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Dr. Luyi Sun, 2025 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

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The Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor title is awarded annually following a university-wide nomination process and a rigorous review by a faculty and student committee. Final selections are approved by the UConn Board of Trustees, which confirmed this year’s awardees at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Luyi Sun

Dr. Luyi Sun is a globally recognized materials scientist and professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, where he also holds a joint appointment in the Institute of Materials Science. Since joining UConn in 2013, he has led an internationally renowned research program focused on nanostructured hybrid materials for functional, environmental, and energy-related applications.

Dr. Sun’s prolific contributions to science are evidenced by over 310 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact publications such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Advanced Materials. His work has earned more than 23,000 citations and an h-index of 83, and has been highlighted by MIT Technology Review, Smithsonian Magazine, and New Scientist, among many others. He is the inventor or co-inventor of 28 issued U.S. patents and more than 50 corresponding foreign patents, seven of which have been commercialized/licensed. The materials and devices invented in his lab have been featured in global exhibitions, including at the Material ConneXion Library in New York and the Penn Museum.

Dr. Sun is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Society of Plastics Engineers. He has also been recognized with the Morand Lambla Award from the Polymer Processing Society and was elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Sun has taught rigorous and interdisciplinary courses such as Thermodynamics and Polymer Processing, and has advised dozens of Ph.D. students, M.S. students and postdoctoral researchers, and more than 160 undergraduate research assistants. His students have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry, and many have received prestigious fellowships and national honors.

Dr. Sun has also demonstrated sustained leadership in academic and professional service. As Director of the UConn Polymer Program from 2018 to 2021, he expanded faculty engagement and strengthened the program’s profile. He has held leadership roles in national scientific organizations and organized more than 80 symposia around the world. His editorial work includes serving as Associate Editor of Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials.

Due to his outstanding record of research innovation, teaching, mentorship, and professional service, Dr. Luyi Sun strongly merits recognition as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor.

Professor Anne C. Dailey, 2025 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

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The Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor title is awarded annually following a university-wide nomination process and a rigorous review by a faculty and student committee. Final selections are approved by the UConn Board of Trustees, which confirmed this year’s awardees at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Anne Dailey

Professor Anne Dailey, Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Intellectual Life and the Ellen Ash Peters Professor of Law at the University of Connecticut School of Law, is a nationally recognized scholar whose work bridges constitutional law, family law, and psychoanalytic theory. A member of the UConn faculty since 1988, Professor Dailey has made transformative contributions to legal scholarship, education, and public service, with far-reaching influence across disciplines and institutions.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where she served as an Articles Editor of the Harvard Law Review. Following law school, she completed a judicial clerkship with Judge José Cabranes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. She has since become a pioneering figure in integrating psychoanalytic theory into legal analysis, most notably through her acclaimed book Law and the Unconscious: A Psychoanalytic Perspective, published by Yale University Press. This work received three prestigious honors: the Book Prize from the American Psychoanalytic Association, the Book Prize from the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis, and the Faculty Book Award from the UConn Humanities Institute.

Professor Dailey’s scholarship is widely cited and influential. Her co-authored articles The New Law of the Child and The New Parental Rights, and her sole authored In Loco Reipublicae, all published in top-tier law journals, have shaped the national discourse on children’s constitutional rights, state responsibility for families, and evolving family structures. She is a member of the American Law Institute and the Association for the Study of Law, Culture and Humanities.

She has held visiting faculty appointments at Yale, Harvard, and Penn Law Schools and has been named an Erikson Scholar at the Austen Riggs Center and a Fellow at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Professor Dailey is a dedicated and inspiring teacher of family law and constitutional law. She is also a deeply valued mentor to students and junior faculty, and her efforts have helped elevate the national profile of the UConn School of Law.

Professor Dailey’s scholarly distinction, interdisciplinary innovation, and enduring contributions to teaching and service make her a truly worthy recipient of the University of Connecticut’s highest faculty honor.

Dr. Peter Albertsen, 2025 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

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Peter Albertsen

The Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor title is awarded annually following a university-wide nomination process and a rigorous review by a faculty and student committee. Final selections are approved by the UConn Board of Trustees, which confirmed this year’s awardees at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Dr. Peter C. Albertsen is a globally respected urologic oncologist whose research and leadership have transformed the understanding and management of prostate cancer. A faculty member at UConn Health since 1987, Dr. Albertsen’s work has shaped national and international treatment guidelines and spared tens of thousands of men from unnecessary surgery and radiation.

He earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Princeton University and his medical degree from Columbia University. He completed his surgical residency at Harvard and his urology training at the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins. He also holds a master’s degree in medical administration and preventive medicine from the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Albertsen was among the first to use population-based data to challenge prevailing assumptions about PSA screening and prostate cancer aggressiveness. His landmark publications, including a seminal article in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrated that many prostate cancers grow slowly and do not require immediate treatment. These findings helped launch a global shift toward active surveillance, now a widely accepted standard of care. He has played key leadership roles in major trials in both the U.S. and the U.K., including serving as Chair of the Cause of Death Committee for the PLCO and ProtecT trials.

