Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – June 2024

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.

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

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!

Office of the Provost

AY 24-25 PTR/PR Cycle – Interfolio Resources & Reminders

Dear Colleagues,

As we near the start of the AY 24-25 PTR/PR cycle, I wanted to provide a reminder of resources available now that all PTR/PR actions including annual reappointments, promotions and tenure cases will be reviewed and managed through Interfolio’s PTR module. Unit administrators including department and dean’s offices as appropriate will work with you to prepare for the coming cycle, including creating your case in Interfolio PTR.

For faculty who are preparing to submit a case, the following resources may be useful to review in advance and are available on the Interfolio @ UConn webpage.

Interfolio Review, Promotion, & Tenure Candidate Training Course

UConn Interfolio PTR User Guide for Faculty – a step-by-step job aid on relevant functionality in UConn’s configuration of the PTR and Dossier modules
Interfolio Knowledge Base – step-by-step job aids and informational resources on the Interfolio system and functionality.
UConn’s Interfolio PTR FAQ – answers to frequently asked questions and common issues

For faculty or administrators participating as reviewers, this additional resource may be helpful:

Interfolio Review, Promotion, & Tenure Committee Member Training Course
UConn Interfolio PTR User Guide for Reviewers – a step-by-step job aid on relevant functionality in UConn’s configuration of the RPT and Dossier modules
Interfolio Knowledge Base – step-by-step job aids and informational resources on the Interfolio system and functionality. Helpful job aids include:
UConn’s Interfolio PTR FAQ – answers to frequently asked questions and common issues

You can reach out to the Interfolio Scholar Services Team at help@interfolio.com or 877.997.8807 (9-6 Eastern, M-F). You can also contact provost@uconn.edu for additional support.

I’ve also attached a copy of the Guideline on Promotion, Tenure, and Reappointment, which is a resource for candidates, deans, department heads, and members of PTR Advisory Committees, and the overall University Committee. A copy of this document is also available from the Personnel Topics folder in the Academic Affairs section of the Academic Affairs Governance Document Library.

You are also encouraged to attend the Senate PTR/PR forums being held virtually on April 12th. These sessions will cover UConn’s expectations for both tenure track and non-tenure track submissions. For more information and to register, check the Senate website.

I wish you all the best as we prepare to kick-off the next cycle!

Regards,

Gladis Kersaint, Ph.D.

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – March 2024

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

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.

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.

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.

Office of the Provost

Revised FY26 Provost Fund Guidance

Date: February 25, 2025

To: Deans

From: Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Re: Revised FY26 Provost Fund Guidance

The current CBA will be expiring June 30th, 2025, and this guidance is being issued in accordance with the CBA now in effect and may be subject to revision in accordance with any successor bargaining agreement between the parties.

As stated in Article 19.8(A) of the FY21 – FY25 AAUP contract: “Each year of the contract a General Fund pool shall be allocated to the Provost for making increases in base salary as they see fit in order to retain bargaining unit members in the face of market competition, to address other salary disparities including but not limited to salary compression and inversion taking into account performance and merit, to make equity adjustments, or recognize special achievement. Bargaining unit members may also apply for such increases on the basis of salary disparity, including equity, compression and inversion.”

The university may consider requests for salary adjustments for these categories according to the processes outlined below, which are broken down into two distinct phases.

Phase I – Retention

Definition: Retention increases aim to support the university’s efforts to retain exceptional, highly productive faculty from considering external offers from competing institutions. The provost will consider pre-emptive retention requests in cases where there is evidence a faculty member is considering external opportunities.

Process:

The provost will consider retention requests from the deans throughout the academic year, as the urgent nature of these requests require a timely response from the University.
Faculty may request a retention increase by emailing their department head (copy dean or designee) directly. This request should include any relevant supporting documentation (i.e. evidence of recruitment, request to interview, or offer letter from competing institution).
The department head must review the request directly with the dean in a timely manner.
If the dean intends to retain the faculty member, they will bring the request directly to the provost (copy director of academic finance and administration) with a requested increase amount and funding arrangement. If the dean does not intend to retain the faculty member, they will notify the department head and faculty member of the decision at that time via email.
The provost will evaluate retention requests from the dean immediately. If the retention increase is approved by the provost, the faculty member will receive a retention letter from the dean memorializing the details of the arrangement, which will go into effect August 23, 2025.

Phase II – Equity and Special Achievement

Definitions:

Salary compression: A type of inequity which occurs when a competitive market urges hiring managers to bring new faculty in at higher salaries than in previous years, which may compress the difference in salary between ranks.

Salary inversion: A type of inequity in which faculty members in lower ranks earn more than colleagues in higher ranks.

Special Achievement: Special achievement may be awarded in situations in which a faculty member has received a significant external acknowledgement such as a major prize or award.

