University Honors Program

University Honors Program

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The University Honors Program is designed to enroll, retain and reward academically talented students, encouraging them toward intellectual initiative and independence. These students, selected for their outstanding academic achievements, and monitored throughout a rigorous four-year matriculation, will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in highly competitive graduate or professional programs and to assume leadership roles both in their professions and in society.

The Honors Program is not an accelerated program. It tends to enrich rather than to accelerate the learning experience. It endeavors to meet the needs of those who would responsibly mold themselves by providing them with every possible opportunity for reaching a level of maturity, independence, and scholarly achievement that might not be possible without such a program.

Participation in the University Honors Program is by invitation. Academically talented freshmen are invited to participate on the following basis: SAT or ACT scores, high school record, commitment to the University Honors Program contract, and letters of recommendation from teachers, principals and guidance counselors. Students who matriculate without admission to the program may apply for admission to the University Honors Program at any time after the end of their first semester, but normally not later than the end of their sophomore year. Applicants must have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. Transfer students may be admitted on the basis of their previous college record subject to the approval of the director of the program.

Goals:

1. To prepare University Honors Program students to compete successfully for admission to selective graduate and professional schools.
2. To supplement courses in the major curricula with Honors seminars designed to help students think deeply and broadly about the major issues and concerns of mankind and society, both past, present and future.
3. To encourage and support international study and travel for University Honors Program students.
4. To provide experiences which promote the integration of the academic, social and leadership development activities provided during matriculation at the university.
5. To support, promote and encourage student attendance and participation in activities which lead to cultural growth and development.