Academic and Student Life

Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity and Misconduct (ASPIM), Policy on

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Title: Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity and Misconduct (ASPIM), Policy on
Policy Owner: Graduate Faculty Council; University Senate
Applies to: All members of the University community
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: July 11, 2023
Effective Date: August 28, 2023
For More Information, Contact: For Undergraduate Education: Director or Associate Director, Office of Community Standards (community@uconn.edu)

 

For Graduate Education: Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Support, The Graduate School (gradschool@uconn.edu)
Official Website: policy.uconn.edu

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut is committed to fostering an intellectual community in which the highest ethical standards of academic, scholarly, and professional integrity prevail.  All members of the university community, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students, have a shared responsibility to uphold this commitment.  This commitment relates to all aspects of academic, scholarly, and professional activity, which include not only activities related to instruction, but also those related to the production and dissemination of scholarship, research, and creative works, and to professional conduct within clinical and other professional settings. Integrity in all of these activities is of paramount importance, and the University requires that the highest ethical standards in teaching, learning, research, and service be maintained. This includes “ethical aspects of scholarship that influence the next generation of researchers as teachers, mentors, supervisors, and successful stewards of grant funds” (Council of Graduate Schools, 2012).

Issues related to academic and scholarly integrity at the University of Connecticut are governed by the Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity and Misconduct Policy (DATE). To recommend changes to the policy or to the implementing procedures, a committee must be convened that brings together all the above relevant stakeholders, including University Senate and Graduate Faculty Council. The committee must then bring those changes to the University Senate and Graduate Faculty Council, and each body must vote to approve any changes.

Students’ responsibilities with respect to academic and scholarly integrity are described in the following documents: Responsibility of Community Life: The Student Code.

PURPOSE

To ensure a commitment to academic, scholarly, and professional integrity in all levels of the university community.

Such a commitment ensures that:

  • all individuals accept full responsibility for their own work and ideas;
  • all academic/scholarly credit awarded to an individuals represents the work of that individual;
  • no student benefits from an unfair advantage;
  • faculty, staff, advisors and others who support the intellectual development of students are committed to fostering, guiding, and monitoring students for adherence to all principles of academic and scholarly integrity;
  • the grades earned, the degrees or certificate conferred were appropriately earned by the individual;
  • the reputation of the University with respect to academic and scholarly integrity are protected
  • faculty, staff, and students adhere to the professional standards of conduct specific to each program offered at the university;
  • this policy is used consistently across the University, including undergraduate and graduating students and schools/colleges.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all members of the University Community engaged in academic and scholarly efforts in, but is not limited to, the following contexts in undergraduate and graduate education:

  • courses, including online courses (e.g., assignments, exams, projects, thesis);
  • experiential and service-learning courses and activities;
  • study abroad programs;
  • clinical and practice placements, internships, and externships;
  • program assessments (e.g., comprehensive exams, thesis, program reviews);
  • research, including undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral scholar, and faculty research; and
  • processes involving submitting information (i.e., admissions, for scholarships/fellowships, for competitions, for awards, or other university programs); and
  • professional events and conferences

All members of the University community are responsible for ensuring that the principles of academic and scholarly integrity are upheld.

This policy applies to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, with the exception of PharmD students in the School of Pharmacy and professional students with degrees conferred by the Schools of Dental Medicine, Medicine, or Law.

This policy does not apply to legal, regulatory, or compliance requirements that fall outside the Academic and Scholarly Integrity Policy. In addition, this policy does not remove any reporting requirements to the appropriate oversight authority in instances of noncompliance or alleged noncompliance.

DEFINITIONS

Academic Integrity:  a commitment by the University Community to uphold just and ethical behaviors, which includes truthfulness, fairness, and respect (ICAI, 2021).

Scholarly Integrity: a commitment by the University community to both ”… research integrity and the ethical understanding and skill required of researchers/scholars in domestic, international, and multicultural contexts. It is also intended to address ethical aspects of scholarship that influence the next generation of researchers as teachers, mentors, supervisors, and successful stewards of grant funds.” (p. xix, Council of Graduate Schools, 2012).

Professional Integrity. Standards of behavior defined by the various professions in which students are prepared through their degree or certificate programs.

Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity Misconduct is defined as unethical academic and scholarly behavior during a course (e.g., on an assignment or exam), as part of other degree requirements (e.g., requirements regarding placement, capstone or comprehensive exams, or placement exams), or at other times during undergraduate, graduate, or professional study and performance, including during engagement in fieldwork, clinical placements, or research. These behaviors include:  

