Announcements for Current Students

Register for New TA orientation

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If you are TA'ing for the first time in Spring 2027, please join us for new TA orientation on January 13, 2027, from 8:45AM - 12:30PM in Rowe 122. The Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation is designed to help students succeed in their TA role at UConn and will introduce principles and practices of effective teaching.

Rachel presenting at 2026 New TA Orientation
Dr. Rachel Prunier, Director of Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Scholar Development, facilitating a teaching session during New TA Orientation (via CETL).

Participants will:

  • Become familiar with UConn’s student demographic
  • Increase your comfort using HuskyCT tools
  • Be informed about where to review key policies, working with students with disabilities, the student code of conduct, and other university resources
  • Describe a few strategies to make their classrooms engaging and inclusive.
  • Recognize resources and professional development opportunities that are available to you for furthering your practical knowledge about teaching and learning and to maximize your TAship
  • Make connections to new TAs and support staff.

Register here

Stay connected with The Graduate School at UConn on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook for more event updates.

First‑Generation College Student Week

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The Graduate School at UConn, in collaboration with the Academic Achievement Center, invites you to join us for one or more events dedicated to first-generation graduate students during National First-Generation College Student Week, November 8–13, 2026. Through these events, we aim to celebrate first-generation graduate students while providing opportunities for social engagement, community building, and professional development to support their academic and professional journeys at UConn.

First-generation graduate students gather for a photoshoot at Rowe. Photo credit: Justin Guy Dumdum, UConn HESA.

Although this week is dedicated to celebrating and supporting first-generation graduate students, the Job Offer Negotiations Workshop is open to all graduate students, whether they are first-generation or not. The other two events, the First-Gen Undergraduate and Graduate Student Mixer and First-Gen Grad Connect, are mainly for first-generation students to connect and build community.

Graduate students at UConn’s regional campuses are also welcome to participate. Those who can travel to Storrs can attend the in-person events, while those who cannot are encouraged to join the virtual workshop.

Please see the events below and RSVP for those you would like to attend.

First-Generation Graduate and Undergraduate Mixer 

Wednesday, November 11 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Join us at the Innovation Zone (Werth Tower) on the Storrs campus for an opportunity to connect first-generation undergraduate and graduate students at UConn! Undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate education will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from first-generation graduate students about their experiences and journeys. The event will also provide graduate students with opportunities to share insights, offer guidance, and build mentorship connections with undergraduate students. Light refreshments and souvenirs will be provided for attendees.

This event is open to only first-generation students.

RSVP to Attend

Job Offer Negotiations

Thursday, November 12 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Join Melanie Sinche, Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Success at The Graduate School, for a virtual professional development session on understanding job offers and how to negotiate them. This session will cover important things to consider before accepting a job offer, including salary, benefits, and employment contracts. We will also discuss the differences between job offers in academia (such as faculty and research positions) and those in industry and other professional fields. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, discuss examples of job offers, and learn helpful tips for making informed career decisions. 

This event is open to all graduate students 

RSVP to Attend

First-Gen Graduate Student Connect

Friday, November 13 | 4:00–7:00 p.m. 

Join us at the Heritage Room in Homer Babbidge Library for an evening of food, conversations, and connections with fellow first-generation graduate students at UConn! This social event is an opportunity to meet other first-generation graduate students, connect with first-generation faculty and staff, and share experiences, challenges, and ideas. Attendees may also have the opportunity to hear from a first-generation graduate alum about their journey and experiences during and after graduate school. Come enjoy a variety of food, meet new people, and build meaningful connections within UConn's first-generation graduate student community!

This event is open to only first-generation students.

RSVP to Attend

First-generation graduate student programming goes beyond First-Generation College Student Week! Join Kimberly Curry for a GRADCHAT session on Friday, November 20, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. focused on helping first-generation graduate students find opportunities and navigate the hidden curriculum of graduate education Read more and RSVP here.

For more information about first-generation graduate student resources and programming at UConn, visit this page or join our listserv by completing the short form below.

Join the UConn First Gen Grad Community

Stay connected with The Graduate School at UConn on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook for more event updates.

Spring 2027 Registration Information for Graduate Students

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Dear Graduate Students,

The message below includes information relevant to both new incoming graduate students and those who will be continuing on as students in Spring 2027. Please review the information below carefully and reach out with any questions you may have. If you have not done so already, please be sure to enroll in classes prior to the start of the semester*, which begins January 19.

