Philadelphia University Honors Institute at Thomas Jefferson University

The Cornerstones are required co-curricular experiences that demonstrate the outcomes of the four core values of the Philadelphia University Honors Institute at Thomas Jefferson University. Students must complete their Cornerstone experiences and reflections by the semester before they graduate from their undergraduate programs. Students can fulfil their Cornerstones both through Honors-sponored programs or through other on- and off-campus interests and experiences. 

Enrolled Honors students should visit the Honors Canvas site to explore the detailed Honors Cornerstone Guide. Here as an abbreviated Honors Cornerstones Snapshot (PDF).

There are four Honors Cornerstones:

• 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

1. Review the cornerstone outcomes, prompts, and suggested activities (available on Canvas and through the Honors Office)
2. Identify experiences that both align with the cornerstones and your professional and academic goals.
3. Meet with Honors to discuss any questions or concerns.
4. Complete 20 hours PER cornerstone over your undergraduate education (80 hours total)
5. Make note of anecdotes and thoughts to help keep your reflection specific and personal. 
6. Write a thoughtful reflection framing your experience in terms of the cornerstone outcome. 
7. Edit and submit reflection ONE semester before completion of undergraduate courses.

Students are encouraged to complete one Cornerstone per year. Honors encourages students to evaluate their commitments and schedules to determine what times will be the best to ensure meaningful co-curricular engagements. 

We encourage reflections to be submitted the semester after a Cornerstone experience to both pace out your writing and to keep your reflection as specific as possible. The Cornerstone Reflections will help you frame your experience around various professional and soft-skills and develop your professional personality. They also intend to help you practice for cover letters, personal statements, and interviews. 

• Campus organizations/clubs
• Industry/major projects
• Special projects with faculty
• Volunteer Work
• Study Abroad/Travel Study Courses
• Conference presentations
• Research/independent study
• Fulbright application submission
• Honors programs and initiatives
• Honors Student Association initiatives
• Home community organizations

"The Cornerstone reflection process has helped me think about how to extrapolate the elements of my projects, work, and volunteering that truly tell a story. I realized that prospective employers do not just want to hear about what you did, but why it matters, what it says about you, and what you learned from it. So, in job interviews, I try to convey how my previous experiences have affected my professional development instead of just restating my work history that is already listed on my resume." - Kavi Shahnawaz, Current Law & Society Student