University Honors Program

Learn. Lead. Serve.

The University Honors Program (UHP) is a university-wide undergraduate program that models the intellectual excitement and individualized attention of a small college of liberal arts and sciences within a comprehensive research university. It is designed to reward SIU's best students for their high academic achievements and ambition to contribute to society. We mentor each student individually, empowering them to take charge of their education; form enduring relationships; and develop life-long habits of thinking independently and working collaboratively. Through our motto of Learn. Lead. Serve we work with the whole student, introducing them to academic, leadership, and service opportunities on our campus and beyond.

Our distinguished faculty

Our Faculty come from all disciplines across the campus, create classes that innovate in concept and course design, and bring their research into the classroom. Faculty propose courses that introduce students to the ways in which their research and disciplinary background takes on some of our most compelling questions today. Each year, the Honors program explores a theme through some of our classes and events. Our theme for the Fall 2019-20 year is Survival.

Our Honors mentors

Your Honors Mentor will help you craft your own path through the rich offerings of a Research University and our area. Your mentor is your partner as you consider expanding beyond your major; look at research opportunities and scholarships unique to your strengths; and seek advice on internships, resume building, statements for grad school, and service opportunities, as you plan for life after graduation. Meet our mentors: Dr. Melinda Yeomans, David Milley, and Elizabeth Donoghue. Stop by and say hello!

Our award winning students

Our living learning community

Welcome New Students!

The University Honors Program is proud to welcome students on a journey of self-realization that explores all of one's potential. Our students are multi-faceted and ambitious about making a difference. They have an intellectual breadth and curiosity; often desire double majors or a couple of minors; have made an impact through service and extra curricular activities in their communities; and dream big.

Student Spotlight

Luis Prado, a senior from Westmont, Illinois, is working as an intern at the Williamson County 911 to analyze the current routes and geography patterns of the emergency responders. A big portion of Prado’s job is working with raw data sets to update the information and ensure personnel have access to the most accurate routes.

The Honors Curriculum

University Honors deepens and widens the college experience. We build foundations in multi-faceted thinking through an array of seminar-style classes that fulfil the University Core Curriculum. At the intermediate and advanced level, Honors students deepen their academic experience by independent studies/contracting courses and working on thesis with faculty.

University Honors Program | Southern Illinois University