Assignment of Instructional Space

September 7, 2017

ASSIGNMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL SPACE

The University of Connecticut values excellence in teaching and learning. Fulfillment of this mission requires appropriate instructional facilities. Instructional facilities include all seminar rooms, classrooms, lecture halls, auditoria, and similar spaces primarily dedicated to the execution of the University’s formal instructional activities. Efficient use of these facilities plays a crucial role in providing our growing number of students with the classes they need to graduate on time.

PURPOSE

The By-Laws of the University of Connecticut authorize the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs to “direct the assignment of all plant facilities, including buildings, offices, classrooms, laboratories, equipment, and land, and establish uniform rules pertaining to their proper use for all areas under his/her jurisdiction” (VII.B.2.q). This procedure represents the Provost’s formal delegation of authority to assign instructional space, excluding laboratories, on the Storrs campus and establish uniform rules to their assignment and use on all campuses, excluding UConn Health, to the Office of the Registrar. The appropriate School or College has the authority to assign laboratory space under its jurisdiction, and regional campus directors have the authority to assign all instructional space on their campus. The Provost retains the authority to direct the assignment of instructional facilities, and may modify this procedure at any time.

This document articulates the criteria and procedures by which instructional facilities (hereafter “classrooms”) are assigned. The procedure will be reviewed at 3-year intervals at minimum or as deemed appropriate by the Office of the Registrar, the Office of the Provost, and the Classroom Management Committee.

This procedure applies to all campuses except UConn Health.

ASSIGNMENT CRITERIA

Each semester, the Registrar considers the full range of needs for classrooms and accounts for the numbers, sizes, and types of classes, as well as requirements for instructional technology and other special equipment and materials. The Registrar determines how to meet these needs as closely as possible across the entire University to achieve appropriate room use and seat occupancy.

Once the needs of all classes university-wide are met, the Registrar’s Office will make its best effort to accommodate the preferences of academic departments and individual faculty members.

To the greatest extent possible, the Registrar will give academic departments priority for classrooms located in or near their buildings or that have configurations that are especially well-suited to their needs.

SCHEDULE

Classes at all campuses, except UConn Health, will conform to a standard schedule, as follows.

50 minutes – M W F	75 minutes – T/Th
8:00 – 8:50 AM	8:00 – 9:15 AM
9:05 – 9:55 AM	9:30 – 10:45 AM
10:10 – 11:00 AM	11:00 – 12:15 PM
11:15 – 12:05 PM	12:30 – 1:45 PM
12:20 – 1:10 PM	2:00 – 3:15 PM
1:25 – 2:15 PM	3:30 – 4:45 PM
2:30 – 3:20 PM
3:35 – 4:25 PM
4:40 – 5:30 PM

The Registrar will make use of the full business week (Monday – Friday) and the full day (8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.) to best accommodate scheduling needs university-wide. If needs dictate, classes may be scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. Classrooms are closed and unavailable for use between the hours of 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. to facilitate security, maintenance, and cleaning, unless an exception is granted by the Registrar’s Office or the regional campus director.

The Registrar will endeavor to accommodate the preferences of academic departments and individual faculty members with respect to the times their classes are scheduled; however, accommodations may not be possible. In such cases, the Registrar will work with the appropriate department head to negotiate a time and location. Ultimately, the Registrar will make a determination about when and where classrooms may be scheduled.

Classes that begin after 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or after 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or anytime on Saturdays and Sundays may deviate from the standard schedule.

On rare occasions, classes with extenuating circumstances may deviate from the standard schedule with the permission of the Registrar and if applicable, regional campus director and with the concurrence of the Provost.

Instructors must conduct their classes at the scheduled time(s) and in the assigned location(s) to avoid disruption to students. In cases where an altered time or location may be warranted, the faculty member must first consult with the Registrar and then is responsible for notification of all students.

In cases where the instructor determines that the appropriate form of assessment should take place during finals week, the instructors must hold their exams at the time and location scheduled by the Registrar. [Please refer to section II.E.10, Examinations and Assessments, in the By-Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the University Senate.]

