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Office of the Provost

Office of the Provost

First-Year Focus: August 29, 2025

Relentless Welcome

There are few experiences more affirming than being genuinely welcomed by someone who is glad to see you. Whether it’s the warm embrace of a loved one, the spark of recognition in an old friend’s eyes, or your dog’s tail wagging at the door, these moments remind us that we are seen, valued, and that we belong.

This fall, we are thrilled to welcome the largest incoming class of Huskies in UConn’s history. These students bring with them a rich diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and aspirations. They will become the researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who will shape our university and our world. But as the excitement of move-in and the energy of our Week of Welcome begins to wear off, we must ask ourselves: how will we continue to welcome students into our classrooms, our work, our research, and our community? For it is their authentic participation in these spaces that will allow them to ‘become’ (Young and Bunting, 2024a).

An abundance of research demonstrates that relationships are central to student success in college (Felten and Lambert, 2020). And while peer connections are important, it is the meaningful relationships students form with faculty and staff that often make the greatest impact. When students experience genuine care from faculty and staff, they are more likely to thrive academically, persist through challenges, and develop a strong sense of identity and purpose (Astin,1978; Bensimon, 2007; Young and Bunting, 2024b). This effect is especially pronounced for students from historically marginalized communities (Strayhorn, 2012; Kezar and Maxey, 2014).

A simple “How are you doing?”, asked with curiosity and care, can open the door to connection. Offering even small, personalized gestures can build trust and signal to students that they matter. And when students feel safe and supported, they are more willing to take the intellectual and personal risks that lead to transformative growth.

As we consider the transition of our first-year students, we must especially bear in mind the extent to which they enter on the periphery of our academic communities. By inviting students in to work with and alongside us as experienced scholars and practitioners, their process of transition takes them from novice learners to full members of our communities, capable of contributing as increasingly advanced participants.

So this year, let’s adopt a mindset of “relentless welcome” (Felten and Lambert, 2020). Let’s actively invite students into our work as scholars, researchers, and practitioners. Let’s offer them a seat at the table, a role in the lab, a voice in the conversation. Let’s show them that they belong—not just at UConn, but in the work that defines it.

Together, we can create a campus culture where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to become all they are meant to be.

Jordan Ochs, Ph.D.

References

  • Astin, Alexander W. Four Critical Years. Jossey-Bass, 1978.
  • Bensimon, Estela M. “The Underestimated Significance of Practitioner Knowledge in the Scholarship on Student Success”, Review of Higher Education, 2007.
  • Felten, Peter and Lambert, Leo M. Relationship Rich Education. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020.
  • Kezar, Adrianna and Maxey, Dan. “Faculty Matter: So Why Doesn’t Everyone Think So?”, Thought and Action, 2014.
  • Strayhorn, Terrell, L. College Students’ Sense of Belonging: A Key to Educational Success for All Students. Routledge, 2012.
  • Young, Dallin and Bunting, Bryce. Rethinking Student Transitions: How Community, Participation, and Becoming Can Help Higher
  • Education Deliver on its Promise.
  • University of South Carolina National Resource Center for The First Year Experience and Students in Transition, 2024 (a).
  • Young, Dallin and Bunting, Bryce. “What if We Rethought the Ways We Describe College Student Transitions?”, About Campus, 2024 (b).

Office of the Provost

Program Completion Review Process

Dear Colleagues,

I recently provided an update on our academic program review process to the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees and am writing to share the same update with you today. As you know, this cyclical process was resumed last year and this fall it will enter into its next stage.

First, revisiting the background: this effort is also colloquially known as the low-completion or low-enrollment process. One of the roles of the provost’s office is to help academic departments start and develop new programs, but also to review existing programs to help ensure they continue to remain relevant, draw student interest, and build strength so they can have as great an impact as possible.

We set standards to identify low enrollment programs, which are modest:  programs need to have awarded 100 or more undergrad degrees over a five-year period (in this case, 2018 – 2023), 50 or more masters degrees, 25 or more graduate certificates, and 10 or more doctorates over that same period.

This is the bar most of our academic programs need to meet and when they don’t, we need to engage with the program, the faculty, and the dean to ask some key questions: is the program appropriately small? Could it accommodate more students? Are there barriers to students entering or succeeding, such as confusing overlap with other programs or outdated curriculum? Is the program partnering effectively with Admissions? Does it need to create new pipeline programs?

Essentially: why is this program low-enrollment/low-completion and what can we do about it? This is basic “academic housekeeping” which was routine for many years at UConn but was dormant for a period of time amid transitions in the provost’s office before resuming last year.

