Opportunities for Honors Program Students

Social and Cultural Activities

Our students say one of the best parts of Bradley’s Honors program is the access to a variety of social and cultural events each semester. We strive to plan activities that span a wide range of interests, so you can be sure there’ll be something for you. While some are designed to be purely social and others are more academic in nature, all of our events share the same goal -- to give you more opportunities to spend time with your peers in the Honors community.

Take a look at some of the fun activities we offer:

• Bagel Morning - great if you happened to miss breakfast that day.
• Cookie Happy Hour - who doesn’t need a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon?
• Lunch with a faculty member - get to know your professor better.
• Peoria Symphony Orchestra - hear great music live with your Honors Program friends.
• A Night at the Theatre - Bradley’s Theatre department and the local Peoria community have lots of productions each year.
• Bradley Athletic Events - show your school spirit while you cheer on the Braves.
• Wildlife Prairie Park - a little fresh air and exercise in nature is good for the soul.
• Peoria Riverfront Museum - tour the current museum exhibits and enjoy a night under the stars at the planetarium

Peer Mentoring

In your first year as a Bradley Honors student, we'll match you with a peer mentor in your major. The mentors will reach out to you and be a source of support throughout the semester to help you navigate the Honors Program and Bradley in general. Having a peer mentor is a great way to help you learn about all things Bradley and will help you make lifelong connections right from the start.

Honors Housing

If you plan to live on campus, you can opt for special Honors housing. During your first year, you’re able to select the second or third floor of Williams Hall, both reserved for Honors students only. By living on the same floor, you’ll build strong friendships with your peers in the program who will share your experiences. During your junior or senior year, you can opt to live in the St. James apartments where an entire building is reserved for Honors students. You can learn more by clicking on the Housing tab.

Special Honors Sections of Core Curriculum Courses

Regardless of your major, you can easily complete the Honors Program requirements. Each semester, you’ll choose from a range of classes that are Honors-only sections. Not only will these sections let you engage with your peers, they’re often in a smaller class setting. Most of these courses are part of Bradley’s Core Curriculum, which means you’ll make progress on your general education courses while fulfilling your Honors Program requirements. Learn more by clicking on the Classes tab.

Honors Seminars on Interesting and Controversial Topics

You can take one Honors seminar each semester, and even though you only need three to complete the program, many of our students love the format so much, they take more just for fun. Each semester, we offer at least 10 seminars that span a wide range of topics, and we encourage you to take seminars on subjects outside of your major.

Here are some recent seminar topics:

• Conspiracy Theories
• Why are We Here?
• The Psychology of Social Media 

You’ll find more information at the Seminars tab.

Priority Registration

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll be able to take advantage of Priority Registration, meaning you can select your courses early in the morning on the first day of registration. This is often several days ahead of your peers, so there’s no need to worry about fitting your Honors courses and seminars into your schedule, or the required courses for your major.

You’re eligible for priority registration when you have:

• A Bradley GPA of at least 3.2 (or 3.4 once you reach senior status)
• Completed at least three Honors courses/seminars by the time you have 45 hours at Bradley
• Completed at least four Honors courses/seminars by the time you have 75 hours at Bradley.

Honors First Year Research Experience

If you’re majoring in one of our Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry programs, you’ll learn how to conduct high-level research in your first year - possibly joining a team of researchers led by one of your professor.

Research or Creative Project

As you get closer to graduation, you’ll choose a professor from your major who’ll guide you through your own capstone project. These junior/senior projects allow you to showcase your research or creative skills, along with what you’ve learned in both the Honors Program and your major.