  • Cheating: Unauthorized acts, actions, or behaviors in academic or scholarly areas. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:
    • providing or receiving help on an assignment or exam intended to reflect the individual student’s work product when not authorized to do so by the instructor. 
    • buying, selling, circulating, or using a copy of instructional materials, assignment or test, including uploading such information to online services, or using materials prepared by services that sell or provide papers or other course materials.
    • asking someone to complete an assignment, exam, or other requirement on your ones behalf or completing an assignment, exam, or requirement for another student. 
    • Failure to disclose unauthorized assistance on work submitted for evaluation, i.e., assistance obtained outside channels approved by instructors, that is used to complete a course, program, or degree requirement. This includes assistance from other students, teaching assistants, Quantitative Learning Center, Writing Center, or mediated support from the Center for Students with Disabilities.
  • Plagiarizing: Using one’s own previously published, presented, or disseminated material, or another person’s language/text, data, ideas, expressions, digital/graphic element, passages of music, mathematical proofs, scientific data, code, or other original material without authorization of the originating source or proper acknowledgement, attribution, or citation of the originating source. Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to:
  • submitting as one’s own any work (in whole or part) completed by another individual, including any work that has been purchased from an individual, commercial research firm, or obtained from the internet.
  • submitting for evaluation or credit any work that was previously used or submitted for credit in another course or as part of a degree requirement (e.g., a thesis or dissertation) without authorization to do so from the instructor. (This includes self-plagiarism in the form of re-using, in part or whole, the content of a paper from another class or context.).
  • submitting any work prepared for or used in a previous publication, academic competition, clinic, or other activity (e.g., grant or application submission) without prior approval and full disclosure or when permitted by established editorial or other policy. (This includes self-plagiarism in the form of using, in part or whole, the content of a paper that was previously published without attribution).
  • unauthorized use of previously completed work or research for a thesis, dissertation, or publication.
  • Misrepresenting: Deliberately knowing and providing false or misleading information, including information about oneself or others. Examples of misrepresenting include but are not limited to:
    • engaging in “any omission or misrepresentation of the information necessary and sufficient to evaluate the validity and significance of research, at the level appropriate to the context in which the research is communicated” (D. Fanelli, Nature 494:149; 2013).
    • making unauthorized alterations to any document or digital file pertaining to academic or scholarly activity, including assignments, exams, and research data.
    • making up information for the purpose of deception (e.g., fabrication of data in research).
    • making false, inaccurate, or misleading claims or statements, including claims/statements made when asking for assistance (e.g., requesting an extension on an assignment), applying for admission to an undergraduate or graduate program, applying for a scholarship or an academic, scholarly, or research award, or submitting manuscripts for publications.
    • allowing someone to use one’s identity or using someone else’s identity for academic or scholarly advantage (e.g., signing in electronically for an absent student).
    • accepting credit for work for which the individual did not contribute (e.g., misrepresenting an individual’s role in a group assignments).
  • Noncompliance: Failure to conform with codified and publicly available academic, scholarly, or professional standards, processes, or protocols.Examples of noncompliance include but are not limited to:
  • not attending to the professional standards governing the professional conduct of students in particular fields (e.g., pharmacy, nursing, education, counseling, and therapy).
  • violating protocols governing the use of human or animal subjects. 
  • breaching confidentiality in academic and scholarly activity (e.g., disclosing the identity of study participants).
  • disregarding the applicable university, local, state, or federal regulations that guide academic or scholarly activities.

Instructor: any faculty, teaching assistant, or any other person (e.g., lab supervisor, clinical supervisor, professional staff) authorized by the University to provide educational services (e.g., teaching, research, advising)

POLICY STATEMENT

All members of the university community, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students, have a shared responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards of academic, scholarly, and professional integrity and to report any violations of those standards of which they are aware.

Instructor Expectations: To foster a culture of academic integrity, instructors are responsible for communicating the expectations for academic and scholarly integrity to students and for engaging in practices that mitigate violations of this policy. Specifically, instructors are expected to:

  • include a link to the Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity and Misconduct policy as part of course syllabi or documentation for any other academic/scholarly activity and include any additional unit-specific expectations.
  • review academic and scholarly integrity policy and any other disciplinary- or activity-specific expectations.
  • provide clear guidance for all assignments, activities, and assessments, including noting what resources can be used and whether collaboration is permitted.
  • ensure individuals engaged in research, creative, or professional activities understand the standards, protocols, and guidelines to which they must adhere.
  • adhere to the University processes for reporting misconduct, engaging in the review process, and assigning consequences to address violations, which should include opportunities for education and remediation.

Student Expectations:   To uphold the principle of academic and scholarly integrity in all aspects of their intellectual development and engagement at the University, students are expected to:

  • be responsible for their own work and their own actions related to all academic and scholarly endeavors.
  • assume they are to do independent work and seek clarification prior to collaborating with others or using outside resources.
  • understand and abide by the standards, protocols, and guidelines to which they must adhere in research, creative, or professional activities .

If students witness or become aware of a violation of academic or scholarly integrity, they are encouraged to communicate this to the appropriate university representative (e.g., faculty, staff, advisor).

