Honors for the Common Good

Learn about the vision, mission, and values of Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

A diverse group of University of Massachusetts students stand outdoors after graduating from Commonwealth Honors College and earning their gold stoles
Photo: Ha Nguyen

Our mission, vision, and values reflect the framework of the University of Massachusetts Strategic Plan for 2024-2034. Explore these core values and the framework that will support our college’s future over the next ten years of growth and exploration.

Mission 

Dean Robinson gestures in front a slideshow during a class at the University of Massachusetts in Commonwealth Honors College
Photo: Amy Silbo

Commonwealth Honors College is a scholarly community that welcomes Honors students from all majors, disciplines, and diverse backgrounds. We thrive on critical intellectual inquiry and fostering meaningful creative practices and innovative research experiences. We embrace our responsibility to advance inclusive and equitable well-being of all people and the health of our planet. Commonwealth Honors College provides academically accomplished students with opportunities to develop multifaceted and collaborative approaches to lifelong learning, problem solving, and leadership development so they may influence their communities in profound and meaningful ways. 

Vision 

Commonwealth Honors College aspires to be a nationally recognized leader of inclusive excellence in honors education while continually delivering outstanding and transformational scholarly engagement. We aim to inspire Honors students to explore their boldest ideas and boundless passions in order to make a positive impact in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world. 

Four UMass students sitting on a bench in the Honors College Events Hall
Photo: Eva Trainer

Values

  • Culture of Care: We are flexible and compassionate during difficult times, and offer kindness to others and ourselves at all times, and enacting cultures of care that are inclusive and welcoming.
  • Excellence: We aim to offer enriched Honors experiences that inspire transformative scholarly engagement and lifelong learning.
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusiveness, and Belonging: We are committed to applying equity- minded and social justice approaches to all our practices, policies, and programming as well as creating spaces of inclusion and belonging for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • Impact and Engagement: We provide opportunities for Honors students to explore their boldest ideas and boundless passions so they may meaningfully and confidently impact the world.
  • Openness, Respect, and Academic Freedom: We value a diversity of viewpoints, critical dialogue, compassionate feedback, and opportunities to foster outstanding skill-building.
  • Innovation: We embrace collaborative and innovative thinking, teaching, learning, and research engagement across the college.
  • Integrity and Stewardship: We are judicious and strategic with our resources of time, finances, and personnel, and pledge to offer impactful scholarship and grant opportunities to as many Honors students as possible.