Communications Archive

Communications sent to the campus from the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will be posted to this page.

2022 - 2023 Messages

Spring Weekend – 4/18/23

Subject: Spring Weekend

Dear Huskies,

As the end of the spring semester and academic year draw to a close it has become a tradition for students to take a break from the year-end hustle and bustle of studying, papers, tests, and preparations for graduation to enjoy one of the last weekends we’ll all be on campus together as a community.  Of course we’re talking about Spring Weekend – which is coming up at the end of this week.  It looks like it will be a beautiful few days and there are a ton of different activities happening beginning Thursday including some annual favorites – Bubble Soccer, a Late Night Outdoor Movie, Fresh Check, and Oozeball, as well as a bunch of other events.  You can find the full schedule here.   We hope that you’re able to attend and take advantage of as many of these events as possible!

Remember, as is the case every year, these events as well as access to our residence and dining halls are only open to current Huskies so bring your UConn ID. 

We also want to remind everyone about what it means to be a Husky and a member of this community.  The opportunity to attend this University and call yourself a Husky is special.  While attending UConn gives us all the right to be proud and call ourselves ‘champions’ it also comes with responsibilities and expectations befitting of our institution.  Sadly as we all know, two weeks ago several students chose to ignore their responsibilities as members of this community and, as a result, are finding themselves in a position to possibly learn more about the University’s student conduct process and Connecticut’s judicial system than they probably wanted to know.  Finally, as a reminder, if you or someone you know wishes to report or seek support for a violent/harmful incident you may do so here (inform.uconn.edu), or of course dial 911 if it is an emergency.

Our hope for all of you is that wherever you are this weekend you have a chance to relax, celebrate, and enjoy yourselves and your classmates while representing your University community, and yourself, in the best possible manner.

Joe

Joseph P. Briody, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

& Executive Director of Student Activities

Fany

Fany DeJesús Hannon, Ed.D.

Interim Dean of Students

Dean of Students Office

~Live your life in a way that inspires others to follow

March Email From Student Affairs – 3/24/23

Subject: March Email From Student Affairs - 3/24/23

Dear Huskies,

The coming month is one of significance for many members of our community in their faith practices, including the observances of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Easter and Passover. As these holidays approach, we are sharing resources and reminders to promote awareness of these observances and their potential effects on your activities.

We believe that meaningful inclusion plays a critical role in the well-being of all members of the UConn community. In accordance with this mission, faculty and staff have been advised to take dates of religious holidays into consideration when planning events or setting academic deadlines. The Provost’s Office, in partnership with the Office for Institutional Equity, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Dean of Students Office has created a webpage that includes information on key religious observances this academic year. It also includes links to UConn’s policy on religious accommodations for students, faculty and staff, as well as resources to learn more about individual holidays. Please click here to visit the Religious Observances webpage. If you notice a religious holiday that is not included on this webpage, please contact provost@uconn.edu.

We are grateful for our colleagues in Dining Services as they work to support students with dietary needs related to religious practices. More information about how to access meals during Ramadan or Passover can be found on the Dining Services website.

As a reminder, faculty and instructors are expected to reasonably accommodate individual religious practices unless doing so would result in fundamental alteration of class objectives or undue hardship to the University’s legitimate business purposes. Such accommodations may include rescheduling an exam or giving a make-up exam, allowing a presentation to be made on a different date or assigning the student appropriate make-up work that is intrinsically no more difficult than the original assignment. Students are responsible for making arrangements in advance to make up missed work. Students are also responsible for identifying potential conflicts with final examinations; request for rescheduling of finals should be submitted to the Dean of Students Office using the online form.

Your attention to these observances and accommodations is an important part of supporting our University’s commitment to building and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive learning and work environment. Your faith, religion, beliefs, and celebrations matter to us!

Sincerely,
Pam Schipani

Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

Fany DeJesus Hannon

Interim Dean of Students

March Email From Student Affairs – 3/8/23

Subject: March Email From Student Affairs

Hi Huskies!

Are you ready for a break? Well, as you know Spring Break begins this weekend, right along with Daylight Savings Time!

Some reminders about Spring Break - whether you are staying in your student housing, staying with family or friends, or traveling it is important that you practice self-care and take appropriate steps to stay safe and healthy during this well-deserved break.  Below are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Enjoy spring break with people you know and trust; be aware of your personal safety and surrounds (places you choose to go, people you are with, food and drinks you consume).
  • Make sure someone knows where you are expecting to be.
  • If you are planning to spend some time in the sun (lucky you) use sunscreen, drink lots of water, and remember - too much of anything isn’t good for you.
  • Know your limitations and values. Don’t be pressured into high-risk activity that you are not comfortable with.
  • Always make smart choices about alcohol and drugs. These can inhibit decision making.
  • Alcohol is a major factor in student injuries and accidents. Don’t ever put yourself at risk.
  • COVID is still an active virus, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
  • If you find yourself in a mental health crisis while on break, remember that the Be Well service is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere.  The number is 1-833-307-3040.

Please participate, your input matters:

You have been invited to participate in the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey to assess the health, mental health, and overall wellness of UConn students. The information obtained will help to improve programs and services at the University of Connecticut.

The email has the subject line “UCOUNT! UConn Student Health Survey” with more details about the survey provided in the email. Those who submit a survey will be entered into a random drawing to win either one $100 gift card to Amazon or one of 20 $20 gift cards to Amazon.

If you have not yet participated in this survey one last reminder email will be sent to you today. To participate, you must use the student specific link in that email.

In other news:

  • HuskyTHON was another huge success.  Our community of caring students helped to raise a total of $1.4 million for Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Thank you to all who contributed to this effort!
  • Our sports teams are doing incredibly well, and the stamina and dedication it takes to be the great athletes they are is beyond the understanding of many who have never performed in the same way. Thank you for representing the University in such a positive way!
  • Just read the Daily Digest to see all the amazing accomplishments that UConn students, faculty, and staff have made this year.  We have a lot to be proud of already, and the semester is only half over!

Have a wonderful spring break, we will be here waiting for you to return.

Fany Hannon - Interim Dean of Students

Pam Schipani - Interim Assistant VP for Student Affairs

Huskies, You Matter! – 2/7/2023

Subject: Huskies, You Matter!

Hello Huskies!

We hope that you are having a good semester so far and that you are settling into a manageable routine. As a reminder, you will be hearing from the two of us; Fany DeJesús Hannon, the Interim Dean of Students, and Pam Schipani, the Interim Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. We hope to meet many of you this semester as we carry out the responsibilities of our new roles (FYI both of us have been at UConn for many years, so you may recognize our names and faces).

Meet us on Monday, February 20th at the next DOSAG Meeting.  For more information, please click here!

February is Black History Month, and UConn has many activities planned in celebration.  We hope that you plan to attend some of these events; we know they will be both enjoyable and educational. Check out the Diversity website to learn about events around the university.

We have asked some of our colleagues to contribute to this email by sharing information pertinent to their departments. Below are the highlights they want you to have:

Dean of Students Office

  • Dean of Students Office drop-in hours are held Monday-Friday from 1pm-3pm in room 203 in Wilbur Cross. Students needing support can meet with an Assistant Dean during drop-ins, no appointment needed. Students must be checked in by 3pm to be seen that day.
  • Students who are struggling with food insecurity should check out the resources on the Dean of Students Office website. Anyone who needs additional support should meet with an Assistant Dean of Students either through an appointment or during drop-ins.

Student Health and Wellness (SHaW)

  • Live in the NEW Residential Wellness Community!  If you will be a sophomore in fall 2023 and are planning to live on the Storrs campus – click here for more information and to express your interest to live in the new Wellness Community located on West Campus in Shakespeare/Troy. You must submit your interest by February 10th.  Please note that you will also need to apply for housing through MyHousing in addition to expressing your interest.
  • The UConn Recovery Community (URC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in February.  The URC provides recovery support services to students in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders and/or other mental and behavioral health disorders. Visit the UConn Recovery Community webpage for programs, events and more information for students in or seeking recovery and for those who want to support them.  Some of the programs and services are offered to UConn students from all five campuses.
  • Earn your Innovate Wellness Design Thinking Workshop Certificate and Badge with SHaW's Innovate Wellness team!  UConn Storrs students will work with professionals through hands-on learning to gain new skills and bolster their resumes while gaining the foundational tools and experience in design thinking fundamentals. Click here for more information

Off Campus and Commuter Student Services

  • Thinking about living off campus? Check out these events to learn more. Q&A Sessions with OCCSS staff, all meetings will be in SU room 303:
    • February 15, 2023, from noon -1pm
    • March 22, 2023, from noon-1pm
    • April 12, 2023, from 4pm-5pm
  • Off campus Housing Fair, March 1, 2023, from 10am-2pm in the Student Union Ballroom.

Student Activities

Again, this spring, Student Activities is running a joint election across all campuses for grads and undergrads. We have quite a few positions open, including the Undergraduate Student Trustee, the Foundation Board Student Director, and Student Government elections on each respective campus. In the vote, there will likely also be a few student fee referenda and constitution votes. But before we can have a successful election, we need candidates!

These positions are the pinnacle of student leadership and advocacy on campus, and they can have a direct impact on the experience of all UConn students.  Find more information for all campuses at:

https://vote.uconn.edu/jointelections-run-for-office/

Storrs Activities:

February 7 -    Self Care Grab and Go (SU 104 at 11:00 am)

February 9 -    Paul Pierce and Brian Scalabrine (Jorgensen at 7:00 pm)

February 10 – One ton Sundae (SU Terrace at 11:30 am)

February 10 – Chris Redd Show (Jorgensen at 8:00 pm)

February 10 – Cupid Shuffle Semi-Formal (SU 8pm – 11pm)

February 11 – Ski Trip (Wachusett at 1:45pm)

February 11 – Nostalgia Night (SU 8pm – 11pm)

February 12 – Valentine’s Event (SU Lobby and 104 at 12:00 pm)

Hartford Activities:

                February 9 – Husky to Hire: The Resume (2:00 pm)

Avery Point Activities:

                February 8 – Wellness Wednesday: Rock Yer Block (2:00 pm)

Waterbury Activities:

                February 7 – Akrobatik Performance (12:00 pm)

Stamford Activities:

                February 7 – Ski/Snowboard Trip – All Day

REMINDERS:

Inform: Have you ever wondered where to go to file a report with the University? No need to search far, just go to: https://inform.uconn.edu/  This site is your one stop for all University reporting.

Financial Aid: File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or Institutional Aid Application (IAA) for undocumented students, beginning October 1st. Meet UConn’s on-time deadline of February 15, 2023 FAFSA Federal School Code (all campuses): 001417 For more information, visit https://financialaid.uconn.edu/continuing-huskies/

We hope you are staying safe and healthy and that you are practicing self-care. Remember that there are resources available if you need support.  Check out this page for a listing of many campus resources:  https://studentaffairs.uconn.edu/helpful-resources/

Pam and Fany

Pamela D. Schipani, Ed.D.                                                             Fany DeJesús Hannon, Ed.D.

Interim Assistant VP for Student Affairs                                    Interim Dean of Students

Passing of a UConn Student – 1/27/2023

Subject: Passing of a UConn Student

Dear Huskies,

We are saddened to share that we have learned of the passing of a student. UConn University Safety personnel responded around 1:25 p.m. Thursday on a report of a medical emergency at the North residence complex at Storrs.

Upon arrival, they were directed to a room in which the resident had been found unresponsive. UConn Fire EMTs provided emergency medical treatment until Windham Hospital paramedics arrived, at which time the student was pronounced deceased.

An autopsy will be conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office. Preliminary indications suggest the untimely death may have been the result of a medical emergency and is not being treated as suspicious.

The individual’s identity has not yet been publicly released.

It is important that we come together as a community and support one another during this difficult time. There are staff available to offer support, please reach out as needed. Below I have included information on how to access the support.

Student Health & Wellness Mental Health Services, 4th floor of Arjona, is available to provide support to the students who may be struggling.  To make an appointment with SHaW-Mental Health call 860-486-4705 or schedule an appointment online. In addition, information about managing grief is located on the SHaW-Mental Health website.  If you need help more immediately, resources can be accessed here.

The staff in the Dean of Students in room 203, Wilbur Cross are available to help students navigate this difficult time. Students can stop by during drop-in hours, Monday through Friday from 1pm-3pm, no appointment needed at that time. They may also call 860-486-3426 to request a meeting with an Assistant Dean.

This is a difficult time for the UConn community and please know that we are here for you. A team of professionals from throughout the University continues to meet and mobilize resources to help our students, employees and others in whatever ways may be necessary. Ask for help when needed.

Michael Gilbert, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Fany DeJesus Hannon, Ed.D.
Interim Dean of Students

Welcome Back Huskies! – 1/17/2023

Subject: Welcome Back Huskies!

Huskies, Welcome to the spring 2023 semester!

We hope you had an enjoyable break between semesters and that you are ready for this one to start.

Academics - classes began today, Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Attending class and getting the most out of your academic pursuits is why you are at UConn.  We suggest doing all you can to make your educational experience rewarding and positive.  If you find yourself struggling, utilize the many resources available to you.  Do not wait to ask for help, do it as soon as you are experiencing difficulties.  Everyone wants you to succeed academically and there are people on each campus to help you when you need it.

Health -taking care of your mind and body is important to your success. Do what you can to give your body the sleep, exercise, and nutrition it needs. Make sure you balance your academic and work responsibilities with fun and relaxation activities.  UConn has so much to offer, not only academically but also outside of the classroom. Get involved, have fun and if you are not feeling well physically or otherwise reach out for help.

UConn’s Community- as a reminder UConn is a diverse community, which is one of the exciting aspects of our university.  We hope that you find the differences among us exciting and interesting. Even when your values and beliefs differ from one another it is important that we are respectful and kind to one another.  UConn is a place where differing thoughts, lifestyles, opinions, and identities are found. We hope each community member embraces these differences and works to make our multiple campuses welcoming and supportive.

What is there to do this week? -All campuses have activities and events that you can enjoy. Below are a few highlights of upcoming events. (Check with your campus activities staff for additional information):

Avery Point: Home | Avery Point ASG and Student Activities

January 18th

12:00 pm Wellness Wednesday: New Year New Choices at noon

January 25th

11:00 – 2:00 Penguins and Pizza

12:00 pm Wellness Wednesday: Beat the Winter Blues

Hartford: Home | UConn Hartford Student Activities

January 17th

8:45 am Welcome back Breakfast - Hartford Huskies – stop by and grab breakfast at the welcome back event in the HTB Atrium

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes.. – 11/9/2022

Subject: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes..

Dear Huskies,

Thank you, David Bowie, for the intro.

It’s time for you to get to know two friends of mine:

Fany DeJesús Hannon (soon to be Dr.!), is the current Director of PRLAAC, friend, and colleague of mine for the last 8 years.  She will be taking on the role of Interim Dean of Students.  Her fierceness and compassion have already been demonstrated over her time at UConn and will only be more beneficial to all our students in this role.  Fany already knows and serves our students on all the campuses and I’m so grateful for the added impact she will have in this role.  Expect to see the impact of Fany’s leadership at the Dean of Students office, Student Life Board meetings, Bias Action Group, Dean of Student Advisory Group and all of these important places where I have been present to represent students and their needs to University leadership.

Dr. Pam Schipani, newly named Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, will take on much of the remaining areas I supervise including Residential Life, Off-Campus and Commuter Student Service, Student Care and Concern, and Community Standards.  Pam is also a familiar face to many of you having supported UConn students for decades, most recently in her role as Executive Director of Residential Life.  Pam’s leadership on my team has enabled such important projects as the development of a residential program on the Stamford campus and our current partnership with UPDC on the South project.

As the university continues to prioritize access to appropriate health care for all of our students and resolve health inequity, Michael Gilbert and I have agreed that it is best for Student Health & Wellness (SHaW) to report directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

I’m thrilled that both leaders will be attending my upcoming Dean of Students Advisory meeting next Thursday at 5:30pm and encourage all of you to attend.

Updates from the Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting our Students

As you know the report was finalized and approved earlier this year.  The task now, for all of us, is to ensure that the recommendations are implemented.  The Task Force reconvened for updates last week and will meet again in March.  To date, the following items are complete:

  • LiveSafe app is up and live for all UConn students, all campuses (more info here)
  • Mutual No Contact Directives are now significantly easier and faster to obtain. Language on our websites has been clarified to indicate an order can be obtained regardless of whether a conduct case is proceeding.
  • Title IX brochures in a number of languages are available throughout the campuses and here.
  • The Office of the Vice President of Research has named sexual violence on college and university campuses a research priority area and is currently accepting proposals.

To date, the following items are in progress:

  • Expansion of Pack Leader Program (please apply if interested!).
  • Positions approved and posted in the Dean of Students and the Office of Institutional Equity to hire additional staff focusing on Title IX matters (OIE) and bystander education (DOS).  Once hired, the University will have the capacity to proceed with the recommendations focusing upon expansion of programs (see Education and Training) and assess our Title IX and related processes and trainings (see Assessment and Accountability).
  • Communications and the Web Development Lab have partnered to review and redesign our presentation of information of resources.
  • An exploratory group, led by the Provost’s Office, has been formed to develop a recommendation for a research center focusing on sexual violence on college and university campuses.

As my time comes to a close, I find myself walking our campuses so grateful to all of you for all that you give to UConn.  As students, our belief in you and the future you create are the reasons why we serve in these roles.  Enjoy this time together and the holiday break ahead.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

University of Connecticut

More to Come, Huskies! – 10/26/2022

Subject: More to Come, Huskies!

My Friends,

Well.  Now you know.  I want you all to know how much your kind words and support mean to me.  UConn is a place that enables all our achievement and success, myself included, and I’m so grateful to all of you for being my inspiration to succeed.

I realize ‘Administrator’ is not a term that brings soft smiles to the faces of many students.  Being your Dean has been a privilege and such a joy - particularly when times were hard for all of us.  Thinking of what you have taught and enabled me to accomplish as a Dean of Students (and, ahem, an Administrator) will always bring a smile to my face.  I hope some of you will join me.

There’s more to come on my transition and the wonderful people – whom I trust and respect immensely - who will be taking on the roles I hold now.  I’m devoting my next Dean’s Advisory Group meeting to talk more about them and their roles next semester.  I hope you will stop by.

I guess, for now, I will continue to live in denial and live it up as a Husky (yes, I am PSYCHED to judge at Hillel’s Hummus competition when I’m done wishing all of you a Happy Diwali).

More great things are coming up:

Get ready for Suite Living in South

The new South residence hall is underway on the Storrs campus.  The amazing UConn-Sasaki team presented to the public last week.  You may want to look at these awesome design renderings when construction noises are irritating you (patience, great things await).  I happen to think the semi-suite single is genius.

Essential Community Dialogue on IPV

Today, at 1:00pm, the Women’s Center and the Human Rights Institute are hosting a dialogue in collaboration with an ongoing program at Eastern Connecticut State to honor the memory of Alyssiah Wiley, who was a student there, and raise awareness of intimate partner violence. Alyssiah's mother, Corrinna Martin, will be among those in attendance. It will be a powerful and educational event.  I am hopeful we will fill the room.  Please register here.

Halloween

I have mixed feelings about Halloween.  Despite my age, I love trick or treating in Hartford (yes, the Governors’ house has great candy).  I also love that this is a time when students gather en masse and enjoy a good hypnotist and free candy.

Whether you are trick or treating in Hartford or socializing in Storrs, I ask that you always remember to care for each other.  No holiday or tradition should serve as a means to hurt, objectify, or harm others.  That’s not what a caring community does.  Please use this time to take a break from classes (I know the midterm load has been memorable) and celebrate all the friendships you have made over the last two months in this remarkable UConn community.

I’ll also repeat a reminder from the Daily Digest that applies to everyone:

“If you are concerned about the health or safety of yourself or others, call 911.  UConn’s #1 priority is the safety of our students.  The Good Samaritan Statement reminds us that we need to look out for and take care of each other.  For other resources or to make non-emergency referrals, please review https://inform.uconn.edu/. “

Finally, VOTING MATTERS.  We don’t all need to like the same people, but we should all participate in our democracy.  If you are eligible to vote, please make sure you register here.

Thank you, my friends.

Be safe and enjoy each other.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

University of Connecticut

Welcoming President Maric to Our UConn- 10/10/2022

Subject: Welcoming President Maric to Our UConn

Dear Huskies,

I hope you are enjoying my favorite season in New England!

So much has already happened since you moved in just over a month ago.

We have welcomed a new leader to UConn; new, and yet very familiar.  President Maric is someone I have known for years, and it was a pleasure to serve with her on the Task Force on Mental Health and Wellbeing.  I remember when a mentor of mine asked me to invite her to the task force and said, “She really cares, Elly.”

I also remember being new when I first came to UConn.  Coming from the south side of Chicago, I will never forget seeing cows on a college campus for the first time and realizing how different and exciting this role would be for me and my family.  Several years later, the joy I find in being your Dean comes from all that the students, faculty, and staff have taught me along the way.  I am better for it.

President Maric is eager to see the university through your eyes, learn what matters, and lead us towards an even brighter future.  I saw that commitment last Monday at the Town Hall and I know it will guide us forward as we invest in what matters most: each of you.  I look forward to hearing more about her listening tour and encourage you to connect with her this semester.

In the meantime, we have stuff going on!

  • Who wants a booster?  Flu vaccine? I am getting one this week.  Students on the Storrs campus can receive booster information   Log into your SHaW Patient Portal to schedule an appointment.
  • The Hartford, Avery Point, Stamford, and Waterbury campuses can receive booster information
  • Storrs and Stamford residential students - our housing is booming, and our rooms are full! However, if you need to request a room change, Residential Life would be happy to help.  Please do keep in mind that the process is ongoing and takes several weeks.
  • The room change process offers a weekly selection where students can view all available vacancies.  Spaces are limited but new spaces do open each week, in each process, based on students moving out from the previous week.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students can participate in each weekly selection if they choose to do so.  Students can move into their new space the weekend following their online selection.
  • Speaking of housing…the Storrs campus will be breaking ground on a new residence hall by Mirror Lake.  It will be incredible and is the result of so many of you telling us how to make a meaningful residential experience.  Construction is never fun, it will be inconvenient, but there will be a beautiful outcome!
  • All students from all campuses are encouraged to participate in our Faith and Expression Challenge on October 19th.  If you are interested in attending the dinner, please email dos@uconn.edu.
  • Deans Advisory is coming up on Monday, October 17th from 5:30-6:30pm in the Wilbur Cross Building, basement level, room 29.  Students wishing to attend but unable to attend in person, should contact dos@uconn.edu.

Be good to one another, my friends.  See you on campus (whichever one that may be)!

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

University of Connecticut

Confronting Bias as a Community that Cares – 9/15/22

Subject: Confronting Bias as a Community that Cares

Hello Huskies,

The semester is successfully underway.  This time last year, Dr. Tuitt and I promised to send you periodic updates about bias incidents and referrals at UConn. Today we honor that promise by including details of the bias referrals we received for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Before we get into the details, however, we’d like to remind you why it is so important to routinely address bias incidents: such incidents of hurtful speech and action undermine our commitment to creating an inclusive and caring community. Such speech and actions can hurt people and make them feel isolated at UConn. This not only makes it harder to achieve their full potential at UConn, but also limits what we, as a group, are able to achieve together. We are committed to making UConn a better place to live, learn, and work by addressing any and all bias incidents that negatively impact our campus climate.

Every incident referred to us documents a hurtful moment impacting a member of the UConn community. Not all of those incidents rose to the level of a conduct violation. For example, anonymous postings on white boards that mock identity, people shouting offensive slurs in the middle of the night when they think no one is listening, or anonymously posting derogatory comments online are all harmful incidents, most of which are protected by freedom of speech. In these cases, we are determined to use these incidents to educate the community about their harmful outcomes.

Here is a summary of what was shared with the University (students are welcome to submit a report) here:

Over the course of the 2021 -2022 academic year, 124 bias related referrals were shared with the University. Some of those referrals disclosed multiple incidents, some resulted in code violations.  The majority of the referrals resulted in community conversations led by the Dean of Students Office or the Department of Residential Life. We used these moments to provide honest reflections of our University and to rededicate ourselves to improving it.

What should we make of this?  Is UConn a community that values free speech? Absolutely.  It is the reason we are able to learn and discover as a research university.  Some have suggested in these community conversations that maybe our sense of humor is lacking.  Can we just not take a joke?  Sure, we can.

But is it funny? Is it funny or necessary to demean and remind others of historical oppression through offensive words and actions?  Can we instead embrace the privilege of free speech and the desire to care for all members of our community?  Can we learn more from one another rather than pushing each other away through actions that I know so many of us regret in hindsight?

Perhaps exploring these questions and sharing our discoveries along the way can be our commitment to each other in the year ahead.  We are excited to launch the UConn Faith and Expression Challenge this year.  The Bias Action Group that was formed last year will meet next week.  Additional opportunities for engagements can be found on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice @UConn website.

We look forward to the journey ahead and our continued commitment to a caring community.

All our best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Dr. Frank Tuitt
He | Him | His
Office for Diversity and Inclusion
VP | Chief Diversity Officer

Welcome Back Huskies – 8/25/22

Subject: Welcome Back Huskies

Dear Huskies,

I am so happy to welcome our new and returning students to campus! I have so enjoyed hearing about your summer projects (research in Puerto Rico, competing nationally, and internship achievements abound).
A few things to start us thinking about a new term:

Our Health:
COVID will never entirely go away and my colleagues in SHaW are prepared to manage COVID cases when they emerge. Students who test positive for COVID will need to isolate and will be provided alternative access to meals.

We should never stop caring for one another as we have over the course of the last two years. Mask wearing and seeking medical support always matter when you are not feeling well. Masks are always welcome on all of our campuses. Remember to rest, eat well, exercise, and be there for each other when times are stressful. And yes, I choose to believe that the Dairy Bar has lots of calcium and vitamin D. Truly essential for your health.

We will enter the semester without required entry testing, quarantine period, or required mask wearing. We will continue to monitor our health and will keep you informed through the COVID dashboard.
Remember, our health can change at any time. If the University needs to revisit any of these measures, we will let you know right away.

Let’s continue to care for one another by being a part of UConn’s Wellness Coalition. This network of students, staff, and faculty work together to build and sustain a culture of compassion and well-being on our campuses. To express interest, send an email to Karen McComb, our Director of Health Promotion and Community Impact, with a short statement of why you would like to serve on the Coalition and what particular areas of student well-being are important to you by Friday, September 16th.

I turn to this group a lot when I am developing plans for student mental health and overall well-being. Your participation matters and we would love to have you join us.

