Author: Marie LeBlanc

Posting: Associate Dean of The Graduate School

The Graduate School seeks applications for an Associate Dean. This management-exempt, 12-month position reports to the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School (50% Graduate School, 50% home department), and the appointment is expected to begin on or around 1 July 2022. The Associate Dean will receive an adjustment to their current base salary to reflect additional time and responsibilities associated with the position. The appointment may also include an additional administrative supplement.

The successful candidate will be a tenured faculty member at the University of Connecticut and member of the Graduate Faculty with a strong record of scholarly or creative achievement, a broad perspective on university affairs, excellent communication skills, a demonstrated ability to lead in an academic setting, and demonstrated experience with graduate education. The Associate Dean will work with the Vice Provost and Dean, the Associate Dean of The Graduate School at the Health Center, and the Assistant Dean of The Graduate School to develop and implement long-term strategic plans for The Graduate School. The Associate Dean will also play a crucial role in developing Graduate School policies and procedures. Specific duties will include:

  • Collaborating with the Vice Provost and Dean and the Assistant Dean to develop programs that support effective mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars,
  • Providing advice to departments and programs seeking to develop new graduate programs or to make changes to existing programs,
  • Overseeing review of proposals for creation or modification of graduate degree and certificate programs,
  • Collaborating with relevant University offices to evaluate proposals for new revenue-generating graduate degree or certificate programs,
  • Participating in decisions that affect the grades and academic standing of graduate students,
  • Acting as a hearing officer for cases of academic misconduct, academic dismissal, and for cases arising from the Graduate School complaint procedure,
  • Facilitating the work of the Graduate Faculty Council and its Executive Committee,
  • Maintaining the Bylaws of The Graduate School and the Bylaws of the Graduate Faculty Council and recommending changes to them as necessary,
  • Coordinating updates to the Graduate Catalog,
  • Representing The Graduate School on various university committees, and
  • Advising the Dean of The Graduate School on policies (including admissions, time to degree requirements, contractual relations with graduate assistants, etc.) and performing other duties as needed.

Minimum qualifications

  • Tenured faculty appointment (Associate Professor or Professor) at the University of Connecticut
  • Demonstrated experience with advising or mentoring graduate students
  • Strong record of scholarly or creative achievement
  • Demonstrated record of service at the school, college, or university level, e.g., service on school/college or university committees
  • Demonstrated record of leadership, e.g., leadership of departmental, school/college, or university committees; leadership in a relevant professional society

 Preferred qualifications

  • Appointment as Full Professor
  • Evidence that several advisees have completed graduate degrees and moved into successful careers
  • At least 2-3 years of experience as a Director of Graduate Studies or the equivalent
  • At least 2-3 years of administrative experience

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 50% appointment for 12 months/year, with an expected duration of five years. The university offers a full range of health/retirement benefits and tuition waivers. Compensation for this position will consist of an administrative supplement to current base salary. The size of the supplement is expected to be between $25,000 to $60,000 depending on the specific characteristics of the current appointment. The tentative start date is 1 July 2022.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted electronically by 21 March 2022, to Martha Marroni (martha.marroni@uconn.edu) with the subject line “Associate Dean Application.” Applications should be submitted as a single PDF document and contain the following: a curriculum vita, a letter of interest (including a brief summary of relevant experience and a vision for graduate education), and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Post Updated: February 28, 2022

Posting: Graduate Admissions Team Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Admissions Team Manager (Administrative Program Manager 1) reports directly to the Dean of the Graduate School. Within established university guidelines, policies, and by-laws the Admissions Team Manager is responsible for administering, managing, and directing the Admissions Team of the Graduate School and for overseeing the work of all permanent and part-time staff, including students, involved in the admission of graduate students to the university. The Admissions Team Manager independently manages all day-to-day operations of the Admissions Team (including training of Admissions Team staff), advises the Dean on issues relating to applications, admissions, and matriculation, and serves as the primary point of contact for all matters, problems, and questions regarding graduate applications, admissions, and matriculation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepares studies, analyses, and statistical reports as the basis for recommending changes in admissions policy, recruiting strategy, or other related issues.
  • Directs the workflow of the Admissions Team and supervises the records and filing systems related to application, admission, and matriculation.
  • Administers changes in internal operating procedures to improve the Admissions Division within the Graduate School.
  • Identifies and removes obstacles in the application process that may disadvantage applicants from groups that have been marginalized.
  • Exercises independent judgment and initiative with regard to complex graduate admission issues/questions/functions, including concerns regarding bachelor’s degree equivalency.
  • Evaluates justification(s) submitted by graduate programs regarding exceptions for applicants who do not meet the Graduate School’s minimum requirements.
  • Manages international and domestic applicants for graduate student admission; makes administrative decisions regarding documentation received; reviews policies to keep current with other countries and universities and keeps abreast of educational changes.
  • Oversees and participates in the calculation of grade point averages and in admission/matriculation of domestic and international applicants.
  • Prescreens and evaluates applicant credentials to determine accreditation of schools and colleges attended, grade equivalencies, degree equivalencies, and admissibility of the applicant based upon these evaluations.
  • Determines residency status for newly admitted graduate students and reviews residency appeals for continuing students.
  • Participates in committees and advisory groups as assigned, e.g., the committee to review residency requirements.
  • Serves as the Graduate School’s New England Regional Student Program liaison, answering questions, distributing information, and determining New England Regional status for graduate applicants.
  • Leading and participating in workshops and seminars to instruct, inform, and train others regarding regulations, procedures, and deadlines governing graduate admission requirements.
  • May be required or requested to work irregular hours and occasional evening and/or weekend hours as needed, including hosting and/or participating in graduate admission programs and events.
  • Performs additional assignments and related duties as needed/required to achieve program objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

  1. Bachelor’s Degree
  2. Five years of experience in graduate or undergraduate admissions.
  3. Two years of experience as an advanced/senior team member or project lead.
  4. Demonstrated evidence of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  5. Experience with enterprise-level software systems used to manage admissions and enrollment, e.g., Technosolutions Slate, Hobsons ApplyYourself, CollegeNet, PeopleSoft, Banner.
  6. Commitment to removing obstacles that may disadvantage applicants from groups that have been marginalized.
  7. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  1. Master’s degree or 7-10 years of experience in graduate or undergraduate admissions.
  2. Experience in managing decentralized admission processes.
  3. Experience in developing and managing programs to enhance the diversity and quality of applicants to graduate programs.
  4. Evidence of leadership in implementing significant new administrative processes, software systems, or both.
  5. Demonstrated evidence of removing obstacles that may disadvantage applicants from groups that have been marginalized.
  6. Demonstrated experience in managing recruitment programs, including knowledge of Customer Relationship Management software and strategies for using it in applications/admissions processes.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time permanent position with substantial on-campus duties. The university offers a full range of health/retirement benefits and tuition waivers. Salary will be commensurate with experience, likely between $65,350 and $75,000.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496011 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 27, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: Jan 27 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 27 2022 Eastern Standard Time

Grad Conversations: July

Last month, The Graduate School and the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) held our first Grad Conversations event. These events highlight the collaborative and deliberative efforts between the University and graduate student leaders to address topics and questions voiced by the graduate student body.

We invite UConn grad students join us for our second joint event being held virtually on Tuesday, July 21 from 4:00-5:00 pm EST. This question and answer session brings together panelists to discuss topics pertaining to the graduate student experience, based on questions and concerns received from graduate students. Join us as we take your questions and discuss topics including: the Fall 2020 opening, international student issues, financial concerns, effects on research, and resources from CETL for teaching assistants. 

Update: July 23, 2020: Watch a recording of this event.

Grad Conversations: June

The Graduate Student Senate (GSS) and The Graduate School, invite UConn grad students to join us for this joint event to discuss topics and questions pertaining to the graduate student experience.

The current pandemic has affected graduate students in unique ways, and we understand that in a changing landscape, the path in front of us all may be unclear. This event will bring together panelists to help guide you during this time and highlight the collaborative and deliberative efforts between the University and graduate student leaders over the last few weeks.

The conversation will include the following topics: financial concerns, international student issues, effects on research, academics, and Fall 2020. Graduate student leaders will also share their experience during this crisis and what they have been doing to help keep grad student voices heard.

For more information, visit our event page.

June 17 Update:
View a recording of this event.

Town Hall Recording

Last week, The Graduate School held an online Q&A session. With 7 panelists and over 300 folks joining us from across the University, we discussed a variety of topics including the suspension of on-campus research; graduation / commencement ceremonies, submitting signatures and paperwork electronically, pass/fail for graduate students, working remotely with a GAship, international students returning in the fall, and many other topics. The video is closed captioned and a transcript is also viewable beneath the video.

