Honors Program

Dominic Prianti, Director

Mission Statement

The Gannon University Honors Program provides a challenging and supportive educational experience for academically mindful, ethical, engaged students from a variety of backgrounds. Through coursework and co-curricular activities, the Honors Program develops socially responsible global citizens through service, scholarship, leadership development, and coursework that encourages critical thinking, collaborative learning, and oral and written communication.

Vision Statement

Honors students will value knowledge in all areas of life while achieving distinction in their academic pursuits. They will be a diverse community of civically engaged leaders in their chosen professions and communities.

Additional Benefits

• Honors students have access to unique honors course sections that emphasize active learning and enhanced engagement between faculty and student.

• Honors students have access to specialized advising, faculty mentorship, and professional development to support their research, career development, and interests in graduate education.

• Honors students receive priority registration for course selection.

• Honors students have access to Honors Mentors to support them through their honors and Gannon experience.

• Honors students are eligible for additional global engagement scholarships to support travel opportunities.

• Honors students are supported in travel needs and resources required for conferences, leadership opportunities, and global experiences as part of the program experience.

• Honors students have access to the Honors Student Center and its amenities.

• Honors students receive special recognition at graduation and are awarded the honors medal upon honors program completion.

Special Features

Honors Council and the Department of Philosophy and Theology

The Department of Philosophy and Theology hosts the Honors Program and provides administrative support and academic expertise to enrich the Honors Program. A faculty advisor from the department serves each Honors student to help the students reach their full potential in the Honors Program and at Gannon University.

The Honors Council is a group of Honors students elected by their peers to lead student-organized programming for Honors and to advise the Honors Director on elements of the Honors Program.

Conferences and Travel

The Honors Program participates in the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) and the Northeast Region Honors Council (NRHC). Honors students have engaged and presented their research in conferences sponsored by these organizations at various locations including New Orleans, Baltimore, Chicago, St. Louis, Niagara Falls, Denver, and more.

University Honors Lounge

The Honors Lounge functions as a hub for the activities and engagement sponsored by the program. The lounge features study space, a treadmill desk, refrigerator, microwave, and couches. The lounge also offers honors students lockers to use upon request. The center is a comfortable place, conducive both to studying and socializing with fellow students and faculty members. The Honors Lounge is located in the Palumbo Academic Center, room 3210.