What are the Cornerstones?

The Cornerstones are required co-curricular activities built around the four Core Values of the Philadelphia University Honors at Jefferson experience. Enrolled Honors students should visit the Honors Canvas site to explore the detailed Honors Cornerstone Guide. Here as an abbreviated Honors Cornerstones Snapshot (PDF).

How many Cornerstones are there?

Four:

• CONTRIBUTE—Courage to contribute ideas that make a difference
• ADAPT—Empathy to adapt with respect to diverse perspectives
• QUESTION—Curiosity to pursue your own questions
• ACT—Confidence to act and apply knowledge in real world conditions

How do I fulfill the Cornerstone requirements?

• Select an opportunity or project – for ideas, visit Student Engagement/ 3rd floor of Kanbar
• Complete any requisite steps/paperwork
• Responsibly complete your 20 hours
• Complete the reflective prompts related to the Cornerstone

How many Cornerstones should I complete per year?

Try to complete one per year. Evaluate your commitments to determine what will work best for you.

Where can I complete the Cornerstones?

• Campus organizations/clubs
• Campus opportunities
• Industry/major projects
• Special projects with faculty
• Conference presentations
• Course projects
• Research/independent study
• Fulbright application submission
• Philadelphia area/University affiliated sites
• Honors initiatives
• Honors Student Association initiatives
• Your community at home

"I learned from working with this community...patience and how to properly listen…"

"...Taught me important communication skills and responsibilities…"

"Getting involved was the best decision I made in college, and I encourage my peers to do the same."

"Students are the influencers of the University - student engagement and community…"

"Volunteering with children...Students looked up to me as a role model."

"...we were prepared for all the questions directed to us."

"I was able to write my story with conviction….Gave me more confidence in my work."

"Presenting at the symposium gave me the chance to see what the expectations are of me in the professional environment."

"I learned that, in order to be a scientist, you must expand your knowledge through speaking with others in your field."

"Even though our study did not produce the results we hoped for, we were confident with the work we completed."