Elements of Success

A world of personal and scholarly opportunity awaits every student who becomes part of the Honors Program at St. John's University.

Along with challenging courses and strong personal advisement, Honors students enjoy many special programs and services, including those listed below:

Honors Portfolio
Every Honors student compiles a portfolio of completed major projects, papers and activities that reflect personal academic growth and individual progress toward fulfilling Core, major and minor expectations. Faculty advisors assist students with completing their Portfolios, which is an Honors Program requirement.

Honors Student Peer-Mentor Program
Each fall, the Program assigns experienced Honors students to serve as mentors to small groups of freshman Honors students. Mentors help freshmen make a successful transition to college life, Honors expectations, and the New York City area. Students apply to be mentors in the spring of their sophomore or junior year for the following fall.

The Honors Commons
Imagine your own cozy space right on campus, a space where you can get together with students who share your interests. The Honors Commons offers you all this -- and more. The beautifully designed Commons, located in its own first-floor wing of the University Library, is a place where Honor students can enjoy a mid-afternoon cappuccino, chat, share meals, study, plan events, or just relax between classes.

Faculty/Student Research Opportunities 
Research is an important part of the Honors Program. Students can serve as interns who collaborate on research projects with a professor of their choice. Honors students gain a first-hand look at research by working with the professor on specific projects.

Honors Certificate
Each spring, an Honors Certificate is awarded to graduating seniors who have successfully completed the program. This prestigious certificate is presented at a public event where academic excellence is recognized in all the University's schools and colleges. Family and friends may attend the event and a reception afterward. Honors achievement is also recorded on all student's transcript as well as their diplomas.

Eligibility for the John J. Coffey Award
Each year the Honors Program presents the John J. Coffey Award to an Honors student who contributes the most to the culture of the Honors Program. Along with a personalized gift, the student's name is permanently engraved on a plaque adorning the wall of the Honors Commons. Coffey Award recipients often remain involved in the Honors Program even after graduation.

Read on for in-depth descriptions of our ongoing Honors Program activities!