Special Academic Programs

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  Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

  The University of Detroit Mercy has a crosstown agreement with the University of Michigan Air Force ROTC Detachment 390.  The Air Force Officer Education Program prepares you to become an Air Force Officer while earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is rigorous and selective.

  Eligibility

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Full-time student at Detroit Mercy
  • 18 years old or have parental or legal guardian consent
  • Physically fit
  • No known medically disqualifying conditions
  • Good moral character
  • In good academic standing and can participate in the program for a minimum of 3 academic years

  Program Overview

  The Reserve Officer Training Corps is one of three ways to gain a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force or Space Force. 

  You will prepare yourself to excel while completing your bachelor’s degree as a college student. Air Force ROTC does have scholarship opportunities that students in the program can compete for during their freshman and sophomore years.

  You begin the program in the training squadrons and progress through the program and move up through the ranks.

  Cadets may enroll in either the three-year or four-year programs by permission of the Air Force ROTC Detachment Commander.  Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as 2^nd Lieutenants.

  Military Obligation

  After commissioning, graduates of the Air Force ROTC program are called to active duty with the Air Force in a field usually related to their academic degree program..

  For more information on the program, classes, cadet life and how to join, contact the Air Force ROTC Detachment 390 at the University of Michigan.  

  AFROTC@UMICH.EDU 734-647-4094. 

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  American Language and Culture Program

  Program Manager: Catherine Franklin
  Office: Engineering and Science Bldg, Room 270A
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-3320
  Fax: 313-993-1192
  Email: franklca1@udmercy.edu

  Through assessment, placement, and instruction, the American Language and Culture Program equips students with language skills and cultural understanding necessary for them to meet their educational and professional goals in an American university setting. This pathway program collaborates with University partners, providing English language evaluation, consultation and intercultural exchange to foster a diverse international community.

  Assessment

  Assessment of language skills is made during the week prior to the first official class day.

  Placement

  After assessment testing, students are placed in one of the following courses of study:

  • Intensive English - 21 hours of instruction per week.
  • Intermediate English - 3-9 hours of instruction per week.
  • Academic Writing and Culture Seminar - three hours of instruction per week.
  • Full-time degree-directed study - not taking classes with ALCP.

  Instruction

  Detroit Mercy students in the ALCP are provided instruction on the McNichols Campus. The ALCP courses follow the University’s academic calendar with two 15-week terms in the fall and winter, and one 14-week term in the summer.  

  Course Offerings

  • ALCP 1010
  • ALCP 2011
  • ALCP 2012
  • ALCP 2013
  • ALCP 3150

  Note: Undergraduate students can receive three credits for ALCP 2011, 2012, 2013 and one credit for ALCP 3150. These credits can be counted toward elective credit in an undergraduate degree program. If counted as elective credit, points for the grade are factored into the grade-point averages of undergraduate students. All students receive a letter grade on their transcripts.

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  Black Abolitionist Archive

  Director: Roy E. Finkenbine, Ph.D.
  Office: Briggs Building, Room 318
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-1016
  Email: finkenre@udmercy.edu

  The Black Abolitionist Archive is a historical research center devoted to the study of African Americans involved in the transatlantic struggle against slavery—America's "first civil rights movement." The collection housed in the archives contains a wealth of materials that document the lives of some 300 black abolitionists, including some 14,000 documents, an extensive microfilm library, a clippings file, and a library of scholarly books, articles and dissertations. James O. Horton, Ph.D., of the Smithsonian Institution's Afro-American Communities Project, has called it "the most extensive primary source collection on antebellum black activism."

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  Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive

  Director: Gail Presbey, Ph.D.
  Office: Briggs Building, Room 314
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-1124
  Email: presbegm@udmercy.edu

  The James Guadalupe Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive's purpose is to serve students, scholars and community members as a depository for materials on Latin American human rights and solidarity work. It offers students and scholars a place to conduct primary research on Latin American solidarity work, human rights and liberation theology through courses, programs and research materials. The archives, staffed by a director, students and volunteers, is a community institute offering resource and referral information regarding local community and national groups that work on human rights issues in the United States and Latin America.

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  Catholic Studies Certificate Program

  The Arthur McGovern, S.J., Catholic Studies Certificate Program

  The Catholic Studies Program, recognizing the richness, depth and breadth of the Catholic tradition, seeks to help students understand the Catholic vision, its contribution to various fields of study, and its influence on contemporary life. The course of study aims at developing a thoughtful appreciation of the living tradition of the Catholic faith in dialogue with social and personal experience. Students will earn a Certificate in Catholic Studies.

