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Provost’s Office Monthly – September 2024

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MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

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

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

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Mid Term Grades 

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

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

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

Finals Opt-Out Reminder 

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

Election Day: Promoting Civic Duty

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

Class Absences Due to Illness 

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

 

Emeritus Nomination Reminder  

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

Religious Observances & Accommodations 

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

 Metanoia Update 

ACCREDITATION NEWS 

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

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

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

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

NEWS & UPDATES

Faculty Activity Reporting  

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

 RSVP for the information session 

Early Voting at the UConn Bookstore  

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

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

Upcoming Senate Elections  

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

Senate Executive Committee Office Hours

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

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

Husky Harvest Update 

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

Wellness in Motion 

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

 

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

UConn Celebrates Opening of Connecticut Hall  

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

UConn and Eversource Host Third Annual Sustainable Clean Energy Summit 

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

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

Nominations Now Open for Provost Awards! 

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

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

  • Provost’s Outstanding Service Award  
  • Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship  

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

Generative AI related workshops in October 

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

 Topics will include, among other things: 

  • Helping students effectively prompt generative AI for homework tutoring 
  • Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity 
  • Beneficial, Ethical AI at UConn (BEACON): a student-led conversation 
  • AI as Research Ally: an Introduction to Generative Tools for Student and Faculty Research 

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

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

DATES

September 30: October 18: Midterm Grades Period  

October 1: Faculty Activity Reporting Info Session 

October 2: Rosh Hashanah Begins 

October 7: University Senate Meeting 

October 11: Yom Kippur Begins 

October 14: Indigenous People Day 

October 16: Faculty Activity Reporting Training Session 

October 21: Faculty Activity Reporting Training Session 

October 21: November 3: Early Voting at UConn Bookstore 

October 31: Halloween 

November 5: Election Day 

Provost’s Office Monthly – October 2024

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Preparing for a New Semester Together

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Dear Colleagues,

If you have been away for the summer: welcome back! I hope the new semester finds you well and I’m excited to see and talk with you in the months ahead. If you are just joining us this fall for the first time, welcome to UConn Nation!

As you know, our students finished moving into their residence halls on the Storrs and Stamford campuses this past weekend, with the usual buzz of excitement, nervous anticipation, and scenes of emotional partings between families and their students, especially those coming to our campuses as UConn students for the first time. Even when waiting in lines to park and hauling boxes up flights of stairs on a hot day, it’s heartening to see how people remained positive and upbeat through it all. It’s clear our students are excited to be here, see each other, and start their classes.

Similarly, even as move-in was happening this past Friday, the Provost’s Office was at the Innovation Partnership Building, hosting New Faculty Orientation and New Academic Leader Orientation (for new department heads, assistant and associate deans, and deans). It was exciting to meet new colleagues, and to see current colleagues in a fresh light as they take on different roles and responsibilities at the university.

While never losing sight of all that’s positive, I do also want to acknowledge that this semester may pose unique challenges for our faculty, staff, and students owing to both global and national events. It is always the case that leadership of our faculty and staff is needed across our campuses to build community and demonstrate our shared values. That need becomes even greater during challenging times like these.

It is our responsibility to create and sustain an open and inclusive environment, both broadly and in every individual classroom. Our students bring many diverse perspectives and opinions to class discussions and throughout their course work, just as they do in their campus activities and social circles. As dedicated teachers, we need to be conscious and mindful in ensuring that no student in our class is made to feel marginalized, alienated, or excluded because of any aspect of their identity, including opinions they may hold.

We have faced many challenges over the past year and at times heard from students who felt as though they were being targeted with hostility in the classroom because of their identity or personal views. Some decided to just remain silent during discussions for fear of being ostracized or verbally attacked if they said what they thought. That’s the last thing we want in a classroom. Though the instructor or other students in the classroom may disagree with views shared during class, those moments call for dialogue and for empathy, which I know our instructors have in abundance.

Instructors may also feel compelled to speak about or discuss current events with their students both in and out of the classroom, and it is a principle of academic freedom that instructors have a wide latitude to determine what may be relevant for their course. That said, we have an obligation to our students to cover everything presented in the syllabus to make sure we meet the expectations of their curriculum. I know our instructors bring much care and thoughtfulness to their teaching, and I’ll ask them to give extra consideration to the classroom environment and the goals of their classes this year.

