Admissions

The CBU Honors Program pairs a rigorous curriculum with cultural, artistic, and social activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. You’ll engage with material and peers in ways the standard curriculum doesn’t make room for.

You join an interdisciplinary community with access to educational and social activities throughout each semester, often at little or no cost. Class sizes are smaller, and special topics courses cover material not offered in the regular curriculum. Honors students are frequently campus and community leaders and participate in student life, athletics, and campus ministry. When you graduate with an Honors Diploma, you receive a special designation on the diploma, public recognition at commencement, and an Honors medallion.

No. The University may award merit-based scholarships independently, but the Honors Program does not offer or control scholarship funding.

The Honors Program doesn’t require community service hours. It does support and occasionally host service activities, such as September of Service, to which all members are invited.

The program looks for students who demonstrate strong academic ability and motivation. Selection weighs test scores (if available), high school GPA (3.5 or above), extracurricular involvement, and writing ability. If you’re currently enrolled at CBU but not yet a member, you’re encouraged to apply if you meet those criteria or believe you have other relevant qualifications.

Complete the standard CBU application and the separate Honors Program application, available on the Honors Program website. The application includes an essay portion and must be filled out in full.

Yes. If you’re an enrolled CBU student or a transfer student, you’re eligible to apply at any point if you meet the requirements or have other academic qualifications that make you a strong fit. Given the challenging nature of the courses and the number of required courses to earn the Honors Diploma, it can be difficult to join after the sophomore year.

You can leave at any time. If the program is no longer the right fit, reach out to the Honors Program Director rather than simply going inactive. It makes the transition cleaner for everyone.

Yes. Honors students are held to a higher standard of conduct than the general student body. All members are expected to uphold high ethical principles, act as positive representatives of the program, and live out CBU’s Lasallian core values.
Membership is a privilege. Students who consistently violate program expectations, act in ways that reflect poorly on the program, or fail to meet academic or participation standards may be referred to the student conduct process, addressed by the Director and Honors Council, or removed from the program.
Students whose cumulative GPA drops below 3.2 are placed on probation for one semester. If the GPA reaches 3.2 during that term, probation is extended one additional semester. Failure to reach 3.2 by the end of that extension results in removal. Students removed for GPA reasons may petition for readmission once their cumulative GPA returns to 3.2. For readmission, send the Director an email explaining why you want to return and why you believe you can sustain Honors standing. Readmission is not confirmed until the Director responds in writing.
Students who go two consecutive semesters without completing an Honors course, or who fail to meet participation point requirements, may be placed on probation for non-participation. All students on probation must meet with the Director and establish a plan for returning to good standing.
If a GPA drop results from illness, mental health difficulties, or significant family circumstances, a student may petition the Director for continuation. The petition should include a brief explanation and relevant documentation. The Director, in consultation with the Honors Council, decides such cases and must approve continuation in writing with a deadline for reaching 3.2.

No. Admission requires an application, and you’ll be notified by the Director. You are not enrolled without applying.

You need a cumulative GPA of 3.2 to remain in good standing. If your GPA drops below 3.2, you’ll be placed on probation (see above). Summer coursework doesn’t count against you, but if summer grades bring your cumulative GPA to 3.2 or above, you’ll be restored to good standing.

No additional fees are required for Honors membership. Some events may ask you to cover a portion of the cost.

To earn an Honors Diploma, students must complete six Honors courses (minimum 3 credit hours each) with a grade of “C” or better, complete an Honors Capstone (HUM 498 or an approved equivalent), have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 at graduation, and meet the required Honors Program activity hours each semester.

There’s no prescribed sequence, but most students begin with Honors World Literature I and II in their first year (ENG 231 and ENG 232), which satisfies the English Composition and English Literature general education requirements. The one course required of all Honors Diploma candidates is Honors Capstone (HUM 498 or an approved equivalent), typically taken senior year. 

No. There’s no per-semester enrollment requirement, though we do recommend continued focus on completing your Honors requirements. Honors students do receive first-priority registration, including for special topics not available in the regular curriculum.

The Honors Board is a student group that plans, organizes, and runs Honors Program activities each semester. Board members take ownership of specific events (handling publicity, logistics, materials, and hosting) and serve as ambassadors for the program by encouraging participation, course enrollment, and recruitment.

Each spring, the Board accepts applications from current Honors students. You must shadow the Board before applying.

Events vary by semester and are planned by the Honors Board. Past activities have included art gallery visits, a freshman retreat, an upperclassman camping retreat, lectures, professional development events, theatrical productions, Honors conferences, game nights, and more. 

Exactly! If you meet the requirements to join the Honors Program, then there is no good reason to miss the opportunity to be a member by not applying. The Honors Program enables students to make the most of their college experience.