  The program is guided by the principle that faith should inform life in the real world and awaken a responsibility to seek social justice. The certificate program requires the completion of 18 credit hours in courses from several disciplines that address six content areas:

  • Traditions of Catholic Spirituality and Theology
  • Christian Social Justice Traditions
  • The Catholic Imagination and the Diversity of Its Expression
  • Christian Perspectives on the Human Person and on Human Development
  • Church History as It Informs Today's Church and Society
  • The Meaning and Importance of Vatican Council II

  Student Learning Outcomes

  By engaging these content areas, students will develop in the following ways:

  1. Students will understand the Catholic intellectual tradition.

  2. Students will understand the Catholic imagination.

  3. Students will integrate spirituality, worship, service and social justice.

  4. Students will apply the insights of Ignatius Loyola and Catherine McAuley to their own lives.

  5. Students will explain the importance of Vatican Council II for the Church.

  6. Students will formulate their own vision of what it means to be Catholic.

  7. Students will connect their vision of what it means to be Catholic with their field of study and/or a broader vision.

  The goals of the program are accomplished through nine credit hours of required core courses and nine credit hours of electives, making it an interdisciplinary program. Two of the core courses require service in the community and reflection on that experience in the light of Catholic Social Teaching.

  Core Courses (9 credits)

  • CAS 1000 Catholic Studies and the Self (1 credit)
  • CAS 2000 Catholicism: Spirit & Methods (3 credits) / RELS 2000 Catholicism: Spirit and Methods (3 credits)
  • CAS 3000 Catholic Church History: Crystallizing Moments (3 credits)
  • CAS 4000 Senior Seminar (2 credits)

  Electives (9 credits)

  The other nine credit hours of the program are drawn from courses throughout the University that meet at least one of the following criteria and receive the approval of the director of the Catholic Studies program:

  • Are taught from a Catholic perspective;
  • Have a Catholic content or a content consistent with Catholic theology, spirituality or social thought;
  • Cover a topic in which there is considerable Catholic contribution;
  • Are interdisciplinary with a Catholic component;
  • Raise issues that impinge on religious faith;
  • Deal with topics and issues that have a variety of competing understandings and interpretations, one or more of which are consistent with a Catholic perspective;
  • Have a content that could be augmented by reading and reflection to develop a Catholic content or perspective;
  • Put into practice a Catholic vision, involving spirituality and a concern for social justice;
  • Put into practice a professional skill with a dimension that includes a Catholic vision, involving spirituality and a concern for social justice; and
  • Develop a Catholic imagination

  A Sampling of Courses that May Be Taken for Catholic Studies Elective Credit

  This is not an exhaustive list. Students may find other courses that meet program criteria and seek approval from the director of the program.

  • ADS 4600 Spirituality and Recovery (3 credits)
  • ARCH 2120 Architectural History and Theory I (3 credits)
  • BUS 3190 Ethics, Business Leadership, and Social Responsibility (3 credits)
  • CAS 4950 Special Topics in Catholic Studies (3 credits)
  • CHM 4740 Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • CST 3040 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
  • ENL 2350 Study of Fiction (3 credits)
  • ENL 2450 Study of Poetry (3 credits)
  • ENL 2650 Study of Drama (3 credits)
  • ETH 3680 Catholic Health Care Ethics (3 credits)
  • HIS 2000 The Ancient Mediterranean World (3 credits)
  • HIS 2100 Medieval Europe (3 credits)
  • HIS 2200 Early Modern Europe (3 credits)
  • PHL 2020 Person and Society (3 credits)
  • PHL 3020 Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
  • PHL 3030 Philosophy of God (3 credits)
  • PHL 3040 Aquinas: First University Masterpieces (3 credits)
  • PHL 3070 Medieval Philosophy (3 credits)
  • PHL 3560 Peace and Social Justice (3 credits)
  • PYC 3500 Psychology of Religion (3 credits)
  • RELS 2150 The Rise of Christianity (3 credits)
  • RELS 2160 Reformation Era (3 credits)
  • RELS 2200 Introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) (3 credits)
  • RELS 2230 Prophets and Visionaries (3 credits)
  • RELS 2240 Jesus and Gospels (3 credits)
  • RELS 2245 Introduction to the New Testament (3 credits)
  • RELS 2300 Catholic Theology Today (3 credits)
  • RELS 2310 Introduction to Theology (3 credits)
  • RELS 2440 Love and Sexuality in Modern Christian Thought (3 credits)
  • RELS 2420 Religion and Science in the West (3 credits)
  • RELS 2500 The Quest For God today (3 credits)
  • RELS 2510 Theology and Literature (3 credits)
  • RELS 2550 Theology of Christian Marriage (3 credits)
  • RELS 2560 God and The Human Condition (3 credits)
  • RELS 3310 The Christian God (3 credits)
  • RELS 3330 Theology of Karl Rahner (3 credits)
  • RELS 3340 Theology of Death and Resurrection (3 credits)
  • RELS 3470 Catholic Social Thought (3 credits) / CAS 3470 Christian Social Thought (3 credits)
  • RELS 3530 Dynamics of Spiritual Growth (3 credits)
  • RELS 3800 Sport and Spiritual Traditions (3 credits)
  • RELS 4220 Torah and Historical Writings (3 credits)

