The Honors Program serves a community of students who share an excitement for learning. It provides stimulating classes, close relationships with faculty mentors, Mercy service opportunities, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Activities include talks by prominent artists and scholars; luncheon conversations and discussions; and trips to museums, plays, and cultural events.
Students are invited to participate based on strong academic ability and motivation as evidenced by assessment of their previous records, performance on standardized tests, and the recommendations of teachers or counselors. The program is open to both first-year and transfer students.
Participation in the Honors Program not only provides top students with a rewarding academic experience, but also strengthens their applications for graduate and professional schools.
Upon completion of program requirements, graduating seniors receive the designation “In Honors” on their transcripts.
Program Outcomes
The student will:
- Demonstrate, through Honors class discussions, assignments and projects that she has developed a multi-disciplinary perspective on learning
- Demonstrate a high level of critical reading, thinking and writing in class discussions and projects
- Exhibit a commitment to deep and engaged learning through active participation in curricular and extra-curricular Honors offerings
Program Requirements
- Four Honors courses in arts and sciences that meet general education requirements
(Students entering the Honors Program after their first semester need three general Honors courses)
- Honors Independent Study project
(Students may substitute an Honors Service Learning seminar or approved Honors Study Abroad program for the independent study or one of the arts and sciences courses)
- Honors Capstone team-taught interdisciplinary course
- Maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA
- Participate in a minimum of two extra-curricular Honors events per semester
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