The Leadership in Action (LIA) Institute
The Leadership in Action (LIA) Institute provides a diversified collective of leadership and professional development programming to complement honors students' academic experiences and holistic development. The LIA Institute emphasizes ethical leadership, innovative problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration and career readiness to help prepare students to tackle complex challenges with character, integrity and forward-thinking.
Through active engagement in the LIA institute programs, students can grow in their professionalism and leadership abilities, becoming principled leaders who lead by example, inspire and challenge others, foster a collaborative environment, and are intentional about making an impact. These qualities prime students to make meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond.
Who Is Eligible?
This co-curricular leadership opportunity is available to Honors College students from all academic disciplines at no additional cost. Email the Honors College for more information.
Leadership in Action (LIA) Fellowship
The LIA Fellowship is an Honors College student organization dedicated to leadership and professional development. The fellows are committed to curating a collaborative honors environment, engaging with the honors community, serving our local and global community and delivering many of the Honors College’s signature events. In alignment with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Competencies, the LIA Fellowship provides an opportunity for honors students to engage in professional and leadership development while immediately engaging in practical application. Fellows collaborate across class levels and disciplines to inspire and challenge others, become principled leaders and provide an exceptional honors student experience.
Honors Student Advisory Council
The Honors Student Advisory Council is comprised of the Leadership in Action (LIA) president, vice president and directors, along with at least two elected LIA fellows. The Student Advisory Council is responsible for executing the overall LIA vision, engaging with honors administration on initiatives, ideas and concerns, and coordinating governance feedback sessions for honors students and administration.
Professional and Leadership Development Committee
This committee oversees the ideation, planning and execution of the annual Next Generation Leadership Conference in conjunction with Honors College administration.
Academic Excellence Committee
This academic-focused committee helps plan, execute and promote scholarship-related initiatives including the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research, Canyon Undergraduate Research Conference, Canyon Undergraduate Research Symposium, Honors Showcase and supports any LIA Fellowship research initiatives.
First Year Committee (FYC)
FYC is dual-purpose in that members receive mentoring and community building for the first semester while also planning and executing events for first year students. During the spring semester, FYC members expand their engagement and leadership skills by transitioning into one of the other committees.
Faith, Integrity and Service Committee
This faith-based and servant leadership committee oversees efforts to integrate faith, integrity and service into the Honors College fabric. Specifically, the committee plans and delivers weekly devotionals during LIA meetings, as well as planning and executing the Honors College Service Week each fall and the campus-wide Integrity Week each spring.
The purpose of the LIA Scholars Lab is to examine the intersection of honors education and professional and leadership development while providing novice research opportunities to undergraduate honors students. It is housed within the university’s Canyon Emerging Scholars Program. Email the Honors College to express interest.
Polish critical professional skills such as resume writing, interviewing and networking while learning about the importance of mentorship and how to maximize your college experience.
This program provides an overview of the intensive graduate and medical school application process for various programs, describes how to set appropriate expectations and timeliness and gives guidance on required application materials.
Discover your aspirations, lead with your values, focus on relationship-building and reflect deeply in an open discussion environment. The Young Athena program also involves meeting with your peer groups outside of the weekly sessions to dig further into the concepts and build community.
The Men of VALOR Leadership Development Series helps students develop their professional and leadership skills related to vision, ambition, leadership, opportunity and resilience. Through monthly guest speakers, the series offers an opportunity for growth and development, mentorship and a community of emerging leaders.
Start your semester off strong with weekly dedicated time for journaling. Prompts delve into knowing yourself, nurturing relationships, navigating college and navigating post-college with an end-of-program celebration.
Honors Events
Registration links for Honors College signature events are available a month prior to each event. Please check back for exciting opportunities and follow the Honors College at Grand Canyon University on Instagram.
Canyon Undergraduate Research Conference
The Canyon Undergraduate Research Conference features multidisciplinary research and projects from undergraduate students. GCU and community guests are invited to explore engaging poster and oral presentations featuring undergraduate learners from the following programs: Research & Design Program, Canyon Emerging Scholars, Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research authors and the Honors College.
Honors College Showcase
This showcase highlights work-inspired projects and learning experiences by honors students, who present their work to peers, university administration, community guests, industry and a panel of judges, with finalists receiving a scholarship toward their GCU tuition for the next academic year.1
Next Generation Leadership Conference
Each spring semester, the LIA Fellowship Professional and Leadership Development Committee plans and executes a leadership conference open to all GCU students. Each year’s theme is different, but the goal remains the same: to help students strengthen their leadership skills, build a strong network and learn from professionals on various leadership topics.
Banquet
To celebrate the end of each academic year, the Honors College hosts an awards show inspired banquet to honor our dedicated students. This themed event, planned by LIA Fellowship Community and Belonging Committee, invites students to enjoy live music, food and an awards ceremony.
Integrity Week
To align with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars’ celebration of Integrity Week the second week of February, the Honors College hosts events to promote integrity in academics, the workplace, technology, relationships and beyond. These events are open to all GCU faculty, staff and students and is organized by current NSCS leadership and the LIA Fellowship Faith, Integrity and Service Committee.
Service Week
One of the Honors College’s core values is commitment to service and service-minded leadership. Our LIA Fellowships’ Faith, Integrity and Service Committee collaborates with outside organizations to give honors students the opportunity to serve and connect with nonprofits around the Valley.
Not in the Honors College Yet?
Interested in becoming a part of the Honors College at Grand Canyon University? Join our community of scholars and take advantage of all that the Honors College offers. Before applying, make sure to review the admission criteria, application materials and expectations of an honors student. We hope you take advantage of this unique opportunity to join a group of fellow servant leaders and scholars.
Apply for the LIA Fellowship
Already in the Honors College? Applications for the Leadership in Action Fellowship open in January each year. Interested individuals must be available for the next full academic year. The Fellowship meets weekly for two hours and attends outside Honors College events. Positions include president, vice president, directors and fellows.
1 The Honors Showcase Scholarship is subject to GCU’s Institutional Aid CAP Policy and is awarded for up to one academic year only.