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) works diligently to provide resources and training for instructors to lead what can be difficult classroom discussions. Instructors should reach out to CETL if they find themselves struggling with any dimension of teaching, but especially if the intensity of classroom discussion is becoming a challenge to channel productively. I have the highest respect for the expertise of our CETL colleagues, and they are ready and able to help all instructors create positive classroom environments. Toward that end, I would encourage all of us to take advantage of the wide array of teaching workshops and seminars that CETL offers every week.

As professional staff, we are also often faced with navigating challenging discussions with students in the various ways we support and interact with them. Please know how much I value the encouragement, guidance, and supportive environments our staff provide for our students. I know there were times over the last year that staff were subjected to disrespectful language or behaviors, which is unacceptable in the simplest of terms, especially when they work so hard to keep our university running in so many ways.

Knowing all of this, there are resources available both for faculty and staff who are encountering these and other issues and I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of them:

We will continue to evaluate and improve the resources the university provides to support the work of our faculty and staff.

When facing especially trying moments like this, we are best served by working to turn challenges into opportunities. We can rely on our experience, the goodwill of our students, the support of our colleagues, and our institutional resources to find ways to organize and facilitate discussion, create a deeper understanding of issues and problems, and challenge our own thinking and that of our students.  As always, we aim to further the intellectual and personal growth of our students and help our university community emerge better and stronger than it was.

Once again, welcome back and best wishes for a productive semester.

Sincerely,
Anne

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 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.

Welcome to a New Academic Year

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Dear Faculty,

As we begin a new academic year, we are filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you are just joining us this week or are returning to continue your work, we want to extend a warm welcome and express our deepest gratitude for the vital role you play in UConn Nation.

Our collective vision to spread knowledge, advance translational research, and build UConn’s reputation as a leader in higher education depends on the dedication and expertise of our faculty. Your contributions are not only essential to the success of our students but also to the broader impact we make as a university. Every lecture, research project, and collaborative effort moves us closer towards that vision.

This year, we are especially excited to tie our efforts to the goals laid out in our strategic plan, Envisioning 2034. As we focus on expanding research impact and powering a thriving Connecticut, your work will be key to achieving these ambitious goals. We look forward to seeing how your innovative ideas and research will propel UConn forward.

We are confident that with your continued dedication, we will make great strides in the coming year. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for being an integral part of our vibrant academic community.

Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling academic year. Go Huskies!

Sincerely,

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.

Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

 

Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.

Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Welcome to a New Academic Year

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Dear Faculty,

As we begin a new academic year, we are filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you are just joining us this week or are returning to continue your work, we want to extend a warm welcome and express our deepest gratitude for the vital role you play in UConn Nation.

Our collective vision to spread knowledge, advance translational research, and build UConn’s reputation as a leader in higher education depends on the dedication and expertise of our faculty. Your contributions are not only essential to the success of our students but also to the broader impact we make as a university. Every lecture, research project, and collaborative effort moves us closer towards that vision.

This year, we are especially excited to tie our efforts to the goals laid out in our strategic plan, Envisioning 2034. As we focus on expanding research impact and powering a thriving Connecticut, your work will be key to achieving these ambitious goals. We look forward to seeing how your innovative ideas and research will propel UConn forward.

We are confident that with your continued dedication, we will make great strides in the coming year. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for being an integral part of our vibrant academic community.

Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling academic year. Go Huskies!

Sincerely,

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

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

Reaffirming UConn’s Commitment to DEI: Important Updates

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Dear UConn Community,

As we begin this new academic year, we are excited to welcome both new and returning Huskies to our campuses. Our unified goal is for every student, faculty, and staff member to feel a sense of belonging and to continue to build a community of care that reflects UConn Nation. With this commitment in mind, we are writing to share important updates regarding UConn’s cultural centers and programs and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI).

At a time when many institutions are scaling back their services to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are committed to taking deliberate steps to strengthen ours. These changes align with one of the key pillars of our strategic plan: continuing to build a stronger, more inclusive university. By doing so, we are actively working to enhance our support for our entire UConn community.

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

Our 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.

This strategic change underscores our continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our students. By integrating the cultural centers and programs with the Division of Academic Affairs, we are expanding our capacity to support these vital resources and strengthening their connections with academic and student success units. We are also prioritizing a renewed focus on connecting our cultural centers and programs to our regional campuses, fostering a sense of belonging for all students across campuses.

The cultural centers and programs will continue to maintain a strong dotted line reporting relationship with the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). The CDO will collaborate closely with the Provost’s Office to ensure that our cultural centers and programs continue to thrive, and that holistic and equitable student success remains a central priority.

