Benefits of Membership

• Small, Intellectually Stimulating Classes:  The Shippensburg University Honors Program helps students continue to excel academically with its small, intellectually stimulating classes.  Honors classes are limited to 20-25 students, which allows for more personal interaction between students and faculty, lively discussions, and creative assignments.
• Honors Recognition on Transcript and at Graduation:  Honors students’ transcripts include an Honors designation, they receive an Honors cord to wear at graduation ceremonies, and they are recognized on the graduation program.
• Expanded Undergraduate Research Opportunities:  Through its Freshmen Orientation Program, the Honors Program helps students get started in undergraduate research projects.  A recent national survey of employers and graduate school admissions committees revealed that students who undertook independent research projects during their undergraduate careers had a significant advantage in gaining employment and admission to graduate school.
• Special Study Abroad Opportunities and Scholarships:  The Honors Program sponsors one-week spring break and three-week summer “Honors Abroad” opportunities, and students can earn Honors credits for their participation.  The Honors Program also offers scholarships to help defray the travel costs of students who study abroad.
• Special Seminars on Career Development and Applying to Graduate and Professional Schools:  Through programs like “Pizza with a Prof,” Honors students explore career opportunities in informal dinner meetings with professors.  The Honors Program also sponsors seminars to assist students who are interested in applying to graduate and professional schools.
• Special Cultural Activities:  Honors classes regularly visit New York, Washington, and other major cities to attend museum exhibits, concerts, and other cultural events.  Through the program “Uncommon Conversations,” Honors students enjoy the opportunity to meet in small groups with distinguished campus speakers.  Recent speakers have included actor James Earl Jones, Pulitzer-prize winning historian David McCullough, and award-winning author Alice Walker.
• Priority Scheduling:  Honors students schedule before other students on campus, which allows them greater choices in their selection of courses and professors.
• Honors Study Lounge:  The Honors Study Lounge is located in McCune Hall.  All Honors students have access to this comfortable and quiet study space.