  Program Contact Information

  Program Director: Si Hendry, S.J., Ph.D.
  Telephone: 313-578-0352 (Briggs) or 313-993-1664 (Lansing Reilly)
  Email: hendrysi@udmercy.edu

  Arthur McGovern, S.J., Catholic Studies Program
  University of Detroit Mercy
  4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48221-3038

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  Extended Off-Campus Instructional Sites

  To meet the learning needs of employed adults wishing to pursue a degree, the University offers certain degree programs at a number of off-campus sites. Degree and major requirements, content of the coursework and faculty are the same as provided in the major courses on the main campuses. Undergraduate programs offered at off-campus sites are:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Aquinas College
  • Health Services Administration programs at University Center, Macomb
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  International Services (ISO)

  Director: Lily Swan
  Office: Engineering & Science Bldg, Room 268
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-3323
  Fax: 313-993-1192
  Email: swanls@udmercy.edu

  ISO reserves the exclusive authority to provide lawful immigration advising to F-1 visa holders. Any outside entities who are not Primary/Designated School Officials (P/DSO) are unauthorized to provide this service. F-1 visa holders should only seek assistance from a P/DSO.

  F-1 visa holders are required to maintain their own status per immigration regulation. They are required to know, understand and comply with them. Failure to follow the regulations will jeopardize your F-1 status. Any questions regarding the following ought to be directed to ISO.

  MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS

  Full-Time Enrollment

  It is your responsibility to ensure that you enroll and complete the correct number of credit hours each Fall and Spring Term.

  • Undergraduate: 12 credits
  • Summer enrollment is optional unless it is your first semester at Detroit Mercy. Full-time enrollment is the same as previously stated.
  • Limitation on online courses: only three credits or one online course per semester can count towards the full-time enrollment minimum.
  • If you are considering dropping below less than full-time, you are required to speak with ISO before you take action. You must complete the Reduced Course Load form and be authorized by ISO before you drop your class(es).

  • Acceptable grades to receive: A, B, C, D, and F. Incompletes and audits will not count towards maintaining your status.
  • For incompletes, you must submit a written agreement between you and the faculty member to ISO for documentation purposes.

  Keep Immigration Documents Valid At All Times

  • Passport must be valid for six months into the future.
  • I-20 must have accurate program information and valid dates.
  • I-94 must be valid for Duration of Status (D/S).
  • The visa sticker in your passport may expire while you reside in the U.S. and is to be used for travel purposes only. It is more important to maintain your status (following the rules, keep your I-20 and passport valid) than the sticker. If you choose/need to travel outside of the U.S., you will have to renew it in order to re-enter the U.S. This can only be done outside of the U.S.
    • Canadian students are exempt from acquiring a visa.

  Attend the School That is On Your I-20

  • Only attend the school listed on your current I-20. You must obtain permission from ISO in order to take class(es) at another institution (concurrent enrollment). If you are admitted to another school and would like to transfer to that school, please contact ISO.

  I-20 Extension

  • If you are unable to complete your degree program in the time allotted on your I-20, you must complete and submit an I-20 Extension Form. You and your academic advisor must complete it with an updated degree plan attached before submitting it to ISO.
  • Any student who comes after their I-20 expiry date must apply for reinstatement.

  Reduced Course Load

  There are limited reasons to allow an F-1 visa holder to request a reduced course load. If authorized, it is only valid for one semester. Please contact ISO for more information.

