With the spring semester kicking off a few weeks ago, we welcomed our students back to campus and have already jumped into our routines. While it’s nice to have a break, I enjoy spending time with our community and am glad to see everyone back on our campuses. Earlier this month, I attended an event recognizing Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Richard Pomp and had a wonderful time celebrating his significant accomplishments and impact on his field. Seeing a group of his peers and other distinguished tax law faculty join in recognition of him was inspiring and a highlight of my month. I am excited to continue attending the series of Distinguished Professor events, with the next one taking place in February, as detailed under the Dates & Events section of this newsletter. I invite all faculty, staff and students to join in celebrating our most accomplished faculty.

As you are likely aware, the first of a series of budget town hall meetings was held last week. Many thanks to all those who submitted questions for, and attended, last week’s budget Town Hall. Whether you are faculty or staff, your involvement and awareness of our budgetary priorities are vital to ensuring that we continue to thrive despite the challenges, and I’ve been heartened at the high level of interest in our budget, the budgeting processes, and the upcoming legislative session expressed by faculty and staff over the past few weeks.

To facilitate the involvement of our faculty and staff, senior administrators will continue to provide regular updates on our budget, share relevant information, and encourage open discussions. Details on future town halls and other import budget-related information can be found under the News & Updates section of this newsletter. There are also steps you can take to gather information and participate in the process:

• Attend University Senate meetings: I strongly encourage all faculty and staff to prioritize attending University Senate meetings and maintain awareness of the discussions that take place there. All meetings are livestreamed, and the minutes and any presentations or reports are available on the Senate website. The Senate is a primary vehicle for shared governance at the University, and President Maric, myself, and members of the cabinet make frequent presentations there.
• Utilize Informative Resources: Our Budget Planning and Institutional Research website provides a wealth of information related to our budget. Similarly, the newly approved University Strategic Plan is intended to set priorities and guide decision-making as we move forward. Familiarize yourself with these resources to stay informed.
• Share Ideas and Feedback: Your input matters. If you have innovative ideas or suggestions for cost-saving measures or revenue generation, please don't hesitate to reach out to department heads, deans, or my office at provost@uconn.edu. My leadership team will be hosting office hours at each of our multiple campuses that will be announced soon.

Thank you for your dedication to UConn, and for your commitment to our university’s financial sustainability. This is not an easy time, and we will need to make difficult choices over the next few years. As you know, the budget is not just a balance sheet. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, research impact, student support, community engagement, and the overall well-being of our university community, including our staff and faculty. Together we can work together to ensure a bright and promising future for UConn, our students, and our state.  I look forward to working collaboratively with all of you as we address the budgetary challenges ahead.

Policy on Modified Duties Due to Life Events 

The University of Connecticut is committed to fostering an educational community with a flexible and supportive work environment where faculty can thrive in both their professional and personal lives. On December 19, the University approved the Policy on Modified Duties for Faculty Due to Life Events and accompanying procedures.   This policy allows a faculty member to request a temporary modification of academic duties in order to respond to an anticipated or unanticipated personal life event or situation.

Guidelines for Retired Faculty Engaged in Ongoing Research, Teaching, and Service 

The University values the significant contributions that retired faculty make to the academic mission through their research, teaching, and service. As their relationship to the University or the procedures they follow for particular activities can be complex, guidelines are needed to help academic leadership and retired faculty navigate applicable policies and procedures. View the full Guidelines for Faculty Engaged in Ongoing Research, Teaching or Service here. 

Mid-Term Grades Reminder 

University Senate By-Laws require that instructors of 1000 and 2000-level courses must submit midterm grades for all students during the mid-semester grading period which spans the sixth through eighth week of the semester (Friday, February 23, 2024 – Friday, March 8, 2024). Instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are highly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades.

Midterm grades can be submitted through the Student Administration system beginning on Monday, February 19, and directions for doing so can be found on the Registrar’s website.

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

Future of Journals Update 

The UConn Library continues to implement the Future of Journals strategy developed in 2020 with the Provost’s Office and a committee of faculty and administrators. Now in its fourth year, we are successfully shifting away from just-in-case collection development practices to a budget sustainable just-in-time approach for providing access to scholarly information. You can learn more about the process and the upcoming non-renewal of Wiley and Taylor & Francis on the library’s blog. 

Pop Up Course 

Feeling Well: The Science and Practice of Emotional Well Being 

Feeling, being, and doing well can be really hard. Both individually and collectively, it can sometimes seem that there are endless barriers that keep us from thriving and feeling our best selves. This 1-credit course explores the science and practice of emotional well-being, defined as how positive an individual feels generally and about life overall. We will define the components to emotional well-being, which include the emotional quality of everyday moments as well as judgments such as life satisfaction, meaning, and goal pursuit. We will explore the interdependence across individuals, communities, and systems that contribute to emotional well-being, and will share effective strategies to enhance emotional well-being. 

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls 

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to pilot a program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for an initial cohort of instructors who are willing to try this, and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction. Lunch will be provided for the instructor attending. 

LEARN MORE (Button to website) 

Town Hall Meetings on the Budgets for UConn & UConn Health 

A series of town hall meetings have been scheduled for this semester to discuss the budgets for UConn and UConn Health and what actions the University has taken — and plans to take — to address potential projected shortfalls.  The first town hall took place on January 24th, and a link to the recording can be found online. The remaining schedule of events follows:  

Virtual Town Hall 

• Date and Time: February 21, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. 
• Email to submit questions: Communications@uconn.edu  

In-Person/Virtual Town Hall 

• Date and Time: March 4, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. 
• Email to submit questions: Communications@uconn.edu  

To supplement the information shared during the town halls, our Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey Geoghegan, and the head of Governmental Relations for UConn, Joann Lombardo, recorded a presentation on the current budget situation and outlook for UConn and UConn Health, as well as a discussion of the fiscal “guard rails” implemented by the state. You can also view a copy of the presentation you will see in the video here.  