He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and editorials, with over 17,000 citations and an h-index of 63, placing him in the top tier of urologic researchers. His research has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and other leading journals, and has been supported by more than $5 million in external funding.

As UConn’s Urology Residency Program Director for over 30 years, Dr. Albertsen has trained more than 60 residents, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in academic medicine and beyond. He is widely praised for his dynamic and discussion-based teaching style and for his long-standing mentorship of medical students and residents.

Dr. Albertsen has served in numerous leadership roles at UConn Health and nationally, including as Associate Dean for Clinical Research and Planning, Division Chief of Urology, and Trustee of the American Board of Urology. He continues to provide exceptional patient care, including to underserved and correctional populations, and is often sought out by colleagues for their own care.

His many honors include the Eugene Fuller Triennial Prostate Award and the Distinguished Contribution Award from the American Urological Association, as well as honorary membership in both the AUA and the German Urological Association. Dr. Albertsen’s research, clinical care, and mentorship have had an enduring impact on the field of urology and the lives of countless patients, making him a most deserving recipient of the University of Connecticut’s highest faculty honor.

Observance of Juneteenth

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Dear Colleagues,

On Thursday, June 19, the University will observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom. In 2023, the State of Connecticut officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday. This year, the University Senate passed a resolution to designate it as a non-teaching day at UConn.

As a result, classes will not be held and no instructional activities should be scheduled on that date. The University encourages all departments and offices that are able to close in observance of the holiday to do so.

We recognize that certain critical University operations and departments will need to remain open to meet student and campus needs. We encourage you to talk to your supervisor to determine department needs. However, it is our expectation that most University operations will close to observe the holiday. Questions regarding scheduling or time issues should be referred to laborrelations@uconn.edu.

We look forward to the observance of this important day.

Sincerely,

Lakeesha Brown, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Anne D’Alleva, Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jeffrey Hines, Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion

Guidance for Pre-Tenure Faculty re Changes to Federal Funding

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Dear Colleagues,

As you know, the federal government is implementing significant changes to research funding priorities and allocations. In this context, we want to reaffirm our institution’s commitment to supporting faculty research, especially during the critical pre-tenure period.

First and foremost, this is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The effects of these changes on pre-tenure faculty will vary by field, funding agency, and the individual research trajectories of faculty members.

Given these variabilities, at this time, the administration is not planning to petition the Board of Trustees to implement a universal extension of the tenure clock, as we did during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are in active communication with peer institutions, and this approach is in alignment with similar institutions nationwide. Schools and Colleges are working with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) to assess the current funding landscape and will work with the Provost’s Office to identify and address any field-specific impacts on their promotion, tenure, and reappointment (PTR) processes.

We strongly encourage each faculty member to take a proactive approach in assessing how the federal funding changes may affect their research and engage in strategic planning for their tenure application as part of the PTR process.

Below are some key points that pre-tenure faculty should consider, in alignment with the OVPR guidance:

  1. Stay Informed and Engaged

Federal agencies including the NSF, NIH, DOE, and others, are adjusting funding mechanisms, research priorities, and review processes. The OVPR has been providing briefings and resources to help faculty navigate these changes and has established four task forces to help the university community understand and respond to these changes effectively.  If you are interested in joining a taskforce, please contact Matt Mroz (matthew.mroz@uconn.edu).

  1. Diversify Funding Sources

Given potential shifts in federal allocations of research funding, it is prudent to explore alternative funding sources, including:

  • Private foundations
  • Industry partnerships
  • State and local funding opportunities
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations that align with new funding priorities
  • Institutional support, including small and large grants, seed funding, and limited bridge funding that may be available through the Schools and Colleges and Centers and Institutes.
  1. Align Research with Emerging Federal Priorities (Where Feasible)

While maintaining scholarly identity is paramount, faculty should consider how their research can intersect with emerging federal priorities such as AI, quantum, and data science; biotechnology and health sciences with a focus on chronic disease; and national security. Adjustments in framing or collaboration may increase funding potential.

  1. Maintain Open Communication with Mentors, Department Leadership, School/College Leadership, and OVPR

Pre-tenure faculty should draw on their department head, senior colleagues, dean and associate deans, center/institute directors, and the OVPR as essential resources. Regular conversations about tenure expectations, funding realities, and evolving research trajectories can help faculty make informed decisions about their scholarly path.

  1. Utilize Institutional Support Services

The OVPR offers many resources to support faculty in this work, including proposal development assistance (e.g., proposal coordination, writing, editing, review), grant-writing workshops, and communication resources.