Opening Weekend:
This is an exciting time here on campus! For our first year students it is referred to as Husky WOW. A three-day experience during move-in weekend designed to make you feel welcomed and connected to the UConn Community, make responsible choices, and provide an opportunity to engage in a diverse community with multiple voices and perspectives.

Upon your arrival to campus, you will be connected with a Husky WOW Leader. WOW Leaders will be your personal guide to campus providing direction, answers, and your overall point of contact throughout the weekend!

For our schedule, and up to date information about Husky WOW, visit our website. Connect with us on Facebook (UConn Student Activities), Twitter (@UConnActivities), or Instagram (@uconnstudentactivities), where we will have continuous information about WOW program and you can meet some of your WOW Leaders!

Dining:
I know, this a huge deal: to-go containers for the fall 22 semester are available for students who have a mealtime class conflict, internship, or dietary need. If you are in need of a to-go container please use the following link to submit a request. To-Go Containers | Dining Services (uconn.edu)

Students who have a residential meal plan and are commuting from Storrs to the Hartford or Avery Point campus were sent a separate communication about how to access to-go containers or transfer flex passes last week.

All the Dining information you need for the semester can be found here.

Additional Announcements:
Now, this is important to me, and I realize we are reaching the end of a long email, but it is important for me to acknowledge a transition that occurred during the summer.  My colleague, Dr. Willena Price, retired from the University on June 30, 2022.  As the Director of the H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center (AACC) since 1993, Dr. Price has been a tireless advocate for the African American community at UConn. She has guided the AACC over the years and enabled me to be an effective ally to her work over the years we worked together.  I am grateful for her influence and impact in my own life, and I know many of you are as well. Her work has been recognized by the NAACP, Hartford and Springfield, former Governor Dannel P. Malloy, and the University.  A search for the new Director will be led by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will begin in January.  Student input will truly matter, and I encourage you to be involved.

Finally…do not forget to bring your UConn ID back with you! If you forget it, you will have to wait in line for a replacement and pay the $30 replacement fee.  If you do not have your UConn ID yet, be sure to upload your photo here. This allows the One Card Office to preprint your card, saving you valuable time standing in long lines and having to wait for your card to be printed.

The One Card Office will be open move-in weekend for the following hours:

  • Friday, 8/26: 8am – 4pm
  • Saturday, 8/27: 9am – 3pm
  • Sunday, 8/28: 9am – 3pm

Again, welcome back!

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S.  Over the last two years, I developed a habit of writing you every week so we could stay connected during an unprecedented time.  No one likes email spam, but we do like to stay connected.  So, if you have read this far, let me know what works for you by completing this brief survey. Also, you are all WARMLY invited to attend my Dean’s Advisory; no application/audition required.

2021 - 2022 Messages

You’re Definitely Smarter Than Me (and that’s the way it’s supposed to be) – 5/4/22

Subject: You're Definitely Smarter Than Me (and that's the way it's supposed to be)

Hi Huskies,

Last week, I went to Justin Fang’s PhD defense.  While it was such an honor to be invited, I quickly realized my knowledge of “The Characterization and Development of Lipid Bicelles as a Delivery Platform for In-Vitro and In-Vivo Applications” was quite limited.

So, being a good scholar, I texted my friends in UConn Health (most notably Dr. David Banach,  Infectious Disease genius, MD, MS, MPH, XYZ, etc) to ask for help:

Me:  “What the heck is a quantum dot?”

Banach: “I don’t know what a quantum dot is.  Sounds small.  Bottom line here is that your students are too smart for me.”

Then I checked out some additional work that’s being recognized among our upcoming graduates:

Textiles and the Portrayal of Power: Figuring European-Ottoman Relations, 16th and 17th centuries by Kathryn Krocheski.

Reacting to the “End of the World”: Reading Hamlet as a Plague Play by Madelon Morin-Viall.

Exploring a Perceptual Deficit in People Who Stutter: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Approaches by Matthew Craig Phillips.

As finals end and your journey takes you across the stage or home to your families and friends, know that you are smarter than me.  And David Banach. And many, many more of us at UConn who have had the privilege of supporting you during your time here.

We are grateful for you, your commitment to scholarship, and the knowledge that Justin, Kathryn, Madelon, Matthew, and so many others have created during your time at UConn.

Take the time to enjoy these last few days and celebrate all that you have accomplished.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

And be sure to check out more of the research and accomplishments of our students. 😊

Good Use of Exclamation Points – 4/27/22

Subject: Good Use of Exclamation Points

Hi Huskies,

So, when I asked folks for updates from this past weekend, the responses I received were not filled with COVID worries, but with exclamation points. Here’s what I got from my friends across the University:

  • Oozeball: 238 teams and 1,500 participants competed in 12 courts of mud! 240 total games played!!!
  • Bubble soccer: Event sold out in 12 minutes! 50 teams! UConn’s newest spring weekend tradition. Definitely count me in next year. Of note: This message of bubble soccer joy came from the person who banned me from Oozeball. Perhaps there is hope for me.
  • No injuries!
  • Fresh Check Day welcomed nearly 900 students! In addition to innovative and engaging booths, we had the benefit of Tildy, Carson, young calves, the Dairy Bar truck, and great music!
  • RHA’s Husky Howl: UCONNAPALOOZA welcomed 850+ students!

To all the staff and students who pulled off all this great programming, this student quote I received is for you: “This might be me simply being starved of real college experiences…but you guys kinda knocked spring weekend out of the park.”

I also want to congratulate Audrey Larson, Angel Velasquez, and Charlotte Chen for their amazing win of the Innovate Wellness challenge. Together, these students were awarded seed funding to further develop an app that reduces anxiety for students walking alone on or around campus and improves access to safety resources. It’s through the innovation and creativity of ideas like these that we do our best work supporting students at UConn.

Finals are real. But we’ve got this. Study hard. Celebrate how much you’ve learned and give yourself a break:

Avery Point: As you get ready for finals, consider joining the LGTT: 15 Minutes to Calm program on April 28, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Participants will practice breathing and grounding meditation to help reset before exams.

Hartford: Stop by the HTB to grab a bite to eat before, after, or in between your finals. A hot breakfast will be served on Tuesday, May 3, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Stamford: Take a break from studying and stop by the Game Room Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.  There are pool tables, video games, and board games to help you relax and visit with friends.

Waterbury: Stop by the lobby between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. on April 27, 28, May 2, 3, 4 and 5 for Finals Frenzy Snacks.

Storrs: McMahon will be open at 6:45 a.m. for students during finals for continental coffee and bagels.  Stop by the Student Union 307 for a yummy study break snack all week and take a break, breathe, and recharge with Student Activities.  Several residential areas will be sponsoring study breaks, so be on the lookout for information concerning these.  Finally, the Homer Babbidge library is hosting their Paws to Relax pet therapy program May 2-6 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. each day on level 1.

Special thanks to Julia, a graduating SENIOR from the DOS office, for the following study tips:

  • The Pomodoro Technique is the study method where you spend 25 minutes working on your task with no distractions (could potentially write a distraction down to visit later) and then set a timer for a five-minute break. This strategy is known to improve study efficiency. After four Pomodoros, take a 30-minute break.
  • After studying for a while and you’re running low on steam, eat chocolate for a slight sugar/caffeine boost (peanut M&M’s are my favorite, can be found at Bookworms cafe) and do 10 jumping jacks to get the blood flowing to your brain.

And what would an email be without a COVID mention? Did you get an On/Go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test from UConn this semester? As you are packing up, are you wondering what to do with that almost-expired test? Well, do not toss it! The manufacturer of the On/Go Antigen Self-Test has extended the effective dates by three (3) months, so if your test kits says April 2022, the actual date is July 2022.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

she/her/hers

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

TLDR◊LTSLH – 4/20/22

Subject: TLDR◊LTSLH

Hi Huskies,

I was meeting with a student the other day who shared the following term with me: “TLDR”

Once I found out what it meant, I took it personally.  🙂

While I hope, “Too Long Didn’t Read” doesn’t apply to my beautifully crafted messages, I do see the point. With so many things coming at us every day, we need to pick and choose what matters. I get it. I just checked and I have 1,105 messages in my inbox (don’t worry, they are mostly spam).

But the more I look up from my email or my Twitter feed, the more I realize there is LOTS to say and a need to listen HARDER. That’s where email and social media fail us. There’s little listening and responding to the thoughts and feelings of others. Just declarations, character counts, and likes.

I learn so much more by listening to all of you and having that inform thoughtful action in my role. We are a complex and caring community. I hope that we all take time to dig deep, listen first with our hearts, and seek to be better.

With that in mind, I hope we all might agree that there is LTSLH (lots to say, listen harder). Posting policies, university policies, and the Student Code of Conduct are helpful resources we should all be aware of, but they rarely resolve the underlying, unspoken feelings that express themselves through hurtful words and actions.

I really want the end of the academic year to be a celebration of all that you have accomplished. I’m also worried, as I shared last week, about the jump in COVID positivity that we are seeing. This week is not much worse, but not much better. We will continue to mask in academic settings (yes, all classrooms, not just large ones) and all workspaces. We will also mask during large indoor events (over 100). There is a significant amount of flu in the wastewater as well. The most important thing with these added measures is you: wear your mask. If you feel sick, stay home and ask for help.

The final meeting for my Dean’s Advisory this semester is coming up tomorrow afternoon.  This meeting is an opportunity to learn more from students about how we can be helpful to you in your work leading and supporting peers. Many of you have shared that you feel a need to support the mental health of your friends, groups, and organizations. As students, you are probably also facing your own challenges while being asked to help others. I’d like to hear how we can help.

I’m looking forward to the days ahead and continuing to care for our health and well-being as an incredible semester comes to a close. Ask for help if you need it; we’re all here for you.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Staying Strong: It’s Not Over Yet – 4/13/22

Subject: Staying Strong: It's Not Over Yet

Hey there, Huskies,

Shout out to my friends in SUBOG, and the awesome concert they hosted over the weekend. As you know, our infection numbers have been increasing and I truly appreciate the added efforts everyone went to supporting mask wearing.

I need to call your attention to the dashboard. As you know, I want you to know our infection rates. If they continue to rise like this, we will need to reconsider some of our masking guidance. It is essential that you quarantine and isolate as you are advised by your medical provider.  We want to ensure that you take good care of yourself and decrease spread.  If you feel sick, get some rest, follow the guidance of your medical provider, and help us all to be as healthy as can be. The wastewater is also showing quite a bit of flu as well, so this is good advice for us all to follow.

Don’t tough it out, get some rest. Ask for help if you need it: SHAW, Dean of Students Office, Regional Student Services, academic advisers, and your faculty are all here to help.

Our commitment to your health and wellness is coming to a campus near you. Fresh Check Day will now occur on multiple campuses.  Avery Point's is happening April 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Main Lawn.  Congrats to the Waterbury campus for hosting a successful Fresh Check Day on April 5.

I’m glad to hear you are excited about our design discussion of the new South residential building and dining hall. Maybe even too excited. We want to make sure we have time to speak with all interested students, so we are going to reschedule some elements to ensure we have enough time (and gathering space) to meet with those who are interested.

The design discussion for today, April 13, will be for Resident Assistants, Residential Life staff, and members of RHA. Additional conversations will include the remainder of the residential community, student organizations, colleagues, and the broader student community. Stay tuned. I’m so glad you are excited.

Check out some cool activities the regional campuses shared with me (if you’re not up for Oozeball, that is):

Avery Point

  • Join us Friday, April 15 from noon to 2 p.m. for an afternoon of paddling and sailing at UConn Avery Point Beach – prior experience not required.

Hartford

  • Wednesday, April 13, – POP-UP Food Truck: UConn Dairy Bar at noon. Looking for a tasty treat? Stop by the HTB Atrium with your UConn ID on Wednesday April 13 from noon to 2 p.m. to get a ticket for a free cup of UConn Dairy Bar ice cream.
  • Monday, April 18, Design Your Own Air Plant: Celebrate Earth Day with us. Stop by the HTB courtyard on Monday, April 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and design your own Air Plant!

Stamford

  • April 18 to 22: If you’re caught rocking the UConn spirit wearing some swag, you’ll get a cookie! I mean, who doesn’t want a cookie?
  • April 18 to 22: The Great Duck Hunt: Can you quack the case? Find one of hundreds of ducks hidden around the building and you could be our ducky winner! The real question here is, why ducks? Are we thinking of switching mascots? Really don’t think Jonathan will be OK with that (or Tildy; they are besties).

Waterbury

  • Laser Tag: April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Courtyard
  • Ceramic Painting: April 18 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Courtyard (rain location: MPR)

Be well, Huskies. Don’t be afraid to mask up. It helps us stay connected and take the best care of those who are ill.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Champions – 4/6/22

Subject: Champions

My dear Huskies,

We are all champions.  I hope you all enjoyed a weekend defined by how our individual actions create a better future.

Obviously, winning the women’s basketball game on Friday was a high and our loss on Sunday was a disappointment.  Yet what I experienced in the days between was a confidence in UConn and our ability to come together as a community and achieve greatness.

Our team overcame hardship and injury to achieve victory and the opportunity to be a national champion (again).  Our students packed Gampel Sunday night to support them and left that game united as Huskies and ready to face the future.   The best part of being ambitious is facing and conquering our setbacks.  We will be back.

On Saturday, those same students -and many more- joined me on Founders Green to raise funds and improve access to medical care for children.  Nearly $1.4 MILLION DOLLARS later we left a bit chilled, a little tired, and committed to making a difference in the world.

We did that.  As a community.  Together.  Thank you, UConn, for seeing our greatness and believing in the future you will shape.

Before I get to a fun announcement, I do want to remind you to check the dashboard today.  As you can imagine, when masks became recommended, spread increased.  After talking to the medical team, we want to remind you that large indoor gatherings without masks are risky.  Please remember to wear masks when you are not feeling well and remember they are always a good precautionary measure.  Students being treated for COVID or in quarantine are expected to follow medical guidance, including required masking, isolation, etc.

Now for the cool stuff that’s coming up: I have been part of an exciting design process with my friends in Residential Life, Facilities Operations, University Planning, Design, and Construction, and Sasaki, our architectural partner.  Our Avery Point students might remember the Sasaki design team behind their Student Center.  Special thanks to our Board of Trustees for providing the resources that allows us to embark on this important design process.  We look forward to sharing our work with you.

Next week, you are ALL INVITED to see the designs, speak with the architects, learn about our sustainability plan, and imagine a room selection process with MORE SUITES available at Storrs.  All are welcome and UConn ID is required.

OOZE BALL. Truth: I have been banned from the All Star team (yes, it is possible to be bad at Ooze Ball).  That being said, volleyball in the mud is fun (provided you have a sense of direction).  All are welcome (except me, and that’s for the best).  Register now!

If you call our regional campuses home or want to see what's happening across the state, check out:

Hartford Students:  Monday, April 11th -- Hus-Keys A Cappella Spring Concert: Oh, What a Night! @ 8:00 p.m. -  Infinity Music Hall, admission is free and doors open at 7:30 p.m.  Bring your friends!

Waterbury students: there are few things happening next week including a Ping Pong Tournament if Oozeball is not your thing (maybe there is hope for me yet..) on April 7th from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Student Lounge, and on April 11th a Food Truck will be in courtyard from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

All good things,

 

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

The Home Stretch to Spring: Connection and Care-3/30/22

Subject: The Home Stretch to Spring: Connection and Care

Hello, Huskies,

Quick reminder: March is supposed to come in like a lion, and out like a lamb.  We seem to have messed this up a little.

It is 27 degrees out while I write this, but that’s not stopping me. Spring is here, our health is strong, and it’s important to find time to connect with one another, nervously chew on our nails during DOUBLE OVERTIME (leading to … VICTORY), and be a great university.

Here are my cool highlights to see us through a chilly week and an update on the Task Force:

  1. HuskyTHON.  It’s happening.  Saturday.
  2. Monday, April 4, 2022 - 12:00 p.m. –  3:00 p.m.   The Comfort Zone Food Truck will be in front of the Hartford Times Building on Monday, April 4th from 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. UConn Hartford undergrad students stop by the Atrium to get a ticket for a FREE handmade artisan pretzel - served as is or with a variety of delicious toppings!
  3. My friends in SHaW would love to see you on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Student Union. Building Recovery Friendly Campuses will include presentations from the Assistant Secretary of SAMSHA, Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittman, as well as Dr. Haner Hernandez, who will speak from a health equity perspective. I’m looking forward to saying a few words, too.

The morning will be dedicated to understanding why we need to evolve our campuses to be increasingly supportive of students in recovery from addiction and/or other mental health and behavioral disorders, and the first part of the afternoon is time to brainstorm with fellow students, staff, and faculty on what we might do differently.

Interested? Register here for the event.

  1. Dominic Fike, Young M.A., and Social House are coming to Storrs on April 8 (thank you, SUBOG, for lowering ticket prices). I’m old and I don’t understand who these people are. What matters is you’re excited to see them next week. All students from all campuses are invited.

Personally, I’m more excited that UConn’s finest Kaprisan, Montez, and ONNAME are performing but, you know, whatever makes you happy. I’m sure Dominic wishes he went to UConn.

Wait a minute ... is that the Chicken Tenders artist??? Ok, moving on.

  1. Ramadan, Easter, Passover and associated days of religious observation occur throughout April. Please remember that your religious observation matters to UConn and we seek to support you in your faith expression. Additional information from the Provost’s Office is available here.
  2. Fresh Check Days are coming to a campus near you! Starting April 5 on the Waterbury campus from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room, join us in promoting a culture of health and community wellness. Storrs and Avery Point are coming up soon!
  3. Go to Massachusetts and eat Purple Cow ice cream (no offense, Dairy Bar, no one does pumpkin ice cream like you do). Apparently, it only exists in Massachusetts and no cows were harmed in the process. Let me know how it is.

Task Force Update:

As many of you know, I have been joined by Mason Holland and Claire Dutton in co-chairing the President’s Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting our Students. Recent meetings have included a comprehensive review on how the university responds to referrals, educational initiatives for students, faculty, and staff, and support resources for our students. The website is regularly updated with information presented during meetings.

Coming up: OOZEBALL: so gross, and yet so fun.

All good things,

 

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

P.S. Couldn’t help but notice that I, a) didn’t have much to say about COVID; and, b) my colleagues mentioned things are a bit more “active” around campus. More next week on whether that is a good thing, a bad thing, or a little bit of both. For now, please stay off the roof.

 

Welcome back: Turning on the Lights – 3/23/22

Subject: Welcome back: Turning on the Lights

Dear Huskies,

Wow.  We were so excited to have you back we blew a fuse in Storrs.  In fact, I think we blew ALL the fuses AND gave you a day off.  Impressive.  I know, regionals, we owe you a day off too…

I also managed to blow up my computer (thanks for the help, Hannah, Mech Engineering is lucky to have you!).

Glad to have you back and glad to see that our good health continues as a community.  As you get settled, you may want to take a COVID test.  Contact Student Services on the regional campuses or stop by the Storrs Student Union help desk if you are interested in picking up an at-home COVID test. Test kits are also available for Storrs students from RAs and Hall Directors.

Regional campus students can pick up test kits as follows:

  • Hartford students may stop by the Office of Student Services (HTB 106) on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • Stamford students may stop by the Office of Student Services (room 201).
  • Waterbury students can stop by the Office of Student Services (room 228) on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays between the hours of 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

UConn has a COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirement. Please remember to upload all vaccination records, including boosters, into the SHaW Patient Portal.

As the spring unfolds, I keep hearing about awesome events coming up on our campuses.

  • HUSKYTHON IS SO CLOSE!!! Every year, you humble me with how much you care for others as you dance throughout the night.  I can’t wait to see you all there.  Thank you for choosing to give to something bigger than yourself.  Thank you, Beau and Abbey, for your leadership.
  • IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services in New Haven), MECP, the UConn Human Rights Symposium, and Huskies for Refugees are hosting  an annual Run for Refugees. The run will occur on the Storrs campus on April 9th, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. and can be completed either as a run or as a walk.  No shame in walking!  Just saying.
  • Stamford students: don’t miss the Proud Husky Film Fest on March 24, 2022 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Join senior Tiffany Avallone as she introduces the film fest and talks about her experience with OutFilm CT and why authentic LGBTQ+ representation matters.
  • Waterbury students: mark your calendars for March 28 and 31. On March 28 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. the Waterbury campus Associated Student Government (ASG) will hold a Menstrual Kit Giveaway in MPR 113/116/119. On March 31 the ASG will hold a Women’s History Month Lunch from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in MPR 113/116/119, sign up here to reserve your lunch spot.
  • AVERY POINT DANCE PARTY! April 1, 7:00 p.m. in the Branford House.  There will be a photo booth.  Send me pics.

Welcome back.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

Celebrating Success – 3/9/22

Subject: Celebrating Success

Hi there, Huskies,

Thank goodness for the upcoming break. This one is so well deserved, and I wish you all fun, good health, and REST!

First (queue up Queen’s classic hit, “We Are the Champions”), WINNING seems to be a theme this week. ROCK ON basketball, UConn Equestrian, track, Biochem midterms, internships applications, O-Chem labs ... all of you faced challenges over the course of the past week.

Midterms are hard. The Big East is hard. COVID is hard.  Yet all of you are finding your way to success.  As a friend at the Graduate School often says, success is rarely a straight line. We zig, we zag, but we get there nonetheless.

In the meantime, I’ve been in meetings. A few highlights:

Task Force for Combating Sexual Violence and Supporting our Students: We had our first meeting last week. We reviewed all relevant policies as well as important past work on this subject. The Task Force website is live and will include information from past meetings.

Bias Action Group: This incredible group of students, faculty, and staff met for the first time on Monday. This group is working towards its purpose of reviewing incidents and determining opportunities for increased dialogue on campus. Dr. Tuitt and I are grateful to the members of the group for their insight and guidance in identifying opportunities for our community to address hate and develop trust at UConn.  On a more immediate note, members were struck by the InForm site that was created and encouraged me to make it more broadly available to students.  Check it out.

This works matter and it will be impactful.  I hope you all know that these groups are filled with members of the University community who care deeply for all of you and for UConn.  What is abundantly clear to all of us is the work that needs to be done to regain trust, address harm, and restore UConn as a community that cares for the well-being of all of our students.

I wish you all a healthy and happy break. COVID tests are available to you at the Student Union on the Storrs campus and on each of the regional campuses before and after break. Please remember that it is important to test when ill and observe a period of isolation regardless of your vaccination status.  If you test positive using an at-home or outside lab test, please upload your positive test results to the SHaW patient portal.

Be well, Huskies. I’m looking forward to seeing you back on campus.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

The Choice is Yours – 3/3/22

Subject: The Choice is Yours

My Dear Huskies,

It’s time.  Over the past several weeks we have closely monitored our re-opening for the spring semester.  We’ve come a long way.

Throughout this pandemic you have consistently chosen to keep yourself and others safe.  You have done so in a time of unprecedented uncertainly.  This has meant fearing for those who were ill, protecting those you love from unnecessary exposure, being unable to travel to your home country for a significant period of time, and, yes, wearing masks.  I am humbled and grateful for the choices you have made these past few years.  It is in that spirit that I would like to announce the return of that power of choice.

Masking.  Effective March 4, it’s your choice now.  We are moving to yellow. Masking will be recommended but only required in classrooms.  As you consider what choice to make, I would advise you that it is my hope that you continue to think of others as you have all this time.   Indoor settings with folks interacting closely with one another creates increased risk of spread.   Please think about masking during those times.  There is as strong a voice asking me to continue masking on campus as there is asking me to reconsider.

This has been a time of ongoing compromise and sacrifice while we preserved what we cherish most.  For me, that was ensuring that UConn was always a home to you when you had nowhere to go.  My colleagues and I across our campuses have never stopped being there for you and offering you the best education possible.

You are encouraged to request someone wear their mask if you wish.  Please respect the wishes of those who ask that you wear your mask.  There will be locations where wearing a mask is still required, such as areas of SHaW where direct medical care is provided and the classroom.

As we noted in our earlier email, remember to carry a mask with you at all times.  As you know, this is subject to change should the University experience any outbreaks that require additional prevention efforts.

Treatment for students with COVID or a designated close contact remains unchanged.  Students who test positive must isolate as advised by their provider.  Students designated as a close contact will be advised on quarantine based upon their vaccination status.

Be well, my friends.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Updated Masking Policy – 3/3/22

Subject: Updated Masking Policy

To the UConn Community:

We write to share an update on the University’s masking policy. Effective Friday, March 4, masks will be “recommended” in nearly all settings on our campuses rather than “required.”

Masking will continue to be required in all instructional settings, including classes, labs, studios, rehearsal rooms, and clinics, through at least April 1, 2022, when the University will reevaluate this.

This applies to students, employees, and visitors on all UConn campuses and property other than UConn Health locations, Student Health and Wellness medical care in Storrs, von der Mehden Recital Hall, and the Connecticut Repertory Theatre. UConn activities such as classes or events that are hosted in spaces other than UConn property should follow the guidelines of the host facility.

In addition, UConn Athletics is also lifting its vaccination/testing requirements for fans attending games at Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center, effective immediately.

The factors that allowed the university to make this change are:

  • Consistently low COVID-19 positivity rates and very high vaccination rates among students and employees across all of our campuses.
  • Consistently low positivity rates in the state of Connecticut.
  • New CDC guidance: Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adopted new recommendations related to preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19. The recommendations are based on a new tool developed by the CDC that classifies each county in the nation as being at either low, medium, or high risk. The categories were determined according to the number of hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. What prevention measures are recommended varies based on the risk level in each county. As of today, seven of Connecticut’s eight counties are classified as being “low risk.” The exception is Middlesex County, which is classified today as “medium risk.”
  • Effective this week, the state of Connecticut is no longer requiring masks to enter state buildings.

Please note that federal guidelines mandate masking on public transportation at least through March 18, 2022. Please continue to wear a mask on state, UConn, and WRTD buses.

While this change means masks will not be required in most settings, the university still recommends wearing them on our campuses. We also strongly encourage each member of the UConn community to continue to be flexible and courteous when it comes to masking. Please always carry a mask with you in the event you are asked to wear it in certain close settings, such as individual or small group meetings. Members of the community will be at varying stages of comfort with mask wearing and we want to be respectful of others.

As always, the combination of public health guidance, risk, and local circumstances will continue to guide UConn’s policies with respect to COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Radenka Maric

Interim President, University of Connecticut

Carl Lejuez

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Eleanor JB Daugherty

Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

--
Office of the President: 860.486.2337

president@uconn.edu

Twitter: @UConnPresident

Instagram: @UConnPres

UConn is a great university.

