Gies Scholar Program
The Gies Scholar Program is designed to develop high-potential students into strong business leaders who not only excel intellectually but also understand that with success comes responsibility to serve their communities, their alma mater, and each other. Using skills developed through the Gies Scholar Program, students will become undergraduate leaders dedicated to making Gies College of Business a better place for all students.
Program Benefits:
- Special leadership development courses and curriculum
- Priority course registration
- Travel internationally through an exclusive short-term study abroad program
- Attend a seminar series featuring national and international business leaders
- Receive support from dedicated honors staff
- Participate in service/philanthropic events for campus and the local community
- Serve on university and college-level boards and committees
- Foster community and engagement at social events with other Gies Scholars
- Build connections with Gies Scholar Program alumni at special events
- Be recognized at graduation for your participation in the Gies Scholar Program
Gies Scholar Selection Process
Admission to the Gies Scholar Honors Program is open to rising sophomores in Gies College of Business. Our aim is to admit a cohort of academically motivated and purpose-driven leaders that is representative of Gies College of Business.
Along with academic achievement, the Gies Scholar Program is looking for students that demonstrate leadership skills, commitment to inclusion, service in the community, creativity, and strong critical thinking skills.
Application and Admission Timeline
The Gies Scholar honors application will be available here to current first-year Gies College of Business in the late fall/early spring semesters and students will be notified before the conclusion of the spring semester.
New intercollegiate transfer (ICT) admits will also be considered for admission to the Gies Scholar Honors Program through the ICT application and notified after ICT admission decisions have been released in the summer.
Requirements for Current Gies Scholars
Tracking Requirement Completion
You can view which requirements you have already completed by reviewing "My Checklists" here.
2025-2026 Requirements
To maintain status as a Gies Scholar, the following requirements should be completed each academic year.
Sophomore (Class of 2028 Requirements)
3.5 GPA Requirement
Must achieve a 3.5 Illinois GPA each semester.
Gies Scholar Course
Successfully complete BUS 215 (Fall only)
Event Participation
Attend at least 2 Conversations with Leaders and 1 Professional Development event. See additional information and exceptions in section below.
Involvement
Each year, all Gies Scholars must actively participate in at least one Gies College of Business organization recognized by the Council of Presidents OR another approved activity. A reflection will be submitted through the annual activity report form. More information below.
Resume
Upload your current resume to the annual activity report form by the end of the academic year. Your resume should include activities and involvement completed during the academic year and should have been reviewed by Gies Business Office of Career and Professional Development.
Annual Activity Report
Submit your annual activity report online by April 30, 2026. The report will include any substitutions for CWL and/or professional development events, the involvement reflection essay, and your resume.
Junior (Class of 2027) Requirements
3.0 GPA Requirement
Must achieve a 3.0 Illinois GPA each semester.
Gies Scholar Course
Successfully complete BUS 315 (Fall only)
Event Participation
Attend at least 2 Conversations with Leaders and 1 Professional Development event. See additional information and exceptions in section below.
Involvement
Each year, all Gies Scholars must actively participate in at least one Gies College of Business organization recognized by the Council of Presidents OR another approved activity. A reflection will be submitted through the annual activity report form. More information below.
Resume
Upload your current resume to the annual activity report form by the end of the academic year. Your resume should include activities and involvement completed during the academic year and should have been reviewed by Gies Business Office of Career and Professional Development.
Annual Activity Report
Submit your annual activity report online by April 30, 2026 . The report will include any substitutions for CWL and/or professional development events, the involvement reflection essay, and your resume.
Senior (Class of 2026) Requirements
3.0 GPA Requirement
Must achieve a 3.0 Illinois GPA each semester.
Gies Scholar Course
Successfully complete BUS 415 (Fall only)
Honors Event Participation
Attend at least 2 Conversations with Leaders and 1 Professional Development event. See additional information and exceptions in section below.
Annual Activity Report
Submit your annual activity report online by April 30, 2026. The report will include any substitutions for CWL and/or professional development events.
Gies Scholar International Experience
Each Gies Scholar cohort has the opportunity to apply for and participate in a short-term international program. Trip details, application criteria, and costs will be communicated directly to each cohort.
Have a question? Connect with our team.
- Email: bushonors@illinois.edu
- Phone: 217-333-2740
- Address: 1055 Business Instructional Facility | 515 E. Gregory St | Champaign, IL