House System
As the Honors College has grown, we have looked for ways to keep our community connected and thriving. In 2017, we adopted a house system that provides smaller communities within Honors and encourages student involvement through social, service, and academic events, leadership opportunities, as well as our yearly House Cup Challenge. Additionally, the house system allows students closer connection and mentorship from Honors staff.Â
House Structure
When students join the Honors College, they are sorted randomly into one of the six houses. During the Honors College’s Welcome Program, students take part in a sorting ceremony and receive a wax-sealed letter that reveals their house membership. Sorting is permanent; house membership will not change from year to year.
Each house is led by a Head of House (Honors College staff member) and a student house council. House councils plan and lead service and social events for their house and the overall Honors community. While senior council positions are typically held by sophomores, juniors, and seniors, first-year students are able to join as ambassadors and later apply and interview for senior positions within the team.Â
Heads of House act as mentors and resources for Honors students, meeting with every member of their house at least once a year. These meetings allow students to ask questions about Honors, discuss long-term goals and planning, talk through any personal issues they are having, or simply catch up.
Meet the Houses
The Honors College houses are named after birds of prey that can be found in Idaho: Peregrine, Harrier, Kestrel, Osprey, Merlin, and Gyrfalcon. Like our namesakes, each house shares qualities with other houses while having unique strengths all their own. Click on a house to learn more!
House Cup Challenge
The House Cup Challenge is a year-long competition between the six houses. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to earn points for their houses by participating in service, social, and academic events.
Winners of the House Cup Challenge are announced at the end of the year. Their name is engraved on the House Cup, which is presented to them at the first House Cup Challenge of the following year.
2023 – Merlin House