Honors Program Excursions and Conferences

Honors Program students sit in an outdoor pavilion to eat.

Excursions 

In the fall and spring semesters, the Honors Program organizes course-related excursions. The three- to five-day trips allow Honors Program students to conduct hands-on research; visit libraries, archives and museums related to their research and coursework; and visit important cultural and historical sites. Many students use an excursion to begin their Honors Program thesis.

Travel and room-and-board expenses for selected students are paid by the University Honors Program. Participation is limited by available program funds, but every effort is made to include all Honors Program students who apply.

Honors Students stand together outside for a portrait.

Conferences

The University Honors Program students participate regularly in three annual conferences and other, often specialized, gatherings. The annual conferences are:

  • Strike a Spark Undergraduate Research Conference, organized by PennWest California's Office of Undergraduate Research. It is an excellent opportunity to prepare for larger conferences.
  • National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) conference, hosted in various U.S. cities by the professional organization for honors programs and colleges. The conference often includes "City as Text," a guided exploration of a cultural or historical aspect of the host city.
  • National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) annual conference. Typically hosted by a university, it is an ideal opportunity for senior Honors Program students to present their thesis research.

If a student's proposal is accepted at one of these conferences, the Honors Program will pay for all travel and registration expenses.