As we begin a new academic year at the University of Connecticut, I want to extend my warmest welcome to each of you. Your dedication and passion for excellence are what make UConn a remarkable place to learn, grow, and innovate.

This year, we continue to make significant strides in our Strategic Plan. Our vision for “Seven World-class Campuses, One Flagship University” is taking shape, and I'm excited to share some key updates with you. In Hartford, the XL Center research and outreach/engagement space is about to open, marking a major milestone in our commitment to enhancing our campus facilities. With over 51,000 square feet, it will house research institutes and engagement programs, as well as expansion space for programs benefitting from an urban footprint for their community engagement work. Additionally, we are advancing our plans for new housing in Hartford, with the new residence hall slated to open in Fall 2026 on Pratt Street, just across from the XL Center.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of spending time at our Hartford campus for a series of meetings. It was truly delightful to witness firsthand the energy and enthusiasm that drives our community, and I especially appreciated seeing the administrative team wearing distinctive Hartford campus t-shirts and staffing tables in the atrium to answer questions and help students launch the academic year successfully. Our continued growth and success in Hartford are a testament to the collaborative and caring spirit that defines UConn.

As we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the coming year, I am confident that we will continue to advance our mission and make UConn an even stronger institution.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence. Go Huskies!

What we’re reading…

From time to time, we receive recommendations for good reads by colleagues that may be applicable to our work, life, or a fun read. This month’s recommendation comes from Liza Bortiz, Director of Planning, Assessment, and Evaluation in the Division of Student Life and Enrollment:

Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College by Peter Felten and Leo M. Lambert

Liza’s description: I can summarize this book with one deceptively simple message: positive relationships are the foundation of student success in higher education. The book argues that multiple, strong connections with faculty, peers, and mentors can significantly enhance students’ academic and personal growth. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of relationships among all community members, including neighbors, faculty, staff, and administrators. While fostering positive relationships in campus communities is not a new concept, Felten and Lambert take an innovative approach to framing and demonstrating the value of relationship-building. Most importantly, they highlight concrete, practical ways every community member can contribute to the shared goal of supporting student success.

Have a suggestion for a book feature? Suggest a book to us!

Academic Affairs Division Realignment Update

Throughout the last year, the Provost’s Office has conducted a comprehensive review and reorganization of reporting units. The primary objectives of this realignment are to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and reduce costs while simultaneously increasing revenue generation and improving student support services.

Key Components of the Reorganization:

1. Creation of a Revenue-Sharing Hub: A centralized hub for revenue-sharing program support has been established under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Academic Operations. This hub consolidates units previously housed within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), with a renewed focus on increasing revenue through non-traditional learning opportunities. These include summer and winter programs, and continuing and professional education. CETL will now have the ability to concentrate its efforts on supporting faculty development and enhancing classroom learning.
2. Investing in Advising: The reorganization brings together the advising services for the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and the Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES) under the Office of Undergraduate Advising. This integration is designed to provide non-traditional and exploratory students with enhanced advising services, with the goal of improving student retention and graduation rates.
3. Bridging Academics and University Life: A new focus on undergraduate student success has been established through the creation of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success position. This portfolio will serve as a home for units previously within Student Affairs, as well as several units within the Provost’s division that are instrumental in supporting students both academically and socially. The portfolio includes the Institute for Student Success, Student Athlete Success Program, Veteran’s Affairs, the Q-Center, the W-Center, and the Cultural Centers, among others. This integration aims to connect the social aspects of university life with the academic mission, providing holistic support to undergraduate students.

The full organizational chart is available on the Provost’s Office website. 

Faculty Activity Reporting

Throughout the summer the implementation team has been hard at work to finalize configuration and prepare Faculty Activity Reporting for launch. Look out for an email in the early fall semester announcing it’s go-live date. Contact interfolio@uconn.edu with any questions.

Scholastic Standing and Dismissal By-Law Change to Effective Fall 2024

During a regular meeting on April 1, 2024, the University Senate passed a motion presented by the Senate Scholastic Standards Committee initiating several changes to the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations of the University Senate II.E.13. Scholastic Standing & Dismissal. Please review the full motion and learn more about this change on the University Senate website.

New Training Requirement for Graduate Faculty

Beginning this fall to apply to be part of the graduate faculty at UConn, you must complete an 8-hour mentorship training program. Our trainers use the nationally recognized Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) curriculum to foster excellence in mentoring. Mentorship training is part of The Graduate School’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all graduate students.

Faculty Office Hours – Dining Halls

The Provost’s Office partners with Dining Services to offer faculty the opportunity to host their office hours in dining halls to provide a more casual and inclusive setting. Faculty will receive a meal swipe and any students who do not have meal plans will also be accommodated through this partnership. Contact provost@uconn.edu if you are interested in participating in this program.

Metanoia

This academic year, the UConn community will continue our Metanoia from spring 2024, gathering together around our theme of Pathways to Productive Civil Discourse. The Metanoia Committee worked over the summer to launch the new Metanoia website, where you will find information about upcoming events, speakers, and activities at all of our UConn campuses. The website also includes a link to submit a program. We encourage faculty, staff, and students with interest and expertise in our theme to submit ideas to the committee for review and inclusion in our slate of Metanoia programs. Programs will be held fall and spring semester of this academic year; stay tuned for the calendar of events and schedule of opportunities to join in community around this important topic.  

Reaffirming UConn’s Commitment to DEI: Important Updates

UConn’s cultural centers and programs including the African American Cultural Center, Asian American Cultural Center, Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center, Rainbow Center, Women’s Center, Native American Cultural Programs and Middle Eastern Cultural Programs, previously under the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, will now report to the Division of Academic Affairs under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, Dr. Tadarrayl Starke. This change is a homecoming of sorts, as the cultural centers and programs have deep roots at UConn, and for a number of years resided under the Provost’s Office.

Reimagining the Center for Career Development as the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills

Reimagining the "Center for Career Development" and transforming it to "Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills" reflects an expanded departmental mission and scope while supporting the new strategic plan of UConn. The rebranding highlights a commitment to fostering well-rounded students who are prepared for both professional and personal challenges and post-graduation success.

Ofer Harel Appointed Dean of CLAS

Following a prescribed review process and after careful consideration and thoughtful conversations with current interim dean, Dr. Ofer Harel, has been appointed as the permanent dean of CLAS for a three-year term. In his time as interim dean, Dr. Harel has made significant strides in propelling CLAS forward. He has successfully appointed several new department heads; initiated a cluster hire in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning that spans multiple disciplines in the sciences, social sciences and humanities; and has invested in interdisciplinary collaborations across schools and colleges to support innovative research. He has shown strong advocacy for CLAS throughout his tenure as interim dean.

Student Activities Leadership Update

Trisha Hawthorne-Noble is serving as the interim director of Student Activities following the retirement of Joe Briody on July 31^st. Trisha brings a wealth of experience in higher education to the role. As the Director of Leadership and Organizational Development within Student Activities, Trisha has managed comprehensive leadership programs, overseen complex budgets and foundation accounts, and fostered collaborative partnerships. She has articulated a vision for the role that includes promoting an inclusive environment where students feel valued and supported in their personal and professional growth. Her unique perspective on student engagement and development, gained from previous roles such as Director of the Office of Student and Academic Services in the School of Social Work and Department Head of the Office for Student-Athlete Development within the Division of Athletics, will be invaluable in leading the Student Activities department during this transitional period.

Institute for Student Success Leadership Update

David Ouimette is serving as the Interim Executive Director of ISS. In this role, he will coordinate ISS-wide services and programming, lead our efforts to expand curricular and co-curricular offerings on all UConn campuses, strengthen cross-unit collaborative efforts related to academic support, and ensure internal partnership continuity and development.   David will supervise ISS Directors and take on other administrative and Human Resource related duties previously held by the AVP. With David’s expanded responsibilities, Leo Lachut will serve as Interim Director of First Year Programs, Learning Communities, Academic Achievement Center, and the IZone.

Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Search

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that an open search for the Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) has commenced. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at the University of Connecticut advances teaching and learning through support, resources, and professional development for academic units and individuals. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the Director of CETL provides leadership to enhance teaching, learning, technology integration, and student outcomes. The Director collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrators to implement programs and services that promote effective pedagogy, inclusive learning, and faculty and student success. Please see the full job posting at UConn Careers. 

The Student Code & University Policies

The Student Code  was updated over the past year, as were policies for Posting Signs, holding Outdoor Activities, and utilizing Amplified Sound. The updates primarily were done to lend clarity to policy, rather than establish new rules. Students planning any gatherings, or posting signs, should consult with Student Activities, or their Campus Dean, and review these policies. All of this, and more, can be found at https://inform.uconn.edu.

CAPS Family Gathering Reception

On July 19^th, UConn’s Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS)  held a Community Celebration at that brought together approximately 600 college and high school students, in addition to faculty and staff, all representing the different facets of the program.

Read More

National Voter Registration Day Kickoff!

2024-2025 Senate Meetings

The University Senate meetings are an important place for faculty, staff and students to stay engaged with governance at the University. Save the schedule to your calendar and tune in when you can.

Community Conversation: Reporting Change of Cultural Centers and Programs to the Division of Academic Affairs

Join Provost D’Alleva, Interim Chief Diversity Officer Jeffrey Hines, Vice Provosts Tadarrayl Starke and Leslie Shor, and the directors of the cultural centers and programs for a community conversation about the future of the cultural centers and programs in the transition to the Division of Academic Affairs.

Location: Rainbow Center, Student Union Room 403 (Storrs)
Date: September 5, 2024
Time: 10:00-12:00pm

Timely Topics Series

Timely Topics is a series of opportunities to engage with subject matter experts on topics relevant to graduate education. Every session is open to all who wish to attend, however, The Graduate School highlights three tracks (student, faculty, and administrative) to help registrants identify which sessions may be most relevant to their interests. This flyer includes sessions designed for faculty and for staff and faculty who hold an administrative role. Sessions for the student track are listed on the Timely Topics webpage, along with slides, recordings, and resources from past sessions.

