Members of the Shenandoah University Honors Program have the opportunity to plan social and educational events such as guest speakers, trips to Washington D.C., film screenings, etc.
Honors students also are encouraged to plan events in conjunction with honors students at neighboring colleges and universities.
Honors Study Abroad Opportunities
Honors students are also encouraged to make time to participate in experiences such as a study abroad program, a Global Experiential Learning (GEL) trip, and experiential learning experiences provided by other organizations such as Partners in the Park.
Shenandoah has a home tuition semester abroad model for all of its partner programs, which means that you are billed Shenandoah’s regular comprehensive tuition fee which covers your tuition and room and board at one of our partner universities.
Partners in the Park
Partners in the Park is an outdoor experiential learning program organized by the National Collegiate Honors Society. Each year different national parks throughout the country offer semester-long courses that allow you to explore the resources available at the park. The program includes both urban (e.g. Boston Harbor) and more remote (e.g. Glacier National Park) locations. Scholarships are available from both national and regional honors council sources to help with registration and travel costs.
Experiential Learning
Honors students can apply to receive experiential learning funds from the Honors Program. These funds can be used to support any activity that will help you reach your goals while at Shenandoah University. Examples of ways in which students have used these funds include GEL trips, professional organization memberships, research supplies, conference registration fees, and travel for internships or study abroad experiences.
Recent Honors Program Events
Spring 2024 Events
In February, Sarah Katherine Brenner (‘25) and Aurora Padilla-Jimenez (‘26) organized a Candy Shop event. Bowls were set up with all kinds of candy and chocolate for students to make candy bags to either keep for themselves or give to their friends or loved ones. Sarah Katherine bought cute Valentine’s Day themed paper bags that were filled with sweets!
In March, the honors students attended the Harlem Globetrotters enjoyed attending a Harlem Globetrotters event on campus, paid for by the Honors program.
In April, Malori Carlson (‘25) organized an Easter Egg Hunt for the honors students! Students had the opportunity to search for an egg and get some awesome prizes! We also watched a movie and dyed Easter eggs!
In April, Malori organized an Easter Egg Hunt for the honors students! Students had the opportunity to search for an egg and get some awesome prizes! We also watched Barbie:Fairytopia and dyed some Easter eggs!
Fall 2023 Events
In December, Aurora organized “Duck Donut December.” Donuts from Duck Donuts were ordered! Students also had the opportunity to drink hot chocolate and make some Christmas-themed arts and crafts!
In November, the honors program reserved two bays at TopGolf. Honors students had the opportunity to go to TopGolf and enjoy some snacks!
In October, Masha Balakersky (‘25) planned a trip to the pumpkin patch at Hill High Farms! There, students took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, picked out their own pumpkins, pet animals, and even got to try some fresh apple cider!
In September, Olivia O’Grady (‘25), Honors Program President, planned a “Meet & Greet” with the officers at The Village fire pit! Students made s’mores and chatted about the program and what everyone did over the summer. This event was an amazing opportunity for students to meet each other and ask questions about the honors program.
Virginia Collegiate Honors Council
April 2023
Honors students have the opportunity to attend the VCHC spring conference each year. This conference provides an opportunity for students to connect with other Honors students throughout the state, attend professional development opportunities, and present their current research projects. Two students, Skye Austin and Justus Whittington, each shared posters of their senior research projects.