Other key dates to note (schedules may change): 

• February 7, 2024: Governor expected to present midterm budget to legislature. 
• February 14-23, 2024: Legislature holds hearings and deliberations.  

Request Academic Analytics Data via BPIR Website 

Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research (BPIR) designed a series of data request forms based on the Academic Analytics platform to communicate with department leadership at the University of Connecticut. The purpose of these data request forms is to assist leadership in searching for qualified job candidates, searching for funding resources for students and professors, and identifying prestige awards for outstanding professors. After receiving the search request, BPIR staff will send a confirmation email to the email address provided in the request form. Please allow one to three weeks to process and return the report. Requests can be submitted using the form on this webpage 

Faculty Activity Reporting (Interfolio) Implementation 

The offices of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and the Provost’s Office are working together to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as the primary faculty activity data source. In moving to this new system, we aim to create a streamlined location for faculty data to be uploaded and reported to both ease the administrative burden on faculty to maintain their own records and provide academic leadership with robust reporting capabilities. 

The implementation team working to roll out this new system is in the process of meeting with key faculty and staff in each academic unit and will be prepared to share a detailed implementation timeline and launch a new webpage to house Interfolio related information in the February issue of the newsletter. 

Appointment of Vice Provost for Academic Operations 

Dr. Dan Schwartz has been appointed as the Vice Provost for Academic Operations, effective January 12, 2024. Dr. Schwartz has been an integral part of our community since joining UConn in 2010. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to wear many hats and contribute significantly to the university’s academic and research endeavors. In his new role as Vice Provost for Academic Operations, Dr. Schwartz will undoubtedly bring his wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance the overall academic operations of our university. 

Wadsworth Atheneum 

In July, UConn renewed its institutional membership to the Wadsworth Atheneum. All staff, faculty, and students can visit the museum for free with a school ID. In addition, staff, faculty, and students may schedule docent and professor led tours of the galleries. In fact, over 1,000 UConn staff, faculty, and students visited the Wadsworth Atheneum in membership year 2023! The Wadsworth also hosted 24 group tours from the University, with over 350 people in attendance.

Envisioning 2034 

On December 6th, 2023, UConn's Board of Trustees unanimously adopted the University Strategic Plan, which will go into effect in 2024. Through a process co-chaired by Provost and Executive Vice President Anne D'Alleva and Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pamir Alpay, the Steering Committee and Working Groups engaged with over 10,000 members of our community to established shared goals and values to guide the next 10 years. Information on next steps including the roll-out and implementation of the plan are coming soon! 

Indie Major Podcast 

The Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program has launched a brand-new podcast! “Indie Major” is a show devoted to the stories and visions of Individualized Majors at the University of Connecticut. You can find the show and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.  

The inaugural episode features Kelly Ruesta Cayetano, who is majoring in “Health Disparities among Marginalized Groups.” New episodes will appear every two weeks. 

Learn More 

Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series 

Beyond Human Nature: A Conversation with Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha  

February 27, 2024 @ 4:00pm 

Konover Auditorium, Storrs Campus  

 Lewis Gordon, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Global Affairs and Bandana Purkayastha, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, will engage in a panel-style discussion on some of the big questions in the humanities in social sciences. They will talk about how their scholarship touches the lives of communities, impactful moments of their careers, and broadly about the many facets of human nature.  

This event is open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.  

Come Get the Tea from CSD  

Please join the CSD (Center for Students with Disabilities), over coffee or tea, to learn more about implementing accommodations in your courses and get 1:1 help with features of MyAccess, such as uploading exams. DSPs will be available to talk in a private setting and answer any questions you have. No RSVP needed— drop by the CSD Conference Room on one of the dates listed below: 

 2/15/24 2:30-4pm STORRS CSD Conference Room 

3/22/24 10:30am-12pm STORRS CSD Conference Room 

 2/7/24 12-2pm HARTFORD Student Services Suite 107 

 2/6/24 11am-1pm AVERY POINT Branford House Room 313 

 2/14/24 9am-11am WATERBURY (Virtual)  

 3/4/24 9:30-11am STAMFORD Room 302D 

 With the growing number of students with disabilities attending college, the number and complexity of accommodation requests continue to grow. CSD staff are available to, help explain the accommodations process, provide some practical strategies on how to implement accommodations and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like a staff member to attend one of your departmental meetings, please contact csd@uconn.edu to schedule at time.  

Timely Topics Series 

Every semester The Graduate School offers a series of Timely Topics workshops for faculty and staff. You can find detailed information about the sessions being offered and a link to register, as well as materials from previous sessions, on the Timely Topics webpage. 

Spirit Awards: Nominate and Outstanding Colleague 

The University of Connecticut established the UConn Spirit Awards to honor staff and faculty at our Storrs and regional campuses for stellar contributions and dedication to the mission and advancement of the University and our core values. The goals of the UConn Spirit Awards are to: 

• Build community within the University and University departments; 
• Provide an opportunity for employees to be recognized for their contributions to the University, which are not specifically academic but related to teamwork and civility; and 
• Create an event that acknowledges the efforts of all employees, especially staff members. 

Nominations are being accepted through February 9, 2024.  

Nominate a colleague!  

Black History Month 

Every February, we participate in the annual tradition of Black History Month. Inaugurated in 1926 by “The Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and made into a month-long celebration 50 years later, we use this month to raise awareness about Black and African American contributions to history. We recognize and celebrate the tremendous value these cultures have brought to the world, to our country, and to UConn. Though we believe that these contributions should be celebrated every day of the year, Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on our commitments to anti-racism and to renew our efforts. The African American Cultural Center (AACC) will be hosting the annual Black History Month Opening Ceremony on Thursday, February 1, at 6 p.m. with guest speaker Nia Long. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 29th at 6:00pm and will feature UConn's very own, Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar who will be providing a keynote titled "The Unexpected Genius of Hip-Hop: Innovation, the Arts and the Music Industry”. 