PROCEDURES

The Registrar solicits information about proposed course offerings and instructional needs, including departmental requests for the timing and location of classes, before each semester. The Registrar publishes this schedule prior to the start of pre-registration for the upcoming semester.

After the needs of regularly scheduled classes are met, the Registrar will make classrooms available to accommodate other activities and events. Other instructional uses (e.g., review and help sessions, seminars, etc.) will take priority over non-instructional uses, such as meetings or events. Units can contact the Registrar’s Office or the regional campus director with these requests.

All classroom scheduling will be managed through the room scheduling software system. All academic units can access this system to see when and where classes are scheduled and what rooms may be available. The audiovisual equipment in the classrooms is for scheduled use only, and a reservation is required. The location and capacity of classrooms for the Storrs campus is available and reservations can be made at http://classrooms.uconn.edu. Reservations for a classroom at a regional campus can be made by contacting the campus director.

Classroom maintenance is the joint responsibility of University Information Technology Services (UITS) for instructional technology and Facilities Operations and Building Services for problems with the physical plant and furniture. The Registrar will assess the need for repairs and communicate to these organizations. Faculty who observe problems in classrooms should report them to the Registrar through their department head, dean, or campus director.

In collaboration with Planning Architectural and Engineering Services, the Center for Students with Disabilities strives to create a comprehensively accessible environment where students with disabilities have full access to programs, activities, and services. Detailed information about access for buildings on the Storrs campus is available at: https://accessibility.uconn.edu/campus-access/. Departments or individuals that have concerns about access should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities, and they will collaborate with the Registrar or the regional campus director to assure appropriate accommodations are available.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Registrar is guided by a Classroom Management Committee, an advisory group established by the Provost to oversee instructional facilities at all campuses of the University of Connecticut, except UConn Health. Requests for any classroom renovation, either physical or technical, must be made through the Registrar’s office and vetted and approved by the Classroom Management Committee. Membership of the committee includes representatives from the faculty, UITS, Office of Campus Planning, Planning Architectural and Engineering Services, Office of the Registrar, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Facilities Operations and Building Services, Center for Students with Disabilities, and the Fire Marshal.

Procedure History

Effective Date: August 2017

Residential Rental Properties, Policy on

August 29, 2017

Title:	Residential Rental Properties, Policy on
Policy Owner:	Facilities Operations
Applies to:	Existing and Potential: Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars and Guests
Campus Applicability:	Storrs Currently. If the University acquires residential rental property at any other campus it will apply to such property
Effective Date:	May 3, 2019
For More Information, Contact	Lynn Hallarin, Director, Business Services Center
Contact Information:	860-486-3632
Official Website:	https://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

It is strategically important for UConn to provide and manage short- and long-term housing options for the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, visiting scholars and other UConn guests. Accordingly, it is University policy to provide housing that is well maintained, attractive and marketable. It is also important that all University owned rental housing be maintained and operated in an economically efficient manner.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Rental Properties Unit of UConn’s Facilities Operations & Building Services maintains a portfolio of rental properties with rental rates designed to support the expenses and improvements necessary to sustain and maintain the portfolio. Rental properties shall only be made available to Storrs Campus Faculty and Staff, Visiting Scholars and other guests.

The portfolio is comprised of two categories of units: (1) apartments in The Oaks on the Square in Storrs Center; and (2) University-owned houses. The first category is established to support institutional recruitment and retention objectives, while the second category is to be maintained as a long-term, self-sustaining University asset.

The allocation of rental properties shall be managed in a fair, equitable and open manner. Rental requests can be initiated in one of two ways: (a) by a Host (defined below); or (b) by an individual who is a member of the Storrs Campus faculty or staff, a visiting scholar or other UConn guest, as applicable.

Rent will be paid for all rental properties. The amount of rent that is charged will be determined on a market basis through an appropriate analysis. Rent will be paid either by the individual occupying the property or by the Host.

All rentals must be memorialized in a written agreement signed by an authorized UConn representative and the licensee. The agreement must specify the licensee, the rent, who is paying the rent and the duration of the rental period..