  Reporting Requirements

  Immigration regulations state that you must report the following to ISO in order to maintain status:

  Change of Address

  • 10 days to report your move.

  Change in Level of Education Level or Degree Program

  • For example, from Bachelor to Master; Biology to Psychology. Your I-20 must be accurate.

  Completing Your Program

  Upon program completion, you must do one of the following within the 60-day grace period. This must be done even if your I-20 expires months into the future.

  • Depart the U.S. A copy of your flight itinerary must be submitted to complete your request.
  • Transfer out and receive an I-20 for a new degree program to a different institution.
  • Complete a change of visa status.
  • Apply for OPT – available to degree recipients only.

  EMPLOYMENT

  ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

  F-1 Students may apply for work on campus as soon as their first semester at Detroit Mercy. Limitations are as follows:

  • No more than 20 hours/week while school is in session; no more than 35 hours/week during school breaks.
  • Approval from ISO is not required in order to work on campus. However, you must be enrolled full-time for the semester and registered for a full course load before you may begin working.

  PRACTICAL TRAINING

  There are two different kinds of off-campus employment: Curricular and Optional Practical Training. Per immigration regulations, you must have completed at least one academic year in your status and must be directly related to your degree program. Once you are eligible, you are required to obtain authorization from ISO or USCIS before you start work. Even one day of unauthorized work is considered to be a direct violation of your status.

  CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)

  CPT is temporary employment for F-1 students that is directly related to his or her major area of study and is an integral part of the established curriculum. The employment must be a degree requirement; or you must earn academic credit(s) from the employment as an internship/clinical/field study/practicum or similar course that requires practical training.

  Students need to apply for CPT for any applicable practical training whether or not they will receive any form of compensation. A student authorized for CPT may only be employed for specific dates and employer as approved by the International Services Office (ISO). Any changes in the employment require a new CPT application. The student must resubmit a new application to ISO and wait for a newly issued I-20 in order to continue employment.

  To apply for CPT, each student will need to submit and complete the following:

  • Completed CPT Request with the required verification and signature from academic department
  • An official letter from the prospective employer (waived if the internship/employment is assigned by academic department). The letter MUST be on original company letterhead and include:
  • A job title and detailed description of your duties
  • Whether it’s paid/unpaid employment
  • The start and end dates of your employment
  • Direct supervisor’s name, title, address, and phone number
  • State the number of hours/week
  • Register for CPT affiliated course. This is done through your academic department.
  • Pick up CPT I-20 with a letter for a Social Security Number (if applicable) from ISO before you start working.

  Even though you may obtain approval from your academic department and have a job offer, you should not begin working until you have completed all the paperwork with ISO and have received your updated I-20 with your CPT on the second page. Failure to comply with these regulations is grounds for termination of your F-1 status. You may visit the ISO for more information.

  OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

  OPT is “temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study” authorized by USCIS. Students should apply no more than 90 days before the end of the semester. Please see ISO for more details.

  HEALTH INSURANCE

  Detroit Mercy’s policy requires international students on an F-1 visa are required to have valid health insurance while they reside in the U.S.

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  Language and Cultural Training

  Language and Cultural Training

  Since 1982, University of Detroit Mercy's Language and Cultural Training Program has been Metro Detroit's premier source for language training. The program provides customized language programs for University of Detroit Mercy students and a variety of professionals including corporate and legal executives, health care providers, governmental personnel and educators.

  Programs are offered in many world languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, as well as English as a Second Language including Accent Reduction and American Business English. Coursework may be available for academic credit. Please contact the Language and Cultural Training Department for more information on eligibility.

  Cultural Seminars

  Host a full-day, half-day or two-hour mini-seminar at your workplace covering aspects of culture that are essential for business operations or travel abroad. Customize a program that is tailored to meet your company's objectives, as well as your personal and professional needs. The following cultural-training programs are available:

  • Austria
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Germany
  • India
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • South Korea

  Programs are also available focusing on countries located throughout Africa and the Middle East, the European Union, Latin and South America.

  English as a Second Language (ESL)

  Through its offerings in many world languages and English as a Second Language, the Language and Cultural Training Department seeks to imbue students with linguistic and cultural knowledge of contemporary foreign countries. Because today's students live in a multicultural and multilingual world, the curriculum provides the tools, competence, and cultural orientation to enable them to do so successfully.

  Certificates in Foreign Language Studies

  Certificates in Foreign Language Studies are available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Visit the Certificates in Foreign Language Studies catalog page for more information.

