the honors program was inaugurated in the fall 2008 semester. the purpose of the honors program is to create an academically rigorous yet supportive community. students must maintain a 3.5 gpa to remain in the program. classes within the honors program are smaller – usually capped at 20 students rather than the usual 40 – and are writing intensive. members of the program are required to participate in three campus-based cultural or service events and will have special social, academic and scholarship opportunities available to them during the school year. students who graduate as a member of the honors program receive a special designation in the commencement brochure.