But it's more than that. A top-ranked research institution, with campuses and staff across Connecticut, built to inspire the global community that is UConn Nation. UConn's talented students exceed expectations. Our expert researchers, faculty, and alumni drive Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CIE) for a better tomorrow. We fuel the State's economy and are committed to benefiting the greater good. This is UConn. 

STUDENTS FIRST, UCONN ALWAYS.

ROYGBIV: Managing COVID and the Color Coded System – 2/23/22

Subject: ROYGBIV: Managing COVID and the Color Coded System

Hi there, Huskies,

I had a great meeting with my advisory group last week (you are all welcome to come to a meeting).  They reminded me that it would be helpful to talk about masking and our current orange status.

I know that many of you are hoping to transition to yellow, where masking is optional, so I want to spend some time talking with you about how we think about masking.

We meet regularly as a university-wide team and discuss three things: care, confidence, and context.

Care: This is an important time for us to discuss the presence of illness on campus and the care we provide.  That includes the number of positive students but also the degree to which the contact tracing shows us that we have effectively contained exposure and spread to others.  This can never be done perfectly, and the University is invested in ensuring that we are safely managing the presence of illness on campus.  As you know from the dashboard, we continue to report a notable number of covid cases and I’m grateful to the medical team for their hard work in containing spread.

Confidence: We know that vaccination (including boosters), masking, and symptom checking works.  Those have been successful prevention strategies for us.  When vaccination rates are high (including boosters), along with mask compliance, we feel more confident about our ability to be a healthy community.  We also gain (or lose) confidence as we evaluate wastewater on campus and identify the presence of COVID – often early on before symptoms develop.

Context: Context matters.  This includes the level of COVID-19 across our campuses, hospitalization rates in the state, and presence of variants both domestically and abroad.

Within the last few days, all of these factors have been trending in a good direction.  However, COVID is not over.  We continue to have a notable number who are testing positive and require isolation or are impacted by quarantine because they are not fully vaccinated and/or boosted.

We are also very attentive to the recent direction of the Governor and the anticipated guidance that will follow for state agencies (such as UConn).  When we receive that guidance, we will continue to assess our current position and make appropriate changes.

UConn is both a place for work and a home.  My focus is ensuring that we continue to be a safe place for you to live and learn.  I’m hopeful these indicators are pointing us in the right direction.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S.  My advisory also reminded me that it was Anthony’s birthday and I forgot to say anything (sorry).

Adapt and Overcome – 2/16/22

Subject: Adapt and Overcome

Dear Huskies,

I got nothing. No bad news. No worries. We went to orange, we are being cautious and caring as a community, and we are doing just fine. Keep it up, UConn.

So, let’s focus on being the amazing caring community that we are today. Earlier this week, President Maric and I met with some of the students organizing HuskyTHON (shout out to Beau and Abby).

HuskyTHON is back, in person, and bigger than ever. Earlier this week, the students shared the amazing news that HuskyTHON will occur in person on FOUNDERS GREEN on April 2.

HuskyTHON is one of our greatest traditions at UConn. It is the time when I see thousands of students coming together to make a difference in the lives of others. They also don’t sleep and dance a lot.

So, join me, my friends. We have all been touched by the resources provided by the Miracle Network and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Let’s make a difference together and participate in this incredible UConn tradition.

All good things,

 

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

P.S. I’ve agreed to learn that dance break thing they do every hour. Just saying …  I may bring friends.

Checking Back In – 2/10/22

Subject: Checking Back In

Dear Huskies,

I know, you’re used to hearing from me on Wednesdays.  However, I felt like enough has occurred over the last week that it was important that we stand together, support the voices of our students, and find the path forward.  Thank you for allowing me to join you yesterday.

As you know from President Maric’s email, I am bringing together individuals from across the University to help us better meet the needs of students impacted by sexual violence.  Invitations to committee members will be going out shortly and I look forward to addressing this important need on our campuses.

I am also happy to share that my colleagues in SHaW are effectively managing our COVID cases.  As a result, it is no longer medically necessary for us to remain in red.  WE ARE GOING TO ORANGE, friends!

This Friday morning at 6 a.m., student activities, campus dining, residential life, and the Rec Center will be in orange.  Thank you for sticking with us over the course of the last two weeks and helping us get to this point.

A couple of highlights:

  • UConn students only are allowed as guests in residence hall rooms/suites/apartments. Family members may visit in residence hall common areas.
  • Physical distancing is lifted.
  • Club Sports and Student Activities can travel (please consult with your adviser on the details).
  • Dining will be at 100% capacity and, on the Storrs campus, Buckley will no longer be solely grab-and-go. Students not under quarantine who wish to make a request for a to-go container should visit the dining website at https://dining.uconn.edu/to-go-containers/
  • Masks are still required inside unless you are eating or drinking.  

Masking: Let’s talk. As you know, the big difference between yellow and orange is masking. I am looking forward to discussing masking and other COVID-related topics with my colleagues later this month.  We are very aware of the Governor’s recent messaging regarding K-12 and required masking. That certainly means it’s worth considering whether any changes announced for K-12 in Connecticut should be applied to UConn. However, we are equally aware that masking and vaccination compliance (including getting your booster) are strong indicators to our good health. This is particularly true on our residential campuses.

In the meantime, please work with your medical provider (which is SHaW for Storrs students) to ensure that you are boosted when eligible and compliant with our vaccination requirement. I know that will remain an important data point for us to consider as we move forward (many thanks to the nearly 17,000 eligible students who have reported their boosters!).

Be well, my friends. I hope this makes your weekend a little more enjoyable.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Welcome Back! – 2/2/22

Subject: Welcome Back!

Hi Huskies!

You’re back! Like a winter storm or a water main break or a pandemic would stop us from returning to our campuses.  Don’t underestimate a husky.

Thank you, everyone.  You are here, in person, and we are all better for it.

Medical Update:

Unsurprisingly, we are reporting a notable number of positive tests that resulted from our rigorous arrival and pre-arrival testing strategy.  That makes sense given the size of our community with a positivity rate in the state that continues to drop but is still around 10%. 

Those students are cared for, isolated, and on the path to recovery.  Many of those students were able to isolate at home.  For residential campuses, this has meant less use of isolation beds.  As they get well and more students continue to test positive, we will continue to stay in red until we have effectively identified and contained spread.  I’ll update you more on that next week.

Increased access to testing:

Last semester many of you were not symptomatic for COVID but wanted to obtain a test.  I know that created some concern for you and I am happy to share an alternative this semester.  My special thanks to our student leaders who brought this to my attention in our Dean’s Advisory conversations (shameless plug: all our welcome). 

As background, our medical plan for Storrs students limits access to tests to those who are currently symptomatic for COVID, an identified close contact through contact tracing, or part of surveillance testing.  Regional students exempted from the policy are required to participate in surveillance testing provided by the campuses.  That has not changed and will continue to be a priority for our medical team.

With great thanks to my colleagues throughout our campuses, I am happy to share that a limited number of at-home antigen tests are available to students on our campuses throughout the course of the Spring semester.  Regional campuses will specifically follow up with directions for their students later this month on how to obtain an at-home test.  Information for the Hartford campus is included below.

Students may only obtain one test kit which contains two tests and must have their student ID.  Storrs students may access at-home antigen tests in the following way:

Storrs Students:

Tests are available at the Student Union Information Center (located next to the Fairfield Way entrance, across from the One Card Office).

Test Kits will be available Monday-Friday (beginning February 7) from 9am-6pm

Storrs Residential Students:

Beginning February 7, you may contact your Hall Director to receive a test.

SHaW Pharmacy:

Free tests are also available through the SHaW Pharmacy Online Marketplace and can be ordered HERE. You will be notified when your test kit is available for curbside pick-up.

Hartford campus:

Hartford students can access in-person COVID arrival testing on Wednesday, February 2nd and Thursday, February 3rd from 9:30am - 3:30pm in the Hartford Public Library CCC room. Sign-up in advance for a time slot in NEXUS.

Positive test results for all students should be uploaded through the Patient Portal. 

It was such a joy to see students back on our campuses.  As I shared when I was visiting students during move-in (shout out to Werth!, things were way too quiet around here).  It so great to have you back.

Be well,

 Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdDshe/her/hersAssociate Vice President and Dean of Students

We’re There: Time to Come Home, Huskies – 1/25/22

Subject: We're There: Time to Come Home, Huskies

Hello, Huskies,

We’re doing this.  Buckle up: big email ahead with lots of important information on the return to campus (including plans for Saturday’s snow storm).  Please read it carefully.

Medical Return to Campus:

  • All students who have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days are required to download the results of a pre-arrival test (antigen or PCR) taken within three days of departing to campus.  If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you will likely still test positive although you are not infectious.  We only want to isolate infectious positives.  If you are positive, you should remain home and observe at 10 day isolation period.
  • Arrival testing is available on all campuses for students who have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
    • Off Campus/Commuter Storrs arrival testing was held this past weekend.  Off-campus Storrs students who missed that date may stop by the second floor of Rome this week only through entrance A (Monday – Thursday 1:00pm – 3:00pm).
    • Residential Storrs arrival testing will occur during move-in weekend (January 29-30)  from 10am-4pm (no appointment necessary) in the Rome Commons Ground Floor.
    • Regional campus students will receive communication directly from their campuses.
  • Students who test positive upon arrival will be asked to isolate and return home. If unable to safely return home, isolation housing will be provided.  A 10 day isolation period will be observed.
  • Vaccinated students identified as a close contact by their provider or public health authority, will be required to quarantine if they are not up to date in their vaccination status, this means eligible for a booster but not boosted.  All exempted students identified as a close contact will need to observe a full quarantine.
  • Students who are up to date in their vaccination status, including a booster, will not need to quarantine after being identified as a close contact but will need to follow additional precautions for 10 days following the exposure.
  • All exempted students are required to participate in weekly surveillance testing.  Your campus will provide information, as they did last semester, on specific testing requirements.
  • All students are required to receive the booster when eligible or obtain an exemption.  Booster compliance should be uploaded into the Student Health Portal.  Boosters are currently available to Storrs students Monday-Thursday in the Student Union Ballroom.  Please schedule an appointment for a booster on the Student Health Portal.

Academic Return to Campus:

  • Classes will begin, in person, on January 31.  Over 90% of our classes will be offered in-person and masking will be required.  I know we are all looking forward to seeing you soon.

Storrs Residential Life:

  • Due to the potential snowstorm for Saturday, January 29, Residential Life will allow students to return to campus on Friday.  Card access will be available starting at 7:00 am on 1/28/22. Students who need to pick up a key or wish to change their move-in date will receive additional communication from Residential Life this week about check-in times on Friday.
  • Please note that on Friday, January 28 dining is limited to three dining halls, Whitney, South and Northwest.
  • Arrival testing will be available to Storrs residential student on Friday from 10am to 4pm on the Ground Floor of Rome.

Stamford Residential Life

  • Due to the potential snowstorm for Saturday, January 29, Stamford Residential Life will allow returning residents to move back to campus on Friday, January 28.  Card access will be available starting at 7:00 am on 1/28/22.
  • New residents who need to pick up a key or wish to change their move-in date will receive additional communication from Stamford Residential Life this week about check-in times on Sunday.
  • Stamford will be adding Sunday as a move-in day for students to accommodate the winter storm.
  • Additional information on residential testing will be provided by the campus.

Activities and Dining:  We’re in red, my friends: masking and physical distancing are a key characteristic of this status.  No one wants to stay in this long, but it’s how we are going to start.  More on that in a later email.

  • Athletics: This one matters a lot, I’m afraid.  I need to talk to you about the men’s basketball game occurring this evening.  As you know, Gampel is a facility that houses thousands of individuals.  If transmission of COVID occurs among students attending the game, it could cause a wider student outbreak over move-in weekend 3-4 days later before this positivity is detected. This in turn could potentially overwhelm the university’s isolation capacity at the start of the in-person semester. Although vaccination cards are required for the game, our testing data over the last two weeks shows that a significant portion of positive tests occurred in vaccinated students.

As such, the university is encouraging students to watch the game remotely rather than attending in-person. Towards this end, the University has capped tickets in the student section at 50% occupancy. If you’ve already claimed a ticket, it is valid for admission. It is very important that attending students spread out and maintain physical distance from one another.   Please note, this is only today’s game. We anticipate students will be able to attend all other UConn games during the spring semester.  My sincere thanks to all of you and to our dedicated athletes for understanding.

  • Dining at Storrs:  While the University is in RED all students are encouraged to dine quickly and be safe. Students should be considerate of others and not use the space for studying or group meetings. Anytime a student is not eating they must wear their masks in the dining halls. All dining facilities will monitor capacities and determine when it is appropriate to offer alternatives to eating within the location.

Super awesome dining idea: I know how much you love to-go containers and we know that we need to keep the flow of folks moving through our dining halls.  With that in mind, beginning on Monday January 31st Buckley Dining Hall will offer to-go only without pre-approval for any student with a meal plan until the University transitions from red. Dining Services encourages any student who has a specific need for a to-go container to visit their website and follow the options available for requesting a to-go container for the semester.  We will try this out in red and see where we go from there.

  • Student Activities: I am so grateful for the creative efforts of our students and staff to ensure that community continues at UConn –even when we need to observe physical distancing as we re-open.  Please stay connected through UKindness and the many activities and programs available to you on all of our campuses.

Recreation Center (Storrs): The Rec Center will reopen for activities on January 31 (limited hours are available this week only for students approved to live on campus).  Rec will be observing limited occupancy and physical distancing while we are in red.

Still with me?  Good! We’re here, we’re ready.  Come home, Huskies.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

We’re Getting There: Info on Testing and Involvement – 1/20/22

Subject: We're Getting There: Info on Testing and Involvement

Huskies,

I write this while listening to our National Day of Racial Healing speaker, Feminista Jones.  Her remarks are a call to all of us to utilize the academy -our UConn- to confront oppression and embrace every mind and person that enriches our educational home.  That’s you.  All of you.

Allow me to use this as an opportunity to say you are all welcome and needed at UConn.  I welcome the world that your actions transform.

Thank you, ODI, for providing us with these powerful moments that allows us to cherish each other and follow a path away from complacency and towards transformation.  The work of access and inclusion is done together and I’m grateful to the students, faculty, activists, and colleagues who continue to lead us in this journey.

Thank you for all of your efforts this past week to enable UConn to return to what matters most: a community that learns and grows together.

Great news: Omicron appears to be peaking in Connecticut.  That means we can move-in during the weekend of the 29th and resume in-person learning.  It also means we are right to pursue a cautious opening to further encourage this decrease in the Omicron surge.  As a reminder:

  • Pre-arrival testing: You must submit a test to the Student Health portal taken within three days before arrival on campus.  PCR or antigen tests are fine.  Students who test positive will remain at home to self-isolate until medically cleared.
  • Arrival testing is available on all campuses:
    • Storrs Off-Campus:

Saturday, 1/22 and Sunday, 1/23

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  (no appointment necessary)

Rome Commons Ground Floor (free parking available in Lot S)

  • Storrs Residential Students:

Saturday, 1/29 and Sunday, 1/30

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (no appointment necessary)

Rome Commons Ground Floor

  • Regional Campuses:

All regional campuses will be offering Arrival Testing the week of January 31st.

More information about dates and times will be provided to students directly by the individual campuses.

  • Opening in red with physical distancing in most locations and full masking.  Please refer to the campus guidelines for additional information.  UConn Recreation and Student Activities are prepared to expand their services to meet campus needs and interests. Outdoor programming will be encouraged and I am happy to announce our newest tradition, the skating rink will open on February 3rd!

As I shared in my Jan 3 email, boosters are required for all eligible students as part of our COVID-19 policy.  Students who have received a medical or non-medical exemption are not required to be boosted.

My friends in Student Health and Wellness launched a #GetBoostedUConn social media campaign to encourage eligible students to get boosted and current with their COVID-19 vaccination. Please contact Michelle Tirabassi, publicity and marketing coordinator for UConn’s Student Health and Wellness, to get involved.

We’re doing this.  Together.  And I’m grateful to each and every one of you.

See you soon.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

 

We’re Getting There: Opening and Staying Open – 1/14/22

Subject: We're Getting There: Opening and Staying Open

Hi there Huskies,

As always, thank you for being patient as we wait for this surge to pass.  I wanted to update you on the incredible work my colleagues and I have done over the course of the past two weeks. Huge thanks to the students and colleagues who met with me this week and participated in the town hall to determine how we can adjust to support you during the next two weeks.

UConn is many things to us and I know many of us are disappointed about the delay to returning to in-person learning.  Let’s discuss what that will mean for the next few weeks:

Our Community:

Whether in person or apart, we are always together as a community.  Our campuses will open in red.

UKindness has been updated today to reflect the many opportunities for us to be together.  Whether it’s small in-person activities, virtual fitness classes, or trivia nights, we are here and eager to see you.  Our campuses are open if you need study spaces.  Our spaces will be observing physical distancing and requiring masking.  We will not be holding any large in-person activities. Check this out for more information on activities while we are in red.

Oh yes, the ice rink is returning to Storrs.  More on that later. J

Our Health:

We will work together to keep our campuses safe and healthy.  It will not be perfect and there will be a greater presence of illness, but we will face it together and take every measure to identify, treat, and contain illness.  Testing is back for those students, vaccinated or not, who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 90 days.  Confirmation of COVID-19 is indicated through a positive PCR or at-home antigen test.

Pre-Arrival testing: We really need you to obtain and upload the results of a COVID test (PCR or at-home antigen) within 72 hours of arrival to campus.  Residential students who test positive should not travel to campus and will complete their isolation at home.    At-home tests can be ordered through Amazon or purchased locally and will be accepted by SHaW.  Please refer to the SHaW website for instructions on how to upload at-home antigen test results. Students who are approved to live on campus during the online period do not need to obtain pre-arrival testing.

Arrival testing: UConn will provide arrival testing to students on all campuses who have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 90 days.  More information to come on how those tests will be distributed upon your arrival.  Students who are approved to live on campus during the online period do not need to obtain arrival testing.

Monitoring: Students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should obtain a test as advised by their medical provider.  Students who received a positive PCR or antigen test must observe at 10-day isolation period.  Students who test positive on arrival will be expected to return home to complete their 10-day isolation period.  Isolation housing will be provided for students who are unable to return home.

Guidance for recent Close Contacts with a COVID-19 positive case:  Students who are identified as a close contact through contact tracing (either DPH or SHaW), vaccinated and boosted when eligible, will not need to observe quarantine.  Students who are vaccinated and eligible for a booster but not boosted or unvaccinated will need to observe a 10-day quarantine, including not attending in-person classes for five days and other restrictions for another five days. Household contacts with an ongoing exposure may have longer quarantine periods.

Booster Vaccines: The best way to stay healthy and avoid being subject to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure is to arrive on campus up-to-date on all required COVID-19 vaccines. That means getting your booster as soon as you are eligible.  Booster compliance should be uploaded to the SHaW Patient Portal (with thanks to the 10,000 of you who have already done that!).

Our Home:

This weekend, we will welcome students to the Stamford and Storrs residence halls who needed housing during the remote learning period.  I’m pleased that we were able to provide housing to the vast majority of students who requested it.  No one was denied who was facing housing insecurity or a demonstrated significant hardship.

During the town hall on Monday, I was asked about cancellations from housing.  In response: students can be released from their on-campus housing contract without penalty if all of their course modalities are changed to remote learning.  Students in this situation must submit a contract release form by February 14, 2022 and must supply evidence that their classes are entirely remote.  Students who have moved onto campus will be charged a daily rate for the days between their move in date and the date they remove their belongings and return their room key.

The remainder of our residential students are currently scheduled to return on Jan. 29.  That is our plan.  I’m really, really committed to it.  We are eager to welcome you back and we will inform you if there is any change to that plan.

This is a lot of information, so we are going to stay in touch through emails like these.  I know it’s frustrating to navigate a return to what we care about most – being in person on our campuses - when we keep fielding curve balls from COVID and its many variants.

I know that it’s hard, and it’s natural to doubt the ‘administration’ that tiles your screen to share news that I know is disappointing. Yet we care.  So much. And we are working hard to bring you back soon.

See you soon,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

Additional Information for Spring 2022 – 1/3/22

Subject: Additional Information for Spring 2022

Dear Huskies,

As you know by now, we will not be meeting up in person until the end of January. Like all of you, I am incredibly disappointed.  However, UConn is no less committed to opening as planned.  Let me start by telling you why it was important we start online.

As I shared with another student this morning, the spread rate of omicron is deeply alarming for UConn and hundreds of colleges and universities who share our eagerness to reopen.

To be clear: our priority is to get you back on our campuses as soon as possible to resume in-person learning. The central goal of moving the first two weeks online was to avoid opening in the midst of the omicron surge, when Connecticut saw positivity rates as high as 20% and breakthrough cases among those vaccinated and boosted became more common.

If we brought back nearly 30,000 students on January 15, we would have had to ask a great deal more of you then we already have, including strict quarantines and very limited campus facilities and services. And if we saw an initial surge in positives among students similar to the wider population, we would have been forced to move the first two weeks of the semester online anyway, while also running the risk of overwhelming our isolation beds and medical services, which could have endangered the whole in-person semester – which the last thing we want.

The central goal of the delay was to help ensure that the bulk of the spring 2022 semester could be in-person.

Our hope is that this delay will be sufficient to allow the omicron surge to pass and that we will be welcoming you back to the campus experience we all hope for very soon.

We have been here before and we have never let distance get in the way of being Husky.  Most importantly, we will be hosting a Town Hall for students and families on Monday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m.  Anyone who wishes to submit questions in advance can send them to University Communications (communications@uconn.edu) with the subject line: Jan. 10 Student Town Hall.

I know you will have many questions and myself, Dr. Andy, Dr. Eror, and many others will be there to tell you everything we know.  There are always things we don’t fully know or for which we might not yet have answers, but we will be prepared to share all that we know and what principles will guide future decisions.

For now, let me focus on a few things that matter most:

  • We are here for you.  While move-in has been postponed until the end of January, students who need to live on campus because they are experiencing demonstrated housing insecurity or are international will be approved.  Students should apply for housing during the online period directly with Residential Life.  All residential students will be contacted on this topic later today. 
  • Be well.  The Omicron variant has an impressive rate of spread.  It is so important to be vaccinated and boosted once you are eligible.
  • As you know, boosters are now required for eligible UConn students on all campuses and must be uploaded into the SHaW Patient Portal.  Your eligibility depends upon when you were vaccinated. Please review this chart from the CDC to determine your eligibility.  Take advantage of this time to become boosted and arrive on campus fully compliant and protected. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters throughout the U.S. can be accessed HERE. Students who have not already received a COVID-19 medical or non-medical exemption are required to be boosted once they become eligible.
    • All students who have received an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination requirement will be exempted for the booster requirement.  You do not need to resubmit your exemption form.
  • I now want to sincerely address our international students who have been unable to return home throughout the duration of this pandemic.  My colleagues in Global Affairs and I are committed to making UConn the best home it can be for you.  International students will have flexibility to move into their on-campus housing according to the original move-in schedule. If you cannot access a booster in your home country, you can receive the booster after arrival. Please review full CDC travel requirements for noncitizen, nonimmigrant travelers here. ISSS will provide further information to international students.
  • Campus Facilities will be limited.  The Recreation Center will be closed during the online period with virtual fitness opportunities available.  The Student Union will have limited dining and seating, but will not be hosting large in-person events or meetings. Campus Dining will be limited, but available to students approved to live in housing. Additional information regarding student organizations meetings will be provided next week and towards the end of this week.

Over the course of the next two weeks, I will be working closely with colleagues across campus to address questions I can imagine that you will have in the coming days.  It will include things like access to testing and testing requirements, the booster requirement, as well as how we can continue to stay connected as a community.

My friends, I will miss not seeing you in two weeks.  We will be back.  It’s just going to take a little longer as we all work to stay healthy.

Be well, UConn.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

 

 

Spoiler Alert: You’re Coming Back in January! – 12/16/21

Subject: Spoiler Alert: You’re Coming Back in January!

Dear Huskies,

First, happy birthday, PRLACC.  As our Provost shared at a recent event, it’s impossible to imagine UConn without PRLACC and the incredible work it does to build a great community for all of us.

Speaking of PRLACC, I was listening to my friend Fany Hannon and a phrase she uses often stayed with me.  It went something like this: “a dream is nothing more than the right thing to do.”  I love that concept and how it calls us to act upon our dreams rather than sit permanently in the nostalgia of imagining what could be.  Yet as we pursue these ‘dreams’ of ours we are also reminded that the journey to achieve these dreams is not easy and requires work, hardship, and the joy of achievement.

My dream is to welcome you back in the spring.  I know it is the right thing to do because of how much you have benefitted by being together as a community.  Yet that dream will involve a journey for all of us, to be able to open safely and with the greatest ability to be nimble and responsive to whatever curve balls COVID presents.

I think we are all experiencing the rigorous journey that accompanies achieving our dreams.  For many of you right now, that’s finals.  You worked so hard to get to UConn and every semester you are reminded of all that you have learned along the way in your journey to achieve your degree.  On top of that, this pandemic has tried very hard to disrupt your dreams, yet you have persisted.  That persistence should be a source of pride for all of you.

Several weeks ago, my advisory shared with me a feeling of what they called ‘toxic happiness.’  They were grateful to be back on campus.  Yet it was hard and the joy they were experiencing was accompanied by apprehension:  We are happy and scared.  Relieved and anxious.  Grateful for our health and worried about a new variant. They used the term ‘toxic happiness’ to describe this conflict we are all living with.

That conflict does not go away.  Nor do our dreams.  We should be proud of what we have accomplished.  UConn has been restored as a place that welcomes thousands of students to learn in our classrooms, make friendships, and develop as scholars.  We did that.  There is great strength to be found in that achievement.  But let’s not forget the journey.

That journey continues.  Enjoy your holiday break.  Be safe (wear a mask, get a booster, upload your booster info into the student health portal) and enjoy the rest that you so clearly deserve.

But know this:   We will come back.  We always have.  There is no plan in place to close our residence halls or convert our classes to online only.  If there was, I would tell you.

Could things change?  Absolutely.  Just to make sure that we are all on the same page and current on what we learn about COVID-19 during break, we will have a virtual forum with myself, Dr. Andy, SHaW, and other awesome people in early January.  That forum is meant specifically for you and your families, and we will be sure to include your questions.  More to come.

We will return.  We will find strength from and among each other.  That is my dream for all of you and I know it is the right thing to do.

Enjoy the break, families, friends, and all that we have accomplished together this semester.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

 

Finishing Strong – 12/8/21

Subject: Finishing Strong

Hi Huskies,

I’m back, as promised, with some more information.

The number of students testing positive for COVID-19 continues to increase. This is consistent with the increases we are seeing reported at a state and national level.