Lunar New Year 

February 10th marks the start of Lunar New Year 2024, the Year of the Dragon. Lunar New Year has been observed for thousands of years and symbolizes the welcoming of a new beginning and a time of reunion with family and friends. For the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community at UConn, it marks an occasion to celebrate cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities. On Lunar New Year, we recognize and honor the rich culture, history, and experiences of the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community. 

February 9: Deadline to apply for graduation!  

February 23 - March 8: Mid-semester grading period 

February 27: Beyond Human Nature: A Conversation with Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha 

The spring semester is well underway and as usual our campuses are bustling with activity. The Connecticut General Assembly is also in session and University leaders are meeting regularly with the governor’s office, staff from the Office of Policy and Management, and legislators regarding the budget requests for UConn and UConn Health for the next fiscal year. As always, we are proactively and constructively advocating for the state resources necessary to help us to carry out our mission most effectively and best meet the needs of our students, the State of Connecticut, and society at large.   

Under the News & Updates section of this newsletter I’ve included several resources that I strongly encourage faculty, staff, and students to review to learn more about the budget process and to stay engaged as it continues to evolve. President Maric, myself, and other members of the senior leadership team are continuing to hold town halls on UConn’s budget and the legislative session to help inform the UConn community and answer questions. The next town hall meeting will be in person and will take place on Monday, March 4 at the Student Union Theatre in Storrs. I hope to see many of you there. Additional town hall meeting will be held in person during the month of March both in Storrs and at UConn Health in Farmington. We will share the date/time/location information in advance of each.  

Earlier this week we hosted another installment of the Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series featuring a discussion with Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha, moderated by Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Michael Lynch. They were joined by faculty, staff, and students to engage in a wide-ranging exploration of their pursuit of knowledge in the fields of sociology and philosophy, the public impact of their work, and their passion and commitment about their work at a public institution. The recording of this event is available online. I continue to be inspired by the talented and passionate educators and scholars who are part of our UConn community.  

I will also be holding a series of office hours with my leadership team to connect with faculty and staff at each of our campuses. I recognize this is a busy time for all of us, and I appreciate any time you are willing to devote to sharing your comments, questions, and ideas with us.  

Whether you’re preparing for midterms, working on a research grant, advising our students, planning an end-of-semester event, going about the myriad routine tasks that keep the University running – or all of the above – please accept our sincerest thanks for the work that you do.   

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting 

The Office of the Provost and the Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research are partnering to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as UConn’s faculty data system. A webpage has been created to provide routine status updates on the implementation. Updates will continue to be provided through this newsletter and in various other formats throughout the spring, summer and fall semesters, and we encourage you to check in on this webpage for additional information and resources.   

In the coming months, the implementation team will continue to work through preliminary system configurations in collaboration with representatives from each School and College. As part of the transition from HuskyDM to FAR, data will be migrated from HuskyDM to the new FAR system. Due to the timing of the transition in proximity to regular reporting cycles for Schools and Colleges (i.e. merit processes, equity requests, etc.), faculty should complete entering data into HuskyDM by June 1, 2024. As of that date, data in HuskyDM will begin migrating into FAR and no new additions after June 1 will be included. Administrators will retain access to pull reports from HuskyDM through June 30th, the end date of the HuskyDM contract. We understand this creates a compressed timeline for some of these annual processes and will support School and Colleges with any data requests as needed.  

Two New Pop-up Classes Offered beginning in March 

Why the Jews? Confronting Antisemitism - Monday, March 4th - Friday April 26th

Antisemitism has often been described as the “oldest hatred.” Yet the term “antisemitism” is a modern formulation, coined in Germany in the 1870s a badge of pride by German nationalists who feared Jews posed a danger to “true German culture.” Why should the so-called “antisemites” define who or what Jews and Judaism are?  This course will first and foremost introduce students to the diverse nature of Jewish identity, before examining the many manifestations of Jewish hatred throughout history, and the ways in which Jews have attempted to respond to a hatred that refuses to disappear. Learn more 

Confronting Anti-Muslim Racism - Monday, March 4 - Friday, April 26, 2024

Despite Islam having almost 2 billion adherents across the globe, Muslims are subjected to damaging stereotypes, oppression, and violence simply because of their identities. Why and how is this the case? This 1-credit course offers an overview of responses to that question, with a specific emphasis on the diversity of Muslim identities, positionalities, and perspectives within the US in global context.  Learn More 

Professional Development for Instructors

Faculty members have access to a range of resources aimed at supporting their professional growth and development. These resources include: 

• Academic Impressions is the premier resource for higher education professionals. Stay ahead in your field with cutting-edge insights, innovative strategies, and best practices. From leadership to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Academic Impressions covers a wide array of topics including faculty success, academic program planning, online education, learning spaces, and conflict resolution. Register now with your UConn credentials to explore the available opportunities at hr.uconn.edu/academic-impressions/. 

 Top of Form 

• National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity NCFRDD) aids professionals in higher education, from graduate students to administrators, throughout their careers. Register with your UConn credentials to access workshops, webinars, and resources for your professional growth and career advancement. Highlights include the Monday Motivator, 14-Day Writing Challenge, and Faculty Success Program. Accessible via the resource menu at cetl.uconn.edu. 

• Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) provides programs and resources to enhance teaching skills and academic programs. They offer evidence-based teaching strategies, support curriculum development, integrate technology, and promote innovative classroom practices. CETL experts are ready to assist in engaging and empowering students for success. 

UConn Reads: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall 

Get ready to dive into UConn Reads 2024, featuring the captivating selection "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer! As a botanist and proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer melds the worlds of science and indigenous wisdom, showing us how to view nature as our ultimate teacher. "Braiding Sweetgrass" invites us on a delightful journey towards a harmonious connection with the world around us. This book isn't just a hit—it's a New York Times Bestseller, a Washington Post Bestseller, and a Los Angeles Times Bestseller! Plus, it's been hailed as a “Best Essay Collection of the Decade” by Literary Hub and a favorite summer read of 2020 by Book Riot. Ready to join the adventure? Learn more, including how to get your hands on the book, right here.