If a Host is paying the rent, that must be reflected in the written agreement and the agreement must be signed by an authorized representative of the Host.

If the occupant does not pay rent, the fair market value of the rent may be taxable income to the occupant subject to withholding and tax reporting. The occupant will be responsible for all associated tax liability. To facilitate compliance with tax laws, the Rental Properties Unit of Facilities Operations will notify UConn’s Tax & Compliance Office of all rentals where the occupant is not paying rent (e.g. rents is being paid by Host or no rent is paid).

The Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer (or the successor in function) , in consultation with the Real Estate Working Group, establishes, and approves any changes to, procedures to implement this Policy.

APPLIES TO

Property covered: All residential rental properties managed by Facilities Operations. It does not apply to property managed by Residential Life.

Persons covered: Storrs Campus Faculty and Staff, visiting scholars and other UConn guests. This policy will apply in the event that UConn acquires residential properties at other campuses. Residential rental properties are not intended for use by students enrolled in UConn undergraduate, graduate or other programs.

DEFINITIONS

“Host” means the UConn Administration, department or academic unit sponsoring the individual who is seeking UConn housing.

“Guest” means Special Payroll employees, long-term consultants, candidates for employment, guest performers (e.g. CRT actors), guest speakers and others similarly situated.

“Storrs Campus Faculty and Staff” means individuals who are regular UConn employees and are employed to work at the Storrs Campus.

“Visiting Scholar” means an expert in an academic discipline or disciplines with a short-term residency at UConn for mutual intellectual enrichment and collaboration. These individuals are typically scholars or artists on leave from other institutions. However, “Visiting Scholars” also may be unaffiliated and distinguished in their fields, or they may be representatives of governments, higher education institutions or other institutions on official business. Undergraduate and graduate students are not visiting scholars.

WAIVER AUTHORITY

The President’s office may make exceptions to this Policy or waive the Rental Criteria when it is in the best interest of the University.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with UConn By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for all UConn Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

SUPERCEDENCE

This policy supersedes and replaces the present “Policy on Residential Rental Properties” which was effective on August 28, 2017.

INFORMATION/FORMS

Information and forms can be found at http://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/.

Pricing and other information about rental properties (not including The Oaks) can be found at http://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/ under the “Houses” link.

Pricing and other information about The Oaks can be found at http://rentalproperties.uconn.edu/apartments/.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: Approved by the President’s Cabinet (8/28/2017)

Policy revised: 5/3/2019

Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service Policy

August 24, 2017

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

June 13, 2017

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.

For assigning space: Space is assigned in accordance with the Space Planning Guidelines.

Requesting additional space or making modifications to existing space is governed by Space Planning via the Space Planning & Management Request Form.

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)

Animals on Campus

June 12, 2017

Title:	Animals on Campus Policy
Policy Owner:	Office of Institutional Equity
Applies to:	Students, All Employees, Contractors, Vendors, Visitors, Guests and Other Third Parties
Campus Applicability:	All Campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date:	May 10, 2024
For More Information, Contact	Office of Institutional Equity
Contact Information:	(860) 486-2943 & (860) 679-3563
Official Website:	http://www.equity.uconn.edu and http://accessibility.uconn.edu

Click here to view a PDF, Printer Friendly copy of this policy.

Related Policies are:

Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence
Policy Statement: People with Disabilities

PURPOSE

This policy provides the rules concerning individuals bringing animals on University Property. This policy applies to all University campuses. Specific procedures regarding the presence of animals in UConn Health clinical practice and patient care areas are outlined in the UConn Health Animals in the Clinical Practice Policy.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all individuals bringing an animal on University Property, including all campuses and UConn Health.
Exclusions
This policy does not apply to:

