Resources for Graduate Students

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Dear Huskies,

Happy October! Fall is officially here, and the leaves are changing rapidly. We hope you are settling in and finding your way as the semester moves forward.

We want to take a moment to ensure you are aware of some of the many resources available to help you be healthy, connected, and productive. Below is a list of resources you can explore if you are seeking support.  There are many folks on campus who want to support you; we can help most when you contact us early if a challenge is developing.

If you have questions about the services listed below or any other resources needed, please contact staff at The Graduate School.  

  • The Graduate School (TGS): Members of The Graduate School’s Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) Team are available for private conversations with you. When concerns arise, The Graduate School works with students, faculty, and staff to determine the best steps to take and the most beneficial resources for the given situation. Contacting the GSPA team is a great starting place for any graduate student concern, especially if you are not sure where to begin.  
    • Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars may make an appointment with Kim Curry, Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Support via
    • When an academic leave is the best option for the graduate student, The Graduate School assists the student by having them complete the Voluntary Separation Notification Initiating the form will not commit a student to taking leave; it will just allow Megan Petsa, Director of Graduate Administration, to gather the information needed to provide them with a detailed overview of the implications of academic leave. 
  • Timely Topics: Timely Topics is a series of learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with subject matter experts on topics relevant to graduate education. While every session is open to all, The Graduate School offers three tracks (student, faculty, and administrative) to help registrants identify which sessions may be most relevant to their interests.
  • Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) is available to provide support to students who may be struggling. Mental Health Services are located on the 4thfloor of Arjona.
    • Students can walk into SHaW for more immediate support or access BeWell, the 24/7/365 mental health support line which can be accessed here.
    • “Let’s Talk” Mental Health Office Hours is a drop-in service available to students.  Visit here for dates, times, and locations.
    • SHaW also provides a range of routine medical and mental health services to graduate students who pay the Student Health and Wellness Fee.  Should you have questions about available support, do not hesitate to reach out to SHaW at 860-486-4700 or visit the SHaW website.
  • Ombuds Office: The UConn Ombud serves as a neutral resource providing confidential and informal assistance to staff, faculty, professional and graduate students and trainees of the UConn and UConn Health community to express concerns, identify options to address workplace conflicts, facilitate productive communication, and surface responsible concerns regarding university policies and practices. Contacting the Ombuds Office is completely voluntary, and students choose the course of action that is best suited for them. 
  • Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD):  The CSD engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodation on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature and functional limitations of a student’s documented disability, they may be eligible for reasonable and appropriate accommodations. Sharing information about CSD with students can foster self-advocacy, particularly if mental health challenges are hindering their ability to be productive students. 
  • Office of Student Care and Concern (OSCC): The Office of Student Care and Concern provides intervention and support for students in distress and present as a threat to self or others. The office coordinates a response balancing the needs of the student with the University community’s safety and welfare. If you are concerned about a friend or fellow student who is in distress, please submit a Care Team Referral form.  In an emergency where immediate attention is needed, please call 911.
  • Academic Achievement Center (AAC): The Academic Achievement Center provides academic coaching, mentorship, workshops/presentations, and supplemental instruction for students seeking to improve or maintain academic success. With resources for regional campuses as well as the Storrs campus, students can find best practices for note taking, maximizing online classes, managing time, and organizing deadlines and other deliverables. 
  • Quantitative Learning Center (Q Center): The Q Center keeps a concise list of private tutors in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Statistics who are available for fee-based service. Graduate students are encouraged to conduct their own research about the qualifications of private tutors not screened or vetted by the Q Center. The list of private tutors is maintained by the Q Center in cooperation with other units at UConn as a service for students.  
  • Writing Center: The Writing Center is a welcoming space where students and tutors collaborate on writing projects. The Writing Center stands by the belief all students are writers. Students may bring any type of writing—academic, civic, personal, and multimedia texts—at any stage in the composing process and receive support. 

Feel free to reach out to any of the offices listed; our faculty and staff are committed to helping you and finding solutions.

Sincerely,

The Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs Team of The Graduate School
Karen Bresciano | Kimberly Curry | Stuart Duncan | Megan Petsa