Office of the Provost and Executive VP for Academic Affairs

Outdoor Activities Policy

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Title: Outdoor Activities Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost and Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: August 20, 2024
Effective Date: August 21, 2024
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost or Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Contact Information: provost@uconn.edu or VPSLE@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://provost.uconn.edu or https://studentlife.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

To support a safe environment for the University community and our visitors and clarify the expectations, restrictions, and requirements related to the use of outdoor spaces, whether scheduled, unscheduled, active, or passive.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to Students, Workforce Members and Visitors on the Storrs and Regional Campuses.

Jurisdiction: This policy applies to all outdoor facilities and spaces under the control of the University of Connecticut.

POLICY STATEMENT

Outdoor activities are permitted on University property provided they are held in accordance with all University policies and procedures, and relevant laws and regulations. The University has the authority to ensure outdoor activities comply with the following requirements:

  1. Prohibited Items and Practices
    • Weapons or weapon facsimiles.
    • Amplified or projected sound not in accordance with the Amplified and Projected Sound policy.
    • Obstructing public access. Blocking access to public spaces or hindering anyone’s ability to enter or exit an area. A clear path of ingress and egress must always be maintained at all building entrances and exits, ADA ramps, stairs, and walkways, as well as for emergency vehicles.
    • Camping or encampments.
    • Ignitable paper, sky lanterns or other like luminaries that may present fire hazards.
  2. Outdoor Activity Disruption: No outdoor activity is permitted to disrupt another outdoor activity. To minimize/avoid disruption, University officials may direct one or more outdoor activities to relocate. Failure to comply with this or other directives will be considered a violation of University policies and subject to sanctions. Failure to comply may also be subject to law enforcement action, including criminal penalties.

PROCEDURES

 For more information for scheduling outdoor events and procedures related to this policy, visit the InForm website.

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.

The Provost or designee and the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment or designee shall review this policy annually and will recommend revisions and/or updates as may be appropriate.

Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Office of the Provost at provost@uconn.edu or the Office of the Vice President for Life and Enrollment at VPSLE@uconn.edu.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 08/20/2024 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)

Posting Policy

Posted on by
Title: Posting Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost and Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Applies to: Faculty, staff, students, visitors
Campus Applicability: Storrs and regional campuses
Approval Date: June 27, 2024
Effective Date: June 28, 2024
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost or Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Contact Information: provost@uconn.edu or VPSLE@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://provost.uconn.edu or https://studentlife.uconn.edu

 

PURPOSE

This Policy is intended to ensure the responsible and effective use of bulletin boards and other areas designated for the posting of Flyers, prevent littering and the defacing of or damage to University property. This Policy is not meant to supersede other existing area specific posting policies, nor is it intended to inhibit free speech or expression.  However, all Flyers must comply with established University Policies.

APPLIES TO

Storrs and Regional Campuses, not including UConn Health and UConn Law.

DEFINITIONS

Designated Posting Areas: Specific locations on campus authorized for the display of Flyers and similar materials. These areas are established to help ensure the responsible and orderly use of space for announcements and information dissemination. Designated Posting Areas are either Controlled Posting Spaces or Open Posting Spaces.

Controlled Posting Spaces: Designated posting areas managed by respective building managers and/or departmental owners. Prior approval is required to post a flyer in a controlled posting space.

Open Posting Spaces: Designated posting areas that do not require approval prior to posting.

Flyers: Posters, printed materials, and/or any other physical materials.

POLICY STATEMENT

Flyers may only be posted in Designated Posting Areas, such as bulletin boards and other designated spaces throughout the campus. Under no circumstance may Flyers be affixed in any manner on University signs, lampposts, trees, or any place that would impede ingress/egress. For safety reasons, Flyers may not be slipped under the doors of offices, classrooms, or other University spaces. Any postings in non-designated areas will be removed.

Flyers must be affixed in a manner that does not cause damage to University property. Only non-permanent methods may be used to display Flyers. Permanent or semi-permanent adhesion that may cause damage to University property must not be used. In general, only tacks on bulletin boards, and painter’s tape on non-tackable boards should be used. Individuals/organizations wishing to post Flyers should also ensure compliance with the departments/offices' policies, including those linked in the References section below.

PROCEDURES

Printed Flyers should be of a standard size (e.g. 8.5”x11”) not to exceed 11”x17”. Only one Flyer per event or notice should be posted in each Designated Posting Area. Excess Flyers and other posting materials may be removed.

Flyers should include the name of the organization/individual responsible for the posting and the date on which it was displayed.

Individuals or groups posting Flyers for events should remove them within 24 hours of the event's completion. Once the event date has passed, anyone may remove the posting.

Building managers may remove Flyers that do not have specific dated events periodically based on the date the posting is displayed (e.g. once per semester or on another schedule).

LOCATIONS

Building managers may designate Open Posting or Controlled Posting Spaces, in consultation with leadership of departments/units within the building, for the posting of Flyers that meet the standards outlined in this Policy. Classrooms are not considered Designated Posting Areas. Postings in classrooms can be used as part of instruction during class times and should be removed after the class is over.

Open Posting Spaces are areas designated for the posting of Flyers that meet the standards outlined in this Policy and do not require prior approval. Open Posting Spaces shall be clearly marked. A listing of known locations is available in the References section below.  If a space is not clearly marked as an Open Posting Space, individuals are encouraged to seek permission before posting.

Flyers must be approved prior to posting in Controlled Posting Spaces, including materials that would be placed on or in the ground in outdoor spaces. Separate posting policies, procedures or guidelines in university buildings/departments/units may have other restrictions such as size, length of posting times, and methods for affixing materials, and will follow the standards provided by this Policy.

Refer to department/unit-specific Controlled Posting Spaces guidelines prior to posting in these spaces. Flyers that have not been approved for posting in Controlled Posting Spaces may be removed. Controlled Posting Spaces shall also be clearly marked. A listing of known locations is available in the References section. Faculty office areas (e.g. doors and bulletin boards outside of their offices) and administrative spaces are at the discretion of academic departments/building managers.

In University buildings/departments/units that have separate posting policies, procedures or guidelines,  items must be posted in accordance with the standards  provided by the specific department/unit/building and this Policy.

In University buildings/departments/units that do not have a separate policy or defined Open or Controlled Spaces, postings are not allowed.

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.

Individuals and groups can be charged with violating the University Code of Conduct or the Student Code, specifically Part III, B. 17: “Damage or misuse of property, which includes, but is not limited to, attempted or actual damage to or misuse of University property or other personal or public property”.

