Honors Program
About the Program
You think of yourself as not just a student, but a scholar. You have excellent academic credentials and relish a challenge. Your goal is not just to acquire knowledge, but also true understanding. You want to explore a course of study beyond the boundaries of school-to see how it applies to your life as well as to the world at large. If so, then you may want to consider applying to the Honors Minor Program at Onondaga Community College.
At Onondaga Community College, we pride ourselves on offering an indepth study experience to all students. But as an honors student, you'll experience even more. You'll forge a close bond with other students as well as faculty. But more than that, you'll be able to really get inside what you're learning about.
For example, the Spring 2008 interdisciplinary honors course is “Literature and Nature”. Advanced Composition and Literature will be blended with technology to explore the relationship between humans and their natural environment, pressing ecological issues, as well as the role of technology in problems and solutions associated with the environment. A local service/research project is part of this course.
It almost goes without saying that this program is outstanding preparation for those students looking to transfer their academic credits to a four-year institution upon graduation. Some of our students have gone on to attend some of the most prestigious schools in the country, including Cornell and Syracuse University. Click here to see what students are saying about the Honors Program at Onondaga.
General Requirements
You may apply to the Honors Minor as an entering freshman, transfer student, and as a current Onondaga Community College student.
As an entering freshman, you must have a minimum average of 90 as determined by your high school transcript, and a minimum combined SAT score of 1100 or equivalent ACT score of 23, and three letters of recommendation.
As an Onondaga Community College or transfer student, you may apply on the basis of at least 15 credits of college work with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and no grades below B, and three letters of recommendation. If your most recent college experience includes at least 15 credits at Onondaga within the past two years, you may request that only your Onondaga record be taken into account.
If you wish to participate in the Honors Minor’s honors courses or arrange enrichment contracts you must apply and be accepted to the Honors Minor. To apply submit the following information.
- Download the Honors Application (.pdf)
- Download and print the Letter of Recommendation (.pdf) form. For all applicants, at least two of your letters of recommendation must be from teachers familiar with your academic abilities.
- Return the complete application and have three letters of recommendation sent to:
Suzy Tankersley
Onondaga Community College
Honors Office, Coulter 212
4585 West Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse, NY 13215-4585
315 498-2638
tankerss@sunyocc.edu
Honors Minor Requirements + Courses
The Honors minor provides students in all majors the opportunity to include Honors coursework while meeting individual degree requirements. Honor Students must meet the Minor Requirements to receive an Honors Minor.
Honors courses:
Honors courses are designed to actively engage students in the learning process and to explore a subject in greater depth. Click here for current Honors courses or email tankerss@sunyocc.edu for a single or multiple semester listing.
Faculty & Advisors
A student should first meet with the Honors Program Coordinator to discuss the Honors Minor requirements. Honors students will then meet with his/her own curriculum Honor advisor.
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society for two-year colleges. The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is two-fold: to recognize and encourage the academic achievements of two-year college students and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service programming.
Onondaga Community College's chapter is Alpha Sigma Zeta. The Chapter is student-run with elected officers. To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa a student must be matriculated; have completed 12 credit hours at OCC; earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and maintained a high academic standing throughout his/her enrollment at OCC.
Invitations are sent each fall and spring to eligible students inviting them to join the Honor Society. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible for membership.
Although membership in Phi Theta Kappa is independent of participation in the Honors Program, Honor students are typically members.
Scholarships
Contact the Honors Office for further information. We can help you qualify for scholarships you can apply toward completing a four-year degree. Also, many four-year institutions have specific scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa students when they transfer.
Q + A
Is Honors for me? Here are some Questions and Answers that may help you decide if the Honors Program at Onondaga is right for you.