A cumulative record is maintained of all academic or scholarly integrity violations and such record will be reviewed and considered as part of subsequent incidences. Individuals engaged in research are expected to follow all standards, rules and regulations that guide the proper conduct of research or creative activity.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and its related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

Notes:  Student misconduct is governed by the University’s Student Code, which is administered under the direction of the Division of Student Affairs. Enforcement of its provisions is the responsibility of the Director of Community Standards (for undergraduate students), The Graduate School (for graduate students), and the Office of the Vice President for Research (for research misconduct). Identified misconduct will be routed to the appropriate unit.

Faculty misconduct is also governed by the Code of Conduct and misconduct is addressed by the appropriate university administrative unit(s) (e.g., School/College, Provost Office, Office of the Vice President of Research, Human Resources).

REFERENCES

International Center for Academic Integrity [ICAI]. (2021). The Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity. (3rd ed.) https://academicintegrity.org/images/pdfs/20019_ICAI-Fundamental-Values_R12.pdf

Council of Graduate Education (2012). Research and Scholarly Integrity in Graduate Education: A Comprehensive Approach. https://cgsnet.org/research-and-scholarly-integrity-graduate-education-comprehensive-approach-2

Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Undergraduate Education: Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Misconduct

Graduate Education: Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Misconduct

[Note: UConn will continue to use the existing procedures administered by Community Standards for undergraduate education and The Graduate School for graduate education until such time that the university transitions to the new Procedures for Addressing Alleged Violations of the Policy on Academic, Scholarly, and Professional Integrity, which was approved by Graduate Faculty Council and the University Senate.]

POLICY HISTORY

07/11/2023 Approved by the President (06/26/2023 Approved by Senior Policy Council; 05/01/2023 Approved by University Senate; 10/26/2022 Approved by Graduate Faculty Council)

Restriction on Lithium-Ion Battery Motorized Personal Transportation Vehicles (MPTV) Policy

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Title: Restriction on Lithium-ion Battery Powered Motorized Personal Transportation Vehicles within University Owned and/or Managed Buildings
Policy Owner: University Safety
Applies to: Students, Workforce Members, and Visitors
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Approval Date: August 30, 2023
Effective Date: August 31, 2023
For More Information, Contact: University Safety, University of Connecticut Fire Department
Deputy Fire Chief & Executive Officer
Contact Information: UConnFire@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://universitysafety.uconn.edu/fire/safety/

BACKGROUND

The proliferation and utility of lithium-ion battery powered motorized personal transportation vehicles (MPTVs) (e.g., mopeds, scooters, e-bikes, etc.) throughout the University of Connecticut (UConn) has led to a significant community safety concern as these devices are charged, stored, and utilized within University owned and occupied buildings.

Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, when incorrectly charged or stored, can create thermal runaway in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state, resulting in the ejection of gas, shrapnel and/or particulates, extremely high temperatures, smoke, and fire. This can result in high intensity flame and noxious gases that pose a serious risk to life safety, and can cause catastrophic property damage.

PURPOSE

To reduce the risk of safety hazards, property damage and potential disruption to business continuity by enacting a  University-wide restriction on the charging, storage, and use of lithium-ion battery-powered motorized personal transportation vehicles (MPTVs) within all University-owned and/or managed buildings and the University’s electrical infrastructure. The storage, charging, and maintenance of Motorized Personal Transportation Vehicles within University owned or managed buildings, or through use of the University’s electrical infrastructure, is strictly prohibited.

APPLIES TO

All University students, staff, faculty, and visitors, and University-owned and/or managed buildings across all campuses.

DEFINITIONS

Associated Electrical Infrastructure: the equipment and services necessary to take electrical energy generated and transmitted for end-use. Charging MPTVs within University owned and/or managed buildings and their associated electrical infrastructure transfers the risk of life safety hazards and property damage to areas that may directly impact business continuity (e.g. academic and operational buildings). A building’s interior and exterior electrical infrastructure may not be rated to handle such electrical demands. 

Motorized Personal Transportation Vehicle (MPTV): a vehicle or device used for human transport that does not require a license to operate and utilizes a fuel or battery driven motor for propulsion (e.g., electric bicycle, electric skateboard, hoverboard, self-balancing electric scooter, gasoline powered scooter, moped, etc.).

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Battery: a type of rechargeable battery composed of cells in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. These cells use an intercalated lithium compound as the material at the positive electrode, and typically graphite at the negative electrode.

POLICY STATEMENT

The storage, charging, and maintenance of MPTVs within University-owned and/or managed buildings, or through use of the University’s electrical infrastructure is strictly prohibited. Exceptions to this Policy are MPTVs that are used for medical purposes (e.g., lithium-ion battery powered wheelchairs) and items used in approved and supervised research activities.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES

University Building owners and stewards (e.g., Residential Life, School of Engineering, Student Union, Athletics, etc.), and their designees, will support compliance and enforcement of this policy by  notifying occupants and visitors through messaging (e.g., signage, internal email communication, etc.). University Building owners will direct removal of MPTVs from within buildings when device owners are unresponsive to compliance.

Any lithium-ion batteries, or powered devices that display signs of pending Thermal Runaway (e.g., bulging, off-gassing, high temperature production, etc.) are an immediate danger to life and health, and shall result in a notification to University Safety/public safety authorities via 9-1-1.