*Students who are using an employee tuition waiver should follow the timeline associated with their waiver.

Information for New Students
Departments and programs may have more specific guidance for new students on what courses they should be enrolling in. Students should reach out to the program or their academic advisor for guidance on which courses they should enroll in during their first semester. (This information may also be available on the program’s website or in the Graduate Catalog.)

If a student has holds on their account that prevent enrollment, such as the Student Financial Responsibility Statement or an immunization hold, they will not be able to register for classes until those holds have been cleared. We advise students to try to register early so that there is plenty of time to review and clear any holds before classes fill up or enrollment deadlines approach.

The Office of the Registrar provides an overview of useful registration tools available in Student Admin along with registration-related forms. UConn’s Knowledge Base provides step-by-step instructions on how to manage your enrollment through the Student Administration system. If you have difficulty registering, please reach out to onestop@uconn.edu (or registrar@uchc.edu for UCH grads) for assistance. Please note, permission numbers for courses are typically managed by the course instructor.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement
Continuous enrollment is a requirement of all graduate programs. Students who will not be registering in coursework or research credits must register for a zero-credit continuous registration course to maintain their active student status. Continuous registration courses include GRAD 5997, GRAD 5998, and GRAD 6998, as well as GRAD 5999 (Thesis Preparation) and GRAD 6999 (Dissertation Preparation). Enrollment in a continuous registration course should be completed before the first day of classes. There are financial implications when changing from being enrolled in credits to no credits as of the first day of classes. Changes from credits to a zero-credit placeholder cannot be made after the first day of classes.

Research Credits
Students should consult with their advisor regarding when it is appropriate to enroll in research credits for their course of study. Doctoral students should register for GRAD 6950. Plan A Master’s students should register for GRAD 5950. Each section number corresponds to the number of credits you will earn (e.g., GRAD 6950-001 will earn one credit, GRAD 6950-002 will earn two credits, etc.). All sections will show “Staff” (or similar) as the instructor. Through an automatic process later in the semester, students will be moved to a grade roster associated with their major advisor. Permission numbers are not needed for students to self-enroll in these research courses and the permission number field should be left blank when registering. If you attempt to register and receive an error, contact onestop@uconn.edu for assistance. Be sure to include your 7-digit student ID in all correspondence.

Graduate Internship Courses
Students who will be engaging in an internship for which they plan to earn academic credit can find information about course options and how to enroll on The Graduate School’s Graduate Internship Courses page.

Cancelling Enrollment/Leave of Absence
Continuing students who wish to cancel enrollment prior to the start of the semester or any student who attends class and then decides to withdraw from all their courses should notify The Graduate School (TGS) by completing an online Voluntary Separation Notification Form as soon as possible. The add/drop period that extends through the 10th day of classes is only available to students who plan to be enrolled in credited coursework throughout the semester. A student who wishes to go down to zero credits or withdraw from their program completely will need assistance from The Graduate School and will be subject to the University’s Withdrawal Tuition and Fee Adjustment Schedule, which will apply based on the date the student notifies TGS of the intent to withdraw via the online Voluntary Separation Notification process, not when they last attended classes. Visit The Graduate School’s voluntary separations page to learn more about options available, including the academic leave of absence process.

Deferral of Admission
If you are an incoming student for the spring semester and wish to request a deferral of your application/admission to a future semester, more information on that process is available on The Graduate School’s admissions FAQ and questions can be directed to gradadmissions@uconn.edu.

Day 10 Automatic Separation
Students who do not register for classes by the 10th day are automatically discontinued from their program. If the student then wishes to be enrolled after Day 10, the student will need to request reinstatement to their program, which is not guaranteed and incurs a $65 fee. Students should also be aware that classes with insufficient enrollment will be cancelled and will then be unavailable even if the student is reinstated. A lapse in active student status may also affect access to University systems, such as student email and OneDrive, and may result in permanent data loss. Timely registration will maintain active student status and prevent this.

Additional Registration Information for Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistants (GAs) are required to be enrolled as full-time students (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 six credits before the start date of their spring semester employment (January 7, 2027). GAs who have not completed their registration for a minimum of six credits by their start date are not fulfilling one of the contingencies of employment and may be subject to termination from their assistantship. (GAs employed solely at UConn Health should follow the registration deadlines set by UCH.)

