Office of the Provost

June 21st marked the beginning of summer and with it came a heat wave, thunderstorms, and even a tornado or two. Regardless, I hope you are all enjoying the change of season and finding time to spend outside when the weather permits. While many of us find the summer months quieter on campus, I want to recognize and thank the many staff across our multiple campuses who are working diligently to run summer programs, host orientation sessions, and who are otherwise working to prepare ourselves and our students for the fall. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful for your continuous efforts in ensuring our university remains vibrant and welcoming throughout the year. In this regard, I’m looking forward to the arrival of students from East China Normal University in July, and especially the opportunity to co-teach a seminar for them on the visual arts with my SFA colleague Heather Elliott-Famularo. 

This summer also brings a few transitions in the Provost’s Office. I’m excited to welcome Tadarrayl Starke, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, and Leslie Shor, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School, who officially begin their new roles next week on July 1st. Their extensive experience and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success. 

As we move through these summer months, let’s take advantage of this time to innovate, collaborate, and prepare for the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Remember to take time when you can to recharge and rejuvenate; your well-being is essential to our success.  

Thank you once again for all that you do. I wish you a restful and enjoyable summer. 

2023-2024 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors Announced

The University of Connecticut is proud to announce the selection of three exemplary faculty members as this year’s Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors. This prestigious award represents the highest honor the university can confer upon its faculty, celebrating their outstanding contributions in research, teaching, and public engagement. 

Dr. Nora Berrah

Dr. Ki H. Chon

Dr. Crystal L. Park

Learn more. 

Morgaen Donaldson reappointed to the Philip E. Austin Chair

Morgaen Donaldson has been reappointed for a second three-year term as the Philip E. Austin Endowed Chair, following a successful first term beginning in 2021. Her reappointment highlights her exceptional contributions to policy-relevant research, public engagement, interdisciplinary scholarship, and student mentorship. Learn more.

Academic Impressions

Access to robust professional development for all our faculty and workforce will build the capacity of our campus communities and help us overcome the inevitable challenges we all face in our daily work. Additionally, it will allow us to serve our students and patients better and further UConn and UConn Health missions. Information on gaining access, UConn Picks, and more is available on UConn’s Academic Impressions website: https://hr.uconn.edu/academic-impressions/

Support for Google Migration

The University is closing all UConn Google accounts later this summer and transitioning data to Microsoft 365. Staff files have been migrated and their accounts closed. Student email and files are being transferred in June, and their accounts will be closed 60 days later. Faculty file migration will begin in the middle of July.

Moving Files Off Google
Faculty have two options for their file migration:

• ITS can move their Google Drive files to OneDrive, or
• They can move their files themselves. Institutional data should be stored on Microsoft OneDrive and personal data should be transferred to a non-UConn account (e.g., a personal Google account).

Let ITS know which option you choose by completing the migration form, if you haven’t yet, by June 28^th.

Support for Transition
ITS is offering one-on-one support for faculty. A technician can help you export files, manage files and features that will not migrate, and answer your questions about this change. Book an appointment at https://techsupport.uconn.edu/migration-support/.

Student Housing at UConn Hartford

UConn is expanding its footprint in downtown Hartford with plans to offer 200 beds of student housing in a building on Pratt Street adjacent to bustling businesses, food and entertainment venues. Our new XL Center space for teaching, research, and community engagement is being fitted out now and will be opening this Fall.  First-year student deposits are up 15% over last year at the Hartford campus, and it’s great to see this momentum.  

UConn Deepening Hartford Roots with Plans for Student Housing - UConn Today

Disbursements

All approved and complete disbursement requests (RFDs) received on or before Monday, July 8th will be evaluated to determine if the expenses are to be included in fiscal year 2024 or fiscal year 2025. Disbursement requests received after July 8th will not be eligible for posting in fiscal year 2024.

Announcing the Provost’s 2024 Alumni Faculty Excellence Awards - UConn Today

The Office of the Provost is proud to announce the winners of the 2023-2024 Alumni Faculty Excellence Awards. This prestigious recognition honors faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in research, creativity, and teaching. This year, three distinguished faculty members have been selected for their outstanding contributions to the University’s academic and creative reputation.

Faculty Excellence in Research and Creativity- Sciences

Professor Senjie Lin

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Professor Annamaria Csizmadia

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching

Professor Kari Adamsons

Learn more

UConn’s “Career Everywhere Conference” receives Honorable Mention from the National Associate of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

Career Everywhere aims to ensure that all students have the tools and resources needed for post-graduation success by integrating career development methodology into every facet of a student’s experience.

Through intentionally infusing career development into the UConn experience, Career Everywhere provides access and equity to career development for all students including underrepresented and marginalized populations.

Become a Career Champion

UConn Foundation Wins CASE Circle of Excellence Award

The UConn Foundation won a CASE Circle of Excellence Award for identifying, communicating, and reporting to alumni and donors according to their interest in engaging with the University. UConn Foundation was selected from over 4200 entries in 28 countries. CASE (Council for Advancement & Support of Education) is the primary professional association for Advancement professionals in higher education and independent schools. Globally, they support more than 90,000 educational advancement professionals working in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services. Congratulations to our friends at the UConn Foundation!

July 1 – Beginning of FY 25

July 4 – Independence Day

August 23 - New Faculty Orientation

August 23 - New Associate Dean & Department Head Orientation

August 26 – First Day of Classes