During the first stage of this process, the decision was made to close seven graduate and three undergraduate programs. Several of these were graduate certificates that were not drawing students and had not been for some time. Others were already “in the freezer,” meaning inactive but not yet officially discontinued.

As a reminder, any decision on program closure is made by the faculty, the department head, and the dean. The primary role of the provost’s office in this process is to ask the question; the decisions are ultimately made collaboratively and a recommendation is then brought to the board of trustees if it’s determined that a change needs to be made.

The process has already had a positive impact: for example, one department streamlined its majors and curricula to make them much clearer and also simplified the pathways for students to enter its programs and be successful in them. Other programs have made similar changes aimed at reinvigorating the program, enrolling more students, and better supporting student success, which is the central goal of this work.

It should be noted that some programs are small by design for any number of reasons and have continued unchanged in light of that.

This fall, each academic program that was identified as low-enrollment/low-completion last year will be asked for an update regarding the steps that have been taken, or plans that have been made, to enhance their enrollment and completion rates going forward. This will be reviewed and evaluated by academic leadership with an eye on what is most likely to be effective.

Finally, it’s also important to point out that the benchmarks identified above are not the only measure used when evaluating the success or value of an academic program. For example, we are home to a number of programs that may not have a high number of majors in them, but very high numbers of students take courses in these programs to fulfill their general education requirements, which is invaluable to our students and to the institution. So the process is more holistic than a simple “all or nothing” approach.

Like PTR, this is a cyclical process we will repeat on an annual basis with the goal of using continuous evaluation to help support continued growth and success.

I’m grateful for the thoughtful participation of the deans and faculty in this process and the leadership of the provost’s office team in designing and implementing it and supporting the deans and faculty in their deliberations.

Sincerely,
Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.
Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Office of the Provost

Important Reminders for Course Instructors

Dear Colleagues,

As the start of the new semester comes closer, I wanted to reach out to you all with some timely reminders. If you will be instructing a course in the coming semester, please be sure to read and adhere to these reminders. 

Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable semester!

Sincerely,

Gladis Kersaint, PhD

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

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Course Syllabi

Consistent with our course approval processes and to support consistency across sections of the same course, course syllabi should include:

  • Course Description: The course description should quote the description noted in the undergraduate or graduate catalog verbatim.
  • Course Learning Objectives: Approved course-level learning objectives, which should be shared across all sections of the same course.
  • Student Notification of Absences: Students are responsible for consulting the course instructor and making up for missed work due to planned absences, such as those related to religious observations (see the related section below).Students are also responsible for identifying potential conflicts with final examinations and must contact the Dean of Students Office for final examination accommodation. To remind students of these expectations, we encourage instructors to address this expectation as part of their syllabi.
  • Refer to the Creating your Syllabus page for additional syllabi information.

Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity and Misconduct Policy

Instructors are expected to include a link to the Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity and Misconduct Policy (effective as of July 2023) as part of course syllabi or any other academic/scholarly activity and include any additional unit-specific expectations. Additional information about Academic Misconduct, including reporting incidences of misconduct, are available here.

Course Modalities

All courses must be delivered in the modalities as listed in the course schedule. Instructors are not permitted to change the modality in which a course is delivered. If there is a need to change the modality temporarily due to unanticipated circumstances, the course instructor must obtain prior approval from the Department Head and Dean. Violations of this can result in disciplinary actions.

Student Administration System: Ensuring Accuracy

Please ensure that your semester schedule is accurate and complete in the Student Administration System. In addition to ensuring that you have access to course materials, accurate class instructor assignment information is critical to the success of the SET process as well as reporting for student-faculty ratio and courseloads.

Observation of Religious Holidays

Course instructors are expected to reasonably accommodate individual religious practices unless doing so would fundamentally alter class objectives or result in undue hardship to the University’s legitimate business purposes. Such accommodations may include rescheduling an exam, giving a make-up exam, allowing a presentation to be made on a different date, or assigning the student appropriate make-up work that is intrinsically no more difficult than the original assignment. The Religious Observation webpage includes information on key religious observances this academic year. It also contains links to UConn’s policy on religious accommodations for students, faculty and staff, and resources to learn more about individual holidays. If you notice a religious holiday that is not included on this webpage, please contact provost@uconn.edu.

Mid-Semester Grade Submission Requirement

Per the Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations of the University Senate (E.6, Mid-Semester and Semester Reports), instructors of 1000 and 2000-level courses must submit mid-semester grades for all students during the mid-semester grading period which spans the sixth through eighth week of the semester. Instructors of all other courses are strongly encouraged to do the same. Timely submission of midterm grades is an integral part of our student success initiatives, enabling advisors to identify and support students who may need intervention to achieve satisfactory academic progress.