After reviewing the contact tracing for those testing positive and observing the wastewater data for the past week, we do not currently appear to have an outbreak on campus. These cases are occurring through identified close contacts and testing of symptomatic students. Based on that information, we are testing, isolating, and quarantining students as appropriate. We are doing OK for now, and will continue to support you with care and caution.

Yes, we will stay in orange, but we will not progress to red at this time. That can always change and the increased measures I discussed with you last week would certainly be available to us if we needed them to control spread.

There is, however, notable levels of the flu A virus present in the wastewater. This means that many of you may not be feeling well and may have symptoms that are similar to COVID-19. If so, please get tested for COVID. I know patience is required in some areas of the state to access testing. If that is the case for you, please work closely Student Services (regional students) or the Dean of Students office (Storrs) so we can accommodate your illness around finals.

And now there is the Omicron variant. When I wrote you last week, Omicron had not arrived in the United States. Nearly a week later, we know that Omicron is present in Connecticut. So, when I get worried, I talk to my friends at SHaW and UConn Health, where Dr. David Banach reminds me of a few things:

·       The dominant variant in Connecticut and throughout the United States is still Delta and will likely remain that way for a little while.

·       The strategy of masking, testing and isolating when sick, and vaccination works. It really makes a difference.

·       There is still so much we don’t know about Omicron: spread, severity of illness from infection, responsiveness to the vaccine and treatments. These are all things we can assess as more information becomes available to us in the coming weeks. Thankfully, UConn has its own epidemiologists who do this work every day and advance our understanding of this disease.

·       The world needs more epidemiologists.  If any of your students are aspiring epidemiologists and find these details interesting, they should read this info about Omicron.

After checking in with Dr. Banach, then I talked to Dr. Ellyssa Eror, UConn alum and Medical Director at SHaW.  It’s cool to have an epidemiologist on speed dial, but it’s even cooler to talk to the doctor who oversees the care of our students. She was thinking about how you are going home to loved ones over the upcoming winter break and shared the following:

·       Our students have always cared for each other and their loved ones. Don’t stop now. Exposure happens with the greatest risk to those not able to be vaccinated. Encourage friends and family to be vaccinated.

·       If you’re not feeling well, don’t ignore it. Get tested. Rest. Separate yourself from those who might have compromised or developing immune systems (think the elderly, little ones, and those with complex medical conditions).

·       Wear a mask. Wash your hands often. Do all the good things you’ve been doing at UConn.

·       Did Dr. Banach say get a booster? Get a booster… and a flu shot! 

·       By the way, primary care medicine is cool too.  And it’s easier to spell.  More doctors = improved health equity.

So that’s the information I am taking to heart as we conclude the semester. I know it’s been a long semester and finals are not easy. What you need to know is how much we all care for you: Dr. Banach, Dr. Eror, myself, and countless others.

Our good health reflects our common care for each other. We will continue on, despite whatever setbacks Omicron may offer, with that care in mind.

Keep at it, Huskies. We got you.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S. Had a great conversation earlier this week on concerns about to-go containers being less available in the dining halls in the spring semester.  We came up with some great solutions to meet the needs expressed.  I’ll be in touch before the start of the next term on how we will be accommodating student medical and academic interests.

Welcoming YOU back (but not COVID-19..) – 12/1/21

Subject: Welcoming YOU back (but not COVID-19..)

Hi Huskies,

Let me first warmly say: welcome back!!!

Whether turkey is your thing or not, I truly hope you had some time to relax, sleep in, feast in the company of loved ones, and celebrate all of your hard work this semester.

Now, about that other thing: a new variant.  Omicron.  Thank you, Covid.

It’s not in the US just yet but we know how this goes and we know what to do: masking, testing when we are sick, and, of course, vaccinations and boosters.

So, let’s talk through that a bit and how I imagine the rest of the semester will pan out:

First, the testing results over the course of the last two weeks are a bit concerning.  As you will note on the dashboard, we are reporting more than 20 Storrs students who tested positive from November 18 to December 1.  In addition to those results, 10 additional students reported positive test results while away from campus for the Thanksgiving holiday.

That is a notable increase in comparison to our past positivity over the course of the semester.  Most of those students told us of their positive test results before they returned to campus and they are isolating at home.  We wish them a speedy recovery.

In the meantime, we know what to do:

Monitoring:

  • The SHaW medical team and I will be closely watching test results as well as what we learn through contact tracing and wastewater sampling to determine if we are experiencing an outbreak and if we need to contain spread.  Yes, this could mean residential quarantines and increased testing in areas where we see a high presence of COVID.  Additional testing and possibly residential quarantine could occur even if you are vaccinated.
  • It is too soon to say if that is necessary at this time.  But it’s possible and I don’t want you to be surprised.  I will update you as soon as I know more.

Prevention:

  • Not getting COVID-19 is important.  We want, as always, to protect ourselves and others.  We do that best when we are vaccinated (thank you, Huskies) and, as you become eligible, getting boosters.  Check out the SHaW website to determine when you are eligible for a booster or third dose.
    • Booster clinics for Storrs students are occurring every Tuesday on the Storrs campus through the end of the semester and will resume in the Spring term.  Appointments for boosters may be scheduled through the SHaW Patient Portal.
    • Regional students are also eligible for boosters and may schedule through the Connecticut Vaccine Portal.
  • Wear a mask indoors (please, thank you)
  • Take care of yourself: If you are feeling sick, please contact the SHaW advice nurse at 860-486-4700 or your health provider to discuss testing for COVID-19.
  • Eat healthy food and get plenty of rest. If you are facing food insecurity, we have staff here to help. Storrs students should reach out to the Dean of Students Office to learn about how to access campus and local resources. Regional Campus students should contact the Student Services staff at their home campus to learn about food assistance options in the local communities.

This is not new to us.  We do what we do: care for one another.  Winter and the increased time we all spend indoors makes it all the more important that we follow those preventative measures and take good care of ourselves and others.

Be well, Huskies. I’ll be in touch.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Giving Thanks to All of You and to Our Purpose – 11/19/21

Subject: Giving Thanks to All of You and to Our Purpose

Hi there, Huskies,

I know, I know, you’re hoping I won’t go here… but I will: it’s time to think about what we’re thankful for.

First, above all, our good health. Our extremely high vaccination rates and indoor mask-wearing have consistently kept our COVID infection numbers to infinitesimal numbers. The credit for that goes to you. Let’s keep that going by getting boosters as soon as you hit the six month mark (Pfizer and Moderna) or two months (Johnson and Johnson).

The time we spent apart last year has made this year together that much more meaningful for all of us.  I have heard from countless students who have shared how happy and relieved they are to have been back on campus this semester, taking in-person classes, participating in in-person events, and loving the time they get to spend with their friends and classmates face-to-face. We celebrate these accomplishments.  Your care and concern for one another, even when things are stressful and uncertain, has always been our greatest strength as Huskies.

At the same time, it goes without saying that we are living in difficult times. We are all well aware of the multiple, cascading crises afflicting the globe and the tension and conflict within our own nation. There are many things that are beyond our direct control. One thing that is well within our control, however, is how we treat one another here at UConn and what kind of a campus culture we want to have.

At UConn, we can always choose to be kind to one another, and to be respectful of others – including those we disagree with. We do not have to emulate the divisiveness we see in the world around us; in fact, we can do the opposite. We can embrace the desire to find the good in others and to better understand one another through dialogue, discussion, and listening. This idea -that we listen, learn, and discover based upon our common identity as Huskies- is what UConn is all about.  We can choose to be a special place that seeks to critically examine the troubles of our world by making it our goal to foster friendships, cultivate allies, and build bridges between people – including those who could not be further apart.

We can be different. That doesn’t mean we will no longer feel deeply and passionately about the things that are most important to us.  It doesn’t mean we will stop arguing for what we feel is right. Nor should it.  But we can all follow our passion and critically engage with others in a way that recognizes and values the humanity of the people we’re talking to. That way, when our graduates leave UConn – many of whom will devote their lives to addressing the myriad of problems we face – they will be well-equipped to address them most effectively and build friends and allies in the process.

And that is something to be thankful for.   Change the world, UConn.  But don’t forget to care for each other along the way.

Enjoy your break.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

 

 

Think Spring – 11/12/21

Subject: Think Spring

Hi there Huskies,

First, shout out to the incredible folks who joined me in the Confronting COVID panels on our campuses.  It is an honor to come together with students, practitioners, and faith leaders to discuss our success and prepare for our future.

Speaking of the future…I owe you an update on the spring semester.

First things first, we’re not closing campus after Thanksgiving.  This seems to be a rumor that won’t stop.  Spend some time with those you love, be safe, and COME BACK.  Classes and finals await.

A few more spring highlights:

  • Testing and Vaccination: The COVID-19 Policy requires that students engaged in in-person learning either demonstrate proof of vaccination or receive an exemption.  Students entering UConn for the Spring semester or beginning in-person learning will need to comply with the policy.  Exempted students applying for on-campus housing may need to have their exemption requests reviewed again.  Please take the time to ensure the student portal is up to date with your vaccination or apply for an exemption.
  • Boosters and Third Doses: You get a booster!  But only if you want one.  Boosters and third doses are not required but they will be available to students 6 months after Moderna/Pfizer vaccination and 2 months after J & J/Janssen. This is because adults ages 18 and over living or working in a high risk setting, like a university, are eligible for a booster.

Storrs students may schedule an appointment for a booster or third dose by calling SHaW at 860-486-2719.  Regional students may schedule an appointment via the Vaccine Finder.  Please consult with your medical provider on whether you should receive a third dose or a booster.

  • Housing: Get excited!! The consistency of our good health and our high rate of vaccination (you did that, students) means we can release more apartments into the housing stock for Spring housing selection. Beds that were previously set aside in Northwood and Charter Oak for isolation are coming back to the regular housing stock!  Stamford isolation beds will largely remain the same.
  • Dining at Storrs: Brace for impact: to-go containers are going away in the spring.  To-go will remain for students with accommodations and those observing quarantine.  Students with those measures in place will receive directions from CSD or SHaW on how to obtain dining.
  • Masking and Color-Coded System: I hope you enjoyed my ode to orange last week.  Feel free to look it over to get a sense of why we continue to be cautious and maintain required masking indoors.  The Medical team shared with me today that we do have confirmed flu at Storrs.  Please allow this to be reminder to continue to follow good hygiene, masking, and preventative measures to protect our health.

As you know, most of us will leave campus for the semester break and travel to our homes and other locations all over the world.  That means it is wise to re-open in orange and then, when appropriate, relax once our good health is established.  I know you may approach that desire to relax with some skepticism given the course of this semester.  However, our intention is to relax masking as our health and the global presence of COVID-19 warrants.  My crystal ball is not clear on when that will be but it’s our goal when the time is right.

  • International Travel Back to the US:  International students traveling back to the US will need to follow the most current CDC guidelines.  The University continues to accept WHO authorized vaccines as proof of vaccination.
  • Classes: My friends in the Provost’s office have shared that class modality will largely be the same as this current semester with around 90% of classes being in-person.
  • More on testing: In the spring, the Storrs campus will continue to offer extensive testing to symptomatic students and identified close contacts.  If you wish to be tested, students should continue to contact the Advice Nurse for evaluation and access to testing.  If students are not symptomatic, SHaW can advise on how to obtain a test.

Regional students should consult their provider or call 211.

All UConn students who are exempted from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement will participate in surveillance testing and re-entry testing as directed by the University.

We have come a long way.  Let’s embrace this journey together.  There is no denying that the journey has been hard and there is still much to do for the health and safety of others.

Keep caring, my friends.  Be well.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Ode to Orange – 11/5/21

Subject: Ode to Orange

Dear Huskies,

Ok, Daily Campus. You’ve raised some really good questions through your opinion pieces.  I don’t disagree; COVID measures are challenging, particularly when our health is so strong. Masking is hard, but it works.  I always benefit from talking with all of you, university leadership, and my amazing colleagues in infectious disease, public health, and student health care.

So I thought it would be helpful to talk some more about why we remain in orange.

Last year, we were facing significant illness with a modest arsenal to protect our health. Our success was based on your willingness to significantly alter your behavior by distancing, quarantine (sometimes seemingly endless …), minimal gatherings, and so much testing. I know that defined too much of your college experience and I’m thankful for the progress we have made together.

This fall, we became a nearly fully vaccinated campus and we opened to a semester with Convocation, basketball games, gatherings (thank you, IFC and PanHellenic, for all of your work off-campus last week), roommates, and in-person learning. We do, however, remain in orange. The real distinguishing factor of orange is that masking remains required for all of us indoors. We evaluate whether to change this designation every week.  Any changes in that status will be updated on the dashboard.

Masking matters. We know that the Delta variant is present on the Storrs campus and is aggressive. Despite vaccinations, it has caused positive cases at UConn. As a result, I want to ask you to continue to join us in ensuring our good health by wearing a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status.

In addition to our own good health, we want to consider our faculty, staff, family, and friends who cannot be vaccinated because of personal beliefs, age, or health history.  Fortunately, that status has very recently changed with the authorization for younger children to receive the vaccine. Together we do all we can through vaccination, mask wearing, and good hygiene to keep our community’s health strong. I see that care not only in your actions, but in the actions of your faculty who also wear masks, were vaccinated, and always care for your good health.

As we plan for the coming term, I want to remind our students returning to in-person learning for the first time and newly admitted students that you will need to either demonstrate proof of vaccination or receive an exemption as indicated in our COVID-19 vaccination policy. Please note that students seeking to live in UConn residence halls who are seeking an exemption must do so by Dec. 9 to enter housing selection.

Next week, I will share greater detail about our spring plans. As a spoiler alert, let me share that I don’t anticipate any significant changes (there may even be some good news in Charter Oak and Northwood).

More to come.

Be well, UConn,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S. I love that our scholars are researching the ongoing impact of COVID-19 upon college student wellbeing.  If you want to be a part of this research, you are warmly invited to take their survey.

What Rain? A Happy, Healthy Weekend is Ahead – 10/29/21

Subject: What Rain? A Happy, Healthy Weekend is Ahead

Hi Huskies,

Three weeks until Thanksgiving break - WOW.  That happened fast!

I know there is both a lot of fun ahead and midterms may feel never-ending.  I hope you know how much we all believe in you: academic advisers, residential staff, faculty, friends, dining staff (sometimes, you just need some fries) … all of us are here for you.  We care about you, believe in your success, and understand that things are challenging.  Talk to us if you need help.  We’re here.

A couple of highlights:

  • Confronting COVID forums: We’ve come a long way since last year and want to touch base with our campuses.  These forums begin TODAY and continue through the 8th.  We paid attention to the concerns raised over the summer and fall and have convened a panel of campus leaders, leaders in the religious and medical community, and students.  Join us for an open conversation about COVID, our worries, our health, and our community.  All are very welcome:
    • Stamford: TODAY at 12:30 p.m.  Virtual only
    • Hartford: Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 2:15 p.m., Hartford Times Building, Room 145.  Free t-shirts for in-person attendees while supplies last!
    • Storrs: Nov. 8: 4 p.m., Student Union Theatre
  • Halloween: This should be a time when we relax a little, hang out, dress up, and have fun. It could also be a time when we realize that we should not be looking to substances, like excessive drinking, to provide a relief from the stress we are experiencing.  So, let’s celebrate responsibly and care for one another.
    • Information on pacing, consumption, and caring for one another is available
    • The University’s Good Samaritan statement reminds you that your health is the most important thing to us.  Call 911 and do the right thing for a friend in need.
    • Be sure to read the Halloween email that went out to all students and participate in the AWESOME events that Students Activities have put together for Storrs students.
    • Off-campus community members, I strongly encourage you to ensure that any gatherings meet town ordinances, as well as local, state, and federal laws.  Did I mention I ‘strongly’ encourage?
  • Shout out to our Waterbury campus: On Oct. 8, the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences awarded $2,500 to the Waterbury Campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in support of a performance entitled Fully Vaccinated by NYC cabaret performers David LaMarr and Darnell White. The show addresses such topics as mental illness, LGBTQ+ experiences, the media, racial inequality, Black Lives Matter, and the COVID pandemic, and will be presented at Waterbury's Palace Theater during Spring 2022.   Talk to the campus about how to obtain tickets!

Finally, some great news from the One Card office.  If you currently have a UConn ID, you can exchange it one time, free of charge, for an updated preferred name on the card.  My sincere thanks to my colleagues in the Dean of Students office and the One Card office for reducing barriers and allowing us to further honor students’ identities.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected – 10/28/21

Subject: Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected

Hello Huskies,

As we enter the mid-point of the semester, it’s important that we continue to work together to keep our community safe and healthy. October brings us to fall, cool and crisp days with leaves changing and thoughts of Halloween and fun activities. Let’s celebrate safely and make choices that reflect who we are as Huskies.

Halloween Safety - Celebrate Safely

  • Check out the many Halloween activities across all the UConn campuses on the uKindness site
  • Off Campus and Commuter Student Services has safety tips on their website that are helpful to all students.

Costumes and Celebrations – Choose Wisely

  • When selecting a costume, please remember that cultures are not costumes.
  • The Office of Diversity and Inclusion website provides helpful information about cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation and questions to consider when selecting a costume.
  • Review this information in advance to help ensure your costume choices aren’t harmful to your fellow students.

Substance Use Safety – Make Good Choices

  • If substances are part of your celebration, engage in strategies to reduce your risk of impacts.
  • Eat before drinking - consider setting a limit (students who have 3 or fewer drinks are less likely to experience blackouts or hangovers), and check out these tips for pacing yourself.
  • Avoid spreading germs - limit your sharing of cups or passing smoking/vaping materials between individuals.

As always, if you are concerned about the health or safety of yourself or others, call 911!  UConn’s #1 priority is the safety of our students.  The Good Samaritan Statement reminds us that we need to look out for and take care of each other.

Please remember to have fun, make good choices, and think carefully about your actions and how they may impact you, your friends and those around you.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected!

Division of Student Affairs

Office for Diversity and Inclusion

University Safety

We Need You: Bias Action Group – 10/27/21

Subject: We Need You: Bias Action Group

Dear Huskies,

I really need students to apply for the Bias Action Group. We have some interested students but I know there are more of you out there who care deeply about this work and want to be part of our future efforts.  The Bias Action Group is a new group that will meet every semester to review our bias data, identify trends and concerns, and create programming and messaging that address the real issues present at UConn.

You may remember that Dr. Tuitt and I wrote to you about a month ago reviewing all the bias data shared with the university.  In that email, we shared that bias occurs on our campuses and that bias behavior harms and insults members of our UConn community.  Those actions undermine our ability to care for one another, respect identity, and be a global center for learning and scholarship.

UConn wants to be better about how we respond to those referrals and identify those areas where we need to improve in training, education, and programming.

I find that we often learn from one another and do better work for UConn in the process.  Here are a few examples of what resulted from those efforts:

  • Students shared with me the importance of disclosing what we have learned about bias at UConn.  That led to the regular email from myself and Dr. Tuitt as well as other colleagues.
  • Students advised me of the need to share what we know and how we respond.
  • Students sought to have a clear reporting pathway, which led to this comprehensive site that was easy to understand.

Clearly, involving students in how we handle complex issues makes UConn better.   You have always helped myself and my colleagues be a better UConn. We do our best work together.

If you are interested in joining this group, please email your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of your involvement and interest in participating on the Bias Action Group to dos@uconn.edu.   Please write “Bias Action Group” in the subject line.  Applications should be received no later than November 14, 2021 (yes, Saturday) at 5 pm.

We need you in order to do our best work for UConn.  I hope you will consider applying.  All students on all campuses are welcome to apply.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Earning Success – 10/22/21

Subject: Earning Success

Hi Huskies,

What an amazing week.  The weather is amazing, First Night was terrific, and we are steadily getting through midterms and starting to think about the holidays.  I’m not bringing up the snow thing yet, but I know you are eyeing Horsebarn Hill...

Victory for Football

What great news to hear about our recent success in football.  I watched Yale defeat my alma mater on more than one occasion and they are a formidable adversary.  Congrats to the success of our players and the fans who cheered them on to victory. Make sure you head back to cheer them on this weekend for the Pride Game.

More importantly, though, is the lesson our athletes have taught all of us.  Whatever the challenges are that you face – midterms, relationships, or running the ball down the field -- success doesn’t come easily. It is earned as we try and try again while learning from our failures.  Our athletes showed us this past weekend what persistence and success look like.  Well done.  Let’s take that spirit and carry it with us into the next bio-chem exam.

Healthy Huskies: Confronting COVID-19

This past summer, the university announced a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students.  As you know from the dashboard, the vast majority of students on all of our campuses demonstrated proof of vaccination.  Some students were apprehensive about the vaccine’s safety  or had a number of beliefs that led them to request and receive a non-medical exemption.  The university will soon be hosting a series of forums  to continue our conversation about the value of vaccination and provide an open space to talk about COVID-19.

These forums will feature campus leaders, leaders in the religious and medical community, and students.  Join us for an open conversation about COVID, our worries, our health, and our community.  All are very welcome:

October 29

12:30 p.m.

Stamford campus: Gen Re Auditorium, Room 109

November 2

2:15 p.m.

Hartford campus: Hartford Times Building, Room 145

November 8

4 p.m.

Storrs campus: Student Union theatre

Lounging Around in Waterbury

Earlier this week, the Student Lounge opened on the Waterbury campus.  I love the opportunity for students to linger and hang out between classes.  Be sure to check it out on the first floor of the campus building.

That’s it.  The weather is great and we are going strong as a community that celebrates our successes.  Congratulations to all of you – it’s been an inspiring and challenging semester, and I’m always thankful to share in the journey with you.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S. Love the mask wearing.  Our good health and protection from COVID and flu are evidence of the benefit of wearing a mask indoors.  However, our campuses do not exactly look gorgeous when masks are dropped on the ground. So, you know, use a trash can.  Please.  Our amazing FacOps team thanks you.

 

UConn Hosts Greatness: Basketball, Human Rights, and all of You – 10/14/21

Subject: UConn Hosts Greatness: Basketball, Human Rights, and all of You

Hi Huskies,

I’m pretty confident tomorrow is going to be a great day and wanted to share what we’re looking forward to:

First, Flu Clinics are happening at Storrs today!!  The Flu Clinic link also has information on how students unable to make the clinic can find a vaccine through the Vaccine Finder site.

I’m so appreciative of how conscientious students are about their health and the health of others.  Flu vaccines are another important resource to help us all stay healthy this winter.  Special thanks to the Daily Campus for its coverage of the importance of flu vaccines.

We are honored to welcome President Joe Biden to UConn tomorrow.  I know we all want to hear his remarks and praise for the incredible Dodd Center.  You are welcome and encouraged to watch the livestream of the event, “Human Rights for the Next Generation: A Dedication of The Dodd Center for Human Rights.” As planning continues to evolve, please do pay attention to messaging on temporary building closures on campus during the President’s visit.

Let’s remember that the work of The Dodd Center and the Human Rights Institute touches us every day.  As students, I encourage you to engage with Dodd through its classes, events, and the inevitable discussion that emerges regarding the importance of this work.   It is an honor for President Biden to come to UConn.  However, allow me to also say that his visit is a recognition of our university’s scholarship and the promise found within each of our students – YOU - to transform the future.  Just saying.

First Night is Friday!! For those of you whose student experience was disrupted by COVID, this is a wonderful UConn tradition that we are thrilled to bring back. You do need to claim tickets online by the end of day today.  Don’t forget!

Friday is also the day of the Rainbow Center’s Symposium.  I’m thrilled to see some of my favorite scholars presenting (yes, Barbara Gurr, I mean you).  This is a great forum for student thought and scholarship.  Please take the time to stop by and learn more.

Finally, last spring the UConn Recovery Community gathered nine other student groups and partnered with the Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA), a program from the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), to clean up trash on campus. In two hours with 80 volunteers, they collected almost 900 lbs. of trash.

On Oct. 17, from 1 - 3 p.m., the UConn community will again gather to clean up the Storrs campus. I know my friend Sandy Valentine, Health Promotion Manager and recovery coach, is eager to achieve a personal goal of 200 students collecting 2,000 lbs. in two hours.  Who wants to help?  Thanks to the Office of Sustainability for partnering with SHaW on this important work.

Things are happening on the regional campuses as well, below is a sample of a few upcoming events to check out.

On Oct. 21, from 2 – 4 p.m. on the Hartford campus, students may want to check out Research Connections, a program intended to expose first and second year students to UConn faculty and the amazing research being conducted on campus.

The Stamford campus events calendar is full of amazing activities. On Oct. 15, Stamford students can enjoy Dairy Bar ice cream close to home – just pre-register in order to get your scoop.

If you want to talk more, you are all invited to the Dean’s Advisory meeting on Oct. 21.  Happy to provide a virtual connection if in-person isn’t possible.

Have a great weekend, UConn.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Moving Mountains and Making Friends – 10/8/21

Subject: Moving Mountains and Making Friends

Hi Huskies,

I like the habit of closing out the week with you (hopefully, you don’t mind).  In the past, it was necessary for us to connect because of COVID and all of its adventures.  Now, I just enjoy the opportunity to stay connected.

We just wrapped up suicide prevention week.  The Suicide Prevention Week Walk was a striking moment that reminds us all that we are not alone.  In fact, we are surrounded by faculty, staff, and friends who care deeply.  Let us know if you need help.

Moving Mountains:

The Rally for a Peaceful Planet on Wednesday was a stunning representation of the power of students to make the world a better place.  UConn is one of those places that always works to be better.  I am thankful for the words of our leaders in the student body and the administration.

This is a good opportunity to respond to the call for transparency by reminding all of you that you are encouraged to apply to participate in the Bias Action Group. This group will meet every semester to review our bias data, identify trends and concerns, and create programming and messaging that address the real issues presented in our own community.

If you are interested in joining this group, please email your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of your involvement and interest in participating on the Bias Action Group to dos@uconn.edu.   Please write “Bias Action Group” in the subject line.  Applications should be received no later than Oct. 28, 2021 at 5 p.m.

Staying Healthy:

Flu vaccines are available on the Storrs campus every Thursday from October 14 to November 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Shippee Pequot Room.   All students are encouraged to speak with their medical providers on the importance of receiving the flu vaccine.

Making Friends

As our community continues to address how to be welcoming to Afghan refugees, I have to say I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to meet UConn’s own Kathy Libal.  Dr. Libal is the director of the Human Rights Institute.  Kathy and Zahra Ali, who is the Director of Global Partnerships & Outreach, are working in conjunction with IRIS, community leaders, students, and other countless colleagues to ensure refuges in our region are offered:

  • Access to English-language training for refugee families through our UConn American English Language Institute (UCAELI) program (online in COVID context).
  • Language support for Dari and/or Pashto speakers through volunteer translators.
  • Donations to support quality of life and transition to living in the U.S.