10th Annual Research Connections

The Office of Undergraduate Research and UConn’s Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities invite you to present at the 10th Annual Research Connections event. This year’s event will be on Thursday, October 10 from 3:00 – 5:00pm in Werth Tower.  

Because you are doing exciting work on campus, have been a friend to this program in the past, and/or support other OUR/FYP&LC initiatives, we hope you will express interest in contributing to our program and sharing your work with early career UConn students. 

OUR MISSION 

Research Connections is an event intended to expose first and second year students to undergraduate research through engaging in meaningful interactions with faculty, staff, graduate students, peers and other key partners. This is an informational networking program involving offices, departments and initiatives from across campus, spanning any discipline or area of study. 

WHY PARTICIPATE?  

Faculty participants benefit from:   

• Making early connections with students eager for opportunities to learn about your work in formal and informal capacities as they proceed in their undergraduate careers
• A valuable professional development opportunity for your staff/team to gain recognition and awareness with a captive audience
• Exposing a wider range of students to your courses, particularly those aligned with your research
• An opportunity to meet researchers from across campus from many disciplines and levels of leadership/affiliation at UConn

More information about Research Connections, along with an FAQ section, is available on our website, fyp.uconn.edu/researchconnections.  

If you are interested in being a part of Research Connections, please click here to fill out our Interest Form by Friday, September 6. We encourage you to share with colleagues; all are welcome! Researchers will be accepted and contacted on a rolling basis until space fills. 

Anyone with questions is welcome to contact Alexis Roach, alexis.roach@uconn.edu, or Dr. Micah Heumann, micah.heumann@uconn.edu.  

The window for 2025 Honorary Degree nominations is now open!

Please visit the Honorary Degree website to access the nomination form, read the criteria for nominees and selection process, and view a list of past recipients.

Submission deadline: September 25, 2024.

New Faculty & New Academic Leader Orientations

On August 23, the Office of the Provost hosted New Faculty and New Academic Leader Orientation in the Innovation Partnership Building. We were joined by over 65 new faculty and 20 new department heads, associate deans, and deans to orient to their new roles and learn about resources to help them in the coming year. This event requires coordination and participation across several areas and was a great success due to our fantastic university partners including CETL leaders.

September 2 – Labor Day (No classes)

September 5 – Community Conversation in the Rainbow Center

September 9 – 10^th Day of Classes

September 10 – Consulting Reconciliation Deadline

With midterms fast approaching, many of our students are entering one of the most challenging periods of the semester. We know that the academic pressures combined with the adjustments of a new school year can create stress, and this is where your role as mentors, advisors, and educators becomes especially critical. Please continue to foster an environment that prioritizes well-being, not just academic performance. A simple check-in with a student, a note of encouragement, or offering flexibility where possible can have an immense impact. 

I also want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts you all are putting into your teaching and scholarship. I am continually inspired by the creativity and dedication of our faculty. As we continue to navigate new teaching modalities, technologies, and approaches to learning, I encourage each of you to take advantage of the faculty development resources available through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). Whether you’re exploring innovative teaching methods, integrating new technology into your courses, or collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, there are many opportunities for growth and professional development.  

Mid Term Grades 

University Senate By-Laws require that instructors of 1000 and 2000-level courses must submit midterm grades for all students during the mid-semester grading period which spans the sixth through eighth week of the semester (Monday, September 30, 2024 – Friday, October 18, 2024).  Instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are highly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades. 

  Midterm grades must be submitted through the Student Administration system, and directions for doing so can be found on the Registrar’s website. 

• Grading policies:  https://registrar.uconn.edu/grades/  

• Temporary grades:  https://registrar.uconn.edu/temporary-grades/  

   For more information, contact:  Office of the Registrar at registrar@uconn.edu 

Finals Opt-Out Reminder 

If you are not delivering a final exam in Fall 2024, we ask that you contact your department’s scheduling administrator, as exam requirements for classes can now be managed via CourseLeaf Section Scheduler (CLSS). We ask that those using an alternative method of assessment (portfolios, projects, etc.) let us know so the room and/or time may be made available to other instructors during the assessment period. It is also important that instructors recognize that due dates for these alternative forms of final assessment should not fall on days designated as reading days. As always, all due dates should be indicated on the syllabus at the beginning of the semester.  Finally, please note that it is prohibited by Senate By-Laws to give your final assessments during the last week of classes.  

Election Day: Promoting Civic Duty

Election Day is approaching on November 5th, and voting is both a fundamental right and a civic responsibility. Empowering eligible individuals to participate is crucial. We encourage instructors to offer flexibility for students who plan to exercise their right to vote. You might consider recording your lecture, providing materials for an asynchronous session, or offering additional office hours in the following week. If you have an assessment (e.g., quiz, exam, or in-class assignment) scheduled for that day, please consider granting extensions for students who may be absent.

Class Absences Due to Illness 

At this time of year, we would like to remind faculty that students are not required to provide “sick notes” or “medical excuses” when they miss classes, and such excuses should not be requested from them. More generally, per the university Senate By-laws, student grades should not be reduced because of a student’s absence. Please exercise flexibility and understanding for students who may miss class or classwork due to illness. Faculty should also exercise caution in attending class if they are feeling sick. Our community’s health and wellbeing remain a priority of the University.  

Emeritus Nomination Reminder  

 Faculty who retire at the rank of associate professor (or equivalent clinical, in-residence, and extension titles) and who have at least five years of service are automatically recommended for emeritus status to the Board of Trustees. However, faculty or other related staff who retire and do not meet these conditions can only be considered for emeritus status if nominated to the Emeritus Committee. The next deadline for submitting materials to this committee is November 1. Further details, including guidelines for nomination materials, can be found on the Office of the Provost website.  

Religious Observances & Accommodations 

In accordance with our mission of meaningful inclusion, we ask that all faculty and staff be mindful of upcoming religious observances that may impact student participation when planning events or setting deadlines. We recommend you refer to the religious observances calendar for upcoming dates and that you ensure familiarity with the religious accommodations policy when working with a student on an accommodation request.  

 Metanoia Update 

ACCREDITATION NEWS 

We are pleased to introduce a new section of the Provost’s Newsletter, Accreditation News. As we work toward our full institutional accreditation self-study and review in 2026, we want to make sure we are sharing information about this process, and helping to increase awareness of what accreditation means for us all.  

 We’ll mostly be focused on institutional accreditation: UConn is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This accreditation allows us to function as a higher education institution, including our ability to receive federal financial aid funding and to offer recognized credentials. Accreditation is an ongoing process of quality assurance, structured around ten-yearly review cycles. As we work toward our next full review in 2026, we’ll be sharing our progress, inviting you to engage in the work of the self-study process, and we’ll be sharing information about the NECHE standards to help us all understand how we can apply them in our work.  

 We will also try to highlight news that relates to specialist or programmatic accreditation. Many programs at UConn, including those in business, dentistry, engineering, nursing, music, and education (to name just a few), also receive specialist accreditation from field-specific bodies such as AACSB (business) and ABET (engineering). These programmatic accreditations are specific to these fields of study and can also be important for students progressing into licensed or certified professions. This type of accreditation sits below the institutional accreditation, and is a complimentary process of quality assurance in these fields.  

 We will also be sharing opportunities for involvement. Faculty, staff, and students all contribute to the accreditation process, and we will highlight ways to engage in these efforts and share best practices. If you’re already excited about institutional accreditation and want to be involved, please email Sarah Croucher (Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and institutional Accreditation Liaison Officer).  

Faculty Activity Reporting  

On October 1, 2024, faculty and select administrators will gain access to Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting module, which has been configured by a team across the Provost’s Office and Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research. An information session will be hosted virtually on October 1 at 2:00pm to give an overview of the system and provide resources for faculty users. For more details, visit Interfolio @ UConn.  

 RSVP for the information session 

Early Voting at the UConn Bookstore  

Early voting will be open October 21 to November 3 at various locations in each Connecticut municipality, including at the UConn Bookstore next to Gampel Pavilion. That includes two Saturdays and two Sundays. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Oct. 29 and 31 when hours are extended 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

 The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 18, however, during the early voting period and on Election Day, residents still can register to vote. 

Upcoming Senate Elections  

University Senate elections for the Fall 2024 semester are approaching starting in late October. All faculty and staff who are eligible to vote will receive a nominating slate via email in late October which will include a list of people nominated by the Senate Nominating Committee to be on an election ballot in November for the Senate seats that will be opening in both the Faculty at-Large and Staff at-Large Constituencies. If you are interested in a self-nomination, or in nominating a colleague to be added to the ballot, please email universitysenate@uconn.edu by October 15. Additional information will be shared on the Senate website as elections approach.  

Senate Executive Committee Office Hours

NEW starting on Monday, October 7th, join members of the Senate Executive Committee either in-person or virtually for “SEC Office Hours” at 3 p.m. before every Senate meeting. This is an opportunity to raise topics and ask questions to the SEC in a smaller group setting. RSVP is required for virtual attendance and recommended for those joining in-person. 

 Additionally, we would like to draw your attention to the new Resources page on the Senate website which includes links to a new  “Topic of Interest” Submission form  so that any member of the UConn community may connect more easily with the work of the Senate. We also continue to welcome any queries to universitysenate@uconn.edu. 

Husky Harvest Update 

The Husky Harvest food pantries have seen a significant rise in the number of individuals and households served across all campuses between January 2023 and May 2024. Notably, several campuses experienced dramatic growth in their service numbers, with Storrs, Stamford, and Waterbury showing the largest increases of people and households served. Overall, the total number of people and households benefiting from these pantries has increased by more than one and a half times over the year. To learn more about Husky Harvest or visit a location across UConn’s multiple campuses visit the Husky Harvest website. 

Wellness in Motion 

Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) has launched a new “Wellness in Motion” mobile health and wellness van! This innovative van will provide outreach programming and increase awareness of SHaW resources for UConn undergraduate students across all five campuses. The Wellness in Motion van will travel to campus events, visit less-frequented areas, and appear at various UConn venues, enhancing visibility and accessibility to SHaW programs and services.

