Honors Academics
Feedback, Friends, and Making It Fun: Rachel Smith Olson and the Power of Writing in Community at Commonwealth Honors College
Rachel Smith Olson has been at UMass Amherst since 2019, but this is her first year as CHC writing coach.
Graduation Time: Elena Carbone Reflects on Her Commonwealth Honors College Journey
For Elena Carbone, retirement is beginning to feel a little like graduation.
Beyond The Past: Exploring The Power of Art, Activism, & Community at the 2026 Plenary Lecture
On October 8, Commonwealth Honors College welcomed Irene Mata for its 2026 Plenary Lecture in the Student Union Ballroom.
Radical Organizing and Performance in Envisioning Change: Dr. Irene Mata’s Plenary Lecture
Learn about Dr. Irene Mata's expertise on Latinx performance art and radical organizing. Commonwealth Honors College Plenary: Thursday, Oct. 8, 5-6 p.m.
More than a Meal: The Power of CHC's Lunch & Learn Grant
Read about Nina's chat over coffee with her Professor, sponsored by the CHC Lunch and Learn Connection Grant!
A Summer Spent Writing in Amherst: The Juniper Institute for Young Writers Follows Emily Dickinson’s Legacy
Leila spent her summer assisting the Juniper Institute for Young Writers!
"Embrace the Challenge": Honors Class of 2030 Begins Their Journey at Induction
The 2026 Induction Ceremony was full of energy as incoming first-year students in Commonwealth Honors College took their seats in the Tillis Performance Hall.
In Service of Students: Christiane Healey Joins Commonwealth Honors College Leadership
Healey joins Commonwealth Honors College as Associate Dean for Academic Oversight and Faculty Development.
More Than Academics: Meet Rachel Waxler, Commonwealth Honors College's New Advisor
Rachel Waxler is a new academic advisor at Commonwealth Honors College. Find out about her winding path to her new role!
Honors 391AH Discovery Seminar Spotlight: This is America: Race and Racism in American Popular Music
Musbah Shaheen, an assistant professor at UMass, teaches a seminar on American popular music to CHC students.
The 2026 Celebration of Excellence: Resilience, Joy, and Hope for the Future
Students gathered at the Mullins Center on Saturday May 9 to celebrate their Honors graduation at the 2026 Celebration of Excellence
Honors Thesis Spotlight: Alex Holmes' Journey into Transformable Fashion
Alex Holmes, a senior operations and information management major, discusses her Honors Thesis journey!