REFERENCES

Residential Life, University of Connecticut (2022). 2022-2023 Housing Contract. https://reslife.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3384/2023/03/UConn-Reslife_Housing_Contract-2022-2023-.pdf

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: August 30, 2023 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and the President)

Academic Affairs Policies and Protocols, Policy on

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Title: Academic Affairs Policies and Protocols, Policy On
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
Applies to: All units that report to the Provost Office
Campus Applicability: UConn (Storrs & Regional Campuses) and UConn Health
Effective Date: June 13, 2022
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost
Contact Information: (860) 486-4037, provost@uconn.edu
Official Website:  http://provost.uconn.edu/

BACKGROUND

The policy bolsters the University Policy on Policies, by setting standards for Academic Affairs units (i.e., school/college, campus, department, division, and other units therein) to develop policies. The aim is to ensure that:

  • each Academic Affairs unit has an established and documented process for developing, approving, revising, promulgating, decommissioning, and archiving policies.
  • the format and presentation of policies is consistent;
  • conflicts between policies are minimized;
  • all policies required by the UConn-AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement or the Provost’s Office are up to date and represent best practices;
  • a complete set of Academic Affairs policies exists; is reviewed regularly, and is accessible to the UConn, unit-specific, or campus-specific community;
  • policies are archived; and
  • practices used in all Academic Affairs units and UConn campuses are transparent.

PURPOSE

To establish standards for the development, approval, revision, decommissioning of Academic Affairs policies and protocols administered by units (e.g., schools/colleges, regional campuses, department, divisions, centers, and institutes) that report to the Provost Office.

DEFINITIONS

Policy Owner: The unit, unit head (e.g., Dean, Campus Director), and/or designee (e.g., Associate Dean, Department Head, director) responsible for authoring, implementing, maintaining and monitoring a policy. This may include more than one units. However, generally, it should not exceed two.

Academic Affairs Unit Policy: An Academic Affairs unit policy guides the decisions and actions of a unit that reports to the Provost Office. It may supplement a University Policy. It outlines requirements and restrictions and establish standards, rights, and responsibilities that generally apply to the members under its specific charge (e.g., school/college, campus, department, or division/unit). These policies meet the following criteria:

  • The unit head has sanctioned it;
  • It has broad application within the unit.
  • It is a governing principle for both established and future activities of the unit;
  • It references, adheres to, and does not conflict with policies established by the University or an upper-administrative level; and
  • It is published in an official university venue that is accessible to the members of the unit as well as members of upper-level administration.

Unit policies are developed in accordance with the University Policy Template.

Policy/Protocol Promulgation: To publish or officially announce the adoption of a particular policy or protocol to the community. A policy is promulgated by publication to the official venue for posting approved policies.

Protocol: Establishes standards methods for implementing approved policies.  If a policy is “what” the institution or unit does, its protocols are “how” it carries out a policy’s requirements.  Three types of protocols are defined below.

  • Guideline: Recommended guidance or additional information used to support policies and procedures, industry best practice, or intended to educate the workforce on how to achieve a desired outcome.
  • Process: A high-level overview that provides a road map for how a task will be accomplished.
  • Procedures: Operational processes established for the implementation of policies. If a policy is “what” the institution does, its procedures are “how” it carries out the requirements of a policy. Non-compliance with, or violation of, procedures may result in disciplinary action. Procedures
    • outline required actions by objective and/or job function;
    • state clearly and succinctly the step-by-step instructions that must be followed to implement policy effectively;
    • specify the structure to enforce the policy.

Revision, Editorial: Includes modifications related to spelling, grammar, format, and updates to hyperlinks or URLs, contact information, references, titles of individuals and organizations.

Revision, Non-substantive: Includes modifications intended to enhance clarity without changing the intent of the policy, such as adding or modifying definitions, rearranging or re-wording sentences without changing their meaning or the policy’s requirements for compliance.

Revision, Substantive: Includes significant modifications to the nature and/or scope of the policy that affect its requirements, principles, or intent.

Stakeholders: Member of the unit with the expertise in the subject matter of the policy, or whose operations will be significantly affected by the policy.

POLICY STATEMENT

All Academic Affairs units that report to the Provost Office shall establish a process to develop, maintain record of, revise, decommission, and archive unit-specific policies and protocols to guide the conduct of the unit and to promulgate policies to appropriate stakeholders. All policies must be in writing, utilizing the University’s Policy Template, and must be posted on the official venue for posting approved policies. All approved unit-specific policies are in effect until they are officially revised or decommissioned, and archived.

In rare circumstances, the Units may determine that it is appropriate to make exceptions to a policy on a case-by-case basis, in which event the Unit is not required to make the same exception again. However, records of exceptions, including their justification, must be maintained.

