UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
Rev. Robert Susa, Director
Catalyst for Achievement
The University Honors Program provides a challenging and exciting educational experience
for the academically talented and highly motivated student. Honors classes are small in size
and staffed by Gannon's best teachers. The seminar setting encourages close contact between
students and teachers and challenges the students to take an active role in their learning. The
Honors Program further seeks to build a sense of community among students and faculty, a
community whose members love learning and are committed to growing intellectually,
culturally, and socially. The University Honors Program challenges students to achieve their
best and provides them with the support to meet that challenge.
The program is open to students in all majors. Participation in the Honors Program does not
increase the number of credits required for graduation, nor does it involve extra cost.
Participation in the program is entirely voluntary and a student may withdraw from the
program at any time without penalty.
Student Advisory Board
Students are actively involved in the governance of the program through the fifteen-member
Student Advisory Board (SAB). The board makes recommendations on policy and is
responsible for assisting the director in running the program. The SAB evaluates teachers and
courses and helps to develop new courses. The board also oversees the committees that are
responsible for providing a variety of social and cultural events as well as opportunities for
involvement in service activities.
Application Requirements
Admission to the program is based on academic achievement and potential. The following
criteria are considered:
- SAT/ACT scores
- High school grade point average
- Class rank
- Participation in extracurricular and co-curricular activities
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay
Admission to University Honors for students already enrolled at Gannon University is based
on an evaluation of:
- Cumulative Grade Point Average
- Faculty letters of recommendation
- Interview with the Director of the University Honors Program
Recognition at Graduation
Students at graduation are designated as Honors Scholars if they have maintained good
standing in the University Honors Program, have earned 24 credits in honors courses, and
have taken six credits of a foreign language. Students are recognized as Associate Honors
Scholars if they have maintained good standing in the program and have earned 18 credits in
honors courses. Students receive Honors Recognition if they have maintained good standing
in the program, have earned 12 credits in honors courses and have been active in the program
over their four years at Gannon.
The Honors Center
The Honors Center functions as a hub for the activities sponsored by the program. It features
a study lounge and a seminar room and lounge. The center is a comfortable place to study,
meet people, and relax between classes.
University Honors Curriculum
The University Honors Program offers courses that provide a greater academic challenge. The
seminar format of most Honors courses keeps lecturing to a minimum and emphasizes active
learning. Smaller classes ensure individual attention by the instructor and a greater sense of
community among the students.
The courses offered in the University Honors Program are taught by some of Gannon's finest
professors. The Honors Faculty are true scholars who are excited about their areas of expertise
and very adept at communicating that excitement to those with whom they share the
classroom. The University Honors Faculty set the standard for Gannon excellence.
Honors at Gannon is designed to provide an exciting as well as challenging educational
experience. It gives students the opportunity to develop and explore their talents both inside
and outside the classroom. It serves to make their university years much more rewarding and
enriching ones.
SAINT MARK'S SEMINARY
Rev. Michael T. Kesicki, Rector
Rev. Nicholas J. Rouch, Vice-Rector
In cooperation with the Diocese of Erie, Gannon University offers a variety of academic
degree programs to students training for the diocesan priesthood in the Formation Program
of St. Mark's Seminary. "The immediate aim of the college level formation for the candidate
for the priesthood is to help him to mature as a liberally educated human person, committed
to Christ and to the service of his neighbor" (The Program of Priestly Formation).
Bishop Donald W. Trautman, Ordinary of the Erie Diocese, responding to the aims and
objectives of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, continues a 51 year tradition begun
by the University's founder, Archbishop John Mark Gannon. The seminarian's academic life at
the University is complemented by programs of personal and spiritual development in
residence at St. Mark's Seminary.
College seminarians matriculate as full-time students in one of the two colleges of the
University: College of Humanities, Business and Education or College of Science, Engineering
and Health Sciences. The wide-range of academic programs enables the seminarians to have
close contact with their peers and University professors.
Academic Requirements
- Seminarians must be full-time students in good standing at Gannon University in a
bachelor's degree program or in the two-year pre-theology studies program.
- While Philosophy remains a highly recommended major for preparation for graduate
studies in theology, most other majors offered by Gannon University are deemed
appropriate. The choice of an undergraduate major as well as a change from one to
another must have specific approval of the St. Mark's Academic Advisor.
- Regardless of major, all seminarians beginning as freshmen are required to include in their
four-year programs of study the following courses (adjustments are made for students
entering beyond the freshmen level):
- Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 credits required as a minimum
- Invitation to Philosophy (LPHI 231) 3
- Philosophy of God (LPHI 233) 3
- History of Medieval Philosophy (PHIL 273) 3
- Any three of:
Logic (PHIL 210)
Philosophy of Knowledge (LPHI 235)
Philosophy of Ethical Responsibility (LPHI 237)
Introduction to Metaphysics (PHIL 350) ________
9 credits
- Any two of:
History of Ancient Philosophy (PHIL 271)
History of Modern Philosophy (PHIL 280)
History of Contemporary Philosophy (PHIL 286) ________
6 credits
Total: 24 credits
- Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 credits
- Sacred Scripture (LTHE 121) 3
- The Catholic Tradition (LTHE 223) 3
- Theology of Moral Responsibility (LTHE 227) 3
- Theology Elective (one course) 3
________
Total: 12 credits
- Latin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 credits
- Introductory Latin I (LATN 111) 3
- Introductory Latin II (LATN 112) 3
- Intermediate Latin I (LATN 121) 3
- Intermediate Latin II (LATN 122) 3
________
Total: 12 credits
- All students pre-register twice per year after consulting with the St. Mark Academic
Advisor.
- All students must be full-time to a maximum of nineteen (19) semester hours unless
specific approval for more than nineteen (19) hours or less than fifteen (15) hours is secured
from the St. Mark's Academic Advisor. A fifteen (15) hour load is the norm for seminarians.
- Students are not permitted to take late afternoon or evening classes without the specific
approval of the St. Mark's Academic Advisor. The normal time for all classes to be
finished is 3:00 p.m.
Two Year Pre-Theology Program
A program of studies is designed for each man entering the two year pre-theology program.
Consideration is given to his undergraduate degree and any graduate work which he has
done and his needs in preparation for theological studies, especially with regard to the
minimum hours of philosophy and theology.
Spiritual Formation
The Formation Program through seminary life at St. Mark's might best be described as both a
place and a process for men to explore the possibility that Christ might be inviting them to
make a lifelong commitment to priesthood. This decision cannot be made alone. It is the
decision of the individual but it is also the decision of the Church. The individual comes
together with others who understand and share in that search in a directed way called the
Formation Program.
Information/Application
Inquiries for additional information and/or to apply for seminary status may be directed to:
| Rector, St. Mark Seminary | Vocation Director |
| P.O. Box 10397 | P.O. Box 10397 |
| Erie, Pennsylvania 16514-0397 | Erie, Pennsylvania 16514-0397 |
| Day Phone: (814) 824-1200 | Day Phone: (814) 824-1207 |
| Evening: (814) 824-1201 |
STUDY ABROAD AT OXFORD
Gannon University has developed an initiative designed to encourage study abroad at St.
Edmund's College of Oxford University. For those students accepted into the program, the
fees, tuition, and room and board charges normally paid to Gannon University will be
applied by Gannon to the costs of studying at Oxford. This initiative is designed to provide a
superior education abroad at an affordable cost.
The Oxford study program is administered through the Office of the Associate Provost.
Although the acceptance requirements are stringent, any qualifying student at Gannon
University may apply.
For those students accepted into the program, a faculty advisor will be assigned to assist in
the Oxford experience. The curriculum for each student will be planned prior to their
departure for England and all academic credit for their work abroad will be assigned by
Gannon University. The program is designed to accommodate all majors and those in natural
sciences are guaranteed lab time.
Study abroad is widely recognized as an important component of a university education. A
cross cultural experience provides greater insight into global concerns and an increased
capacity to evaluate the norms of one's own culture. The Study at Oxford Program signals
Gannon University's commitment to global education of the highest quality. At Oxford the
student will certainly be challenged academically. In addition, the student will have the
opportunity to explore a culture very different than our own. The result is an experience the
memories of which will last a lifetime.
Further information about Study Abroad at Oxford and applications to the program are
available through the office of the Associate Provost. Information on other study abroad
opportunities offered by the University may also be obtained from the Associate Provost or
from your Academic Dean.
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