Honors Colloquia
Honors Colloquia provide students an opportunity to engage in and lead seminar discussions with their fellow Gaels about topics that kindle their interest outside the classroom.
To graduate with Honors, a student must attend 20 colloquia and lead 10 colloquia by the end of their 4th year.
"I have had so many positive experiences in the Honors Program, but by far the most memorable one was leading my colloquium, 'The Power in YOU,' my senior year."• Honors Gael, 2024 Cohort |
What are colloquia?
Colloquia are a non-course credit seminar for students in the Honors Program. Colloquia are different from the standard learning environment filled with exams, essays, and homework. Every colloquium is student-led and holds intriguing discussions and presentations with occasional guest lecturers. Honors students participate in discussions with their peers on a topic of their choosing. Students will gain communication and critical thinking skills, while bonding and developing life-long relationships with their like-minded peers.
"Through leading my colloquia, I met students of all different majors, years, and backgrounds, which was so fun to get to meet new people while exploring our beautiful campus."• Honors Gael, 2024 Cohort |
Who can attend colloquia?
Colloquia are open to all students in the Honors Program; however, all first and second year students are required to attend one colloquium per month. Typically, 3rd and 4th lead or co-lead colloquia. Honors points are allocated for each colloquium attended (1 point) or led (2 points).
The recommendation is to attend 10 colloquia in your 1st year and 10 in your 2nd year, although you are more than welcome to support your fellow Honors students and attend colloquia in later semesters, as well.
"My most memorable experience in Honors has been leading my colloquium 'Social Commentary Within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.' Since Harry Potter has been a large part of my life since I was a child, the freedom to lead a colloquium centered around this topic was an incredibly fulfilling experience, as I got to talk about the book series with my fellow scholars in an academic way."• Honors Gael, 2024 Cohort |
When and where do colloquia take place?
Students will be notified of the weekly colloquium offerings via our newsletter and can choose which colloquium to attend based on their interests and availability.
Keep an eye on your email for updates, or check out the Honors calendar for upcoming events.
"After I led a few colloquia, I had several students come up to me on campus and ask for advice. This made me feel accomplished and valued; knowing that my peers sought my guidance outside of the structured colloquium setting was immensely gratifying. It reinforced my belief in the importance of fostering a supportive academic community, where we can learn from and uplift one another. "• Honors Gael, 2024 Cohort |
Colloquium FAQs
If you are interested in becoming a colloquium leader, fill out the form included in our weekly newsletter!
You are welcome to attend as many colloquia as you wish!
In case of any updates to dates/times, please email honors@stmarys-ca.edu the Thursday before your colloquium.
For last-minute cancellations, please contact one of the Honors PR Commissioners directly.