Elizabeth Morrissy Honors Program

Evelyn Spratt, Ph.D., Director

Learn to Live

The Elizabeth Morrissy Honors Program is designed to meet the needs and interests of Women's College students of outstanding academic ability and high motivation. The goal is to provide opportunities for students to experience the same challenge and excitement in education that Elizabeth Morrissy encouraged throughout her distinguished 40-year career as a professor of History, Political Science and Economics at the Notre Dame.

Morrissy courses are designed to create small learning communities of scholars exploring a topic together and enjoying the pleasure of mutual discovery and intellectual stimulation. Some courses are offered within specific disciplines and may meet general education requirements. Other courses are interdisciplinary and become electives within the student's Program of Study. Drawn from a variety of departments, Morrissy courses promote the integration of knowledge which offers new insights into students' learning. This integration is often accomplished by two professors teaching together to provide perspectives from different disciplines and to enrich the experience of all. Through the Program's research, internship, service, leadership and collaborative opportunities, students are empowered to use their knowledge to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of others.

Students become Morrissy scholars by application or invitation. Students applying for admission to Notre Dame may apply for admission to the Morrissy Honors Program. The Morrissy Honors Council reviews the records of those applicants and of other incoming first-year students to prepare a cohort of potential scholars. In addition to selection at entrance, each semester the director of the Morrissy Program asks for recommendations from the faculty for other potential scholars to be considered for invitation into the program.

Students must register for at least one honors course per year and take six honors courses during their four years at the University. Those who are enrolled in "3/2" programs with other institutions or who spend a semester or year studying overseas need to complete a minimum of 5 honors courses. Transfer students from an honors program may transfer nine honors credits. Transfer students with an AA degree from a community college without an honors program need to complete a minimum of 4 honors courses. Three credits of honors work may be taken as an independent study with the approval of the sponsoring faculty member and the Morrissy director. Students are expected to maintain a 3.3 overall average and a B average in honors courses to remain in the program. Honors courses cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis. The director reviews the records of Morrissy scholars at the end of each semester.

Morrissy scholars receive recognition in various ways. Honors courses are so designated on student transcripts. Completion of the program is noted on scholars' final transcripts and diplomas and in the Commencement program. Students in the Morrissy Program are also recognized publicly at Notre Dame's annual Honors Convocation. Students in the Program enjoy the special benefits of the Mildred Otenasek Honors House, which stands as a symbol of the Program and serves as a gathering place for social, academic, and program activities.

In addition to special courses, Morrissy scholars have access to a variety of honors activities. Each semester, the director hosts a dinner for Morrissy scholars and honors faculty. Each year, the Honors Program sponsors off-campus trips to museums and performing arts events. Morrissy scholars often serve the University during programs planned for prospective students visiting campus as well as at lecture series or cultural events offered for the Notre Dame community and the general public. Members of the Morrissy Honors Student Executive Board assist the Morrissy director in making plans for the program.

The Elizabeth Morrissy Honors Program maintains memberships in the National Collegiate Honors Council, the Northeast Regional Honors Council, and the Maryland Collegiate Honors Council. Morrissy scholars regularly participate in honors conferences through poster and paper presentations.

Honors Courses