Fish in aquariums no larger than ten gallons as follows:
- Within University housing, such aquariums are allowed without advance notice or permission;
- Within employee workspaces, such aquariums are allowed only with prior written authorization of the Handler’s manager/supervisor. At any time, a manager may revoke approval for such an aquarium, requiring its immediate removal from the workspace;
- The Handler has responsibility for maintaining the aquarium in a clean and sanitary manner and for any damage caused by the aquarium.
University-maintained fish in aquariums of any size located in waiting rooms or other public areas of UConn Health facilities and maintained by UConn Health, including John Dempsey Hospital and University Medical Group
Animals used in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved University research, education or testing. Animals used in classes on campus, based on requests by faculty for such use. Such requests may be granted only upon showing that the presence of the animal is for a bona fide educational purpose, and such purpose is clearly delineated on the course syllabus as a central topic in class. Prior permission must be obtained from the academic unit head, the dean and/or the Provost’s Office and the IACUC
Animals used in police, search and rescue operations on University Property
Animals trained for and used in a clinical therapeutic setting on campus, such as a counseling center
Appearances by the official mascot of the University and/or official mascots of other institutions as approved by event organizers
Animals accompanying individuals in clinical practice or patient care areas at UConn Health pursuant to the UConn Health Clinical Practice Procedures Regarding Animals.

DEFINITIONS

Controlled Space: For purposes of this policy, Controlled Spaces are not Public Spaces. Controlled Spaces are defined as any indoor area owned or controlled by the University, and any outdoor area owned or controlled by the University with limitations on use or access (e.g., practice fields, stadiums, farm, tennis courts, etc.). Areas open to the public (i.e., streets, lawns, sidewalks, parking lots) with no limitations on access are not Controlled Spaces.

Emotional Support Animal (ESA): Any animal specifically designated by a qualified medical provider that mitigates one or more identified impact(s) of an individual’s disability. Such may afford an individual with a disability an equal access to the living space, workplace, or other area, provided there is a nexus between the individual’s disability and the animal’s role in the individual’s treatment. ESAs are also commonly known as companion, therapeutic or assistance animals. ESAs are not Service Animals, nor provided specific protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments.

Handler: An individual with a disability who is the owner and user, or trainer of a Service Animal or ESA, or the owner or individual bringing an animal onto University Property.

Pet: For purposes of this policy, a Pet is any animal that is not a Service Animal or ESA.

Public Spaces: For purposes of this policy, Public Spaces are indoor and outdoor areas that are open to the general public. Classrooms, residence halls and most employee workspaces are not generally considered Public Spaces.

Service Animal: Any dog or miniature horse specifically trained to perform a task for the benefit of an individual with a disability. In some circumstances, a miniature horse may be considered a Service Animal. The tasks performed by a Service Animal must directly relate to the individual’s disability.

Service Animal in Training: For purposes of this policy, a Service Animal in Training is a dog or miniature horse that is being trained as a Service Animal. This includes a puppy that is being raised to become a Service Animal in Training.

University Property: University Property includes any area that is owned and operated by the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

All individuals are generally prohibited from bringing animals into any buildings or other Controlled Spaces on University Property. However, individuals with disabilities are allowed to bring Service Animals and ESAs on and/or into Controlled Spaces as provided below. In addition, faculty and staff are permitted to have Pets in university-owned residential housing only to the extent permitted by the lease governing their rental agreement. Exceptions for individuals in residence halls may be made at the sole discretion of the Executive Director of Residential Life or designee for exigent circumstances or other good cause shown consistent with the spirit and intent of this policy.

Service Animals

The University welcomes the presence of Service Animals assisting people with disabilities on its campuses consistent with the provisions of this policy and applicable law. A Service Animal is generally permitted to be on University Property in any place where the animal’s Handler is permitted to be. In certain limited situations, a Service Animal may be prohibited for safety and health reasons. The accompaniment of an individual with a disability by a Service Animal in a location with health and safety restrictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate department representative(s) in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources and/or the Center for Students with Disabilities.

Members of the University community are prohibited from interfering in any way with a Service Animal, or the duties it performs.

