USP Basics
USP scholars are the embodiment of leadership diversity. From students who classify as first-generation, to students who wish to pursue a personalized major, to students who simply want to be challenged, they all take part in what it means to be a University Scholar. We all have a different journey to becoming servants of God and the community.
Honors courses in various areas of the curriculum are made available to USP scholars who indulge in a more creative and innovative classroom experience. Students have USP opportunities like interdisciplinary and disciplinary Honor Societies to enhance their educational and leadership journey. Convention and Town Hall outings contribute to an enhanced experience. The Association of Core Texts and Courses conferences allow students to share their academic papers with students across the nation. Research Night is an evening set aside for scholars to showcase their knowledge of a topic in their area of study. Study abroad opportunities offer USP scholars a transformative experience.
At FPU, we celebrate USP scholars for all of their achievements. In the fall and spring banquets, students delight in an evening breaking bread with their friends, family, and esteemed faculty, sharing stories and motivating each other to be good stewards of knowledge and wisdom.
A University Scholar is an FPU student who in words and actions shows their commitment to a lifetime of learning. This scholar is curious, adventurous and mindful in the classroom, professional settings and the community, as well as the Valley and the world.
For USP classes, any President's or Paragon Scholar can take part (they are automatically enrolled in LEAD). Anyone else who feels motivated to join a class can request a letter from a previous professor attesting to their ability. For other activities and events, we try to include contact points, but you can always email Marshall Johnston at marshall.johnston@fresno.edu for more information.
The Paragon Scholarship is the highest academic scholarship at Fresno Pacific University. It is given each year to a select number of freshman traditional undergraduate candidates. It is a full-tuition, four-year award.
The Paragon Scholarship program is designed to encourage, grow and mentor the top scholars on Fresno Pacific University’s campus.
Join the USP
Joining the University Scholars Program opens you to a world of possibilities.
USP Benefits
The University Scholars Program provides students with opportunities to grow as leaders through engaging courses, mentorship and meaningful connections. USP students gain valuable experiences that foster academic excellence, personal development and community engagement.
All Paragon and President's Scholars will take Lead120H: Perspectives in Leadership. This course explores and applies principles of leadership and features notable guest speakers. The USP curriculum currently offers nine courses for students. At the end of the year the highest-achieving students are invited to attend the Honors Banquet, where students are recognized for their achievements and potentially awarded highest honors.
University Scholars will receive mentoring from faculty as well as other USP students. Students will also have the opportunity to meet, network, and be mentored by various business, civic and religious leaders throughout the region.
USP students may attend monthly town hall lectures to hear from influential speakers such as Leon Panetta and Carl Bernstein. There are also special study trips available in the spring and summer that can fulfill a student's focus series requirement while expanding his or her worldview and life experience. Longer study abroad opportunities are available across the globe to places like Costa Rica, India and Vietnam.
USP students can participate in the honor societies Alpha Chi, Phi Alpha Theta, Kappa Mu Epsilon and Pi Gamma Mu. The annual Alpha Chi Convention, where many of our students have received awards for their outstanding accomplishments, is a highlight for some of the USP students. There is also an opportunity to apply for regional and national scholarships through these societies.
Fresno Pacific offers the unique opportunity to work alongside our outstanding faculty on various research projects, often conducting work that is only available at the graduate level at other institutions. Fresno Pacific hosts a Research Day each spring where students have an opportunity to showcase their work.
University Scholars living on campus are eligible to receive priority consideration for housing assignments.
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