Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > Academic Programs and Services > Programs > The University Honors Program

The University Honors Program

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Created in 1958, the University Honors Program at Loyola Marymount University seeks to offer an intellectually creative and rigorous academic community for outstanding students. Not housed inside of any given college or school, the University Honors Program is an interdisciplinary set of courses and activities designed to create life-long love of learning and the intellectual habits required to serve others. Although academic excellence is the hallmark of the program, the University Honors Program is equally committed to the education of the whole person, the service of faith, and the promotion of justice.

Students in the University Honors Program do not take the regular University Core courses. Instead, they participate in a series of interdisciplinary seminars that challenge as well as inform, ask hard questions as well as examine tested solutions, and create new solutions as well as ponder the implications of such solutions. Drawing from faculty from across the University, the University Honors Program provides a creative, demanding, and integrated curriculum for academically excellent students who are seeking a rigorous, multidisciplinary course of study to accompany their major(s) and minor(s).

The University Honors Program also offers co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and events, including "The University Honors Program Presents," a multidisciplinary, campus-wide lecture series featuring speakers and performers from Southern California and the nation. The Honors Summit is a retreat held at the beginning of the academic year that allows Honors students to get to know each other and learn about the program.

The University Honors Program is open to students from any school or college of Loyola Marymount University, regardless of major. The Program is administered by the Honors Director, the Honors Associate Director, and the Honors Program Supervisor with the assistance of the Honors Advisory Council. Faculty members of all disciplines are encouraged to be involved with the University Honors Program.

Students in the University Honors Program must maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA in order to continue in the program. Successful completion of the University Honors Program is announced at the annual Commencement ceremonies and noted on the student’s permanent transcript. Graduating students receive an Honors medallion to be worn with their academic regalia. University Honors at Commencement is of lasting personal, professional, and academic value.

Admission to the University Honors Program is open to all incoming and current first year students. The program is interested in students who display a sense of academic adventure, high motivation, academic rigor, personal responsibility, social awareness, and the constant pursuit of excellence. Incoming first year students must complete a special University Honors Program application (in addition to their application for admission to Loyola Marymount). Current first year students must schedule an interview with the Honors Director, presenting a writing sample from a class taken at Loyola Marymount and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Only a limited number of students who apply will be invited to join the University Honors Program. Application materials are available at http://www.lmu.edu/honors.