Honors Past/Present/Future (public/online)
2022-03-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual event
The University of Washington Honors Program was founded to give amazing students from Washington the kind of intimate, inspiring experiences and interdisciplinary communities they were finding at ivy league institutions. Sixty years later, we continue to uphold that mission, having evolved to help students meet emerging challenges and opportunities along the way.
We invite our whole community to join us on March 30 to share stories about the past and present of Honors while building a collaborative vision of what Honors will grow to become.
March 30, 6:00 p.m. via ZOOM
Register Here

Indigenous Walking Tour of UW Campus
2022-04-06 09:30 - 11:00
April 4, 2:30-4:00 p.m. and April 6, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Meeting in front of the Burke Museum
We’re so excited to learn together with UW alumni and tour creator, Owen Oliver. The Honors Program is hosting these walks to encourage our whole community to notice and respect Indigenous presence on our campus. Let’s take a break from classrooms and study sessions and enjoy the start of spring weather together.

Spaces on the tour are limited, so please RSVP here

Husky Giving Day
2022-04-07 | Virtual event
Join our all-day fundraiser on April 7
On Husky Giving Day, Honors Huskies pay it forward! Volunteers, donors and staff will team up to expand interdisciplinary access and innovations through the new Honors Leadership Fund.
We need you to Share your Honors story on April 7 to help us expand the impact of Honors to reach more Huskies in the years to come.
Click Here to be invited onto the Honors Ambassadors team and get more info. Or save the date and CLICK HERE to make a gift of any amount that will be amplified by challenge monies!

Global Challenges/Interdisciplinary Answers (public)
2022-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Husky Union Building Lyceum
FREE/PUBLIC EVENT
Global Challenges 2022
Let’s think together about the power of place and care.
Our annual public event draws from different stories and areas of knowledge to collaboratively consider a problem that’s keeping students up at night. Honors students, staff and faculty invite our broader community on campus and beyond to join our conversation on the power (and politics) of place.
With passionate speakers from public health, sociology, ethnic studies, geography, and history, we’ll explore how communities respond to systems and events that disrupt relationships to place (like colonialism, war, climate change, or global pandemics); explore how people and communities sustain themselves in the face of such displacements through creative adaptation and collective care; and find opportunities to honor the radical placemaking work of vulnerable communities and coalitions who are leading the way.
Monday, Nov. 7 @ 6:00 p.m. (PST), HUB Lyceum, UW Campus (livestream will also be available)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVESTREAM
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About our speakers
Our speakers bring perspectives from decades of research, teaching, writing, activism and a range of meaningful experiences.
Martine Pierre-Louis (she/her), Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Harborview Medical Center, has spent more than 20 years promoting health equity for patients from marginalized communities and fostering curiosity and cultural competence in clinical settings.
LaShawnDa Pittman (she/her), Associate Professor at UW in American Ethnic Studies and Sociology, addresses poverty that stems from families being funneled into criminal and juvenile justice systems and adapting to stratified labor markets, affordability crises and gentrification.
Megan Ybarra (she/her), Associate Professor at UW in Geography, American Indian Studies, GWSS, and Environmental Politics, proposes ideas of abolition geographies that center on community placemaking where no person and no land is disposable.
Stephanie Smallwood (she/her) is the director of UW Honors, Associate Professor at UW in History and Comparative History of Ideas (CHID), and Dio Richardson Endowed Professor in History. Dr. Smallwood brings perspective on the histories of slavery, race and colonialism in the early modern Atlantic world.
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Learn more about Honors’ Global Challenges series and check out past events.
Why does UW Honors convene interdisciplinary conversations with diverse faculty and community leaders? What’s the purpose of this series and who are some of the past speakers? Find answers to these and more questions on our series page.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

It's Just...Brunch (at capacity)
2023-03-29 11:00 - 12:30 | Mary Gates Hall 211
It’s Just Brunch in the Honors suite
March 29 (W) at 11:00 a.m.
Honors Huskies are invited to relax and re-connect at our third “It’s Just…” event of 2023. Because being together as people is important.
This March 29, professors Stephanie Smallwood (Honors Director, History and CHID), Jon Herron (Biology) and student leader Wintana Eyob invite you to kick off your spring quarter in community. The registration deadline to order a box lunch has passed, but you can still RSVP here for an early invite to our next event.
Honors staff and volunteer cohosts help to set the date and tone of each event, using different times and days of the week, so you will eventually find one you can attend, no matter what your schedule!