UConn Celebrates Opening of Connecticut Hall  

The ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Connecticut Hall was held on September 13, 2024. Home to 652 students on South Campus, Connecticut Hall is the first building at UConn that will have a geothermal heating system. The building is expected to achieve the distinction of LEED Gold Status, in recognition of the project’s comprehensive adoption of best practices in sustainability. A state-of-the-art dining facility overlooking Mirror Lake is also housed within the building. Read the full story at UConn Today.  

UConn and Eversource Host Third Annual Sustainable Clean Energy Summit 

The annual summit, hosted by UConn and Eversource, was a featured event of Connecticut’s first ever Sustainability & Resiliency Week.  

Nominations Now Open for Provost Awards! 

Nominations for Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor are due December 3, 2024. 

 Nominations for each of the awards listed below will be due January 31, 2025.  

• Provost’s Outstanding Service Award  

• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship  

 Learn more about eligibility and how to nominate a colleague for all of the above awards: University of Connecticut Office of the Provost | Awards & Honors (uconn.edu)  

Generative AI related workshops in October 

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for text and images poses challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning. During October, Join UConn faculty, students, and staff who are thinking about GenAI's risks and benefits for college students, now and in the future. Sessions explore practical uses, limitations, and ethical implications.  

 Topics will include, among other things: 

• Helping students effectively prompt generative AI for homework tutoring 

• Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity 

• Beneficial, Ethical AI at UConn (BEACON): a student-led conversation 

• AI as Research Ally: an Introduction to Generative Tools for Student and Faculty Research 

To register, see the full listing, or go to fins.uconn.edu. 

For questions, please contact Tina Huey, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. 

September 30: October 18: Midterm Grades Period  

October 1: Faculty Activity Reporting Info Session 

October 2: Rosh Hashanah Begins 

October 7: University Senate Meeting 

October 11: Yom Kippur Begins 

October 14: Indigenous People Day 

October 16: Faculty Activity Reporting Training Session 

October 21: Faculty Activity Reporting Training Session 

October 21: November 3: Early Voting at UConn Bookstore 

October 31: Halloween 

November 5: Election Day 

As we close another academic year, I find myself reflecting on the collective achievements and challenges that have marked our journey together over the last academic year. The end of the semester brings with it the joy of graduation—a significant milestone where we celebrated the hard work and success of conferring 8,139 degrees, including to 1,874 graduates who were the first in their families to earn college degrees, and 4,361 graduates from our own state of Connecticut.

 This is a time of year that we recognize faculty excellence across multiple dimensions of our work, and you’ll see the recipients of various awards listed below. I’d like to highlight the 91 faculty who were awarded tenure and/or promotion by the Board of Trustees at their April meeting, and thank all of the faculty and staff who engaged in and supported this process. I’m especially thrilled that our colleague Professor Nora Berrah of Physics was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Her achievements as a scientist exemplify the excellence and impact of our faculty, and I am especially grateful for her tireless advocacy on behalf of women in science.

These achievements remind us of the resilience and dedication within our community, even in times that test our strength and spirit. As we move into the summer, I recognize that the paths ahead may vary—some may engage in research, others may teach, write, or take time to rest. Many of our staff will be working diligently throughout the summer to prepare for the coming year, but I do hope everyone finds time to relax and recharge. Whatever your plans, I am grateful for your continued commitment to our university community and the care you extend to our students and to each other.

Celebrating Promotion and Tenure of 91 Faculty

The University of Connecticut Office of the Provost is pleased to announce the award of promotion and/or tenure to 91 faculty across its multiple campuses. 

Evaluations for promotion, tenure, and reappointment apply the highest standards of professional achievement in scholarship, teaching, and service for each faculty member evaluated. Applications for promotion and tenure are reviewed at the department level, school or college level, and finally at the Office of the Provost before recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Trustees. 

Faculty Consulting Reminder  

Please Submit New Requests for the Reporting Year That Begins May 23, 2024 

 The reporting year for faculty consulting ends on May 22, in alignment with the 9-month faculty contract. If you have continuing activities or any summer remunerated external activities, you can submit these at any time. Consulting requests only run through a single year (May 23 through May 22 the following year), so any ongoing activities require that you submit a consulting request for the next year. 

  Any faculty affiliated companies require a consulting request each year, regardless of whether you anticipate you will have effort in the year ahead. Whenever possible, submit consulting requests for all faculty affiliated companies at least one week before the start of the next reporting year. 

  Consulting requests can be reconciled at any time after an activity is completed, or after the end of the reporting year. In late August a reminder will be sent for any approved consulting activities approved for the current year (FY24) that have not been reconciled. You do not have to wait for these reminders to reconcile your requests. 

  If you need assistance with faculty consulting, please reach out to Sarah Croucher, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (sarah.croucher@uconn.edu). 

Scholastic Standing and Dismissal By-Law Change to Effective Fall 2024 

During a regular meeting on April 1, 2024, the University Senate passed a motion presented by the Senate Scholastic Standards Committee initiating several changes to the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations of the University Senate II.E.13. Scholastic Standing & Dismissal. The University Senate Bylaws, Rules & regulations will be updated to reflect this change during the summer months, as the current bylaws on Scholastic Standing & Dismissal remain in effect through the Spring 2024 semester. 

Please review the full motion and learn more about this change on the University Senate website. 

Transition of HuskyCT Courses from OCV to UCV in Blackboard 

Plans are underway to transition HuskyCT courses from Blackboard’s old Original Course View (OCV) to the updated Ultra Course View (UCV). The near-term goal is to have all 1000- and 2000-level courses using Ultra Course View at the start of the Fall 2024 semester. To meet this goal, ITS and CETL would like to remind faculty of this effort and that help is available to all who want it. 

 The main reason for this upgrade is to keep the HuskyCT platform up to date. If instructors do not begin using the new Ultra Course View, their courses in Original Course View will likely experience an increasing number of issues. The new Ultra Course View is a modern, user-friendly LMS. Most instructors and students who already use UCV have reported that it is a much better experience. Faculty find UCV easier to teach with and students find UCV easier to learn from. To that end, ITS and CETL are making an effort to move HuskyCT courses to the new version and provide as much support as is possible to faculty. 

 Very simple courses can often be migrated automatically requiring minimal cleanup by faculty. More involved courses might require additional corrections. Highly complex courses that use advanced features often do not migrate well using the available tools. In these cases, rebuilding the course in Ultra might be an instructor's best option.  

 To get started, faculty can initiate a conversation or course conversion with the ITS and CETL teams by accessing the following form and clicking the button for an Ultra discussion: 

 HuskyCT Course Copy Request | ITS Services (uconn.edu) 

 Additionally, the CETL-EdTech website contains information and resources on the Ultra Course View transition:  

 Ultra Course View in HuskyCT/Blackboard | Educational Technologies (uconn.edu) 

 This site is actively maintained and will continue to be developed with best practices and additional information as the migration unfolds. 

Ji-Cheng ‘JC’ Zhao Named Dean of College of Engineering 

Ji-Cheng ‘JC’ Zhao joins UConn from the University of Maryland where he is the department chair of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Clark Distinguished Chair Professor following a career that has spanned academia, industry, and government. Read the full announcement. 

Deanna Fitzgerald Named Dean of School of Fine Arts

Deanna Fitzgerald, M.F.A. joins UConn from the University of Arizona where she currently serves as Vice Dean of the College of Fine Arts and has a multifaceted background as an administrator, as well as an artist and educator in the field of lighting design. Read the full announcement.

Leslie Shor Appointed Vice Provost & Dean for Graduate Education

Leslie joins the Provost’s Office from the College of Engineering where she has served five years as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and is currently Centennial term Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Dr. Shor has been an integral part of our community for nearly 15 years and brings a distinguished record of academic achievement and leadership to her new role. Read the full announcement.  

Fany Hannon Appointed Dean of Students

Fany DeJesús Hannon has been appointed as the Dean of Students. Fany, who has served with distinction in this role on an interim basis since November 2022, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our university community. Read the full announcement.

CETL Leadership Update 

Dr. Amit Savkar’s term as Interim Associate Vice Provost will be ending on May 23, and we will plan to launch a search to appoint a new permanent leader early in the fall semester.  

Since becoming interim AVP in August, Dr. Savkar has provided steady leadership and guidance for CETL through a period of transition and uncertainty. He was instrumental in standing up new pop-up courses, building on faculty development programming, and sustaining excellence in support structures for student success. His innovation and forward thinking approach brings a wealth of new ideas and value to our work in the division of Academic Affairs. We are grateful to Dr. Savkar for his dedication to enhancing educational practices at UConn and look forward to continued collaborations. 

As Dr. Savkar concludes his term, he will shift his primary focus to teaching and continue his work with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) on equitable teaching in mathematics. This initiative, which has been impactful at our regional campuses, is now expanding to the Storrs campus. Additionally, Dr. Savkar will focus on integrating the regional Q centers with the one at Storrs campus and scaling the training for tutors across all regional campuses. His ongoing commitment to educational excellence will undoubtedly enhance our university community. 

UConn ID Template to Change 

The University permits the One Card Office to print an individual’s chosen name on the back of the UConn issued identification card.  Currently, the University procedure is to display one’s legal name on the front of the card. Formal requests were submitted to remove the legal name from the card or at a minimum, place the legal name on the back of the ID and the chosen name on the front. Effective May 14th, chosen names will be moving to the front of the ID card, effectively swapping the location of the names (legal name versus chosen name). This does not apply to UConn Health. Contact onecard@uconn.edu with any questions.  

Nora Berrah Elected to National Academy of Sciences

UConn physics professor Nora Berrah has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), becoming the seventh member from the UConn community to join the selective national society. READ MORE 

Provost’s Outstanding Service Awards  

UConn Provost Announces Awards for Outstanding Service - UConn Today  

The University of Connecticut proudly announces the recipients of this year’s Provost’s Outstanding Service Award, a prestigious recognition of faculty members who have exemplified exceptional dedication and contribution to the university’s mission across teaching, research, service, or engagement. Please join us in congratulating the following 2024 awardees in both the Distinguished and Emerging categories. You can read more about each awardee in the UConn Today article.  

