The Honors College Newsletter
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| Welcome to the first issue of Honorable Mentions for the '25-26 school year! Honorable Mentions is our monthly newsletter that will catch you up on some of the important developments within the Honors College.
This newsletter is written by honors fellow Abby Comstock.
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It feels like Fall semester just kicked off, but somehow it is almost time to choose classes for Spring 2026!
Starting October 17th at 4pm, you will be able to see what courses are offered using the UML Class Schedule Search. Enrollment begins October 27th, so be sure to save the date.
Check your your enrollment appointment in SiS for your official enrollment time.
One of the benefits of being in the Honors College is that Honors students get priority registration! Check in with your Honors Specialist before finalizing your schedule - it is always best to get a second opinion, especially if you are new to the Honors College.
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Honors Signature Seminars are multidisciplinary HONR 3000-level seminars. They have no prerequisites and are open to any Honors student.
An Honors Seminar must be taken to satisfy the H3 requirement of the Honors Curriculum.
This spring, Thomas Hersey is running “Dekalog” A Film Experience, exploring Krzysztof Kieślowski’s legendary film cycle. Learn how to masterfully utilize and unite the academic disciplines while embarking on the cinematic journey of a lifetime.
Other exciting seminars include Renato Fakhoury's "International Relations in the News" and "Pop Culture in Politics," Emma Peterson's "Wanderlust: The Art & Politics of Travel," John Feudo and Erin Jenkin's "Leading for Good: Exploring Nonprofits," Lauren Fogle's "The Vikings: Mythology, Trade, & Conquest," and the ever-popular "Experiencing Philanthropy" taught by Deb Finch. Plus, plenty more!
In other words, there is a seminar for you!
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This year’s Honor Yourself Week is October 20th–24th!
FYSH classes are cancelled during this period. Take this time to be mindful when life is so chaotic: just breathe and appreciate where you are right now.
Students are encouraged to participate in activities around campus, including crafts, panels, and more.
One exciting event is the screening of the Mayor of Lowell documentary on October 23rd, from 5–7pm in O’Leary 222. The former mayor will be in attendance, and the viewing will include a dance troop and panel discussion. Don’t miss it!
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| Immersive Scholars, you are going to want to read this.
First-Year Immersive Scholars: Congratulations! This award is $4,000 to put toward research, pre-approved work at a community organization, or study abroad.
You will be emailed a survey to declare your choice - the deadline is toward the end of the semester, but the earlier you decide, the better.
Sophomore Immersive Scholars: If you have yet to use your award, it is not too late! You have until this upcoming spring semester to use it or lose it.
Unsure if you were awarded the Immersive Scholarship? Login to UML Admissions Portal - it will show up under ‘merit scholarships’.
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Check out upcoming Honors Study Abroad programs, open to anyone in Honors. These aren’t just trips. They are transformative and affordable learning adventures where you will earn college credit, satisfy Honors and graduation requirements, and build lifelong friendships while exploring the world.
Shout-out to our London on the Stage program! This spring semester course with May travel allows students to experience the rich history of London through the lens of civic engagement, delving into the role of creative expression in society. Look forward to group activities and downtime to explore England’s fascinating and storied capital! Don’t worry - no experience needed, no acting involved.
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| Understanding the FYSH Badge
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First year Honors students, this one is for you: welcome to the Honors College!
First Year Seminar in Honors (FYSH) is an integral part of your introduction to Honors and the city of Lowell. Earning the FYSH badge can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be.
What you need to complete: the ‘Open Suitable’ activity, four surveys, an Honors pathway draft, an Enrichment requirement (E1), three Campus Community activities, three Lowell Passport activities. Additionally, you must either meet with your Honors Specialist, attend drop-in or pop up advising, or an Honors Info Session.
Ask for help, stay organized, and remember the FYSH lecture is equally important.
The FYSH badge is distinct from the E1 requirements that all honors students must complete.
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Honors Informational Peers Spotlights
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The Honors Informational Peers (HIPs) lead enrichment activities for fellow honors students, answer questions about course scheduling and honors requirements, and help create a stronger sense of community for the nearly 2,000 honors undergraduates currently enrolled at UMass Lowell. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the HIPs.
HIPs also host events in the Allen House on Monday through Thursday from 5–9 p.m. During these events, students can meet with HIPs to ask questions about honors classes, schedules, and more. HIPs also work to bring new programs to the Allen House and build connections.
In each issue we will spotlight several of our HIPs.
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Caden Ashmore
Hometown: North Grafton, MA
Year: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Hobbies: Playing sports, climbing, and hanging out with friends.
Favorite thing about UML: The close community I’ve built here feels like a second family.
Clubs: Marketing chair of IEEE, RHSA, and Delta Kappa Pi
Favorite thing about Honors: How helpful it is for getting internships and future job opportunities.
Future Goals: To get a job I can do remote while I travel.
Fun Fact: I just got back from a backpacking solo trip around Europe.
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Janessa Chateauneuf
Hometown: Nashua, NH
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Cleaning, gaming, and writing.
Favorite thing about UML: The people.
Favorite thing about Honors: Seminars and getting to pick classes early.
Future Goals: Be financially well :) and to be a guidance counselor.
Fun Fact: I have a chihuahua!
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Emerson Tully
Hometown: Malden, MA
Year: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
Hobbies: Making sourdough bread, going on walks and runs
Favorite thing about UML: The affordability and help offered to you! I am paying for school myself and I am extremely grateful to the specific individuals who have helped make my education more affordable
Clubs: Nursing Students Without Borders, Cityship Intern for Lowell City of Learning
Favorite thing about Honors: The internship and fellowship opportunities, and first pick at classes
Future Goals: Become a nurse then eventually a nurse practitioner. I want to comfort my patients and make a difference in individuals’ / their families’ lives
Fun Fact: I have my own little sourdough business!
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Jeffery Valcourt
Year: Sophomore
Major: Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting and Finance
Hobbies: Playing videogames, basketball, board games, and piano
Favorite thing about UML: The amount of opportunities available to me, which pushes me to become my best self
Clubs: Business LLC Ambassador, Accounting Society, Finance Society
Favorite thing about Honors: Being able to challenge myself academically and push myself to continue to strive for excellence
Future Goals: To become a great business leader one day
Fun Fact: I have a birthmark in my eye
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Adam Wood
Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
Year: Sophomore
Major: Finance and Quantitative Economics
Hobbies: Gym, baseball
Favorite thing about UML: Fox Hall
Favorite thing about Honors: Choose classes early
Future Goals: Financial advising
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister
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