Individuals, departments, units, student organizations, and off-campus businesses or groups that violate this Policy will be asked to remove Flyers immediately and will be billed for any damage to University property that occurs because of improper posting.

Flyers that do not meet the standards outlined in this Policy or posted in places not designated for display may be removed at any time.

Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Office of the Provost at provost@uconn.edu or the Office of the Vice President for Life and Enrollment at VPSLE@uconn.edu.

REFERENCES

The list of departments/units with specific posting policies includes but is not limited to the following:

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created:  06/27/2024 Approved by the Senior Policy Council and the President

Modified Duties for Faculty Due to Life Events, Policy on

Posted on by
Title: Modified Duties for Faculty Due to Life Events
Policy Owner: Human Resources
Office of the Provost
Applies to: All Faculty
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: December 19, 2023
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
For More Information, Contact: Human Resources
Contact Information: hr@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://hr.uconn.edu/ 

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut is committed to fostering an educational community with a flexible and supportive work environment where faculty can thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Periodically, a faculty member may need to modify some level of academic duties in order to respond to an anticipated or unanticipated personal qualifying life event.

The university encourages faculty to utilize this policy as needed to respond to anticipated or unanticipated life events or situations.

This policy does not diminish, supersede or replace other employee entitlements, such as FMLA, the Faculty Medical Leave Guidelines, ADA, personal leave, or leaves under the By-Laws of the University of Connecticut, the UConn AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement, or any other state or federal law. Instead, this benefit is available upon a faculty member’s return to on-campus activities following such a leave or when modified duties fully resolve the issue or supplement existing entitlements.

PURPOSE

This policy allows a faculty member to request a temporary modification of academic duties in order to respond to an anticipated or unanticipated personal life event or situation (see Qualifying Events definition). Specifically, the intent of this policy is to modify or re-arrange a faculty member’s duties over the course of a semester or 12-month equivalency to address an immediate and short-term personal need or obligation. Of note, duty modifications do not decrease a faculty member’s responsibilities; instead, modification allows the faculty member, in conjunction with their Department Head and/or Dean, to exchange duties on a short-term basis.

Modified duties involve either 1) full-time work with flexible schedule, modified work duties as defined herein, remote work, and/or other arrangements as agreed upon and approved or 2) a combination of working less than full-time (Voluntary Schedule Reduction), paid leave and/or leave without pay (e.g. FMLG/FMLA if eligible), as appropriate.

DEFINITIONS

Modified Duties: Modification, partial release, or complete release from teaching and/or other responsibilities in which alternative duties will be assigned for a period of one semester or the equivalent of one semester distributed over a longer period not to exceed 12 months.

Primary Caregiver: The person primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of a child or the care of an immediate family member with a serious illness or injury.

Secondary Caregiver: The person who provides backup care in the absence of the primary caregiver.

Immediate Family Member: Immediate family means spouse, parent, parent-in-law, sibling, sibling in-law, child, and any relative who is domiciled in the employee’s household.

Qualifying Event: In most instances, faculty members will seek the benefits of this policy following their return from an approved medical leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Other qualifying circumstances could include: short-term care for the employee or an immediate family member on a part-time basis following the completion of an approved personal or FMLA leave; or bereavement following the death of an immediate family member or other emergency circumstance. The University will not grant duty modifications for faculty members to devote time to consulting, outside employment, or non-medical related family obligations.

POLICY STATEMENT

All full-time tenure-track and non-tenure-track (e.g., Clinical, In Residence, Lecturer, and Extension) faculty members, and Athletics’ titles (Article 37) serving as the primary or secondary caregiver shall be eligible for modified duties due to a qualifying life event involving themselves or immediate family member(s). The faculty member or an employee covered by Article 37 must submit a Modified Duties Request form to seek permission and receive approval before modified duties can be assigned or implemented.

All Academic Assistants (Article 13[1]), Facilities Scientists (Article 13), Research Assistants (Article 24), Research Associates (Article 24), and Temporary Faculty(Article 26), are not eligible for modified duties and will continue to be eligible to request remote work, flexible schedules or use of paid leave and/or leave without pay (e.g. FMLG/FMLA if eligible), when appropriate and with approval.

Approval for modified duties does not alter contractual employment agreements and cannot be used as a basis to extend employment contracts.

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 and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Available from the Academic Affairs section of the Academic Affairs Governance Document Library.

  • Procedures for Modified Duties for Faculty Due to Life Events

REFERENCES

Tenure Clock Adjustments for Qualifying Life Events for more information.
Leave of Absences (FMLA, Leave without pay, Military Leave)
Voluntary Schedule Reduction

Acknowledgments: This policy is based on the University of South Carolina’s, Modified Duties for Faculty policy (https://www.sc.edu/policies/ppm/acaf160.pdf.). Adaptations were made to fit the University of Connecticut context.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 12/19/2023 (Approved by Senior Policy Council and the President)

 

[1] Article references are to the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-UConn).

 

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 Discipline, Dismissal and Appeal Process from Professional/Clinical Programs, Procedures on

Posted on by

Title: Student Discipline, Dismissal and Appeal Process from Professional/Clinical Programs, Procedures on

Procedures Owner: Office of the Provost

Responsible Office: Academic Programs with Professional/Clinical Programs

Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Contact Information: Provost’s Office; 860 486-4037

Official Website: http://www.provost.uconn.edu


Purpose: To define a fair and uniform process for disciplining or dismissing students from professional/clinical programs based on failure to adhere to professional standards of conduct.

Procedures Statement: Each professional school or program maintains its own professional standards of conduct. These standards of conduct are often developed in accordance with stated norms for professional conduct, whether as required by accrediting bodies or otherwise.  Each program’s professional standards of conduct should be clearly stated in the student handbook. A student’s failure to adhere to those standards may result in discipline, including and up to, dismissal from the program.

Applicability:  These procedures apply to each professional school or program at Storrs and Regional Campuses, except those falling under the purview of the Graduate School.  Graduate programs falling under the purview of the Graduate school should follow the Graduate School’s procedures.  See https://grad.uconn.edu/policy/.

ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Any student believed to have violated one or more of a program’s professional standards of conduct shall be provided a written description of the alleged violation(s), with a copy to the Dean and program director, or designees. The written notice need only have sufficient detail to inform the student of the alleged violation(s), the provisions of the professional standards believed to have been violated and the potential consequences to the student.[1] Such notice will be made by email to the student’s official University email address and shall be deemed received by the student on the day it was sent.

