The Lee Honors College: Shaping Futures ThroughEnrichment, Community, and Opportunity

The Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University (WMU) is a distinctive community, focused on drive, grit, and engagement. It enriches the educational and college experiences of its high-performing members. The college provides extra attention, support, and opportunities needed to become well-rounded individuals. The Lee Honors College makes your future its focus. It prepares you to show the world what you can do rather than just what you know, supporting your professional preparation with a holistic focus and a deep commitment to your well-being.

A Vibrant Community of High-Achievers

The Lee Honors College is home to more than 2,000 high-achieving students who are completing programs of study in every one of WMU’s eight academic colleges. These intellectually curious and highly motivated students experience enrichment of course materials and the freedom to work independently and collaboratively with faculty members who encourage lively, engaging discourse and activity both inside and outside the classroom.

Admission to the Lee Honors College

You may join the honors college as a new or continuing undergraduate student at Western Michigan University.

For International Students

Undergraduate international students interested in joining the Lee Honors College will need to complete WMU’s application for admission through the international admissions and services office. Once you are accepted to WMU, you may then apply to become a member of the Lee Honors College. All international applicants are required to submit (at least) one letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose along with the Lee Honors College application. Once all of your materials have been submitted, an honors college academic advisor will review your file to determine admissibility. Please allow 10 business days for your materials to be reviewed.

For Current WMU Students

At the end of each fall and spring semester, current WMU students who meet certain criteria are invited to join the honors college community. Students who have maintained a 3.50 cumulative GPA or better for two consecutive semesters will receive an invitation to join the honors college. Students should also plan to be enrolled at WMU for at least three more semesters before graduation to join. Please include your full name and WIN.

For Incoming Transfer Students

All incoming transfer students new to WMU with a GPA of 3.50 or better will automatically be invited to join the honors college. Students who do not meet the automatic invitation criteria may apply for admission to the college by completing an application.

Course of Study

Following admission to the Lee Honors College, all students are required to consult with an honors college academic advisor to establish an appropriate course of study leading to graduation from WMU and the honors college.

Program Fee

Membership in the Lee Honors College requires an honors college program fee of $100 per semester each fall and spring. The fee is used to enhance your academic experience at WMU by enabling the honors college to offer small-enrollment honors courses, attract the highest-quality instructors and provide exceptional opportunities for honors activities outside of the classroom.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Lee Honors College has established a set of new "courses" revolving around a simple concept-student learning through exposure and experience. The Study in the States program offers students in the LHC the opportunity to experience a set of diverse activities for the cost of a three credit-hour course. The inaugural, first set of experiences included: Memorials & Monuments of 9/11, AirVentures Oshkosh, The Beaver Island Experience, and Journey Through Hollowed Ground. Six students from diverse majors (Political Science, Economics, Speech Pathology and Audiology-to name a few) in their sophomore year or above, participated in the trip. They traveled to Pennsylvania, D.C., and New York to see sights that they had never before seen-of the six students who attended, most of them had never been to any of the locations. Aside from experiencing large segments of American History, the group was also exposed to different ways of life. In New York, the students experienced the subway system for the first time. In Washington D.C., the students got to eat at one of President Obama's favorite lunch spots.