Service Animals in Training

Connecticut law entitles any individual training a Service Animal to enter Public Spaces. A Service Animal in Training is not allowed in Controlled Spaces including classrooms, residence halls and employee work areas. The individual training a Service Animal must be authorized to engage in designated training activities by a Service Animal organization or an individual who volunteers for a Service Animal organization that authorizes such volunteers to raise dogs to become Service Animals. Individuals training a Service Animal must carry photographic identification indicating authorization to train the animal. A Service Animal in Training, including a puppy that is being raised to become a Service Animal in Training, must be identified with either tags, ear tattoos, identifying bandanas (on puppies), identifying coats (on adult dogs), or leashes and collars.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Emotional Support Animals are approved on a case-by-case basis by engaging in the interactive intake process with the appropriate University entity. A student’s approved ESA is permitted within the individual’s privately assigned living space. An ESA outside the private individual’s living accommodations must be in an animal carrier or controlled by a leash or harness. ESAs are not allowed in any other Controlled Spaces without advance permission. ESAs are permitted to be in outdoor public areas to the same extent as Pets.

An ESA owned by an individual employed by the University may be permitted within the individual’s workplace as an accommodation for a disability but must be approved in advance by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Case Manager at the Department of Human Resources as outlined below.

Pets

Pets generally are not permitted in or on any Controlled Space on University Property and are permitted only in outdoor areas open to the general public.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS

Faculty, staff, or other students may not request documentation or proof that a Service Animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Animal. When the need for the Service Animal is obvious, specific questions related to the Handler’s disability or need for the animal are not permitted. When the need for the Service Animal or its work is not obvious, authorized staff (including the Center for Students with Disabilities, ADA Coordinator, Human Resources ADA Case Manager, Campus Police or security, Facilities or Faculty) may ask the following questions only:

Is this Service Animal required because of a disability?

What work or task has the Service Animal been trained to perform?

An affirmative answer to the first question and a description of the tasks assigned to the animal completes the requirements for determining eligibility of a Service Animal. However, if the Service Animal exhibits behavior incongruent with the task the animal is meant to provide or the Handler does not maintain control of the animal, authorized staff should report the incident(s) to the Center for Students with Disabilities or the Human Resources ADA Case Manager, who may then revisit the animal’s presence on campus.

A Service Animal or ESA must be supervised directly by the Handler, and the Handler must retain full control of the animal at all times while on University Property. The animal must be in an animal carrier or controlled by a harness, leash or tether, unless the use of such devices would interfere with the animal’s work, or the animal is within the Handler’s dwelling. In those cases, the Handler must maintain control via voice, signal, or other effective designated controls.

Animals may not be left unattended at any time on University Property, except for Service Animals left in the Handler’s University residence or private office space or ESAs left in the Handler’s dwelling unit. The Service Animal or ESA may be left unattended only for reasonable periods of time, as determined by the appropriate University staff based on the totality of the circumstances. The University may request impoundment of an ESA or Service Animal left for longer than a reasonable period of time. Owners of impounded animals will be held responsible for payment of any impound and/or license fees required to secure the release of their animals.

A Handler who leaves their Service Animal or ESA unattended for longer than a reasonable period of time will receive one warning, and if the behavior occurs a second time, the University reserves the right to require the Handler to remove the animal from campus and to prohibit the animal from being permitted back onto University Property.

All Handlers are responsible for compliance with state and local laws concerning animals (including registration, vaccinations, and tags), for controlling their animals, for cleaning up any waste created by the animal, and for any damage caused by the animal to individuals or property while on University Property.

ENFORCEMENT

PROCEDURES/FORMS

UConn Health Animals in the Clinical Practice Policy

REFERENCES

Animals on Campus FAQs

The Americans with Disabilities Act governs the use of Service Animals by individuals with disabilities. See 42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.

The Fair Housing Act governs the use of Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) by individuals with disabilities in housing. See 42 U.S.C. § 3601, et seq.