Any student who has been suspended or removed from a clinical placement as a result of the alleged violation(s) risks being unable to complete the clinical component of their current course within the required timeframe and receiving a failing grade. Such students are strongly encouraged to respond as quickly as possible to ensure a timely resolution, increase the student’s chances for securing an alternative clinical placement and, in turn, complete the clinical component within the required timeframe.

The student shall have five business days to respond in writing to the notice of violation(s) and request a conference to review the alleged violations.

The Program Director or individual in an equivalent position shall conference with the student as soon as is practicable, but not more than ten business days of receipt of the student’s response. A student may, at their own risk, request additional time to schedule a conference.

Failure to Respond or Conference: If the student fails to respond or participate in conference within 15 business days of the notice being received, the Program Director or individual in an equivalent position shall determine and impose disciplinary action without need for a hearing. In such cases, the student has no right to appeal. The 15 business day time limit shall be extended if a request for additional time is granted.

Conference: Program Director will review the professional standards alleged to have been violated with the student and the disciplinary action deemed appropriate to impose in response to the violation(s).  The student may consult with a present support person, but that person may not actively participate in the conference. A student should choose a support person whose schedule allows for their participation in the conference because delays will not be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of a support person. At the conclusion of the conference, the student shall:

  1. Sign an acknowledgment stating that the student committed the alleged violation(s) and agrees with the imposed disciplinary action. In such cases the discipline shall be imposed without need for a hearing and the student has no right to appeal.

or

  1. Contest the alleged violations and/or associated discipline. In such cases, the Program Director will schedule a hearing as soon as is practicable but not more than ten business days of conferring with the student. The Program Director may extend the time in which to hold a hearing based on extenuating circumstances. The student will be notified of the date, time and location of the hearing via university email.

HEARING

A hearing body shall be assembled by the School, College, Department, or Program, as appropriate. The hearing body shall consist of one or more University employees that were not directly involved in the incident(s) from which the alleged violation(s) arose. In the event that the hearing body consists of more than one employee, a chairperson for the hearing body shall be appointed.

The purpose of the hearing is to allow for a fair and impartial review of the information to determine whether the student has violated one or more of the program’s professional standards of conduct and, if so, the appropriate discipline that should be imposed.  Hearings should be conducted in private. The hearing is not a court proceeding and the hearing body is not bound by rules of evidence.

The student shall have the right to:

  • Propose witnesses. At least two business days in advance of the hearing, the student should provide the hearing body’s designee with a list of names and a brief summary of the information expected to be presented by each witness. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the witnesses of the date, time and location of the hearing.  The hearing body chair has the discretion to limit the number of witnesses who may appear before the hearing body (for example, due to relevancy, redundancy, etc.), but in exercising that discretion must allow for a fair and impartial review of the allegations.
  • Submit written or other information for the hearing body’s consideration. At least two business days in advance of the hearing, the student should submit to the hearing body’s designee any documentary or other evidence that the student wishes the hearing board to consider. Absent exceptional circumstances, the hearing body will not consider information submitted beyond this deadline.
  • Be notified within two business days of the hearing of the identity of any witnesses who have been called by the hearing body to present information during the hearing.
  • Be provided copies within two business days of the hearing of any written or other information the hearing body intends to consider at the hearing, when such information is known to the hearing body prior to the commencement of the hearing, including any prior conduct history of the student that may be considered for the purpose of determining the appropriate discipline.
  • Be accompanied by a support person. The student may consult the support person, but that person may not actively participate in the hearing. A student should choose a support person whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled date and time for the hearing because delays will not be allowed due to the scheduling conflicts of a support person.

      After hearing from the witnesses and considering all other information presented to the hearing body, the hearing body shall deliberate.  A decision by the hearing body that a student has violated one or more professional standards must be based on a preponderance of the evidence (i.e. it is more likely than not that the student violated the standard(s)).

      The hearing body shall notify the student in writing of its decision within five business days of the hearing.  The notice shall contain sufficient detail to explain the basis of the hearing body’s decision. In deciding upon discipline, the hearing body may consider prior conduct history of the student. Such notice will be made by email to the student’s official University email address and deemed received by the student on the day it was sent.

      Appeal Procedures

      The decision of the hearing body may be appealed by the student to the program’s Dean or designee. Any such appeal must be made in writing within five business days of the student’s receipt of the written decision. The sole grounds for appeal are:

      • A claim of error in the hearing procedures that substantially affected the decision;
      • A claim of new information material to the matter that was not known and could not reasonably have been known at the time of the hearing;
      • On a claim of substantive error arising from misinterpretation of information presented at the hearing.

      The student’s appeal must identify at least one of the three grounds for review and provide sufficient detail to understand the basis for the request. Mere disagreement with the hearing body’s decision is not sufficient grounds for appeal.

      Within five business days of receipt of the appeal, student will be notified of the decision on the appeal, which may include:

      • Upholding the decision of the hearing body
      • Reversal of the hearing body’s decision
      • Modification of the discipline
      • Remand to the hearing body if the Dean/designee deems necessary to consider new information or to correct an error in the hearing procedure

      The decision of the appellate body is final.

      In addition, students are subject to the Student Code (https://community.uconn.edu/the-student-code-preamble/). Any suspected violations of the Student Code will be reported to the Office of Community Standards.

      Undergraduate students in professional/clinical programs: Undergraduate students dismissed from a clinical or professional program are not necessarily dismissed from the University.

      Post-baccalaureate/certificate programs: Typically, students dismissed from post-baccalaureate (e.g. Certificate) programs that do not fall under the purview of Graduate School are de facto dismissed from the University.

       

      [1] All proceedings and timeframes herein may be suspended at the discretion of the Program Director during the pendency of any investigation or proceeding undertaken by the Office of Community Standards related to the same conduct.  Following resolution of any the student code matter, the Program Director may elect to proceed under these procedures.

      UConn’s NAGPRA Procedure

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      University of Connecticut NAGPRA Procedures:

      The Provost will designate one or more persons at the University to help administer the University’s compliance obligations under NAGPRA.  That person(s) is referred to as the “NAGPRA Coordinator(s)” for purposes of these procedures. The NAGPRA Coordinator will be responsible for working in close consultation with lineal descendants and Native American and Native Hawaiian organizations in identifying any Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony that are maintained by the University, and on determinations of cultural affiliation and repatriation of Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, that are part of the University’s collections.