All concerns or questions regarding consistency of unit-specific policies with university-wide academic policies or conflicts between existing policies should be directed to the Office of University Compliance for clarification or resolution. Until such time that identified conflicts are resolved, the upper-level policy will govern.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Guideline and Provost’s Office Procedures for the Policy on Academic Affairs Policies and Protocols

REFERENCES

University Policy on Policies

Policy Template

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created:  June 13, 2022 [Approved by President’s Senior Policy Council]

Student Athlete Name, Image, Likeness, Policy On

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Title: Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness, Policy On
Policy Owner: University Athletics
Applies to: All Student-Athletes and University Employees
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date: June 30, 2021
Last Review Date: May 2, 2022
For More Information, Contact Director of Athletics
Contact Information: (860) 486-2725
Official Website: https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/2021/7/14/uconn-nil-information

PURPOSE

To establish a policy pursuant to which University of Connecticut (“University”) student-athletes are permitted by the University to (1) earn compensation through an endorsement contract or employment in an activity unrelated to an intercollegiate athletic program; and (2) obtain legal or professional representation of an attorney or sports agent through a written agreement, provided that in each case, the student-athlete complies with the terms and conditions of this policy and applicable law.

APPLIES TO

All student-athletes and University Employees.

DEFINITIONS

Athletics booster means a person who directly contributes to a University athletic program.

Compensation means the receipt, whether directly or indirectly, of any cryptocurrency, money, goods, services, other items of value, in kind contributions and any other form of payment or remuneration.

Endorsement contract means a written agreement under which a student-athlete is employed or receives compensation for the use by another party of such student-athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event.

Intercollegiate athletic program means a program at the University for sports played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements for participation by a student-athlete are established by a national association for the promotion or regulation of college athletics.

NCAA means the National Collegiate Athletic Association or its successor.

Official team activities means all games, practices, exhibitions, scrimmages, team appearances, team photograph sessions, sports camps sponsored by the University and other team-organized activities, including, but not limited to, photograph sessions, news media interviews, and other related activities as specified by the University.

Prohibited endorsements means receipt of compensation by, or employment of, a student-athlete for use of the student-athlete's person, name, image or likeness (“NIL”) in association with any product, category of companies, brands, or types of endorsement contracts that are: (1) prohibited by law; (2) prohibited by this policy; or (3) prohibited under the applicable University procedures adopted in accordance with this policy.

Sports agent means a duly licensed person who negotiates or solicits a contract on behalf of a student-athlete in accordance with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act, 15 USC 7801, et seq., as amended from time to time.

Student-athlete means a student enrolled at the University who participates in an intercollegiate athletic program.

University marks means the name, logo, trademarks, mascot, unique colors, copyrights and other intellectual property or defining insignia of the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University shall permit its student-athletes to (1) earn compensation through an endorsement contract or employment in an activity unrelated to an intercollegiate athletic program and (2) obtain legal or professional representation of an attorney or sports agent through a written agreement, provided that the student-athlete complies with this policy and applicable law.

I. Agreements for Representation by a Sports Agent or an Attorney

    1. A student-athlete may only enter into an agreement for representation with a sports agent if the student-athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University.
    2. A student-athlete may only enter into an agreement for representation with an attorney if the student-athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University.

II. Endorsement Contracts and Agreements for Employment Activities

A student-athlete may only enter into an endorsement contract or agreement for other employment activities if:

    1. the student-athlete discloses the existence of the agreement to the University;
    2. the student-athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University prior to the student-athlete performing any activity or service under the agreement;
    3. the agreement, or any portion thereof, does not conflict with the provisions of any agreement to which the University is a party. In the event that a potential conflict is identified, the University shall disclose to the student-athlete or the student-athlete's attorney or sports agent the provisions of the University agreement that are in conflict; and
    4. the student-athlete is not required to participate or engage in any activity prohibited by Section III of this policy.

 III. Prohibitions

    1. Student-athletes are prohibited from using or consenting to the use of any University marks when performing any services or activity associated with an endorsement contract or employment activity without prior written permission from the University or its authorized designee.[1]
    2. Student-athletes are prohibited from performing any service or activity associated with an endorsement contract or employment activity that interferes with any official team activities or academic obligations.
    3. University employees are prohibited, in their individual capacity, from entering into endorsement contracts with any student-athlete or otherwise providing compensation themselves to a student-athlete in return for NIL services.
    4. University employees, students, and athletic boosters are, to the extent required under NCAA rules, prohibited from creating or facilitating NIL compensation opportunities for prospective student-athletes as a recruiting inducement or current student-athletes as an inducement to remain enrolled at the University.
    5. Student-athletes are prohibited from receiving compensation from, entering into an endorsement contract with, and/or otherwise engaging in an employment activity with companies, brands, products, conduct, and/or entertainment prohibited under University procedures adopted in accordance with this policy.

IV. Procedures

University of Connecticut Student-Athlete’s Name, Image, and Likeness Procedures

ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this Policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with state law, University Laws and By-Laws, and Division of Athletics Student Athlete Handbook.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created effective June 30, 2021 [Approved by the Board of Trustees]

Revisions: May 2, 2022 [Approved by President’s Senior Policy Council]

[1] In accordance with Connecticut law, the University is prohibited from providing any student with written permission until July 1, 2022.