More to come, but I imagine there will be additional opportunities for students to support this important work.

Got Art?

President Agwunobi (I know, I know, he likes to be called Andy) and I stopped by the Rainbow Center earlier this week before a meeting.  While we were there, the amazing Ariel shared that the Rainbow Center is bringing back their annual Art Gala on the 20th of this month! Submissions are welcome until the 11th of October.  The link to the form is on the Art Gala webpage.

Have a great weekend, UConn.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Green Jell-O, Access to COVID Testing, and a Slam Dunk – 10/1/21

Subject: Green Jell-O, Access to COVID Testing, and a Slam Dunk

Hello, Huskies,

I can’t believe we are already a month into the semester.  I know midterms are here but remember to enjoy the great events happening around campus.

Last night, I completely enjoyed attending She Kills Monsters by the amazing CRT.  The performance was outside on the Student Union lawn and FREE.  I have never before seen green Jell-O, dragons, and killer cheerleaders tell such a beautiful story of our love for those closest to us.

Please also join me in participating in LGBTQIA+ heritage month.  I’m particularly eager to see the launch of the Rainbow Center Symposium on October 15.

I want to update you on a few items that students have raised:

Access to COVID-19 testing:

The University’s medical plan for this academic year absolutely allows for the testing of symptomatic students regardless of their vaccination status.  We have certainly found a small number of students who are vaccinated who have tested positive for COVID-19.

If you are feeling at all symptomatic for COVID-19, you should contact the SHaW advice nurse.  The advice nurse will evaluate your symptoms, determine whether any additional medical measures are needed, and provide you with information on how to obtain a COVID-19 test through the University if this is necessary.  All tests are conducted by appointment on the Storrs campus at our alternate care site in Rome Commons on South Campus and do not require a trip off-campus.

The advice nurse is a 24/7 resource for Storrs students during the academic year and can be contacted at 860-486-4700.

We are not experiencing long delays in access to testing and have enough tests to support the needs of any student who is not feeling well.  Both myself and our Executive Director, Suzanne Onorato, are always available to meet with students if you have concerns or recommendations that will help us better serve students.

As always, we continue to monitor the waste water across campus and Storrs center for COVID-19 and have not seen any significant presence of COVID-19.

Flu vaccination:

More than ever, flu vaccines are important and SHaW is available with flu clinics in the months of October and November.

Masking:

As I shared in my last email, the prevalence of flu season, variants, state and town masking expectations, and the ongoing realities of COVID-19 continue to make it necessary for us to wear masks in high-risk settings –notably, indoors.  The University reevaluates this position regularly and will notify you if there is a change in our color-coded system.  I know the university is looking forward to sharing with you more information on our health as a community and how that is influencing decision making.

Some students are required to participate in weekly COVID testing.  If you receive a message from SHaW indicating that you must be tested, please do not ignore the message.  Residential students who do not comply with testing requirements may lose housing.

Please remember to wear your mask when indoors.  Your care and conscientiousness continues to be why UConn maintains such good health.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

P.S. Nice job, Rec Center:

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at UConn – 9/30/21

Subject: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at UConn

The following message is being sent from Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Eleanor JB Daugherty and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Frank Tuitt:

Dear Huskies,

Every year, Dr. Tuitt and I take the time to share our bias data with you.  This semester we do so while calling attention to the recent bias reports on the Storrs campus that targeted the LGBTQIA+ community. We take this matter seriously as an educational community and reject, denounce, and condemn these acts that harm the identity of others.

Bias reports, our process, and university response are available here.   The summary of reports is updated every 3 weeks.

Members of LGBTQIA+ community contribute to the rich diversity that makes the University of Connecticut stronger as an institution.  The views and behaviors expressed by the perpetrators of these hurtful acts do not reflect who we are or aspire to be as an institution. 

Who we are:

We are a community built on unique opinions and identities. That diversity of expression enables UConn, as a research university, to commit to the creation of knowledge as well as the personal and intellectual development of our students.  That process of discovery and development is one in which we must all engage with humility and curiosity.

It is with that spirit that we share with you what we have learned from the past year on issues relating to bias that have occurred and impacted our community at UConn.  Most importantly, at the end of this message is a call to help us educate ourselves and others.

What we know:

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 91 bias referrals were submitted and reviewed under the Bias Response Protocol.  Of the reported cases during the 2020-2021 year, 79 had some connection to speech, either in the spoken word, email/internet messages, social media and or classroom comments. The referrals are related to words and how we express our feelings. We need to find ways to allow our voices and perspectives to be expressed while not targeting others and their identity.

What we do:

While free expression is important in having productive dialogue, the University acts when targeted acts of racism or bigotry occur. In January of 2015, the University developed its Bias Response Protocol to support students who experience an incident that either is or appears to be bias-related. Each referral is shared with the UConn Police Department and the Office of Community Standards to review for possible criminal and/or violations of The Student Code.

What this means:

Expression of ideas is an essential component of a research university:  we cannot discover and innovate without the opportunity to express, understand, and debate a variety of opinions. UConn must be a place where we can express ourselves, cherish the diversity of identities that form our community, and welcome the opportunity to continually learn from one another.  To facilitate such an environment, we need to feel empowered, valued, and equipped to engage in healthy and effective dialogue on issues such as antisemitism, gender equity, and systemic racism. Opportunities for growth and learning are readily available for all who want to participate.

The UConn events calendar and UKindness page are full of engagement opportunities; there are diversity initiatives housed in individual centers/institutes, schools and colleges, exhibits at the Benton Museum, resources from the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Dodd Human Rights Impact programs.  These are just a sample of how the community can join together to expand our individual knowledge base and open lines for discussion.

Our students, too, play a key role in mobilizing where issues of systemic racism and inequity need to be resolved.  Collective action, such as the Rally for a Peaceful Planet on Wednesday, October 6 reflect the impact of our combined voices (nice job, USG, Praxis, UCCO, Fridays for Future, Powerup, and the Human Rights Symposium).

Is this enough?  

Our conversations with UConn students show that we care deeply for one another but we must also face the impact of hateful, harmful, words and actions in our own community.

The chart below summarizes the types of bias at UConn reported during the past academic year.

Please note that the previous chart reflects all forms of bias reported to the University.  This chart reflects incidents that may be reported twice because two or more actions occurred.

A call to action:

We must always amplify the care we have for each other with the impact of bias upon our community.  To do so, UConn will be forming a Bias Action Group composed of students and staff who are committed to understanding, responding, and educating our collective community on issues of bias.  This group will meet every semester to review our bias data, identify trends and concerns, and create programming and messaging that address the real issues presented in our own community.

If you are interested in joining this group, please email your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of your involvement and interest in participating on the Bias Action Group to dos@uconn.edu.   Please write “Bias Action Group” in the subject line.  Applications should be received no later than October 28, 2021 at 5 pm.

UConn is committed to being one of the world’s leading institutions by encouraging the expression of ideas within a highly diverse community of scholars and students.  We welcome the voices of our students in this important work, and we look forward to another successful academic year.

Best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

We’re Back – 9/15/21

Subject: We're Back

My Husky Friends,

Wow.  Just wow.  You’re here.

Convocation was magical.  So was the Sophomore Welcome.  So was the start of class.  Magical.  And you were the reason why.  If you are new to UConn, welcome.  If you are returning, welcome back. It’s been a minute.

As you know, we’ve been keeping an eye on things.  I have to say, it’s looking really good.  Here are a few highlights:

Our Health: We have opened the semester on a strong note.  Your efforts have resulted in a vaccination rate of 90% or higher on our campuses.  The volume of COVID-19 cases we have encountered are small.  Especially given the reality of the delta variant among all individuals, we know what to do to keep those numbers low: get vaccinated, wear a mask, and get tested if you aren’t feeling well.  

Remember that the University is currently in orange and will likely stay that way for some time given current state guidance and the prevalence of variants.  I know that may be disappointing for some, but we know what works for controlling disease spread on campus, and masking in indoor settings is an important part of our success.

We also know what doesn’t work: large gatherings off campus without prevention measures in place, close contact with others outside of a residential setting without wearing a mask, and ignoring symptoms when we are not feeling well.  If we want to avoid exposure and spread, folks should not cram into a small space and should wear masks indoors.

Our Community: It has been a joy to see all of you on our campuses.  The staff and faculty need you as much as you need them.  Being in community with one another has brought immeasurable joy to everyone.

Let’s remember that we have been through a great deal.  This isn’t back to normal per se.  This is bringing back a sense of normalcy after an unprecedented interruption.  During that time, we all made heroic decisions to protect the health of ourselves and countless others.  We’re back and we are stronger and more compassionate than ever.  Let’s not forget that the journey has been hard and is still ongoing, and make sure we grant each other – and ourselves - some compassion and forgiveness.

Advisers, faculty, staff, and fellow students are all here and we all care.  Let’s always remember to ask for help and a friend when we need one.  You matter and we are here.

Staying Connected: Looking ahead, I see nothing but amazing activities and events on all of our campuses.  The staff have gone to incredible efforts to ensure we remain connected as one UConn through safe and appropriate gathering guidelines.  Check it out here to learn more about our continued UKindness events that are both virtual and in person.

Finally, Dean’s Advisory will be meeting for the first time this semester this Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Rec Center.  There will always be a virtual option provided to students who are not able to attend in person.  Just email us at dos@uconn.edu for more information.  All are welcome.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Welcome Back. We’re Ready – 8/20/21

My Dear Huskies,

I am so grateful to you and all that you have done to make it possible for UConn to open next week with the greatest confidence.   I also want to extend a warm welcome to our new students.  You are now part of a community that is driven by care for others and pride in being a Husky.  Welcome.

For those of you who know me well (and if you don’t, you are always welcome to stop by Dean’s Advisory), you know that, in my own words, what I’m really saying is this: You rock.  You are awesome.

We are unbelievably excited to welcome you to all of our campuses.  I thought I would take some time to review some details on medical readiness, move-in at our residential campuses, and connection this fall.

Medical Readiness:

Vaccination is absolutely the best weapon we have to beat COVID-19, including the variants that have emerged over the past several weeks.   All of you have taken steps to ensure your health and the health of others, and I am so pleased to report that student vaccination numbers are now significantly higher than the country and the state.  Currently, all of our campuses are above 80% full or partially vaccinated.  Nicely done.

Currently, around 3% of our 30,000-plus students have received exemptions.  Those students are very welcome on our campuses and will be required to observe additional safety measures such as surveillance testing and masking to provide for their health and the health of our community.

The CDC and our own state Department of Public Health continue to closely watch the presence of COVID in our community, state, and nation.  As such, we can always expect guidance to evolve as we know more.  This has caused the University to make some modifications in its plans:

  • I think it is now very fair to say that masking is essential in closed spaces, and it’s University policy that everyone must wear masks inside buildings whether they’re vaccinated or not.  The University will open in orange, and it is now very likely to remain that way until we have better news on the Delta variant.
  • All residential students granted exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement at the Storrs and Stamford campuses will be required to participate in weekly surveillance testing.  Failure to meet this expectation could result in a removal from housing.  All residential students are encouraged to review the Temporary Health and Safety Procedures provided by Residential Life. Off-campus Storrs students may be subject to holds at campus facilities such as the Recreation Center.
  • Per recent CDC guidance earlier this month, vaccinated students will need to be tested, but not necessarily quarantined, if they are identified as a close contact of a positive individual.  As always, anyone positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, will need to be isolated.

Connection and Community: Strong but not perfect (and that’s a good thing).

Last year, thousands of students told us what they hoped for when they resumed classes in the fall.  For our students returning for their second year, we are so pleased to offer a specialized WOW experience and a warm welcome on Saturday evening.

We are thrilled to be welcoming students back to all of our campuses and invite students to check their campus websites to learn more about all of our robust programming. Storrs students are encouraged to consult the WOW calendar.   Join us in celebrating each other and a successful fall semester.  The President is looking forward to welcoming you to UConn at Convocation and we will be sure to share highlights with all of you!

I had a chance to meet with our amazing Storrs RAs this week. In addition to expressing my gratitude for their commitment to all of you, I called upon us to embrace imperfection.  We are thankful to be together.  The pandemic has been both devastating and a reminder of how strong we are as a community that cares for each other.   Take the time to sleep, eat, ask for help, attend a game, make friends, find love… and, most importantly, to be imperfect.   We are a caring community that will need to forgive, listen, connect, and build compassion as we return after such a challenging year.

Move-In: August 27-29

Residential Students who are compliant with the requirement to either report vaccination status or secure an exemption have received information about move in from the Department of Residential Life. Students need to sign up for a move in slot.  Please adhere to the schedule provided to reduce the amount of time you will wait at the check-in site.  This year, there is no limit on the number of helpers a student can have moving them into their rooms. All individuals entering the building must wear masks and cannot linger in hallways or other congested spaces.  Please do not bring family pets with you during move-in.

As a reminder, residents who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated will be expected to observe a modified quarantine. A few key things to know:

  • This quarantine may last up to 10 days.
  • Residential students are not permitted to have guests during modified quarantine.
  • Students are permitted to attend class, work in person, and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn.
  • Meals are grab and go only.

As students, you have always shown us the way over the course of the past year.  We have overcome so much and accomplished even more.  We have done that together as a community.  Here’s to a better tomorrow.

Welcome back, UConn.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Getting Prepared for Fall – 7/28/21

Subject: Getting Prepared for Fall

Dear Huskies,

I can’t believe it’s almost August.  I hope that you have all been enjoying a restful summer.

I had a recent conversation with my advisory group about student feelings around returning for the fall.  The following thoughts came up that I wanted to share with you:

  • We are not the same community that left in the Spring of 2020, hoping we would return in a few weeks.  We have demonstrated care and concern for each other and our families.  We have been afraid and we have witnessed inequity throughout our world as we battled the impact of this pandemic in our lives. We are changed. I hope that, despite the hardship, we are better for it.
  • We are have been consistently driven by compassion.  I hope that you return to campus in the fall with that same compassion and care for each other that kept us going for over a year.  As you all shared with me and my colleagues last year in the “do over” survey, returning to our campuses in the fall is not a simple adjustment.  We are excited, apprehensive, confident, impatient, and a little worried.  All at the same time.  And that’s ok.  When we welcome each other back in the fall, our planning is intended to allow us time to come together (finally!), compete in club sports, have a roommate, attend classes, and be the community we wish to be.
  • We have worked hard for our good health.  Our vaccination rates indicate that we are oriented towards being a healthy campus in the fall.  Please remember that it is important that you report your vaccination status to us by August 1.  Students who do not complete this reporting requirement may be subject to holds, inability to use the Recreation Center, and unable to move into campus housing.

When we return, we will observe additional precautions like mask wearing in indoor settings for all students and a modified quarantine for those not fully vaccinated.  This will allow us to establish a baseline of good health as we welcome students back from all over the world and the country.  We will open cautiously, in orange.  Following the safe return of our students and the establishment of their good health, we intend to progress to yellow.  We will always keep you informed of our health through the University dashboard.

I’m thankful to the Student Activities staff for the incredible programming that has been developed for HuskyWOW.  Be sure to check it out.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all of you who have seen us through this challenging time.  I recognize that fall will be a period of transition for all of us.  I know it will also be a time when I celebrate my great pride in being part of such a wonderful Husky community.

See you soon!!

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

2020 - 2021 Messages

Plans for Fall 21 Re-Opening – 6/28/21

June 28, 2021

Subject: Plans for Fall 21 Re-Opening

Dear Huskies,

We’re back this fall.  It’s happening.  I’m so very happy to share with you some of our fall plan.  I’m going to talk through a lot of these details below.  You are also warmly invited to attend our upcoming student town hall tomorrow, Tuesday, at 1pm or our “Bring Back the Pack” conversation Wednesday at the Hartford campus.

We are one of the best universities in the country and the world.  That means that we will welcome our best and brightest from all over the world this fall.  In doing so, we will be safe, healthy, and grateful to be an in-person learning community again.

Preparation for fall means that we accept that COVID-19 is not over.  We recognize that variants can jeopardize our health and safety at UConn.  As a global university, we will open cautiously and safely this fall with all of this information in mind.

Here’s what we are doing and where I need your help:

Move-In:

Move-in will occur August 27-29.  Students who are not fully vaccinated will be required to participate in re-entry testing and vaccination appointments will be available.  Some family members are very welcome to help their student move into our residence halls.

Vaccination:

COVID-19 vaccinations for all UConn students engaged in in-person learning is required.  Requests for exemption must be submitted by July 15.  Vaccination status, whether complete or partial, is required to be reported to SHaW by July 31.  Currently, only 67% of Storrs students have reported vaccination to SHaW.  We will report regional numbers once fall enrollment is released in mid-August.

Vaccination status is protected health information and will not be publicly disclosed.

Medical Care:

Fully vaccinated students are those who have received all recommended doses of an FDA-authorized or WHO-listed COVID-19 vaccine.  Fully vaccinated students will not need to participate in quarantine or surveillance testing.  Vaccinated students will be required to be tested if symptomatic for COVID-19.

Vaccine exempt, including medical and non-medical exemptions, and non-fully vaccinated students will participate in arrival testing, ongoing surveillance testing, quarantine when indicated, and follow preventative measures while on campus.  These requirements will be provided in confidential communication between the student and SHaW by August 14.

Student Activities and Programs:

Club sports are back! WOW is back! The list goes on and we are looking forward to hosting in-person events on all of our campuses.  We will be opening in a cautionary period that will be guided by the return of the color-coded system.  More to come in August once we have a better sense of vaccination status of our students.

Residential Life:

We are happy to announce that the trajectory of vaccination rates in our residential community will allow us to release some beds held for quarantine and isolation.  This is good news: apartments and suites like Busby, Hilltop, and Charter Oak will re-enter the housing stock for the room change process that will begin July 6.

It is very important that students upload their vaccination information into the SHaW patient portal. To encourage you to do this we are offering a contest awarding one lucky student with free on-campus housing for the fall 2021 semester.  All residential students are eligible who upload their vaccination record or exemption request by July 7th.

Things are coming together, my friends, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back in the fall.  Enjoy your summer, get vaccinated, and get ready: we’re back.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Bring Back the Pack – 6/21/21

Subject: Bring Back the Pack

Dear Huskies,

We have always been One UConn.  One team that faces all odds together: whether it’s facing Duke on the court, finishing that last final before break, and even COVID-19.

The end is in sight and we want to find some time to talk about it.  As you know, UConn announced a mandatory vaccine requirement earlier this month.  Currently, over 65% of our Storrs residential students are vaccinated.  The vaccination rate among students attending our regional campuses is also very promising.

We heard you when so many of you responded to the “Do-Over” survey earlier this spring: you’re eager for a return to normal, but a little anxious too.  That’s understandable.  We’ve been through a lot and returning to a pre-pandemic normal while we all cope with the impact of this global pandemic is going to take a minute.

So, let’s talk.  The Hartford and Waterbury campuses are happy to invite you and your family to attend Bring Back the Pack.  This is an event that will provide a space to talk with campus leaders, medical experts from UConn Health, students, and community leaders.

Bring Back the Pack: A Discussion on Re-Opening and the COVID-19 vaccination

June 28, 2021
5:30-6:30pm
Waterbury campus

Register for Waterbury here: https://waterbury.uconn.edu/student-forum/

June 30, 2021
5:30-6:30pm
Hartford campus

Register for Hartford here: https://uconntact.uconn.edu/event/7125056

This event is open to all students, on all campuses.  Space is limited so we do need you to RSVP.  Please note each student is limited to no more than 3 guests.  We also want to know what’s on your mind and important for us to address as a community.

Finally, if you wish to receive it, our colleagues from UConn Health will be available beginning at 5pm to offer vaccination.

Thank you, UConn.  Talk soon.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

William Pizzuto, PhD
University Campus Director, UConn Waterbury

Mark Overmyer-Velazquez, PhD
University Campus Director, UConn Hartford

COVID-19 Vaccine: Student Requirement and Process – 6/4/21

June 4, 2021

Subject: COVID-19 Vaccine: Student Requirement and Process

Dear Huskies,

We are almost there.  We are so close to a time of connection, good health, and less restrictions.

As you know, earlier today, the Board of Trustees approved a policy that requires COVID-19 vaccination for all UConn students on the Storrs and Regional campuses engaged in in-person instruction in the fall.   Having a vaccinated campus is how we are able to return to the ‘normal’ that we all have missed so much over the course of the past year.

Getting vaccinated should be an informed choice and not one that all of us can necessarily choose.  As a result, UConn has developed a two-part exemption process for students that is specific to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

I want to take some time to review how you can learn more about vaccination and how to request an exemption.

First, it’s so important to make an informed decision.  Please take the time to review the informed guidance provided by the CDC on the benefits of vaccination.  Also, additional information is available from SHaW that reviews questions we think you might have and how to submit your vaccination record.

Second, I want to review how to request an exemption.   This information is also available on the SHaW website.

Process for Requesting a COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption:

Immunization exemptions will be permitted under certain circumstances.  Students seeking an exemption must complete an exemption form by July 15, 2021.  Students will be notified of the status of their request by August 6, 2021.

Students who receive an exemption will be permitted to participate, in person, in classes and university activities subject to certain preventative measures as determined necessary by UConn.

Students receiving an exemption will be contacted directly by SHaW regarding preventative measures that are determined by the SHaW medical team, based on guidance from state and local health authorities, to be necessary for in-person participation in campus activities. Preventative measures may include, but not be limited to, required participation in surveillance testing, close contact quarantine, masking requirements, housing restrictions, etc.

Students seeking an exemption must follow the procedures described below:

Medical Exemption Process:

  • All requests for medical exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement shall follow the immunization exemption process established by SHaW, which includes validation by a medical professional.
  • Any student wishing to apply for a medical exemption must print, complete, and upload the Immunization Exemption Form to the SHaW Student Health Portal.
  • Students who receive medical exemptions may be subject to exclusion from campus in the event of a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak and may be required to take other health and safety measures including, but not limited to, participation in surveillance testing, quarantine, and mask-wearing.
  • SHaW will review and accept vaccination exemptions waivers for medical reasons only. A signed statement indicating specific medical contraindication from your medical provider is required for medical exemption.

Non-medical Exemption Process:

  • Non-medical exemption requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Students who receive a non-medical exemption may be subject to exclusion from campus in the event of a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak and may be required to take other health and safety measures including, but not limited to, participation in surveillance testing, quarantine, and mask-wearing.
  • Any student wishing to apply for a non-medical exemption must upload a statement detailing your reason for requesting a non-medical exemption through the Non-Medical Exemption Request link .

The objective of this vaccination requirement is to provide the safest and heathiest return to campus possible in the fall.  It is also to ensure that we accommodate and welcome those who are unable to be vaccinated.

We have done so much together, Huskies.  You have taught me so much about what it means to be a Husky and the choices we make for the health of ourselves, our friends, and our loved ones.  Thank you.

Let’s take this final step together and return home to UConn this fall.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

She/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

May Planning Update – 5/21/21

Hello, Huskies!

Congratulations to both our 2021 and 2020 graduates!  Finally, we were able to celebrate your accomplishments in person.  It was a joyful moment that shined a light on all of you and your commitment to UConn and your education.  I look forward to learning more about the world these graduates will shape and transform.

I’m sure you’ve seen that UConn is experiencing some changes as well.  It has been an honor to work closely with our Interim President Dr. Agwunobi over my many years at UConn.  I can tell you on a personal level that he is a compassionate and confident leader who values all of you and your importance to UConn.  We are in good hands.

I want you all to enjoy your summer and relax.  Today, I will share what we have learned from you and how we are planning for the fall.  I am so appreciative of the thousands of responses we received from the “Do-Over” study that shared what you missed most about the past year and your hopes for next semester.  Your voices matter and will be included in our planning priorities this summer.

Do-Over findings:

Thank you so much for participating in the “Do-Over” survey.  We have a lot of work to do to get the University back on its feet for the fall.  With nearly 3,000 responses, we now have a much better sense of what matters most and what to prioritize for the fall.  Most importantly, we learned we have a range of feelings on a return for the fall.  This comment from a student really captures it well:

“While we all are excited to go back, I think a lot of us are going to experience anxiety and other mental health concerns.  It is a major shift going from a year living at home back to an on-campus experience, and I think a lot of people are going to need support during this time.”

Currently, a group is convening to revise our guidance for gatherings that will enable us to congregate more often as a campus community.  While you can still expect some masking, we are focusing on a safe return to campus events and traditions like WOW (Week of Welcome), Convocation, concerts, and club sports.  We know that matters to you and we will be in touch with more information soon.  Our rising sophomores missed a great deal of those critical first year traditions. I’m happy to share that our fall planning includes connecting sophomores to entering student events they may have missed last year.

Regarding housing and dining for the fall, our dining capacity will increase, but we have certainly heard loud and clear that take-out was something you enjoyed and would like to continue.  Among our residential campuses, we will be housing a much higher percentage of students (we are planning for 10,000 students on the Storrs campus).  This means a return to roommates – a priority frequently expressed in the survey - and continuing to allow guests in the residence halls.  I definitely get the impression this is something many of you are looking forward to!

Finally, and most importantly, both staff and students have expressed the strength found in approaching our work collectively as one university.   We have done great work making events and resources available to all students.  We are continuing with this collaborative approach to our work among all of our campuses this summer.

Vaccination:

It is amazing to see that, in the nearly two months that vaccinations have been available to college students, more than 12,000 students across our campuses have been fully vaccinated.  Yet again you have shown all of us how to make informed choices that enable us to care for ourselves and others.  You are awesome, Huskies.

Having an informed and vaccinated student body is very important to all of us.  Currently, the vaccine is widely available to college and university-aged students throughout the country and it is strongly encouraged that you receive the vaccine.  A great deal of information on vaccination from SHaW, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health is available here.  Please remember that it is required that you report your vaccination status to the University.

Students who are not vaccinated will be required to participate in regular surveillance testing and observe quarantine when indicated.

Students who are unable to be vaccinated during the summer can be vaccinated by SHaW when they arrive on campus for fall semester.  Students who are not fully vaccinated will likely need to observe a modified quarantine when they arrive on campus.  All Storrs-based students may sign up for a vaccine on the SHaW patient portal.  SHaW is currently offering vaccines to Storrs students throughout the summer.

International students who are unable to get vaccinated in their home countries may get vaccinated upon arrival at UConn in the fall.  However, we encourage you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine whenever it is available to you.   SHaW will follow the guidance on international vaccination for our international students, as described here by the CDC.

You will hear from me again this time next month and throughout July.  Consider these emails to be reminders of our planning process that reflect our desire to keep you connected and informed.  Focus on enjoying your summer, getting vaccinated, and staying informed.  We will take care of the rest.

