Brigham Young University Honors Program
Encyclopedia
The BYU Honors Program is a department within the College of Undergraduate Education at Brigham Young University
in Provo, Utah
. The program complements the university's educational agenda by providing the benefits of a small liberal arts learning community to interested students. These benefits include offering small classes with learning that challenge students to reach their highest potential; fostering a spirit of ongoing inquiry that includes undergraduate research in a mentored environment; and underscoring the importance of combining personal excellence, faithful discipleship, and meaningful service.
The program awards the distinction of University Honors, the highest distinction BYU awards its graduates. The distinction requires students to complete an honors curriculum requirement, a Great Works requirement, an Advanced Languages requirement, a service requirement, an honors thesis requirement, a graduation portfolio that summarizes the student's honors experiences—all while maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA.
, was nothing less than to "cultivate the best young brainpower in the nation." The first quarter century of the program's operation witnessed numerous administrative adjustments and curriculum changes in order to help fulfill Karl G. Maeser's vision of this hill covered with temples of learning.
The Honors Program's first home was in the Harold B. Lee Library
, where it functioned for many years in increasingly crowded facilities before moving temporarily to the Heber J. Grant Building. Innovative new courses were created, and the best possible faculty mobilized to provide a quality experience for students. One uniquely stimulating feature has been the freshman colloquium, and interdisciplinary forum taught by a team of three or more professors from different fields of expertise, and emphasizing integrated, mutual learning.
Perhaps the most significant development during these years has been the institution of an "open door" policy for Honors participation, making it possible for any capable student to take Honors classes and become involved in honors activities. Formal membership is no longer required. The BYU Honors Program is open to all students willing to put forth the effort necessary to achieve their fullest potential.
Today there are over 2500 students participating in the Honors Program.
(e.g., "cum laude") that BYU, like other universities, uses to recognize graduates with high grade point averages. Instead, it represents participation in an uncommon educational experience--designed to bring out the best in undergraduates of unusual promise. This designation is the highest distinction BYU awards its graduates, and it is sometimes referred to as "highest honors." About 4,100 young men and women have earned that recognition in the past 47 years.
Recipients of this designation receive a medal to wear at graduation and their diplomas display "University Honors."
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private university located in Provo, Utah. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , and is the United States' largest religious university and third-largest private university.Approximately 98% of the university's 34,000 students...
in Provo, Utah
Provo, Utah
Provo is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Utah, located about south of Salt Lake City along the Wasatch Front. Provo is the county seat of Utah County and lies between the cities of Orem to the north and Springville to the south...
. The program complements the university's educational agenda by providing the benefits of a small liberal arts learning community to interested students. These benefits include offering small classes with learning that challenge students to reach their highest potential; fostering a spirit of ongoing inquiry that includes undergraduate research in a mentored environment; and underscoring the importance of combining personal excellence, faithful discipleship, and meaningful service.
The program awards the distinction of University Honors, the highest distinction BYU awards its graduates. The distinction requires students to complete an honors curriculum requirement, a Great Works requirement, an Advanced Languages requirement, a service requirement, an honors thesis requirement, a graduation portfolio that summarizes the student's honors experiences—all while maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA.
History
The BYU Honors Program began in 1960 with just 100 students in order "to provide capable and motivated students with an enriched education." Another 50 students joined them in the spring semester. Its goal, according to university president Ernest L. WilkinsonErnest L. Wilkinson
Ernest Leroy Wilkinson was an American academic administrator and prominent figure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . He was president of Brigham Young University from 1951 to 1971 and also oversaw the entire LDS Church Educational System. Prior to this, Wilkinson was a lawyer...
, was nothing less than to "cultivate the best young brainpower in the nation." The first quarter century of the program's operation witnessed numerous administrative adjustments and curriculum changes in order to help fulfill Karl G. Maeser's vision of this hill covered with temples of learning.
The Honors Program's first home was in the Harold B. Lee Library
Harold B. Lee Library
The Harold B. Lee Library , located in Provo, Utah, is the main academic library of Brigham Young University, the largest religious and second-largest private university in the United States. The library has approximately of shelving for the more than 6 million items in its various collections, as...
, where it functioned for many years in increasingly crowded facilities before moving temporarily to the Heber J. Grant Building. Innovative new courses were created, and the best possible faculty mobilized to provide a quality experience for students. One uniquely stimulating feature has been the freshman colloquium, and interdisciplinary forum taught by a team of three or more professors from different fields of expertise, and emphasizing integrated, mutual learning.
Perhaps the most significant development during these years has been the institution of an "open door" policy for Honors participation, making it possible for any capable student to take Honors classes and become involved in honors activities. Formal membership is no longer required. The BYU Honors Program is open to all students willing to put forth the effort necessary to achieve their fullest potential.
Today there are over 2500 students participating in the Honors Program.
Organization
The program is overseen by a director who typically serves as an associate dean to the College of Undergraduate Education concurrently. The Honors program at BYU is open-enrollment, meaning that any student can commit to graduate with university honors and join the honors program. Honors students have certain privileges, such as discounted tickets to arts events (to help offset the cost of the Great Works requirement) and the opportunity to pre-register for honors classes.University Honors
The designation University Honors on some Brigham Young University transcripts and diplomas is not to be confused with the variant forms of Latin honorsLatin honors
Latin honors are Latin phrases used to indicate the level of academic distinction with which an academic degree was earned. This system is primarily used in the United States, Canada, and in many countries of continental Europe, though some institutions also use the English translation of these...
(e.g., "cum laude") that BYU, like other universities, uses to recognize graduates with high grade point averages. Instead, it represents participation in an uncommon educational experience--designed to bring out the best in undergraduates of unusual promise. This designation is the highest distinction BYU awards its graduates, and it is sometimes referred to as "highest honors." About 4,100 young men and women have earned that recognition in the past 47 years.
Recipients of this designation receive a medal to wear at graduation and their diplomas display "University Honors."