Mission Statement
The mission of the Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors Programs is to develop Christian thinkers by supporting and challenging students toward academic excellence and cultural awareness within the context of a vibrant intellectual community.
Honors in Practice
The Honors Program celebrates the joy of learning, and therefore values knowledge for its own sake in addition to its benefits. Honors courses are not simply more difficult or involve more work for the sake of being Honors. Rather, they are designed in such a way that push students to develop critical thinking skills by examining issues in deeper ways and from new perspectives.
The Honors Program also acknowledges the specific academic and advising needs of academically high-achieving students and seeks to nurture those students through a community of like-academic peers, as well as through enriched academic environment and experience.
Eligibility Requirements
Students who have at least a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher are encouraged to apply to the program. Additionally, anyone eligible for Scholars Day is welcome to apply to the program. Students are selected through an evaluation of high school leadership, scholarship, and service, as well as through an on-campus interview. Students who wish to join the program after starting at SBU need a 3.25 college GPA to be eligible, and they will need to meet with the Honors Director to express their interest.
Honors Program Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the Dutile Honors Program, students must complete the required academic components and maintain a 3.25 GPA. If a student’s GPA drops below 3.25, they may continue participation in the Honors Program on a probationary basis.