Distinguished: 

Dr. Caroline Dealy, Associate Professor, Departments of Reconstructive Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology 

Dr. Steve Zinn, Professor, Department of Animal Science 

Emerging: 

Dr. Michael Finiguerra, Associate Professor-in-Residence, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 

Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship 

The Provost Awards for Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship (PAECES) celebrate every year the significant efforts of faculty, staff, students, teams, and community partners who work to address critical community issues through collaborative, mutually beneficial, and creative exchange of knowledge and resources. Please join us in congratulating the following 2024 PAECES winners: 

Faculty Category 

Emerging Faculty Instructor Award: Stephany Santos 

Distinguished Faculty Instructor Award: Dan Burkey 

Emerging Faculty Community Impact Award: Tatiana Andreyeva 

Distinguished Faculty Community Impact Award: Angela Bermúdez-Millán 

Emerging Faculty Research Scholar Award: Roman Shrestha 

Distinguished Faculty Research Scholar Award: Richard Pomp 

 Student Category 

Graduate Student Award: Erin Cova
Undergraduate Student Award: Letian Sun 

 Staff Category 

Staff Award: Megan Delaney 

 Community Partner Category:  

Community Partner Award: Auerfarm 

Community Partner Award: Herb Virgo, Keney Park Sustainability Project 

Community Partner Award: Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) 

Community Partner Award: Donald Swinton 

 Institutional Transformation Category 

Institutional Transformation Award: UConn Writing Center 

Institutional Transformation Award: Nadine Brennan, David Embrick, Cynthia Miranda-Donnelly, Janice Castle, and Kim Schwartz, the Research on Resilient Cities, Racism, & Equity Initiative (RRCRE) 

 Read more  

2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Awards

The Office of Undergraduate Advising is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Awards, which recognize the extraordinary contributions of undergraduate academic advisors in supporting academic success and student development at the University of Connecticut. 

Outstanding Undergraduate New Professional Staff Advisor Award  

Abigail Clark, Academic Advisor, School of Nursing 

Jenna Hartwell, Academic Advisor, Student Services (Waterbury) 

Outstanding Undergraduate Professional Staff Advisor Award  

Kristen Dostaler, Academic Advisor, CAHNR 

Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Advisor Award 
Vida Samuel, Assistant Professor in Residence, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (Stamford) 

UConn Students Earn NSF Graduate Research Fellowships   

A total of 10 students with ties to the University of Connecticut have recently earned National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships (NSF-GRFP). Those 10 include three undergraduates, three graduate students (including two who earned their undergraduate degrees at UConn) and four UConn alumni. READ MORE 

Faculty Salary Adjustment Requests  

The deadline for faculty to request a salary adjustment for compression/inversion or special achievement is June 1, 2024. Requests should be made by emailing their department head (copy dean or designee) including any relevant supporting documentation (i.e. evidence of compression/inversion or major prize/award). 

Reminder: Transitioning from HuskyDM to Interfolio FAR  

The Office of the Provost and the Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research are partnering to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as UConn’s faculty data system.    

Faculty should complete entering data into HuskyDM by June 1, 2024. As of that date, data in HuskyDM will begin migrating into FAR and no new additions after June 1 will be included. Administrators will retain access to pull reports from HuskyDM through June 30th, the end date of the HuskyDM contract.  

New Faculty Orientation & New Associate Dean/Department Head Orientation 

Each year, the Provost’s Office hosts orientation sessions for new faculty and incoming associate deans and department heads. Both events will be hosted on August 23, 2024. Additional details will be shared in the coming months.  

May 27: Memorial Day 

June 18: Juneteenth 

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

As of this week, more than 58,000 students have applied to UConn for the upcoming academic year for 6,050 available spots across our five undergraduate campuses.  UConn continues to attract a diverse and academically talented first-year class, with 192 valedictorians and salutatorians in the current freshman class. In the month of April the Division of Student Life and Enrollment will host UConn Bound Days, where admitted students will have the opportunity to learn about UConn’s programs and campuses and prepare to make an important decision for their future. Our academic departments, schools and colleges, and student support and student life units are all deeply engaged in this work across our campuses, and I’m grateful for everything our faculty and staff do to welcome prospective students and their families.

Amidst the flurry of meetings and the demanding workload that characterizes this time of year, it's important to remember that this period is also marked by important and engaging events. A testament to this was the recent Distinguished Professor Speaker Series event celebrating newly-appointed Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Doug Casa. He was joined by a panel of his esteemed colleagues Dr. Elaine Lee, Dr. Neal Glaviano, and Dr. Lindsay DiStefano, who are all nothing short of inspiring. We learned about Dr. Casa’s remarkable journey and pioneering work in heat exhaustion, and I highly encourage you to watch the recording available here.

I was also honored to attend the Spring Pow Wow hosted by our Native American Cultural Programs last weekend. The Pow Wow returned for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic. We also had a visit and talk by Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Nation, a UConn alumnus and dynamic member of the Connecticut community. He shared the inspiring history of the Mashantucket Pequot Nation and neighboring nations and reminded us all of the wonderful exhibitions and collections at the Pequot Museum, a rich educational and cultural resource utilized by several faculty in their classes.

We have reached the conclusion of our scheduled budget town halls. The active participation and questions raised during these sessions were invaluable. For those who were unable to attend or wish to revisit the discussions, recordings are available online. Updates about the ongoing budgeting process will continue to be shared as new developments arise. I also want to emphasize the importance of our senate meetings. These gatherings are a cornerstone of shared governance, and the administration shares important updates relevant to our community at every meeting.

Lastly, with the anticipation of summer break and the warmer days ahead, it's crucial to remember the importance of self-care. The culmination of the academic year is indeed our busiest period, filled with deadlines and commitments – multiple colleagues have aptly described this time of year to me recently as a “rollercoaster.” However, it's also a time to celebrate our accomplishments and to rejuvenate. I encourage each of you to give yourself the breaks and grace necessary to navigate successfully through this period.

All best,

Anne

New Motions Passed by University Senate

The University Senate passed three motions to update the SET+ Motions during the Senate Meeting held on March 4, 2024. Please see the Senate website linked here for detailed information regarding the motions.

PTR and PR Forums  

The Faculty Standards Committee of the University Senate, in collaboration with the Provost’s Office, will host two separate forums on faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment via WebEx on Friday, April 12, 2024. These forums aim to ensure that all faculty members are familiar with the promotion, tenure, and reappointment procedures and expectations at the university. Faculty will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the administration.

Faculty and staff who plan to attend must RSVP to the calendar event for each session by April 10th to attend. Recordings of the programs will be available after April 15th. Please reach out to universitysenate@uconn.edu with any questions.

Reading Days 

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows:

Reading Days are protected time for students to prepare for the final exam and assessment period. Instructors shall not require any course-related activity, assessment, or submission of work on Reading Days. Instructors may use Reading Days for optional activities, such as office hours. While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day. Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships.

Final Exams 

Final exams begin on Monday, April 29, and end on Saturday, May 4.

Final in-class examinations may not be given during the last week of classes. Other types of assessments (for example, but not only, portfolios, performances, projects, presentations, etc.) may be due in the last week of classes, but should be clearly delineated on the syllabus from the first week of classes.

Undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include bunched finals or other extenuating circumstances. Such bunched finals may include final assessments like juried performances for Fine Arts students. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further details.

HuskyCT integrates with Kaltura

The integration now allows to stream Kaltura videos within HuskyCT. An upgrade by Kaltura is mandatory for Ultra courses. We're updating the integration in preparation for the university-wide transition to Ultra. Next week, we'll begin migrating links to Kaltura videos, starting with inactive courses. Spring 2024 courses will follow after the semester ends. You may notice changes in how Kaltura media appears in your courses, but all links will remain functional. No videos will be lost. Details on the changes can be found at: kb.uconn.edu/space/TL/26724991067

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting Implementation – Survey!

The Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and Office of the Provost are requesting faculty and administrative user input as we transition from HuskyDM to Interfolio FAR. Your feedback will guide the improvements we make to the faculty data collection and reporting processes.

Faculty User Survey Link: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Y9Tjz6b0IBxn2S

Administrative User Survey Link: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3NMSpzTe9iXtIbQ

The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will remain open through April 19^th. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used to enhance the faculty data management and reporting experience.

Reminder: Red Folder

The Red Folder is a resource to help faculty and staff recognize, respond to, and refer students in distress. It contains important tips and information about campus and community resources to support UConn students.

Take a Field Trip!

Enjoy a day with the sea creatures! The Mystic Aquarium offers discounted general admission tickets to UConn students, faculty, and staff. Please see the UConn Employee Discount for Mystic Aquarium linked here.

Record Setting HUSKIES!

The 2024 HuskyTHON was a tremendous success bringing in a record $1.7+ million dollars for Connecticut Children’s Center! HuskyTHON is a year-long philanthropic effort that raises funds for Connecticut Children’s Hospital through an 18-hour dance marathon. It's one of the top 10 dance marathons in the US and has raised over $13M in 25 years. Thank you to all who participated this year!

3.0 Night!

On February 28, the Student Athlete Success Program and Division of Athletics held their annual 3.0 Night celebration at the UConn Women’s basketball game vs. Villanova. The event recognized student athletes who achieved a 3.0 or better in the Spring ’23 and/or Fall ’23 semesters. We are proud and inspired by our student athletes who display excellence both in their sport, and in the classroom. We are so proud of the work completed by Ellen Tripp, the director of the Student-Athlete Success Program (SASP), as well as all of the counselors and advisors in this unit for the valuable support and academic counseling they provide to our student-athletes.

Celebrating Graduates and Professional Students

Monday, April 8th to Friday, April 12th is the 2024 UConn Graduate Student Appreciation Week, a week full of activities and events designed to celebrate graduate students here at UConn.

