Communities and Organizations
Honors programming is designed to ensure you feel connected, supported and part of something bigger -— no matter where you are in your journey.
Programming that Brings Students Together
Signature First-Year Experiences Include:
Orientation
Students begin their Honors journey by meeting peers, Path Mentors and Honors staff while learning about the opportunities and expectations of the program.
Honors Welcome Walkthrough
This first small-group outing with your Path Mentor cohort introduces students to Honors spaces through a guided exploration and scavenger hunt.
First-Year Retreat
Held in the spring semester, the First-Year Retreat offers students time for reflection, discussion and community-building with peers, Path Mentors and Honors faculty and staff.
Ongoing Programming for All Years
Adventure Race
A lively team-based relay competition that encourages collaboration, creativity and friendly competition among Honors students.
Social and Wellness Events
In our St. Louis Spotlights, we explore the St. Louis arts scene with visits to the Fabulous Fox Theatre and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra just footsteps from campus. We experience iconic St. Louis institutions in our annual trip to Busch Stadium to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and the famous St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park. We also stay on campus for relaxing get-togethers, enjoying laid-back social events like Food Fridays and our annual Trivia Night hosted by the Honors Student Association. You can also join your Path Mentor once a month for a low-key wellness event, or pop in on Tune Up Tuesdays each week to stretch, reflect and prepare for your day.
Academic and Service Events
Each year offers new opportunities for holistic learning and academic innovation and growth. At our monthly Fireside Chats, we learn about a new academic discipline or interesting career path from a faculty or staff member. Each semester the Honors Student Association organizes a service opportunity with a local organization. Our Honors LC also focuses on engaging in intellectual development with philosophical conversation in our Learning Community Dinner with the Director.
The Honors House System
The Honors House System is a unique program tradition that fosters pride, friendly competition and a sense of belonging across class years. There are three Honors Houses, all named for historic parks in St. Louis. Shaw House is named for Shaw Park, dedicated by Mayor Charles Shaw on land purchased with a WPA grant. Grove House refers to Tower Grove Park, donated to the city of St. Louis by Henry Shaw, whose remaining land eventually became Missouri Botanical Gardens. Highland House is named for Forest Park Highlands, an amusement park formerly located in the famous Forest Park in the city of St. Louis.
Each first-year student joins a Path Mentor group, typically matched by major or academic school. These Path groups are placed into one of three Houses designed to bring together students from diverse majors, interests and experiences.
Students can engage with their House (and earn kudos points in our annual friendly House competition) by attending Honors events, participating in challenges, and interacting with the program through social media and other community activities.
The Honors Learning Community
The Honors Learning Community offers students the opportunity to live and learn with Honors peers who share an excitement for big ideas, meaningful conversations and collaborative learning.
Students in the Honors LC benefit from a close residential community while participating fully in the Honors Program across campus.
First-year students who are invited to join the Honors Program may apply to join the Honors LC once they confirm their intent to join Honors. Students interested in learning more can explore additional information on the Honors Learning Community page.
Student Organizations
Honors Student Association
The Honors Student Association (HSA) is the central student-led organization within the program. HSA plans social events, service opportunities and educational programming for the Honors community — from Trivia Nights and city outings to Fireside Chats with faculty.
All Honors students are members of HSA, and those interested in becoming more involved can take on leadership roles that help shape the community.
Path Mentor Program
The Path Mentor Program forms the foundation of the first-year Honors experience. Every incoming student joins a small cohort led by trained Path Mentors who help guide students through their transition to college life and into the Honors community.
Key components of the program include:
Cohort-Based Mentoring
All first-year Honors students are placed in a small Path cohort, typically organized by major or academic school and supported by two to three trained Path Mentors.
Peer Advising and Academic Support
Path Mentors help students navigate course registration, understand Honors requirements and balance academics with the broader college experience.
Community-Building Activities
From Orientation and the Honors Welcome Walkthrough to the Adventure Race and other Honors events, Path cohorts participate in shared experiences that help build strong connections early in the college experience.
Holistic Wellness Programming
Path Mentors also design and host monthly wellness events open to the entire Honors community, featuring topics such as mindfulness, gratitude, stress management and healthy study habits.