Chico's academic setting also has much to offer. It has one of the highest persistence and graduation rates in the CSU system, as well as one of the largest and fastest growing honors programs in the system. In the general education program, students have the option of taking an honors version of some classes, often taught by an award-winning professor. This course changes each semester and may be used to fulfill one of several general education categories. For example, philosophy professor Ron Hirschbein, who has long studied strategies for peace, and recreation and parks management professor Doug Campbell, an ex-military man, are teaching a class, Perspectives on War and Peace, guaranteed to be lively given the two men's divergent views.
Many majors offer honors programs.
In the psychology honors program, for example, students work for two semesters with a professor-mentor on a specific research project. In May the students hold a mini-conference at which they present their research and findings. Students who meet certain academic achievement criteria may also join the honors societies on campus, such as Phi Eta Sigma for freshmen, Phi Kappa Phi for juniors and seniors, and a variety of societies associated with particular disciplines. The kinds of scholarships to become available in the new scholarship campaign will depend on the donors. If Ferguson were able to design a scholarship, he would include financial need, community service, leadership, and academic achievement.