Fall 2021 Welcome from Dean Castañeda

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Welcome new and returning Commonwealth Honors College Students!

We are so excited to be back in person and to engage with everyone in this new academic year. Although—for now—we will be continuing with “It’s weird, but it works” and “It’s hard, but it helps.” Together, we will be able to keep everyone safe while enjoying the joys of being on campus.

This year, the Honors College will focus its efforts on enacting and embodying a Culture of Care. What does that mean? Well, for one, the situation at our university and college is still not entirely normal, so this means that things will not always be exactly as we expect them to be. And that’s okay! It’s part of understanding that we’re still grappling with uncertain times; thus, being flexible and compassionate when challenging situations arise will be key.

Secondly, in practicing a Culture of Care, we will also need to be vigilant with how we extend kindness and care to others and to ourselves. Reach out to others, take walks around the pond, and spend time in contemplation. A life well-lived is one in which we take the time to reflect with gratitude for being alive, especially in these COVID times.

Lastly, being intentional with how we work toward justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion will be key for creating spaces of belonging, and feeling like we belong. Let us make sure that we are all doing our best to uplift each other and build connections across differences. Our different backgrounds, majors, histories, perspectives, identities, goals, and dreams are worthy of recognition. And, I believe that by taking the time to understand these differences that we are actually able to build deeper connections with each other.

There are lots of wonderful co-curricular programs being planned for this year at the Honors College, especially in collaboration with the amazing staff in our Residential Community, so please make sure you attend as many events and gatherings as you can. Also, please review our weekly What’s New e-newsletter as well as the Honors College website for more details and information. One event I want to highlight is our annual Commonwealth Honors College Plenary Lecture, which will feature award-winning poet, Professor Martín Espada, on Friday, October 15, at 5:00 p.m

Best wishes for a successful fall semester and come visit the staff, students, and faculty at the Honors College!

Warm regards,

Mari Castañeda, PhD

Dean, Commonwealth Honors College

Professor, Department of Communication