Husky Giving Day online (show the love for Honors Huskies)
2023-04-06 06:00 - 23:30 | Virtual event
Husky Giving Day is a (mostly) online event that encourages us to chip in on stuff we care about at the UW.
Connections beyond the classroom are crucial to a sense of belonging and are almost entirely supported by gifts to the Friends of Honors fund. Any time this week, please make a gift at any level and/or post something awesome about the UW Honors Program or Community to pay forward the opportunities you love!
Husky Giving Day link: https://givingday.uw.edu/o/university-of-washington/i/husky-giving-day/s/honors

Poetry & the Brain Alumna lecture w/Sati Mookherjee '93
2023-05-04 13:30 - 15:30 | Mary Gates Hall 211
Sati Mookherjee (‘93, English w/College Honors) reads from her recent poetry collections: Eye (2022) and Ways of Being (released May 2!). Mookherjee shares how her unusual journey — from Honors English to medical school to working in government to founding and running a business — informs her writing. The UW community is invited to join her guest lecture*
Meet Mookherjee on May 4, 1:30-3:15 p.m. in Mary Gates 211
THIS EVENT IS FREE, PLEASE click here to RSVP and help us plan refreshments!
Co-hosted by the UW Honors and English Departments.
*Dr. Arthur Ginsberg’s Brain and the Healing Power of Poetry introduces students to the role of poetry in dealing with illness and grief as well as where and how poetry activates and transforms the human brain. If you like this event, stay tuned for information about the book of poetry students will release at the end of spring quarter.

IHP Graduation Celebration (graduating students & guests, by invitation)
2023-06-10 09:00 - 11:30 | TBD
Most Huskies graduating with Interdisciplinary or College Honors have been learning together for their entire undergraduate journey.
Invitations to this event were sent via email on April 26. If you’ve recently graduated with Interdisciplinary Honors (or are preparing to do so), and you did not receive an invitation, please reach out to uwhonors@uw.edu with the subject: “Graduation question.”

Coffee and Donuts in the Honors Suite!
2023-10-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Mary Gates Hall 211
Join the Honors Staff for coffee and donuts on 10/10 from 9 AM until we run out!

Curriculum Planning and Major Advising
2023-10-19 12:30 - 13:30 | Honors Suite, MGH 211, Mary Gates Hall, 1851 NE Grant Ln, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
Are you looking for expert guidance on curriculum planning and major selection? Join us for the Curriculum Planning and Major Advising Event.
This event is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your academic journey. Our dedicated advisors will be on hand to address your questions and provide personalized advice to help you succeed in your studies.
Key Highlights:

Explore common concerns related to curriculum planning and major selection.
Receive guidance on course selection, major requirements, and academic planning.
Discover opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad within your major.
Learn strategies for academic success and balancing extracurricular activities.

Whether you’re a first-year exploring majors or a senior fine-tuning your academic path, this event is tailored to meet your needs. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to plan your academic future with confidence.
We look forward to helping you chart a successful academic journey at the University of Washington

Crafternoon with Academic and Student Affairs!
2023-10-25 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-11-14 14:00 - 15:30
Join the Honors staff for a relaxing Crafternoon! Bring your own crafting materials or enjoy coloring or card making materials here. We’ll have snacks to share, but feel free to bring lunch!

Suzi LeVine & Stephanie Smallwood Lunch & Learn (free/UW community)
2023-10-31 12:30 - 13:30 | Mary Gates Hall 211
It’s Just a…
Lunch & Learn w/former US Ambassador, Suzi LeVine, and UW Honors Director, Stephanie Smallwood

In conversation with Dr. Smallwood, Suzi LeVine will share stories from her service as UW Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein during the Obama administration and offer insights into what has worked and what has not from a leader in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Explore fascinating lessons from an accomplished interdisciplinary, collaborative problem solver with a non-linear career at this free, fun talk in the Honors suite.*
Bring your questions and your lunch! Beverages and dessert items will be provided.
When: T, Oct. 31, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Where: Mary Gates Hall, 211
Free/Open to UW Community
Click here to RSVP
*This event is hosted by the UW Honors Program but is open to the entire UW community. Okay to invite friends and colleagues. Everyone who’s interested in meeting Suzi LeVine is encouraged to attend.
PLEASE NOTE: The University of Washington is committed to providing access and accommodation in its services, programs, and activities. To make a request connected to a disability or health condition contact the UW Honors Program, uwhonors@uw.edu with the subject: “Lunch & Learn accommodations.”

Interdisciplinary Honors Prospective Student Info Session
2023-11-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual event
Interdisciplinary Honors Prospective Student Information Sessions
There are many pathways through the University of Washington, including the Interdisciplinary Honors track. As you’re considering your post-high-school options, learn more about this small community of multidisciplinary learners in the PNW’s flagship public university by joining an info session.
All of these online sessions contain the same info, so you only need to sign up for one! Space is limited so register now for your preferred session.