UConn’s Age Act Committee 

UConn’s Age Act Committee is dedicated to addressing and reviewing concerns related to student access and participation in University programs, services, or activities based on age. For more information about the committee, please visit: https://policy.uconn.edu/2011/12/09/university-of-connecticut-age-act-committee-policy-and-procedures/ 

If you have any questions or need assistance from the Age Act Committee reach out to: Jennifer Lease Butts Associate Vice Provost for Enrichment Programs and Director, Honors Program Email: Jennifer.Lease@uconn.edu or Vern Granger Director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions Email: Vern.Granger@uconn.edu 

Mid-Semester Grades 

Instructors teaching 1000 and 2000-level courses are required to submit mid-semester grades for all students between the sixth and eighth week of the semester, from Friday, February 23, 2024, to Friday, March 8, 2024. 

While instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are not obligated, they are strongly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades. 

You can submit mid-semester grades through the Student Administration system starting Monday, February 19. Instructions for this process are available on the Registrar’s website. 

UConn Budget Information from the Provost 

Earlier this month, the governor released his proposed state budget for the next fiscal year and President Maric released a statement detailing the budgetary requests being made by University leadership to support UConn and UConn Health. On February 20th, President Maric, CFO Jeffrey Geoghegan, Interim UConn Health CEO Dr. Bruce Liang, and I testified at the Appropriations Committee hearing along with other university leaders to share information on the funding requests and answer questions about the projected budget shortfalls and their potential impact on the University’s ability to support student success, foster a vibrant and robust academic community, maintain a strong research infrastructure, and continue to provide valuable and needed services to the community. University leaders are talking with legislators regularly in committee and subcommittee hearings as well as in 1:1 meetings to advocate for the requested funding.  

 It is important that our faculty, staff, and students stay informed on the realities of the budget constraints we face and that we provide an accurate picture of our budget landscape to the community. There have been several virtual town halls held with the UConn community to answer questions and share information about the budget process and current budget outlook. Recordings of those town halls, as well as other informational resources, can be found on the president’s website. The next town hall is scheduled to take place in person on March 4, at 12:00pm in the Student Union Theatre. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to join.  Earlier this month Provost D’Alleva submitted a letter to the editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education following a recent story published about our budget that did not accurately capture our outlook. Attendance at University Senate meetings is encouraged as they will feature important budget discussions in the coming months. You can find agendas and streaming information on the Senate website.  

New Governance Document: Sabbatical Active Service and Recoupment of Pay Guidelines 

New guidelines have been established regarding the notification process and reimbursement of funds if a faculty member leaves the University before fulfilling their sabbatical obligations. This policy is outlined in the Academic Affairs Governance Document Library. 

Carnegie Elective Classification 

The University of Connecticut is one of 40 colleges and universities in the United States to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement. The designation is determined by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee. UConn’s Office of Outreach and Engagement submitted the application to the Carnegie Foundation last spring. 

Read More 

UConn Among National Leaders in Fullbright U.S. Student Program  

The University of Connecticut has been recognized among the top producers of Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients for the first time in school history. These results are from U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and were featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education on Tuesday, Feb. 13. UConn had 10 students named to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in 2023-24, a record-setting number for the school. UConn’s appearance on the list of top producing institutions is the culmination of efforts by staff in the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships (ONSF) and the Office of Experiential Global Learning (EGL), as well as other organizational changes over the years designed to increase support for students seeking Fulbrights. 

Read More 

Provost Distinguished Speaker Series

Bridging the Gap from Storrs to Farmington: Kinesiology Faculty on Cutting Edge of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science 

Join Distinguished Professor Doug Casa along with his collogues Professors Neal Glaviano, Lindsay DiStefano and Elaine Lee in a thoughtful discussion on their scholarship in kinesiology, sports medicine and exercise science on Tuesday, March 26th from 4:00 – 5:30pm in the UConn Health Low Learning Center Auditorium.  

This event is open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.  

PTR and PR Forums  

The Faculty Standards Committee of the University Senate, in collaboration with the Provost’s Office, will host two separate forums on faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment via WebEx on Friday, April 12, 2024. These forums aim to ensure that all faculty members are familiar with the promotion, tenure, and reappointment procedures and expectations at the university. Faculty will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the administration. 

Faculty and staff who plan to attend must RSVP to the calendar event for each session by April 10th to attend. Recordings of the programs will be available after April 15th. Please reach out to universitysenate@uconn.edu with any questions.  

Office Hours with Provost D’Alleva 

Provost D’Alleva and her leadership team will be holding in-person office hours for all faculty and staff at the each of UConn’s multiple campuses throughout the spring semester. All are encouraged to join as available to discuss concerns, questions and ideas.  

Religious and Cultural Observances: Important Dates for 2024 

A comprehensive calendar of religious observances and culturally significant events can be found on the Office of the Provost website. Additionally, the website offers guidance and information about the responsibilities of both faculty and students regarding religious accommodations. This resource may be helpful when scheduling assessment activities or other events throughout the year. 

Reading Days 

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows: 

Reading Days are protected time for students to prepare for the final exam and assessment period. Instructors shall not require any course-related activity, assessment, or submission of work on Reading Days. Instructors may use Reading Days for optional activities, such as office hours. While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day. Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships. 

Final Exams 

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

Final in-class examinations may not be given during the last week of classes. Other types of assessments (for example, but not only, portfolios, performances, projects, presentations, etc.) may be due in the last week of classes, but should be clearly delineated on the syllabus from the first week of classes. 

Undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include bunched finals or other extenuating circumstances. Such bunched finals may include final assessments like juried performances for Fine Arts students. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further details. 