2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Award Nominees

Congratulations to all of our professional staff and faculty advisors who were nominated for the 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Awards!

We invite you to join us in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of undergraduate academic advisors in supporting academic success and student development at the 2024 Advising Celebration and Undergraduate Advising Awards, to be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Alumni Center.

RSVP here by April 3, 2024

Visit the Advising Awards website to view current and past advising award nominees and award winners.

Staff Technology Day is June 4^th!

Save the date! Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Office of the Provost will host Staff Technology Day on Tuesday, June 4th. All UConn staff are welcome to attend this full day of professional development on all things UConn IT. This year’s conference-style event will take place in McHugh Hall and feature workshops and demonstrations for beginners and advanced users.

Session information and registration will be available in April.

Office Hours with Provost D’Alleva

Provost D’Alleva and her leadership team will be holding in-person office hours for all faculty and staff at the each of UConn’s multiple campuses throughout the spring semester. All are encouraged to join as available to discuss concerns, questions and ideas.

March 31: Easter Sunday

April 1: University Senate

April 8: Last day to withdraw from a course, last day to place or remove courses on pass/fail

April 9-10: Eid al-Fitr

April 17: Board of Trustees Meeting

April 19: Last day for Master’s and Doctoral degree candidates to upload final thesis and dissertation

April 22-30: Passover

April 26: Last day of classes

April 27-April 28: Reading Days

April 29-May 4: Final Exams

May 4-May 6: Commencement

With the spring semester kicking off a few weeks ago, we welcomed our students back to campus and have already jumped into our routines. While it’s nice to have a break, I enjoy spending time with our community and am glad to see everyone back on our campuses. Earlier this month, I attended an event recognizing Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Richard Pomp and had a wonderful time celebrating his significant accomplishments and impact on his field. Seeing a group of his peers and other distinguished tax law faculty join in recognition of him was inspiring and a highlight of my month. I am excited to continue attending the series of Distinguished Professor events, with the next one taking place in February, as detailed under the Dates & Events section of this newsletter. I invite all faculty, staff and students to join in celebrating our most accomplished faculty.

As you are likely aware, the first of a series of budget town hall meetings was held last week. Many thanks to all those who submitted questions for, and attended, last week’s budget Town Hall. Whether you are faculty or staff, your involvement and awareness of our budgetary priorities are vital to ensuring that we continue to thrive despite the challenges, and I’ve been heartened at the high level of interest in our budget, the budgeting processes, and the upcoming legislative session expressed by faculty and staff over the past few weeks.

To facilitate the involvement of our faculty and staff, senior administrators will continue to provide regular updates on our budget, share relevant information, and encourage open discussions. Details on future town halls and other import budget-related information can be found under the News & Updates section of this newsletter. There are also steps you can take to gather information and participate in the process:

• Attend University Senate meetings: I strongly encourage all faculty and staff to prioritize attending University Senate meetings and maintain awareness of the discussions that take place there. All meetings are livestreamed, and the minutes and any presentations or reports are available on the Senate website. The Senate is a primary vehicle for shared governance at the University, and President Maric, myself, and members of the cabinet make frequent presentations there.
• Utilize Informative Resources: Our Budget Planning and Institutional Research website provides a wealth of information related to our budget. Similarly, the newly approved University Strategic Plan is intended to set priorities and guide decision-making as we move forward. Familiarize yourself with these resources to stay informed.
• Share Ideas and Feedback: Your input matters. If you have innovative ideas or suggestions for cost-saving measures or revenue generation, please don't hesitate to reach out to department heads, deans, or my office at provost@uconn.edu. My leadership team will be hosting office hours at each of our multiple campuses that will be announced soon.

Thank you for your dedication to UConn, and for your commitment to our university’s financial sustainability. This is not an easy time, and we will need to make difficult choices over the next few years. As you know, the budget is not just a balance sheet. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, research impact, student support, community engagement, and the overall well-being of our university community, including our staff and faculty. Together we can work together to ensure a bright and promising future for UConn, our students, and our state.  I look forward to working collaboratively with all of you as we address the budgetary challenges ahead.

Policy on Modified Duties Due to Life Events 

The University of Connecticut is committed to fostering an educational community with a flexible and supportive work environment where faculty can thrive in both their professional and personal lives. On December 19, the University approved the Policy on Modified Duties for Faculty Due to Life Events and accompanying procedures.   This policy allows a faculty member to request a temporary modification of academic duties in order to respond to an anticipated or unanticipated personal life event or situation.

Guidelines for Retired Faculty Engaged in Ongoing Research, Teaching, and Service 

The University values the significant contributions that retired faculty make to the academic mission through their research, teaching, and service. As their relationship to the University or the procedures they follow for particular activities can be complex, guidelines are needed to help academic leadership and retired faculty navigate applicable policies and procedures. View the full Guidelines for Faculty Engaged in Ongoing Research, Teaching or Service here. 

Mid-Term Grades Reminder 

University Senate By-Laws require that instructors of 1000 and 2000-level courses must submit midterm grades for all students during the mid-semester grading period which spans the sixth through eighth week of the semester (Friday, February 23, 2024 – Friday, March 8, 2024). Instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are highly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades.

Midterm grades can be submitted through the Student Administration system beginning on Monday, February 19, and directions for doing so can be found on the Registrar’s website.

• Grading policies: https://registrar.uconn.edu/grades/
• Temporary grades: https://registrar.uconn.edu/temporary-grades/

Future of Journals Update 

The UConn Library continues to implement the Future of Journals strategy developed in 2020 with the Provost’s Office and a committee of faculty and administrators. Now in its fourth year, we are successfully shifting away from just-in-case collection development practices to a budget sustainable just-in-time approach for providing access to scholarly information. You can learn more about the process and the upcoming non-renewal of Wiley and Taylor & Francis on the library’s blog. 

Pop Up Course 

Feeling Well: The Science and Practice of Emotional Well Being 

Feeling, being, and doing well can be really hard. Both individually and collectively, it can sometimes seem that there are endless barriers that keep us from thriving and feeling our best selves. This 1-credit course explores the science and practice of emotional well-being, defined as how positive an individual feels generally and about life overall. We will define the components to emotional well-being, which include the emotional quality of everyday moments as well as judgments such as life satisfaction, meaning, and goal pursuit. We will explore the interdependence across individuals, communities, and systems that contribute to emotional well-being, and will share effective strategies to enhance emotional well-being. 

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls 

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to pilot a program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for an initial cohort of instructors who are willing to try this, and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction. Lunch will be provided for the instructor attending. 

LEARN MORE (Button to website) 

Town Hall Meetings on the Budgets for UConn & UConn Health 

A series of town hall meetings have been scheduled for this semester to discuss the budgets for UConn and UConn Health and what actions the University has taken — and plans to take — to address potential projected shortfalls.  The first town hall took place on January 24th, and a link to the recording can be found online. The remaining schedule of events follows:  

Virtual Town Hall 

• Date and Time: February 21, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. 
• Email to submit questions: Communications@uconn.edu  

In-Person/Virtual Town Hall 

• Date and Time: March 4, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. 
• Email to submit questions: Communications@uconn.edu  

To supplement the information shared during the town halls, our Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey Geoghegan, and the head of Governmental Relations for UConn, Joann Lombardo, recorded a presentation on the current budget situation and outlook for UConn and UConn Health, as well as a discussion of the fiscal “guard rails” implemented by the state. You can also view a copy of the presentation you will see in the video here.  

Other key dates to note (schedules may change): 

• February 7, 2024: Governor expected to present midterm budget to legislature. 
• February 14-23, 2024: Legislature holds hearings and deliberations.  

Request Academic Analytics Data via BPIR Website 

Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research (BPIR) designed a series of data request forms based on the Academic Analytics platform to communicate with department leadership at the University of Connecticut. The purpose of these data request forms is to assist leadership in searching for qualified job candidates, searching for funding resources for students and professors, and identifying prestige awards for outstanding professors. After receiving the search request, BPIR staff will send a confirmation email to the email address provided in the request form. Please allow one to three weeks to process and return the report. Requests can be submitted using the form on this webpage 

Faculty Activity Reporting (Interfolio) Implementation 

The offices of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and the Provost’s Office are working together to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as the primary faculty activity data source. In moving to this new system, we aim to create a streamlined location for faculty data to be uploaded and reported to both ease the administrative burden on faculty to maintain their own records and provide academic leadership with robust reporting capabilities. 

The implementation team working to roll out this new system is in the process of meeting with key faculty and staff in each academic unit and will be prepared to share a detailed implementation timeline and launch a new webpage to house Interfolio related information in the February issue of the newsletter. 

Appointment of Vice Provost for Academic Operations 

Dr. Dan Schwartz has been appointed as the Vice Provost for Academic Operations, effective January 12, 2024. Dr. Schwartz has been an integral part of our community since joining UConn in 2010. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to wear many hats and contribute significantly to the university’s academic and research endeavors. In his new role as Vice Provost for Academic Operations, Dr. Schwartz will undoubtedly bring his wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance the overall academic operations of our university. 

Wadsworth Atheneum 

In July, UConn renewed its institutional membership to the Wadsworth Atheneum. All staff, faculty, and students can visit the museum for free with a school ID. In addition, staff, faculty, and students may schedule docent and professor led tours of the galleries. In fact, over 1,000 UConn staff, faculty, and students visited the Wadsworth Atheneum in membership year 2023! The Wadsworth also hosted 24 group tours from the University, with over 350 people in attendance.

Envisioning 2034 

On December 6th, 2023, UConn's Board of Trustees unanimously adopted the University Strategic Plan, which will go into effect in 2024. Through a process co-chaired by Provost and Executive Vice President Anne D'Alleva and Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pamir Alpay, the Steering Committee and Working Groups engaged with over 10,000 members of our community to established shared goals and values to guide the next 10 years. Information on next steps including the roll-out and implementation of the plan are coming soon! 

Indie Major Podcast 

The Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program has launched a brand-new podcast! “Indie Major” is a show devoted to the stories and visions of Individualized Majors at the University of Connecticut. You can find the show and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.  

