Terms of Agreement

As a Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) student, in addition to completing university, college/school, and major requirements, CHC membership also requires adherence to the following CHC Terms of Agreement.

CHC students are expected to:

  • Complete Honors course requirements as defined by your unique CHC Curriculum Track. Completion of an Honors Thesis is included in all CHC Curriculum Tracks.
  • Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.400 or higher. 
  • Earn a grade of B or higher in all Honors courses.
    • Please note that while grades of B or better are required to satisfy CHC curriculum requirements, lower passing grades (D or better) may still satisfy other university requirements.
  • Meet with a CHC Advisor periodically, as needed, to review academic progress.
  • Understand that CHC Residential Community (CHCRC) housing is not required nor guaranteed. 
    • Acknowledge that all students must use the UMass Amherst residential housing process to select their housing preferences, which is facilitated by Residential Life Services .
    • Recognize that not maintaining CHC status with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.400 may affect the ability to request housing in CHCRC. See more information on the CHC Status Maintenance Policy here.
  • Pay the $300 university fee each semester for CHC membership benefits. Please note, this fee cannot be refunded after the add/drop period each semester, even if Honors courses are not taken.
  • Uphold the highest standards of academic integrity as outlined by the UMass Amherst Undergraduate Student Success Center’s Academic Integrity Policy. 
  • Be informed of all the CHC requirements and benefits as documented on the CHC website.
  • Check CHC and University academic status regularly using the SPIRE “Academic Requirements Report” (ARR) and the CHC PATHS Curriculum Tracking Sheet. 
  • Use UMass Amherst email to review emails from and correspond with CHC and UMass Amherst faculty/staff.

All CHC students must read and sign the above CHC Terms of Agreement (TOA) on CHC PATHS.