University of Washington Honors Program

Crafternoon with Academic and Student Affairs!
2023-10-25 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-11-14 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
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!

LaShawnDa Pittman Book Launch
2024-06-06 16:30 - 19:00 | UW Communications Building: Room 120
Join LaShawnDa Pittman for a book launch to celebrate her book, Grandmothering While Black: A Twenty-First Century Story of Love, Coercion, and Survival. This book explores the lives of Black grandmothers raising their grandchildren in skipped-generation households and the struggles they face while maneuvering around legal and social barriers. Dr. Pittman is an Associate Professor of American Ethnic studies and has recently been awarded the Hanauer Professorship.
The first half of the event will be dedicated to a discussion about the book, including a Q & A with the author and a book signing. Be sure to RSVP for the second half of the event, the reception, to make sure there is enough snacks to go around!
RSVP here to make sure you get a spot!

Interdisciplinary Honors Huskies Graduation (class of 2024)
2024-06-08 09:30 - 12:00
Due to space constraints, this event is invitation-only. Honors Huskies from this graduating class should see email invitations in mid April, 2024. Contact uwhonors@uw.edu after April 19 if you did not receive an invitation but wish to attend.

Interdisciplinary Honors Prospective Students Information Session
2024-09-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-02 17:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-04 16:30 - 17:30 | Virtual
Interdisciplinary Honors Prospective Students 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, September 10, 5:00-6:00 pm – register here
Wednesday, October 2, 5:00-6:00 pm – register here
Monday, November 4, 4:30-5:30 pm – register here

Screening - The Ride Ahead (UW community)
2024-10-10 15:00 - 18:00
“The Ride Ahead” Film Screening
In honor of Disability Awareness Month, The UW Disability Staff and Faculty Association (DSFA) is partnering with DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology), the UW Disability Studies Program, and the UW Honors Program to host a virtual screening of an incredible award-winning film: The Ride Ahead. The film by 21-year-old Samuel Habib documents his journey into adulthood and finding community, largely shown from the point of view of two GoPros attached to his wheelchair.
It is incredibly rare to see authentic disability representation in media, especially when disabled people are involved both on screen and behind the scenes. Whether you are disabled-identifying or not, this film encompasses countless themes that touch on all our experiences, while highlighting the importance of disabled community, insights, joy, and building solidarity in an ableist world.
Please RSVP to join us for the screening on October 10th on Zoom from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, with an optional community discussion from 5:15pm – 6:00pm. There is also a flyer attached for you to print or share with colleagues.
Event Information
What: The Ride Ahead film Screening
When: Thursday, October 10th 3-5pm with an optional community discussion 5:15pm-6pm.
Where: Streaming it to viewers via Zoom with a 1,000 person capacity, RSVP here.
Who: Available to all UW staff, faculty, and students
Accessibility information: Open captions and audio description will be available during the screening of the film and Zoom automated captions will be available during the introduction and optional community discussion afterwards. If you need any other accommodations in order to participate (ASL interpretation, CART captions, etc.), please contact Christine Lew at lew32@uw.edu as soon as possible.

The Role of Public Research Universities (FREE/PUBLIC)
2024-11-13 18:00 - 20:00
Global Challenges—Interdisciplinary Thinking on…
The Role of Public Research Universities
Wed, Nov 13, 2024, 6-8pm in Kane Hall, Seattle, WA

CLICK HERE for EVENT RECORDING

Event Description
Joseph Janes (evolution and cultural impacts of information sources), Megan McCloskey (international human rights law and disability rights), and Ed Taylor (leadership, social justice and critical race theory in education) along with Interdisciplinary Honors student moderator, Jaya Field, discussed the many purposes of public research universities like the University of Washington in our world today.
About Our Speakers
(Moderator) Jaya Field is a third-year student and former Peer Educator in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. She is currently studying international policy and systems, legal frameworks and advocacy, and human rights. Jaya’s published research explores the degree to which European Union member states institutionalize the rights of their queer populations.
Joseph Janes is an associate professor in the iSchool whose teaching and research examines the evolution, history, impacts, and uses of information resources and other documentary forms. He is also the creator of the podcast “Documents that Changed the World” and a former chair of the UW’s Faculty Senate.
Megan McCloskey is a Ph.D. Candidate in the School of Law and Graduate Student Lecturer in LSJ. Her research and advocacy are focused on assessing the effectiveness of international human rights law and development policy in recognizing and advancing the rights of women and girls with disabilities.
Ed Taylor is a Professor of Education and holds two key UW leadership positions as Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. His research and teaching examine international comparative education and the ethical dimensions of learning and social justice in higher education. He convenes challenging, inclusive conversations that shape our institution, including his asynchronous course “2024: Dialogue, Disagreement and Democracy.”
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This event was free and open to the public because of gifts to The Friends of Honors fund. We thank our donors and community partners for contributing to the health and learning of our community.
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Group Advising: Study Abroad 101 + preview upcoming Honors programs
2024-12-04 11:30 - 12:30 | 211 Mary Gates Hall
Join experts from UW Study Abroad and the Honors Program for a special information session to find out how (and why) you can earn credits and meet Honors requirements through faculty-led immersive international learning opportunities. You’ll hear about program types, timelines, credits, funding & scholarships, as well as the locations and topics of upcoming Honors Program offerings.
Wednesday, 12/4/24, 11:30-12:30 p.m. in the Honors suite, 211 Mary Gates Hall.
Preview the Honors Study Abroad offerings for 2025: honors.uw.edu/study-abroad

Cultural Outing: Manisha Sinha @Central Public Library
2024-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | seattle central library, 1010 5th Ave, Seattle, WA, United States
The Bullitt Lecture in American History presents Dr. Manisha Sinha @Seattle’s Central Public Library
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Manisha Sinha, this year’s SPL Bullitt American History Lecturer will read from her book, The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920 (New York: Liveright, 2024).
Registration required on the SPL web page. Click here for more details and to register.
Email uwhonors@uw.edu if you plan to attend this event and would like to sit with a group of Honors Huskies.

REGISTRATION CLOSED - Cultural Outing: Megan Ming Francis at Town Hall
2025-01-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS FULL.
PLEASE JOIN US AT ANOTHER UPCOMING HONORS EVENT.
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Honors Huskies Cultural Outing
“Autopsy of an Election” by Megan Ming Francis
Jan 15, 2025, Town Hall, Seattle

The environment surrounding the Harris and Trump campaigns revealed that we are living in an anxious and confusing time in politics. The past year of political upheaval has thrust into the spotlight long simmering debates about the vulnerable nature of democracy, the perils of money, and the malleability of the rule of law. How should we make sense of this last presidential election? Is political violence increasing? Who are the winners and losers?

Ahead of the presidential inauguration, Professor Francis will reflect on the lessons of the 2024 election and will point to possibilities to reimagine a more just future.
All Honors Huskies are invited to join Honors Program Director Stephanie Smallwood for this Town Hall event.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Megan Ming Francis is the Delsman Associate Professor of Political Science and an Associate Professor of Law, Societies, and Justice at the University of Washington. She specializes in the study of American politics, with broad interests in Black political activism, constitutional law, critical philanthropy, and the post-civil war South and is the author of the award-winning book, Civil Rights and the Making of the Modern American State.
Ming Francis also spoke in Honors’ 2018 Global Challenges/Interdisciplinary Thinking event on “The Question of Rights.”

This cultural outing is supported by the UW Graduate Schools Public Lecture Series. Click Here to visit their page for more great opportunities to explore voices and perspectives connected with the UW’s mission, vision and values.
