Honors Program

The Honors Program is a close-knit community of enthusiastic, high-achieving students. It’s a unique, forward-thinking program designed for students who are committed to making the most of their studies. Students have the opportunity to engage directly with their professors and make meaningful, lasting connections with Honors Program faculty and other highly motivated students. Honors Program courses fulfill Utica University General Education requirements, so participating in the Honors Program does not impact time to graduation. It is designed to complement other educational programs and extracurricular activities, fostering academic excellence and intellectual growth. Whatever you plan to study, the Honors Program can help you make the most out of your Utica University education.

The Honors Program provides unique learning opportunities for high-achieving students, and promotes intellectual growth by engaging students with a multidisciplinary, seminar-based educational pathway designed to enhance critical thinking and foster an inclusive community that empowers students to expand their scholarly curiosity and become lifelong learners and leaders.

Students enrolled in the Honors Program will benefit from a host of advantages that include:

Scholarship Support: Students who participate in the program are eligible for an additional $500 that can be used for research, study abroad or another approved experiential learning opportunity. The University will support your out-of-class activity costs of up to $2,000 in your junior or senior year provided you remain in the Honors Program.
Early Registration: Priority registration each semester, ensuring the ability to get the courses and sections you want.
Special Honors Program Curriculum: Smaller, more personalized courses designed especially for Honors Program students.
Personalized Advising: Individualized advising support specific to the Honors Curriculum and custom-tailored to your academic program and range of interests.
Honors Housing: Opportunity to live in Honors housing with a vibrant community starting in the second year.
Special Activities: Unique opportunities within the Honors Association, a club combining service and social activities.
Honors Convocation: All Honors Program students who qualify will be invited to participate in the annual Honors Recognition Dinner which acknowledges the academic achievements of graduating Honors Program students.
Honors Transcript Notation: Special notation on your Utica University transcript indicating completion of the Honors Program.
Strengthened Credentials: Opportunity to work closely with faculty in Honors Program courses and on research projects in order to gain strengthened credentials and obtain stronger guidance and letters of recommendation for graduate school and career placement.
Special Community: A close-knit community of intellectually vigorous students.

Admission to the Utica University Honors Program is by invitation. Invited students typically will be notified by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions early in the spring of their senior year in high school.
In order to maintain a small and selective community, there are a limited number of spots available. Invited students are not guaranteed a spot in the program. In order to secure a spot in the Honors Program, students must accept their invitation to the program and submit the University Enrollment Deposit. There is no additional enrollment deposit required to join the Honors Program.
Typically there are more students interested in joining the program than there are spots available in the program, so some students who accept their invitation and pay their Enrollment Deposit later in the spring will be put on a waitlist and only admitted into the program if a spot opens up.
If you would like to secure your spot in the program but need assistance with paying the Enrollment Deposit, please contact the Honors Program Director by emailing Honors@chinadrifting.com.
Questions about the application process and admissions criteria should be directed to the Office of Admissions by emailing admiss@chinadrifting.com.

Students from the Honors Program stand in front of a desk.

The Utica University Honors Program provides unique learning opportunities for high-achieving students, and promotes intellectual growth by engaging students with a multidisciplinary, seminar-based educational pathway designed to enhance critical thinking and foster an inclusive community that empowers students to expand their scholarly curiosity and become lifelong learners and leaders.