[2] This prohibition extends to communication with family members and others affiliated with prospective students.

Recruitment of Students, Policy On

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Title:  Recruitment of Students, Policy On 
Policy Owner: The Division of Enrollment Planning & Management 
Applies to: University Employees, Volunteers, Trainees and Others 
Campus Applicability: All Campuses 
Effective Date: August 23, 2021
For More Information, Contact Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Planning & Management 
Contact Information: (860) 486-1463 
Official Website: https://epm.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

To ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations regarding ethical recruitment and enrollment activities conducted at the University. Specifically, Section 487(a)(20) of the Higher Education Act (HEA) and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. 668.14, as well as the University’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Defense.

APPLIES TO

Employees, volunteers, trainees, and other persons whose conduct, in the performance of work for UConn, is under the direct control of UConn, whether or not they are paid by UConn. 

DEFINITIONS

Commission, Bonus, Incentives means a sum of money or something of value, other than a fixed salary or wages, paid to or given to a person or an entity for services rendered.  

Securing enrollments or the award of financial aid means activities that a person or entity engages in at any point in time through completion of an educational program for the purpose of the admission or matriculation of students for any period of time or the award of financial aid to students.

These activities include contact in any form with a prospective student, such as, but not limited to – contact through preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office or any other office of the institution, attendance at such an appointment, or involvement in a prospective student’s signing of an enrollment agreement or financial aid application.

These activities do not include making a payment to a third party for the provision of student contact information for prospective students provided that such payment is not based on: (1) any additional conduct or action by the third party or the prospective students, such as participation in preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office or any other office of the institution or attendance at such an appointment, or the signing, or being involved in the signing, of a prospective student’s enrollment agreement or financial aid application; or (2) the number of students (calculated at any point in time of an educational program) who apply for enrollment, are awarded financial aid, or are enrolled for any period of time, including through completion of an educational program. 

“Entity or person engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid” means (1) with respect to an entity engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid, any institution or organization that undertakes the recruiting or the admitting of students or that makes decisions about and awards Title IV, HEA program funds; and (2) with respect to a person engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid, any employee who undertakes recruiting or admitting of students or who makes decisions about and awards Title IV, HEA program funds, and any higher level employee with responsibility for recruitment or admission of students, or making decisions about awarding Title IV, HEA program funds. 

Enrollment means the admission or matriculation of a student into an eligible institution. 

Inducement means any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item have a monetary value or more than a de minimis amount to any individual, entity, or its agents including third party lead generators or marketing forms. 

Service Member means a current or former member of the uniformed services which includes (a) the armed forces; (b) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric; and (c) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. 

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Connecticut prohibits the award of any commission, bonus or other incentive payment based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or the awarding of financial aid, to any person or entity who is engaged in any student recruitment, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the awarding of financial assistance.   In accordance with the HEA, this restriction does not apply to the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive Federal student assistance. 

In addition, in accordance with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding, the University will refrain from high-pressure recruitment tactics aimed at Service Members, which includes making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more) including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service Member enrollments. 

ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

PROCEDURES/FORMS
Contact the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management with questions.  

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created effective: August 23, 2021 [Approved by President’s Senior Team]

Revisions:  November 11, 2021 [Approved by the President]

 

By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the Graduate Faculty Council

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Title: By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the Graduate Faculty Council (GFC)
Policy Owner: The Graduate School
Applies to: All Certificate and Graduate Degree Programs
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Approval Date: July 18, 2023
Effective Date: August 7, 2023
For More Information, Contact: Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School
Contact Information: graduatedean@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://grad.uconn.edu

The Graduate Faculty Council By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations are available for download as a PDF.

Policy History:

Revised 07/18/2023; 07/15/2022; 06/08/2021; 06/25/2020

By-Laws of the Graduate School

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Title: By-Laws of the Graduate School
Policy Owner: The Graduate School
Applies to: All Certificate and Graduate Degree Programs
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date: 11/16/2019
For More Information, Contact Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School
Contact Information: graduatedean@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://grad.uconn.edu

The Graduate Faculty Council By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations are available for download as a PDF

 

Academic Adjustments for General Education Competencies, Policy on

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Title: Policy on Academic Adjustments for General Education Competencies: Quantitative Reasoning And/Or Second Language
Policy Owner: University Senate
Applies to: Undergraduate Students
Campus Applicability: All Undergraduate Programs at all Campuses
Effective Date: December 2006
For More Information, Contact:  Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD)
Contact Information:  (860) 486-2020
Official Website: https://csd.uconn.edu/accommodations/academic-adjustments/

PURPOSE

The University Senate enacted General Education requirements to ensure that all University of Connecticut undergraduate students become articulate and acquire intellectual breadth and versatility, critical judgment, moral sensitivity, awareness of their era and society, consciousness of the diversity of human culture and experience, and a working understanding of the processes by which they can continue to acquire and use knowledge. A critical element of General Education is demonstrated competency in four fundamental areas –information literacy, quantitative skills, second language proficiency, and writing. The development of these competencies involves two thresholds: establishing entry-level expectations and meeting graduation expectations. In cases involving a significant disability, the graduation expectations for the quantitative skills and/or second language competency may be a barrier to degree completion. The University has established a policy for considering academic adjustments to the University General Education Requirements and individual school/college requirements in an effort to respond to the extraordinary circumstances of students while maintaining academic integrity. In all cases, justification of an academic adjustment requires evidence of the disability’s impact upon the student’s ability to learn the course material.