Please know that the guidance for associate professors working toward their promotion to full professor is much the same, since they may face similar challenges in this funding landscape. Associate professors often have access to greater resources—such as unrestricted fund accounts, well-equipped labs, and extensive professional networks—that can help them navigate a shifting funding landscape. They should be intentional about leveraging these assets to sustain their research productivity. Associate professors should discuss their individual timeline for promotion with their department head or dean since the promotion timeline for associate professors is more flexible than the tenure timeline.

And a note to full professors: While you, too, may be facing similar funding challenges, your leadership and experience are especially valuable during this time—serving as a critical resource for colleagues, department heads, deans, and the OVPR. We are grateful for the numerous instances of mentorship and support that we have already seen senior faculty offer their more junior colleagues. Please remember that a sympathetic ear, a bit of sound advice, or a problem-solving brainstorm session can make an enormous difference alongside institutional supports.

Faculty who have questions or need guidance tailored to their specific circumstances should not hesitate to reach out to the OVPR regarding research and their department head, dean, and/or the Provost’s Office regarding the PTR process and expectations.

Please remember that if you encounter funding-related roadblocks or receive notification of changes to a federal research grant that you have already been awarded, you should reach out immediately to OVPR (research@uconn.edu) to explore available support mechanisms. The OVPR website provides essential guidance regarding the steps you need to take.

Although the funding landscape is evolving, we want to emphasize to all faculty that you are not navigating these challenges alone. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting your research productivity and professional success at every stage of your career.

This is certainly a time of extraordinary change that is testing our researchers, but our strong sense of community and commitment to UConn’s mission as a flagship Land and Sea Grant institution will see us through these challenging times, as they have in difficult times before. We are grateful every day to work with such outstanding colleagues.

Sincerely,

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

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

Faculty Activity Reporting System Live October 1

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Dear Faculty,

We are excited to announce that the Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) system is in its final stages of configuration and will soon be ready for faculty access as part of our phased implementation. Over the last several months, the implementation team has worked diligently to configure the system, migrate data from HuskyDM, and set up new integrations with our university systems.

Phase 1: Faculty Data Validation

On October 1, 2024, you will gain access to the system to review and validate your data. Please note, there are some known instances where data may be missing or incomplete due to historical issues with older systems. We encourage you to take this time to carefully review your information, particularly before the reporting periods in the spring. Additionally, you will need to review and accept data imported through Interfolio’s Data Services including sources like PubMed and SCOPUS. Our team will be available throughout the fall to troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.

Phase 2: Building Administrative Reports

Throughout the fall semester, the implementation team will work to build and finalize institutional level templates such as forms for the PTR/PR process. We will also work with individual units to assist in building templates for any unique reporting needs.

Info Session & Training Opportunities

To help you navigate the new system, we are offering several opportunities for guidance:

  • Virtual Info Session: Join us on October 1 at 2:00pm for a virtual live overview of the system and Q&A. This session will be recorded and posted on our webpage for future reference. The session will be oriented for faculty users but is open to all to attend.
  • Interfolio Led Training Sessions: We will also be hosting two training sessions led by Interfolio experts. These sessions will focus on the faculty experience and user interface. Additional sessions will be offered in the future.
  • October 16: 2:00-3:00 pm
  • October 21: 12:00-1:00pm

To RSVP for any of the above sessions or to find more information and resources please visit the Interfolio @ UConn webpage. You may also reach out to interfolio@uconn.edu with any questions or for assistance from the implementation team.

We look forward to working with you during this transition and appreciate your patience as we continue to build out reporting features and administrative tools in Phase 2.

Academic Affairs Division Realignment Update

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

Key Components of the Reorganization:

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

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

Provost’s Office Monthly – August 2024

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MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

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

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

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

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

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

What we’re reading…

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

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

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

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

 

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Academic Affairs Division Realignment Update

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

Key Components of the Reorganization:

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

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

Faculty Activity Reporting

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

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

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

New Training Requirement for Graduate Faculty

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

 

Faculty Office Hours – Dining Halls

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

Metanoia

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

NEWS & UPDATES

Reaffirming UConn’s Commitment to DEI: Important Updates

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

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

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

Ofer Harel Appointed Dean of CLAS

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

Student Activities Leadership Update

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

Institute for Student Success Leadership Update

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

Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Search

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

The Student Code & University Policies

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

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

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.

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IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

National Voter Registration Day Kickoff!

2024-2025 Senate Meetings

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

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

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

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

Timely Topics Series

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

10th Annual Research Connections

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

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

OUR MISSION 

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

WHY PARTICIPATE?  

Faculty participants benefit from:   

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

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

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

 

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

The window for 2025 Honorary Degree nominations is now open!

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

Submission deadline: September 25, 2024.

New Faculty & New Academic Leader Orientations

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

DATES

September 2 – Labor Day (No classes)

September 5 – Community Conversation in the Rainbow Center

September 9 – 10th Day of Classes

September 10 – Consulting Reconciliation Deadline