Giving

Why give to the GSU Honors College?

Beginning in 1975, the GSU Honors Program had a long tradition of providing preparation for graduate and professional school for highly-motivated upper-level students, many of whom were returning and older students, and providing a close-knit intellectual community at a large urban university.  As the demographics of university changed in the 90s and the new millennium to a more traditional undergraduate student body, the Honors Program added recruitment and a focus on first- and second years courses to its responsibilities.  In 2011, that program became the Honors College--a major initiative of the university’s strategic plan to enhance the quality of undergraduate education and to attract the best and the brightest students to Georgia State University. In order to enable our students to excel at a national level,  the support of alumni and community leaders is critical to provide those life-changing and formative experiences for undergraduates.

Merit and need-based scholarships

For the 2011-2012 academic year, 53% of the students at the university, of which the Honors College is a representative sample, qualify for aid based on federal criteria.  While the President of the university has committed to providing scholarship aid to Honors students, many students still face a “need” gap, between what is covered by HOPE/Zell Miller funds, university scholarships, outside scholarships, and federal funds and the actual cost of attending.  Support from the community and alums helps provide the scholarship funds to make up this need gap and allow students to focus on academics rather than working two and three jobs to support their studies.

Honors College Initiatives

Two other focal points in the university’s strategic plan include research and international opportunities.  The Honors College relies on outside support to fund students’ research in their academic disciplines, attend and present at conferences, and participate in development workshops to prepare them to be viable candidates for national and international- wards and recognitions.  Study Abroad experiences are a critical component of making sure Honors College graduates are globally aware and world citizens.  However, the expense of studying abroad, particularly for a semester or year, is prohibitive for many of our students.  Your gifts help make these experiences possible for our Honors students.

Other ways to give

A common misconception is that giving just involves money.  There are other ways to support the Honors College which are just as important.  Many of our members are first-generation college students who can greatly benefit from the wisdom and mentorship of business, political, medical/health, and education professionals.  Serving as a mentor or speaking at professional development workshops are ways to provide these critical life experiences to our students, expand their horizons, and have a personal connection to the Honors College.

From the Georgia State University Strategic Plan, 2011-2016

GSU Strategic Plan, Goal Number 1
Become a national model for undergraduate education by demonstrating that students from all backgrounds can achieve academic and career success at high rates.

Initiative 4:
Establish an Honors College. Georgia State University will establish an Honors College and thereby join other universities nationally in giving its Honors efforts stature and visibility on campus. The Honors College will advocate for the educational experiences and resources needed by our high-ability students. The College will gain resources for instructional support to allow faculty from across the University to offer individual Honors courses or be appointed as Honors Faculty Fellows. The Honors College will be a place where faculty can work with our most talented students to advance undergraduate scholarship, enhance research, foster service, and compete for prestigious awards and fellowships.