July 28, 1997
Contact: John Kroll,
(818) 677-2130
jkroll@exec.csun.edu
The program will feature small class sizes and include extracurricular activities and mentorships with faculty as well as online computer work and use of the Internet.
"We want to give honors students a learning experience similar to that of a liberal arts college," said Religious Studies Professor Patrick Nichelson, who directs the program. "It is a vehicle for giving these students a more intensive community experience as well as careful mentorship and advisement."
The initial offerings include three lower division courses in public speaking fundamentals, mathematical ideas, and freshman composition, and one upper division course in world drama. The number of honors courses will increase to six or seven in the spring semester, Nichelson said.
The program is open to freshmen with at least a 3.75 high school GPA and SAT scores of 1050 or better, and to continuing students with GPAs of at least 3.5. Letters have gone out to those students informing them of the opportunity. In addition, professors may nominate students they think would benefit from the program.
"Cal State Northridge is committed to academic excellence for all of our students. We are delighted to offer this special program for academically talented freshman," said Provost Louanne Kennedy.
CSUN students who complete the honors program will receive a special certificate at graduation and will be recognized at the university's annual Honors Convocation.
"Honors programs challenge both our students and our faculty to use their abilities to the fullest. This program and the new Northridge Presidential Scholars program represent our commitment to students of high intellectual caliber," said President Blenda J. Wilson.
The first group of Northridge Presidential Scholars, 16 freshmen with high grade point averages and test scores, enters the university this fall. They receive full academic scholarship for four years.
The university offered an Honors Program in the mid-1980s, but it fell victim to budget cuts of the early 1990s.
California State University Chancellor's Office Press Releases
Return to the top of the page