To successfully complete the Utica University Honors Program, and have that achievement noted on their Utica University transcripts, students must satisfy the following requirements:
1. Complete an enriched program based on the General Education requirements described in the University catalog.
2. Complete a special section of Written Communication reserved for Honors Program students to fulfill the University’s Written Communication requirement and Information Literacy requirement. Honors Program students are exempt from the regular ENG 101 - Written Communication I (3) - ENG 102 - Written Communication II (3) sequence.
3. Complete a special section of Oral Communication reserved for Honors Program students to fulfill the University’s Oral Communication requirement.
4. Complete a special section of Critical Thinking and Reasoning reserved for Honors Program students to fulfill the University’s Critical Thinking and Reasoning requirement.
5. Special sections of courses fulfilling the University’s Quantitative Reasoning and Scientific Literacy requirements will be available and reserved for Honors Program students but are not required.
6. Complete an Honors Pathway Minor consistent with the University’s General Education requirements, comprised of interdisciplinary seminars developed for Honors Program students. Interdisciplinary seminars fulfill the following Honors Program Learning Goal: Integrate multidisciplinary knowledge and modes of thinking to explore a complex problem or intellectual question.
7. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 while in the Honors Program.
8. Adhere to strict standards of academic honesty and integrity. Instances of plagiarism will result in dismissal from the Utica University Honors Program.
In addition to the Utica University Honors Program, which is based on general education requirements, the University also offers opportunities to complete Major Honors, which is related to individual scholarship in the student’s major course of study. Visit the Graduating with Honors tab for more information. The Utica University Honors Program and Major Honors express Utica University’s commitment to supporting challenging academic opportunities that may serve as a model for the larger University community.

What is the history of the Honors Program at Utica?

The Utica University Honors Program began more than 35 years ago, the brainchild of Jermone Cartwright, emeritus professor of English. The program provides unique learning opportunities for high-achieving students, and promotes intellectual growth by engaging students with a multidisciplinary, seminar-based educational pathway designed to enhance critical thinking and foster an inclusive community that empowers students to expand their scholarly curiosity and become lifelong learners and leaders.

Are Honors Program courses harder than regular university courses?

Honors Program courses are designed to provide you with a qualitatively different experience from regular university courses. In other words, students in Honors Program courses are not expected to do more work but to do work of a different nature. Honors Program courses challenge students to think at a more complex level about issues and ideas, to be more independent and creative in their approach to learning, and to be more actively involved in the learning process.

How do the Honors Program courses fit into my regular academic program?

The Honors Program was designed to be accessible to students of all majors, regardless of how tightly structured their major is. Honors Program courses fulfill Utica University General Education requirements, so participating in the Honors Program does not impact time to graduation. It is designed to complement other educational programs and extracurricular activities, fostering academic excellence and intellectual growth.

Will being in the Honors Program make it harder for me to pursue my chosen major(s) and/or minor(s)?

No. The Honors Program curriculum is completely independent of your major and students in the Honors Program complete all different majors and minors across the University. The Honors Program is designed to complement your major of choice and be flexible enough that you can take your necessary major-related courses when you need them.

If I was invited to join the Honors Program, does that mean I’m guaranteed a spot?

Unfortunately, no. In order to maintain a small and selective community, there are a limited number of spots available. Invited students are not guaranteed a spot in the program. In order to secure a spot in the Honors Program, students must accept their invitation to the program and submit the University Enrollment Deposit. There is no additional enrollment deposit required to join the Honors Program. Typically there are more students interested in joining the program than there are spots available in the program, so some students who accept their invitation and pay their Enrollment Deposit later in the spring will be put on a waitlist and only admitted into the program if a spot opens up. Questions about the application process and admissions criteria should be directed to the Office of Admissions by emailing admiss@chinadrifting.com.

Is there an additional enrollment deposit for joining the Honors Program?

No. In order to secure a spot in the Honors Program students must accept their invitation to the program and submit the University Enrollment Deposit, which is the general deposit required for Utica University, but there is no separate or additional deposit required in order to join the Honors Program.

I’m a transfer student, can I join the Honors Program?

Yes. While the option to transfer into the Honors Program is still fairly new, transfer students who are not “Core Complete” and who meet the admissions standards will be invited to the Utica University Honors Program. Transfer students can be invited into the Honors Program in the Fall or Spring. Questions about the application process and admissions criteria should be directed to the Office of Admissions by emailing admiss@chinadrifting.com.

I’m a current student at Utica University. Can I join the Honors Program?

Unfortunately, no. While we hope to be able to admit current students into the Honors Program in the future, at this time the program is only open to incoming first year students and select transfer students.

I’m pursuing a program that is completely online, can I be part of the Honors Program?

No. The Honors Program is not available to distance students as this time.

Do Honors Program students have to live on campus in Honors Housing?