Connecticut state law regarding Service Animals may be found under C.G.S. § 46a-44.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 06/09/2017

Revisions: 05/01/2019, 05/10/2024

Media and Mass Communication, Policy on

May 17, 2017

Title:	Policy on Media and Mass Communication
Policy Owner:	University Communications
Applies to:	Faculty, Staff, and Student Employees
Campus Applicability:	All Campuses, including UConn Health
Approval Date:	December 19, 2023
Effective Date:	December 19, 2023
For More Information, Contact:	Vice President for Communications
Contact Information:	860-486-0871
Official Website:	https://universitycommunications.uconn.edu/

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut (“the University” or “UConn”) needs to be able to communicate accurately, effectively and consistently with a variety of diverse audiences including the media. University Communications is the institution’s primary voice and official liaison to the news media. It is responsible for initiating, developing and maintaining effective, productive and beneficial relations with the news media in communicating University news and in responding to media requests. University Communications is responsible for coordinating and delivering official University comment on all matters regarding the institution internally and through mainstream and social media. This includes both proactive statements, interactions, and responses to requests. University Communications is responsible for disseminating and pitching news stories, responding to media inquiries, arranging interviews and visual productions, and handling requests for distribution of information on behalf of the University’s main campus in Storrs, UConn Health and all campus locations and programs.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to gather the University’s existing policies regarding institutional and employee communication via mainstream and social media outlets and platforms into one accessible statement while reaffirming the University’s continuing commitment to the principles of academic freedom. It incorporates policies on three distinct but related situations:

Official University Position Statements or Responses
Mass Communications Associated with News or Events
Requests to Faculty Regarding Subject Matter Expertise
Personal Speech

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all University employees including administration, faculty, staff and student employees, employees at all campuses including the University’s main campus in Storrs, UConn Health, the regional campuses, and the School of Law. It applies to all employees in all programs wherever located. The policy applies to employees when they are acting in their capacity as employees of the University, including when they are asked questions.

POLICY STATEMENT

Official University Position Statements or Responses

All inquiries seeking an official University response or a statement on behalf of the University should be directed to the University spokesperson within University Communications. All inquiries seeking an official response or statement specific to UConn Health and its clinical and academic areas should be directed to the UConn Health spokesperson.

Authorization to speak on behalf of the University may only be given by the President or the Vice President for Communications. No organizational unit, faculty, or staff member may make official position statements on behalf of the University without consultation with, and express authorization from, the President or University Communications. This includes posting of such statements on University-administered and branded website and social media platforms.

University Communications will coordinate any University responses with appropriate members of the University and UConn Health communities, and should be consulted on any potential statements or responses being considered by an organizational unit.

Any employee who has not been authorized by the President or University Communications to speak to the media in the context of his or her role as a University employee must direct inquiries from the media about the official University comment on all matters regarding the institution to the University spokesperson.

No employee is authorized to speak “off the record” on behalf of the University to media on any matter pertaining to the University.

University employees must adhere to relevant UConn policies as well as all federal, state and local laws and policies regarding the release of information about activities of the University, or its employees, students, volunteers, patients or research subjects, including those that apply to privacy and patient confidentiality such as HIPAA and FERPA.

Mass Communications Associated with News or Events

The University will only on rare occasions send leadership mass emails and social media messages about news and events in the nation and world. Those rare occasions will include external tragedies or sensitive issues that have become dominant challenges in the daily lives of our communities at large.

Tragedies or concerns that affect individuals or groups unfortunately occur with great frequency. A practice of emailing after every major news issue or event is not practical. Selecting some issues or events and not others is exclusionary and lacks consistency. In addition, mass email is a poor vehicle for processing complex and painful topics, and university stakeholders have different perspectives about how tragedies and impacts to people should be described.

A singular mass message provides only one-way communication to thousands of individuals and is a poor replacement for other modes of communication that allow for better engagement for understanding, empathy and support for those impacted. Such messages also can be seen as lacking action or sincerity, and frequent messages about national and global tragedies can heighten fears or mental stress. They also can de-sensitize audiences to such messages from leadership, or even polarize the community.

Decisions and authorization on sending mass communications regarding such subjects ultimately rest with the President and/or the Vice President for Communications. Guidelines and best practices for engaging the campus community in these situations can be found here.