POLICY STATEMENT

The vast majority of students who experience difficulty in fulfilling the Quantitative Reasoning and/or Second Language Competency will experience success by employing any number of academic support and/or advising strategies. Academic adjustments are only considered for students with disabilities whose documentation and/or educational history provide compelling evidence of an inability to complete graduation expectations so that an academic adjustment is warranted. Each academic adjustment will be based on an individualized, case-by-case assessment and should not compromise the academic integrity of the requirements for a specific major or degree. Academic adjustments may include an exception to an academic rule, such as allowing a student to complete a required course(s) on a pass/fail basis or substituting an alternative course(s) for a required course(s).

The following rules will apply:

  • If quantitative or second language competency is deemed an essential element of a program or
    course of study, then a substitution is not permitted. The question of “essential element” will be
    decided by the Dean or designee of each school or college.
  • Academic adjustments will not reduce the number of courses/credits required to complete General
    Education requirements. Waivers of General Education requirements are never granted.
  • If the student changes his or her school or college of enrollment, academic adjustments will be
    reviewed by the appropriate Dean’s office in the new school or college of enrollment.
  • Academic adjustments will be subject to the eight-year rule.

Students who plan to continue their studies beyond the baccalaureate degree should be advised that approved adjustments may not meet the requirements for admission to a graduate/professional school (e.g., law, medicine, etc.).

Students requesting a course substitution based on disability should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) and register through MyAccess. The CSD will review the student’s request and supporting documentation about the nature of and functional limitations imposed by the disability. if the student qualifies as a student with a disability, the CSD will then engage with them to determine if a substitution is warranted, using a deliberative, iterative process to establish appropriate academic adjustments on an individualized, case-by-case, course-by-course basis. The CSD will also engage with the Dean or designee from their school or college to determine if the requirements under consideration are deemed to be an essential part of the student’s program or course of study. As noted above, if this is the case, a substitution is not permitted. If a substitution is deemed appropriate, the CSD Disability Service Professional (DSP) will notify the student and the Dean or designee from their school or college to discuss appropriate course alternatives. The Dean or designee will be responsible for determining which course(s) will fulfill the degree requirement. The CSD will also notify the Registrar and the Provost of the adjustment at the end of each semester.

At the end of each academic year, the AAC will submit a report on its activities to GEOC. The report will contain the number of cases reviewed in each category, and the outcome of each review.

PROCEDURES

Please visit the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) website at https://csd.uconn.edu/accommodations/academic-adjustments/ for the procedure to request an academic adjustment.

POLICY HISTORY

Effective: December 11, 2006
Revisions proposed by the Senate Curricula and Courses Committee October 2017 and Senate Scholastic Standards Committee November 2017 [Approved by the University Senate December 2017]; Revisions proposed by the Senate Scholastic Standards Committee December 2021 and by the Senate Curricula and Courses Committee January 2022 [Approved by University Senate February 7, 2022]

 

Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service Policy

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Title: Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service, Policy on
Policy Owner: Department of Dining Services
Applies to: Students, Employees, Others
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date: October 23, 2017
For More Information, Contact Department of Dining Services or
UConn Health
Contact Information: (860) 486-3128 (Storrs/Regional Campuses)
(860) 679-4177 (UConn Health)
Official Website: http://www.dining.uconn.edu

Purpose

To provide specific requirements for the sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages at University sponsored events.

Scope

This policy does not apply to non-University on-campus entities (such as the University of Connecticut Foundation and the Nathan Hale Inn) or off campus Athletic venues.

Definitions

University Sponsored Events: An official activity, function or meeting operated and/or financially supported by the University of Connecticut, whether on- or off-campus.

Permanent Installation: A permanent foodservice operated by the Department of Dining Services on a Regional Campus.

POLICY STATEMENT

Alcohol Service on University Campuses: The Department of Dining Services is the sole liquor permit-holder on University campuses with a Permanent Installation, and is solely responsible for ensuring the proper service of alcohol at any on-campus University Sponsored Event where a Permanent Installation exists. Campuses with a Permanent Installation must use the Department of Dining Services to serve alcohol. At campuses without a Permanent Installation (except UConn Health) departments must seek approval from the Department of Dining Services to use an alternate service. Requests must be approved in writing by the Department of Dining Services. At UConn Health, requests must be approved in writing by the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, or the Chief Administrative Officer, as appropriate.

