Why Honors?

There are many benefits to being a member of the Honors Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.  For no additional cost, the program provides access to the resources and facilities of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Students seeking a smaller community focused on experience-based learning opportunities will find the Honors Program an excellent way to supplement their education.  The program is focused on helping students dig deeper into their learning experiences.  Often students drawn to the program already plan to be actively involved in campus and community life.  The program provides students a framework through which to meaningfully reflect on those experiences and prepares them to articulate their improved competencies in ways that will benefit them personally and professionally.

Additional benefits honors students receive include:

Membership in a Learning Community

Honors student can choose to join our first-year Learning Community and later participate in one of the few Learning Communities available to upper class students.  First-year learning community students live on a shared floor in Preska-I Hall, take a common course and participate in team building activities.  Members of the upper class Learning Community are not required to live on campus, but come together weekly to work in teams on competency building projects.

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 and Seminars

Honors students participate in courses designed to support their portfolio development as well as smaller seminars exploring special topics related to competency growth.  Through the seminars, students can connect with faculty from across campus who enjoy creating innovative educational experiences and are dedicated to student success in and out of the classroom.

Priority Registration

Honors students who have earned less than 64 credits enjoy early registration privileges at Minnesota State Mankato. This allows students to schedule courses for their major around honors courses and activities and supports the most efficient path toward graduation.

Co-curricular Activities

As soon as they arrive on campus, honors students are invited to special co-curricular activities that foster their personal and professional development. Events may include dinners at faculty homes, special lectures and events on the Mankato campus or other regional campuses, personal discussions with national leaders, and service and consulting projects for regional non-profits and businesses. These opportunities are organized and paid for by the Honors Program.

Honors Designation Upon Graduation

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