Announcements

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

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Colleagues,

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 complete your degree requirements during Spring 2022 and if your degree is conferred in May, you will no longer be pursuing your degree after 8 May 2022.

If you hold an Academic Year 2021/2022 or Spring 2022 appointment at Storrs or a regional campus (excepting UConn Health), the final date of your appointment is 22 May 2022. If your degree is conferred in May 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 8 May 2022 through 22 May 2022 should be treated as time off. Please work with your supervisor to ensure that you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before 8 May 2022. You will still receive your full Spring 2022 GA stipend.

In addition, ISSS will be updating your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date to 7 May 2022 if you are graduating in May 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 8 May 2022. 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 change as it relates to your visa status, I-20, grace period, or practical training timeline.

Kent Holsinger

Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Biology

Vice Provost for Graduate Education

   and Dean of The Graduate School

Rae Alexander

Director, International Student and Scholar Services

NIH Supplements to Support Diversity Mentorship

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Sent on behalf of Kent Holsinger, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School to Department Heads, Directors of Graduate Studies, and Graduate Admins. Please share as appropriate.

Colleagues,

The University of Connecticut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. As part of that effort, I wanted to let you know that faculty who hold active grants from the National Institutes of Health may be eligible for supplements to their awards to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. The supplements provide up to $250,000 in direct costs to perform additional research within the scope of the original project, develop curricula or training activities, or to foster the research career development of additional students or postdocs. Proposals are due by 7 April 2022. Please visit this site for a brief overview of the opportunity and visit the link above for complete details.

Please let me know if there are ways in which The Graduate School can help you prepare a competitive proposal for one of these supplements.

— 

Kent E. HolsingerBoard of Trustees Distinguished ProfessorVice Provost for Graduate Educationand Dean of the Graduate School

Posting: Associate Dean of The Graduate School

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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

No Papers, No Fear: Educator Accomplice Training Series

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Sent on behalf of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Division of Enrollment Planning & Management

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management are pleased to announce No Papers, No Fear: Educator Accomplice Training for faculty, staff, and graduate students across the UConn system. This two-hour virtual interactive program will increase educators’ and administrators’ knowledge and skills for supporting undocumented students and families. The program was created in partnership with CT Students for a Dream, and will be facilitated by currently and formerly undocumented students.

Please note: These are stand-alone trainings and participants are encouraged to register for only one workshop. Workshops are capped at 40 participants. Registration is first-come, first-serve.

 

Student Resource Guide – Spring 2022

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There are folks across the university ready to provide support and guidance, but you need to reach out for help. Listed below are offices you may reach out to for assistance. Reaching out early is key as there are more options to explore earlier in a semester.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

Academic or Faculty Advisor:  A student’s major advisor is a resource in navigating academic challenges. Some academic departments also have program staff that can help you determine next steps academically and connect you to resources.  If you are a graduate student, make sure you discuss all possible options with your major advisor. If you aren’t sure who your advisor is, you can find this information in StudentAdmin.

Advising Centers: Each school or college as well as each regional campus has an office or center with oversight over undergraduate advising. These centers/offices serve as a resource to students, faculty and staff on a wide range of advising matters, including:

  • Permission to register for excess credit or add or drop a course
  • Requesting a late withdrawal from a course
  • Academic probation, dismissal, and appeals of academic dismissal
  • Requesting a general education substitution

To learn more about Advising resources, visit the University Advising website.

Academic Support Services: Graduate and undergraduate students can seek academic support from the Writing Center and the Academic Achievement Center.  The Writing Center provides online writing assistance to both undergraduate and graduate students.  An overview of support for graduate students is available at this link; undergraduates can view this link to learn about available services. The Academic Achievement Center (AAC) offers an array of academic support services, including coaching, mentoring, and student success workshops. Although many of the offerings are geared toward undergraduate students, graduate students can contact the AAC directly to discuss specific support needs and will be referred to available resources. Undergraduate students may seek support from the Q-Center for classes that have a quantitative component. Specifically, the Q-Center provides direct assistance to students via peer tutoring, review sessions, and the creation of innovative learning tools.