February 23-March 8: Mid-semester grading period 

March 4: University Senate 

March 4: Budget Town Hall, Student Union Theatre, Storrs @ 12:00pm 

March 5: Budget Town Hall, Keller Auditorium, UConn Health, Farmington @ 12:00pm 

March 10-March 16: Spring Recess 

March 10-April 8: Ramadan  

March 23-24: Purim 

March 25: Holi 

March 26: Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series Event: Kinesiology Faculty on Cutting Edge of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Featuring BOT Distinguished Professor Doug Casa 

March 31: Easter Sunday 

We are just a few weeks away from the end of the fall 2023 semester, which means we are wrapping up classes with final exams, closing out projects from the semester, and preparing for a well-deserved holiday break. I hope that you all will find time to do things you enjoy, whether it be spending time with loved ones, relaxing and unwinding, or working on projects you didn’t have time for during the semester.

The end of the semester can be a stressful time for students as they take final exams and complete semester-long projects or presentations. UConn offers many resources to help students prepare for success academically and personally in the event you are in a position to help. The Q-Center and W-Center are excellent resources for support with both quantitative classes and writing classes. If your student needs to reschedule an exam, they can work with the Dean of Students office. If they need an accommodation for an exam or final evaluation of any kind, they should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible. Finally, Student Health and Wellness offers many programs and events to help students cope with stress and support their health, from meditation and yoga to pet therapy.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention what a stressful and busy time this can be for our staff and faculty. I want to remind you to take care of yourselves and your colleagues. Human Resources recently offered this good advice:

Supporting Yourself

Recognize your limits.

At times, it's important to recognize our limits and understand that we may not always be as efficient as usual - and that's completely okay. The key is to plan accordingly, show ourselves kindness, and ask for support when needed.

Engage in healthy activities.

Basic self-care makes a significant difference during stressful times. Taking breaks while working and connecting with colleagues can help us recharge and stay focused. It is also crucial to find what brings us joy and incorporate it into our daily routine. Whether it's engaging in spiritual practices, meditating, listening to music, or going for a walk, doing things that feel good is essential for our overall well-being.

Find community support.

Attending community events or informal gatherings with friends can be a way to process grief, fear, and other difficult feelings. Sharing our experiences helps to reduce the intensity of our emotional distress. Experiencing empathy and understanding from others helps us know we are not alone.

Move your body.

Additionally, moving our bodies can be a powerful tool for stress relief. When we experience stress, our muscles tend to tense up. Engaging in physical movement, such as stretching or self-massaging, helps release tension and process emotions.

I look forward to seeing you all when we return in the fall and wish you all the best in this holiday season!

Provost's Office Awards

The Provost’s Office coordinates the below awards annually and is pleased to announce nominations are now being accepted through January 26, 2024. Learn more about how to nominate and eligibility criteria for each award.

• Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor
• Provost’s Outstanding Service Award
• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

Center for Students with Disabilities FAQ

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) oversees accommodations for students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations are academic adjustments, modifications and/or auxiliary aids and services applied to elements of a student’s postsecondary program to help compensate for the student’s impairment(s) and provide equal access for students with disabilities. If a student is granted an accommodation by the CSD, instructors are legally obligated to provide it. Instructors do have the right to respond to CSD to discuss the accommodation(s) if they believe they are not feasible or will fundamentally alter the class pedagogy or learning objectives. Click here to view a FAQ on the top 10 Accommodations Questions for Instructors to learn more.

If you have questions about meeting a student’s accommodations, call the Disability service Professional (DSP) named on the accommodation letter at 860-486-2020

The CSD also offers daily drop-in opportunities, both in person and on WebEx.

Reading Days

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, and Thursday, December 14. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows:

Reading Days are protected time for students to prepare for the final exam and assessment period. Instructors shall not require any course-related activity, assessment, or submission of work on Reading Days. Instructors may use Reading Days for optional activities, such as office hours.

While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day.

Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships.

Final Exams

Final exams begin on Monday, December 11 and end on Sunday, December 17.

In very limited instances, undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam. They must make such a request through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include “bunched” finals and immediate illness. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further detail.

***Please note, the above does not apply to the School of Law, School of Medicine, or School of Dental Medicine.***

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to continue the program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls in the spring semester. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for instructors who are willing to participate and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction. Instructors will be provided with lunch.

Contact provost@uconn.edu to get involved.

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting

As you know, UConn has contracted with Interfolio for the Review, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) and Dossier modules which were implemented over the last year. We are excited to announce that we will now be adding Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) which will replace HuskyDM for faculty activity information storage and reporting. The implementation and roll-out are being managed by the offices of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and the Provost. The roll-out of FAR will take place late in the spring semester. More information on this implementation and how faculty can get involved will be coming soon.

Winter Weather Reminders

The following guidance applies to all UConn locations except UConn Health, which has its own relevant policies.

How you’ll know UConn’s status:

• When we determine it is necessary to cancel or delay classes, or to change business operations at the University, we’ll notify the UConn community as quickly as possible.
• When storms occur overnight, we try to make this notification by 5 a.m. Sometimes conditions change rapidly, however, and we might need to adjust decisions about class schedules and business operations on short notice.
• The UConnALERT webpage (http://alert.uconn.edu) is the definitive source of information about the University’s operating status.
• UConn community members at all locations, excluding UConn Health, can also check the 24-hour emergency closing information number: 860-486-3768.
• The University notifies the media about operating changes at UConn’s campuses, but we cannot guarantee that details provided by news outlets represent the most current or complete information.

What stays open, what might change:

• If classes are cancelled, this applies to all classes -- including those online.
• UConn follows suit if the Governor closes state agencies, releases state employees from work, or restricts road travel due to weather conditions.
• Certain essential operations continue despite inclement weather, including public safety, residential and dining services, health services, animal care, facility maintenance, and other critical services.
• Decisions about whether to continue or cancel specific services, such as transportation, are made on a case-by-case basis depending on existing conditions and needs.
• The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, UConn Athletics, and other units that sponsor events and activities decide independently whether to continue or cancel their events, and you should contact them directly with questions.