Please note, the tuition waiver will not post to a GA’s fee bill until the GA is registered for at least 6 credits. Therefore, if a student is not fully registered in a timely fashion, this can result in a Bursar hold on the student’s account that blocks enrollment and other services, as well as incurs late fees.

Students should consult with their advisor regarding when it is appropriate to enroll in research credits for their course of study. Doctoral students should register for GRAD 6950. Plan A Master’s students should register for GRAD 5950. GAs should NOT register for GRAD 6960 (Full-Time Doctoral Research) or GRAD 5960 (Full-Time Master’s Research). GRAD 6960 and 5960 are only 3 credits and will create duplicate fee charges or prevent the tuition waiver from populating if it is the only course the GA is registered for.

GAs employed at Storrs and regional campuses who fall under the Graduate Employee Union (GEU) are encouraged to visit the Graduate Assistant Onboarding webpage. This page provides information, resources, and to-do items specific to being a GA that helps GAs successfully transition into their assistantship.

If you are experiencing difficulty registering, or have any questions, please feel free to reach out for assistance. Please include your 7-digit student ID number in all correspondence.

To register now, please log in to the Student Administration System.

Best,

Megan Petsa
Director of Graduate Student Administration

The Graduate School
University of Connecticut
The Whetten Graduate Center, Second Floor
438 Whitney Road Extension, Unit 1152 | Storrs, CT 06269-1152
860.486.0977 | www.grad.uconn.edu | Pronouns: she/hers

Fall 2026: Last day of work for GAs holding F-1 and J-1 visas

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Dear International Huskies,

This message is going out to all international graduate assistants at UConn as a reminder. If the the information does not apply to you now, it will be important for you to be aware of these limitations in the future. 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 2026 graduate, you will no longer be pursuing your degree after your degree conferral on December 20, 2026 and you can no longer work on campus as of this date.

If you hold a Fall 2026 GA appointment at Storrs or a regional campus (excepting UConn Health), the final date of your appointment is January 6, 2027. 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 between the degree conferral date and the appointment end date should be treated as time off. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before your degree conferral date. You will still receive your full fall GA stipend.

In addition, ISSS will be updating your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date to December 20, 2026 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 21, 2026. 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

The Graduate School Newsletter: Fall 2026

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Dear UConn Graduate Students,

Welcome to the fall semester! I hope that the summer months were restorative for you. As we approach the new academic year, I’d like to share a few news items, resources, and events with you. One of the most critical updates is the change to Duration of Status for international graduate students. Please view our newsletter to read more about this important immigration update.

This summer, The Graduate School launched a new online Graduate Student Orientation platform for all UConn graduate students. Whether you are a new or returning student, this tool will assist you in finding the support you need when you need it. Click here to visit the new site.

During the fall months, we hope to see you either online or in-person at our events. Be sure to check out the Graduate Student Resource Fair, taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 2-4pm on the Storrs campus. We are expecting 15+ offices supporting graduate students to attend. Also, consider joining us for the online GRADCHAT series, designed to provide a safe space for you and to help you succeed in graduate school. We invite you to view our Fall 2026 newsletter to learn more about what we have in store for you.

As always, The Graduate School is here to help. Reach out anytime for assistance.

Best wishes for a successful fall!

Leslie M. Shor

Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School

Graduate Student Resource Fair

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The Graduate School, in partnership with the Graduate Student Senate, invites all graduate students to RSVP and attend the Fall 2026 Graduate Student Resource Fair. The event will be held in the North Reading Room, Wilbur Cross Building, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

The Resource Fair is designed to connect graduate students with a variety of campus resources that support their academic, professional, and personal success at UConn. Whether you are new to campus or continuing your graduate studies, you will have the opportunity to learn about the many services available to help you thrive throughout your graduate journey. Although the fair will be held on the Storrs campus, graduate students from UConn’s regional campuses who are interested and able to attend are also welcome to join us.

Graduate student Michael Nyarko and Karen Bresciano, Assistant Dean of The Graduate School at the Spring 2026 Graduate Student Resource Fair.

Graduate students on the Storrs campus, especially new graduate students, are encouraged to RSVP and attend. Representatives from the Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) team in The Graduate School, along with more than 15 campus offices and 30+ representatives, will be available to answer your questions and share information about the many resources and services available to support your success at UConn. Additional offices may be added as we get closer to the event. 