Let’s start imagining a brighter fall for all of us.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S. At the request of students, my Dean’s Advisory group will meet monthly during the summer.  All students are very welcome to join.  If interested, please email catherine.downs@uconn.edu

Weekly Update 4/7/21

Dear Huskies,

As many of you are moving out of the residence halls this weekend, this will be my last weekly email to you.   In May, I will update everyone on our vaccination progress and update you on fall planning.  I have to say, the sooner I see us all together in fall, the better.  I have high hopes for a healthy return in the fall.

I also share your enthusiasm for an in-person graduation ceremony next month.  Every year, graduation is a celebration.  This year, the chance to see each other and celebrate your incredible accomplishments is even more special.  It’s been a while since I’ve heard the Husky Chant fill a stadium.  Let’s make it count!

Our Health:

As you know, we saw an increase in our positivity rate at the end of last week.  That has continued into this week with 27 on campus positives and 18 off-campus positives reported from Monday through today.  As a result, the campus will remain in YELLOW.

The only way to contain spread is through quarantine of potential contacts, precautions such as mask wearing, and avoiding large in-person gatherings.  SHaW will continue to provide medical care for students who need to remain on campus for quarantine or isolation.  However, it is my greatest hope for all of you to leave UConn and return home healthy this weekend.  Let’s continue to do what we know works: masking, physical distancing, and avoiding gatherings.

Vaccination Update:

The UConn Dashboard is now publishing our student vaccinations along with employee vaccinations.  I am pleased to be counted among the list of employees who have begun the vaccination process.  Special thanks to my colleagues at UConn Health for running such an exceptional vaccination site for the community at Hawley.

Vaccination is a choice.  A powerful one that I encourage you to make after being well-informed on the risks and benefits of vaccination.  Information on vaccination is available through the CDC and the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

As a reminder, UConn students are not required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 at this time but it is strongly encouraged.  However, students are required to report their vaccination to SHaW.  As I shared last week, our vaccination rate will impact our fall planning decisions.  Students approved to remain on campus for the conclusion of the spring term will be able to receive their vaccination through SHaW once supplies are available. SHaW will also be prepared to vaccinate students upon arrival in the fall.

I truly look forward to our healthy return this fall semester and I thank you for being my partner in this challenging journey.  I wish you great success with the remainder of the semester.  Despite your departure, my colleagues and I always remain available to support you in the weeks ahead.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

COVID-19 Update: Recent Increase in on-campus positives – 4/2/21

Dear Huskies,

Over the course of the last two days, SHaW has tested and identified 35 on-campus positive cases. These cases appear to be centralized among the North, Northwest, and Alumni residential complexes.

Positive tests usually emerge within 3 to 5 days of exposure. This suggests that this spike in positives may be related to large off-campus gatherings that were reported this past weekend. These gatherings increase the risk of exposure and spread, which is much more likely to occur when we don’t follow universal precautions such as wearing masks and keeping physical distance.

We will need to take some additional steps to control for spread on campus.  As of 4 p.m. today, the Storrs campus will transition to YELLOW.

Also as of 4 p.m. today:

  • Eddy, Middlesex, Windham, Rogers, and Russell will be placed in residential quarantine.   Students under residential quarantine can still receive meals in our quarantine dining halls, but they are unable to attend in-person instruction or events. The Dean of Students office will be in contact with affected students to provide academic support if needed.
  • Guests will no longer be allowed in all remaining buildings in North (Fairfield, New London, New Haven, Tolland, Hartford, Baldwin, Hurley, Litchfield, and McConaughy), Northwest (Batterson, Goodyear, Hanks, and Terry), and Alumni (Belden, Brock, and Watson).

SHaW will manage the residential quarantine and determine when it can be lifted. Residential Life will continue to keep you informed on the medical progress of quarantined buildings.

It is reasonable to assume that these residential areas will remain in quarantine through the end of next week. Students who wish to move out early and complete their quarantine at home are welcome to do so and will receive information from Residential Life.

Students remaining on campus for the remainder of the spring term are reminded that they need to remain on campus for the duration of the term, including spring break.

As we reach the end of the in-person period of instruction, I am sorry that these steps are necessary. As you know, it is our shared goal to keep this community healthy and safe. Let’s continue to care for one another by wearing masks, keeping physical distance, and reducing spread.  We’re almost there.

My best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 3/31/21

Hang on, Huskies,

This is going to be a long email. Why? Because it is time to move past COVID and share some of our plans for fall ‘21.

First, let me again say thank you.  Back in March 2020, we simply did not know what the future would hold.  You’ve shown me and countless others what it means to care for one another.  We have always had Husky pride, worn the sweatshirts, and cheered for our favorite teams. But we have never been tested like this and chosen to be so relentlessly committed to keeping each other healthy and safe.

So, thank you.  For choosing to always care for another.  Thank you for making friends, participating in activities, and continuing in your educational journey at UConn despite making endless compromises.  Thank you for showing us all what being a Husky truly means.  Let us never lose sight of that.

Now, it’s time to deliver on the hope we all have for a fall that is rich in in-person activities. Remember to complete the “Do-Over” survey that was sent to you last week to help inform our planning processes for the fall.

It’s going to take a bit of reading, but I want to focus on:

  • Our Health: Latest testing data
  • Our Care: Vaccination strategy for UConn students
  • Our Home: Residential living during the fall term

Our Health:

Our Care: 

Please, please, please get vaccinated once appointments are available.  Getting a vaccine will require patience since appointments are limited, but our nation’s distribution systems have already administered millions of doses across the United States.  Once vaccinated, please upload your vaccination records on the SHaW patient portal.   Notifying SHaW of your vaccination is required for all UConn undergraduate and graduate students.  Information on how to schedule an appointment, report your vaccination, and a general FAQ is available here.

Students remaining at UConn for the remainder of spring semester after spring break and over the summer will be vaccinated through SHaW once vaccine supplies become available. SHaW does not anticipate receiving the vaccine prior to the end of April.  Neither SHaW nor the Hawley site, operated  by UConn Health, are available as a walk-in site.  Appointments are required.

While we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated over the summer, students who are unable to receive a vaccine will be vaccinated when they return to the University in the fall.  Priority will be given to our residential and international students.

Our vaccination rate and our increasing knowledge of the success of the vaccine will ultimately determine the exact strategy for the fall.  I will share that with you later in the summer.  However, COVID-19 will not entirely disappear and our plans will include some form of modified quarantine for those not fully vaccinated, as well as some degree of surveillance testing.  Assuming we are a vaccinated community, the use of quarantine and surveillance will be significantly less than what you experienced in this academic year.

Our Home:

10,000 beds.  That is our goal for the fall semester and a significant increase from the 4,500 residential students who are currently living on our campuses.  We might be able to do better and increase that number further, but I will need your help.

Fall planning requires that we accept that COVID-19 will still be present.  As a result, we will still need to hold beds from the general population that will be intended for quarantine and isolation of students.  However, the number of beds we’ll need to hold is tied closely to the percentage of students vaccinated.

Right now, Residential Life is holding 10% of the targeted bed count for quarantine and isolation.  That’s a lot of beds and, by medical necessity, those beds need to be located in our suites and apartments.  I know that is the housing that our upper-division students (juniors and seniors) want most.  While some apartment and suites remain in the current housing selection process, availability will be limited. More specific information will be sent from Residential Life later today.

I know that’s not something you want to hear.  Here’s how we are working to make that news better:

  • We need to keep communicating with one another.  The closer we get to a 100% vaccination rate among the residential population, the sooner we can reduce – but never eliminate -- the number of quarantine and isolation beds for the fall. As a reminder, students are required to report their vaccination to SHaW.  We will constantly evaluate those reports and post them on the COVID dashboard.  I will update you in May and June about those vaccination rates.
  • Housing selection will begin on April 9 and will include a room change process for all students in June. The complete timeline is available here.
  • On July 1, Residential Life will notify upper-division students (juniors and seniors) of any increased availability of suites and apartments and of their eligibility to change their housing.

Here’s what matters: Tell us your vaccination status by July 1.  That is not a hard deadline – we are prepared to vaccinate you when you return to campus -- but it helps us make the best decision on returning suites and apartments to eligible juniors and seniors.

Thank you, friends.  Our strategy for fall is based on us talking to one another, sharing what we know, and always listening to guidance from our colleagues in the state Department of Public Health.  That has worked well for us so far, and I know that partnership will continue over the summer as we finalize our plans.

I’ll be in touch next week with an update on the vaccination process.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
She/Her/Hers
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 3/24/21

Dear Huskies,

You know, it would be inauthentic of me as a Dean of Students to suggest that warm spring weekends during COVID-19 make me happy.  They don’t.  I worry about the desire to connect that we all have after a year of this and the temptation the weather provides.   So, you know, I don’t exactly hope for good weather.

For today, I’d like to focus on the following:

  • Sunny Days: Am I right to worry?
  • Vaccination availability in April
  • OVER.: Preparing for Fall ‘21
  • The national context that haunts us

Right to worry?

I am humbled and happy to report that the University received zero reports this past weekend of off-campus gatherings that were in violation of the Governor’s orders.  AND Huskython raised $1,052,534.21!!  My worry was misguided.  Instead, you showed me a thing or two by ‘imagining a world’ where UConn students raised over a million dollars for the kids at Connecticut Children’s.  I stand corrected.

Here are the numbers:

SHaW and I always keep close eyes on our testing.  As you can see, we’ve popped up a bit but I can share that we know why: many of these positives are emerging from students being quarantined as a close contact through our contact tracing efforts.  Quarantining matters and we anticipate that a close contact may become positive for COVID-19.  Thank you for your continued commitment to following our quarantine procedures.

Access to vaccine in April:

Vaccines administered by UConn Health: On March 29, Hawley Armory will convert to a community vaccination center for individuals administered under the medical supervision of UConn Health.  This site will join a larger network of distribution sites throughout the state dedicated to increasing access to the vaccine.  All eligible individuals in the Mansfield community ages 18 and older will be able to make an appointment at Hawley or another site in Connecticut on and after April 5 (this date from the State is still tentative, please refer to the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website for confirmed dates).   Please note eligible individuals under 18 may be directed to a specific site by the state.  Individuals can also schedule appointments through the UConn Health MyChart app.

Vaccines administered by SHaW: Our preliminary conversations with the state Department of Public Health indicate that SHaW will begin receiving limited quantities of the vaccine for UConn students who are approved to remain on campus for the conclusion of the Spring term.  Currently, it does not appear that SHaW will receive the vaccine until later in the month of April.  UConn Storrs students will be directly contacted by SHaW through the patient portal on how to make a vaccine appointment once supply is available.

Do. Over: Fall ‘21

Do-over.  That’s how I have been thinking about fall.  My colleagues and I want you to help us think about how we return to a more robust fall semester at UConn.  Earlier today, all students, undergraduate and graduate, received an email titled, “Fall Do-Over Survey”.  Take it.

I want you to tell us what matters the most, what you miss, what you wish for those who weren’t able to truly experience entering UConn as a first year or transfer, and what, if anything, mattered this year that we should preserve moving forward.  Fall will be much better, but UConn will need to make choices about which activities and opportunities we prioritize over others.  I want you to guide us in understanding what matters and informing how we make decisions for the fall.

Let’s reclaim our UConn experience based on what matters most.  Take the survey.  Your opinion matters.

Atlanta and the national context

As happy as I am about planning for the fall, I would be remiss in not personally telling all of you how deeply saddened I am by the acts of hate that occurred in Georgia last week and the horrific shooting reported earlier this week in Colorado.  We must always denounce senseless acts of violence that seek to enable fear and hate to threaten the care and compassion we must all have for each other.

Our Asian and Asian-American communities have been subject to harm, hate, and violence throughout our country.  I stand with my colleagues in Student Affairs, the Asian-American Cultural Center, the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, and throughout our University in denouncing acts of hate and insisting that we use our abilities as a diverse community of cherished identities to educate on racism, advocate for marginalized communities, and care for each other.

On a more personal note, I am grateful to my colleagues throughout the University and their unrelenting commitment to UConn students.  I realize this occurs even when those colleagues are personally struggling.  As a community, we care not only for our students, but for the faculty and staff we work alongside.  Thank you.

Be well, my friends.  And take care of each other.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

She/her/hers

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 3/17/21

Dear Huskies,

Blue.  It looks good on you.  Forgive the sentimentalism, but I remember developing the color system over break and thinking: blue. That’s our goal.  When I shared it with colleagues, they agreed (and were quite particular in determining that it be the UConn blue, not the North Carolina blue that was present in earlier drafts.  My bad).

So, we’re here.  UConn blue.  Here’s what we know one week after transitioning to blue:

Off-campus.  Really? You were nailing it!  You still can, but I can’t help but note that, one week after hearing about gatherings off-campus, our positives off-campus are rising a bit.  This is not to say that those are a direct correlation, but there is cause for concern as the weather improves and we seek to connect with one another.

Let’s connect AND care for the health and safety of each other.  Whether or not you have recovered from COVID, attending a large gathering and not wearing a mask puts everyone at risk.  Most importantly, it jeopardizes our ability to stay blue.

IT’S TIME FOR HUSKYTHON!!! Every year, I choke back tears when I speak on the HuskyThon stage.  I am ALWAYS humbled by UConn students choosing to contribute to something so much greater than themselves.  The tears come as I realize the power that comes from coming together to make a difference.  HuskyThon will not be stopped, but has needed to convert to a hybrid format.  Please check it out and contribute to this great UConn tradition.

Finally, as we wrap up Fresh Check week, I thank the many of you who took part in the virtual Stamp Out Stigma walk as well as the remaining events and discussions.  As you know, I am continually struck by the care we have for each other as a community.  Our mental health matters and it is important we all embrace the tools and spaces that enable us to truly commit to our collective health and well-being.

Be well, UConn.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

She/her/hers

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 3/10/21

Dear Huskies,

One year ago, I remember participating in a forum addressing this new COVID-19 virus and the need to temporarily send students home for two weeks.  Two weeks.  You left UConn and I looked forward to seeing you again in April.

April 2020.  Not 2021.  This ‘anniversary’ is one that I approach with mixed feelings.  You.  Are.  Missed.  I miss popping into student meetings and saying hello.  I miss events -- even the muckiness of Oozeball and my athletic incompetence.  I want to visit the Stamford residence halls, see the view from Avery Point, and sit in a conference room with colleagues and students making actual eye contact and offering real high fives.  I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Our collective work for the past year has kept us safe during an incomprehensible time.  I thank you – so sincerely -- for your persistent commitment to the health of others: wearing masks, participating in testing, following medical guidance, and keeping physical distance.  For the majority of our students, this has been the lesson of COVID-19 and the UConn Promise: We choose to change our behaviors for the health and safety of our UConn community.

Both I and my UConn colleagues choose to believe in the actions of the many UConn students, not the few.  But there have been some exceptions:  most notably, the information the University recently received from Connecticut State Police regarding a gathering on Birch Road last weekend. When those exceptions occur, our University will both provide for the health of our students and hold students accountable to the Code, and the health and safety procedures that have been created in response to the pandemic.

Here’s what we know today about our overall health on the Storrs campus:

As you can see, we continue to maintain a lower positivity rate, but there has been some concerning testing this week.  Given our overall good health and the advice of my colleagues, I am choosing to transition our residential status to BLUE.  This is a cautionary victory that reflects the success of our continued care for another and reducing exposure and spread of COVID-19.  Please remember our status is reviewed weekly and can change at any time.

As part of this status, the following will go into effect beginning Thursday, March 11:

  • Guests permitted in the residence halls. Residential students are permitted one guest, which does not include overnight (past 11:59 p.m.).
  • Movement activities permitted outside, such as vocal performance and dance performance.

In accordance with the Governor’s recent announcement, additional capacity changes for the blue designation for indoor and outdoor events will go into effect on March 19 and April 2.  Although maximum event/activity capacities will be increased, we may still need to limit some event capacities based on room limitations when applying 6-foot physical distancing.

In the coming weeks, my colleagues and I will share more information on Commencement plans and our framework for approaching fall planning.  I am thrilled that Residential Life has already announced plans to support students returning in the fall with roommate selection.  Let’s continue to enjoy our good health and the transition into blue.

As we enjoy these signs of our success, let us also never lose sight of the disruption and concern this virus has caused.  COVID-19 will, I hope, continue to fade as vaccination rates continue to rise and prevention efforts maintain good health.  We should, however, never forget the cost of COVID-19 and the care we will always have for one another.

All my best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

She/her/hers

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 3/3/21

Dear Huskies,

This is a meaningful time for us right now.  Our loved ones with high-risk demographics are now, finally, being vaccinated.  I can’t imagine what a relief that is for all of you as your loved ones – parents, grandparents, first responders - are now achieving immunity.

Today, I want to:

  • Review the latest testing data
  • Discuss the impact of the state’s recent vaccination plan on students with pre-existing medical needs
  • Share updated information on access to off-campus surveillance testing

Here is the latest testing data at Storrs. More information is available on the COVID dashboard.

Nice job, off-campus (again).  We did have a number of on-campus positives present earlier this week.  Let’s continue to do the right thing: avoid gatherings, wear masks, and keep our physical distance from one another.  It’s the only way, my friends.  Keep it up.

If we can continue to do so, I’m hopeful that we can change our current color of yellow on the Storrs campus and allow some changes to residence hall COVID-19 restrictions.  More to come next week if our on-campus health improves.

Impact of State Vaccination Plan on UConn Students with Pre-Existing Conditions

As you know the Governor has released an updated, age-based vaccination plan.  This means that traditionally aged students will not receive access to the vaccine until May.  I am reminded that our concern for others has always been our greatest strength as a university during this pandemic.  I know this will continue to be our truth moving forward as we wait for our vaccination.

While we wait, SHaW will continue to advocate and provide for those students under our care who have significant pre-existing conditions.  Fortunately, at UConn that population is relatively small.  Those students, like you, have maintained their good health through the dedicated practice of mask wearing, physical distancing, and good hygiene.  Let’s keep that up and, most importantly, know that you can rely on your medical providers, such as SHaW for our Storrs students, to provide you the excellent care that maintains your good health.

Off-Campus Storrs Surveillance Testing Strategy Effective March 1:

First, surveillance testing will occur at the north side of the Field House and will be appointment-based only. Testing appointments can be scheduled through the SHaW Patient Portal.  COVID-19 surveillance testing will not be available on a walk-up basis. As advised by DPH, 25% of the off-campus population with an ongoing in-person commitment will be identified for testing on a weekly basis.  In addition:

  • Off-campus students with an on-campus commitment will have access to five self-requested surveillance tests in addition to any testing requested by SHaW.
  • Off-campus students without an on-campus commitment will have access to three self-requested surveillance tests in addition to any testing requested by SHaW.

Second, saliva-based pooled gargle testing is available on a volunteer basis to off-campus Storrs students with an on-campus commitment.  Click here for more information and to sign up to participate. Any student in a COVID-19 positive pool will be directed to individual, diagnostic, rapid PCR testing by SHaW within 24 hours of the positive result.

Finally, any Storrs student who experiences symptoms of COVID-19 should seek immediate medical evaluation and testing by contacting SHaW directly before engaging with the campus community.

Regional students are reminded to notify SHaW of any positive COVID test results through the SHaW Patient Portal, follow the guidance of your medical primary care provider, and contact the Student Services office on your campus for academic support.

Stay Connected

All of our campuses are encouraged to participate in activities that keep us virtually connected.  Wherever you are, join us in enjoying the connectedness and community that we call UConn.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 2/24/21

Dear Huskies,

Well, off-campus, you’ve done it.  You are currently healthier (1.44%) than the on-campus residential population (2.38%).  Just saying.  The good news is the overall campus community and the state are proving to remain healthy despite our concern for the presence of variants.

Here’s the data:

COVID data

Given this data, our color-coded system plans for some flexibility and students have asked how much longer we will remain in yellow.  Fair question.  The answer for us now lies in the participation rate in surveillance testing such as the pooled sampling effort in our residence halls.  Last week, our participation was 67%.  This is below what we would need participation to be if we were to progress to blue.

This can be done. Your behavior and care for one another has consistently shown me how to successfully face the challenges of this pandemic.  So, let’s work on our participation.  I’ll keep you posted on how those rates improve.

Second, I’ve been asked to talk with you about eating in the dining halls. I really need you to not move chairs around and crowd around tables.  As we know, spread of COVID-19 occurs when we are in close contacts without masks on.  Let’s work together to be respectful of the seating arrangements in our dining halls.   As the weather improves, give some thought to heading outside, spreading out, and enjoying the company of your friends.

Finally, we are all hoping for a fall 2021 that is closer to pre-COVID times.  The University has just begun what will have to be a lengthy planning process.  I am hopeful that we will be able to share a framework with you of our preliminary plans sometime in April.  As you know, the day to day realities of COVID require us to be vigilant and nimble in our plans.  Your patience is always appreciated.  That being said, I know you rely on us for information and transparency.  We’re on it.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 2/17/21

Subject: Weekly Update

Dear Huskies:

I want to take a moment to echo the thoughts that have been widely shared in the media.  As a campus, a state, and a country we have been fortunate to see an overall decline in our positivity rate.  I do want to be forthcoming in sharing that this is not over and to use this email as an opportunity to talk about why.

Here is the data as of yesterday.  Today, we are reporting 9 on-campus positives and 7 off-campus positives.

I have appreciated the frequent and good guidance that I have received from our SHaW medical team and the Connecticut Department of Public Health: More variants are coming and their ability to increase the spread of disease is both worrisome and unknown. Unfortunately, nearly a year into a lengthy and taxing pandemic this calls for more, not less, vigilance.

Mask wearing and surveillance testing matter.  A lot.

We know how to do this: mask wearing, physical distancing, and participating in surveillance testing.  We also know that, at UConn, COVID is primarily identified through surveillance testing of students who are asymptomatic.  Students who feel completely fine are testing positive through random surveillance testing.

Currently, about 60% of our students are participating in surveillance testing (pooled sampling in the residence halls, at-home testing for off-campus students, and random testing at the Field House).  That’s good but, when positive students are identified through these testing methods, our participation needs to be higher if we want to isolate COVID-19 on campus and reduce spread.  Please help us stay healthy and participate in our surveillance testing.

Finally, we still have some friends gathering in the residence halls and not wearing masks.  My concern for Northwest remains.  Let’s remember to keep our distance and wear masks or we may need to take common areas temporarily off line.

Housing:

Based on preferences submitted through a student survey, housing selection for the fall 2021 term will begin after spring break.  ResLife is continuing the housing selection preparations for fall semester at full capacity.  The ResLife website is being updated with selection information and timelines, and students will begin receiving communication about housing selection in early March.  For detailed information, please visit this site:  https://reslife.uconn.edu/housing-selection/

As a reminder, all students who submit the 2021-2022 housing application by Feb. 28, 2021, will be considered on-time applicants.  The deadline to cancel housing for fall 2021 with no fee will be July 31.  Beginning Aug. 1, 2021, the fee will be $500 for any students who cancel their fall housing.

Pack Ambassadors:

As I’ve mentioned in past emails, we have started the Pack Ambassador Connection program.  Students in isolation, quarantine or who are remote can fill out a form and request a contact from a Pack Ambassador.  Here is the link to the form for students: Pack Ambassador Connect - Google Forms

The PackChat program has begun!  Pack Ambassadors will be staffing a chat room through WebEx on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.  This is open to all students from all campuses.

I know it’s hard to meet people during COVID.  Both of these opportunities, in addition to Jonathan’s Challenge, keep us connected even when physically apart.  Try it out!

Also, my advisory group and I are curious: What needs to be on the bucket list for our current first-year students who have missed some key UConn traditions this year? Tweet me at @EllyJBDaugherty and let me know!

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

She/Her/Hers

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 2/10/21

Subject: Weekly Update

Dear Huskies,

Welcome to February – a month I frequently find ironically feels like one of the longest in New England.  We are certainly getting our fair share of snow.  Thankfully, I’m so happy the weather is optimal for our new ice skating rink (special thanks to the student staff who cared for the rink so it’s operational – I hear many late nights were involved!).

With thanks to the great input from my advisory group (which all students are welcome to join), I write this week to update you on:

  • Our COVID-19 positivity rate on and off campus
  • Updates on COVID-19 vaccination for students with pre-existing conditions
  • Details on access to COVID-19 testing when the university is closed for weather

Here we go.  First, how are we doing?

Bottom line: not bad.  Although I’m sure you will agree that it is worrisome to see UConn’s positivity rising over the past few days –while the state is decreasing.  This is most notable in our off-campus population.

Second, it’s early, but I don’t want you to be surprised.  There are some cases emerging from Northwest and South that have us concerned.  Sounds like some floors are hanging out together and not following the right precautions.  We’re watching it closely and may need to launch some residential quarantines if the trend continues.

Second, when can you get vaccinated?

If you are a healthy student and not currently involved in a clinical placement, the answer remains: not for a while.  College and university students without a unique circumstance (such as a pre-existing medical condition - more on that in a moment) are not considered for vaccination until we enter Phase 2. The state is anticipating the earliest we will enter Phase 2 is this summer.

UConn is following the State of Connecticut’s Vaccination Plan.  As you have probably noted in recent media coverage, the state’s plan continues to evolve based on such factors as vaccine availability and additional federal and state guidance for when students will be vaccinated.  As students become eligible for a vaccination phase, they will be messaged with specific details on how to obtain the vaccination.  More to come as the State of Connecticut provides updates on availability, eligibility and access to the vaccine.

But what if you have a pre-existing condition that makes you more vulnerable to severe illness?

Storrs students with underlying medical conditions with increased risk for severe illness are included in Phase 1B and will be notified individually by SHaW when vaccines are available.  Students with increased risk are encouraged to contact SHaW directly with any questions.

I know that the gap between the existence of the vaccine and receiving one personally feels quite significant right now.  Hang in there and continue to closely follow all of those precautions described in the UConn Promise that have kept us safe as a community.  UConn continues to work very closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to ensure we are always aligned with their directions on vaccine distribution.

Finally -- and thank you to the students who reached out to me -- I wanted to share information on how to access COVID-19 testing when the university is closed for severe weather:

If you had a scheduled appointment for surveillance testing in the Field House, you will receive a secure message instructing you on how to reschedule your COVID testing appointment.

If you are participating in the residential pooled gargle testing, continue to submit your sample on your scheduled day.

If you are dropping off and picking up the Vault at-home COVID test kits in the Student Union, please drop off and pick up your kits any other day during that week Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union.  If the inclement weather occurs on a Thursday and you were unable to participate earlier that week, drop off and pick up your kit at the SU on Monday the next week.

Symptomatic testing remains open as an essential service during inclement weather, but please call SHaW before coming in for an on-site appointment.  If you’re feeling sick, we want to help.  Whatever the weather.

