Because the enhancement of humanities scholarship is the core purpose of the Humanities Institute, our fellowship programs are a central priority. Faculty fellows drawn from the University and beyond spend two semesters engaged in research and writing, and in sharing their projects with their colleagues in the Institute and the larger University of Connecticut scholarly community. In one semester they also teach an advanced course related to their research. Dissertation fellows from within the University participate fully in much the same activities, although unlike faculty fellows, they are not permitted to do any teaching during their fellowship year.

The fellows' investment of intellect and energy has resulted in publication of many articles and books, as well as major research fellowships from agencies such as the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.