Memorials & Monuments of 9/11 Trip: A Detailed Look

The group first traveled to Pennsylvania to see the Flight 93 Memorial, which is not yet completed. Koretsky noted that most students were not old enough to have the contextual information to understand the actions that occurred on 9/11. "They mostly remember being in school when these events occurred, and didn't fully understand what was going on." Next, the group made their way to Washington D.C. for a tour of the Capitol, to see Falling Waters, and meet with some Bronco Alums. Mike Noblet (BBA '04, Marketing; Lee Honors College), who works for Michigan Senator Levin, met with the students in one of the committee rooms and spent nearly an hour discussing what it's like to work in D.C. -and the path he took to get there. He also offered the amazing opportunity for follow-up networking with all of the students. The group ventured through tight security to the Pentagon, where they were able to walk past the crash site and view the memorial chapel. On a lighter note, the students were able to take a segway tour of D.C. Although there were three crashes, no one was injured. Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were also a part of the trip, and students had the opportunity to explore the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum (among others). Tristan Brown (BS '05, Environmental Studies; Lee Honors College), a Berkeley Law student who holds an internship at Andrews Air Force Base, took the students to the top of the Kennedy Center for a truly unique experience. Next, the group traveled to NYC where they diverted from the purpose of the trip (just for a moment) to see the Friends house and Seinfeld Restaurant from the popular television shows. The students stayed in a hotel that was directly next door to the 9/11 memorial-they could see it out the window. They got to experience a true 'sense of place' when they viewed the footprint pools and saw the names of those who did not survive the World Trade Center attack. The group also toured Ellis Island, walking though the structures as so many immigrants did to gain entry to the United States. They were able to understand the many tests an immigrant had to pass to eventually become a citizen. In sum, the students learned about history, people, and other places-for the amazingly low rate of one class. All other expenses are covered by the Lee Honors College.

Read also: UMD Honors Programs

Resources and Opportunities

The Lee Honors College offers a variety of resources and opportunities to its students, including:

Honors Courses: A wide variety of honors courses, typically capped at 20-25 students. Honors courses may fulfill general education and/or requirements for specific programs of study.
Study in the States: Special programs, like our Study in the States courses, open only to honors students.
The Lee Honors College Building: Our LEED Silver Certified facility includes a full kitchen and lounge for students to relax, socialize and study. Centrally located on main campus, the honors college building is also home to our honors advising offices, a small library, three classrooms and a seminar room.
LHC Thrive Series: The Thrive series provides resources, programming, and opportunities for honors students to gather and grow together.
Peer Student Success Team: Mentors provide academic and social support to incoming honors students. They also organize group volunteer activities and host advising hours in the seminar room.
Honors Housing: Optional honors housing provides opportunities to network with fellow honors students and Lee Honors College staff.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Carl and Winifred Lee Honors College is to provide an exceptional undergraduate experience for academically motivated students, to inspire in our graduates a thirst for the lifelong pursuit of creative inquiry and discovery, to provide our students with the skill and passion to address critical challenges, and to foster personal responsibility informed by a global perspective.

Lee Honors College faculty and staff strive to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages our students to pursue their passions through exceptional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. Our graduates will have the skills and commitment to become successful, engaged citizens of the world.

Lee University’s Summer Honors Program

Lee University’s Summer Honors program offers a unique opportunity for academically talented high school juniors and seniors to experience college life firsthand. From June 14-June 26, over 200 students will engage in an exciting and challenging environment, earning six college credits while exploring the vibrant campus community. This two-week program provides a true taste of college life, filled with memorable experiences, dynamic learning, and lasting connections. Summer Honors courses are specifically designed for this program and are taught by some of Lee University's top professors. These intensive, pass/fail college courses provide an excellent opportunity for academic growth. Summer Honors offers incredible educational value! For the 200 students chosen to participate, Summer Honors is a transformative two-week experience filled with learning, personal growth, laughter, and lasting connections.

Highlights include whitewater rafting, the Greek Olympics, and our Summer Honors banquet.

To receive course credit, attendance in all classes, including the last day of Summer Honors, is required. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Student Testimonials

“Summer Honors left me feeling so grateful,” said peer leader Aly Prater. “It was beautiful to see the students not only hunger for the Lord, but also serve others with diligence. From the spontaneous worship night to playing on Forum Field, there was a sweet presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling among this group. I pray that we will continue to be in awe of how wonderful our God is and see Him working in the everyday mundane.”

Kate Bruce: Summer Honors gave me an opportunity to get my feet on the campus and truly experience what it would be like to be a student at Lee University. It not only gave me confidence in my decision to enroll, but it also allowed me to find a great community of godly people as I enter this next stage of my life.

Schedule and Availability

The Lee Honors College at WMU is open Monday through Friday. The college is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

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