Let’s keep doing this, UConn.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 2/3/21

Subject: Weekly Update

Dear Huskies,

I’m so happy to share that we have completed our residential quarantine and, despite the challenges of our snow day on Monday, have successfully begun in-person instruction.

There are a few important highlights in our testing results.   As you know, when we opened the residence halls we reported 76 positive COVID-19 cases as a result of our pre-arrival and move-in testing.  Since that time, 26 additional students have tested positive through surveillance testing. As a result, our total residential positivity, including pre-arrival and move-in testing, is 1.24%.

I’d like to dig a bit deeper into that data with you and highlight a few areas where I need your help:

  • Our residential surveillance testing during quarantine had a positivity rate of just over 2.5%.  That indicates the importance of measures that I know you are all too familiar with.  When mask wearing and physical distancing doesn’t happen, we get sick.
  • You know, as I do, that most UConn students who test positive are not symptomatic.  You feel relatively fine, you show up for surveillance testing or pooled sampling, and we find out together that you are positive.
  • Our participation rates in surveillance testing have not been as good as they need to be.  I appreciate how spitting in a tube or showing up at the Field House is challenging –even annoying- but it keeps us healthy by identifying illness and preventing spread to vulnerable populations.
  • So far, we have identified 65 positives among the off-campus population with a positivity rate of around 2%.  If you have not yet participated in re-entry testing and are expected to be on campus, this link reviews access to required testing and surveillance.  Please review it closely.

With this data in mind, I have consulted with our medical team and the residential community and student activities are operating in yellow.  The staff have eagerly developed programs –and UConn’s first ever ICE-SKATING RINK!- to keep us connected as a community.  All of these activities and much more can be found at our uKindness site and are completely free (including the skates)!

I encourage you to get outside, enjoy some hot chocolate, take a class at the Rec Center, join a Jonathan’s Challenge activity (anyone who participates is eligible for prizes!) and, most importantly, be safe.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 1/27/21

Huskies,

We are almost done with our residential quarantine and period of online instruction.  Thank you for your commitment to each other and your health and wellness.

As a reminder, tomorrow is the last day of re-entry testing for off-campus students with an on-campus commitment at the Student Union.  If you have not already been tested, please come to the Union between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

End of Quarantine: Over the course of the quarantine we diagnosed 11 residential students with COVID-19.  These cases were predominantly the result of students exposed to COVID prior to move-in.  This is a reminder to all of us the insidiousness of this virus and how important it is for us to continue to follow the UConn Promise and the residential Temporary Health and Safety Procedures.

Over the weekend, I will consult with my colleagues on the medical team and student activities to determine what ‘color’ we will designate the residential community.  That information is available on the COVID dashboard and will be updated on Monday.

Staying Connected: The UConn Pack Ambassadors are excited to be launching several new programs this semester.  First, beginning later this week, students in COVID-19 related isolation or quarantine will be provided with information about connecting with a Pack Ambassador and their programs.  If students in isolation complete the form, a Pack Ambassador will connect directly with them to provide peer-to-peer connections and support during their period of isolation.  Our hope is to expand this option within a few weeks for one-on-one interaction to students in quarantine and those who are remote learners.

Second, beginning next week The Pack Ambassadors will be staffing a WebEx meeting room a few hours a week that will be open to all UConn students.  This will be an open space for conversation, activities, questions and interaction with peers.  More details on the hours and a link will be posted on the Pack Ambassador social media sites.  For more information please follow on Instagram: uconn_pack_ambassadors, Twitter: @UConnPackAmbas1.

Finally, the Pack Ambassadors are excited to be facilitating and co-facilitating a variety of remote activities for students at all campuses this semester.  They will include movie watch parties, games and discussion groups, an Improv evening, and programs for Black History Month and Sexual Assault Awareness month.

If you are interested in becoming a Pack Ambassador, or for more information, please contact Jenn Longa, Assistant Dean of Students for Victim Support Services & Bystander Initiatives, at jenn.longa@uconn.edu

Remembering Loss: We have been deeply fortunate to have a student body whose good health has prevailed despite the pandemic.  Yet some of our Huskies have tragically passed while we have largely been a remote community.  Their loss is felt and will be remembered.  In April, the University will hold a memorial service to honor those students we have lost during the past two academic years. Planning is underway for this service to take place in early April 2021 before students leave campus for the semester. Information about the memorial service will be posted in the Daily Digests in March. The event is being coordinated by staff in the Dean of Students Office and Student Activities.

We will need to work our hardest this semester to continue to follow COVID-19 related protocols, which I know can be challenging.  Stick it with it, my friends.  I know we can get there together.

My best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Weekly Update 1/20/21

Subject: Weekly Update 1/20/21

Happy Wednesday - welcome back!

Move-In went so smoothly. Our re-entry testing again proved how much you care for one another.  Our arrival positivity rate was less than 1% and we are now well settled into our quarantine period.  I am so very grateful to my colleagues across the campus who welcomed you over the weekend and ensured your safe return to campus.  The testing results are evidence to us of the importance of the preventative measures we have all agreed to take as part of the UConn Promise.

Our residential campus will remain in red as reflected in our color-coded chart located on the re-opening page.  Residential status will be re-evaluated and updated following the completion of the residential quarantine period on Feb. 1.

Storrs off campus and commuter students (graduate and undergraduate) registered for in-person instruction or who will be regularly working or doing research on campus are required to have a COVID-19 reentry test in January before coming to campus and weekly testing through February.  Off campus Storrs students involved in in-person instruction will be notified via email today of how to obtain a re-entry test.  Visit the Spring 2021 UConn COVID-19 Strategy for more information.

During quarantine, there are a host of things to do including virtual game nights, on-line workshops, and more – including a Hamilton Trivia Night and an online Baby Grand Jazz Session...all of which can be found on uKindness.  More importantly, I hope you will join me in attending the MLK Jr. Living Legacy Convocation with Dr. Ibram Kendi.

I’ll talk more about quarantine next week, but feel free to drop by the virtual Wellness Workshops hosted by SHaW-Mental Health every Wednesday at 4pm.

Please remember that the University expects that students will adhere to the Governor’s Executive Order that limits the number of guests at indoor and outdoor gatherings. Hosting and attending a non-compliant gathering --whether on campus or off-- may result in a $500 fine per the Governor’s Order and potential disciplinary action from the University, including but not limited to restricting your access to campus while the matter is under review. The Office of Community Standards will review referrals with special attention to the unique health and safety implications of endangering behaviors to our campus community during the pandemic. If you’re unsure how to report a concern to the University, please visit www.inform.uconn.edu.

Regardless of your country of origin, I encourage all of us to utilize the activities of today’s Presidential Inauguration to reflect upon the democratic process, the transition of power, and the inequities that all of you as future leaders are inspired to resolve.  This is a day of reflection and inspiration.   I am thankful to all of you for allowing UConn to be part of your own transformation as scholars and individuals.   I honor your commitment to building a better future and am grateful to have you as a part of the UConn community.

Be well, my friends. Talk to you next week.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Welcome Back Message Spring 2021 – 1/11/21

Subject: Welcome Back Message Spring 2021 - 1/11/21

Welcome back, my friends.  As we approach the start of the Spring semester, I wish you a healthy and safe return to instruction and, when applicable, to campus.

We’ve learned so much as a community and I thank you for your care of each another. I want to share a few reminders and updates as we approach reopening:

First, my favorite websites for staying connected and up to date:

Now for that long email of key topics - many of which reflect how much you have taught me over the course of the past semester and our commitment to all of you:

Communicating During COVID: I enjoyed my emails to all of you last semester.  It was an opportunity to connect and share what we knew and ensure that you were aware of decisions as they were being made.  That being said, to some of you, those communications appeared to be a perpetual message of rising concern.  With that in mind, we are implementing a color-coded system for residential students on the University dashboard.  This system will keep you informed as a community, aware of our current health status, and any impact it has upon the student experience (such as community quarantine, access to in person activities, etc.).

I do want to stay connected with all of you to celebrate our good work and share my concerns when warranted. Starting the week of Jan. 18, I will email all Storrs students a weekly Wednesday afternoon email.  Students are also ALWAYS invited to attend my Dean’s Advisory group meetings.

Re-Opening: Move in will occur Jan. 16 to 17 with all residential students required to participate in testing prior to arrival and a second test upon arrival. Information on move-in and testing requirements for residential students was sent by Residential Life and can be found here.  Please review it carefully and let us know if you have any questions.  In addition, SHaW sent a separate email to Storrs and Stamford residential students last week with instructions and a link to obtain the Vault mail-in test for pre-arrival testing.  Students must complete and submit these tests prior to arrival to live in university residence halls.

Off-campus Storrs students, both graduate and undergraduate, who are registered for in-person instruction or who will be regularly working or doing research on campus are required to be tested prior to coming to their on-campus commitments. On-site testing will be held on the Storrs campus Jan. 25, 26, 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   An email with specific information and instructions for in-person testing will be sent the week of Jan. 10th.

Off-campus and commuter regional campus students, both graduate and undergraduate, for all UConn regional campuses who are registered for in-person instruction or who will be regularly working or doing research on campus are required to submit verification of a COVID-19 negative test result collected within 7 days of the start of in-person classes.  The University is making COVID-19 PCR testing available through a mail-in option at no cost through Vault Health.  SHaW will send an email the week of Jan. 17th with specific instructions and a link to obtain the Vault mail-in test.

For more detailed information about all spring semester testing requirements, please visit the SHaW website here.

Connection: During the break, my colleagues across the university came together to talk about one thing: you.  Under the guidance of Assistant Vice President Joe Briody we have reviewed our programs and opportunities to connect and have come up with the following for the Spring semester (also featured and updated on the uKindness site).  Wherever you may be over the course of the Spring semester, we are one HuskyNation and we are committed to staying connected, whether in-person or virtually.  Here are a few highlights:

  • Skating in Storrs!!!: We are building an outdoor skating rink on the Great Lawn that will be available once the residential quarantine is complete. No joke.  Bring your skates to campus or plan on “renting” them for free!  Please remember to keep physically distant on the ice as you slip and slide all over the place.  J
  • Jonathan’s Challenge: Earn points, win prizes, and be recognized for participating in a host of virtual and in-person events and activities throughout the semester. Come take the Jonathan Challenge, a new university-wide initiative for students at every campus! #JonathansChallenge #DeanIsIn
  • Community Connectors – You’re invited to connect with our peer Community Connectors beginning Jan. 11, to share your interests, ask questions, and be connected with programs and engagement opportunities across campus.
  • Pack Ambassadors: Pack Ambassadors are trained volunteer students who provide messaging and activities to encourage others to maintain healthy behaviors associated with COVID-19 prevention, and who connect with students to extend care and community with a goal of working together to Protect Our Pack. Using social media, remote and in person platforms they provide information and interaction to their peers. Pack Ambassadors may be students at any of the UConn campuses and may be undergraduate or graduate students.  They can be taking courses in person or remotely and live on or off campus. For more information, or to become a Pack Ambassador please contact Jenn Longa, Assistant Dean of Students for Victim Support Services & Bystander Initiatives, at jenn.longa@uconn.edu.

Our Mental Health:

Finally, COVID-19 vaccination for our general student population will occur in Phase 2, and not for some time.  Many of us have the fortune of good health and we must prioritize the elderly, medically at risk, and first responders identified through the Phase 1 distribution plan. Our time will come and we are working closely with the Department of Public Health on plans to administer the vaccine to students once available.  That time is weeks if not months away and it is critical that we continue this one, I hope, last push of choosing to keep each other safe through our behavior of mask wearing, physical distancing, testing, and symptom monitoring.

Thank you for the exemplary behavior and care that you have continued to practice towards one another.  Let’s do this.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Staying Connected: Virtual Resources for Students – 12/2/20

Subject: Staying Connected: Virtual Resources for Students

Dear Huskies,

I hope that you are all safe with your loved ones.  You are already missed and I look forward to your return to campus.

These past few months have been challenging for many students and their loved ones because of the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened visibility of racism throughout the country.  I am grateful to all of you for your commitment to something greater than yourself.  By choosing the health, safety, and wellbeing of others, you demonstrated true compassion and care during unprecedented hardship.  This moment unites us in our commitment to each other and to UConn.

Like many of our students who stayed home and remained online throughout this semester, we are now all living physically apart from one another as we conclude this semester.  But our connection remains.

I know that time away from campus also has its challenges.  Those who love us will also aggravate us, the internet will crash, and many of us may find ourselves having to remain far from home due to the constraints COVID-19 places upon travel.

UConn isn’t going anywhere.  If you need us, we are here.  A few highlights that I want to share:

Mental Health: SHaW Mental Health remains available to you as a virtual resource.  If you need a virtual drop-in appointment or to speak with a member of the staff, please visit their site for additional information or call 860-486-4705.

I am particularly excited to announce that SHaW-Mental Health will be offering all UConn students Winter Wellness Workshops beginning this week and continuing throughout winter break on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 - 5p.m. Join us for support about living at home, forming connections, feelings of anxiety and isolation, worry about others, and other challenges.  We look forward to your participation.

UKindness: Our UKindness initiative reflects the virtual activities that will continue throughout the semester.  Check out the site and attend a mindfulness workshop, meeting, or event.  All are welcome!

Internet service: The Keep Learning website provides students with tips, strategies and resource information for all course modalities. If you need technical help (connectivity, issues logging in, course/enrollment status, etc.), please contact the UITS Technology Support Center:

If you need assistance with HuskyCT, please contact Blackboard Support by phone: 1-855-308-5616 or online: http://huskyct24x7.uconn.edu/

The staff in the Dean of Student Office and the Regional Campus Student Services offices are available to help. These staff provide support without judgment and recognize that every student's experience is unique. Reach out with questions and our team will work with you to try to identify solutions. To connect with the Dean of Students Office staff, email dos@uconn.edu or visit our website to sign up for an appointment. Regional campus students needing to connect with someone for support and/or resource information should click on this link to make an appointment with the Regional Student Services staff from your home campus.

I wish you good health and the best of luck as finals approach.  If you need help, ask.  We are here.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

P.S. Who wants to share ideas about staying connected? I loved the virtual 5k and virtual classes that UConn Rec hosts. How else can we share our adventures with one another and maintain our connection as Huskies? Let me know! @EllyJBDaugherty or Instagram.

Heading Home: COVID, Testing Results, and Care of Those We Love – 11/19/20

Subject: Heading Home: COVID, Testing Results, and Care of Those We Love

Dear Huskies,

Over the past five days, nearly 7000 students have exit-tested for COVID-19.  Through these actions, I see the caring individuals that you are and I thank you for your commitment to each other and a healthy return home to those you love.

Now that most of those exit test results are in, I want to share with you what I know:

Our off-campus positive testing results reached a high of 40 yesterday.  Our on-campus testing results have not seen a similar increase.  These results validate the concern repeatedly expressed by Governor Lamont and Dr. Deborah Birx, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, about an increase of COVID-19 cases in the country.  I share that concern.

As a result, some UConn students will need to spend the holiday in isolation or quarantine.  SHaW has worked directly with those students who require our care to provide for their continued medical needs.  For all of us, this is a stern reminder of this seriousness of COVID and the spread of this virus as we enter the ninth month of the pandemic.

Our off-campus clusters continue to be the result of small off-campus gatherings that occurred during the nicer weather we experienced last week.  Those gatherings remind us of the risks we take when we come together and fail to take proven precautionary measures that reduce the chance of exposure to this virus, which has devastated us personally and as a world.  The choices we make –and the impact they have upon those we love- could not be more important now as we approach travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.

It is essential that I emphasize the caution expressed yesterday by Governor Lamont.  Specifically:

“The combination of rising cases across the country – including in the northeast – due to increased transmission of COVID in small, residential settings and Thanksgiving travel has created the perfect storm for viral spread. If people proceed with celebrations in small gatherings outside of their immediate families, they risk generating a dramatic spike in cases after Thanksgiving. All governors are urging their residents to stay home and celebrate small this year in an effort to help eliminate the risk of unchecked COVID-19 spread in the coming weeks.”

I strongly advise you to follow DPH holiday guidance and persist in your observation of precautionary measures like quarantining following extended travel, mask wearing, exit testing, hand washing, physical distancing, and refraining from attending gatherings –particularly those that are indoors.  As a reminder, a negative test reflects just one moment in time.  Your ability to become exposed and infected by COVID-19 can happen instantly. As a result, the Connecticut Department of Public Health advises that “it is very important for students to quarantine away from their families for 14 days before mingling or socializing with family members in their home environment.”  This is particularly relevant for our off-campus students who have not been impacted by the recent residential quarantine.

Some of you have been approved to remain on campus for medical or personal reasons.  We are here for you.  Dining will be available at McMahon as well as several retail locations.  Quarantined students will need to eat at McMahon during designated hours.  SHaW will continue to provide medical care and testing for those students.  Please be sure to respond to the messaging you receive from Residential Life and Student Health and Wellness.

A colleague of mine at UConn always reminds me, “one team, one fight.”  As a first responder who exemplifies our fight at UConn, he could not be more right.  The only way to do our best work right now, to fight the virus and keep our families safe, is to do it together.  This virus has entered our lives, uniting us in our fight to keep each other safe and well.  You, my friends, have fought hard for three months.  You have earned this break and time away. But we can’t stop fighting now.  There is too much we love at stake.

Be well.  Come back soon.  I’ll see you in January.

Yours in the fight,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Campus Quarantine: We Need to Contain This – 11/13/20

Subject: Campus Quarantine: We Need to Contain This

Dear Huskies,

We don’t have the COVID spread under control.  I need us to do more to ensure that we are able to return home to our families healthy.  Please read this email (it’s long, I know) carefully.

The bottom line: UConn is implementing a modified quarantine for our entire residential campus beyond the buildings already quarantined, and residential students must receive a PCR exit test before leaving for Thanksgiving break.

Let’s walk through this together.

Here is the latest testing data and the recent increases that we have seen over the past week:

As I shared on Wednesday, there are additional steps that we need to take.  First, today’s test results indicate that existing residential quarantine protocols need to be extended beyond the halls named Wednesday to include the following halls:

  • Busby Suites
  • Russell Hall
  • Alsop A
  • Fairfield Hall
  • Litchfield Hall

Students who live in the residence halls listed above must continue to follow all the quarantine protocols including online learning.

IN ADDITION: Our efforts to contain spread require us to take additional measures as a residential community.  As a result, all other Storrs residential students not currently in residential quarantine will need to follow a modified quarantine beginning today at 5 p.m. and lasting until the residential system closes on Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.

A modified quarantine means that all quarantine procedures apply to these remaining students with the exception that they are permitted to attend class in person, participate in clinical placement, and participate in essential research functions conducted at UConn. You must continue to wear masks, follow medical advice, refrain from gatherings, and remain in your rooms.  You may go to class or other academic activities, pick up food at the dining halls, participate in COVID testing, and go for walks outside away from other people.

If you have been contacted by SHaW and placed under a medical quarantine or isolation please follow the instructions in your secure messages.  Students who are under medical quarantine or isolation will be advised by SHaW if they need to remain on campus beyond Nov. 20 for medical reasons.

Given how close we are to the Thanksgiving holiday, it is now required that residential students be exit tested prior to checking-out of the residence halls and returning home.  SHaW will be providing exit testing at the Field House, every day, including weekends, from Nov. 13 through Nov. 18 for Storrs students.  Residential students will be tested over the weekend.  Residential Life will provide more detailed information to residents by Friday evening.

Students already tested after Tuesday, Nov. 10 do not need to obtain an exit test.

In person student activities and use of the Rec Center will also be suspended through Nov. 20.  All dining halls will be considered quarantine dining and will convert to take-out by 5 p.m. today.

Finally, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health continues to provide guidance to college students traveling during the holiday.  Please review this carefully as well.

This is about family, my friends.  We all want to go home and be with our loved ones.  It is essential that we return home to our families in our best health.  The only way to achieve this is by containing the current spread on campus and obtaining testing results through SHaW.

As a reminder, a negative test result does not eliminate the importance of physical distancing, wearing masks or face coverings, and frequent hand washing. These are the measures that truly keep everyone safe.

We are your family, too, Huskies.  As always, if you are unable to return home for medical reasons, we will support you.  Let’s continue to take good care of one another, contain this virus, and be with those we love.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

COVID Increase at Storrs: additional quarantine needed – 11/10/20

Subject: COVID Increase at Storrs: additional quarantine needed

Dear Huskies,

This morning, I was made aware of 11 on-campus and 23 off-campus positive test results.  Unfortunately, our good health and this good weather may have invited some of us to be more relaxed in our behaviors. This is our highest number of positive cases reported in a single day since testing began at UConn.

With the holidays so close, it is essential that we take significant steps to contain the spread of this virus at UConn. We do this not only for ourselves, but for those loved ones we are so eager to see in good health.

All of our most recent on-campus positives have been scattered through five residence halls. Starting tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m., the following residential buildings will be under quarantine until further notice:

  • Belden Hall
  • Batterson Hall
  • Tolland Hall
  • Middlesex Hall
  • Werth Hall

Students living in those buildings will be required to follow quarantine procedures including testing, take-out dining from our designated quarantine dining halls and online education.  If the quarantine period extends beyond Nov. 20th, when the residence halls close for winter recess, students will receive guidance on how to quarantine at home if they choose to do so.  Students who are unable to return home for quarantine will be accommodated through SHaW.

Testing continues to be available to all students Monday through Friday at the Field House.  Additional information on signing up for a testing appointment can be found hereIt is important that all quarantine students be tested.  SHaW will be sending all quarantined students information on testing through secured messaging.

The measures announced today may only be a first step.  The University continues to vigorously monitor testing and waste water to determine if additional measures are necessary.

UConn is not immune from the risk of COVID and the dangers it presents to ourselves and those we love.  Recent events at nearby universities remind us that large gatherings and failing to follow universal precautions can have a dramatic consequence on our ability to be a Husky family.

It is of critical importance that we stay strong, stay connected and continue to care for the health and safety of others.  We know how to do this.  Our success, to date, has been earned through your great work.  Let’s not put that in jeopardy.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

It’s Our Time: UConn Voices in the Election – 11/2/20

Subject: It's Our Time:  UConn Voices in the Election

Dear Huskies,

We’ve waited four years for this – the United States Presidential election of 2020.

Tomorrow, Americans will vote for one of the most important positions in global governance while also selecting leaders in community, state, and other federal roles.  Our international friends are equally committed to the role the United States will play as host to students from throughout the world.

Now is the time to be heard and, in keeping with President Katsouleas’ and Provost Lejuez’s earlier message, we encourage you to participate in this important election.  Participation certainly means voting but it also means that we must gather, connect, and support each other during such a critical time.  This is a call to care for and respect the many individuals that comprise the diversity of identity and ideas that are the UConn community.

With that in mind, we invite you to participate in activities that are being hosted on and around Election Day.  Of note, USG and PIRG will be hosting a watch party featuring Provost Lejuez and Sara Lejuez, a long time journalist with global expertise, at 7 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Student Union with a visit from President Katsouleas at the start of the event.  Registration is required and the event is only available to UConn students.

We want all students to feel connected and part of the UConn nation regardless of whether you are an online learner at home or an in person learner living on campus.  For those who are unable to come together in person, Student Affairs and the Office of the Provost will be hosting a virtual watch party at 7 p.m. with live participation from numerous UConn faculty including Professor Joe MacDougald from UConn Law, Professor Mohamad Alkadry from the Department of Public Policy and Professor and President Emeritus, Susan Herbst from the Department of Political Science.  To attend the event beginning at 7 p.m., click here and enter the password UConnVotes.

Finally, Residential Life is hosting a series of watch parties for residential students featuring members of the faculty and the Hall Director staff.

We will come together and participate in some of the greatest traditions of higher education tomorrow: celebrating the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas that define the democratic experience.  Yet, this year, I fear we do so with great caution.  On too many occasions, certain individuals or groups have demonstrated a lack of care and respect for the diverse identities we hold, with the most recent events negatively targeting difference within the contexts of religion, race, and gender.

UConn is a community that cares for and protects the identities of all students.  In doing so, we will not tolerate acts of discrimination, bias, or intolerance.  Join us in upholding the UConn Promise, coming together as a campus community, and choosing to care for each other.

Always,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Michael Hernández

President, Undergraduate Student Government

COVID-19 on the rise at UConn – 10/30/20

Subject: COVID-19 on the rise at UConn

Dear Huskies,

I’m worried. Earlier this morning, the medical team informed me that we have nine reported off-campus positive cases among our students, in addition to three on-campus.  This presents a jump in the off-campus positivity rate to 5.6% and is UConn’s highest single day total in weeks.

There is no indication that these cases are related to one another or stem from a common source, meaning they are scattered. This is cause for even greater concern, especially in light of the fact that the state’s positivity rate has jumped in recent days.

Here is the information that was shared with me:

On campus we continue to be healthy and there is no indication in the waste water or in testing results that we are seeing a comparable increase in COVID-19.  It is also important to note that the recent increase in off campus positive cases is not affiliated with an event or gathering.  This is the reality of COVID-19 as it surges throughout the state of Connecticut, our country, and our world.

I have no choice but to insist that on campus residential students be prohibited from attending off campus social gatherings through Nov 4 at 8am.  This is essential to our health and safety.  On campus residential students who attend off-campus social gatherings will be referred to Community Standards by Connecticut State Police.  Please note this only applies to social gatherings and does not apply to voting on Nov 3.

Further, off campus students are strongly encouraged to participate in surveillance testing today from 9am to 3pm at the Field House.    Surveillance testing and point of care testing for symptomatic students is available throughout the semester.

As students, you have done incredible work in caring for others and being safe.  The University does have a number of events planned for Halloween weekend, and I encourage you to participate.

We are in this together.  Always.  I am so grateful for all that we have done to keep UConn safe and healthy as the virus aggressively spreads among our communities.  Please join me in redoubling those efforts.  We’ve got this.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

UConn’s Critical Time: Staying Safe and Having Fun – 10/29/20

Subject: UConn’s Critical Time: Staying Safe and Having Fun

Dear Huskies,

Good news.  Again.  As COVID cases continue to rise across the state, our country and our world, your actions have allowed us to continually present a low percentage of positive COVID-19 cases on our campuses.  Thanks to the incredible staff at Student Health and Wellness, here’s what we know:

What you can see is that UConn is doing very well, but the virus continues to be present in small upticks around campus that reflect close contacts not following university precautions through small, unmasked gatherings.  More concerning is the continued rise of cases in our own state with recent news that the state of Connecticut’s positivity rate has rapidly increased to 4%.  We must be vigilant in our good work.