RSVP Here

Browse the participating offices by category below. 

RSVP Here

Leading up to the Resource Fair, The Graduate School will host a Graduate Student Panel on Tuesday, August 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Current graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines will share what they wish they had known before starting graduate school, the campus resources that helped them succeed, and advice for navigating graduate school. The panel will also include an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. 

The Graduate Student Panel is open to all new graduate students and will be held in the Class of 1947 Room, Homer Babbidge Library. RSVP HERE.  

For questions about the Graduate Student Resource Fair or the Graduate Student Panel, please contact The Graduate School at gradschool@uconn.edu. 

Connect with The Graduate School on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for event updates and future opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided at both events. 

Kun Chen Named Academic Director of UConn’s M.S. in Data Science Program

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Appointment positions the interdisciplinary program for continued growth and an increasingly AI-driven future

The University of Connecticut is pleased to announce that Kun Chen, Professor of Statistics, has been named Academic Director of UConn’s M.S. in Data Science program.

Chen brings to the position an exceptional record of interdisciplinary scholarship, academic leadership, teaching, and mentorship. A professor in UConn’s Department of Statistics and a research fellow in the Center for Population Health at UConn Health, his research spans statistical learning, machine learning, optimization, health data science, bioinformatics, population health, and healthcare analytics.

An internationally recognized scholar, Chen is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and an elected member of the International Statistical Institute. In 2024, he received the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Innovative Scholarship Award, which recognizes outstanding interdisciplinary research addressing significant challenges to knowledge, human well-being, and society. His work exemplifies the collaborative, application-focused approach that is central to UConn’s vision for data science.

As Academic Director, Chen will provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the M.S. in Data Science program. He will work across UConn’s schools and colleges to guide the program’s academic direction, strengthen its curriculum, support faculty collaboration, enhance the student experience, deepen relationships with industry and external partners, and identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.

UConn’s M.S. in Data Science is a 30-credit, career-focused graduate program offered in both an intensive, cohort-based on-campus format and a flexible online format. Drawing on faculty expertise from five schools and colleges—the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, the School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Neag School of Education—the interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students across the full data science lifecycle, including statistical analysis, computing, machine learning, data management, visualization, communication, research design, ethics, and responsible data use. The program culminates in a team-based capstone through which students work collaboratively to address consequential, real-world challenges, often in partnership with industry and organizational collaborators.

Chen’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the field. As data science and artificial intelligence rapidly converge, organizations increasingly need professionals who combine advanced analytical and AI capabilities with strong statistical foundations, ethical judgment, and deep domain expertise.

Under Chen’s leadership, the program will build on its strengths in statistics, computing, machine learning, and applied problem-solving while expanding opportunities at the intersection of data science and artificial intelligence. This next phase will strengthen connections with UConn’s growing AI research and educational ecosystem, deepen industry engagement, expand the program’s national visibility, and prepare graduates to lead in a professional landscape increasingly shaped by generative AI, advanced machine learning, and intelligent decision systems. At the same time, the program will preserve the qualities that distinguish it: its interdisciplinary structure, academic rigor, commitment to responsible practice, and focus on translating technical knowledge into meaningful real-world impact.

Chen succeeds Jeremy Teitelbaum, who has served as Academic Director since 2023 and is stepping down from the role. As the program’s first dedicated director following its launch, Jeremy has led the M.S. in Data Science program through a formative period of growth and development. His leadership has helped establish the program’s academic identity, strengthen its interdisciplinary partnerships, expand enrollment, and build a strong foundation for continued success. We are sincerely grateful for Jeremy’s vision, dedication, and service, and we thank him for the lasting contributions he has made to UConn’s M.S. in Data Science program.

Please join me in thanking Jeremy, and congratulating Kun.

Upcoming Fall 2026 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 it is recommended that you register by August 1 and it is required that you are registered for a minimum of 6 credits before the start date of your employment (August 23, 2026). 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 your fee bill, at the Graduate Assistant Onboarding page.

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

Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) and Graduate Student Showcase : Fall 2026

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The Graduate School at UConn invites you to RSVP to attend the second annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) and Graduate Student Showcase. This event celebrates the impact, creativity, and purpose behind graduate students’ work through brief, engaging presentations designed for a general audience. The showcase will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Konover Auditorium at The Dodd Center for Human Rights. The competition features eligible degree-seeking graduate students from all UConn campuses.