      NAGPRA Review Group

      The Provost will establish a NAGPRA review group to assist the NAGPRA Coordinator in the administration of the University’s compliance obligations under NAGPRA and to report recommendations on cultural affiliation and repatriation to the Provost.  This review group will be chaired by an appointee designated by the Provost and will include the State Archaeologist, members from the Department of Anthropology and the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and other offices at the University who maintain human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony.  The representatives of the review committee will be responsible for communicating and involving the departments, museums and other University offices they represent on matters relating to the University’s compliance obligations under NAGPRA.

      Use of Human Remains in Teaching and Research

      The NAGPRA review group must be notified of any teaching or research being conducted at the University or by faculty or staff from the University that involves the use of Native American or Native Hawaiian human remains.

      NAGPRA Collections

      The NAGPRA Coordinator will work with the NAGPRA review group and departments, museums and other University offices to help maintain a centralized record of all Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony maintained by the University, such record will include the location(s) of the relevant items and any NAGPRA-related reports or communications relating to such items.

      NAGPRA Reporting & Process Initiation

      The NAGPRA Coordinator will inform the NAGPRA review group and the Provost upon becoming aware of any Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains and cultural items maintained by the University that were not previously reported under NAGPRA.  The NAGPRA Coordinator will initiate a NAGPRA process for any Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains and cultural items maintained by the University.  This will include consulting with lineal descendants and Native American and Native Hawaiian organizations prior to making any recommendation as to cultural affiliation or repatriation.  The NAGPRA Coordinator must consult with the NAGPRA review group and the Provost’s office prior to completing a summary or inventory under NAGPRA.

      Cultural Affiliation Recommendations

      The NAGPRA Coordinator will make a proposed recommendation of cultural affiliation, when appropriate, for any Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony maintained by the University to the NAGPRA review group.  The NAGPRA review group will review and evaluate such recommendations.

      The chair of the NAGPRA review group will submit a proposed recommendation of cultural affiliation, reflecting the initial recommendation provided by the NAGPRA Coordinator and the comments of the NAGPRA review group, to the Provost.  The Provost is the only University official authorized to make determinations of cultural affiliation under NAGPRA with respect to Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony maintained by the University.

      Repatriation Recommendations

      The NAGPRA Coordinator will be responsible for identifying appropriate claimant(s) and making a proposed recommendation of repatriation, when appropriate, for any Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony maintained by the University to the NAGPRA review group.  The NAGPRA review group will review and evaluate such recommendations.

      The chair of the NAGPRA review group will submit a proposed recommendation of repatriation, reflecting the initial recommendation provided by the NAGPRA Coordinator and the comments of the NAGPRA review group, to the Provost.  The Provost is the only University official authorized to make a recommendation of repatriation under NAGPRA with respect to Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony maintained by the University.

      Tuition Discount Policy

      Posted on by
      Title: Tuition Discount Policy
      Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
      Applies to: Outside Entities Meeting the Criteria within the Policy
      Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
      Effective Date: June 28, 2012
      For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost
      Contact Information: (860) 486-4037
      Official Website: http://provost.uconn.edu

      The University of Connecticut recognizes that establishing partnerships with other entities may
      be beneficial to the University and enhance the University’s ability to fulfill its mission. One
      form of partnership can be a relationship in which another entity sponsors the education of
      multiple University students, particularly when that sponsorship is coupled with other
      relationships between the University and the entity.

      Accordingly, it is the policy of the Board of Trustees to permit the University to enter into
      Tuition Discount Agreements with other entities provided that such Agreements meet the following
      criteria:

      • Parties: The University of Connecticut and any business or nonprofit entity.
      • Discount Permitted: Up to five percent (5%). The Agreement may specify a maximum total
        dollar discount for the life of the Agreement.
      • Discount applicable to: Graduate Tuition and Fee Equivalents approved by the Board of Trustees.
      • Programs eligible: Regular academic degree programs offered by any school or department of the
        University but not including undergraduate programs.
      • Minimum Expenditure: In order to be eligible, the contracting entity must have spent at least one
        million dollars in a prior fiscal year in Tuition and Fee Equivalents for graduate and
        undergraduate education. The Tuition Discount Agreement can then be entered into for the following
        fiscal year.
      • Maximum Duration: Agreements shall be for a maximum term of two (2) years but may be renewed with
        Board approval. The Agreement may provide for a limit on the total aggregate dollar discount for
        the life of the Agreement.
      • Early termination: Each Agreement may provide that if the amount of Tuition and Fee Equivalents
        incurred by the contracting entity before discount falls below one million dollars in a particular
        year or on a rolling average basis, that the University may cancel the Agreement for subsequent
        years.
      • Application of the discount: The discount will be applied at the time of registration. The
        Agreement shall provide a mechanism for assuring that the tuition has been paid by the contracting
        entity.
      • In determining whether or not to enter into an Agreement, the University will take into account
        whether the entity has demonstrated a commitment to support the University through past
        philanthropy, providing student internships, collaboration on research, entering into fee for
        service arrangements or in other ways.

      All such Agreements must be approved by the Board of Trustees before they are effective. Nothing in
      this policy creates a right in any entity, nor an obligation on the University, to enter into such
      Agreement. The Board of Trustees retains sole discretion with regard to all proposed
      Agreements.

      Endowed Chairs and Professorship, Procedures on

      Posted on by
      Title: Endowed Chairs and Professorship, Procedures on
      Procedure Owner: Office of the Provost
      Applies to: University Employees
      Campus Applicability:  All Campuses
      Effective Date:  April 28, 2023
      For More Information, Contact The Office of the Provost
      Contact Information: (860) 486-4037
      Official Website: provost.uconn.edu

       

      BACKGROUND

      Full-time academic staff appointed to endowed chairs or endowed professorships at the University of Connecticut are selected based on a distinguished record of scholarly or creative accomplishment, a strong record of teaching, and exemplary leadership and service to their school or college, the University, and the academic community.

       

      PURPOSE

      To outline the procedures for implementing the Policy on Endowed Chairs and Professorships

       

      PROCEDURES

      Criteria for Appointment and Renewal

      Individual schools and colleges may develop more specific criteria for appointment to and renewal of endowed chairs and endowed professorships, but all recommendations to the Provost must describe how the candidate meets the conditions associated with the endowment as described in the gift agreement using one or more of the following criteria.

       

      Scholarly or creative accomplishment

      • Distinguished and sustained record of achievement as evidenced by scholarly or creative publication in high quality outlets or by artistic performances or exhibitions in prestigious institutions.
      • University-wide, national, or international awards recognizing scholarly or creative contributions.

       

      Teaching

      • Development of innovative teaching activities.
      • Successful mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students.
      • University-wide, national, or international awards recognizing teaching contributions.

