Programming

Whether at our Nunemaker Center home, on campus, or in the community, honors students meet up to support each other’s efforts, share insights, and navigate the program together.
People standing in front of park sign

Common Cause

A yearlong initiative within the University Honors Program, Common Cause seeks to engage students, faculty, and staff in an urgent issue through research, conversation, and community engagement.

The centerpiece of this thriving, interdisciplinary program is a January symposium that provides a prismatic look at a pressing central theme. Our community then unites for several volunteer activities, each in cooperation with a campus or community partner, that connects with the theme. 

To help KU fulfill its commitments as a United Nations Academic Impact member institution, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals serve as the source of themes for Common Cause. Past themes include:

  • the climate crisis;
  • the intersection of environment and health;
  • and the implications of technology on human rights.

In exploring these themes, Common Cause participants expand their knowledge, connect across disciplines, and apply their lessons to public service. Common Cause Student Design Team members are also well positioned to apply for UNAI's Millennium Fellowship, continuing their work and furthering their development as leaders, and to complete the Common Cause Enhanced Learning Experience (ELE).

Two women and man in conversation at event

Honors Path programming

During their time in the program, honors students engage in a four-part series of co-curricular events referred to as "Honors Path" programming. Serving as milestones, these events take place once a year and focus on community building, program progression, and the celebration of what's been completed and what's possible.

  • Planning Your Honors Path: Held every September, this event sees students sharing their knowledge and experience related to Enhanced Learning Experiences (ELEs) with first-year students in roundtable conversations.
  • Sharing Your Honors Path: This spring symposium gives second-year students the opportunity to present an ELE to their peers in conference-style panels and poster sessions.
  • Completing Your Honors Path: At this event, honors students nearing program completion review their progress and consider the possibilities that await them in their final year and after graduation.
  • Extending Your Honors Path: Students in their final year connect with alumni of the program during this networking event, which will launch in the 2026-27 academic year.

 

Important links