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Walla Walla Community College

What is the Honors program?

The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary program accessible to all students across the WWCC system (i.e., Walla Walla Campus, Clarkston Campus, North Campus, and remote learners) studying towards a two- or four-year degree in both Workforce, Transfer, and Trades and the Arts and Sciences. Said differently, all students taking college-level coursework may participate regardless of their educational pathway if they meet the merit-based eligibility requirements, including having earned a 3.5 GPA with at least 12 completed credit hours of college-level course work. Students can apply to the Honors Program if they meet these eligibility requirements using the form linked below.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE HONORS PROGRAM AT WWCC?

The Honors Program provides a flexible educational pathway for passionate learners to explore their academic interests more deeply with Faculty Mentors and engage in meaningful learning experiences with like-minded peers. Here are some of the benefits to students who participate in the Honors Program:

  • Even more opportunities to experience the joy of learning!
  • Connecting with peers across campuses.
  • An additional honor noted on your transcript.
  • An enhancement on scholarship application.
  • An enhancement on applications to four-year degree awarding institutions.
  • An enhancement to your resume when applying to jobs.
  • Extra recognition at the graduation ceremony with special regalia and notations in the program.

What is required to graduate from the WWCC Honors Program?

  1. Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA in college level coursework while fulfilling all of the ethical requirements of the WWCC student code of conduct, as outlined in the student handbook.
  2. An online Orientation to the Honors Program
  3. Three (3) Honors Projects in courses that are already included in their degree pathway (may be completed any quarter while enrolled at WWCC once accepted into the Honors Program)
  4. The Honors Common Read (offered online annually each Winter Quarter)
  5. Presenting at the Honors Symposium (held at the end of each May and has a virtual option)

Who will I be working with in the Honors Program?

  • Honors Faculty Mentors (student-selected)
  • Fellow WWCC Honors Program Scholars
  • The Honors Program Chair (Dr. Marley Olson)

Meet the Honors Program Chair!

image of Dr-Marley-Olson

Honors Program Chair: Dr. Marley Olson
E-mail:  [email protected]
Phone: 509.527.3682
Office: Room 2, Main Building (D), Walla Walla Campus
Winter Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Dr. Marley Olson completed her Associate of Arts & Sciences at Bellevue College in 2011 as a student in the Running Start program and then transferred to Pacific Lutheran University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2013 with a major in Sociology. In 2022, she earned her PhD in Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder where she specialized in health, medicine, and gender. Dr. Olson has taught at University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, and Pacific Lutheran University. Her research examines rare diseases with medically unexplained symptoms.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society offers opportunities for scholarships and connections for high-achieving students at WWCC.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society

What is PTK?

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the official honor society of WWCC, recognizing exceptional academic performance among students enrolled in certificate, associate, and bachelor’s programs. WWCC is proud to be the home of the Alpha Nu Phi Chapter.

Who Can Join?

  • Currently enrolled WWCC students in certificate, associate, or bachelor’s programs.
  • A 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher.
  • Completion of at least 12 credit hours in one of the eligible programs.

Why Join PTK?

  • Recognition as a PTK Elite Scholar.
  • Access to members-only scholarships.
  • Potential tuition discounts at transfer institutions.
  • Special graduation regalia (e.g., cords, stoles) to wear during the ceremony.
  • A community of fellow high-achieving Warriors.
  • Opportunities to participate in leadership and service through our chapter.

Learn More

Visit ptk.org to explore more about the PTK Honor Society.

Get Involved

Interested in joining? Submit an application here.

Chapter Leadership Team

Leadership team information: TBA.

Chapter Advisor

Dr. Marley Olson
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 509.527.3682