Who Belongs in Honors? Culturally Responsive Advising and Transformative Diversity

Elizabeth Raisanen, University of Oregon

Copyright 2023, National Collegiate Honors Council. Used by permission

Abstract

Despite a rich body of scholarship that engages with university honors advising, advising to support diversity in higher education, and the overall need for better attention to diversity within honors, the literature has not fully explored the vital role that advising plays in supporting diversity and fostering belonging within honors programs and colleges. This essay brings together the too-often disparate threads of advising, honors, and diversity to advocate for a practice of culturally responsive advising within the honors environment in order to pursue truly transformative diversity. Holistic academic advising and related programming must play a central role in any honors program or college with a true commitment to inclusivity because advising work is the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.