  High School Dual Enrollment

  University of Detroit Mercy's language courses are also available for dual high school and college credit. Please visit the Dual Enrollment Program page on the University's website.

  Director: Lara Wasner, M.A., MATESOL
  Office: Briggs Building, Room 339
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-1102
  Email: wasnerle@udmercy.edu

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  Leadership

  University of Detroit Mercy
  Briggs 212
  4001 W. McNichols Road
  Detroit, MI 48221-3038
  313-993-2003
  theinstitute@udmercy.edu

  
  Detroit Mercy’s Institute for Leadership and Service provides opportunities for all members of the University community to engage in social change for the common good. The Emerging Leaders Program (E.L.P.) is designed to educate, engage and empower all Detroit Mercy students. Using the Social Change Model, the E.L.P. offers students the opportunity to explore their leadership potential and abilities. Recognition will be given in the form of the Leadership Pin or the Leadership Medallion.The Leadership minor is the largest minor on campus. All undergraduate students are eligible to add a Leadership minor to their major. The minor is a total of 18 credits. This minor is a perfect complement to any field of study at the University. Visit the Leadership minor page for more information.

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  Student Success Center

  Contact: Felicia Hartinger
  Office: Library, 3rd Floor, Room 319
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-1265
  Email: mitrovfl@udmercy.edu

  The Student Success Center (SSC) provides student-centered support services to a perse student population at University of Detroit Mercy by engaging students holistically as they strive for academic success.

  The SSC provides services to the University community in the following areas:

  Academic Support Services

  Tutoring

  The Student Success Center provides free tutorial services, including one-on-one tutoring sessions and learning communities, for all registered Detroit Mercy students. An appointment is recommended for individual tutoring sessions, although a limited number of walk-ins are available each day. Students can make an appointment through our online scheduler or by visiting the SSC in-person or by calling 313-993-1143. Day and evening appointments are available either in-person or online. The Student Success Center supports freshman level coursework, focusing on basic core curriculum and beginning major-specific courses. Some upper-division tutoring is available, primarily in the math and sciences.

  Learning Communities

  Learning communities in math, science and English are directed by a tutor who has completed the course and then coordinates with the professor to gain insight on the specific course content. Any student in the course may attend these sessions; the schedule is posted each term outside the SSC office and on our website. No appointment is necessary for the learning communities.

  Mentoring

  Professional mentoring and peer mentoring is available. Mentors are available to meet with students to determine their specific challenges and opportunities to achieve a student's goals, including helping with success skills for the classroom and time management.

  Assessment and Orientation Services

  The Student Success Center conducts placement testing for all new and transfer undergraduate students. The SSC coordinates the placement testing component of student orientation, advising and registration (SOAR) for all new freshmen. The SSC also provides an alternative testing site/time testing for students in need of these accommodations.

  Disability Support Services

  Detroit Mercy is committed to equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities and recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be necessary to ensure access to campus courses, services, activities, and facilities. Disability & Support Services (DSS), a division of the Student Success Center, is the office designated by Detroit Mercy to review disability documentation, determine reasonable accommodations, and develop plans for the provision of such accommodations, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as Amended (ADAA). Students with physical, learning, psychological or pregnancy/parenting challenges should contact DSS with questions at 313-993-1158 or dss@udmercy.edu.

  King-Chavez-Parks (KCP) Program

  The KCP program offers mentoring along with informative and fun opportunities, including our learning communities, 1st Gen Network and other academic and social programming.

  Academic Programs

  Academic Interest & Major Exploration (AIME) program

  The SSC sponsors the Academic Interest & Major Exploration (AIME) non-degree seeking program. AIME's specialized advisors are familiar with the requirements for all degrees and programs offered at Detroit Mercy. AIME is designed to help students explore majors by offering developmental advising and individualized academic plans.

  Health Exploration (HEX) program

  The SSC also sponsors The Health Exploration (HEX) program, which is designed for students who wish to explore any major related to the health sciences. HEX is designed to help students explore majors by offering developmental advising and individualized academic plans.

  University Academic Services (UAS)

  The UAS department offers developmental coursework in a variety of courses. These classes are currently offered during the Fall and Winter terms. These courses include UAS 0750-Basic Math Review, UAS 0800-Basic Mathematics, UAS 0950-Elementary Algebra, UAS 0990-Basic Writing, UAS 1045-Academic Empowerment, UAS 1050-Success Skills II, and UAS 1070-Academic/Athletic Transitions.

  University College (UC) program

  The Student Success Center is home of the University College program. Both the Academic Interest & Major Exploration and Health Exploration programs fall within University College.

  University College is also a readmission program for select students who are readmitted into AIME/HEX. Students are selected for participation in UC through review and interviews with the SSC staff. Students admitted through this process sign a contract agreeing to specific conditions, and are linked to necessary support services, developmental advising, and individualized academic plans of action.

  Testing Center

  The SSC offers two quiet rooms for students to take tests, quizzes or placement tests. The Testing Center is also available for students who need to take a test with alternative site/time testing. Any student who would like to use the Testing Center must sign our SSC Testing Agreement form and will be monitored by a proctor.

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  Study Abroad Programs

  Director: Lara Wasner, M.A., MATESOL
  Office: Briggs Building, Room 339
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-1191
  Email: wasnerle@udmercy.edu

  University of Detroit Mercy provides students with opportunities to gain global perspective and experience by encouraging them to study abroad. Through its various schools and colleges, the University expands its curricula through study programs in other parts of the world. Interested students should consult with the departments sponsoring the programs for more information. Please refer to the Study Abroad Program page on the University's website for the many opportunities available as semester-study and short-term programs.

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  University Honors Program

  Co-Director: Evan A. Peterson, J.D. Ph.D.
  Office: C&F Building, Room 216
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-1202
  Fax: 313-993-1673
  Email: petersea@udmercy.edu 

  Co-Director: Juan Carlos Flores, Ph.D.
  Office: Briggs Building, Room 304
  McNichols Campus
  Phone: 313-993-3318
  Fax: 313-993-1166
  Email: floresju@udmercy.edu

  The University Honors Program (UHP) at University of Detroit Mercy integrates the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of its members by fostering a community of scholarly excellence, encouraging exploration of the larger world beyond the classroom, and promoting compassionate service to society at large and persons in need. The program directors administer UHP with the advice and consent of the Honors Leadership Council, the general student membership of the program. Each member of UHP must fulfill the Honors curriculum and complete 100 hours of community-engaged service.

  The scholarly excellence of the University Honors Program is complemented by a vibrant Honors community. All members of UHP are also members of the Honors Leadership Council, which plays an active role in planning the program. The council meets regularly throughout the academic year to help plan social events, lectures, forums and film nights. Members of the University Honors Program in good standing have the privilege of using the Gardella Honors House.

  Overview

  University Honors Program students must fulfill 22 required Honors credits during their University careers by taking:

  • University Honors Freshman Seminar (HON 1000) (Fall semester, freshman year)
  • Eighteen (18) hours of Honors elective courses (one per semester for the first three academic years)
  • Three (3) hours (HON 4997, HON 4998, HON 4999) devoted to writing a Senior Thesis or developing a Senior Project under the guidance of a faculty member (This takes place over the course of three or more semesters.)

  Membership Requirements - Incoming Freshmen

  • High school GPA of 3.5 or better
  • Involvement in high school extra-curricular activities
  • Participation in the University Honors Program is by invitation only

  Graduation Requirements

  • Fulfillment of University Honors curriculum
  • Fulfillment of 100 hours total of community-engaged service
  • A minimum overall GPA of 3.3 at time of graduation/degree certification

  Students who complete all the graduation requirements will have the Honors distinction printed on their diplomas and transcripts as part of their degree name when they graduate and will wear golden Honors stoles at the Commencement ceremony.

  Curriculum

  University Honors Freshman Seminar
  

  The HON 1000 seminar course is designed to introduce incoming students to the Honors Program and to the University. It is required for all incoming freshmen students in the Honors Program.

  Honors Elective Courses

  UHP students take six Honors elective courses taught by outstanding faculty members who are committed to students' academic, personal and professional success. In their junior and senior year, UHP students write an Honors Thesis in the discipline of their choice under the guidance and mentorship of a faculty thesis advisor.

  UHP students who do not take an Honors elective course for two consecutive semesters (regular academic year only) are subject to removal from the Honors Program at the discretion of the program co-directors for failure to make progress toward program requirements.

  Students may petition to take up to two non-Honors courses for Honors credit. (Note: students who petition to have an Advanced Placement (AP) score of four or five counted for Honors credit may take up to one non-Honors course for Honors credit). Non-Honors courses taken for Honors credit will require additional work above-and-beyond what is required of other students in the course. Students must submit a completed “Taking a Non-Honors Course for Honors Credit” form to Dr. Peterson no later than noon on Friday during the first week of the relevant semester. The form must be signed by the student, the instructor, and approved by Dr. Peterson.