Alcohol Service at Off-Campus University Sponsored Events:  If alcohol is to be served at an off-campus University Sponsored Event, the individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy.

Sales and Service of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be possessed, served, sold or consumed at a University Sponsored Event or Permanent Installation only under the following conditions:

  • In no circumstances may alcohol be purchased with University funds or Trustee student organization fees, either directly or indirectly. For example, funds used to purchase food or cover facility fees may never subsidize the purchase of alcohol.
  • Service and sale of alcoholic beverages is covered by an appropriate liquor permit. At campuses with a Permanent Installation, this is the Department of Dining Services’ liquor permit. At campuses without a Permanent Installation, including UConn Health, this is an approved vendor or caterer’s liquor permit.
  • Alcohol servers are TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certified.
  • Alcoholic beverages are served as a complement to a planned program or event with a legitimate University business purpose.
  • Alcoholic beverage service is accompanied by food service and non-alcoholic beverage alternatives in amounts sufficient for all attendees.

Additional restrictions include:

  • Alcohol service is prohibited in academic buildings while classes are in session in that building. At UConn Health, exceptions must be approved in writing by the appropriate Dean or the Chief Administrative Officer.
  • University employees may not host department meetings or gatherings on campus and supply their own alcohol.
  • At campuses with a Permanent Installation, all alcohol service must be arranged, purchased, and served by the Department of Dining Services. External caterers may not provide alcohol on these campuses.
  • No alcoholic beverages may be served for any group of students of the University, or for any function, where it is reasonable to expect consumption by persons under the age of twenty-one years.

Campuses without the Presence of the Department of Dining Services

If alcohol is to be served at a University Sponsored Event at a campus without a Permanent Installation (except UConn Health), the individuals responsible for event planning must first submit a request for approval to the Department of Dining Services. This form is located at https://dining.uconn.edu/alcohol-request-form/. At UConn Health, requests must be submitted using this form and approved by the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, or the Chief Administrative Officer, as appropriate.

Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Office of the President. At all times, any entity serving alcohol on campus must have the appropriate liquor permit.

Enforcement

This policy is intended to complement existing University policy regarding alcohol, including but not limited to, the General Rules of Conduct, Student Code, and the University Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Violations of these policies may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.  Depending on the nature and severity of the violations, additional sanctions may be enacted.

Space Management Policy

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Title: Space Management Policy
Policy Owner: University Planning, Design & Construction (UPDC)
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: All campuses except UConn Health
Effective Date: June 12, 2017
For More Information, Contact University Planning, Design & Construction (UPDC)
Contact Information: (860) 486-2776
Official Website: https://space.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

The availability of facilities and space plays an important role in advancing the mission and goals of the University of Connecticut. It is in the University’s best interest to allocate space in an objective and consistent manner based on the University‘s mission and priorities.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to the Storrs and all regional campuses and designated affiliates or approved units of the University of Connecticut at those campuses. This policy does not apply to UConn Health.

POLICY STATEMENT

All space belongs to the University and is assigned to units, schools, departments or programs based on University’s priorities and the functional requirements of each user group.  The University may reallocate space at any time as needs and priorities change.

Decisions regarding the allocation of occupied and unoccupied space are based on campus and program priorities, Academic and Strategic Plans, the Master Plan for the campus, and overall need.

The President of the University has ultimate authority over space assignments. The Provost, Vice Presidents, and Division of Athletics Director are responsible for allocating and managing space occupied by activities under their control or within their divisions in accordance with the University’s Space Planning Guidelines.

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs has overall responsibility for the equitable and optimal use of academic and research space resources, with final authority over all UConn academic and research space assignments and designations in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer has final jurisdiction over all UConn non-academic and non-research spaces in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs except for those spaces identified below.

All space occupied  by the Division of Student Affairs (e.g. Student Union, Recreation Center) will be the responsibility of the Vice President for Student Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

All space occupied  by the Division of Athletics will be the responsibility of the Director of Athletics in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

The University Planning office within University Planning, Design and Construction is responsible for reviewing space requests and making recommendations to the appropriate authority.

The four officers with authority over space will coordinate all significant space decisions with the Office of the President.   The President as the chief executive and administrative officer of the University has the authority and responsibility to make all final decisions regarding space.

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

For roles and responsibilities, Space Planning Procedures: https://space.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2636/2019/10/Space-Procedures-October-2019.pdf

For assigning space: Space is assigned in accordance with the Space Planning Guidelines: https://space.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2636/2019/10/Revised-Space-Guidelines-September-2019.pdf

Requesting additional space or making modifications to existing space is governed by Space Planning: https://hclleap-prod2.its.uconn.edu/apps/secure/org/app/5f2edea7-46ee-4e6e-8467-4edb7b96b492/launch/index.html?form=F_Request&requestType=Space+Request

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

POLICY HISTORY:

Policy created:  6/12/2017 (Approved by Cabinet)