Tuesday, 9/12/23, 5:00-6:00 pm – registration link
Wednesday, 10/11/23, 12:30-1:30 pm – registration link
Thursday, 11/2/23, 4:00-5:00 pm – registration link

"Ways of Knowing" Global Challenges event (public/free w/registration)
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Husky Union Building Lyceum
Different disciplines, cultures, and individuals have distinct approaches to gathering information, interpreting it, and forming beliefs. This begs the question: “How do we know things and where else should we be looking for answers?”
Don’t miss the UW Honors’ annual Global Challenges/Interdisciplinary Answers conversation, led by dynamic speakers from a variety of backgrounds, considering questions cultivated by students in the University Honors Program.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
HUB Lyceum, UW Seattle Campus
FREE/PUBLIC/REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Click here to reserve seats at the event
Featuring the perspectives of:

Polly Olsen is a Yakama tribal member, former executive director of the Association of American Indian Physicians and winner of the UW’s Distinguished Staff Award. Now director of DEI & Decolonization and tribal liaison at Burke Museum of Natural History, Olsen contributes multiple forms of wisdom and helps to bridge communities through educational opportunities, institutions and agencies.
Tony Lucero teaches Honors’ seminar “The Idea of the University – Ways of Learning, Exploring and Knowing.” Seated in the Comparative History of Ideas and Jackson School of International Studies, Dr. Lucero’s scholarship draws from many ways of knowing, with a focus on Indigenous politics, social movements, Latin American politics and borderlands.
Katie Davis brings perspectives from her K-12 teaching background into her research, curriculum and advocacy at the UW’s iSchool and College of Education. Davis investigates the impact of digital technologies on young people’s learning, development, and well-being, and co-designs positive technology experiences for youth and their families. Her work bridges the fields of human development, human-computer interaction, and the learning sciences.
Moderated by Samantha-Lynn Martinez: a rising junior marine biology major, artist, nature activist and peer educator in UW’s Interdisciplinary Honors community.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and accommodation in its services, programs, and activities. To make a request connected to a disability or health condition contact the UW Honors Program, uwhonors@uw.edu with the subject: “Global Challenges accommodations.”

Click Here to register
Click Here to learn more about Global Challenges/Interdisciplinary Answers events

Group Advising: Scholarships 101 and Search Party
2024-01-18 15:30 - 16:30 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Join the Honors Program and the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA) as we team-up to share scholarship search strategies, info on Honors scholarships, and ways to bring your strengths into your application materials. You’ll even hear from recent scholarship recipients as they share their experiences and advice. We will also dedicate time to searching for scholarships together.
This is a low-stress opportunity to get motivated and to encourage one another – let’s work in community and get ready for application season! Bring your laptop, water bottle and detective skills to this Scholarship Search Party!
Date/Time: Thursday January 18, 2024, 3:30-4:30 PM
Location: Honors suite, MGH 211

2nd-Year Interdisciplinary Honors Info Session
2024-02-13 16:30 - 17:30 | Mary Gates Hall 206
The 2024 application for second-year admission to Interdisciplinary Honors in now open!
The UW Honors Program offers three Honors options to choose from: Interdisciplinary, College, and Departmental Honors.
The Interdisciplinary Honors curriculum explores diverse ways of thinking across disciplines and encourages students to see the relationships between their academic pursuits and the rest of their personal and professional lives. In addition to featuring small and engaging interdisciplinary Honors courses, we emphasize the importance of experiential learning, reflection, and a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of knowledge.
Current UW students may apply for admission to Interdisciplinary Honors during their first year, and begin Honors coursework in autumn of their second-year at the University of Washington.
Who should apply for second-year admission?
Those interested in second-year admission to Interdisciplinary Honors must be:

UW freshmen (first year) students;
Have at least a 3.3 UW cumulative UW GPA or greater;
Have not earned an Associates degree or have satisfied the UW’s Areas of Knowledge/Areas of Inquiry general education requirements.

Because Interdisciplinary Honors requires students to complete 47 credits of general education coursework, those with an Associate’s degree or completed Areas of Knowledge/Areas of Inquiry general education requirements are not eligible to apply.
You may instead be eligible to apply for Departmental Honors in your chosen major. Contact your departmental adviser for admission information and requirements.

Strong applicants for second-year admission demonstrate:

knowledge of and interest in the Interdisciplinary Honors curriculum requirements;
a history of academic achievement and serving the community;
eagerness to learn outside their major;
desire to understand the challenges of social justice;
interest in leadership roles in confronting global change;
familiarity with and/or curious about the complexities of diversity; and
desire for a life of continuous learning and personal growth.

