Honors Program

Department Contact:

Director : Dr. Irene M. Wolf
Coordinator: Colleen M. Krug

Program Description:

The Saint Francis Honors Program offers a four-year curriculum that complements students’ major studies with intellectually stimulating coursework. Designed for curious minds across all disciplines, this program culminates in an original thesis project, challenging students to dive deeper into their passions while developing valuable critical thinking skills.

Mission:

The honors program at Saint Francis University provides opportunities to enhance the educational experience of students who are highly motivated and intellectually curious. With an emphasis on research, leadership, and community engagement, students participate in classes and self-designed mentored projects that encourage intellectual risk-taking, personal growth, and transformation. 

Vision:

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the honors program, students will be able to:

• Exhibit sophisticated critical thinking capabilities.
• Display advanced proficiency in communication.
• Apply ethical leadership practices rooted in the Franciscan principle of prioritizing the well-being of others.
• Execute substantial and thoughtfully planned projects proficiently from inception to conclusion.

Admission Requirements:

Any student wishing to be part of the honors program must submit an honors program application with an accompanying portfolio. Current Saint Francis University students may also apply within their first year and must include a recommendation from an instructor.

First-Year Students

• 3.25 quality point average (cumulative)
• Portfolio demonstrating ambition, determination, and attention to details.
• If a student does not meet this standard, they may include an additional statement on their desire to participate in the honors program.
• Interview with the Honors Program Director (or designee) if needed.
• Students deficient in one or more areas may be admitted to the program at the discretion of the Honors Program Director.

Current Students

Students beyond their first semester at Saint Francis who wish to enroll in the Honors Program may petition the director for admission if the following criteria are met:

• 3.25 quality point average (cumulative) 
• two letters/emails of recommendation from Saint Francis faculty who have taught the student
• interview with Honors Program director(or designee) if needed.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who defer their application for one semester or more may apply in accordance with the criteria for “Current Students” (directly above). Those who apply immediately will follow the criteria below:

• 3.25 quality point average (cumulative) from the transfer institution(s)
• two letters of recommendation from faculty who have taught the student at previous institution(s) or are enrolled in an honors program at their current institution
• interview with Honors Program director

Progression and/or Retention Criteria:

• Enroll in at least one honors course each year
• Meet with the honors program director for early registration
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Achieve a C or better in all honors courses
• A cumulative GPA below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters will result in dismissal from the honors program, allowing the student to concentrate on completing their degree.

Senior Honors Thesis/Project:

• Thesis/project is awarded a letter grade. The grade is determined by your thesis mentor.
• You must earn at least a “C” on the thesis/project in order to earn the Honors diploma.
• Thesis/project is directed by a mentor and two readers. 

Graduation Requirements:

A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:

• Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
• To receive the Honors diploma:
• you must have achieved at least a 3.0 (cumulative) GPA
• Complete the following courses, achieving a C or better
  • HNRS 101 Introduction to Honors: Leadership, Research, Community Engagement (CORE I substitute)
  • WRIT 102H
  • Two additional core curriculum courses (honors section only) 
  • CORE II Civic Responsibility and Citizenship Honors
  • HNRS 331 Directed Readings
  • HNRS 335 Thesis Prep
  • HNRS 444 Senior Thesis (CORE III substitute)
• Complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree