Recruiting Mentors and Mentees for the Network for Enriched Mentorship (NEM)

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The proposed Network for Enriched Mentorship (NEM) is a UConn-wide interdisciplinary mentoring network for graduate students. Through NEM, graduate students can connect with mentors who support them beyond their coursework and dissertations. Our aim is that by connecting with mentors who have experience navigating obstacles (e.g., systemic bias, personal hardship) or who serve as effective and accountable allies, more students—including those from diverse backgrounds—will feel supported and empowered in their careers.

In the past academic year, we paired over 60 graduate students from various backgrounds and academic programs with NEM faculty and staff mentors. Many of these mentees were able to establish meaningful relationships and receive valuable support from their mentors.

How it Works – The Process 

  1. Mentor declaring interest: Interested UConn faculty and staff (hereafter: “mentors”) submit their information to The Graduate School while indicating focus areas they are willing to discuss with a student.
  1. Mentee declaring interest: Interested graduate students (hereafter: “mentees”) submit their information to The Graduate School while indicating issues/topic areas they would like to seek support.
  1. Matching: The Grad School matches mentors and mentees based on the above information and communicate this back to newly matched mentors and mentees by an initial email, encouraging the mentor to reach out to the mentee. One mentor may be matched with more than one mentee.
  1. Meeting: The mentor and the mentee then would be committed to schedule meetings regularly, in-person or online (e.g., at least once per month).
  1. Length of commitment: The mentorship period should last for at least for one academic year.

Program Information

Faculty/Staff Mentor Sign-up

Graduate Student Mentee Sign-up

If interested in participating, please sign up by October 18. Please reach out to gradschool@uconn.edu with any questions.

Resources for Graduate Students

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Dear Huskies,

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 | Megan Petsa

Fall 2024: Last day of work for GAs holding F-1 and J-1 visas

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The following information is also being shared with international GAs by ISSS.

Dear International Huskies,

Federal government regulations allow graduate students on F-1 and J-1 visas to hold on-campus employment while they are pursuing their degree. If you will be a Fall 2024 graduate, you will no longer be pursuing your degree after December 15, 2024 and can no longer work on campus beyond that date.

If you hold a Fall 2024 GA appointment at Storrs or a regional campus (excepting UConn Health), the final date of your appointment is January 7, 2025. If your degree is conferred in December and you hold an F-1 or J-1 visa and your assistantship appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Employee Union (GEU), the time from December 15, 2024 through January 7, 2025 should be treated as time off. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before December 15, 2024. You will still receive your full Fall 2024 GA stipend.

In addition, ISSS will be updating your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date to December 15, 2024 if you are graduating in December and hold a GAship this term. This means your grace period to depart the U.S., or your first eligible date to begin post-completion practical training will begin December 16, 2024. Please plan for this accordingly. ISSS will adjust your I-20 or DS-2019 end date automatically based on notification that you have applied for graduation, or at the time you apply for post-completion OPT (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students), whichever comes first. ISSS will notify you when your adjusted I-20 or DS-2019 is ready to download from your ISSS portal account.

Please reach out to ISSS at international@uconn.edu if you have any questions about this guidance as it relates to your visa status, I-20, grace period, or practical training timeline.

Leslie M. Shor
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student and Scholar Services

WiSFiRE: Women in STEM Frontiers in Research Expo

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Join us for the fourth annual WiSFiRE conference, a one-day event featuring technical talks, a career panel and networking opportunities with women faculty in STEM at UConn. Come hear about their exciting research and how they have built their scientific careers!

Featuring faculty from the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Pharmacy, as well as alumni.

Free and open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Keynote Speakers

  • Dr. Nora Berrah – Physics, University of Connecticut
  • Dr. Gosia Chwatko – Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky and B.S., Chemical Engineering, 2015 (UConn)

 

Event Information

  • Date: September 20, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Location: Student Union Ballroom, UConn Storrs Campus

 

Register at: wisfire2024.eventbrite.com

Welcome Graduate Students!

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Dear UConn Graduate Students,

Welcome to UConn at the start of another academic year. During this semester, you may be pursuing advanced credentials in one of our graduate professional schools or engaging in research as you work towards a master’s or Ph.D. degree. Simultaneously, you may be working on or off campus, including by teaching, training, or mentoring other UConn students. Through your various roles, you are advancing UConn’s institutional goals. Thank you for the many contributions you will continue to make on behalf of UConn.

By virtue of your many roles, both professional and personal, you may feel pulled in different directions this year. You are a valued member of our academic community with important obligations to others. But do not forget that you came to UConn primarily to learn, to train, and to be mentored yourself. First and foremost, you are a student. I encourage you to keep your own academic, professional, and personal goals clear in your mind as you face the challenges ahead.

And speaking of challenges, please also keep in mind that The Graduate School is here to help you, together with our partners in the schools and colleges and various student support offices at UConn. The Graduate School has dedicated staff to assist graduate students who are facing academic, interpersonal, or other challenges. So please reach out. Below, I list some reminders and helpful links.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy, and successful academic year.

Sincerely,

Leslie M. Shor

Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School

 

 

KEY RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS AT UCONN

 

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs, The Graduate School

All new graduate students are encouraged to complete an online orientation experience. The orientation provides important information about academic and everyday life at UConn and is the first step to ensuring your success and getting you connected to our community. Our online orientation materials include videos and modules designed to help you navigate the various opportunities at UConn and to help you gain valuable skills and experiences that will enhance your graduate education. To access orientation: 1) Log in to your Application Status Portal; 2) Open your matriculated application; and 3) Select the Orientation tab.

Current students should bookmark our Resources for Current Students page where you can find information on Guidance and Support, Career Support, Financing, and Getting Involved.

The Graduate School’s Network for Enriched Mentorship (NEM) is a UConn-wide interdisciplinary mentoring network, open to all graduate students, but with a special focus on minoritized graduate students and those who come from backgrounds that may disadvantage them. Through NEM, graduate students can find mentors to help them navigate issues that arise outside of their coursework and dissertations. We hope that by connecting students with mentors who have experience navigating obstacles (e.g., systemic bias, personal hardship, alternative career trajectories), or who can be effective and accountable allies, more students will feel supported and empowered in their graduate careers and beyond. Graduate students interested in NEM should  sign up to be a mentee!

The Graduate School’s Fall Timely Topics Series now includes sessions specifically designed for graduate students. These sessions focus on financial literacy, time management, how to have effective conversations about difficult things, and information about accommodations through the Center for Students with Disabilities that will be relevant to both graduate students and graduate students who hold a TA role.

The Graduate School staff is available to answer questions about both academic and non-academic resources that are available to graduate students and advise on strategies for navigating challenges.  If you need additional support, email gradschool@uconn.edu and a staff member will help you.

 

The Student Code

Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code has been updated recently, as were policies for Posting Signs, holding Outdoor Activities, and utilizing Amplified Sound. The updates were done primarily to lend clarity to policy, rather than to establish new rules. If you are planning any gatherings, or posting signs, we strongly encourage you to consult Student Activities, or your Campus Dean, and review these policies. Students should also be aware of InForm which collects UConn reporting and support resources.

 

Graduate Student Senate (GSS)

The Graduate Student Senate is a representative body comprised of and serving graduate students at UConn. Contact GSS directly for more information.

Upcoming GSS meetings:

  • Orientation Meeting-Mandatory In-Person Meeting for all New and Returning GSS Members-September 18, 2024, 6-8PM in Student Union 221
  • Regular GSS Meetings- September 25, 2024, 6-8PM in Student Union 221

 

Center for Students with Disabilities

Graduate students may want to explore the possibility of accessing accommodations with the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). To begin the process of requesting accommodations, visit csd.uconn.edu and click on the MyAccess button to get registered. You will then be assigned to work with a Disability Services Provider who will engage with you to discuss your concerns and appropriate accommodations. Students requesting accommodations will need to provide supporting documentation. Please share the guidelines with your external medical, psychological, or educational professional to obtain appropriate documentation. Contact Timothy Smagacz, Program Assistant, at (860) 486-2020 or myaccess-csd@uconn.edu with questions regarding documentation.

 

Student Health and Wellness – Mental Health

For Storrs students (undergrad or graduate) who pay the SHaW fee, students may access SHaW-MH by calling 860-486-4705 or by scheduling a screening appointment here. SHaW provides mental health services to promote the emotional, relational, and academic potential of undergraduate and graduate students. SHAW-Mental Health offers:

  • Rapid access screening appointments
  • Emergency/Crisis assessment
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Medication management
  • Mindfulness/Meditation/Yoga workshops
  • Referral and off-campus support services

Regional campus students (undergrad or graduate) seeking mental health resources will find campus-specific contact information here.

Medical, dental and graduate students at UConn Health will find mental health evaluation and treatment resources here.

 

Ombuds Office

The UConn Ombuds Office serves as a neutral resource providing confidential and informal assistance to members of the UConn and UConn Health community. Professional and graduate students may meet with an ombuds officer to express concerns, identify options to address workplace conflicts, facilitate productive communication, and surface responsible concerns regarding university policies and practices.