Requests to Faculty and Staff Regarding Subject Matter Expertise

UConn is proud of its faculty and staff, and their expertise and scholarship in a vast array of subjects and disciplines. Many senior administrators and staff also have expertise. Individual faculty, administrators and staff experts are encouraged to provide subject-specific commentary based on their scholarship in their academic concentration or their expertise in their professional field. This includes athletic coaches and staff on matters related to university athletic contests and team- or program-related matters.

When professional staff are contacted by the media for any reason, they are expected to notify University Communications. Faculty who are contacted by media for their scholarly expertise may notify Communications of the contact as a courtesy if they chose to. University Communications facilitates accurate, ethical and timely news coverage of significant programs and the achievements of faculty, administrators, staff, students and alumni. University Communications is available at all times to consult with administrators, faculty and staff about the most effective ways to work with the media.

Any questions that fall outside of a faculty member’s academic interest or expertise should involve consultation with the University spokesperson, who can be a resource in these instances. Questions also may be referred to the University spokesperson for direct handling. Inquiries seeking an official University comment must be directed to the University spokesperson.

If a faculty or staff member is unsure of whether a question or request for comment from the media concerns the faculty or staff member’s area of expertise or seeks an official University position, University Communications must be consulted.

Personal Speech

Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict the freedom of faculty and staff members to engage in their scholarly activities or their personal involvement in community activities. Nothing in this policy is intended to affect individual employees’ rights to express personal opinions on University or non-University actions and policies. Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict faculty or staff members from commenting on matters of public concern implicating an employer’s official dishonesty, deliberately unconstitutional action, other serious wrongdoing or threats to health and safety. When speaking or writing as a citizen, an employee should be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, should not use University media or information technology (email) platforms, and should make every effort to indicate that he/she does not speak for the institution.

The University reaffirms its continuing commitment to the principles of academic freedom and its protections as set forth in Article XIV of the Laws and By-Laws of the University of Connecticut and the right to freedom of speech protected by the United States and Connecticut Constitutions.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Bylaws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, Office of Student Financial Aid Services – Student Employment Guide, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and any other applicable University policies and procedures.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 05/05/2017 (Approved by the President’s Cabinet)
Revisions: 12/19/2023 (Approved by Senior Policy Council and the President); non-substantive revision 01/17/2025

Lactation Policy

December 21, 2016

Title:	UConn Lactation Policy
Policy Owner:	Human Resources and Office of Institutional Equity
Applies to:	Employees, Graduate Assistants, Students
Campus Applicability:	All Campuses, Including UConn Health
Effective Date:	12/20/2016
For More Information, Contact	Human Resources and Student Health Services/Student Services
Contact Information:	Storrs/Regionals: (860) 486-3034 (HR) and (860) 486-0765 (SHS) UConn Health: (860) 679-2426 (HR and (860) 679-1364 (Student Services Center)
Official Website:	http://hr.uconn.edu/worklife/

Reason for Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide employees and students who are breastfeeding a private place and reasonable break time to express breast milk for their nursing child. This policy is in accordance with relevant laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding in the workplace.

Applies to

All breastfeeding employees and students on the Storrs, UConn Health and Regional campuses.

Definitions:

Lactation Area: A space on the University of Connecticut campus that is either dedicated or temporarily established to accommodate the needs of those who are breastfeeding. The room must be a clean, private (the ability to be shielded from view and free from intrusion), comfortable space with electrical outlet, chair, table for breast pump, and nearby access to clean running water.

Lactation Breaks: Breaks during the work day for employees who have requested lactation accommodations.

Policy Statement

The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a supportive environment that enables employees and students to express breast milk in a private place, with reasonable break time and in a location within five minutes of their work and study areas.

Consistent with Connecticut Laws (Chapter 939, Section 53-34b and Chapter 814c, Section 46a-64), a person may breastfeed their infant in any public or private location on campus where they and their child are authorized to be. This includes all campus locations open to the public and other campus locations where infants are allowed.

Additionally, Connecticut law (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 31-40w) Breastfeeding in the Workplace states that employers must allow employees to breastfeed or express breast milk at work.

