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

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

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

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

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

What we’re reading…

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

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

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

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

Academic Affairs Division Realignment Update

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

Key Components of the Reorganization:

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

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

Faculty Activity Reporting

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

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

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

New Training Requirement for Graduate Faculty

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

Faculty Office Hours – Dining Halls

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

Metanoia

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

Reaffirming UConn’s Commitment to DEI: Important Updates

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

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

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

Ofer Harel Appointed Dean of CLAS

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

Student Activities Leadership Update

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

Institute for Student Success Leadership Update

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

Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Search

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

The Student Code & University Policies

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

CAPS Family Gathering Reception

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

Read More

National Voter Registration Day Kickoff!

2024-2025 Senate Meetings

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

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

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

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

Timely Topics Series

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

10th Annual Research Connections

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

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

OUR MISSION 

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

WHY PARTICIPATE?  

Faculty participants benefit from:   

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

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

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

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

The window for 2025 Honorary Degree nominations is now open!

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

Submission deadline: September 25, 2024.

New Faculty & New Academic Leader Orientations

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

September 2 – Labor Day (No classes)

September 5 – Community Conversation in the Rainbow Center

September 9 – 10^th Day of Classes

September 10 – Consulting Reconciliation Deadline

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

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

Mid Term Grades 

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

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

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

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

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

Finals Opt-Out Reminder 

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

Election Day: Promoting Civic Duty

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

Class Absences Due to Illness 

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

Emeritus Nomination Reminder  

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

Religious Observances & Accommodations 

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

 Metanoia Update 

ACCREDITATION NEWS 

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

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

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

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

Faculty Activity Reporting  

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

 RSVP for the information session 

Early Voting at the UConn Bookstore  

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

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

Upcoming Senate Elections  

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

Senate Executive Committee Office Hours

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

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

Husky Harvest Update 

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

Wellness in Motion 

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

UConn Celebrates Opening of Connecticut Hall  

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

UConn and Eversource Host Third Annual Sustainable Clean Energy Summit 

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

Nominations Now Open for Provost Awards! 

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

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

• Provost’s Outstanding Service Award  

• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship  

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

Generative AI related workshops in October 

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

 Topics will include, among other things: 

• Helping students effectively prompt generative AI for homework tutoring 

• Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity 

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

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

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

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

September 30: October 18: Midterm Grades Period  

October 1: Faculty Activity Reporting Info Session 

October 2: Rosh Hashanah Begins 

October 7: University Senate Meeting 

October 11: Yom Kippur Begins 

October 14: Indigenous People Day 

October 16: Faculty Activity Reporting Training Session 

October 21: Faculty Activity Reporting Training Session 

October 21: November 3: Early Voting at UConn Bookstore 

October 31: Halloween 

November 5: Election Day