The Commonwealth Honors Program at WSU
Learners. Leaders. Changemakers.

Student at the Honors Symposium event with yellow honors cord around her neck.

Excel at Westfield State University.

Mission

The Commonwealth Honors Program at Westfield State University is home to a diverse community of learners, leaders, and change-makers. We inspire students to explore, discover and develop their passions through small student-centered classes, faculty and peer mentorship, project-based learning, and community engagement. 

Vision

The Commonwealth Honors Program at Westfield State University strives to be a leader in honors education by creating a positive learning environment that promotes academic growth, personal development, and social responsibility. We offer an exceptional educational experience and encourage student empowerment and transformation, leading our graduates to successful careers in industries critical to the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Northeast Region.

Value Pillars

1. Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity

We strive for academic excellence, promote intellectual curiosity, and empower students to become lifelong learners. We encourage interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and challenge students to think outside the box.

2. Community Engagement and Leadership

We promote positive change in our communities, embrace collaboration, and leave an impact through service. We believe that each person has leadership potential that can be cultivated through personal and professional development.

3. Equity and Social Justice

We value diversity in all its forms and cultivate a welcoming community that promotes equity and social justice. We understand there are many ways students can embody the “Honors mindset” inside and outside of the classroom.

SAIL & Honors Program: Partnership Announcement

SAIL and the Honors Program are partnering for the 2025 Alternative Spring Break to make this year's event even more impactful. 

Earn 3 Credits with Alternative Spring Break: HNRS0390

Students who participate in a WSU sponsored service project over Spring Break can earn 3 credits by enrolling in "HNRS0390-H0B: Alternative Spring Break”. There are no restrictions on enrollment in this course; Honors students and non-Honors students can enroll!

The course (HNRS0390) is listed in Session B, which runs from March 17th  – May 5th. Students enrolled in HNRS0390 will work asynchronously online (through PLATO) to complete a service-learning research project, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The research project should draw on the student’s experience during Spring Break, and may examine social, cultural, or economic factors impacting the community served. Students will present their service-learning research project in poster format at the Celebration of Undergraduate Research (CURCA).

Prerequisite: participation in a WSU sponsored Alternative Spring Break service-project during March 10-14, 2025.

Restrictions: None. Any student, in any class year, can enroll in this course.

Credits: All students earn 3 general elective credits for this course. A student does not need to be a member of the Honors Program to enroll. Honors students can apply these credits towards their Honors Program credit requirements.

To Enroll: Email Gretchen Konrad, Honors Program Administrative Assistant at gkonrad@westfield.ma.edu. In your email include your full name and A# with your registration request.

Learn more about Alternative Spring Break

While being on a college campus with a variety of things going on can be overwhelming, finding a niche within the campus makes it less intimidating and easier to navigate. This program has helped me to do that and feel more connected and supported. I've made some of my closest and best friends through this program.

Commonwealth Honors Program Student

Tatiana Reyes
Commonwealth Honors Program Student

Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

Contact Us

Dr. Hillary Sackett-Taylor
Honors Program Director
Parenzo 038 (beginning Fall 2024)
Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

Contact Us

Ms. Gretchen Konrad
Honors Program Administrative Assistant
The Honors Center - Parenzo 041