We admit those whose essays, educational efforts, aspirations, and attitudes suggest they would gain from and contribute to the Program.

Find more information on our Second-Year Admissions page.

HONORS 100 Peer Facilitator Info Session
2024-02-27 13:30 - 14:30 | Virtual event
Are you interested in becoming more involved in the Honors Program and developing leadership, community building, and stronger communication skills? Excited to help mentor students new to UW and to Honors? Or maybe you’re looking for a great way to meet your leadership or service experiential learning requirement?
Come learn about becoming an Honors Peer Facilitator in Honors 100!
Join us on February 27th, 1:30pm-2:30pm, MOVED TO ZOOM| LINK HERE

Honors Trip to the Burke
2024-02-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Burke Museum, 4303 Memorial Way Northeast, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
Did you know that UW students can visit the Burke for free with a Husky ID? Whether you’ve taken advantage of this amazing resource already, or this is your first time, join Samantha-Lynn on a walkthrough of the Museum with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the collections. This is an incredible opportunity to explore arts, culture, and natural history while you’re on campus, and consider courses that are offered AT the Burke too (including an honors course!). We hope you can make it, and grab a bite to eat at the Burke’s Off the Rez Café after the walkthrough!
The walkthrough will start at 12:00 at the Burke Museum on 2/29. Due to limited space, an RSVP is required for this event. Students must have a valid Husky ID in order to enter the museum for free!
Samantha-Lynn Martinez (she/her) is a third-year Interdisciplinary Honors student studying Marine Biology and Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation. Aside from her experience in marine science, she is also a designer/illustrator, and has worked for marine science organizations around the area, the aquarium, and some other fields outside marine science like the UW astronomy department, and even Cotopaxi! Learn more about Samantha in her Student Community profile!

2nd-Year (Virtual) Interdisciplinary Honors Info Session
2024-03-05 14:00 - 15:00
The 2024 application for second-year admission to Interdisciplinary Honors in now open!
The UW Honors Program offers three Honors options to choose from: Interdisciplinary, College, and Departmental Honors. Join us for a short online event to learn more about how these options and to pose questions to help you consider whether this community may be right for you!
The Interdisciplinary Honors curriculum explores diverse ways of thinking across disciplines and encourages students to see the relationships between their academic pursuits and the rest of their personal and professional lives. In addition to featuring small and engaging interdisciplinary Honors courses, we emphasize the importance of experiential learning, reflection, and a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of knowledge.
Current UW students may apply for admission to Interdisciplinary Honors during their first year, and begin Honors coursework in autumn of their second-year at the University of Washington.
Who should apply for second-year admission?
Those interested in second-year admission to Interdisciplinary Honors must be:

UW freshmen (first year) students;
Have at least a 3.3 UW cumulative UW GPA or greater;
Have not earned an Associates degree or have satisfied the UW’s Areas of Knowledge/Areas of Inquiry general education requirements.

Because Interdisciplinary Honors requires students to complete 47 credits of general education coursework, those with an Associate’s degree or completed Areas of Knowledge/Areas of Inquiry general education requirements are not eligible to apply.
You may instead be eligible to apply for Departmental Honors in your chosen major. Contact your departmental adviser for admission information and requirements.

Strong applicants for second-year admission demonstrate:

knowledge of and interest in the Interdisciplinary Honors curriculum requirements;
a history of academic achievement and serving the community;
eagerness to learn outside their major;
desire to understand the challenges of social justice;
interest in leadership roles in confronting global change;
familiarity with and/or curious about the complexities of diversity; and
desire for a life of continuous learning and personal growth.

We admit those whose essays, educational efforts, aspirations, and attitudes suggest they would gain from and contribute to the Program.
Find out more on our Second-Year Admissions page.

Honors 100 Peer Facilitator Info Session (Virtual)
2024-03-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual event
Are you interested in becoming more involved in the Honors Program and developing leadership, community building, and stronger communication skills? Excited to help mentor students new to UW and to Honors? Or maybe you’re looking for a great way to meet your leadership or service experiential learning requirement?
Come learn about becoming an Honors Peer Facilitator in Honors 100!
Join us on March 25th, 3:30pm-4:30pm, on Zoom |Link here.

Honors Happy Hour
2024-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Big Time Brewery & Alehouse, 4133 University Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
This is a special opportunity to join fellow Honors champions of all decades (i.e. folks who have already engaged in community building), other alumni who have graduated in the past five years and the class of 2024 to share experiences, dreams, advice, resources and ideas.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend and catch up with familiar faces or create new connections!
RSVP for the event here.

