What makes a college experience truly transformative?
At the Pavlis Honors College, we believe it’s not just about the courses you take or the credentials you earn—it’s about who you become along the way. That’s why everything we do is rooted in the Pavlis Honors Abilities: nine intentionally designed mindsets that help you navigate not just college, but life with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
These Honors Abilities aren’t a checklist. They’re a compass.
They guide how you engage with your learning, your peers, your community, and your future.
The Pavlis Honors Abilities:
- Learn Deeply
- Welcome Challenge
- Embrace Ambiguity
- Communicate Empathetically
- Engage in Mentorship
- Value Diverse Perspectives
- Know Yourself
- Balance Confidence and Humility
- Act With Purpose
Each Ability represents more than a skill—it’s a mindset. A way of being. When you reflect on these Abilities throughout your Pavlis journey, you begin to connect the dots between your coursework, co-curriculars, and life experiences. You start to see patterns in how you approach challenges, how you relate to others, and how you make decisions.
And that self-awareness? That’s powerful.
More Than Just Skills—They’re Tools for Life
Let’s be honest: college doesn’t come with a clear manual. You’ll encounter uncertainty. You’ll face moments of doubt, conflict, and growth. The Pavlis Abilities are there to help you meet those moments with intention:
- Learn Deeply reminds you that learning isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about seeking understanding.
- Welcome Challenge empowers you to lean into discomfort and grow from it.
- Embrace Ambiguity helps you move forward even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
- Communicate Empathetically allows you to listen, connect, and lead with care.
- Engage in Mentorship teaches you that learning goes both ways—giving and receiving guidance.
- Value Diverse Perspectives expands your worldview and sharpens your thinking.
- Know Yourself brings clarity to your decisions and authenticity to your relationships.
- Balance Confidence and Humility keeps you grounded and open to growth.
- Act With Purpose ties it all together—reminding you to move forward with integrity and intention.
Real Students, Real Impact
These Abilities don’t just live in a framework—they come to life in real student experiences. Pavlis students constantly demonstrate how this mindset shapes both their college journey and their future goals.
“Being part of the Honors College has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth by challenging me to think critically, manage time effectively, and engage deeply with complex issues. It has inspired me to push my limits and explore new opportunities. Balancing academic demands with extracurricular activities has enhanced my work ethic and adaptability, preparing me for leadership roles in both academic and professional settings.”
Your Journey, Your Story
Whether you’re designing a project, studying abroad, joining an Enterprise team, leading a student org, or just navigating a tough semester, the Pavlis Honors Abilities are there—helping you reflect, grow, and act with intention.
Because college isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about becoming a thoughtful, purpose-driven individual. The Pavlis Honors Abilities help you do just that. They offer a framework for not only making the most of your time at Michigan Tech but for leading with purpose long after you graduate.
Let them be your compass.