College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Montana

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Montana The mission of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is to pursue academic excellence by providing unique educational experiences.

The College of Humanities and Sciences believes in:

• The transformative power of education, in which knowledge and understanding is created through active learning, research and creative scholarship.

• Intellectual and human diversity, so that respect for different points of view is encouraged and students, faculty, and staff realize their full potential.

• Global perspective and engagement

• A safe and respectful learning and workplace environment

• A sustainable future for our local, state, and global communities.

🐻💙 A well-deserved honor for a Griz who continues to give back!Congratulations to Tim O’Leary ’81 on receiving the 2026 ...
10/07/2026

🐻💙 A well-deserved honor for a Griz who continues to give back!

Congratulations to Tim O’Leary ’81 on receiving the 2026 Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award!

From helping shape business and marketing education at UM to championing the Creative Writing program, O’Leary has spent decades investing in the people and programs that make the University of Montana special.

His story is a great reminder that being a Griz doesn’t end at graduation—it’s something you carry with you and give back to for years to come. 💙

Join us in congratulating Tim on this incredible recognition! 🎉

What does it mean to connect with people across cultures?For Heath Voy, it’s at the heart of what he hopes to do with hi...
10/05/2026

What does it mean to connect with people across cultures?

For Heath Voy, it’s at the heart of what he hopes to do with his education.

A transfer student majoring in Russian and Political Science, Heath came to UM with an ambition to pursue diplomacy and “bring people together.”

His path toward that goal has taken him through some pretty unique experiences — including studying ballet in Russia from ages 14–16, serving as President of Great Falls College MSU, and this summer, studying Russian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan through the Critical Language Scholarship.

But when we asked Heath about his summer, it wasn’t just the language classes or the scholarship that stood out.

It was the people.

His host family welcomed him into their home, and each afternoon his three younger host brothers would run to greet him:

“Felix, my brother is home!”

At Son Kul Lake, Heath also met a local Kyrgyz college student who was a professional chess player. The two ended up teaching their friends card games in Russian — finding ways to communicate even when the words didn’t always come easily.

“Through demonstration and adaptation we were able to share our games and learn more about each other’s culture.”

That idea of connection continued to shape Heath’s experience. Seeing his younger Kyrgyz host siblings quote American pop-culture trends in perfect English also made him think differently about the relationship between culture, media, art, and international relations.

Now, Heath hopes to bring those interests together in a future career.

“I see myself serving in a position where I can connect and inspire others using culture and art to bridge divides.”

His advice to other UM students?

“Do not be afraid to be involved!”

Heath encourages students to see every experience as an opportunity to become the person they want to be — even when they don’t feel like they have all the skills yet.

“Try to look at every experience available as a development of the person that you wish to be.”

We’re excited to see where that ambition takes you, Heath! 🌎

Join the University of Montana’s Democracy Studies Program for the 2026 Democracy Studies Lecture on Monday, October 5!D...
10/01/2026

Join the University of Montana’s Democracy Studies Program for the 2026 Democracy Studies Lecture on Monday, October 5!

Dr. Benjamin Kleinerman, the R.W. Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University, will present “The Crisis Presidency.”

🗓️ Monday, October 5
⏰ 5:30–7 p.m.
📍 LA 011

The lecture offers an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to hear from a political science scholar and engage with questions surrounding the presidency and American government.

We hope you’ll join us — and share this event with a student, colleague, or friend who may be interested!

09/29/2026

Between classes, under the autumn leaves 🍂📚 🍁

What’s your favorite season on campus?

✨ Q4 goals are officially in session.This quarter, we're locking in academically, professionally, and emotionally (we ho...
09/27/2026

✨ Q4 goals are officially in session.

This quarter, we're locking in academically, professionally, and emotionally (we hope).

From submitting assignments before 11:59 p.m. to romanticizing the walk to class, CHSS has some pretty ambitious plans for the rest of 2026. 💅📚

What’s YOUR Q4 goal?
Be honest. 👇

🔥 Tongues Aflame: Media Fuels in the Digital AgeHow does punditry shape public discourse in a world of digital media?Joi...
09/24/2026

🔥 Tongues Aflame: Media Fuels in the Digital Age

How does punditry shape public discourse in a world of digital media?

Join the UM Department of Communication Studies for the 4th Annual Steve Schwarze Lecture featuring Dr. Zac Gershberg, Professor of Communication at Idaho State University and co-author of The Paradox of Democracy: Free Speech, Open Media, and Perilous Persuasion.