Spencer Hayes, presenting on the topic “Social Media's Dichotomous Agency in Human Trafficking” during the Spring 2026 3MT and Graduate Student Showcase.
Spencer Hayes, presenting on the topic “Social Media's Dichotomous Agency in Human Trafficking” during the Spring 2026 3MT® and Graduate Student Showcase.

The goal of the event is to provide eligible graduate students with an opportunity to gain experience communicating the significance of their work to a non-specialist audience in three minutes or less. Prior to the event, participants will have the opportunity to attend two presentation workshops, as outlined in the table below. The event is open to the UConn community and guests. We invite you to attend, support our graduate student presenters, and vote for your favorite presentation for the People’s Choice Award.

RSVP to Attend

Timeline: 

Monday, July 20, 2026  Application opens
Friday, August 7, 2026  Application deadline for graduate students 
Wednesday, August 12, 2026   Designing Engaging Presentations workshop

Completed!
Friday, August 21, 2026 Decisions made, graduate students notified
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

 Creating Effective Presentations workshop (Room 1102, Homer Babbidge Library)

Register here.
September 10-18, 2026  Preliminary round 
Wednesday, October 7, 2026  Final competition 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Category 1: All Master's degrees; Professional and clinical doctoral degrees 
  • Category 2: Arts, Humanities, and Social Science doctoral degrees (PhD candidates only) 
  • Category 3: STEM doctoral degrees (PhD candidates only) 

Please note:

Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program during the Fall 2026 semester to participate in the competition. While students from both thesis-based and non-thesis-based programs are eligible to compete and win at the UConn level, only students enrolled in thesis-based programs are eligible to advance to the national and international Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competitions.

The Graduate School will also host a poster competition during the Spring 2027 semester. While the poster competition is open to all graduate students, those who may not be eligible to participate in the Fall 2026 3MT® and Graduate Student Showcase competition are especially encouraged to apply. Additional details about the Spring 2027 poster competition will be shared as they become available. 

To participate in Categories 2 or 3 above: 

  • The applicant must be a doctoral student enrolled in a program with a dissertation requirement. 
  • The applicant must be an active student when they apply and compete. Applicants who complete their degree during the prior semester cannot compete. 
  • The applicant must have documented successful completion of the General Examination by submitting the Report on the General Exam to the Office of the Registrar Degree Audit Team no later than Sept 30, 2026. 
  • The applicant must have documented successful completion and submission of the dissertation proposal by submitting the Dissertation Proposal Form to the Office of the Registrar Degree Audit Team no later than September 30, 2026. 
  • The Dissertation Proposal Form may be submitted to Degree Audit without approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The milestone will be posted as "in progress" and will meet the eligibility requirements for this application. IRB/IACUC approval must be submitted to Degree Audit once received to ensure that the milestone is updated to "complete" on the student record.

Prizes:

Ten (10) finalists in each of the categories listed above will be selected to compete on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. These thirty (30) finalists will receive $100 each for competing. At the event, the following prizes will be awarded within each category:

  • First prize: $1,000
  • Runner-up: $750
  • People's Choice: $500

At the end of the event, an overall winner will be selected from among the three categories and will receive an additional $5,000 for a total Grand Prize of $6,100. The institution's representative for the national and international 3MT® competitions will also be determined based on the eligibility criteria outlined above.

Competition Process: 

Selected participants will present their three-minute talk to a panel of judges during the preliminary round between September 10 and September 18. Presentations may be conducted virtually or in person. From the preliminary round, ten finalists from each category will be selected to compete in the final competition on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Judging Criteria: Presentations are evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Clarity and accessibility of the description of your work 
  • Problem, question, or challenge addressed 
  • Connection between your degree program and your future goals 
  • Broader impact of your work 

Rules for the 3MT® presentation: 

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration). 
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted. 
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted. 
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified. 
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps, or songs). 
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage. 
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech. 
  • The competition is judged by a panel of professionals with wide ranging academic and non-academic expertise. 
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

RSVP to Attend

Connect with The Graduate School at UConn on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for more event updates.

Fall 2026 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, 2026.

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 2026 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. View the 15 Credit Programs list.
  • 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, 2026. Applications received following this date will not be considered. You can access the application form and more information on this webpage.