The inaugural episode features Kelly Ruesta Cayetano, who is majoring in “Health Disparities among Marginalized Groups.” New episodes will appear every two weeks. 

Learn More 

Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series 

Beyond Human Nature: A Conversation with Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha  

February 27, 2024 @ 4:00pm 

Konover Auditorium, Storrs Campus  

 Lewis Gordon, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Global Affairs and Bandana Purkayastha, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, will engage in a panel-style discussion on some of the big questions in the humanities in social sciences. They will talk about how their scholarship touches the lives of communities, impactful moments of their careers, and broadly about the many facets of human nature.  

This event is open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.  

Come Get the Tea from CSD  

Please join the CSD (Center for Students with Disabilities), over coffee or tea, to learn more about implementing accommodations in your courses and get 1:1 help with features of MyAccess, such as uploading exams. DSPs will be available to talk in a private setting and answer any questions you have. No RSVP needed— drop by the CSD Conference Room on one of the dates listed below: 

 2/15/24 2:30-4pm STORRS CSD Conference Room 

3/22/24 10:30am-12pm STORRS CSD Conference Room 

 2/7/24 12-2pm HARTFORD Student Services Suite 107 

 2/6/24 11am-1pm AVERY POINT Branford House Room 313 

 2/14/24 9am-11am WATERBURY (Virtual)  

 3/4/24 9:30-11am STAMFORD Room 302D 

 With the growing number of students with disabilities attending college, the number and complexity of accommodation requests continue to grow. CSD staff are available to, help explain the accommodations process, provide some practical strategies on how to implement accommodations and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like a staff member to attend one of your departmental meetings, please contact csd@uconn.edu to schedule at time.  

Timely Topics Series 

Every semester The Graduate School offers a series of Timely Topics workshops for faculty and staff. You can find detailed information about the sessions being offered and a link to register, as well as materials from previous sessions, on the Timely Topics webpage. 

Spirit Awards: Nominate and Outstanding Colleague 

The University of Connecticut established the UConn Spirit Awards to honor staff and faculty at our Storrs and regional campuses for stellar contributions and dedication to the mission and advancement of the University and our core values. The goals of the UConn Spirit Awards are to: 

• Build community within the University and University departments; 
• Provide an opportunity for employees to be recognized for their contributions to the University, which are not specifically academic but related to teamwork and civility; and 
• Create an event that acknowledges the efforts of all employees, especially staff members. 

Nominations are being accepted through February 9, 2024.  

Nominate a colleague!  

Black History Month 

Every February, we participate in the annual tradition of Black History Month. Inaugurated in 1926 by “The Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and made into a month-long celebration 50 years later, we use this month to raise awareness about Black and African American contributions to history. We recognize and celebrate the tremendous value these cultures have brought to the world, to our country, and to UConn. Though we believe that these contributions should be celebrated every day of the year, Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on our commitments to anti-racism and to renew our efforts. The African American Cultural Center (AACC) will be hosting the annual Black History Month Opening Ceremony on Thursday, February 1, at 6 p.m. with guest speaker Nia Long. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 29th at 6:00pm and will feature UConn's very own, Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar who will be providing a keynote titled "The Unexpected Genius of Hip-Hop: Innovation, the Arts and the Music Industry”. 

Lunar New Year 

February 10th marks the start of Lunar New Year 2024, the Year of the Dragon. Lunar New Year has been observed for thousands of years and symbolizes the welcoming of a new beginning and a time of reunion with family and friends. For the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community at UConn, it marks an occasion to celebrate cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities. On Lunar New Year, we recognize and honor the rich culture, history, and experiences of the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community. 

February 9: Deadline to apply for graduation!  

February 23 - March 8: Mid-semester grading period 

February 27: Beyond Human Nature: A Conversation with Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha 

The spring semester is well underway and as usual our campuses are bustling with activity. The Connecticut General Assembly is also in session and University leaders are meeting regularly with the governor’s office, staff from the Office of Policy and Management, and legislators regarding the budget requests for UConn and UConn Health for the next fiscal year. As always, we are proactively and constructively advocating for the state resources necessary to help us to carry out our mission most effectively and best meet the needs of our students, the State of Connecticut, and society at large.   

Under the News & Updates section of this newsletter I’ve included several resources that I strongly encourage faculty, staff, and students to review to learn more about the budget process and to stay engaged as it continues to evolve. President Maric, myself, and other members of the senior leadership team are continuing to hold town halls on UConn’s budget and the legislative session to help inform the UConn community and answer questions. The next town hall meeting will be in person and will take place on Monday, March 4 at the Student Union Theatre in Storrs. I hope to see many of you there. Additional town hall meeting will be held in person during the month of March both in Storrs and at UConn Health in Farmington. We will share the date/time/location information in advance of each.  

Earlier this week we hosted another installment of the Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series featuring a discussion with Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha, moderated by Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Michael Lynch. They were joined by faculty, staff, and students to engage in a wide-ranging exploration of their pursuit of knowledge in the fields of sociology and philosophy, the public impact of their work, and their passion and commitment about their work at a public institution. The recording of this event is available online. I continue to be inspired by the talented and passionate educators and scholars who are part of our UConn community.  

I will also be holding a series of office hours with my leadership team to connect with faculty and staff at each of our campuses. I recognize this is a busy time for all of us, and I appreciate any time you are willing to devote to sharing your comments, questions, and ideas with us.  

Whether you’re preparing for midterms, working on a research grant, advising our students, planning an end-of-semester event, going about the myriad routine tasks that keep the University running – or all of the above – please accept our sincerest thanks for the work that you do.   

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting 

The Office of the Provost and the Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research are partnering to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as UConn’s faculty data system. A webpage has been created to provide routine status updates on the implementation. Updates will continue to be provided through this newsletter and in various other formats throughout the spring, summer and fall semesters, and we encourage you to check in on this webpage for additional information and resources.   

In the coming months, the implementation team will continue to work through preliminary system configurations in collaboration with representatives from each School and College. As part of the transition from HuskyDM to FAR, data will be migrated from HuskyDM to the new FAR system. Due to the timing of the transition in proximity to regular reporting cycles for Schools and Colleges (i.e. merit processes, equity requests, etc.), faculty should complete entering data into HuskyDM by June 1, 2024. As of that date, data in HuskyDM will begin migrating into FAR and no new additions after June 1 will be included. Administrators will retain access to pull reports from HuskyDM through June 30th, the end date of the HuskyDM contract. We understand this creates a compressed timeline for some of these annual processes and will support School and Colleges with any data requests as needed.  

Two New Pop-up Classes Offered beginning in March 

Why the Jews? Confronting Antisemitism - Monday, March 4th - Friday April 26th

Antisemitism has often been described as the “oldest hatred.” Yet the term “antisemitism” is a modern formulation, coined in Germany in the 1870s a badge of pride by German nationalists who feared Jews posed a danger to “true German culture.” Why should the so-called “antisemites” define who or what Jews and Judaism are?  This course will first and foremost introduce students to the diverse nature of Jewish identity, before examining the many manifestations of Jewish hatred throughout history, and the ways in which Jews have attempted to respond to a hatred that refuses to disappear. Learn more 

Confronting Anti-Muslim Racism - Monday, March 4 - Friday, April 26, 2024

Despite Islam having almost 2 billion adherents across the globe, Muslims are subjected to damaging stereotypes, oppression, and violence simply because of their identities. Why and how is this the case? This 1-credit course offers an overview of responses to that question, with a specific emphasis on the diversity of Muslim identities, positionalities, and perspectives within the US in global context.  Learn More 

Professional Development for Instructors

Faculty members have access to a range of resources aimed at supporting their professional growth and development. These resources include: 

• Academic Impressions is the premier resource for higher education professionals. Stay ahead in your field with cutting-edge insights, innovative strategies, and best practices. From leadership to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Academic Impressions covers a wide array of topics including faculty success, academic program planning, online education, learning spaces, and conflict resolution. Register now with your UConn credentials to explore the available opportunities at hr.uconn.edu/academic-impressions/. 

 Top of Form 

• National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity NCFRDD) aids professionals in higher education, from graduate students to administrators, throughout their careers. Register with your UConn credentials to access workshops, webinars, and resources for your professional growth and career advancement. Highlights include the Monday Motivator, 14-Day Writing Challenge, and Faculty Success Program. Accessible via the resource menu at cetl.uconn.edu. 

• Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) provides programs and resources to enhance teaching skills and academic programs. They offer evidence-based teaching strategies, support curriculum development, integrate technology, and promote innovative classroom practices. CETL experts are ready to assist in engaging and empowering students for success. 

UConn Reads: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall 

Get ready to dive into UConn Reads 2024, featuring the captivating selection "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer! As a botanist and proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer melds the worlds of science and indigenous wisdom, showing us how to view nature as our ultimate teacher. "Braiding Sweetgrass" invites us on a delightful journey towards a harmonious connection with the world around us. This book isn't just a hit—it's a New York Times Bestseller, a Washington Post Bestseller, and a Los Angeles Times Bestseller! Plus, it's been hailed as a “Best Essay Collection of the Decade” by Literary Hub and a favorite summer read of 2020 by Book Riot. Ready to join the adventure? Learn more, including how to get your hands on the book, right here.

UConn’s Age Act Committee 

UConn’s Age Act Committee is dedicated to addressing and reviewing concerns related to student access and participation in University programs, services, or activities based on age. For more information about the committee, please visit: https://policy.uconn.edu/2011/12/09/university-of-connecticut-age-act-committee-policy-and-procedures/ 

If you have any questions or need assistance from the Age Act Committee reach out to: Jennifer Lease Butts Associate Vice Provost for Enrichment Programs and Director, Honors Program Email: Jennifer.Lease@uconn.edu or Vern Granger Director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions Email: Vern.Granger@uconn.edu 

Mid-Semester Grades 

Instructors teaching 1000 and 2000-level courses are required to submit mid-semester grades for all students between the sixth and eighth week of the semester, from Friday, February 23, 2024, to Friday, March 8, 2024. 

While instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are not obligated, they are strongly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades. 

You can submit mid-semester grades through the Student Administration system starting Monday, February 19. Instructions for this process are available on the Registrar’s website. 

UConn Budget Information from the Provost 

Earlier this month, the governor released his proposed state budget for the next fiscal year and President Maric released a statement detailing the budgetary requests being made by University leadership to support UConn and UConn Health. On February 20th, President Maric, CFO Jeffrey Geoghegan, Interim UConn Health CEO Dr. Bruce Liang, and I testified at the Appropriations Committee hearing along with other university leaders to share information on the funding requests and answer questions about the projected budget shortfalls and their potential impact on the University’s ability to support student success, foster a vibrant and robust academic community, maintain a strong research infrastructure, and continue to provide valuable and needed services to the community. University leaders are talking with legislators regularly in committee and subcommittee hearings as well as in 1:1 meetings to advocate for the requested funding.  

 It is important that our faculty, staff, and students stay informed on the realities of the budget constraints we face and that we provide an accurate picture of our budget landscape to the community. There have been several virtual town halls held with the UConn community to answer questions and share information about the budget process and current budget outlook. Recordings of those town halls, as well as other informational resources, can be found on the president’s website. The next town hall is scheduled to take place in person on March 4, at 12:00pm in the Student Union Theatre. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to join.  Earlier this month Provost D’Alleva submitted a letter to the editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education following a recent story published about our budget that did not accurately capture our outlook. Attendance at University Senate meetings is encouraged as they will feature important budget discussions in the coming months. You can find agendas and streaming information on the Senate website.  

New Governance Document: Sabbatical Active Service and Recoupment of Pay Guidelines 

New guidelines have been established regarding the notification process and reimbursement of funds if a faculty member leaves the University before fulfilling their sabbatical obligations. This policy is outlined in the Academic Affairs Governance Document Library. 

Carnegie Elective Classification 

The University of Connecticut is one of 40 colleges and universities in the United States to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement. The designation is determined by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee. UConn’s Office of Outreach and Engagement submitted the application to the Carnegie Foundation last spring. 

Read More 

UConn Among National Leaders in Fullbright U.S. Student Program  

The University of Connecticut has been recognized among the top producers of Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients for the first time in school history. These results are from U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and were featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education on Tuesday, Feb. 13. UConn had 10 students named to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in 2023-24, a record-setting number for the school. UConn’s appearance on the list of top producing institutions is the culmination of efforts by staff in the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships (ONSF) and the Office of Experiential Global Learning (EGL), as well as other organizational changes over the years designed to increase support for students seeking Fulbrights. 

Read More 

Provost Distinguished Speaker Series

Bridging the Gap from Storrs to Farmington: Kinesiology Faculty on Cutting Edge of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science 

Join Distinguished Professor Doug Casa along with his collogues Professors Neal Glaviano, Lindsay DiStefano and Elaine Lee in a thoughtful discussion on their scholarship in kinesiology, sports medicine and exercise science on Tuesday, March 26th from 4:00 – 5:30pm in the UConn Health Low Learning Center Auditorium.  

This event is open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.  

PTR and PR Forums  

The Faculty Standards Committee of the University Senate, in collaboration with the Provost’s Office, will host two separate forums on faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment via WebEx on Friday, April 12, 2024. These forums aim to ensure that all faculty members are familiar with the promotion, tenure, and reappointment procedures and expectations at the university. Faculty will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the administration. 

Faculty and staff who plan to attend must RSVP to the calendar event for each session by April 10th to attend. Recordings of the programs will be available after April 15th. Please reach out to universitysenate@uconn.edu with any questions.  

Office Hours with Provost D’Alleva 

Provost D’Alleva and her leadership team will be holding in-person office hours for all faculty and staff at the each of UConn’s multiple campuses throughout the spring semester. All are encouraged to join as available to discuss concerns, questions and ideas.  

Religious and Cultural Observances: Important Dates for 2024 

A comprehensive calendar of religious observances and culturally significant events can be found on the Office of the Provost website. Additionally, the website offers guidance and information about the responsibilities of both faculty and students regarding religious accommodations. This resource may be helpful when scheduling assessment activities or other events throughout the year. 

Reading Days 

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows: 

Reading Days are protected time for students to prepare for the final exam and assessment period. Instructors shall not require any course-related activity, assessment, or submission of work on Reading Days. Instructors may use Reading Days for optional activities, such as office hours. While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day. Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships. 

Final Exams 

Final exams begin on Monday, April 29, and end on Saturday, May 4. 

Final in-class examinations may not be given during the last week of classes. Other types of assessments (for example, but not only, portfolios, performances, projects, presentations, etc.) may be due in the last week of classes, but should be clearly delineated on the syllabus from the first week of classes. 

Undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include bunched finals or other extenuating circumstances. Such bunched finals may include final assessments like juried performances for Fine Arts students. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further details. 

February 23-March 8: Mid-semester grading period 

March 4: University Senate 

March 4: Budget Town Hall, Student Union Theatre, Storrs @ 12:00pm 

March 5: Budget Town Hall, Keller Auditorium, UConn Health, Farmington @ 12:00pm 

March 10-March 16: Spring Recess 

March 10-April 8: Ramadan  

March 23-24: Purim 

March 25: Holi 

March 26: Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series Event: Kinesiology Faculty on Cutting Edge of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Featuring BOT Distinguished Professor Doug Casa 

March 31: Easter Sunday 

We are just a few weeks away from the end of the fall 2023 semester, which means we are wrapping up classes with final exams, closing out projects from the semester, and preparing for a well-deserved holiday break. I hope that you all will find time to do things you enjoy, whether it be spending time with loved ones, relaxing and unwinding, or working on projects you didn’t have time for during the semester.

The end of the semester can be a stressful time for students as they take final exams and complete semester-long projects or presentations. UConn offers many resources to help students prepare for success academically and personally in the event you are in a position to help. The Q-Center and W-Center are excellent resources for support with both quantitative classes and writing classes. If your student needs to reschedule an exam, they can work with the Dean of Students office. If they need an accommodation for an exam or final evaluation of any kind, they should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible. Finally, Student Health and Wellness offers many programs and events to help students cope with stress and support their health, from meditation and yoga to pet therapy.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention what a stressful and busy time this can be for our staff and faculty. I want to remind you to take care of yourselves and your colleagues. Human Resources recently offered this good advice:

Supporting Yourself

Recognize your limits.

At times, it's important to recognize our limits and understand that we may not always be as efficient as usual - and that's completely okay. The key is to plan accordingly, show ourselves kindness, and ask for support when needed.

Engage in healthy activities.

Basic self-care makes a significant difference during stressful times. Taking breaks while working and connecting with colleagues can help us recharge and stay focused. It is also crucial to find what brings us joy and incorporate it into our daily routine. Whether it's engaging in spiritual practices, meditating, listening to music, or going for a walk, doing things that feel good is essential for our overall well-being.

Find community support.

Attending community events or informal gatherings with friends can be a way to process grief, fear, and other difficult feelings. Sharing our experiences helps to reduce the intensity of our emotional distress. Experiencing empathy and understanding from others helps us know we are not alone.

Move your body.

Additionally, moving our bodies can be a powerful tool for stress relief. When we experience stress, our muscles tend to tense up. Engaging in physical movement, such as stretching or self-massaging, helps release tension and process emotions.

I look forward to seeing you all when we return in the fall and wish you all the best in this holiday season!

Provost's Office Awards

The Provost’s Office coordinates the below awards annually and is pleased to announce nominations are now being accepted through January 26, 2024. Learn more about how to nominate and eligibility criteria for each award.

• Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor
• Provost’s Outstanding Service Award
• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

Center for Students with Disabilities FAQ

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) oversees accommodations for students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations are academic adjustments, modifications and/or auxiliary aids and services applied to elements of a student’s postsecondary program to help compensate for the student’s impairment(s) and provide equal access for students with disabilities. If a student is granted an accommodation by the CSD, instructors are legally obligated to provide it. Instructors do have the right to respond to CSD to discuss the accommodation(s) if they believe they are not feasible or will fundamentally alter the class pedagogy or learning objectives. Click here to view a FAQ on the top 10 Accommodations Questions for Instructors to learn more.

If you have questions about meeting a student’s accommodations, call the Disability service Professional (DSP) named on the accommodation letter at 860-486-2020

The CSD also offers daily drop-in opportunities, both in person and on WebEx.

Reading Days

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, and Thursday, December 14. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows:

Reading Days are protected time for students to prepare for the final exam and assessment period. Instructors shall not require any course-related activity, assessment, or submission of work on Reading Days. Instructors may use Reading Days for optional activities, such as office hours.

While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day.

Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships.

Final Exams

Final exams begin on Monday, December 11 and end on Sunday, December 17.

In very limited instances, undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam. They must make such a request through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include “bunched” finals and immediate illness. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further detail.

***Please note, the above does not apply to the School of Law, School of Medicine, or School of Dental Medicine.***

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to continue the program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls in the spring semester. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for instructors who are willing to participate and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction. Instructors will be provided with lunch.

Contact provost@uconn.edu to get involved.

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting

As you know, UConn has contracted with Interfolio for the Review, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) and Dossier modules which were implemented over the last year. We are excited to announce that we will now be adding Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) which will replace HuskyDM for faculty activity information storage and reporting. The implementation and roll-out are being managed by the offices of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and the Provost. The roll-out of FAR will take place late in the spring semester. More information on this implementation and how faculty can get involved will be coming soon.

Winter Weather Reminders

The following guidance applies to all UConn locations except UConn Health, which has its own relevant policies.