       

      Leadership, service, or public engagement

      • School, college, or University-wide level service.
      • Senior editorial positions in high quality scholarly journals.
      • Creative leadership in prestigious arts or creative organizations.
      • Significant leadership positions in national or international scholarly associations or societies.
      • Significant engagement with international, national, state, or local organizations (including government agencies).

       

      Appointment and Renewal Process

      Appointment to an endowed chair or an endowed professorship and renewal of an appointment requires a recommendation from the Dean of the school or college and/or Director of the university-level center or institute with which the professorship is associated. The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the recommendation and decide whether to endorse the recommendation and forward it to the President prior to seeking Board of Trustees for approval.

      Prior to making a recommendation to the Provost, the Dean  or Director will solicit advice from a committee established and documented according to practices appropriate within the particular school, college, or unit. In particular, the committee might consist of (a) outstanding full professors within the school or college (a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor from outside the school or college can be included where appropriate), (b) full professors on the Dean’s Promotion, Tenure, and Review Committee, or (c) appropriate department heads and Associate Deans.

      In the case of an initial appointment, the committee may, when appropriate, solicit external letters to inform their recommendation.

      The Dean must submit a memo with the following information to the Provost:

      • A history of the Endowed Chair/Professorship, including the purpose as outlined in the gift agreement
      • A description of the process through which recommendations were made, which will usually describe a small committee providing recommendations to the Dean
      • The terms of the appointment and other relevant details

      Once approve, and in consultation with the President, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs will recommend a candidate for appointment to the Board of Trustees.

      The Provost will consider exceptions to the ordinary procedures on a case-by-case basis.

       

      ENFORCEMENT

      Violations of these 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

       

      REFERENCES

      Policy on Endowed Chair and Professorships

      List of Endowed Chairs and Professorship

       

      PROCEDURES HISTORY

      PROCEDURES Created: 9/26/2001

      Policy Supersedes Endowed Chairs Policy (5/11/1990; 11/7/1989; 10/15/1989)

      Revised: 03/13/2023 (Approved by Senior Policy Council)

      Policy for Education Abroad and Related Activities in Sites with U.S. Department of State Travel Warning/Travel Alert

      Posted on by
      Title: Policy for Education Abroad and Related Activities in Sites with U.S. Department of State Travel Warning/Travel Alert
      Policy Owner: Global Affairs
      Applies to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Research Associates, Faculty, Staff
      Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses including the Law School
      Effective Date: July 23, 2015
      For More Information, Contact Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs
      Contact Information:  860-486-2908
      Official Website: http://global.uconn.edu/

      Waiver Application

      Waiver Application for Travel to High-Risk Countries/Regions

      REASON FOR POLICY

      Global engagement is one of the four core values of the University of Connecticut, as presented in the University’s 2014 strategic planning document Creating Our Future: UCONN’s Path to Excellence. The University has long supported students, faculty and staff as they travel internationally for credit-bearing Education Abroad programs, internships, research, service learning and volunteer opportunities, conferences, registered student organization activities, student groups affiliated with academic departments, and other non-credit-bearing University programs. To further the University’s core values, ensure that students, faculty and staff have all relevant information and support they need while traveling abroad, and assess any potential risks and appropriate actions to reduce those risks, the University has established guidelines concerning  how, when and where students, faculty and staff may travel abroad for university-sponsored or university-related purposes. The University of Connecticut considers issues of terrorism, war, disease and other risks to travelers when assessing the appropriateness of university-sponsored or university-related international travel to a country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or Travel Alert.

      Accordingly, the University will not permit or support travel to any country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or Travel Alert except pursuant to a Waiver approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs under this policy.

       

      APPLIES TO

      This policy applies to all undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral research associates, faculty and staff at the Storrs and regional campuses including the Law School traveling internationally for university-sponsored or university-related purposes. University-sponsored or university-related purposes include credit-bearing Education Abroad programs, internships, research, service learning and volunteer opportunities, conferences, registered student organization activities, student groups affiliated with academic departments, and other non-credit-bearing University programs.

      This policy does not include travel through a program that is administered by another organization that has not been vetted and approved by UConn’s Office of Global Affairs: Education Abroad (OGA:EA) or does not have a formal agreement or exchange program with UConn.

      This policy does not apply to students, faculty or staff who make the personal decision to travel internationally on a program or for a purpose not affiliated with the University and use their own funds, or other non-University funds, to support this travel. That is personal travel. This policy does not apply to personal travel. Personal travel includes additional independent travel before or after travel for university-sponsored or university-related purposes that is not part of the official university-sponsored or university-related itinerary. University-sponsored international health insurance does not cover personal travel by faculty, staff or students.

      This policy does not apply to the University of Connecticut Health Center.

      DEFINITIONS

      “Education and Activities Abroad” and “Education Abroad and Related Activities” means any travel outside of the United States for university-sponsored or university-related purposes.

      “Program Director” means the faculty or staff advisor, or in the case of a UConn Registered Student Organization or student group affiliated with an academic department of the University, the student leader of the Organization or student group, who is responsible for the planning and implementation of an Education and Activities Abroad program or travel opportunity. In the case of individual student, faculty or staff travel for university-sponsored or university-related purposes, the Program Director means the individual traveler.

      “Risk Advisory Committee (RAC)” means the committee formed to review Waiver Applications for Education and Activities Abroad Programs in Countries with U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings/Travel Alerts. The RAC members include the Director of UConn’s Office of Global Affairs: Education Abroad (OGA:EA), a second and/or additional member(s) appointed by the Vice President for Global Affairs, and a representative from the Office of the General Counsel, or their successor in function. As appropriate to the proposed Education and Activities Abroad program or opportunity, the RAC may also seek input from representatives of the School or College associated with the Education and Activities Abroad program, the Division of Student Affairs, and/or any experts on country conditions of the proposed destination. The Chair of the RAC will be designated by the Vice President for Global Affairs.

      “University-sponsored or university-related” means credit-bearing study abroad programs, internships, research, service learning and volunteer opportunities, conferences, registered student organization activities, student groups affiliated with academic departments, and other non-credit-bearing University programs. This includes the following:

      –           Any travel in connection with activities for which academic credit is sought, including programs operated through UConn’s Office of Global Affairs: Education Abroad (OGA:EA), travel as part of a formal academic program or course of study, internship credit, and travel for independent study credit (including retroactive requests for academic credit).

      –           Any travel for purposes of performance, sporting events, service learning, conferences, meetings, professional development or volunteerism organized by an academic department, a UConn Registered Student Organization or a student group affiliated with an academic department of the University.

