Two of the great opportunities Christopher Newport University offers are the Honors and President’s Leadership Programs. To put the great dispute to rest once and for all as to whether or not one can be a part of both at the same time, I’d like to present you with the answer: Yes, you can.
When I was applying to CNU, I applied for both programs. In that exciting and nerve-wracking moment, I didn’t wonder if it were possible to take part in both. However, when I received not only my acceptance letter to the University but also both programs, I worried that I might be in too deep before I’d even begun! Both had a list of commitments somewhat intimidating, and combined – well, I didn’t even want to think about that.
Here’s the good news: Now that my first semester is coming to a close, I can officially tell you that it is so very possible to do both at the same time! In fact, if you’re in the President’s Leadership Program and you have a very vigorous academic schedule such as myself (double-majoring along with minoring in leadership because of PLP) it is easier to be involved in Honors.
The President’s Leadership Program involves earning credits towards the minor, 100 hours of community service (split between all four years, which is incredibly easy to knock out considering I’ve finished over 30 hours this first semester alone), involvement in an on-campus organization, and attending a variety of leadership events. This can seem quite overwhelming, especially as someone experiencing everything college has to offer all at once. The good news is, it’s actually not all that difficult.
Thankfully, the Honors program frees up your schedule drastically by waiving approximately two-thirds of the Liberal Learning Curriculum! This allows you to not only begin working toward your major right away, but also to allow you a more relaxed schedule, which in turn frees up time for the other obligations both programs require such as events or community service.
I think it’s incredibly important for everyone to know this information, that way they don’t feel overwhelmed or forced to choose one or the other. If you have further questions, check out one of Christopher Newport University’s Honors and President’s Leadership Program visit days!