  Honors Thesis - Overview
  

  An Honors thesis is a substantial, independent, intellectual and creative endeavor initiated by the student. In undertaking an Honors thesis, the student will spend over a year researching literature, working on an experiment, or designing and producing creative work. But writing and defending an Honors thesis is so much more than the final hurdle in graduating with Honors. In taking up this ambitious project, the author is shifting from being a student to becoming a scholar or artist, from being a consumer of knowledge to becoming a producer of knowledge, from performing assignments and exercises to developing and completing an individually-determined project guided by a primary thesis director. These transformations will bring a living part of the author’s emerging self out into the world in tangible form, bringing him or her significantly closer to intellectual and creative maturity and imbuing the student with a deeper appreciation of both an aspect of the world and his or her own abilities. In summary, an Honors thesis should be considered an inspiring, exciting and unique opportunity to explore a topic of passionate interest to the student. It is, in every sense, a capstone to your Honors experience.

  Students are encouraged to devise the project themselves, but develop it in close collaboration with a faculty mentor who will supervise the various stages of the project, from research, data collection, writing and revision, to a public presentation of the work before the Honors community. The thesis may derive from the student’s major academic field or from another academic area of interest.

  Honors Thesis - Roundtable Sessions
  

  All students at the thesis stage MUST attend a minimum of one Honors Roundtable Session each semester while enrolled in HON 4997, HON 4998, and HON 4999. These required sessions will allow you an opportunity to discuss challenges and strategies with other Honors students at the thesis stage.

  Honors Thesis - Reflective Essay

  Along with the thesis, students are required to submit a minimum 1000-word reflective essay as part of their Honors thesis requirements. The purpose of this essay is for students to reflect on how they have grown as a person (intellectually, spirituality, ethically, and socially) during their time as Honors students at Detroit Mercy. Questions the reflective essay may address include the following:

  • How my perspective on life changed since I first came to Detroit Mercy? Consider discussing how your values, interests, goals, etc., may have changed. You may find the personal narrative you drafted in HON 1000 helpful here; contact the Honors co-directors for a copy.
  • How has my place in Detroit Mercy’s Honors Program influenced how I look back on my college experience?
  • What does it mean for me to have been a part of a Catholic, Jesuit, Mercy Honors program?
  • What does it mean for me to have attended a university in Detroit?
  • How did the program’s insistence on placing the humanities/liberal arts at the center of my education affect how I thought about the goal of my education?
  • How did the program’s commitment to justice affect my own choices?

  Honors Thesis - Submission Timing

  Students may begin the process of producing their thesis at any point after a topic is chosen; however, the majority of the work should be completed in the final three semesters of the student’s academic career. Students officially register for a series of three one-credit courses beginning in the winter semester of their third year and continuing through their 4th year (HON 4997, HON 4998, HON 4999). 

  The Honors thesis must be finished and defended before or during the semester the student intends to graduate (no later than the date set for Honors Convocation of student’s final semester). For students graduating in the fall semester, the thesis must be defended prior to the start of final exam week. Once completed, the student submits her or his thesis to the director for final approval. This is followed by a public oral defense of the thesis. Once the student completes the oral defense, a final, signed copy of the thesis is submitted to the library for cataloging.

  Honors Study Abroad Option

  Members of the University Honors Program may take up to two accredited study abroad courses in lieu of required Honors courses. Students who choose this option should select study abroad courses in consultation with the UHP co-directors.

  Transfer Students

  Students who transfer to Detroit Mercy from another institution may petition to join the University Honors Program. Petitions will be granted on a case-by-case basis. 

  Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program

  Plan of Study

  First Year - Fall Term 1: HON 1000 Seminar (required), Honors Elective Course (required), Additional Honors Elective Course (recommended)

  First Year - Winter Term 2: Honors Elective Course (required), Additional Honors Elective Course (recommended), Complete 25 service hours and log with Emerging Leaders Program (recommended)

  First Summer: Continue service hours – Students are required to complete (and log) a minimum of 50 service hours by August 15^th prior to start of their second year. Students are highly encouraged to complete (and log) a minimum of 75 service hours by August 15^th prior to the start of their second year. 

