Our Mission
The University Honors Program supports a community of highly motivated students who recognize the personal and professional value of putting learning into practice. The program prepares students for the future by building their skills in research and discovery, clear and effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving for the common good. The Honors Program exemplifies Utah State University’s land-grant mission as a premier land- and space-grant institution committed to excellence, access, and inclusion, and the university therefore guarantees the program the budget, faculty and staff, physical space, and administrative support necessary to sustain a robust Honors Program at the heart of the USU Aggie experience.
Our Vision
In keeping with USU’s land- and space-grant mission, the program aims to recognize and develop the potential of students to become global citizens and positive change agents, even when students do not yet see that potential in themselves. Our vision is to build an increasingly active and inclusive community of students, faculty, alumni, staff, and stakeholders who represent the best that Utah State University has to offer.
Our Values
The University Honors Program shares with USU the following values:
- Access and Inclusion: We value all USU students, ensure broad access to our skill- and confidence-building curriculum, and guide students with different perspectives and experiences as they learn to communicate with clarity and respect.
- Student Success: We value the experience and success of all students, and we support student success by communicating both the broad purpose and value of an honors education and the specific requirements for graduation from USU with University Honors.
- Research and Discovery: We value undergraduate research and discovery, and we challenge students to ask questions, discover solutions, and collaborate with others to broaden the impact of their discoveries.
- Community Engagement: We value local and global community engagement, and we build opportunities and incentives for such work into our curriculum and programming.
- Academic and Professional Development: We value academic growth and professional development, and we support students both academically and financially as they discover their passions and take important steps toward achieving their personal and professional goals.
Our Plan
The University Honors Program's 2021-2024 strategic plan charts a path toward program development in four key areas:
- Assessment, Review, and Planning
- Access and Inclusion
- Structured Retention
- Community Engagement
We invite you to read our plan and join us in building the future of the University Honors Program.