Process:

The provost will consider equity (including, but not limited, to salary compression and inversion) and special achievement requests at the end of the academic year, as these requests are typically reviewed in parallel with the annual review and merit process (if applicable).
Faculty may request a salary adjustment for equity or special achievement by emailing their department head (copy dean or designee) between April 1, 2025 and June 1, 2025. This request should include any relevant supporting documentation (i.e. evidence of inequity or major prize/award).
The department head must review the request directly with the dean or designee no later than June 25, 2025[1].
The dean will compile all faculty requests along with department head or associate dean recommendations. The dean will submit his or her own recommendations to the provost (via provost@uconn.edu) no later than July 21, 2025¹. If the dean does not intend to forward a faculty member’s request to the provost for review, they will notify the department head and faculty member of the decision at that time via email.
The provost will evaluate equity and special achievement requests from the deans. If an equity or special achievement award is approved by the provost, the faculty member will receive a letter from the University indicating the increase amount and new salary prior to the increase appearing in their paycheck. If the provost does not approve a recommendation from the dean, the dean will notify the department head and faculty member of the decision. All salary increases go into effect August 23, 2023.

cc: Lakeesha Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer
Kelly Bannister, Director of Labor Relations
Assistant Deans/Finance Directors
Kate Clark, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Finance and Administration

[1] Review dates and deadlines subject to change following the distribution of the Provost’s Guidelines on FY26 Collective Bargaining Increases for Members of the AAUP Bargaining Unit.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – January 2024

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.

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!

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.

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.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – February 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Final Exams

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

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

Office of the Provost

Appointment of Vice Provost for Academic Operations

Dear Colleagues,

I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Dan Schwartz 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 as an assistant professor of physiology and neurobiology. 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 addition to gaining tenure and serving as the Director of UConn’s Center for Open Research Resources and Equipment (COR²E) for the past 8 years, Dr. Schwartz established a student web development group (Squared Labs), invented a web tool supporting academic collaborations (Lincus), and launched a startup to commercialize it. His innovative spirit was further exemplified when he assumed the role of Executive Director of Strategic Analytics and Initiatives in the Office of the Vice President for Research in February 2020. He earned his Ph.D. in cell and developmental biology at Harvard University, and B.S. in Engineering at Cornell.

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.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Dan Schwartz on this well-deserved appointment. We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make on our university community.

Sincerely,
Anne D’Alleva

Anne D’Alleva, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President
University of Connecticut
Office of the Provost
352 Mansfield Road, U-1086
Storrs CT 06269-1086
Tel. 860-486-4037

UConn is a great university.

But it’s more than that. A top-ranked Land and Sea Grant research institution, with campuses and staff across Connecticut, built to inspire the global community that is UConn Nation. UConn’s talented students exceed expectations. Our expert researchers, faculty, and alumni drive Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CIE) for a better tomorrow. We fuel the State’s economy and are committed to inclusion with emotional intelligence in benefiting the greater good. This is UConn.

STUDENTS FIRST. UCONN ALWAYS. HUSKIES FOREVER.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – November 2023

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!

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:

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.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – October 2023

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:

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.
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.
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.
Community-Building: Promote student involvement in clubs, organizations, and forums that foster unity and understanding among diverse communities.
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.

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

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.

Office of the Provost

Support for our Students

Our Dear Huskies:

As the violence in Israel and Gaza continues to have a devastating impact on members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities, as well as others, we are mindful, understanding, and supportive of how this situation has affected many of you, your families, and friends. As this crisis unfolds, it is imperative that we embrace a shared commitment to support one another in a manner that uplifts our collective humanity and demonstrates our empathy and care for each other as members of our UConn community.

We recognize that each of you may be experiencing this conflict in your own way. In these challenging times, we must show empathy for one another and find ways to thrive together. As you are supporting others, please do ensure that you are getting the support you need. Be mindful of your limits, engage in activities that help to ground you, and seek out opportunities when helpful to enhance your understanding of this crisis.

To this end, we want to remind you of the resources available to you:

In recent days we have seen a slight increase in bias referrals as well as other reports of concern for the wellbeing of members of our community. We want to be clear that, while we support free expression of ideas and perspectives, we do not approve of acts of bias and hate that target our students, faculty, or staff members. Please know that we take any such reported incidents very seriously, and any violations of the law or the Student Code of Conduct will be addressed with disciplinary measures and law enforcement where appropriate. Bias acts are unacceptable and directly counter to the values of our institution. Please be mindful of the impact your actions can have on others.

At UConn, we have many scholars who can guide us to a better understanding of the histories, politics, and cultures of Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East. You will hear more about planned events in the coming days, including a teach-in at the Stamford campus and a guest speaker joining our university community by videoconference in November.

We are here to support all of our UConn students throughout your educational experience and especially in times of crisis. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us if you feel you need resources that are not identified here, or with any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions.

Thank you,

Anne D’Alleva

Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Frank Tuitt

Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer

Fany Hannon

Interim Dean of Students

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – June 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

2023-2024 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors Announced