  • To facilitate this, ensure you have scheduled one or more course assessments before the midsemester grading period to enable you to provide students with feedback on their progress.

Requests for Athlete Progress Reports

To support student success initiatives, instructors are encouraged to respond when the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes (CPIA) requests student progress reports. This will enable the counselors to give our students appropriate advice and support.

Last Date of Student Academic Engagement Requirement

Effective as of Spring 2024, when submitting final grades for students with non-passing grades, instructors must submit the date of last academic engagement. The collection of this information supports institutional compliance with federal financial aid regulations. Failure to provide this information may result in negative financial consequences for students. Please remember that you can take class attendance (e.g., taking roll or asking students to sign a roster during the class session).

Instructional Support Resources

Faculty are expected to make themselves available to students for additional instructional support. The common approach is to hold regularly scheduled office hours and by appointment. When you identify office hours, ideally these will maximize the likelihood that students can attend them by providing multiple options that include different days and different times of the day.

Student Engagement in Courses: Support for Students

If you notice students who are having difficulty or are not engaged in your courses, please refer them to appropriate university units for additional support:

Professional Development and Learning Opportunities.

UConn offers a range of professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. Please learn about them here:

Also, I encourage you to explore learning opportunities available from the following online resources that you can access with your UConn credentials (e.g., @uconn.edu email address):

Office of the Provost

Observance of Juneteenth

Dear Colleagues,

On Thursday, June 19, the University will observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom. In 2023, the State of Connecticut officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday. This year, the University Senate passed a resolution to designate it as a non-teaching day at UConn.

As a result, classes will not be held and no instructional activities should be scheduled on that date. The University encourages all departments and offices that are able to close in observance of the holiday to do so.

We recognize that certain critical University operations and departments will need to remain open to meet student and campus needs. We encourage you to talk to your supervisor to determine department needs. However, it is our expectation that most University operations will close to observe the holiday. Questions regarding scheduling or time issues should be referred to laborrelations@uconn.edu.

We look forward to the observance of this important day.

Sincerely,

Lakeesha Brown, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Anne D’Alleva, Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jeffrey Hines, Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion

Office of the Provost

Guidance for Pre-Tenure Faculty re Changes to Federal Funding

Dear Colleagues,

As you know, the federal government is implementing significant changes to research funding priorities and allocations. In this context, we want to reaffirm our institution’s commitment to supporting faculty research, especially during the critical pre-tenure period.

First and foremost, this is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The effects of these changes on pre-tenure faculty will vary by field, funding agency, and the individual research trajectories of faculty members.

Given these variabilities, at this time, the administration is not planning to petition the Board of Trustees to implement a universal extension of the tenure clock, as we did during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are in active communication with peer institutions, and this approach is in alignment with similar institutions nationwide. Schools and Colleges are working with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) to assess the current funding landscape and will work with the Provost’s Office to identify and address any field-specific impacts on their promotion, tenure, and reappointment (PTR) processes.

We strongly encourage each faculty member to take a proactive approach in assessing how the federal funding changes may affect their research and engage in strategic planning for their tenure application as part of the PTR process.

Below are some key points that pre-tenure faculty should consider, in alignment with the OVPR guidance:

  1. Stay Informed and Engaged

Federal agencies including the NSF, NIH, DOE, and others, are adjusting funding mechanisms, research priorities, and review processes. The OVPR has been providing briefings and resources to help faculty navigate these changes and has established four task forces to help the university community understand and respond to these changes effectively.  If you are interested in joining a taskforce, please contact Matt Mroz (matthew.mroz@uconn.edu).

  1. Diversify Funding Sources

Given potential shifts in federal allocations of research funding, it is prudent to explore alternative funding sources, including:

  • Private foundations
  • Industry partnerships
  • State and local funding opportunities
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations that align with new funding priorities
  • Institutional support, including small and large grants, seed funding, and limited bridge funding that may be available through the Schools and Colleges and Centers and Institutes.
  1. Align Research with Emerging Federal Priorities (Where Feasible)

While maintaining scholarly identity is paramount, faculty should consider how their research can intersect with emerging federal priorities such as AI, quantum, and data science; biotechnology and health sciences with a focus on chronic disease; and national security. Adjustments in framing or collaboration may increase funding potential.

