Honors FAQ

The CBU Honors Program offers a variety of ways to enrich your college experience by balancing a rigorous curriculum with a plethora of cultural, artistic, and social activities. 

So many! You become a member of an interdisciplinary organization that encourages learning beyond the classroom and will be able to participate in a variety of educational and social activities throughout each semester at little or no cost. The classes taken in the Honors Program are smaller in size and a variety of special topics courses are offered. Many Honors Program students are visible leaders on the CBU campus and in the community who are involved in a variety of areas such as Student Life, Athletics, and Campus Ministry. Upon graduation with an Honors Diploma you receive a special designation on the diploma itself, are publicly recognized at the commencement ceremony, and receive an Honors medallion to wear at commencement. Additionally, graduating students receiving the Honors Diploma will receive a special gift and a swanky dinner. 

No. While you may receive scholarships from the University due to your academic merit, there are no scholarships offered by or based on your membership in the Honors Program.

Yes and no. The Honors Program does not require you to perform community service nor prove any hours of work. The Honors Program supports and sometimes hosts community service activities where all members are invited to participate, such as September of Service.

All students who are able to demonstrate a high level of academic ability and motivation, are encouraged to apply. The selection process weighs several factors, including test scores (if available), high school GPA (3.0 or above), extracurricular involvement, and demonstration of writing ability. If you are currently enrolled at CBU but are not a member of the Honors Program, we encourage you to apply if you meet the above requirements or feel that you have other academic qualifications that make you eligible. 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Honors Program, you should complete application materials for admission at CBU and then the separate application for the Honors Program, accessible on the Honors Program website. All applicants are required to fill out the application form in full, which includes an essay portion.  

Yes. Students who are currently enrolled at CBU but are not members of the Honors Program or students who are transferring to CBU from another university are encouraged to apply if they meet the above requirements or feel they have other academic qualifications that would make them eligible. 

The CBU Honors Program requires a basic level of participation. As a member, you are required to participate in at least a certain number activities each semester (10 for freshmen, 8 for sophomores, 6 for juniors and seniors). Activities can include Honors classes, extracurriculars, service projects, etc. However, students are encouraged to take advantage of the extensive extracurricular opportunities, enriched courses, and social environment offered by involvement in the program beyond the minimum requirement. If you are no longer interested in the program, it is recommended you express this to the Honors Program Director instead of falling inactive. 

Yes. There are participation requirements for Honors Program members. As a member, you are required to participate in at least a certain number activities each semester (10 for freshmen, 8 for sophomores, 6 for juniors and seniors). If you fail to meet these participation requirements for two semesters you will no longer be considered a member of the Honors Program. 

No. You must apply to be in the Honors Program and you will be notified by the Honors Program Director whether or not you are admitted into the program for that academic year. Selection is not determined by criteria alone, but through the application process. 

No. The Honors Program does not require you to maintain a certain GPA throughout your four years. However, in order to graduate with an Honors Diploma, you must possess a 3.2 cumulative GPA at graduation along with having taken at least seven Honors Program classes and received a “C” or better including Honors Capstone (HUM 498).

The overwhelming majority of Honors Program activities are free. One exception is during the freshman year, students are expected to cover a portion of the cost of the overnight, freshmen retreat which includes all meals, lodging, and activities. Other exceptions include other road trips and the rare “You Pay” event. 

A total of seven Honors courses must be taken with a grade of “C” or better including Honors Capstone (HUM 498). You must also possess a cumulative GPA of 3.2 at graduation to receive the Honors Diploma. 

There is no prescribed list of Honors courses that must be taken but most students begin by taking Honors World Literature I and II during their first year which substitutes for English Composition I and II and English Literature. One course that all students must take in order to receive an Honors Diploma is Honors Capstone (HUM 498) traditionally taken during one’s senior year. 

No, the Honors Program does not require the student to enroll in Honors courses, but Honors students get first priority in the many interesting Honors courses, often including special topics not usually covered in regular studies.

The Honors Program’s Board of Directors is a group comprised of standout, enthusiastic individuals in the Honors Program that serve in an active and advisory capacity to the Director. Honors Program’s Board of Directors members help plan, organize, and execute all of the activities sponsored by the Honors Program. Board members typically “adopt” a few activities or events each semester in which they are in charge of publicizing, organizing, getting materials, and hosting. They also are ambassadors for the Honors Program in general by encouraging members to participate in Honors events, take Honors courses, and help recruit potential CBU Honors Program students.

In the spring of each year the Honors Program Director solicits applications for the Board from current Honors Program members. Board members are selected based on personal and academic characteristics, participation in/commitment to the Honors Program, and their fit within the current constellation of the board (with regard to majors, years, personalities, etc.). 

Each semester, the Honors Program’s Board of Directors plans a variety of events for honors students. Activities may consist of outings to art galleries, a freshman retreat, a camping retreat for upperclassmen, lectures, professional development events, a murder mystery night, game nights, Broadway and other theatrical productions, dances, Honors conferences, and many 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.