Honors College

Mission of the Honors College at the University of San Francisco

The Honors College at the University of San Francisco is a scholarly community grounded in a culture of collaborative inquiry and the Jesuit educational mission of social justice, global perspective, and cura personalis. Our mission is to inspire and prepare future leaders to think critically and foster an interdisciplinary understanding of the world around them and provide them with the tools to effect sustainable change.

The mission of the Honors College comprises four pillars:

• Liberal Arts Foundation
• Interdisciplinary Inquiry
• Global Perspectives
• Experiential Engagement

Drawing on these foundations in small seminars and connection with communities on-campus, in San Francisco, and around the world, the Honors College creates a transformative and innovative educational student experience that adds to the experience gained through individual majors. We also strive to provide students with the tools to broaden their intellectual perspectives and develop a sense of ethical responsibility as global citizens. In keeping with USF’s mission, the Honors College offers students a holistic learning experience and prepares them to address the challenges of the 21st century.

Why Apply to Join the Honors College at USF?

Honors College Theme for 2021-2022: Voices for Environmental Justice

For the 2021-2022 Academic Year, the Honors College at the University of San Francisco celebrates Voices for Environmental Justice

Reflect. Reimagine. Realize.

Environmental Justice is grounded in issues of sustainability, climate change, food security, public health, and recognition of all living things, but it means so much more! Environmental Justice is also deeply connected to the promotion of social justice, recognition of marginalized communities, and protections of human rights and equality for all living things. These intersecting issues are central to both the mission of the University of San Francisco and the Honors College. Drawing upon the four pillars of the Honors College - Liberal Arts foundations, interdisciplinary inquiry, global perspectives, and experiential engagement - we will spend the year in collaborative engagement on how to promote sustainable policies and diverse perspectives that both protect nature and care for the most vulnerable. Through classes, events, community engagement, and global connection, we will reflect on our place in the world and relationships to all living things, reimagine what a truly just world looks like, and realize concrete action to better care for our common home.