Lunch & Learn w/LaShawnDa Pittman - Free/Public
2024-04-10 12:30 - 13:30 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Join LaShawnDa Pittman and Stephanie Smallwood for a conversation about Pittman’s latest book, her recent Hanauer appointment, and what else is in store for this American Ethnic Studies professor.
When she isn’t focusing on her digital humanities project, Real Black Grandmothers, or leading a mindfulness meditation class, Pittman teaches courses for the UW Honors Program. Some her recent courses include “Western Civilization” and “Global Public Policy and Interrogating the Influence of ‘Western Culture’ on Care.”
Her recent book, Grandmothering While Black, tells the stories of 74 grandmothers and great-grandmothers from Chicago and how they tackle the legal and social systems to provide care for their families.
Bring your lunch and friends and swing by the Honors suite for a fun and causal conversation between Honors Program Director Stephanie Smallwood and Hanauer Professor Pittman on April 10th, 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Honors Library – Mary Gates 211.
All are welcome! RSVP HERE so we buy enough snacks.

Crafternoon with Honors Advisers
2024-04-17 14:00 - 15:30 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Hello Honors Huskies!

“The worst enemy of creativity is self doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

We are excited to invite you to come unwind and get creative with the Honors staff at our next Crafternoon!

Your Honors advisers will be hosting a Crafternoon in the Honors office (MGH 211) on:

April 17th 2:00-3:30PM

Drawing, jewelry making, knitting, cross stitching, painting, poetry…whatever it is that lights up your creativity – bring your own crafting materials and let’s enjoy community time together in a relaxing afternoon of creativity and conversation!

Bring your own crafting materials, and we will provide tea and treats!

No idea what you would bring? Not particularly crafty? No problem! We’ll also provide some coloring books, pencils and pens for you to use and enjoy if you don’t want to bring your own materials.
We hope you can join us for creative fun with your Honors community!
Have questions? Email uwhonors@uw.edu

Dream Big with Neal Dempsey (full)
2024-05-02 15:00 - 16:00
Honors students from all majors and backgrounds are invited to a fun, fast-paced talk with venture capitalist Neal Dempsey (yes, like Dempsey Hall), a partner at Bay Area Partners investment firm, responsible for growing over 100 companies in the Silicon Valley. Although he and his wife, Jan, are based in Northern California, they are both UW alumni who make frequent visits to campus and are enormous supporters of UW’s growth and innovation.
Neal loves to visit with Honors students who are always surprising him with great ideas and questions.
The RSVP deadline has passed for this event.

Crochet 101
2024-05-14 14:30 - 16:00 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Join Honors on May 14th from 2:30-3:30 PM in MGH 211 (the Honors Suite) for Crochet 101 with fellow Honors student, Sarah Tottori! Sarah will be leading a beginner-friendly tutorial on granny squares, a versatile crochet building block that introduces many of the stitches and skills needed to begin crocheting. Supplies will be provided by Honors, so no need to bring your own hook and yarn, though you are welcome to bring your own materials. If you plan on attending, please fill out this RSVP form so that we can keep track of any supplies needed.
Already know how to crochet or just want to hang out with fellow Honors students? Your attendance is more than welcome! You can work on independent craft projects, chat with fellow Honors students, or use this time to unwind and relax.
Sarah is a first-year student planning on studying Biology with minors in Bioethics and Education, Learning, & Societies and is an officer for the Yarn It! RSO. Sarah absolutely loves crochet and fiber arts and enjoys making anything from sweaters and clothing to stuffed animals, and even tapestries for final projects for Honors courses. She is so excited to support students in picking up crochet!
We hope that you’ll join us for this event! Again, no experience is required and supplies will be provided!

Portfolio Presentations - public/MGH 211
2024-05-20 11:30 - 12:50, 2024-05-22 15:30 - 16:50, 2024-05-29 15:30 - 16:50 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Final Honors Portfolio presentations for interdisciplinary students completing their capstone Honors requirements. No RSVP needed for this open, fun community event.
All of the celebrations will be in the Honors suite. Room assignments for presenters will be on site.

It's Just...Coffee and Donuts
2024-05-21 09:00 - 10:00 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Join us for a refreshing interlude amidst the demands of the upcoming dead and finals week! On 5/21/2024, at Mary Gates Hall 211, experience the delightful synergy of coffee and donuts starting at 9 AM. Indulge in the complimentary offerings as we provide a respite from your academic pursuits. No need to RSVP—simply drop by, enjoy the moment, and fortify yourself for the challenges ahead. Let’s foster a supportive study environment together!
