About Us

About the Program

The University Honors Program (UHP) was established in 1960 to honor the fundamental values of SIUC as a public access, comprehensive research university. Our mission statement reads:

SIU embraces a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, innovation in research and creativity, and outstanding teaching focused on nurturing student success. As a nationally ranked public research university and regional economic catalyst, we create and exchange knowledge to shape future leaders, improve our communities, and transform lives.

The Honors Program lives by these values, offering students opportunities to develop their own unique strenghts and passions; to combine the resources of the university in ways that are closest to their dreams. The typical Honors student does not just have a high GPA. Rather, they combine academic excellence with the ambition to make a difference and contribute to their communities. We mentor each student individually through their undergraduate years guiding them through our goals of Learn. Lead. Serve.

Meet Our Mentors Meet Our Honors Staff

Meet Our Honors Mentors

All Honors students are required to meet with their Honors mentor prior to registration each semester. This is in addition to advisement within your major. Ideally, Honors mentoring and course selection should take place before the student meets with their major advisor. Honors mentoring is to ensure that the student is making satisfactory progress in the UHP and to make sure they are up-to-date on information and opportunities.

Mentoring appointments are for 30 minutes. An announcement will be made on The 4-1-1 requesting that you set up an appointment with your Honors mentor.

About your mentoring appointment:

Come prepared! Know your outstanding Core Curriculum requirements.
If you have questions about your major's degree requirements, contact your primary academic advisor prior to your visit with your Honors mentor
Be on time! It is essential that you arrive on time; if you are late for your scheduled appointment, you risk being bumped to a later time slot.
If you need to cancel, please contact the office ahead of time.

Name: Brenda Sanders
Title: Assistant Director
Phone: (618) 453-2838
Email: brendas@siu.edu

Name: Elizabeth Donoghue
Title: Assistant Director and Major Scholarships Coordinator
Phone: (618) 453-3471
Email: elizabeth.donoghue@siu.edu

Name: David Milley
Title: Assistant Director, Learning, Service, & Leadership
Phone: (618) 453-1691
Email: milleydr@siu.edu

Name: Charles Ruffner
Title: Director, University Honors Program
Phone: (618) 453-7469
Email: ruffner@siu.edu

Honors Advisory Council

The Honors Advisory Council is comprised of faculty representatives from all Colleges. The Council weighs in on the direction and vision of the Honors Program, selects courses to be offered as Honors seminars, and nominations for the Lincoln Laureate.