How you’ll know UConn’s status:

• When we determine it is necessary to cancel or delay classes, or to change business operations at the University, we’ll notify the UConn community as quickly as possible.
• When storms occur overnight, we try to make this notification by 5 a.m. Sometimes conditions change rapidly, however, and we might need to adjust decisions about class schedules and business operations on short notice.
• The UConnALERT webpage (http://alert.uconn.edu) is the definitive source of information about the University’s operating status.
• UConn community members at all locations, excluding UConn Health, can also check the 24-hour emergency closing information number: 860-486-3768.
• The University notifies the media about operating changes at UConn’s campuses, but we cannot guarantee that details provided by news outlets represent the most current or complete information.

What stays open, what might change:

• If classes are cancelled, this applies to all classes -- including those online.
• UConn follows suit if the Governor closes state agencies, releases state employees from work, or restricts road travel due to weather conditions.
• Certain essential operations continue despite inclement weather, including public safety, residential and dining services, health services, animal care, facility maintenance, and other critical services.
• Decisions about whether to continue or cancel specific services, such as transportation, are made on a case-by-case basis depending on existing conditions and needs.
• The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, UConn Athletics, and other units that sponsor events and activities decide independently whether to continue or cancel their events, and you should contact them directly with questions.

Academic operations:

• If the University has not announced a delay or cancellation of classes, faculty are expected to hold their classes as scheduled in the modality originally advertised.
• In circumstances when a faculty member determines that they cannot travel safely to campus, the faculty member must notify all students in the class in a timely manner along with their dean and department head.
• Faculty must not preemptively cancel class before the University decides and announces whether UConn’s normal schedule will be changed.
• Students should contact their professors as soon as possible if they must miss a class or other activity due to weather conditions.
• Faculty should respect the decisions of commuting students who decide not to travel to campus or to leave class early to get home safely, and should provide options for them to make up missed work.

December 8 - Last day of fall semester classes

December 9 - December 10 - Reading Days

December 11 - Final examinations begin

December 14 - Reading Day

December 17 - Final examinations end

December 20 - Semester grades due at 4 pm

I hope this message finds you in good health. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your dedication to our students during the current conflict. It is through your actions that we foster an environment where students can feel valued, safe, and able to thrive, even in the face of adversity. I would especially like to highlight the work of the Dean of Students Office, Care and Concern, Student Health and Wellness, the Cultural Centers, and our Faith Communities in helping students who have been impacted directly or indirectly by this conflict.

In times of conflict, students often experience heightened stress and anxiety. Your willingness to listen, provide a shoulder to lean on, and offer guidance is invaluable. To continue our collective mission of nurturing the growth and development of our students, I'd like to offer a few best practices that can help us further enhance our support:

1. Resources: Ensure students are aware of resources available to them, both within and outside the university. This includes counseling services, academic support, and organizations that promote cultural diversity and understanding. This recent message [HYPERLINK] to students highlights some of those resources.
2. Flexibility: Be mindful of the unique challenges students may face during times of conflict. Flexibility in assignment deadlines, attendance policies, and exam schedules can make a significant difference in their ability to cope.
3. Empathy and Compassion: Continue to exhibit empathy and compassion when interacting with students. A small gesture of kindness can have a lasting impact on their emotional well-being.
4. Community-Building: Promote student involvement in clubs, organizations, and forums that foster unity and understanding among diverse communities.
5. Education: The conflict between Gaza and Israel is marked by numerous historical, cultural, and political complexities. Encourage students to educate themselves about this specific conflict and the region. It is especially effective when our own faculty lead these efforts, as in the panel discussion on November 2.

Lastly, let us always remember the pivotal role of relationships in student success. Research has long shown that the bonds faculty and staff form with students, rooted in trust and care, can be the key to their resilience and growth.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students, and for the positive impact you continue to make. Together, we can make UConn a beacon of hope and understanding in times of uncertainty.

Election Day: Promoting Civic Duty

Election Day is coming up on November 7^th. Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility, and ensuring that all eligible individuals have the opportunity to participate can be immensely empowering. Wherever possible, we encourage instructors to exercise flexibility for students who plan to exercise their right to vote. Consider providing a recording of your lecture, distributing materials for an asynchronous class session, or holding extra office hours in the following week. If you are planning an assessment (i.e. quiz, exam, in-class assignment) to be due that day, consider an extension for those students who are absent.

Faculty Office Hours

Last month, participating faculty began hosting office hours in dining halls, including Ryan Watson, Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences (Pictured above with students). This program provides faculty and students an opportunity to connect outside the classroom to build community. This is especially helpful for those instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level – where students are likely at the beginning of their UConn journey. Lunch will be provided for the instructor attending, and any students who don’t already have meal plans. Learn more about how to participate.

Academic Impressions

Academic Impressions is a membership organization for faculty, staff and administrative leaders in higher education focused on ensuring all levels of university employees receive professional and leadership development. As a part of UConn’s membership, university leaders can gain access to on-demand and live online learning in crucial areas such as institutional & academic planning, inclusive leadership, student success, and compliance. To learn more about available trainings and educational opportunities, visit their website and reach out to provost@uconn.edu if you or anyone in your unit would like to become more involved.

PRISMATIC Program

Environmental sustainability and student success are top priorities for President Radenka Maric. Students are at the heart of advancing sustainability at UConn by identifying needs and opportunities, designing and executing initiatives, and developing creative solutions.

In recognition of undergraduate students' roles as innovators and catalysts for change, the Office of Undergraduate Research, UConn Research, and the Office of the Provost are excited to announce PRISMATIC – the President’s Research Investment in Sustainability Measures, Actions, Technologies, Initiatives, and Communities. PRISMATIC commits $50,000 to support students’ engagement in sustainability projects through Office of Undergraduate Research funding programs that are open to students at all campuses.

PRISMATIC is intended to support a broad spectrum of experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. In addition to inquiry projects across the academic disciplines, these OUR funding programs support a diverse range of advocacy, service, design, and community engagement projects that will allow students to pursue knowledge and take action in furtherance of equitable sustainability. For more information, please visit the program webpage.

Call for Nominations – Provost’s Office Awards:

• Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor
• Provost’s Outstanding Service Award
• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

Nominations for each of the above awards will be due January 26, 2024. Learn more about how to nominate and eligibility on the Provost’s website.

Update to UConn Email Policy

UConn has regulatory and contractual requirements to ensure that protected information, such as FERPA, HIPAA, PHI, and PHII data, is stored on systems with appropriate safeguards and that it is responsive to freedom of information (FOI) requests and litigation holds.  To better meet this, the updated version of the subject policy now explicitly prohibits automated copying or forwarding of institutional emails to non-University accounts.  This would include the creation of rules within a university account that copy email on delivery to alternate non-university accounts.  Specific emails may still be copied or forwarded individually, but the account holder is responsible for ensuring that content does not violate policy or regulatory/contractual obligations.  With respect to forwarding, UConn Health email accounts should be considered university accounts.  The new policy can be reviewed at the following location: policy.uconn.edu/2011/05/19/electronic-communication-policy/

This policy went into effect October 1, 2023, and questions or concerns can be directed to ITS.

Updates to the Guide to the State Code of Ethics

Revisions to the policy include the formatting and updating of pronouns throughout the policy, including “Ethics Liaison” in various sections as a resource in addition to the Office of State Ethics, and clarification on restrictions on gifts between supervisors and subordinates. Under the ‘Contracts with the State’ section, revisions include reference to exemption for contracts with a public institution of higher education to support a collaboration to develop and commercialize any invention or discovery. Under the ‘Necessary Expenses’ section, “gifts to the state” was added as acceptable to attend an event that is relevant to your state duties. Lastly, “Confidential Information” language was removed as it is covered in other policies.

View the Policy

UConn’s Laura Cruickshank Inducted into CT Women’s Hall of Fame

On August 26, 2023, Laura Cruickshank was inducted to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame at their 30^th anniversary ceremony honoring “Women who build”. Laura joined UConn in 2013 and is the University Master Planner and Chief Architect and Associate Vice President for University Planning, Design and Construction.

Strategic Planning Forums

Join Provost D’Alleva, VP Pamir Alpay and Executive Director Margaret Feeney for an online forum sharing updates and gathering feedback on the university strategic planning process and progress thus far.

• Wednesday, November 1: 1:00-2:00 PM
• Thursday, November 2: 9:00-10:00 AM
• Thursday, November 2: 6:30-8:00 PM

RSVP to join an online session on the website.

Town Hall on Student Fees

This week the following town halls on student fees will be held with University leadership to discuss the university’s proposed student fee rate adjustments for Academic Year 2024-2025.

• Monday, October 30, 2023, at 1:00pm (In Person)

Location: Konover Auditorium located in the Dodd Center

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

• Monday, October 30, 2023, at 5:00pm (In Person)

Location: Konover Auditorium located in the Dodd Center

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

• Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 5:00pm (Virtual)

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

The recording from the Town Hall discussion held virtually on 11/1/23 can be found at: https://bpir.uconn.edu/home/announcements/town-hall-meetings/

Career Everywhere Conference hosted by the Career Center November 3^rd

This year’s conference, titled  Enhancing Career Readiness: Equipping Students with Competencies for Post-Graduate Success will focus on best practices in helping students build and articulate NACE’s eight Career Competencies and how faculty can help students Become Career Ready. The eight NACE Career Readiness Competencies were compiled based on research from thousands of companies and organizations across industry lines and are seen widely by employers as critical for student success in the workforce. This is a great opportunity for faculty to learn about the NACE Career Readiness competencies that they are already teaching and how to be more transparent with students regarding these skills employers look for into course materials.

Learn more and register here.

Husky Run and Ruck – Salute to Service

All UConn Faculty, Staff and Students are invited to participate in the Husky Run and Ruck – Salute to Service co-sponsored by the UConn Recreation Department, UConn Veterans Affairs and Military Programs, and the Hartford Marathon Foundation. This event will be hosted on the Storrs campus on November 12^th in honor of Veterans Day. This event has something for everyone – learn more and register here.

Emeritus Deadline: November 1^st

University Senate Meeting: November 6^th

Election Day: November 7^th

Veterans Day: November 11^th  (observed November 10^th)

Last day to withdraw from a course: November 13^th

Fall Break: November 19^th – November 25^th

Thanksgiving Day: November 23^rd