Students sit in grass under trees

Honors community

We strive to foster a diverse community of critical thinkers who are engaged and driven to lead — one that fosters personal transformation and leads to lifelong bonds.

Tight-knit and ambitious

The University Honors Program typically accepts around 400 students for each incoming first-year class, keeping the program small and connections strong. Participating in clubs and organizations campuswide, our students thrive on involvement and are called to leadership.

A network or support

From their very first day in the program, students find mentoring and guidance readily available. Honors advisors serve the primary member on your success team, First-year seminar instructors, student assistants, and program staff can also lend an ear and a hand as plans develop and new directions present themselves.

Advisor speaks to student in office

Honors programming

Throughout the year, University Honors Program events and activities offer students opportunities to engage with important program values and enjoy each other’s company.

Man at podium addresses audience

Student involvement

Seminar assistant: Honors seminar assistants serve as role models, resources, and mentors to a small group of first-year students, while honors ambassadors serve as a positive student contact for prospective students and their families as they consider honors at KU.

Student panel speaks to audience

Honors housing option

Many students elect to live in Templin Hall’s Honors Living Learning Community. Programming includes a start-of-semester dinner and activities that connect residents to program values and one another.

Two women walk past man reading in chair

Committed to diversity and inclusion

The University Honors Program supports the right of every student on this campus to be safe from harassment. We will defend any student — regardless of race, gender identity, sexual identity, ability level, and more — looking for a safe and supportive home on KU’s campuses. We will not tolerate discrimination and harassment in our spaces, and we will support the work of students, faculty, and staff who are working to better KU.

Interested?

If you're ready to let us consider you, our application page covers all the details. For more information about the program, join KU's mailing list through our form or attend a presentation at Nunemaker Center, our campus home.