Redefining the Office for Diversity and Inclusion

Under the leadership of Interim CDO Jeffrey Hines, ODI will focus on advocating for equity and inclusion, education, and fostering a sense of belonging across all university units for faculty, staff, and students. ODI will continue to work collaboratively with academic departments and administrative units to develop strategic plans and frameworks to advance our diversity initiatives and will continue to create and implement training and education programs. ODI will maintain a close partnership with the cultural centers and programs in working with both the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success and Vice Provost for Graduate Education to support DEI initiatives for both undergraduate and graduate students.

It is also important to distinguish ODI’s functions from those of the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). While ODI focuses on advocacy, education, and training, OIE oversees compliance with state and federal equal opportunity and civil rights laws and administers the university’s non-discrimination policies. While their functions differ, ODI and OIE work together to support our university community in myriad ways and both are imperative to our ability to function as a large public university and a diverse and inclusive workplace for thousands of employees.

Our Path Forward

The cultural centers and programs reporting line changes are in effect as of today, and we will be spending the next several months working through this transition together. To this effect, we will host a Community Conversation in the Rainbow Center in Storrs on September 5, 2024, from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Please join us if you are available to discuss our collective path forward.

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the dedication and passion of the directors and staff of the cultural centers and programs who work tirelessly to foster and maintain a place of belonging for our students, staff, and faculty in a constantly evolving world. We are excited about the opportunities that are ahead of us and our ability to lean into this important work.

Sincerely,

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

Jeffrey Hines, M.D.
Interim Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, University of Connecticut
Chief Diversity Officer, UConn Health

Appointment of Ofer Harel, Dean of CLAS

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Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share an important update regarding the leadership of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Following a prescribed review process and after careful consideration and thoughtful conversations with current interim dean, Dr. Ofer Harel, I am pleased to announce that we will be extending his appointment as the permanent dean of CLAS for a three-year term, effective immediately.

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.

At UConn, Dr. Harel has served in various administrative roles, including CLAS Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs and Director of Graduate Admissions in the Department of Statistics. Nationally, he is currently appointed to the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics. He has been a key figure in several committees, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study section and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Technical Advisory Committee. Dr. Harel has methodological expertise in areas including missing data techniques, diagnostic tests, longitudinal studies, Bayesian methods, sampling techniques, mixture models, and statistical consulting. His collaborative consulting work has spanned research fields such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, health disparities, anti-racism, and substance abuse prevention. He earned his Ph.D. in statistics from Pennsylvania State University, followed by post-doctoral training at the University of Washington, where he worked with the Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Excellence at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC).

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the review process. Your active participation is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank the members of the review committee for their diligence and thoughtfulness in conducting this review, including Vice Provost and Dean Kent Holsinger, Professor Douglas Adamson, Professor Jason Chang, Allison Goldsnider, Campus Dean Mark Overmyer-Velazquez, Professor Nalini Ravishanker and Professor Marlene Schwartz.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Harel on his appointment. His leadership will be pivotal as we work to further the goals of CLAS and our university’s broader objectives. I look forward to our continued work together over the coming years.  Given that the timing of this announcement fell when many may be on well-deserved vacations or otherwise not engaged with their university emails, I will be sure to include this announcement again in the provost’s newsletter this August.

Sincerely,
Anne

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.

Observing Juneteenth – 6/19/2024

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Dear Colleagues,

On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on New Years’ Day 1863, the Union army liberated the last community of enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas.  All people held as slaves in the United States were finally free. Juneteenth was established as a holiday to commemorate this momentous event, and the State of Connecticut recognized this holiday for the first time in June 2023.

While UConn will remain open this coming Juneteenth, and classes can be held as scheduled, we encourage faculty, wherever possible, to exercise flexibility for students who wish to observe the holiday. 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.

It is important to note that graduate assistants who are teaching assistants (including IORs) who are assigned to teach on Juneteenth should be working unless they have been told otherwise by their supervisors. If a graduate assistant is assigned to teach on Juneteenth, they should have the option to arrange another day off with their supervisor.

We recognize that certain critical University operations and departments serving our community such as facilities operations, residential life, and ITS will remain open to meet student and instructor needs. We encourage University departments able to do so to close on Juneteenth.

Your attention to these observances and accommodations is an important part of supporting UConn’s commitment to building and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive learning and work environment.

Sincerely,

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

Jeffrey Hines
Interim Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer

Lakeesha Brown
Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

 

Reappointment of Dean Indrajeet Chaubey

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Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Indrajeet Chaubey for a second five-year term as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). This decision follows an exhaustive review conducted by a dedicated committee, tasked with evaluating Dean Chaubey’s leadership and overall contributions to the College over the last five years.