      –           Any travel for which funding is sought through a University-administered account or a student government-administered account within UConn.

      –           Any travel that requires travel approval through UConn Travel Services and/or that requires international health insurance through a University-contracted insurance plan.

      “Waiver Application” means the Waiver Application for Education and Activities Abroad Programs in Countries with U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings/Travel Alerts, administered by UConn’s Office of Global Affairs: Education Abroad (OGA:EA).  The Waiver Application may be revised by the Vice President of Global Affairs from time to time consistent with this Policy.

      POLICY STATEMENT

      The University observes the following policy:

      If the U.S. Department of State issues a travel warning/travel alert for a particular country or region within a country, UConn will suspend approval of any current Education and Activities Abroad program or individual university-sponsored or university-related travel by UConn students, postdoctoral research associates, faculty and/or staff and will not approve any new travel in that country as long as the travel warning/travel alert is in effect unless an application for a Waiver of this policy is submitted and approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs.  Without approval of the Waiver, university support is withdrawn. No academic credit will be awarded for programs in those countries, and reimbursement for the travel may be denied.

      I.        Proposed Programs or Activities

      When initiating a new Education or Activity Abroad opportunity, the Program Director or, in the case of individual travel, the student, faculty or staff member intending to travel, should review whether any destination country is the subject of any travel warnings or travel alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State. See http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html. All U.S. Department of State travel warnings and travel alerts applicable to the destination country must be disclosed and a Waiver sought as part of the proposal, even when the travel warning/travel alert covers a different region or state from the program’s in-country destination.

      In reviewing the Waiver Application, the University will carefully review the actual U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert, as well as other sources, which may include recommendations of other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

      There may be legitimate academic reasons for developing or continuing a program or exchange in a country or in certain regions of a country while limiting travel to other regions of that same country. In some situations, a travel warning/travel alert may be very narrowly defined. For example, on May 5, 2015, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel warning for Mexico. That travel warning assessed security conditions for Mexico state-by-state. At that time the state of Oaxaca listed “no advisory is in effect,” while the state of Tamaulipas had a security advisory in effect. In such a circumstance, upon careful review a Waiver might be granted for travel to Oaxaca State, while denied for travel to Tamaulipas State.

      In reviewing the Waiver Application, the University will also carefully review any other pertinent factors brought to the University’s attention, such as any impact to University faculty and staff on sponsored research funding for projects that may not reach completion if the faculty or staff member were to be prohibited from travel or continued travel to a travel warning/travel alert country under this policy. When completing the Waiver Application, faculty or staff should note the existence of and any adverse consequences to sponsored research as part of the reasoning to permit the travel despite the existence of a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert.

      Waiver Process

      If a new Education or Activity Abroad program or opportunity is being proposed in any country where a travel warning or travel alert is current, the following process should be followed:

      A.      When proposing university-sponsored or university-related international travel, certain forms are always required:  the “Education and Activities Abroad Program proposal request” form to be submitted for all student Education or Activity Abroad opportunities; the “Student Organization Off-Campus Event Advising” form to be submitted for all registered student organization travel; or the UConn Travel Office’s Travel WebForm providing for enrollment in international health insurance through the University-contracted international health insurance plan for faculty, staff and graduate assistant travel. In addition, for travel to any country where a travel warning or travel alert is in effect, a Waiver Application for Education and Activities Abroad Programs in Countries with U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings/Travel Alerts must be completed and submitted to the Office of Global Affairs: Education Abroad (OGA:EA). Current Waiver Applications for Students and Faculty/Staff are available for download at the top of this page. OGA:EA will also provide the current Waiver Application form upon request.

      B.      The Risk Advisory Committee (RAC) will review the Waiver Application. The RAC will then forward the Waiver Application with a recommendation to the Vice President for Global Affairs.

      C.      Vice President’s Decision:

      1.      Waiver Approved: If a Waiver is approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs, the travel warning/travel alert will be reviewed periodically by OGA:EA until a rescission or new travel warning/travel alert is issued by the U.S. Department of State. If a new travel warning/travel alert is issued, then the program will be reviewed as per the procedures below for current programs.

      a.      All participants in the program will receive a copy of the U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert along with a copy of the completed Waiver Application. All prospective travelers will be interviewed by the proposed Program Director, representative of the OGA:EA, representative of the Division of Student Affairs, or other individuals who are developing the program. This interview will explain the program purpose and the environment in which it will take place (including health, safety and other program elements) and deliver information about the U.S. Department of State’s travel warning/travel advisory to enable travelers to make informed consent decisions as to their participation in the program.

      b.      After prospective travelers have been interviewed and determined to be qualified to join the program, and only after the Waiver has been approved, all prospective travelers in the program will review and sign the Informed Consent and Release of Liability statement. It will be the responsibility of the Program Director of the proposed program to ensure that all program participants have completed an Informed Consent and Release of Liability statement prior to departure for the program. Completed and signed Informed Consent and Release of Liability forms should be submitted to OGA:EA. Current versions of the Informed Consent and Release of Liability forms are included within the Waiver Applications for travel to high risk countries. They may be revised by the Vice President of Global Affairs from time to time consistent with this Policy.

      c.       If a Waiver has been approved for travel to a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert country or region, additional travel to a different country or region subject to a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert country or region that was not considered as part of the Waiver Application is not permitted unless that additional travel has also been reviewed and approved through a subsequent Waiver Application in accordance with this policy.

      d.      Refunds and Withdrawals: Travelers will be permitted to withdraw from a program for which a Waiver has been approved if they are not comfortable traveling to the country or region. Reasonable efforts will be made to find alternate programs for travelers to enroll in. If an alternate program cannot be found, reasonable efforts will be made to refund any fees already paid, but the actual amount of refund will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the OGA:EA.

      2.      Waiver Application Denied: If the Vice President for Global Affairs determines that the Waiver Application should be denied due to the situation reflected in the U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert, the Program Director and/or the Director of the OGA:EA will notify any current program applicants.

      a.      Reconsideration of the decision: When a Waiver Application is denied, the Program Director and the Director of the OGA:EA and/or Chair of the RAC will have the opportunity to confer with the Vice President for Global Affairs about the decision. The Program Director will have the opportunity to submit any new evidence of current country conditions that was not previously before the RAC. If the Vice President finds it appropriate, he or she may refer such evidence back to the RAC for further consideration. The decision as to whether to consider new evidence and reopen the review of the RAC will be at the sole discretion of the Vice President for Global Affairs.

      b.      Refunds and Withdrawals: If money has already been collected for a program to a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert country and the Waiver Application is denied, the process for notification and refunds will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Vice President based on recommendations from the OGA:EA.

      c.       If a Waiver Application is denied, any student, faculty or staff member who makes the personal decision to travel to the location notwithstanding the denial does so as a private individual without a connection to the University. The travel will not be considered affiliated with or supported by the University, University funds will not be used to support the travel, and University-contracted international health insurance will not cover the travel. The University will have no obligation or liability in connection with such travel.

