The Nova Series is the required first year experience for Honors students. Nova serves as an introduction to academic inquiry in the University Honors Program. Over the course of the academic year, students will attend a series of lectures to learn about the ideas and challenges that inspire experts from a wide range of disciplines.
Students will need to attend at least 8 lectures over the course of the academic year (12 lectures will be offered; 6 in the fall and 6 in the spring). Each lecture will be held from 4:00pm-5:00pm in Willey Hall 175. There will be an optional Q&A with the speaker following each lecture.
If Nova does not work with your schedule, please visit z.umn.edu/novalog for instructions on completing an alternative option.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nova and why is it required?
Many colleges and programs around the University designate a first-year experience to get you started on your academic journey. Rather than giving you another 1 credit class to fit into your schedule, the University Honors Program offers the Nova Series. This series is intended to give students context for academic inquiry and research that prepares you to ask the questions that will lead you to an Honors thesis. You will hear from experts from across the University as they share the ideas and questions that excite them. The Nova series is a space where you can sample different disciplines across the University and engage in your intellectual curiosity in addition to learning more about the Honors program.
Do I need to register for Nova Series? I don't see it on my schedule!
Nova Series is not a class. You won't see it on schedule builder or MyU -- no registration is required. As a non-course lecture series, we just ask that you keep the scheduled time available in your schedule (Fridays 4:00pm-5:00pm). We will automatically add students who need to meet the Nova Series requirement to a Canvas course where your attendance will be tracked, and reminders will be sent about upcoming lectures in the series.
I need to miss one of the lectures. Can I still complete this experience?
Yes. Attending 8 lectures will result in receiving credit for the experience, therefore an absence from one or two lectures will not impact your ability to complete it.
I can't make these times work, or I have an accommodation need. Do I have another option?
If Nova does not work with your schedule, please visit z.umn.edu/novalog for instructions on completing an alternative option.
What happens if I don't complete the Nova Series in my first year?
If you do not attend 8 lectures over the course of your first year, you'll need to complete an Honors experience to satisfy your Honors requirements for graduation. This would be in addition to the 5 Honors experiences that are already required.