📅 Monday, September 28
⏰ 6:30–8 p.m.
📍 Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, Room 110

🎟️ Free and open to all! No tickets required. Stick around for a reception following the talk.

Can’t make it in person? The event will be livestreamed on Missoula Community Access Television’s page and recorded on YouTube.

🔗 Find the livestream and recording links, plus more event details, through Griz Hub!

Meet Chase O’Brien! 💜“I’ve always had a strong interest in the humanities.” Now a junior studying Political Science and ...
09/22/2026

Meet Chase O’Brien! 💜

“I’ve always had a strong interest in the humanities.” Now a junior studying Political Science and History at UM, Chase loves exploring how politics have shaped history—and how the two continue to influence one another.

As ASUM President and President of the Women and Gender Minorities in Politics Club, Chase has found meaningful ways to serve her fellow students and support others interested in leadership and politics.

“Effective advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about listening to the people you represent, building relationships, understanding different perspectives, and working collaboratively to create meaningful change.”

This past year, Chase also represented UM at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. One moment that stayed with her was seeing students with different perspectives come together for thoughtful dialogue and find common ground.

Between academics, leadership, Model UN, and working at Clyde Coffee, Chase has learned the importance of “being a student first” and making time for the friendships and community that make college meaningful.

Her advice to fellow Grizzlies? “Get involved in something you genuinely care about.” You don’t have to know exactly where an opportunity will lead—just take that first step. 🐻

Meet Jess Reilly, our new CHSS Wellbeing Support Coach! 💜Hi! I’m Jess! I’m from New Jersey and a junior at UM studying C...
09/19/2026

Meet Jess Reilly, our new CHSS Wellbeing Support Coach! 💜

Hi! I’m Jess! I’m from New Jersey and a junior at UM studying Communication Studies and Psychology. Outside of CHSS, I’m part of the Davidson Honors College as a student, peer mentor, and DHC Ambassador. I also love the work I do through UM Advocates, helping with the Big Sky Experience and volunteering around campus and in the greater Missoula community. I’m also a member of Women’s Club Soccer and Letters of Love!

Before stepping into my role as a Wellbeing Support Coach, I was a campus tour guide for two years, and I’ve loved both roles dearly. Outside of UM, you’ll often find me doing work with friends at coffee shops around town, snowboarding in the winter, or traveling and taking time to step away from school and everyday stress. ☕️🏂✈️

As a Wellbeing Support Coach, I provide free, one-on-one peer support to help CHSS students manage stress, improve daily habits, and find balance between school, work, and life. Whether you’re dealing with general stress, sleep, nutrition, or just need someone to talk to, the wellbeing coaches are here to listen and guide.

Sessions are completely student-led, and every student’s wellbeing matters to us. Taking the initiative to seek support is a sign of strength, and we’re here to help you take that positive step toward a healthier, more fulfilling college experience. 💜

Ready to connect? Book a session with me or another Wellbeing Support Coach through the link in our bio!

09/16/2026

POV: you came to Career Days Coffee Chats and left with more ideas for where your degree can take you ☕️💼

Students connected with alumni working across a variety of fields, asked questions, shared experiences, and got a glimpse into the many different paths a CHSS degree can open up.

From coffee conversation to career advice and new connections, we loved seeing our students make the most of every opportunity! ♥️🐻

Thank you to ELCS 🤩

We are proud to celebrate a significant achievement in scholarship at the University of Montana. 🎓🌎Dr. Robert Saldin, pr...
09/15/2026

We are proud to celebrate a significant achievement in scholarship at the University of Montana. 🎓🌎

Dr. Robert Saldin, professor of political science and co-director of UM’s Democracy Studies Program, has been awarded the Leverhulme Visiting Professorship at the University of Oxford — a highly competitive international research honor recognizing distinguished scholarship and the contributions a scholar can make to a host institution.

During the 2026–27 academic year, Dr. Saldin will join Oxford’s Rothermere American Institute to advance his research on the role of the Clinton administration and broader U.S. political networks in the Northern Ireland peace process of the late 1990s. His work will also contribute to a collaborative digital archive documenting the making of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

This international appointment is a testament to the depth and reach of scholarship taking place at UM and within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. It also reflects the growing impact of UM’s interdisciplinary Democracy Studies Program, bringing together faculty and students in the critical study of democracy in the United States and around the world.

Congratulations, Dr. Saldin, on this extraordinary academic achievement. We are proud to see UM scholarship represented on an international stage. 💜

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Liberal Arts Building, Room 136
Missoula, MT
59812

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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