      II.      Current Programs

      If a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert is announced in a country where an existing Education or Activity Abroad program operates, the Vice-President for Global Affairs are authorized to summarily suspend the operation of the effected program(s) and require the safe and expeditious return of program participants to the University campus.

      If this step is deemed not immediately warranted, the following procedures must be implemented:

      A.      The Program Director or associated on-campus program facilitator must complete the Waiver Application for Education and Activities Abroad Programs in Countries with U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings/Travel Alerts and submit it to the OGA:EA within 48 hours of the issuance of the travel warning/travel alert.

      B.      The Risk Advisory Committee (RAC) will review the Waiver Application as soon as possible, with a goal of within 2 business days of receipt of the Waiver Application. The RAC will then forward the Waiver Application with a recommendation to the Vice President for Global Affairs.

      C.      Vice President’s decision:

      1.      Waiver Approved: If a Waiver is approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs, the U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert will be reviewed periodically by OGA:EA until a rescission or new travel warning/travel alert occurs. If a new travel warning/travel alert is issued, then the program will be reviewed anew, as per the procedures above.

      a.      If a Waiver is approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs, all travelers on that program will receive a copy of the U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert along with a copy of the completed Waiver Application. All travelers will be required to sign the Informed Consent and Release of Liability statement attesting that they have read the travel warning/travel alert and the Waiver Application and wish to continue with the program. If the traveler is under the age of 18, the traveler’s parents must review and sign these materials.

      b.      If a Waiver has been approved for travel to a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert country or region, additional travel to a different country or region subject to a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert that was not considered as part of the Waiver Application is not permitted unless that additional travel has also been reviewed and approved through a subsequent Waiver Application in accordance with this policy.

      c.       Refunds and Withdrawals: If a Waiver is approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs, travelers will be permitted to withdraw from the program for which the Waiver has been approved if they are not comfortable remaining in the country or region. Reasonable efforts will be made to allow any travelers who do withdraw to complete their coursework or program objectives after their return. Reasonable efforts will be made to refund any unused or unapplied fees, but the actual amount of refund will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the OGA:EA.

      2.      Waiver Application Denied:  If upon review, the Vice President for Global Affairs determines that a program should be cancelled or suspended due to the situation reflected the U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert, the Program Director and/or the Director of the OGA:EA will notify all current travelers and institute procedures to return travelers to the University campus or other safe location.

      a.      Reconsideration of the decision:  When a Waiver Application is denied, the Program Director or associated on-campus program facilitator, alongside the Director of OGA:EA and/or Chair of the RAC, will have the opportunity to confer with the Vice President for Global Affairs about the decision. The Program Director will have the opportunity to submit any new evidence of current country conditions that was not previously before the RAC. If the Vice President finds it appropriate, he or she may refer such evidence back to the RAC for further consideration. The decision as to whether to consider new evidence and reopen the review of the RAC will be at the sole discretion of the Vice President for Global Affairs.

      b.      Refund and Withdrawals: If the Vice President for Global Affairs determines that a program should be cancelled or terminated due to a U.S. Department of State travel warning/travel alert, reasonable efforts will be made to refund any unused or unapplied fees, but the actual amount of refund will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the OGA:EA.

      c.       If a Waiver Application is denied, any student, faculty or staff member who continues to make the personal decision to travel to or continue travel in the location notwithstanding that denial does so as a private individual without a connection to the University. The travel will not be considered affiliated with or supported by the University, University funds will not be used to support the travel, and University-contracted international health insurance will not cover the travel. The University will have no obligation or liability in connection with such travel.

      ENFORCEMENT

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

      The University reserves the right to deny academic credit, funding or reimbursement for any university-sponsored or university-related international travel that is considered inconsistent with published policies and practices.

      RELATED POLICY

      See also:

      Export Control and Economic Sanctions Policy

      Student International Travel Policy

      Travel & Entertainment Policy

      Guideline for the Employment of Graduate Students

      Posted on by
      Title: Guideline for the Employment of Graduate Students
      Guideline Owner: Office of the Provost
      Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Units
      Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
      Effective Date: February 1, 2017
      For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost
      Contact Information:  860-486-4037
      Official Website:  http://provost.uconn.edu/

       

      GUIDELINE FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF GRADUATE STUDENTS

      Revised February 1, 2017

       

      Purpose

      The purpose of this guideline is to clarify federal regulations, state law, and university policy pertinent to the employment of graduate students at the University of Connecticut. Units that seek to employ graduate students should be careful to use the appropriate employment mechanism considering the nature of the work and the tax implications for the student.

      Existing Law and Policy

      The University defines graduate assistants as graduate students “who provide teaching or research support to the University that is a part of his/her academic program,” and requires that all assistantships be administered through an academic department. (See https://grad.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2114/2016/05/Definitions-GA.pdf.)

      This definition is intended to align with the federal Tax Code Section 117(c), which provides that scholarships and tuition reductions are taxable income to the student (and thus potentially subject to withholding like wages) when they represent “payment for teaching, research or other services by the student required as a condition for receiving” the scholarship or tuition reduction.

      That statute also, however, provides a narrow and specific exception for a graduate student at a college or university “who is engaged in teaching or research activities for such organization” (§ 117(d)(5)). This provision allows the University to provide Research Assistants and Teaching Assistants their tuition waivers tax-free. In cases where Graduate Assistants are not engaged in teaching or research activities for the University, IRS guidance requires the University to withhold extra taxes from these Graduate Assistants’ paychecks as though they were paid the waiver in cash, less an allowable exclusion of $5,250 per calendar year.

      In addition, state law requires the University to waive tuition for Graduate Assistants (Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 10a-105).

      Employment of graduate students

      There are several mechanisms by which units can employ graduate students at the University of Connecticut. The following chart illustrates the appropriate mechanism for hiring a graduate student, as described in more depth below, along with guidance about when each is appropriate.