Graduate Student Timely Topics Series

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The Graduate School’s 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. The recently added student track of this series features sessions that highlight University resources and supports, answer questions about academic processes and procedures, and provide strategies to help students successfully navigate their graduate career. All sessions are offered virtually.

Register for a Session | View the full student track schedule and session descriptions 

Fall 2024 Student Sessions:

How to Have Effective Conversations About Difficult Things in Graduate School and Beyond
Difficult conversations are just that: difficult. But they are a healthy, normal part of our relationships with others, including faculty advisors and colleagues. Having difficult conversations with faculty advisors and directors of graduate programs can be intimidating and overwhelming, particularly for new graduate students. Whether it is asking for feedback or discussing a conflict, the tendency can be to avoid the issue or possibly overact in a conversation. We will unpack why we sometimes avoid challenging conversations; discuss why they cause so much stress and anxiety; and identify strategies that will reduce stress and increase success in these conversations. While this session will be particularly relevant to communicating with faculty advisors, the challenges and strategies discussed will be applicable to multiple types of relationships. This interactive session is open to all graduate students and postdocs.

Date:  Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Time:  11am – 12pm
Facilitators:  Cinnamon Adams, University Ombuds, Ombuds Office & Kimberly Curry, Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Support, The Graduate School

Making Change: Your Finances, Your Future
In this workshop, you will have an opportunity to consider how your finances align with your goals. We’ll discuss goal setting and creating a plan for spending that will help you move closer to reaching them, saving, staying motivated, and ways to reduce expenses. Resource materials will be shared.

Date:  Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time:  11am – 12pm
Facilitator:  Faye Griffiths-Smith, Personal Finance Educator, UConn Extension

Time Management: Getting the Most Out of a Limited Resource
Being successful in graduate school and beyond depends on your ability to manage your time efficiently. Come learn some techniques for getting what you need to get done while still having a life outside of work.

Date:  Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Time:  10am – 11am
Facilitator:  Rachel Prunier, Director of Teaching and Learning in the Life & Physical Sciences, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Accommodations: What Graduate Students and TA Instructors Need to Know
This session will discuss the accommodations process for students with disabilities, student and instructor rights and responsibilities, and student versus employment accommodations. The information shared will be relevant to both graduate students and Graduate Assistants who serve in a teaching/instructor role. Time will be available at the end of the session for participant questions.

Date:  Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time:  10am – 11am
Facilitator:  Jennifer Lucia, Senior Associate Director, Center for Students with Disabilities

Register for a Session

Learn more about all of The Graduate School’s Timely Topics

Upcoming Fall 2024 GA Registration Deadline

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As a reminder, all students employed as Graduate Assistants are required to maintain full-time student status (6 or more credits), as noted in their offer letter and The Graduate Catalog. Employment as a GA is a result of student status, therefore GAs are expected to be registered for a minimum of 6 credits before the start date of their employment (August 23, 2024). Please be aware that if you do not enroll in the minimum 6 credits required to maintain full-time student status, the University cannot employ you as a GA.

To register now, log into Student Admin. You can also find helpful information, resources, and to-do items specific to your role as a GA, including information about GA health insurance and deadlines for enrolling in GA payroll deductions to pay our fee bill, at the Graduate Assistant Onboarding page.

Students who have the “GEMB – Graduate Embargo” hold on their record, will be unable to register in classes until they are present in the U.S. If you are a student with this particular hold, please be sure to check in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) immediately upon arrival and register for classes through Student Admin as soon as ISSS has removed the hold.

If you have any questions about this requirement or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to megan.petsa@uconn.edu.

Fall 2024 Fellows and Trainees – Register by July 1

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If you have been awarded a prestigious external fellowship, a traineeship on an institutional training grant, or one of The Graduate School’s Jorgensen, Harriott, or Crandall fellowships for the upcoming academic year (as determined by UConn’s Policy on Competitive Federal Graduate Fellowship Awards and Policy on Non-Federal Graduate Fellowship Awards), we strongly recommend that you register for the fall semester no later than July 1 so that your first stipend disbursement can be issued on time. External prestigious fellows and trainees are required to be registered for the stipend to be disbursed. Full-time enrollment for a graduate student is nine credits unless you have also been appointed as a GA for the semester, in which case, full-time enrollment is six credits.

Registration by July 1 is beneficial in the following ways:

  • Timely disbursement of the first stipend payment
  • Allows time for your fee bill to be properly paid and deferred before the start of classes so holds are not placed on your account due to an unpaid fee bill.
  • Ensures you are offered the opportunity to enroll in the CT Partnership Plan health insurance, and if applicable, that the Student Health Insurance Plan is removed from your fee bill
  • Allows access to Area 2 parking

You are free to continue adjusting your schedule through the end of the add/drop period (the tenth day of the semester), but we recommend adding your new courses before dropping any to maintain consistent full-time enrollment after the semester has begun. If you will have enrollment for the semester that is below nine credits, please notify your department admin so payment made toward your fee bill can be adjusted.

More information about registration for graduate students can be found in The Graduate School’s Fall 2024 Registration Information for Graduate Students message. Please reach out to grad@uconn.edu with any questions.

Fall 2024 Conference Participation Award

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We are pleased to announce that The Graduate School’s Conference Participation Award (formerly the Doctoral Student Travel Award) will be accepting applications from June 1 through June 30, 2024.

The Graduate School is committed to helping graduate students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals during their time at the University of Connecticut. In support of this goal, The Graduate School offers a Conference Participation Award to support students’ ability to present their research at national or international meetings and conferences, including both in-person and virtual events. This conference participation fellowship in the amount of $750 will be awarded for Fall 2024 and paid through the student’s fee bill. If awarded, students will be notified in late-July. Please review the eligibility criteria for the fellowship carefully before applying.

Students are responsible for knowing any and all travel advisories, restrictions, and relevant University policies and should plan accordingly. Students should stay up to date with information shared by the U.S. Department of State and the University’s Travel Services office.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The applicant must be a doctoral or MFA student.
  • The applicant must be enrolled in the semester for which the fellowship is awarded, e.g., fall semester for applications due by June 30.
  • The applicant must have successfully completed at least 30 credits toward their degree program prior to applying for this fellowship unless their program requires less than 30 credits with a prior master’s degree.
    • If a student has attained a master’s degree from another university and their program only requires 15 doctoral credits with a master’s degree, they qualify for eligibility upon completion of all 15 credits. A list of those programs can be found here.
  • The applicant is not eligible if they have previously received a Doctoral Student Travel Award or Conference Participation Award.
  • The funds are intended to be used for participation in a conference at which the student is presenting their research.
  • Students at UConn Health and UConn Law are not eligible for this award.

Please note, fellowships are not guaranteed, as funds are limited and pending budgetary approval. We hope to provide funding to all eligible applicants, but eligible students who are not awarded in this cycle will be encouraged to apply in the next cycle.

The deadline for application is June 30, 2024. Applications received following this date will not be considered. You can access the application form and more information here.

Faculty Affiliates for Inclusive Excellence

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Colleagues,

The Graduate School continues to host two Faculty Affiliates for Inclusive Excellence for two year staggered terms. We are looking for one new affiliate to serve a two year term beginning in Fall 2024, who will work alongside our continuing affiliate, Mary Anne Amalaradjou. Our affiliates focus on improving support for students from minoritized communities and on improving faculty mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with a particular focus on improving mentoring for those from minoritized groups. Affiliates will create innovative ideas and initiatives, such as developing resources and establishing programs that future faculty affiliates can sustain with support from The Graduate School staff. The affiliates will work very closely with one another in addition to working with The Graduate School staff and with relevant faculty and staff throughout the University, especially the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the cultural centers.

Affiliates will devote an average of 3-4 hours per week to their service for which they will receive a research stipend of $7500. There will also be some funds available to support initiatives that the affiliates develop.

We invite both applications and nominations for the affiliate positions. Please contact Kent Holsinger (kent.holsinger@uconn.edu), Mary Bernstein (Mary.Bernstein@uconn.edu) or Karen Bresciano (karen.bresciano@uconn.edu) if you would like more information about becoming an affiliate or if you would like to nominate someone. To apply, email graduatedean@uconn.edu and include a brief statement (no more than 1-2 pages) describing why you are interested in the position, the experience you have that makes you a good candidate for the position, and an initial idea or two about what you would plan to accomplish if you were selected as an affiliate. We will begin considering applications and nominations on May 15th, and the review will continue until affiliates have been selected.

In the past two years, our affiliates developed mentorship guides for faculty and graduate students to promote inclusive excellence and launched a Network for Enriched Mentorship (NEM) designed to connect mentees with mentors outside of their coursework and dissertations who have experience navigating obstacles (e.g., systemic bias, personal hardship, alternative career trajectories) or who can be effective and accountable allies.

Interested applicants could develop projects that support an equitable and supportive educational environment and that fosters a sense of community, with a particular focus on providing support for graduate students and postdocs from minoritized groups. Ideas for other creative projects are welcome.

Kent Holsinger

— 

Kent E. HolsingerBoard of Trustees Distinguished ProfessorVice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School