Sustaining Excellence Across the Division of Academic Affairs
At UConn, we support academic excellence, inclusive teaching, and student success through a wide array of offices and programs. Whether advancing innovative instruction, mentoring students, or fostering belonging, our units work together to help every member of our community thrive.
Provides undergraduates with both career readiness and broader life skills, including resilience and adaptability. Formerly the Center for Career Development, this office aligns with UConn’s strategic goals by offering comprehensive programming including workshops, coaching, and internships, that prepare students for meaningful success after college.
Leader: James R. Lowe, Associate Vice Provost & Executive Director
Serves as UConn’s hub for elevating teaching and learning. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) offers professional development, classroom technology support, inclusive pedagogy workshops, mentoring for graduate and undergraduate instructors, online course design, and consulting for faculty on instructional strategies.
Leader: Gwen Tarbox, Director
Champions accessible and equitable learning for students with disabilities through coordinated accommodation plans, accessibility guidance, and outreach. The office routinely partners with faculty and staff to improve classroom inclusion across UConn campuses.
Leader: Christine Wenzel, Executive Director
Acts as the central advocate and coordinator for student well-being outside the classroom, leading support in areas such as crisis response and advocacy. The office functions as a hub for connecting students to appropriate university services.
Leader: Fany Hannon, Dean of Students
Administers the Honors Program and other enrichment initiatives that challenge academically talented students. The office designs enhanced curriculum, mentorship, experiential learning, and community-building opportunities.
Leader: Jennifer Lease Butts, Associate Vice Provost & Director
Coordinates clinical and experiential placements for programs such as nursing, education, and allied health across Connecticut. The office ensures placements align with learning outcomes and strengthens partnerships with external sites.
Leader: Jean McCarthy, Director
Leads cross-campus retention and success initiatives, integrating advising, learning communities, academic achievement centers, and co-curricular programming. The office supports proactive and data-informed student success efforts.
Leader: Tadarrayl Starke, Vice Provost for Student Success
Fosters civic and community engagement by coordinating partnerships and service-learning opportunities, connecting students, faculty, and staff with public service projects statewide.
Leader: Rosa Raudales, Director
Delivers advising services to undergraduate students, especially those exploring majors or pursuing flexible degree paths (e.g., BGS). Programs focus on student transition, retention, and graduation success.
Leader: Erin Ciarimboli, Director
Supports military-affiliated students by managing veteran educational benefits, offering transition support, advocacy, and dedicated programming tailored to their needs.
Leader: Alyssa Kelleher, Director
Oversees student clubs, leadership development, campus events, and organization support—fostering community engagement, inclusion, and leadership skills.
Leader: Trisha Hawthorne-Noble, Director
Provides support services including academic advising, mentoring, time-management training, and life skills development for student-athletes to balance athletic commitments with academic achievement.
Leader: Ellen Tripp, Director
Cultural Centers & Programs
The Cultural Centers and Programs at the University of Connecticut serve as vital resources supporting the social, behavioral, and cultural needs of students. They also provide an important resource to the UConn community as a central reference point for issues and historical context related to the demographic group represented by the center. The Cultural Centers and Programs also work collaboratively to bring light to issues that impact the community of underrepresented populations at UConn.
H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center
The AACC provides programs, activities, and resources to give students an appreciation and understanding of the heritage and cultural experiences of African Americans and people of African descent in the United States and throughout the world.
Director: Alicia McKenzie
Asian American Cultural Center
AsACC provides resources and programming to enhance the University’s diversity commitment through its recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, service, and outreach to the Asian American community on campus and beyond.
Director: Angela Rola
Middle Eastern Cultural Programs
MECP highlights Middle Eastern cultures by organizing cultural events, awareness programs, and leadership opportunities, helping to educate the campus community on Middle Eastern history and identity.
Director: Angela Rola
Native American Cultural Programs
NACP enhances awareness and understanding of Native American cultures and issues, providing cultural programming, advisory support, and community engagement with Indigenous students and communities.
Director: Chris Newell
Puerto Rican / Latin American Cultural Center
PRLACC works to sponsor educational and cultural programs, provide services and leadership opportunities, foster connections, and educate the greater University community about Latinx issues.
Director: Alfred Guante
The Rainbow Center serves the University’s diverse community of gender identities, expressions, and romantic and sexual orientations by providing resources, services, education, training and advocacy.
Director: Kelsey O’Neil
The Women’s Center provides education, advocacy, and support services for the achievement of women’s equity at the University and larger community.
Director: Elise