  Second Year - Fall Term 1: Honors Elective Course (required), Additional Honors Elective Course (recommended). Students are also required to begin preparations for HON 4997 in Winter Term. Paperwork for HON 4997 (see Honors Student Handbook) must be completed and submitted to Dr. Peterson prior to start of Fall Term Final Exam Week.

  Second Year - Winter Term 2: Honors Elective Course (required), Additional Honors Elective Course (recommended), Review LSAC website for information on LSAT (recommended), Complete HON 4997 (required). Students are also required to begin preparations to complete HON 4998 in Fall Term of Third Year. Paperwork for HON 4998 (see Honors Student Handbook) must be completed and submitted to Dr. Peterson prior to start of Winter Term Final Exam Week.

  Second Summer: Complete service hours – Students are required to have completed (and logged with the Emerging Leaders Program) all 100 required service hours by August 15^th prior to the start of their third year. Students are highly encouraged to continue working on their Honors thesis during their second summer. Students may take HON 4998 and HON 4999 during their second summer with permission of Honors co-directors and thesis director. Students are highly encouraged to prepare for and complete the LSAT by the end of their second summer.

  Third Year - Fall Term 1: Complete HON 4998 (required), Honors Elective Course(s) as needed (required). Students are also required to begin preparations to complete HON 4999 in Winter Term. Paperwork for HON 4999 (see Honors Student Handbook) must be completed and submitted to Dr. Peterson prior to start of Fall Term Final Exam Week. Students are also required to complete the LSAT (if not already done so). LSAT must be taken no later than December of Third Year and have a score of at least 154.

  Third Year - Winter Term 2: Honors Elective Course(s) as needed (required), Complete HON 4999 (required). Students are also required to defend their Honors thesis. Thesis defense must occur prior to date of Honors Convocation (no exceptions). It is also recommended that students meet with Dr. Peterson for an Exit Interview and begin preparations for 1L year.

  Other Policies and Information

  All University Honors Program requirements apply to Honors students in the Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program.

  All Honors students in the Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program must meet with Dr. Peterson for an entrance interview during their first semester at Detroit Mercy to discuss requirements for completing the University Honors Program in three years. Honors students in the Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program who do not meet with Dr. Peterson during their first semester at Detroit Mercy will be withdrawn from the University Honors Program.

  To ensure timely completion of undergraduate degree requirements, students may be required to take 19 credits in one or more academic terms. Taking 19 credits in an academic term may require approval of students’ major program of study and incur an additional one-credit tuition charge.

  Students are encouraged to double-up on Honors elective courses in a single term whenever possible.

  If students are unable to schedule an Honors elective course for an upcoming term, or begin to fall behind in other requirements, they must contact the Honors Program co-directors immediately.

  Honors students in the Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program must meet with Dr. Peterson during their first semester at Detroit Mercy to discuss expectations and requirements for completing both programs in three years. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the University Honors Program.

  The requirements placed on Honors students in the Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program are extremely demanding. The Honors co-directors will make every effort to work with students to help facilitate their completion of the Honors requirements in three years. The Honors co-directors cannot guarantee that the schedule/availability of offered Honors elective courses (or the Honors first-year seminar) will not conflict with the schedule/availability of other courses required by students’ major program of study. Honors students in the Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program are required to affirm in writing that they have read and understand the terms outlined in the above Plan of Study, Policies, and Information.

  Note: The Plan of Study, Policies, and Information above only reflect University Honors Program requirements, not requirements set for students’ major program of study.

   

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  Women's and Gender Studies

  Description

  University of Detroit Mercy's Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) Program is a diversity and social-justice-focused area of study that examines how our beliefs about gender and sexuality shape our personal identities and the world we live in. The program also examines how gender and sexuality intersect with other facets of our identities such as race, class, nationality, ability and age. WGS draws on many academic disciplines to ask questions about the roles gender and sexuality play in key areas of the human experience such as: politics, popular culture, religion, science, law, history, art, economics, health, education, citizenship and families.

  The WGS Program offers multiple ways for students to discover, engage and transform through the lens of women's and gender issues including an academic minor, social justice activism, grants, writing competitions, events/speakers and arts.

  
  

  Program Contact Information

  Hsiao-Lan Hu, Ph.D.
  Women's and Gender Studies Program Director
  Phone: 313-578-0351
  Email: hhu@udmercy.edu

  Amanda Hiber, M.F.A
  Women's and Gender Studies Program Associate Director and Curriculum Committee Chair
  Phone: 313-993-2011
  Email: hiberja@udmercy.edu