Academic operations:

• If the University has not announced a delay or cancellation of classes, faculty are expected to hold their classes as scheduled in the modality originally advertised.
• In circumstances when a faculty member determines that they cannot travel safely to campus, the faculty member must notify all students in the class in a timely manner along with their dean and department head.
• Faculty must not preemptively cancel class before the University decides and announces whether UConn’s normal schedule will be changed.
• Students should contact their professors as soon as possible if they must miss a class or other activity due to weather conditions.
• Faculty should respect the decisions of commuting students who decide not to travel to campus or to leave class early to get home safely, and should provide options for them to make up missed work.

December 8 - Last day of fall semester classes

December 9 - December 10 - Reading Days

December 11 - Final examinations begin

December 14 - Reading Day

December 17 - Final examinations end

December 20 - Semester grades due at 4 pm

I hope this message finds you in good health. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your dedication to our students during the current conflict. It is through your actions that we foster an environment where students can feel valued, safe, and able to thrive, even in the face of adversity. I would especially like to highlight the work of the Dean of Students Office, Care and Concern, Student Health and Wellness, the Cultural Centers, and our Faith Communities in helping students who have been impacted directly or indirectly by this conflict.

In times of conflict, students often experience heightened stress and anxiety. Your willingness to listen, provide a shoulder to lean on, and offer guidance is invaluable. To continue our collective mission of nurturing the growth and development of our students, I'd like to offer a few best practices that can help us further enhance our support:

1. Resources: Ensure students are aware of resources available to them, both within and outside the university. This includes counseling services, academic support, and organizations that promote cultural diversity and understanding. This recent message [HYPERLINK] to students highlights some of those resources.
2. Flexibility: Be mindful of the unique challenges students may face during times of conflict. Flexibility in assignment deadlines, attendance policies, and exam schedules can make a significant difference in their ability to cope.
3. Empathy and Compassion: Continue to exhibit empathy and compassion when interacting with students. A small gesture of kindness can have a lasting impact on their emotional well-being.
4. Community-Building: Promote student involvement in clubs, organizations, and forums that foster unity and understanding among diverse communities.
5. Education: The conflict between Gaza and Israel is marked by numerous historical, cultural, and political complexities. Encourage students to educate themselves about this specific conflict and the region. It is especially effective when our own faculty lead these efforts, as in the panel discussion on November 2.

Lastly, let us always remember the pivotal role of relationships in student success. Research has long shown that the bonds faculty and staff form with students, rooted in trust and care, can be the key to their resilience and growth.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students, and for the positive impact you continue to make. Together, we can make UConn a beacon of hope and understanding in times of uncertainty.

Election Day: Promoting Civic Duty

Election Day is coming up on November 7^th. Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility, and ensuring that all eligible individuals have the opportunity to participate can be immensely empowering. Wherever possible, we encourage instructors to exercise flexibility for students who plan to exercise their right to vote. Consider providing a recording of your lecture, distributing materials for an asynchronous class session, or holding extra office hours in the following week. If you are planning an assessment (i.e. quiz, exam, in-class assignment) to be due that day, consider an extension for those students who are absent.

Faculty Office Hours

Last month, participating faculty began hosting office hours in dining halls, including Ryan Watson, Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences (Pictured above with students). This program provides faculty and students an opportunity to connect outside the classroom to build community. This is especially helpful for those instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level – where students are likely at the beginning of their UConn journey. Lunch will be provided for the instructor attending, and any students who don’t already have meal plans. Learn more about how to participate.

Academic Impressions

Academic Impressions is a membership organization for faculty, staff and administrative leaders in higher education focused on ensuring all levels of university employees receive professional and leadership development. As a part of UConn’s membership, university leaders can gain access to on-demand and live online learning in crucial areas such as institutional & academic planning, inclusive leadership, student success, and compliance. To learn more about available trainings and educational opportunities, visit their website and reach out to provost@uconn.edu if you or anyone in your unit would like to become more involved.

PRISMATIC Program

Environmental sustainability and student success are top priorities for President Radenka Maric. Students are at the heart of advancing sustainability at UConn by identifying needs and opportunities, designing and executing initiatives, and developing creative solutions.

In recognition of undergraduate students' roles as innovators and catalysts for change, the Office of Undergraduate Research, UConn Research, and the Office of the Provost are excited to announce PRISMATIC – the President’s Research Investment in Sustainability Measures, Actions, Technologies, Initiatives, and Communities. PRISMATIC commits $50,000 to support students’ engagement in sustainability projects through Office of Undergraduate Research funding programs that are open to students at all campuses.

PRISMATIC is intended to support a broad spectrum of experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. In addition to inquiry projects across the academic disciplines, these OUR funding programs support a diverse range of advocacy, service, design, and community engagement projects that will allow students to pursue knowledge and take action in furtherance of equitable sustainability. For more information, please visit the program webpage.

Call for Nominations – Provost’s Office Awards:

• Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor
• Provost’s Outstanding Service Award
• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

Nominations for each of the above awards will be due January 26, 2024. Learn more about how to nominate and eligibility on the Provost’s website.

Update to UConn Email Policy

UConn has regulatory and contractual requirements to ensure that protected information, such as FERPA, HIPAA, PHI, and PHII data, is stored on systems with appropriate safeguards and that it is responsive to freedom of information (FOI) requests and litigation holds.  To better meet this, the updated version of the subject policy now explicitly prohibits automated copying or forwarding of institutional emails to non-University accounts.  This would include the creation of rules within a university account that copy email on delivery to alternate non-university accounts.  Specific emails may still be copied or forwarded individually, but the account holder is responsible for ensuring that content does not violate policy or regulatory/contractual obligations.  With respect to forwarding, UConn Health email accounts should be considered university accounts.  The new policy can be reviewed at the following location: policy.uconn.edu/2011/05/19/electronic-communication-policy/

This policy went into effect October 1, 2023, and questions or concerns can be directed to ITS.

