Honors Program

The Honors Program is a special program of educational opportunities; it is a sign of the college’s commitment to provide the best education for its best students, and its recognition that most students realize the quality of their education will help determine their future. The program unites students and faculty in small seminars and research projects that enable students to have greater freedom and responsibility for their education.

The program assumes that excellence can be achieved in any area of formal study, and that the most satisfying and rewarding form of learning occurs when curiosity is aroused.

The program helps students realize their educational goals in two levels. The first, General Honors, is designed for freshmen and sophomores. Students complete four special honors seminars in approximately their first four semesters. Each seminar is limited to about 15 students and is taught by faculty who have a reputation of excellence in teaching. Seminar topics vary and most seminars satisfy a general education requirement. Through student representatives on the Honors Council, all students in the program can participate in the development of the General Honors seminars.

The second level of this program is Advanced Honors. Ordinarily juniors and seniors are admitted to this portion of the program. Advanced Honors work continues the goals and ideals of General Honors, except the work is focused in the student’s major and requires that students design and carry out a project in research, in performance, in fieldwork, or whatever else would be appropriate to a particular major. Students share the results of their project with others. A number of academic programs have developed Advanced Honors opportunities for their students. Students should inquire about the availability of Advanced Honors opportunities in their field of study at the Honors Center.

Admissions to the Honors program will be based on a holistic review model used to determine eligibility for admission to the Honors Program, including a full review of academic factors included in the application such as high school average GPA of 92 or above, the type of coursework completed, SAT/ACT scores (not required), Regents exam grades (if taken), recommendation letters, and essay. Students who do not meet these standards but who would like to be in the program are frequently admitted after consultation with the Honors Program director.

Facilities include seminar rooms, a computer lab, a small library, and a pleasant study/lounge area. Students may contact us at Redcay Honors Center, Hawkins Hall 121-123, 518-564-3075, or visit our website.