Cook Honors College

Chauna J. Craig, Director

The Cook Honors College is IUP’s university-wide honors program for undergraduate students of all majors who are accepted into the program. Its goal is to provide a unique educational environment in which students of high ability and motivation can achieve their potential in a nurturing learning community. The Cook Honors College makes an intentional effort to see that students and faculty members are provided with integrated courses, an appreciation for multiple perspectives on important issues, and common learning experiences wherever possible; it strives to see that the learning community remains cohesive with both academic and cocurricular components throughout the four years of the student’s honors experience.

The Cook Honors College provides a challenging opportunity for academic and personal development through an integrated program of curriculum, residence, and cocurricular activities. Whitmyre Hall is a combined honors residential/academic facility that includes classrooms and program offices as well as student rooms and cocurricular spaces.

Students in any academic major may apply for admission to the Cook Honors College. Students may enter the program as freshmen or later as sophomore “transfer” students from either another university or from IUP. An application is required and is evaluated by the Cook Honors College Admissions Committee.

Program Requirements

All first-year students are required to live in honors housing on campus and are encouraged to remain in honors housing throughout their undergraduate career as space permits. Exceptions to the first-year residency requirement are considered only under unusual circumstances, e.g. students 25 or older or who are married and/or have children.

Application for exemption from this residency requirement should be made in the form of a letter to the Cook Honors College director at the time of application to the program.

Cook Honors College students are required to maintain a cumulative 3.25 GPA. A student who falls below the 3.25 GPA will have one semester of Cook Honors College probation during which he/she may attempt to raise the GPA to 3.25 and remain in good standing. Students who are dismissed from the Cook Honors College due to GPA may apply for readmission after having raised the GPA to acceptable honors standards.

Requirements for Students Admitted as Freshmen

Applicants interested in further information are invited to contact the Cook Honors College Admissions office at 800-487-9122 or 724-357-4971.