the experience in Handshake for approval and then register for COOP 2000/3000 or 4000 to count as an honors experience. Contact Loren Papin for more information. | Community Engagement |
|
1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips. | Global Studies |
Mexico: Landsacpes & Legacies of the Yucatan 1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips. | Global Studies |
Ireland: The Ancient Landscapes of Leinster 1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips. | Global Studies |
|
1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips. | Global Studies |
Germany: Language, Culture, and Environments in Berlin 1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips. | Global Studies |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Contact Erin Bove for information. | Global Studies |
|
1 |
Must be a PACE Leader prior to applying. Contact Weston Atchison for more information. | Leadership, Community Engagement |
|
1 |
Apply via LCB. Students can complete this experience up to two times. Contact Lauren Thomas for more information. | Leadership, Community Engagement |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Contact Erin Bove for information. | Global Studies |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Contact Erin Bove for information. | Global Studies |
|
1 |
Local students participate in a robotics competition. Current students build and create the competition; Students assist with local schools . Contact Blaire Bartish for more information. | Community Engagement, Leadership |
South Africa: Educational Systems in Southern Africa 1 |
Faulty-led study tour. Apply through UC Study Abroad. | Global Studies |
School of IT Success Coach 1 |
Students work up to 20 hours per week over the course of the semester connecting with, supporting, and collaborating with first year IT students. Contact Kelsey Tippitt for more information. | Community Engagement |
| Undergraduate Research in Criminal Justice | Students must complete an application at the link provided and register in CJ3002 or CJ4096. Contact Dr. Manchak for more information. | Research |
United Kingdom: Criminal Justice in Scotland 1 |
Faulty-led study tour. Apply through UC Study Abroad. | Global Studies |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
Emerging Engineers Leadership Program 1 |
Lead students through the Summer Bridge programs and provide leadership within the classroom as Teacher Assistant’s for a 6-week program. During this summer, you will learn about your leadership style, leadership values, advocacy, discovery, and peer mentorship. Contact Andrea Talbott for more information. | Leadership |
Emerging Engineers Peer Mentor Program 1 |
Participate in the Learning Community and lead first year students; Act as a mentor to first year students, provide advocacy, engage, create belongingness, and assist with instilling confidence. Contact Andrea Talbott for more information. | Leadership |
Engineers Without Borders International Travel 1 |
Travel location and dates vary each year based on on-going projects. Contact UC EWB for information and to join EWB. | Global Studies, Community Engagement |
Foundations of Engineering Design Thinking - Honors Research Experience 1 |
Students complete a group research project in their second-semester ENED foundation course. Contact Dr. Greg Bucks for information. | Research |
|
2 |
Contact Erin Bove for information. | Global Studies |
PDCI Day Camp Counselor/Volunteer 1 |
Students from across the region will attend a day camp or day experience within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. College students will be responsible for day of coordination, assisting with Program Manager, and preparation for day. Contact Blaire Bartish for more information. | Community Engagement, Leadership |
|
1 |
Local students participate in a robotics competition. Current students build and create the competition; Students assist with local schools . Contact Blaire Bartish for more information. | Community Engagement |
Protege Undergraduate Research 2 |
Full-time, paid research over the summer after students' first year. Contact James Boerio for information. | Research |
Teaching Assistant at Chongqing University 2 |
Students spend 1 semester in Chongqing, China as a TA. Contact Sherry Liao for more information and to apply. | Global Studies |
Teaching Assistant for First-Year Engineering classes 1 |
ENED Peer-TAs play a critical role in welcoming first-year CEAS students, fostering a sense of belonging within the college, and cultivating these students' passion to pursue careers in engineering. Contact Jeremy Hill for infomation. | Community Engagement |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
Crossroad Health Center Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) 1 |
Applications for this experience are generally due 2 months before the start date. Contact Crossroad Health Center for more information. | Community Engagement |
GlobeMed GROW Internship 1-2 |
Contact UC GlobeMed for more information. | Global Studies, Community Engagement |
Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) 1 |
Contact HOSA for more information. | Global Studies, Community Engagement |
MEDS 3025: Study Abroad in the Medical Sciences 1 |
Apply for through UC Study Abroad for faculty-led trips in Fall and Spring semesters. | Global Studies |
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2 |
10-week summer research program. Students can apply to multiple programs of interest. | Research |
| Program Title & Number of Experiences | Description & Contact Person | Competency Area |
|---|---|---|
iLead Next Gen Manager in College of Nursing 1 |
Apply for this experience in spring semester. Contact Deborah Gray for information. | Leadership |
iLead Next Gen Mentor in College of Nursing 1 |
Apply for this experience in spring semester. Contact Deborah Gray for information. | Leadership |
iLead transition/transfer participant in College of Nursing 1 |
Contact Deborah Gray for information. | Community Engagement |
|
2 |
Apply for this experience in January of your third year. Contact Deborah Schwytzer for information. | Community Engagement |
Nursing Undergraduate Research Scholars Program 1 |
This is a 2-semester commitment during fall and spring. Students should apply by May 1 between first and second year. Students may re-apply if not accepted to the program. Contact Gina Britton for information. | Research |
UC Faculty and Staff Proposal for Pre-Approved Experience
If you are a current UC faculty or staff member running a program that you would like to have counted as a Pre-Approved Honors Experience, submit a proposal for a new pre-approved experience and the University Honors Program will contact you to discuss further.