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Provost’s Office Monthly – October 2024
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Provost’s Office Monthly – October 2024
Provost’s Office Monthly – August 2024
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!
CAPS Family Gathering Reception
On July 19th, UConn’s Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) held a Community Celebration at that brought together approximately 600 college and high school students, in addition to faculty and staff, all representing the different facets of the program.
National Voter Registration Day Kickoff!
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.
Preparing for a New Semester Together
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:
- Human Resources
- Office for Diversity and Inclusion
- Office of Institutional Equity
- Ombuds Office
- Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
- Student Health and Wellness
- Cultural Centers & Programs
- UConn InForm
- UConn Policies
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.