No. Honors Program students do not have to live on campus. Many Honors Program students are either commuter students or live off campus. Additionally, Honors Program students who choose to live on campus can live anywhere they want. However, Honors Program students only get the benefit of priority housing selection if they choose to live in Honors Housing in Boehlert Hall. Visit the Honors Housing tab below for more information.

If I don’t maintain a GPA of 3.2 every semester, will I be dismissed from the Honors Program?

No. At the end of a student’s first year, they will receive a review letter informing them of their status in the Honors Program. If their GPA is below 3.2 after their first year, they will be put on probation and given a year to show improvement. Students who do not show enough improvement during their probation year will be dismissed from the program. Students who demonstrate enough improvement but still do not have the required 3.2 GPA will continue to have probationary status. Only students who graduate with the required 3.2 GPA will have the Honors Program notated officially on their transcript.

Can non-Honors students enroll in Honors courses?

Yes! Non-Honors students are allowed to enroll in Honors Program courses by permission of instructor. Please email the course instructor or email Honors@chinadrifting.com to obtain permission to enroll, if you are not a member of the Honors Program.

What are the different ways that students can graduate with Honors at Utica University?

Utica University offers three ways for students to graduate with Honors, and students can graduate with more than one Honors distinction:

Students who successfully complete the Honors Program graduate as Honors Program students
Students who successfully complete Major Honors graduate as students who earn Honors in their specific major. Visit the Graduating with Honors tab below for more information.
Students who graduate with a GPA of 3.4 or above graduate with Latin Honors. Additional restrictions and details about Latin Honors can be found in the Undergraduate Course Catalog, under "Academic Regulations" as well as on the Utica University Latin Honors Page.

If I graduate from the Honors Program, do I automatically graduate with Latin Graduation Honors?

No. Successful completion of the Honors Program requires a student to graduate with a GPA of 3.2 or above. However, only students who graduate with a GPA of 3.4 or above graduate with Latin Honors. Additional restrictions and details about Latin Honors can be found in the Undergraduate Course Catalog, under "Academic Regulations" as well as on the Utica University Latin Honors Page.

Do I have to choose between the Honors Program and Major Honors?

No. Many Honors Program students also choose to pursue departmental honors within their chosen Major. In academic departments that offer departmental honors, students often take honors sections of courses in that major and carry out research or creative activities in that field. All of this is compatible with, but distinct from, the Honors Program curriculum.

Can students in the Honors Program study abroad?

Yes! Many Honors Program students choose to study abroad. Courses taken abroad can count toward your Honors Program General Education credits. The Honors Program very much encourages students to consider studying abroad and often hosts special activities related to helping students learn about study abroad opportunities. Please email the Honors Program director at Honors@chinadrifting.com to ask about specific study abroad opportunities or for more information.

Can I complete the Honors Program if I have a double major or pursue a dual-degree?

Absolutely! Honors Program students tend to be ambitious and multi-talented and are more likely to have more than one major. Many Honors Program students have graduated with two or even three majors, or pursued a dual-degree, often while also completing a minor or two along the way. Even more impressive is the fact that these students usually complete these multiple majors/degrees within the typical four-year timeframe!

Is there a special graduation cord for students who successfully complete the Honors Program?

Yes! Upon successful completion of the Honors Program, students will be given a silver and purple graduation cord to wear at Commencement. In addition, students earning Latin Honors will be given a gold-colored tassel at the Commencement ceremony.

What is NCHC?

The Utica University Honors Program is a proud member of the National Collegiate Honors Council. NCHC is a professional association, whose mission is to expand and improve Honors curriculum at institutions of higher education. You can read more about NCHC here.

"Honors education is characterized by in-class and extracurricular activities that are measurably broader, deeper, or more complex than comparable learning experiences typically found at institutions of higher education. Honors experiences include a distinctive learner-directed environment and philosophy, provide opportunities that are appropriately tailored to fit the institution's culture and mission, and frequently occur within a close community of students and faculty” - National Collegiate Honors Council.

