Requirements for Current Gies Scholars

Tracking Requirement Completion

You can view which requirements you have already completed by logging in at https://giesgroups.illinois.edu, navigating to "My Checklists" on the left sidebar on the homepage, and clicking on the Gies Scholar Requirements Checklist for this academic year.

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. More 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 2023-2024 year and should have been reviewed by Gies Career and Professional Development.

    Annual Activity Report
    Submit your annual activity report online by April 30, 2026. The report will include any substitutions for 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. More 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 2023-2024 year and should have been reviewed by Gies Career and Professional Development.

    Annual Activity Report
    Submit your annual activity report online by April 30, 2026. The report will include any substitutions for 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. More 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 events, the involvement reflection essay, and your resume.

Involvement: Sophomores & Juniors

Each year, Gies Scholars must actively participate in at least one Gies College of Business organization recognized by the Council of Presidents OR participate in another opportunity that requires time, dedication, and leadership skill development, such as part-time work. The Gies Business Honors Team will work with you on an appropriate option to complete this requirement. At the end of the academic year, you will submit a short reflection through the annual activity report form on Gies Groups to document your involvement.

Reflection questions: What organization were you involved with? What are the goals of the organization? How did you contribute? What skills did you learn? How do you plan to continue to be involved in the future?

Honors Event Participation

Types of Events
  • Conversations with Leaders – Learn about the career paths of outstanding business leaders, many of them Gies alumni, with the opportunity to ask questions in a small group setting.
  • Professional Development Events – These events are sponsored by the Gies Scholar Program or other campus units and may include interactive discussions with college leadership and faculty, panels, and major/career skill development workshops.
Event Participation

Participate in at least the following events each year:

  • 2 Conversations with Leaders
  • 1 Professional Development Event
Substitutions

Professional development events hosted by the James Scholar Program will also count toward the Gies Scholar Professional Development Event requirement.

If you're not able to attend the minimum number of Conversations with Leaders due to time conflicts, University or college-sponsored lectures (e.g., Leighton Lecture, Hallene Lecture, etc.) can be substituted for Conversations with Leaders. On the annual activity report, you will need to provide the name of the lecture, date, and location as well as evidence of your attendance.  Email bushonors@illinois.edu about approval for any other event substitutions.