Updates to the Guide to the State Code of Ethics

Revisions to the policy include the formatting and updating of pronouns throughout the policy, including “Ethics Liaison” in various sections as a resource in addition to the Office of State Ethics, and clarification on restrictions on gifts between supervisors and subordinates. Under the ‘Contracts with the State’ section, revisions include reference to exemption for contracts with a public institution of higher education to support a collaboration to develop and commercialize any invention or discovery. Under the ‘Necessary Expenses’ section, “gifts to the state” was added as acceptable to attend an event that is relevant to your state duties. Lastly, “Confidential Information” language was removed as it is covered in other policies.

View the Policy

UConn’s Laura Cruickshank Inducted into CT Women’s Hall of Fame

On August 26, 2023, Laura Cruickshank was inducted to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame at their 30^th anniversary ceremony honoring “Women who build”. Laura joined UConn in 2013 and is the University Master Planner and Chief Architect and Associate Vice President for University Planning, Design and Construction.

Strategic Planning Forums

Join Provost D’Alleva, VP Pamir Alpay and Executive Director Margaret Feeney for an online forum sharing updates and gathering feedback on the university strategic planning process and progress thus far.

• Wednesday, November 1: 1:00-2:00 PM
• Thursday, November 2: 9:00-10:00 AM
• Thursday, November 2: 6:30-8:00 PM

RSVP to join an online session on the website.

Town Hall on Student Fees

This week the following town halls on student fees will be held with University leadership to discuss the university’s proposed student fee rate adjustments for Academic Year 2024-2025.

• Monday, October 30, 2023, at 1:00pm (In Person)

Location: Konover Auditorium located in the Dodd Center

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

• Monday, October 30, 2023, at 5:00pm (In Person)

Location: Konover Auditorium located in the Dodd Center

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

• Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 5:00pm (Virtual)

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

The recording from the Town Hall discussion held virtually on 11/1/23 can be found at: https://bpir.uconn.edu/home/announcements/town-hall-meetings/

Career Everywhere Conference hosted by the Career Center November 3^rd

This year’s conference, titled  Enhancing Career Readiness: Equipping Students with Competencies for Post-Graduate Success will focus on best practices in helping students build and articulate NACE’s eight Career Competencies and how faculty can help students Become Career Ready. The eight NACE Career Readiness Competencies were compiled based on research from thousands of companies and organizations across industry lines and are seen widely by employers as critical for student success in the workforce. This is a great opportunity for faculty to learn about the NACE Career Readiness competencies that they are already teaching and how to be more transparent with students regarding these skills employers look for into course materials.

Learn more and register here.

Husky Run and Ruck – Salute to Service

All UConn Faculty, Staff and Students are invited to participate in the Husky Run and Ruck – Salute to Service co-sponsored by the UConn Recreation Department, UConn Veterans Affairs and Military Programs, and the Hartford Marathon Foundation. This event will be hosted on the Storrs campus on November 12^th in honor of Veterans Day. This event has something for everyone – learn more and register here.

Emeritus Deadline: November 1^st

University Senate Meeting: November 6^th

Election Day: November 7^th

Veterans Day: November 11^th  (observed November 10^th)

Last day to withdraw from a course: November 13^th

Fall Break: November 19^th – November 25^th

Thanksgiving Day: November 23^rd

Today, with pride and anticipation, we mark President Maric’s Inauguration Day, which signifies not only the beginning of a new chapter in our university's history but also the embodiment of our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress.

An inauguration is a symbolic milestone, a moment in time that represents the fusion of tradition and vision. In wishing President Maric all the best today, we are wishing the best for UConn as well as we move into a future full of hope and promise.

In fact, September has been a month of marking new beginnings by bringing to fruition projects that have been in development for some time. Most important, on Wednesday, the Board of Trustees approved an important set of changes to our university nomenclature: the School of Engineering is now the College of Engineering; the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has become the School of Computing; and the department of Mechanical Engineering has become the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering.

Throughout the approval process, one of the most frequently asked questions has focused on the difference between a school and a college. The key difference lie in scope, scale, and disciplinary norms. A school (Pharmacy, Nursing) has a more specific focus than a college (CLAS, CAHNR), which is wide-ranging and encompasses multiple disciplines. There’s also a question of scale as we look at the size of the undergraduate and graduate student populations, faculty, and staff. And finally, we need to take into account disciplinary norms – as we look across the country, the engineering programs at peer and aspirant institutions like Penn State, Purdue, University of Illinois, and UC Berkeley, are colleges. Schools and colleges are equally important parts of our academic ecosystem – each is valuable and has an essential role to play.

This change will support UConn Engineering as it continues on its trajectory of dynamic growth. Under the leadership of Dean Kazerounian, and with the support of an outstanding faculty and staff, Engineering has created a number of new degree programs; established or expanded internal collaborations with business, the arts, human rights, nursing, and more; and increased research and industry partnerships. As you know, Dean Kazerounian has announced that he will step down from the deanship, and the search has been launched under the guidance of co-chairs Dean Indrajeet Chaubey and Vice President Pamir Alpay. We welcome the participation of the university community in the search process.

And finally, another reminder to participate! The Strategic Planning Steering Committee has launched a survey for faculty, staff, and students. Many thanks to those who attended the recent forums – we had lively discussions that yielded terrific and actionable ideas. We’ll be conducting additional forums and later in the process we’ll share draft initiatives for feedback from the community.

As always, many thanks for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our students and community.

All best wishes,
Anne

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to pilot a program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for an initial cohort of instructors who are willing to try this, and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction.

Where:

• McMahon – lunch time 11am-2:15pm
• Rome (South) – lunch time 11am-2pm

When:

• Mid-October through finals week

Instructors will be provided lunch. Students who do not have meal plans will be able to use a swipe from Dining Services.

Contact provost@uconn.edu to get involved.

Please note this initial pilot will be at the Storrs campus and we are planning to pilot at the Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford and Waterbury Campuses in the spring.

Mid-Term Grades Reminder

University Senate By-Laws were updated in the Spring 2023 semester and now state 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. Instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are encouraged to submit mid-semester grades.