The Utica University Honors Program curriculum is consistent with the Institutional Learning Goals and the General Education Program Goals. Completion of the Honors Program satisfies the General Education Requirement.

Honors Program courses satisfy the following Honors Program Learning Goal: Integrate multidisciplinary knowledge and modes of thinking to explore a complex problem or intellectual question.

Honors Program Vision

Provide a multidisciplinary, innovative, and rigorous curriculum that inspires students to
Develop a broad perspective outside their major area of study.
Provide small and stimulating seminar classes that focus on active engagement with an in-depth exploration of unique topics that provide a rich diversity of perspectives.
Identify faculty who are especially interested in working with Honors Program Students and encourage them to create courses that explore exciting new topics, experiment with new pedagogies and teaching styles, and collaborate with other members of the campus community in exciting and innovative ways (Utica Strategic Plan, 2020-2025).
Attract motivated, talented students, and provide them a stimulating educational program that allows students and faculty in the Honors Program to develop meaningful relationships.
Provide a coherent and flexible framework of course options that allows for students to personalize their educational pathway while still building strong connections with their Honors Program cohort and fulfilling general education requirements.

Starting in their second year, Honors Program students have the opportunity to live in special Honors housing. Students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity must fill out a special interest housing form in the spring of their first year.

More information can be found on the Utica Housing Selection Website under "returning students".
Honors housing is located in Boehlert Hall, which is set up as suite style living (double and single bedrooms) with 6 or 7 students to a suite (two doubles and two singles, four singles and 1 double, or two doubles and three singles).
Boehlert Floor Plans: First Floor, Second Floor, Third Floor (these low-res files are the only ones available currently).
At least 3 people in a housing group (of 6 or 7) must be Honors Program students.

The Honors Association of Utica University is an organization for members of the Utica University Honors Program. They provide the opportunity to students in the Honors Program to gather together socially. They also work to preform service to the larger community. Some traditional events they hold are the annual Bald Mountain hike and an ice cream social.

LEARN MORE

Utica University offers three ways for students to graduate with Honors, and students can graduate with more than one Honors distinction:

Students who successfully complete the Honors Program graduate as Honors Program students
Students who successfully complete Major Honors graduate as students who earn Honors in their specific major (see more information below)
Students who graduate with a GPA of 3.4 or above graduate with Latin Honors. Additional restrictions and details about Latin Honors can be found in the Undergraduate Course Catalog, under "Academic Regulations" as well as on the Utica University Latin Honors Page.

Major Honors

In addition to the Utica University Honors Program, which is based on general education requirements, the University also offers opportunities to complete Major Honors, which is related to individual scholarship in the student’s major course of study. The Utica University Honors Program and Major Honors express Utica University’s commitment to supporting challenging academic opportunities that may serve as a model for the larger University community.

Major Honors offers students opportunities for intensive study and research in their major academic area, for working closely with faculty members and for understanding their discipline in relation to others.

Admission to Major Honors is by invitation and will be extended to continuing or transfer students whose performance in their first two years of college satisfies the requirements of the major department.

To earn Major Honors students must satisfy the requirements of the major department:

Usually, complete six credits in the major that has an Honors designation, and that culminates in an Honors project (research or creative activity) to be presented at the annual Student Research Day or another appropriate forum.
Achieve an appropriate cumulative grade point average.
Complete any additional requirements established by the major and kept on file in the appropriate school office.
Students who successfully complete Major Honors will have their achievement noted on their Utica University transcripts. Please note that Major Honors students are expected to adhere to strict standards of academic honesty and integrity. Instances of plagiarism will result in dismissal from Major Honors.

**General questions about Major Honors at Utica University should be directed to the Honors Program director by emailing Honors@chinadrifting.com.

Contact Us

Leonore Fleming

Director of the Honors Program and Associate Professor of Philosophy

(315) 792-4524

leflemin@chinadrifting.com

National Collegiate Honors Council Member

The Utica University Honors Program is an institutional member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, which annually provides interested Honors Program students and their faculty the opportunity to attend and present their work in a national honors forum. NCHC conventions are held annually in major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. such as Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Denver, and San Francisco.