UConn Establishing Honors College To 'Expand Opportunities' For Undergraduate Students

STORRS, CT — The University of Connecticut is establishing a UConn Honors College to expand opportunities for undergraduate students through faculty mentorship, independent research and academic enrichment.

The new college will build on the university's longstanding Honors Program, which began in 1964 and currently serves more than 2,600 students across UConn campuses.

Plans call for expanding course offerings and enrichment opportunities, allowing students to explore academic interests through research, creative projects and leadership development. The university also plans to establish an Honors Faculty Fellows Program to encourage greater faculty involvement in undergraduate honors education.

Jennifer Lease Butts, who has directed the Honors Program since 2012 and serves as associate vice provost for enrichment programs, will become the college's inaugural dean. She will oversee the transition and development of the new college.

UConn President Radenka Maric said the initiative is intended to strengthen the university's ability to attract and retain academically accomplished students while providing additional support for their academic and professional development.

University officials said demand for the existing Honors Program exceeds its capacity. The new college will support modest enrollment growth and strengthen UConn's efforts to compete for talented students, particularly in the Northeast.

The college will continue emphasizing close relationships between students and faculty, along with opportunities to pursue independent research and creative work. Its educational approach centers on exploration, creativity and leadership, encouraging students to move beyond learning established concepts and develop original ideas.

Donor contributions are expected to help support the college's growth through scholarships, faculty positions, research opportunities and academic programs.

Existing initiatives, including the Holster Scholars Program, provide students with opportunities to conduct independent research with faculty mentors, including during the summer following their first year.

The university said the new college will build on the Honors Program's existing academic offerings and student outcomes while providing a more visible identity for the program and additional opportunities for undergraduate students.