Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
UConn Honors is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community for our students to use their unique identities, talents, and skills. We want all of our students to thrive and to make our community—and world—stronger. We strive to weave concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice throughout all of our work, including the classes students take, the advising they receive, and the co-curricular programming they enjoy.
While we hope that DEIJ is reflected in all aspects of our program, this page highlights key DEIJ initiatives.
UConn Enrichment Programs Shared Values
Enrichment Programs, including Honors, provide opportunities for students to enhance their UConn educations.
- Relationships and collaboration
- Individualized, holistic practices
- Creativity and innovation
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Care and respect
- Pursuing excellence and "dreaming big"
Honors Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialists
The Honors DEI Specialists are student employees in the Honors Program who develop programming and initiatives to create a more inclusive and equitable Honors community. The Honors DEI Specialists host events, facilitate training and other programming, and provide a supportive space for students to share their experiences. They welcome opportunities to collaborate with student organizations and university partners to support and promote programming efforts already in place around campus.
Honors Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee
The Honors DEIJ Committee was voted on and established in spring 2022 by the Honors Board for implementation in fall 2023. The committee functions independently from Honors Board and progress is reported on to Honors Board regularly. The committee, which includes students, faculty, and staff from multiple campuses, provides strategic oversight on the implementation of inclusive and equitable priorities, practices, and programming in all areas of the Honors Program. The committee seeks to foster a sense of belonging for all students in Honors and improve access and support for minoritized and underserved students on all UConn campuses. Interested in learning more, getting involved, or sharing an idea you'd like the committee to address? Email honors@uconn.edu
Full committee charge, objectives, membership info here. Check back soon for details on current committee projects and initiatives.
Honors at UConn Regional Campuses
We are committed to expanding access to and support for Honors students on UConn regional campuses. UConn Hartford is a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). UConn Stamford and UConn Waterbury are both designated as HSIs. We aim to offer an inclusive and supportive Honors experience on all of our unique campuses while celebrating the identities and talents of students across our one UConn and one Honors Program.
Email: honors@uconn.edu to get connected to the right staff or faculty member on each campus.
Honors for Diversity (H4D)
H4D is a student run organization that seeks to increase awareness, empower, and unify students with unique perspectives and experiences. They host events and discussions in a welcoming and respectful atmosphere, and they are also frequent collaborators with other Honors student organizations.
Email: uconnH4D@gmail.com
Instagram: @uconnh4d
Gender Inclusive Housing
The Honors Program recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive residential community that does not force our students to choose between Honors and their other identities. A Gender Inclusive (GI) housing floor is located within the Honors Residential Community in Buckley/Shippee Halls at Storrs, and individual arrangements can be made for gender neutral housing within the upper division Honors residential community at Storrs and the Honors residential community at Stamford.
Michael Alpert and Ariana Napier Honors Enrichment Scholarship
Implemented Spring 2024. Awarded to an Honors student has demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Honors DEI Conference
The inaugural Honors DEI Conference, Reflections and International Night, was held on March 27, 2024. This event was coordinated by Honors DEI specialists, Honors 4 Diversity, and Honors Council, and advised by Honors staff. The 2024 event included a signature event, DE1 101, led by the Honors DEI Specialists and included a meaningful conversation among students across campuses, with participants from Stamford, Storrs, and Waterbury. International Night, a tradition in the Honors Program, was planned for after DEI 101 and included educational components, interactive performances, games, and food from different cultures.
The second annual Honors DEI Conference will be held in March 2025 - stay tuned for more details!
Test Optional Admissions Policy
Honors is a strong supporter of UConn’s test-optional Admissions policy and practices. A single test does not adequately measure a student's capacity for advanced academic work, and our incoming first-year Honors class has become increasingly diverse since this policy was enacted.