Consistent with federal law, the University of Connecticut shall provide to employee breastfeeding persons reasonable break time (“lactation break”) as well as space that is shielded from view and free from intrusion in order to breastfeed their infants or to express breast milk.

The University of Connecticut prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against breastfeeding persons who exercise their rights under this policy. For more information, see University Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Policy History

Adopted 12/20/2016 (Approved by President’s Cabinet)

Procedures

Storrs and Regional Campuses: UConn Lactation Procedures

UConn Health: UConn Health Lactation Procedures

Consumable Supplies Inventory Procedure

September 28, 2016

Title:	Consumable Supplies Inventory Procedure
Procedure Owner:	Office of the Controller, Accounting Office
Applies to:	All University Departments
Campus Applicability:	Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date:	09/01/2016
For More Information, Contact	Associate Controller and Director of Accounting
Contact Information:	(860) 486-3780
Official Website:	http://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/

BACKGROUND AND REASON FOR PROCEDURE

An inventory of consumable supplies is reported annually to the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) on the Annual Inventory Report of all Real and Personal Property (CO-59) form. Consumable supplies must be safeguarded and managed in order to prevent excessive spending and loss.

DEFINITIONS

Consumable supplies are defined as stock items used and consumed in the daily operations of a UConn department, such as food, cleaning supplies, lab animals, perishables, table or bed linens, repair parts, small tools, small appliances, and articles of a similar nature. Items should be new and unopened, and which will be used up within a year. Consumable supplies does not include capital equipment or controllable property equipment.

PROCEDURE

For all departments with a consumable supplies inventory of $5,000 or more, a separate perpetual (continuous) inventory should be maintained.
A physical inventory must be performed annually and reconciled to the inventory records by June 30th.
A listing of consumable supplies must be reported to the Accounting Office within the Office of the Controller by July 15th. The inventory listing should include an item description, cost, unit of measure, quantity on hand, and a total cost for each item, by location/building.
The inventory listing and signed Inventory Certificate Form may be sent by email or through the University mail service to the Accounting Office at U-1074.

FORMS/TEMPLATES

An Inventory Worksheet (Excel template) may be used to report inventory. Alternatively, departments may submit a report generated from an inventory system maintained by the department.

The Inventory Certificate Form is available on the Inventory Control website.

Policy on Endorsements

August 31, 2016

Title:	Policy on Endorsements
Policy Owner:	University Communications
Applies to:	Faculty, Staff, Students, Others
Campus Applicability:	All Campuses
Effective Date:	September 1, 2016
For More Information, Contact	University Communications
Contact Information:	(860) 486-3530
Official Website:	https://universitycommunications.uconn.edu/

The University of Connecticut is committed to achieving excellence in research, graduate and undergraduate education, teaching and engagement. The University has attracted national and international recognition for many successes across a wide range of disciplines. As the University continues to grow and build on its many successes, members of the UConn community and external entities will continue to seek to associate themselves with UConn.

As Connecticut’s flagship public university, the University must ensure that it associates itself with individuals, groups and organizations who share its values. All units and employees of the University are responsible for ensuring that the University’s reputation and image are not affected by an improper external affiliation.

The University’s Bylaws prohibit units and groups within the University, including at UConn Health and regional campuses, clinics, and centers, from authorizing any individual, group or organization that is not affiliated with the University to use the name of the University without the approval of the President or the President’s designee. Typically requests to use the name of the University come from businesses wishing to promote the nature of their business relationship with the University or from individuals, groups or organizations wishing to be recognized as a sponsor of the University or any of its activities.

This requirement also applies to UConn employees and units at all locations. No employee or unit may endorse or promote a third-party business interest in the public domain in connection with their employment or service to the University without approval. This requirement includes providing quotes to or participating in interviews with a third-party about its product or service that would be used publicly.

If you receive this type of request, or anything similar, you are required to notify University Communications for review.

POLICY HISTORY

Original Approval: February 3, 2016
Effective Date: September 1, 2016
Revision Approved by the President’s Cabinet: April 5, 2019

Tuition Discount Policy

May 16, 2016

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.