Course Instructors:  Students can speak with their course instructor to discuss options within the course, such as opportunities to make up work or extra time on an assignment, as well as the possibility of an Incomplete grade.  The Graduate and Undergraduate Catalogs provide more information on Incomplete grades for students considering this option.

Tutoring: Students in need of tutoring may find help within specific academic programs. Below is a list of tutoring resources students may want to access for potential help.

 

The UConn Library is available to help students with research assistance.

STORRS UNDERGRADUATE RESOURCE

Dean of Students: Staff in the Dean of Students Office are available to support undergraduate students with academic, personal, and other concerns that impact their student experience. Staff in this office provide support without judgement and can help students as they consider completing current courses, rescheduling final exams, or processing a withdrawal or cancellation for those considering taking a break. To schedule a meeting please call 860-486-3426 or use the chat feature on our website to request a meeting with an Assistant Dean. The Dean of Students Office also offers drop-in support, Monday through Friday from 1:00pm-3:30pm with no appointment needed at that time.

 

REGIONAL UNDERGRADUATE RESOURCE

Regional Student Services Staff: Undergraduates at the regional campuses needing support of an academic or personal nature should connect with the Student Services staff on their home campus. Regional campus Student Services staff can help students as they consider completing current courses, rescheduling final exams, and processing a withdrawal or cancellation if you are considering taking a break. Visit this website to schedule an appointment with a Regional Student Services staff member.

GRADUATE STUDENT RESOURCE

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs, The Graduate School:  The Graduate School staff can answer questions about both academic and non-academic resources that are available to graduate students and advise on strategies for navigating challenges.  If you are struggling to determine what academic resources are available, you can email gradschool@uconn.edu and a staff member can help you. Graduate students who feel the need to step away from their academic studies temporarily or to withdraw from their program can find more information about taking a leave of absence or voluntary separation at The Graduate School website or by emailing gradseparation@uconn.edu.

HEALTH AND ACCESS SERVICES

Center for Students with Disabilities:  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 provider to obtain the appropriate documentation. Contact Timothy Smagacz, Program Assistant, at (860) 486-2020 or myaccess-csd@uconn.edu with questions regarding documentation.

Student Behavioral Health Services (SBHS) – The Student Behavioral Health Service (SBHS) provides evaluation and treatment to medical, dental and graduate students at UConn Health. To learn more about the resources available visit the SBHS website.

Student Health and Wellness – Mental Health: SHAW provides mental health services to promote the emotional, relational, and academic potential of all 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

 

Storrs students (undergrad or graduate) may access SHAW-MH by calling 860-486-4705 or schedule a screening appointment online.

Regional campus students (undergrad or graduate) seeking mental health resources will find campus specific contact information at this link.

We are here to help. Please reach out to one of the many offices listed and the staff and faculty will try their best to provide support and identify solutions. Questions about this information should be directed to dos@uconn.edu or gradschool@uconn.edu.

 

ARP Emergency Grant Application (Phase 3)

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**Update – Due to limited remaining ARP funds and a large number of applications received the Phase 3 application has been closed. If future funding is made available updates will be made on our dedicated ARP website https://financialaid.uconn.edu/arp-emergency-funding-for-students/

Students who are experiencing an expense related to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, tuition and childcare) may complete an emergency grant application at https://financialaid.uconn.edu/arp-emergency-spring-grant-application/. To qualify for an emergency grant the student will have to meet the following criteria:

  •  Enrolled and degree seeking for Spring 2022 term

If eligible, the value of the grant will be for $500.

Spring awarding for ARP Grants will happen starting 02/07/2022 and continue until 05/31/2022.

 

Phase 3 Application Grant

Applications for emergency grants will open on 02/07/2022. Awarding will begin on 02/15/2022. Students who are experiencing an expense related to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, tuition and childcare) may complete an emergency grant application.

 

To qualify for an emergency grant the student will have to meet the following criteria:

·       Enrolled and degree seeking for the Spring 2022 term

 

If eligible, the value of the grant will be for $500. The awarded grant will be viewable on Student Admin and will be called either HEERF3/ARP Award 5 or HEERF3/ARP SEOG. Students who applied for, and received, an application grant in Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 can apply for additional funding in Phase 3.

 

Detailed information outlining all phases of ARP funding and a link to the application can be found on Financial Aid’s website: https://financialaid.uconn.edu/arp-emergency-funding-for-students/. Please reach out to financialaid@uconn.edu with any questions.

Apply to Graduate

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Greetings Graduate Students,

Are you graduating this semester? Did you know you must apply for graduation online via your Student Administration account? Did you know the deadline is the end of the 4th week of the semester?

If you missed the deadline, please apply ASAP in order to not delay the conferral of your degree. Summer candidates are asked to apply no later than March 1st to ensure their information makes the Commencement publication.

Information regarding graduation can be found on the Commencement webpage.

UConn Health Graduate students can find commencement information at the following link: UConn Health Commencement. 

Additional important dates and deadlines can be viewed on the Academic Calendar page. Friday, April 22, 2022 is the last day to upload a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation in Submittable to qualify for a Spring 2022 conferral date. Visit the Master’s Degrees page or the Doctoral Degrees page for instructions and information about applying for graduation, submitting required paperwork, and uploading your thesis or dissertation.

All students are advised to review their transcript to ensure that it is in agreement with their plan of study. Any missing grades, documents, or discrepancies between a student’s plan of study and transcript can result in a delay of degree conferral or cancellation of degree candidacy.

*Important Note: Graduate students do NOT submit plans of study via Student Administration.  Plans of study are submitted via email to degreeaudit@uconn.edu, and can be found on the Master’s Degree page, the Doctoral Degrees page or the Forms Section of the Registrar’s Office webpage

Posting: Graduate Admissions Team Manager

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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

Navigating Graduate School with Disabilities

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Join Us!

Learn from graduate students, faculty, and staff on their experiences navigating graduate school with disabilities.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

WebEx (Virtual – link will be emailed after registration)

For more details and to register for the event, click here.

Captioning and ASL interpreters will be provided at the event. If there are other access elements we can help with, please contact: cinnamon.adams@uconn.edu

More Information

The Graduate School recently polled UConn graduate students who identified as having a disability. The results of the poll revealed several things. First, many of our grad students do not “disclose” their disability to anyone at the university, including CSD (the Center for Students with Disabilities), for a variety of reasons. Even among those students who do receive accommodations through CSD, many do not disclose to their advisers, supervisors, or colleagues due to fears of stigma and othering. This tells us that there is a need at UConn to initiate a broader conversation that addresses the unique needs and experiences of graduate students with disabilities. 

Another thing we heard is a desire for community. For many disabled grad students, our only exposure to disability is through CSD, which, while absolutely crucial for our success, is by its very nature focused on disability as a problem to be solved or overcome. For many of us, our disability is much more than that; it is a central part of our identity and our lived experience. We hope to develop, over the coming years, a community where disabled members of the UConn community can joyfully connect with one another in a way that is not clinical or remedial. 

To this end, a group of UConn graduate students, faculty, and staff are organizing an event in spring 2022 to begin a conversation about navigating graduate school with a disability, and we hope it is the first event of many. We invite the graduate education community to join us in a virtual panel event in February. The panelists will be graduate students and graduate faculty who will share their experiences of navigating academia with a disability. We have also invited University staff from CSD and Human Resources who are familiar with the accommodations process for grad students and grad assistants to share information and answer questions. 

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Meet & Greet: First Gen Grad Students

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First-Gen Graduate Student Meet & Greet

Hosted by The Office for Diversity and Inclusion
November 17 || 4-5:30pm || An Online Event

Join us to meet other First-Generation Graduate Students and learn more about UConn resources.

A first generation graduate student is defined as someone whose parents did not attend a four-year institution and/or have not earned a graduate degree.

See flyer below for additional details.

Graduate Student Meet and Greet (3)