View Graduate School Townhall Recording (April 9, 2020)

Note that in the Townhall, Dean Holsinger refers to an upcoming discussion of pass/fail grading. Since the Townhall, the Graduate Faculty Council voted to approve a measure which is detailed in our April 14, 2020 announcement available below.

Town Hall Announcement

To our graduate students,

We know that shifting to online classes, teaching, and research has created new and unforeseen challenges for our graduate student community. On our FAQ page, we have addressed many of the concerns we have heard about; however, we want to be able to offer you the opportunity to ask questions directly to staff from The Graduate School and our partners at the Registrar’s Office and The Office of International Student & Scholar Services.

On Thursday 9th of April at 1:15pm, we will be hosting a live webinar. The link to join has been emailed to you.

During the webinar, you will be able to ask questions using the Q&A chat feature and will see video feeds from each of our panelists. Moderated by staff at The Graduate School, the panel will feature Dean Kent Holsinger, Assistant Dean Karen Bresciano, Megan Petsa, Meg Drakos, Jennifer King, and other colleagues. We encourage you to submit questions ahead of time using the link at the bottom our FAQ page.

We hope that you will join us for this Q&A session, but even if you are unable to, we will be updating the FAQ with answers to the questions posed.

If you require an accommodation for this event, please email stuart.duncan@uconn.edu.

Stay safe and healthy,

The Graduate School

Office Closing Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

To our UConn Community,

Due to concern about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) contagion, The Graduate School office will be closed from March 16th until further notice.  Our staff will primarily be working remotely during this time and the best way to reach us will be through email.  We will respond as quickly as possible and may be able to schedule phone and/or video meetings as needed. As always, feel free to email gradschool@uconn.edu with any concern, and we will get your e-mail to the right person and respond as quickly as possible.

During these extraordinary times, please be assured that The Graduate School continues to consider how the pandemic is and could affect academic work.  The leadership of The Graduate School is well placed on the working groups that are meeting regularly to anticipate and ameliorate issues, while making plans to ensure that the business of the university moves forward.  We have been impressed by how thoughtful our administration has been, though it is true that we cannot think of everything.  It is our goal that you feel supported. If you have a question for which you do not know the answer or concern that does not seem to have been addressed, please let us know.  We will either direct you toward the solution or work with you to create one.   

The COVID-19 situation continues to change very quickly. The health, safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority and continually guides our preparation, thinking, and actions. 

To address specific questions for graduate education audiences, please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” links in the side navigation of this web page.

More information about COVID-19 is available at this website: https://uconn.edu/public-notification/coronavirus

Thank you,

The Graduate School

Run for the UConn Graduate Student Trustee Position

This fall, the Department of Student Activities will run a special election for the position of Graduate Student Trustee.

The current Graduate Student Trustee is unable to fulfill the Fall 2019 or Spring 2020 semesters of their term. This special election will elect a new Graduate Student Trustee to fulfill these remaining two semesters. A new election will take place in Spring 2020 for a new Graduate Student Trustee to serve in the position for the next two-year term.

All graduate students (including all regional and professional schools) are eligible to run for this position. Graduate students who are interested in campaigning for this special election need to submit an Intent to Run application due September 13th, 2019 at noon.

To find out more about the Graduate Student Trustee role and election, including position requirements, qualifications for candidacy, election timeline, and to complete an Intent to Run Application: please visit https://vote.uconn.edu/gradtrustee/.

Voting for this special election will take place October 1st, 2019 – October 3rd, 2019.

If you have any questions, please contact Student Trustee Election Committee Chair, Krista O’Brien at krista.obrien@uconn.edu.

UConn PhD candidate, Shreya Kulkarni, awarded Baxter Young Investigator Award

UConn PhD candidate, Shreya Kulkarni, awarded Baxter Young Investigator AwardShreya Kulkarni, PhD candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy, has been awarded the Young Investigator Award by Baxter for her research on ‘Reconstitution of high concentration lyophilized protein formulations.’ Shreya was presented with the award at Baxter’s international headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. Shreya and her advisor, Professor Robin Bogner, presented the research to members of Baxter’s organization and winners of other awards. Reflecting on the award, Shreya stated that “it is a great honor to receive this highly competitive award. None of this would have been possible without the continued support and guidance from my advisor Professor Robin Bogner. Dr. Bogner has been instrumental in motivating me to delve deeper into every research problem. I would also like to thank my thesis committee and our collaborators for the helpful discussions and suggestions on my thesis research. I feel very lucky to be part of the Pharmaceutics program at UConn!”

Please join the Graduate School in congratulating Shreya for her outstanding accomplishments!