  1. Maintain Open Communication with Mentors, Department Leadership, School/College Leadership, and OVPR

Pre-tenure faculty should draw on their department head, senior colleagues, dean and associate deans, center/institute directors, and the OVPR as essential resources. Regular conversations about tenure expectations, funding realities, and evolving research trajectories can help faculty make informed decisions about their scholarly path.

  1. Utilize Institutional Support Services

The OVPR offers many resources to support faculty in this work, including proposal development assistance (e.g., proposal coordination, writing, editing, review), grant-writing workshops, and communication resources.

Please know that the guidance for associate professors working toward their promotion to full professor is much the same, since they may face similar challenges in this funding landscape. Associate professors often have access to greater resources—such as unrestricted fund accounts, well-equipped labs, and extensive professional networks—that can help them navigate a shifting funding landscape. They should be intentional about leveraging these assets to sustain their research productivity. Associate professors should discuss their individual timeline for promotion with their department head or dean since the promotion timeline for associate professors is more flexible than the tenure timeline.

And a note to full professors: While you, too, may be facing similar funding challenges, your leadership and experience are especially valuable during this time—serving as a critical resource for colleagues, department heads, deans, and the OVPR. We are grateful for the numerous instances of mentorship and support that we have already seen senior faculty offer their more junior colleagues. Please remember that a sympathetic ear, a bit of sound advice, or a problem-solving brainstorm session can make an enormous difference alongside institutional supports.

Faculty who have questions or need guidance tailored to their specific circumstances should not hesitate to reach out to the OVPR regarding research and their department head, dean, and/or the Provost’s Office regarding the PTR process and expectations.

Please remember that if you encounter funding-related roadblocks or receive notification of changes to a federal research grant that you have already been awarded, you should reach out immediately to OVPR (research@uconn.edu) to explore available support mechanisms. The OVPR website provides essential guidance regarding the steps you need to take.

Although the funding landscape is evolving, we want to emphasize to all faculty that you are not navigating these challenges alone. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting your research productivity and professional success at every stage of your career.

This is certainly a time of extraordinary change that is testing our researchers, but our strong sense of community and commitment to UConn’s mission as a flagship Land and Sea Grant institution will see us through these challenging times, as they have in difficult times before. We are grateful every day to work with such outstanding colleagues.

Sincerely,

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.
Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

Office of the Provost

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Office of the Provost

Faculty Activity Reporting System Live October 1

Dear Faculty,

We are excited to announce that the Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) system is in its final stages of configuration and will soon be ready for faculty access as part of our phased implementation. Over the last several months, the implementation team has worked diligently to configure the system, migrate data from HuskyDM, and set up new integrations with our university systems.

Phase 1: Faculty Data Validation

On October 1, 2024, you will gain access to the system to review and validate your data. Please note, there are some known instances where data may be missing or incomplete due to historical issues with older systems. We encourage you to take this time to carefully review your information, particularly before the reporting periods in the spring. Additionally, you will need to review and accept data imported through Interfolio’s Data Services including sources like PubMed and SCOPUS. Our team will be available throughout the fall to troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.

Phase 2: Building Administrative Reports

Throughout the fall semester, the implementation team will work to build and finalize institutional level templates such as forms for the PTR/PR process. We will also work with individual units to assist in building templates for any unique reporting needs.

Info Session & Training Opportunities

To help you navigate the new system, we are offering several opportunities for guidance:

  • Virtual Info Session: Join us on October 1 at 2:00pm for a virtual live overview of the system and Q&A. This session will be recorded and posted on our webpage for future reference. The session will be oriented for faculty users but is open to all to attend.
  • Interfolio Led Training Sessions: We will also be hosting two training sessions led by Interfolio experts. These sessions will focus on the faculty experience and user interface. Additional sessions will be offered in the future.
  • October 16: 2:00-3:00 pm
  • October 21: 12:00-1:00pm

To RSVP for any of the above sessions or to find more information and resources please visit the Interfolio @ UConn webpage. You may also reach out to interfolio@uconn.edu with any questions or for assistance from the implementation team.

We look forward to working with you during this transition and appreciate your patience as we continue to build out reporting features and administrative tools in Phase 2.

Office of the Provost

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. 

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – August 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

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

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.  

NEWS & UPDATES

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 31st. 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.

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

CAPS Family Gathering Reception

On July 19th, 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.

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IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

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.

DATES

September 2 – Labor Day (No classes)

September 5 – Community Conversation in the Rainbow Center

September 9 – 10th Day of Classes

September 10 – Consulting Reconciliation Deadline

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – September 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

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.  

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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. 

   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).  

NEWS & UPDATES

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.

 

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

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.  

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

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. 

DATES

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