Student Support & Inclusive Communities

Student Support & Inclusive Communities

The Honors College at the University of Maryland is committed to several key objectives:

  • Ensuring a diverse student body that reflects the demographics of the state of Maryland through effective recruitment and retention efforts.
  • Facilitating connections between students and support from staff, faculty, and student leaders to address their health and wellness needs.
  • Creating inclusive spaces that are diverse and promote connections, thereby enhancing students’ sense of belonging within the Honors College.
  • Introducing students to communities and programs that concentrate on service, social justice, and social change.

Honors College Initiatives

The BHC, founded in the Honors College in November 1971, supports members of the Black community across the Honors College through academic and social support. The mission of the Black Honors Caucus is to provide a space for Black students to convene on the basis of scholarship, creativity and camaraderie to support the achievement of its members.

The Black Honors Caucus is established for the purpose of building cohesiveness among Black members of the Honors community and promoting activism within the Black community. This organization aims to serve the university as a whole by providing a forum for discussion about the community’s greatest concerns.

Although the organization is sponsored by the Honors College, membership and activities are open to all UMD undergraduate students.

2024-2025 Executive Board:

  • Saniya Littlejohn – President
  • Uchechi Mba – Vice President
  • Helen Mesfin – Treasurer
  • Nia Jolivet – Secretary
  • Kellen Harding – Co-Programming Director
  • Taiwo Omisore – Co-Programming Director
  • Vacant – Historian/PR

Staff Advisors: 

The PrePAIR Connections Program is for our first-year underrepresented minority students and first-generation students interested in increasing social connectedness, professional development opportunities, and creating a sense of belonging within our community. Throughout the year students will meet with their mentor and/or small group and participate in Honors College programming, first-year resource sessions, and much more.

For more information, please contact: Ms. Chantelle Smith, casmith@umd.edu

The mission of the First-Generation Student Association is to enhance the overall success of first-generation college students within the Honors College. Through our intentional and proactive efforts, we will offer student-centered opportunities designed to support the academic, professional and campus engagement experiences for UMD students.

Although the organization is sponsored by the Honors College, membership and activities are open to all UMD undergraduate students.

Contact information: