Why Honors?

Hear from our graduates:

• "Honors offers a unique academic experience, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a supportive community that fosters lifelong learning." – Sai Meghana Lakku, Aviation, '25
• "I enjoyed the community in the lounge" – Carly Abelson, Biology & Zoology, '24
• "It has allowed me to put myself out there and meet new people" – '25 Graduate
• "Honors pushed me to be a better version of myself and helped me reflect on what I did" – Elias Hakenso, Computer Information Technology, ‘25
• "I would highly recommend the Honors Program to someone who wants to stay involved on campus and in their community. It also provides unique opportunities that allow you to get out of your comfort zone and explore things that you might otherwise not have. The most positive experience from the Honors Program is the flexibility to choose which experiences I wanted to engage in for each competency." – Elizabeth Peterson, Accounting, '24
• "Any of the Honors staff that I went to for advising were very knowledgeable and involved in the help I was needing, which was very nice and refreshing to have that kind of help and support." – Payton Hedderman '24
• "I would recommend the honors program to motivated students eager to take advantage of new opportunities. I think the honors program can be personalized to prepare individual students for their future best." – Allyson Zuleger, Education, '25
• "One of the most positive features of the Honors Program was the emphasis on reflection. It encouraged me to think deeply about my experiences, helping me better understand myself, my passions, and my long-term purpose. Through this process, I gained clarity about the kind of impact I want to have in my career and personal life." – Oltjona Muca, Biomedical Sciences & Physics, '25

Additional benefits honors students receive include:

Membership in a Learning Community

Honors Students can choose to join our first-year Learning Community. Students take two common courses, have a peer mentor, and participate in academic and social activities.

Community Building and Mentoring

Students have access to the Student Lounge (MH 265) which features study, reading, and socializing spaces, computers with specialized programs, reduced priced printing for honors students, coffee and other light snacks. Additionally, mentoring relationships are developed with faculty, staff, and advanced students through socials, seminars, co-curricular activities, and formal meetings. The honors mentoring network is a great resource and provides students with general guidance, help in problem-solving, and assistance with future planning.

Courses

Honors students participate in courses designed to support their portfolio development. Students also have the option participate in the Honors Colloquium Course, which explores special topics related to competency growth. Through the colloquium, students can connect with faculty from across campus who enjoy creating innovative educational experiences and are dedicated to student success.

Co-curricular Activities

As soon as they arrive on campus, honors students are invited to co-curricular activities that foster their personal and professional development. Events may include lectures and cultural events on campus and in the local Mankato community, service projects with area non-profits, and attending regional conferences.

Honors Designation Upon Graduation

• Honors program graduates are recognized at Commencement and honors designation appears on their transcripts.