Honors Symposium

Honors Symposium is a two-week summer academic program on the Searcy campus designed to challenge, encourage and equip high school students who are entering their senior year (students graduating in the class of 2026).

Honors Symposium introduces students to college life, specifically the Harding experience, and also gives them exposure to the Honors College, which they may aspire to join in the future.

Some of our finest honors professors teach the Symposium courses, and some of our strongest honors student counselors serve as leaders and mentors throughout the two-week experience. Students take classes in theology and ethics, history, literature, critical thinking, art and design, just to name a few. They also participate in a number of extracurricular activities on and off campus that help create lifelong memories and relationships. 

At Honors Symposium, our goal is to expand the mind and enrich the spirit.

2025 DATES

 We will begin accepting applications for the 2025 program around the second weekend of September.


University Credit

Three hours of university credit (HNRS 1000) are awarded to those who successfully complete the program. The course content is designed to appeal to students of both the humanities and the sciences. This credit may be transferable to the college or university of the participant's choice, with that institution determining how, or if, to apply the credit. At Harding, credits earned in HNRS 1000 may be applied to one of the following liberal arts courses:

Admissions Requirements

Begin the application process at any point. Your application will be built as items are received until it is complete.

Items needed for a complete application:

All items listed are required prior to review of the application and acceptance to a session.

*Deposit is applied toward the total cost of $895 and does not secure a spot in a session. Students not accepted to the program will be refunded the deposit. Students who have a change in plans may be refunded the deposit until March 10, 2025. 

Can't remember what items you still need to submit? Email us at symposium@harding.edu

Payment Details

Deposit of $250 is required with the application. Final payments must be paid here by Friday, May 23, 2025. 

Refunds will be processed for students who are not accepted to Honors Symposium and for accepted students who must change their summer plans. The refund deadline for accepted students is March 10, 2025.

 

 

Application
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Information for Guardian/Student

The information and forms below will be emailed to all students and guardians in May.

Release, insurance, and medical forms must be submitted no later than one week prior to the beginning of the session. The forms may be mailed to Box 10782, Searcy AR 72149, or emailed to symposium@harding.edu

Course Information (enrolled students)

Students will be expected to review the following assignments and information prior to arrival at the Honors Symposium.  

Information Request

We welcome your inquiry! Please email symposium@harding.edu or call 501-279-5272. We will be glad to assist you!

News & Articles

Counselors play a key role in success of Honors Symposium

Typical Schedule

The first day consists of registration, a reception time for parents to visit with the faculty, a dinner for students and faculty, and orientation sessions.

The schedule of activities typically begin around 9 or 10 a.m. each day. Your day will include lectures, discussion groups, interactive classes on a variety of topics, and much more. Evenings are filled with fun activities to give you an opportunity to relax and socialize.

Saturdays are full days as well with relaxed time constraints, and Sundays include worship time together. Symposium includes two overnight camping experiences.

The Honors Symposium sessions conclude after breakfast on the closing Friday. Students must depart campus by 10 a.m.

Contact Information


Honors Symposium

Mailing address:
Harding University
Honors Symposium
HU 10782
Searcy, AR 72149-5615