Dean Chaubey’s leadership has been characterized by significant achievements that align closely with the College’s mission and the broader goals of UConn. Under his guidance, the College has seen significant growth in enrollment, with record numbers of undergraduate and graduate students. In order to continue to meet the evolving needs of our students and the industries we serve, Dean Chaubey has led the development and implementation of innovative academic programs across CAHNR and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. These programs have not only enriched our educational offerings but have also positioned us as leaders in fields critical to sustainability, as well as human, animal, and environmental health.

Since Dean Chaubey’s arrival to UConn in 2019, CAHNR’s research enterprise has also seen significant growth, more than doubling in five years to $41.5 million in FY23. This is thanks in part to Dean Chaubey’s ability to effectively foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, investment in faculty success, and the advancement of the College’s Strategic Vision which is aligned with UConn and CAHNR’s strengths. The recognition our research has received, both nationally and internationally, is a testament to the vibrant scholarly environment he has nurtured.

Furthermore, Dean Chaubey’s adept administrative skills have greatly enhanced our operational efficiency and transparency, creating a supportive atmosphere that enables both faculty and staff to excel. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been reflected across various dimensions of the College’s activities, from recruitment to programming, contributing to a more equitable academic environment.

Dean Chaubey’s engagement with stakeholders—ranging from faculty and staff to alumni, industry partners, governmental agencies, and the communities we serve—has significantly strengthened the College’s external relationships. During his first term, Dean Chaubey led efforts to expand the impact of UConn Extension in all 169 of Connecticut’s municipalities. With nearly 174,000 residents reached through 506 programs across the state in 2023 alone, UConn Extension’s ability to authentically engage with our communities continues to grow. These relationships have been pivotal in expanding our resources and enhancing our educational, research, and service capabilities.

As we look ahead, I am confident in Dean Chaubey’s ability to continue to lead CAHNR with distinction and foresight. The ongoing dialogue he maintains with our community is vital in shaping a transparent and inclusive future for the College.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the review committee for their commitment and thoroughness throughout the evaluation process. Special thanks to Dean Philip Hritcko, Professor Mary Anne Amalaradjou, Tina Burnham, Professor Bonnie Burr, Professor Robert Day, Professor Elaine Lee, and Professor Justin Nash, who spent countless hours gathering feedback, analyzing data, and compiling a comprehensive report that has been extremely valuable in guiding this decision.

Thank you once again to all members of our community for your unwavering support of our mission and your contributions to our success as a land-grant institution. As we move into the summer, I wish each of you a season filled with growth, reflection, and well-deserved rest.

Sincerely,

Anne

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 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.

Dr. Tadarrayl Starke Appointed Vice Provost for Student Success

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Dear Colleagues,

I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Tadarrayl Starke as our new Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, effective July 1. Dr. Starke’s extensive background and proven leadership in enhancing student success make him exceptionally suited for this role, and we are fortunate to have such a visionary leader joining our senior administrative team.

Dr. Starke has been an integral part of the UConn family as the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success, where he has overseen a diverse and expansive division. His leadership has been instrumental in supporting key programs such as the First-Year Programs and Learning Communities department, the Academic Achievement Center, and the Office of Student Retention. His efforts have significantly enriched our student support services and have played a crucial role in our institution’s strides towards enhanced academic and community engagement across all campuses.

Prior to his tenure at UConn, Dr. Starke made significant impacts at Florida State University as the Director and Department Chair for the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE). There, he led initiatives that dramatically increased retention and graduation rates, particularly for first-generation and low-income students. These achievements contributed to FSU’s rise in national rankings and underscored Dr. Starke’s expertise in elevating academic success through inclusive and comprehensive strategies.

Dr. Starke’s vision for the role of Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success at UConn is to cultivate an environment where academic performance is integrated with deep and meaningful engagement to address the multifaceted needs of our student body. He plans to enhance our educational practices by focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which are essential for fostering a thriving academic community.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the search committee, chaired by Vice Provost Dan Schwartz, for their exceptional work throughout the search process. Their commitment to thoroughness and excellence has been crucial in selecting a candidate whose vision and values align so closely with our institutional goals.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Tadarrayl Starke to his new role. We eagerly anticipate the innovative contributions he will bring, enhancing our commitment to student success and setting new benchmarks for academic excellence and student well-being.

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

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