We are sharing guides here with different options to submit grades to PeopleSoft. Informing your students of their grade or posting mid-term grades in HuskyCT is helpful but posting grades in PeopleSoft is necessary to ensure this information regarding student progress is available to staff at the University who provide academic support. Grades can be submitted beginning on Monday, October 2 through Friday October 20. Instructors can submit grades three different ways into StudentAdmin:

• Manually into Student Admin utilizing these instructions
• Via an Excel file utilizing these instructions
• Via a direct feed from HuskyCT utilizing these instructions

For any instructors who have yet to administer any assessments in their course by which to determine a mid-term grade, now is a good time to administer an assessment to ensure you and your students know how they are progressing in the course and mastering the material.

Finals Opt-Out Reminder

If you are not delivering a final exam in Fall 2023, 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 are asking for those who use another method of assessment (portfolios, projects, etc.) to let us know so that the room and/or time may be available for 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.

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 remains 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.

Artificial Intelligence & UConn Updates

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning continues its support of instructors and students as we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). We are currently engaged in the following efforts:

• As part of a two-year research project, UConn is working with Ithaka S+R and a select group of 19 universitiescommitted to making AI "generative" for their campus communities. Together, the partners in the "Making AI Generative for Higher Education" study will assess the immediate and emerging AI applications most likely to impact teaching, learning, and research and explore the long-term needs of institutions, instructors, and scholars as they navigate this environment.
• We are planning events and programming opportunities to discuss the emergence of AI and its impact on teaching and learning. These include panel discussions, presentations, and learning communities. We'll also be sending a survey to capture your experiences with AI and your interest in partnering with us in our work. Please watch the weekly "CETL Happenings" announcements for details.
• We are updating our AI resources page that was originally shared in January 2023.

Vice Provost Academic Operations Position Open

The Provost’s Office is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve in the executive management position of Vice Provost for Academic Operations. An internal search is being conducted chaired by Vice Provost Amy Gorin.

Learn More

Regional Campus Directors Titles Change

Announced at this week’s Board of Trustees meeting, the campus director titles have been changed to Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer to better recognize the significant role the directors play in leading our multiple campuses both internally and externally to its constituents.

University Teaching Awards

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning University Teaching Awards are held annually to honor faculty and graduate student who show exemplary commitment to their teaching craft.  Please fill out this nomination form  to nominate for the four award categories by November 3^rd:

• Teaching Fellow
• Teaching Innovation
• Outstanding Adjunct
• Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant

Changes to the Electronic (Email) Communication Policy

UConn has regulatory and contractual requirements to ensure that protected information, such as FERPA, HIPAA, PHI, and PHII data, is stored on systems with appropriate safeguards and that it is responsive to freedom of information (FOI) requests and litigation holds.  To better meet this, the updated version of the subject policy now explicitly prohibits automated copying or forwarding of institutional emails to non-University accounts.  This would include the creation of rules within a university account that copy email on delivery to alternate non-university accounts.  Specific emails may still be copied or forwarded individually, but the account holder is responsible for ensuring that content does not violate policy or regulatory/contractual obligations.  With respect to forwarding, UConn Health email accounts should be considered university accounts.

This policy goes into effect October 1, 2023, and technical controls to prevent automated forwarding will be implemented on or after this date.

Husky Harvest Food Pantry: Chegg Inc. Donations and Paige Bueckers Support

Paige Bueckers, Chegg Inc. Announce Their Support for Husky Harvest in Storrs - UConn Today

UConn Soars in Wall Street Journal National College Rankings

The University of Connecticut is one of the 50 best universities in America, public or private, according to rankings released by The Wall Street Journal.

Ranking highly in affordability, the average time it takes students to earn degrees, and the value a degree adds to graduates’ salaries, UConn was ranked 46^th overall by the Journal, the second highest ranking of any Connecticut school and higher than many peer institutions across the U.S.

Read more in UConn Today.

US News Ranked UConn Learning Communities 25^th Nationally

U.S. News & World Report’s recently released annual rankings listed UConn’s learning communities as No. 25 among all public institutions, the first year in which the program has received a ranking. UConn has 34 residential and non-residential learning communities with more than 2,800 students participating. Read more in UConn Today.

Husky Run and Ruck – Salute to Service

All UConn Faculty, Staff and Students are invited to participate in the Husky Run and Ruck – Salute to Service co-sponsored by the UConn Recreation Department, UConn Veterans Affairs and Military Programs, and the Hartford Marathon Foundation. This event will be hosted on the Storrs campus on November 12^th in honor of Veterans Day. This event has something for everyone – learn more and register here.

Securing a Sustainable Environmental Future

The Symposium, sponsored by the Institute of the Environment, the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering, will provide scholarly analysis, discussion, and debate on the topic of securing a robust environmental future.

Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, will be the keynote speaker, and invited faculty speakers will give creative, inventive, and forward-looking talks across four thematic areas: Climate Action, Water Security, Landscape Transformation and Biodiversity, and Environmental Justice.

Learn more

Register

Workshop for H-1B Visa Holders at UConn

This workshop will cover important rules and regulations for H-1B visa holders to maintain their legal status while being employed at UConn. This workshop will be held on the following two days from 10:00 AM to 12:00 at the Homer Babbidge Library in HBL Instruction Room 1102.

Registration is required via this online form.

Please note that this will be an in-person workshop. Attendance virtually via MS Teams is permitted for those working at Regional Campuses, at any off-site locations, or for any requested accommodation. Please contact christene.cooper@uconn.edu if you have any general questions or require any accommodations.

Dates

Presidential Inauguration: Today! September 29^th

University Senate Meeting: October 2^nd

Sukkot: September 29^th – October 6^th

Midterm Grades Due: October 6^th

Shemini Atzeret: October 6^th – 8^th

Simchat Torah: October 7^th – 8^th

Indigenous People’s Day: October 9^th

Navarati: October 15^th – 24^th