      Title Function Timeframe Payroll
      Graduate Assistant (GEU-UAW) Graduate students who provide teaching or research support to the University as part of his/her academic program Academic Year Graduate Payroll
      Graduate Special Payroll Lecturer (GEU-UAW) Graduate students who are serving as the instructor of record. Summer and Winter Intersession Special Payroll
      Graduate Instructional Specialists (GEU-UAW) Graduate students who are appointed to work in an instructional support capacity Summer and Winter Intersession Special Payroll
      Graduate Student Technician (GEU-UAW) Graduate students who are performing research activities for the University Summer and Winter Intersession Special Payroll
      Student Labor Graduate students who are performing a wide-range of functions (administrative, social services, library, maintenance, etc) At any point Student Payroll
      Work Study Graduate students who are participating in the federal need-based financial aid work program. At any point Student Payroll
      Interns and Fellows Graduate students who perform work as part of their academic programs typically outside the University and typically for course credit in their program of study Academic Year Graduate Payroll

      Graduate assistantships – Academic Year

      During the academic year, Graduate Assistants receive a tuition waiver, a stipend, and health insurance in exchange for performing teaching, research, or other duties for the university. Graduate Assistants are members of the GEU-UAW bargaining unit and their employment is governed by the collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2015.

      Graduate Assistants are expected to work an average of twenty hours per week (considered a “full GA,” or a 100% appointment). Occasionally, units may appoint a Graduate Assistant for less than twenty hours per week, typically fifteen hours (a 75% appointment) or ten hours (a 50% appointment). Under state law, these Graduate Assistants receive a full waiver of their tuition despite their reduced work hours, and thus the University expects units to use these partial appointments very judiciously only to meet special needs, such as to align with the timeline of a research grant or to cover an unexpected teaching need.

      As a consequence of the University’s definition of a Graduate Assistant, it is the University’s expectation that all Graduate Assistants will have assignments that substantially involve work that supports the teaching or research missions of the University, or both. Thus, Graduate Assistants are usually assigned as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants or a combination of the two. Since the University’s teaching mission involves a large array of activities beyond traditional classroom instruction, Graduate Assistants may also be assigned to support implementation of instructional technologies, advising programs, cultural programs, learning communities, and other co-curricular activities.

      Graduate assistantships – Summer and Winter Intersession

      Graduate students who perform teaching or research activities for the University as part of an academic program during the summer months or the winter intersession are also governed by the GEU-UAW collective bargaining agreement and are hired through special payroll. Graduate Assistants in the summer or intersession who serve as the instructor of record should be hired as Graduate Special Payroll Lecturers. Graduate Assistants who are providing various levels of instructional support should be hired as Graduate Instructional Specialists. Graduate Assistants who are providing research functions should be hired as Graduate Student Technicians. Detailed information about summer graduate student titles is available at: https://hr.uconn.edu/special-payroll-info/ 

      Graduate assistantships – Not Substantially Related to Meeting Teaching and Research Missions

      When a unit seeks to offer work to a graduate student that is not substantially related to meeting teaching or research needs, the University expects units to use one of the mechanisms described below (student labor, or work study,) to employ that student. In particular, work that is predominantly administrative in nature should be accomplished through these means.

      There may be exceptional cases when a unit determines that a graduate assistantship is the best means to appoint a student even though the student’s work will not substantially involve teaching or research. While inconsistent with University definitions and expectations, Federal regulations do not prohibit Graduate Assistants from performing duties other than as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants. If a unit seeks to employ a Graduate Assistant for work other than teaching or research, the unit must obtain permission to do so from the Dean of the Graduate School. Further, the unit must inform the student in the appointment offer letter that the tuition waiver they will receive is likely to be taxable, and thus their stipend will be subject to withholding. Units should also be aware that these Graduate Assistants will be members of the GEU-UAW bargaining unit and thus covered by the collective bargaining agreement.

      Student labor

      According to the University’s policies and procedures related to student employment, graduate students may be employed as temporary, non-exempt hourly workers. These graduate students are not considered Graduate Assistants, and should not be coded or compensated as GAs, RAS, or TAs, and are not covered by the collective bargaining agreement. They may fulfill positions requiring various levels of skill and experience, from trainee-level jobs to supervisory and highly technical jobs. These jobs may support a wide range of University functions, including research, administration, information technology, fiscal management, library, maintenance, recreation/athletics, social services, academic services, public services, and the arts. The job duties, work hours, and schedules of graduate students employed on the student labor payroll are set by the hiring department. Levels of pay follow a set schedule depending on job requirements. Students on student labor receive bi-weekly paychecks for hours worked. Generally, it is expected that full-time students work no more than twenty hours per week, except during breaks when it is expected they will work no more than forty hours per week. Detailed information about student employment is available at http://studentjobs.uconn.edu/employment-guide/.

      Work-study

      Work-study is a federal need-based financial aid work program that allows students (including graduate students) to earn money to meet educational expenses as temporary, non-exempt hourly workers. These graduate students are not considered Graduate Assistants, and should not be coded or compensated as GAs, RAS, or TAs, and are not covered by the collective bargaining agreement. The jobs and levels of pay are the same as those available through student labor, but these are funded 75 percent by financial aid awards made by Office of Student Financial Aid Services and 25 percent is centrally funded. Work hours and schedules depend on job requirements and are set by the hiring department, and work-study students receive bi-weekly paychecks for hours worked. The total number of hours a work-study student has available to work is dictated by the pay rate associated with their job and the amount of the student’s work-study award. Once the award is exhausted, a unit may continue to fund and employ the student in the same job on the student labor payroll. Detailed information about student employment is available at http://studentjobs.uconn.edu/employment-guide/.

      Interns and fellows

      As defined in University policy, an internship is an experiential job placement designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a student and enhance their employability. Interns perform work as part of their academic programs, typically in an entity outside the university and typically for course credit in their program of study. Graduate students appointed as interns are not Graduate Assistants, and should not be coded or compensated as GAs, RAs, or TAs. To aid graduate interns in the pursuit of their studies, the University may provide scholarships to cover their tuition and/or health insurance. Additionally, interns may occasionally receive compensation for services they perform for their host organization, which, when administered by the University, is paid through Payroll and subject to tax withholding.

      A fellowship is awarded to a graduate student to pursue his or her academic program, but does not require the student to do work for the University. Graduate fellows may receive funding from the University or another source that may cover their tuition and provide stipends and health insurance.

      Under certain conditions, scholarships (including health insurance subsidies) provided to interns and fellows may be taxable. In cases where a student is provided a scholarship or tuition waiver that is not connected to employment, however, the University is has no general obligation to report the scholarship income or withhold any tax, except in limited cases involving international students. For the majority of students, it is entirely up to the student to claim scholarship income on his or her tax return.