Our regional campuses exemplify the practice of mask wearing and distancing and have also reported little illness among students. To date, the University has been notified of 7 total positive student cases among all regional campuses.

Our success, however, lies in each of you.  Testing, while an effective measure of positive cases, is a poor measure of preventative behavior.  Our numbers are low throughout our campuses because each of you chooses to do the right thing: wear a mask, maintain physical distance, and let us know when you are feeling sick.

Which brings me to Halloween and something I have shared earlier: There are no days off from COVID.  There is no doubt that UConn students enjoy Halloween.  But this year enjoying Halloween can’t mean a friendly visit to a residence on Hunting Lodge Road without following universal precautions and the Governor’s orders on gatherings.  The Connecticut State Police, the Office of Community Standards and I are firmly aligned on this point.

If UConn is notified that you have hosted a gathering in violation of the Governor’s orders, Community Standards will issue an immediate campus restriction pending a complete investigation.  We know too much: Gatherings that exceed guidance where universal precautions are not observed cause the COVID-19 virus to spread.

What Halloween does and should mean is taking time to enjoy trick or treating on Fairfield Way, the Jack-O-Lantern walk at Mystic Seaport, rock climbing in your costume at the Rec Center, and, most importantly enjoying the drive-in movie that RHA and SUBOG organized in W-lot (nice job, Kailee!!).

Please celebrate this time together while always making safe choices that protect your health and the health of others.  Remember to follow all of the COVID guidance provided by SHaW and your medical provider.

Thank you for all that you do for each other and for UConn.  The data is clear: Your actions are making a difference.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Storrs Campus COVID Positive Test Rate Comparative Report – 10/14/20

Subject: Storrs Campus COVID Positive Test Rate Comparative Report

Dear Huskies,

I’ve got some (more) great news.  I know you appreciated seeing your data the last time I wrote you.  With that in mind, the SHaW medical team and I put this together.  Take a look:

UConn Storrs Campus COVID Positive Test Rate Comparative Report

That’s right.  We have not had one on-campus residential positive COVID-19 test in 8 days.  That includes all “point of care” tests (students who come to SHaW for care when they are feeling sick) and surveillance testing (students who are not symptomatic and are selected to come for testing in the Field House, or who come to be tested on their own). This includes the results of over 2000 tests since October 1st.  Our residential population is healthier than the country and the state.

Wow.  I feel really confident about this measure of our health.  There has been some concern expressed in the state about students getting tested off campus and not disclosing results to their university.  Fortunately, at UConn we have two great partnerships going for us.  First, our relationship with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health and the Eastern Highlands Health District is such that any COVID positive UConn student test result is shared with SHaW – regardless of where you are tested (although the tests are free at UConn).

The second partnership with Microbial Analysis, Resources, and Services (MARS), Facilities Operations, and the Institute for Systems Genomics shows us that our waste water testing present trace levels of COVID-19.  Even if you aren’t tested through surveillance testing at UConn, well, you do contribute to our waste water system.  We are healthy.  And I am so proud of our collective efforts to be healthy and together as a community.

However, I want you to look at the second line of the graph.  The off-campus testing results.  Also impressive and below the state and national levels.  Yet higher than the on-campus rate.  I want you to know why.

Not entirely, but that’s the result of one off-campus gathering that was in violation of the governor’s orders for indoor gatherings. Five positive cases resulted.  We cannot take chances.  When we take off our masks and gather closely together, we get sick.   Sick with an illness that has touched the lives of millions and hobbled our country. When student actions are reported to the University that endanger the health and safety of others, they will be referred to Community Standards for review.

That brings me to Halloween.  It would be nice to have a day off from COVID. I’m afraid we can’t.  The off-campus data shows us that’s just not the case.

Walking around campus, I see how UConn perseveres through your actions: virtual communities, S’mores, movie nights at Sherman field, and fitness classes show how we continue to build community and be our best Huskies during this challenging time.  As students, you have brought that life to campus, you have shown everyone how much your university means to you, and you have kept us safe and healthy.  Please continue to stay active and involved in our uKindness initiative.

I know this is hard and can take a toll on your mental health.  Monday night, participants in the UConn NAACP chapter’s town hall reemphasized the need for us to do all we can to support the mental health of our students. I agree and this is something UConn works at every day. As Dean Heller and I conclude the final report of the President’s Mental Health Task Force, we will have more to share about this important topic.  For now, please know that SHaW Mental Health is available to you and there is availability for telemedicine appointments.

I am so grateful to all of you and how much you care for one another.  Let’s keep it up, UConn.

My best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

COVID at UConn: Continuing On Our Path to Success – 10/6/20

Subject: COVID at UConn: Continuing On Our Path to Success

Dear Huskies,

We keep doing this.

I wanted to take a moment and share with you that, over the course of the last several days, our positivity rate has dropped to less than one percent.  These results include over 1,400 COVID-19 tests administered by Student Health and Wellness on the Storrs campus during the period of September 28-October 2.

COVID test results table

The students included in this testing include residential and non-residential students on the Storrs campus.  This low positivity rate is supported by our pooled and wastewater sampling.

In a time of increased rates of infection, UConn has proven to be an outlier.  With one of the largest residential populations and rate of in-person learning among flagships in the region, we have one of the lowest rates of COVID infection as of today.

We have done this together and I am particularly grateful to the students who have joined our exceptional medical and residential teams in this work.  Together, we have followed universal precautions such as mask wearing and physical distancing.  Together, you have made sacrifices including periodic quarantining, participating in pooled and surveillance testing, and, when necessary, isolation.

I am incredibly grateful to our students.  UConn’s plans, protocols, and practices can only be effective if our community follows them. The vast majority of you did. Thank you for all that you have done to keep us safe and open.  You have consistently made concessions and sacrifices as you keep yourself and other Huskies safe.  We all love UConn and, because of your efforts, we remain open.

But: this is not over. There is much ahead.  Your continued due diligence always matters.  As Halloween approaches, please keep in mind recent DPH guidance.  It is critical that we avoid large gatherings and smaller inside gatherings.  I know UConn loves Halloween and I’m thankful to students and colleagues who will be announcing safe and fun programming throughout Halloween weekend on the uKindness website.

As students, you have defied all stereotypes associated with risky behavior.  Of course you have.  You should be proud and I am thankful for the future you will lead following the challenges of this pandemic.

I remain grateful to all of you.  And concerned for your health.  Please continue to be safe, care for one another, and follow our UConn Promise.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Provost’s Message: Working together to move forward – 10/2/20

Dear UConn Community:

COVID-19 and the return to the UConn learning experience have presented our university with unprecedented challenges. We write today to celebrate our ability to maintain our core values, give you more information about the presence of COVID on our campuses, and indicate our path forward.

COVID-19 at UConn

We have learned a great deal over the past several weeks about balancing community well-being and educational progress in the midst of COVID-19. Together, we have used our strength as a research university to solve a complex problem and reopen UConn safely. We are grateful to the partnerships that have emerged throughout our campuses, administration, student and campus services, UConn Health, and the academic schools and colleges.

Our current infection rate is around 1%. This is a remarkable accomplishment. To date, our spread among students is because of small interactions such as card games, common meals, and other informal interactions. For all of us, our risk of spread is avoidable through our own individual actions, as expressed in the UConn Promise. This includes monitoring your health, participating in random surveillance testing, following guidelines for mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing, and heeding medical guidance provided by your primary medical provider. These are all especially important as we head into colder weather and spend more time indoors.

While we are hardly declaring victory, it is important to acknowledge the hard work of our community to promote safety in maintaining a largely safe and healthy environment on our campuses.

UConn Research and Innovation

As we planned for reopening this fall semester, we benefitted from workgroups that were enriched by the research talents of many partners, including InCHIP, Institute for Systems Genomics, MARS, CLEAR, and our epidemiology expertise in UConn Health.

We encourage you to learn more about these intersections of research and practice through upcoming events. InCHIP is hosting a series of panels, detailed on their website. The Provost’s Office is also hosting a research forum that features panelists involved in the innovative work in wastewater testing and pooled sampling on the Storrs campus, managed collaboratively among MARS, Institute for Systems Genomics, CLEAR, and Student Health and Wellness. This forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 5 to 6 p.m. More information is available on the Provost’s Office website. We welcome suggestions for future panels via provost@uconn.edu.

The Path Forward

Plans are underway for the spring term, which we are approaching with optimism and humility, working closely with many organizations, including the Senate Executive Committee, AAUP, UCPEA, and USG. We expect to make key decisions prior to the opening of registration in late October building on what we have learned from the fall semester.

Spring will likely be quite similar to the fall with continued decreased residential occupancy (currently around 5,000 students at Storrs) and continued medical due diligence through testing and surveillance. Students received a message today with more details on housing availability, including the option to retain their housing assignment from fall to spring.

Student events and activities continue to be guided by activities and program information that is available here. We have learned that building safe and connected campuses is enhanced by small in-person and virtual activities, examples of which appear on the uKindness site. We welcome all campuses and departments to submit events and activities to uKindness.

We are grateful to students, including leadership in USG and GSS who have shared thoughts on maintaining a meaningful connection between instructors and students in the spring, and many other critical university actions.

Our physical and mental health are deeply entwined and many are experiencing stress during this time. Students are reminded and encouraged to utilize SHaW-Mental Health resources. Faculty and staff are reminded of the support provided through the Employee Assistance Program.

Thank you, UConn, for your combined effort in keeping us safe and allowing us to return to in-person learning and research. Thanks to all of you, we are in this for the long haul.

Sincerely,

Carl and Elly

Carl Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Eleanor JB Daugherty
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Good News for UConn’s Health

Subject: Good News for UConn's Health

Dear Huskies,

I am happy to share that, due to the conscientious actions of our Garrigus residents, the building has been lifted from residential quarantine.

As you know, over two weeks ago the positive COVID-19 cases confirmed from Garrigus testing resulted in a disproportionately high number of positives when compared with the remainder of the campus.  Student Health and Wellness determined that it was necessary to test the entire building, continue surveillance testing, and place the building in quarantine.  That quarantine prevented students from engaging in in-person learning and in-person dining until our spread was contained.

After careful monitoring and compliance, we have achieved our goal of halting the spread of the virus in Garrigus.  This is a heroic undertaking for everyone.  Together, we flattened the curve.

Our residential community has been open, safe, and healthy for four weeks.  A month.  It is honest to say that many of us wondered if we would reach this place as a community.  The only way we have been able to achieve this success, so far, is through our collective care and concern for one another.  We must not stop.

As always, I remind you that the spread of COVID-19 at UConn is up to us to control.  We have consistently reported low infection rates of less than 1% in our residential community.  As students, you have been vigilant and you have given up a great deal to maintain a healthy campus.  That being said, spread occurs at UConn among those who are not consistently wearing masks and not keeping 6 feet of distance from one another.  The spread of COVID-19 is not forgiving: the efforts we need to take are both that simple and that important.  Let’s keep doing what we do: staying open and staying healthy.

A couple of reminders:

  • Medical Clearance:  Any student who is in isolation needs to be medically cleared by SHaW.  Once cleared, their health is no longer considered a risk to themselves or to the campus community and they should be welcomed back to the UConn community. Students in quarantine may re-enter the campus community when they reach the end of their quarantine period. No clearance is necessary.
  • Community: Student Affairs has done incredible work building safe and healthy ways to connect virtually and in person as a community.  Please continue to refer (and submit!) to the uKindness
  • Dining:  Effective Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 am, Putnam Dining will return to normal operations and will be open to all students that have a meal plan. We would like to thank everyone for their flexibility while Putnam was utilized for the residents of Garrigus Suites.
  • Address information: It is important, particularly for off campus residents, that we have your current local address.  Please update your “current address” field with your Storrs/Mansfield address if you are living off-campus.

As I write this, I am mindful that COVID-19 is not over.  We are in this for the long haul and much will continue to be asked of all of us.  As you know, the Oaks apartment complex is now in quarantine.  They, too, must take the same steps taken by the Garrigus residents to ensure their health is safeguarded.

Be safe, my friends.  Be well.  Let’s do this.

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Labor Day Concerns

Subject: Labor Day Concerns

Dear Huskies,

I need to bring serious concerns to your attention immediately.

I have just completed a call with our outstanding Student Health & Wellness medical team.  Our most recent surveillance test results of over 350 students have revealed 13 new positive cases.  This is a concern as we enter the Labor Day weekend.

I learned this morning that state police responded to two different off-campus gatherings last night.  These gatherings will be reviewed by the Office of Community Standards for violations of the Student Code.  An initial update from the state police is not definitive, but it is worrisome.  Please be assured that off-campus activities are as endangering to the health and safety of others as on campus and they will be reviewed in that light.

The vast majority of our students are being careful and following health guidelines. However, those who aren’t are getting sick or getting others sick.

The majority of these 13 positive cases were already identified by SHaW as being a close contact of another positive student and were in quarantine.  This is a good indication of the success of contact tracing in anticipating the likelihood of future positive cases and reducing risk to the greater community.  Second, it is another point of affirmation that our students are freely disclosing their close contacts when interviewed by SHaW staff and ensuring their friends are provided prompt access to care.  For that, as always, I thank you for your due diligence and care for one another.

Whether the gatherings are large or small, I must again share with you that these exposures occur when individuals are in close contact with one another – less than six feet – and not wearing a mask.  This is as simple as having a few friends in your room and playing card games, video games, watching Netflix – things that I am sure many of us can relate to.  These acts appear innocent and understandable during a time when so much has been sacrificed.  They are not innocent and they are putting your health and the health of others at risk.

Today is a beautiful day.  I want you to enjoy it.  But we must not relax the universal precautions that we know keep our community safe: wear a mask, stay with your family unit, maintain physical distance, and remain on campus this weekend.

Be safe, my friends.  We’ve made it this far- let’s not stop now.

My best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Student Access to Testing

Dear Storrs Students,

Our combined commitment to keep our campuses healthy and halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community continues.  I write today to update you on our work to practice routine surveillance testing.

For large residential campuses such as ours, practicing routine surveillance is an obligation of the reopening plan provided to the state Department of Public Health.  UConn-Storrs surveillance obligations include routinely testing non-symptomatic students on our campus.  Students are randomly selected to participate in surveillance testing by Student Health and Wellness.  All students are encouraged to be tested regardless of whether they have been randomly selected.

NON-Symptomatic Testing:

On-Campus Testing:

September 8-10:

Hours: 9am-1pm
Location: South Campus tent, in front of Rome

September 14-November 20
Hours: 9am-3pm
Location: Field House
Note: Student will be able to schedule a testing appointment beginning later this week through SHaW.

Off-Campus Testing (organized by Eastern Highlands Health District):

September 9
Hours: 2-6pm
Location: Betsy Patterson Square

Pooled Sampling Testing:

Student Health and Wellness is involved in an innovative partnership with the UConn Institute for System Genomics and MARS that will launch a pooled sampling strategy for non-symptomatic students.  This approach significantly increases the number of individuals that can be tested in a short period of time.

Starting this week, SHaW will launch and eventually expand pooled sampling.  Students will provide a saliva sample in a tube.  Samples from multiple individuals are then pooled together or batched into one sample and then tested.  If a pooled sample is negative, all individuals in that pooled sample are deemed negative.  If the pooled sample is positive, then all the individuals in that pool will need to have a CoV2 diagnostic test provided by SHaW. For residential students, pooled sample saliva kits will be distributed and collected in your residential hall.  The expanded pooled sampling will include designated sites for saliva sampling around campus for non-residential students that will be promoted through the Daily Digest.

Symptomatic Testing

If you are a student experiencing any symptoms, regardless of whether you live on or off campus, please contact the SHaW Advice Nurse at 860-486-4700.  The Advice Nurse is available to Storrs students 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Coming Up:

Your continued good health matters –particularly as we enter flu season. SHaW will be in touch regarding flu clinics later this month.  It is important that you receive the flu vaccine.

Our connection to each other and building a health-minded community is so important during this time.  I am happy to share that, because of our good health and precautionary behavior such as mask wearing and physical distancing, Student Activities will begin hosting small in person activities while also increasing awareness of virtual and in-person events through the uKindess site.  More to come!

In closing, I thank you for your commitment to the UConn Promise and to caring for one another.  Remember that a test result reflects your health in a moment in time.  A test result should never be seen as replacing the need for universal precautions such as mask wearing, physical distancing of 6 feet, and good hygiene.

Thank you for all that you do to keep us healthy, open, and safe.  Every action makes a difference.

All good things,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at UConn

Subject: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at UConn

The following message is being sent from Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Eleanor JB Daugherty and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Frank Tuitt:

The beginning of the academic year is a time when we are reminded of the uniqueness of our UConn community.  We are proud that UConn is a place where people are able to learn about and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of all of our students.

Over the course of the past several months, we experienced the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—economic insecurity, loss of life, and uncertainty about the future. As a nation, we witnessed the brutal murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery.  This dehumanization of Black people and the senseless violence against people of color are not new. However, the documentation of these killings prompted some of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history against White supremacy, systemic oppression and anti-Black racism. In these unprecedented times, we more than ever need to be intentional about creating spaces for our community to be able process these experiences, learn about the history and impact of such events while holding each other accountable for the harmful behaviors that contradict an antiracist and inclusive environment.

As a university community, we must embrace the expression of varied opinions while also insisting that expression occur in an environment of mutual respect.  The exchange of ideas that occurs throughout our community creates a spirit of dialogue that is not only welcome, but absolutely necessary on university campuses like UConn in order to offer the most engaging and vibrant educational experience to our students. It is through inquiry, the exploration of ideas, and exposure to opinions and opportunities that are new to us that UConn is able to thrive as an academic community in ways that are both challenging and rewarding. This allows us to grow, increase awareness, and inspire change in a complex world.

To facilitate such an environment, our students need to feel empowered and equipped to engage in healthy and effective dialogue on issues such as racial justice, equity, and systemic racism. Consequently, we continue to provide opportunities for our students to learn about and participate in programming that would promote an inclusive and equitable community. For example, the Welcome to the Pack video-based module provides critical information about bias, microaggressions, prejudice, and stereotypes.

It is the responsibility of all of us to steward these values throughout the course of our experience at UConn and beyond.   Through our collective efforts, UConn remains a home for discovery that enables us to fulfill our mission for our students as well as for our state, the nation, and the world.

While free expression is important in having productive dialogue, the University acts when harm occurs to members of our community.  In January of 2015, the University developed its Bias Response Protocol to support students who experience an incident that either is or appears to be bias-related.  Such incidents are shared with the University of Connecticut Police Department and the Office of Community Standards to review for possible criminal and/or violations of  the The Student Code.

In the past academic year, 82 bias referrals were made and all were reviewed by the University.  A summary of the complaints is exhibited here:

Please note that the previous chart reflects all forms of bias reported to the University.  This chart reflects incidents that may be reported twice because two or more actions occurred.

UConn is committed to being one of the world’s leading institutions by encouraging the expression of ideas within a highly diverse community of scholars and students.  We welcome the voices of our students in this important work, and we look forward to another successful academic year.

Best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Garrigus Residence Hall 8/27/20

Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2020 4:46 PM
Subject:  Message from Provost and Dean of Students (Garrigus Residence Hall)

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Today the University made the important decision to proactively place the Garrigus residence hall under medical quarantine. This was a decision that was thoughtfully and appropriately determined by Student Health and Wellness, with the support of University leadership, after seeing a heightened presence of COVID positive cases among Garrigus residents. This rate is disproportionate to the positive cases we have seen among other residential locations.

Due to a heightened presence of COVID-positive cases among Garrigus residents and in order to minimize the risk and help to effectively control the spread of the virus, UConn Student Health and Wellness has determined that access to Putnam Refectory will be limited to residents of Garrigus Suites until further notice.

Beginning tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 28, all other students with meal plans who dine in residential dining facilities can obtain their meals only at South, McMahon, Northwest and North.

As we know all too well, this is a dynamic time for our campus, our community and our world. The presence of the COVID-19 virus has caused all of us to make sacrifices and adjust some of the fundamental ways we connect with one another.

As we return to class, we will need to do so with physical distance, masking, and virtual learning. These are the realities that we face as we return to in-person instruction. The UConn Promise details the measures we must all take to ensure health and safety.

We must also be vigilant in our care when illness presents among the UConn community. The University COVID Dashboard reflects the reality of positive cases among our students, faculty, and staff.

As we enter the academic term, we are prepared to again take these measures when we need to aggressively control spread of the virus. Students missing class will be accommodated through the Dean of Students office and our regional campus student services colleagues. Faculty will be directly contacted if a student requires some academic accommodation.

Despite our challenges, we look forward to a successful academic term and thank you for your commitment to a healthy UConn.

Our best,

Carl W. Lejeuz, PhD

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Fall 2020 Welcome

Subject: Fall 2020 Welcome

Welcome back.

In many ways, I am amazed that we have gotten to this point of a return to in person learning.  I thank all of you –whether you will be learning on campus or from home- for your continued commitment to keeping us safe.  Your actions matter and I am grateful.

It took so much work for all of us to get to this place.  There is now, however, more work that needs to be done by all of us to keep UConn open.  I need your help.

You have heard me say on many occasions that I believe in you.  I do.  I believe in our love of being Huskies and in our compassion for one another.  I do need to take the time to review with you how seriously these COVID related measures are and how we will be enforcing these expectations during the fall term.

As you know, the world is experiencing a health crisis.  We must follow and enforce increased health and safety measures for the safety of our community.  As a result, it is essential that students observe universal precautions such as mask wearing and physical distancing, follow quarantine and isolation procedures as directed by the university and your medical care provider, and comply with university and state advisories on gathering.

As ordered by Governor Lamont, it is required that UConn students follow Executive Order 7III.  To that end: please note that “willfully refusing or failing to self-quarantine or complete the Travel Health Form truthfully and accurately shall be subject to a civic penalty of up to one thousand dollars.”

As a student traveling from any state impacted by the travel advisory, you are required to participate in the self-quarantine regardless of whether you are residing on or off campus.  As a reminder, upon coming to Connecticut, you are required to complete an on-line travel health form within 24-hours of arrival.  You can find that form at ct.gov/travelform

Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the potential harm poor choices can have upon ourselves and others.  As such, I remind you that your behavior is subject to the Code whether you live on or off campus.  Our enforcement of the Code’s description of endangering behavior is particularly relevant now and will be enforced by the University with mindfulness towards the unique health and safety implications during this pandemic.

The Student Code is available at www.community.uconn.edu.  It is expected that you will familiarize yourself with this document.

All students living in on-campus housing, whether on the Storrs or Stamford campus, will be required to follow the temporary health and safety procedures distributed to students earlier this summer and available on the Residential Life website.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action including removal from housing.

Being a college or university student is both challenging and exciting.  I think it is important to always remind you that you are never alone in facing – and conquering- those challenges. There are no perfect students at UConn.  The uniqueness of this community is found in how we support one another and ask for help when we need it.

Please make use of the extraordinary staff found in your school’s Academic Advising, Residential Life, Counseling, Student Health, and the Dean of Students office.  Areas like Residential Life, Student Health and Wellness Services and University Police offer 24/7 coverage during the academic year and are available whenever you need them.

My colleagues and I believe in all of you and the enormous potential you have in leading and transforming the future as UConn alumni.   Please let us know whenever you need us.

Best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

UConn’s Services for Students, Outreach Activities and Other Information Regarding Coronavirus

To the University Community:

We write today to update the UConn community with information related to coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, which has dramatically impacted many aspects of life and business worldwide.

The virus emerged at a very difficult time when many UConn students and scholars were home for winter vacation in China, where the outbreak has been centered. Some UConn students and scholars have faced a delayed return to campus for the new semester, and are understandably worried about family and loved ones at home.

UConn Nation is one caring and united community. We empathize with all of our community members who have been personally impacted by Covid-19, and we are here to support them.

While we understand that many people may fear for their health and that of their loved ones, we urge you to join us by advocating against hurtful, hateful and insensitive behaviors that are not appropriate in this global health crisis and contradict our values. There is no place for those behaviors on our campuses.

Many UConn students have inquired about what they can do to help. In addition to providing a welcoming environment for your peers, we encourage interested student organizations to work with UConn Community Outreach on relief and fundraising efforts.

We also believe it is important to recognize the efforts of various offices who have gathered information and conducted outreach activities related to the virus.

UConn Student Health and Wellness has created a coronavirus webpage and offers a phone hotline to provide the latest information on the virus. It has provided free individual health screenings to students who recently traveled to China, and has been diligently following federal and state guidelines for managing risk related to the virus.

UConn International Student and Scholar Services has worked to identify international students who are most at risk of being impacted by mobility restrictions caused by the virus. That office has also worked with campus partners to provide options and support for students and scholars who were unable to return from China for spring semester, and to guide students who returned late due to travel delays. In addition, it has worked with the Chinese Consulate in New York to identify resources for Chinese citizens in need due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Office of the Provost has also collaborated with deans and faculty members to offer support for students who were delayed in their efforts to begin their spring semester classes.

The University is preparing options for students who do not wish to travel outside the U.S. during the summer. We are working to ensure a productive and relaxing summer for these students, including opportunities for them to participate in dynamic courses and enrichment experiences. Once these options are available, we will announce them.

Please note, there have been no known cases of Covid-19 at the University of Connecticut or within the state of Connecticut. Students, staff and faculty who have recently returned from China should already be past the two-week quarantine period. As of Feb. 14, 2020, there are no UConn Storrs students who are in the 14-day coronavirus monitoring period.

We remind students to take precautions to stay healthy as we move into peak flu season, including by getting your flu vaccination if you have not already done so, washing hands frequently, and staying home if you are ill. With spring around the corner, we hope that the severe impacts of this virus are behind us.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to further support you.

--

Nathan Fuerst

Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management

Michael Gilbert

Vice President for Student Affairs

Daniel Weiner

Vice President for Global Affairs

Tragic Loss in Our UConn Community

Dear Students,

Over the course of the last several hours, our community has learned about a tragic incident on the Storrs campus. UConn student Tianyin Shang was discovered yesterday in the area of Mirror Lake by UConn Police. Her condition was grave and despite every effort to revive her, she did not survive and was pronounced dead at Windham Hospital on Monday afternoon.

A loss in our community like this is impossible to comprehend. Last night, my colleagues and I spent time with her friends and we will continue to reach out to those who knew Tianyin best.  I have learned that Tianyin, or Skyine as she was known to her friends, was proud of her Chinese heritage, excelled in math, was a friend to many in her residential community, and a rising star on the UConn Western Equestrian Team.

She is deeply missed, and many are struggling to understand her death. During the course of the next few days, we will remember, we will grieve and we will seek to cherish her contributions to our lives. The University has been in contact with her family and will provide all our support during this difficult time.

Her loss touches all of us in different ways.  Our grief for Tianyin’s loss – no matter how well we knew her -- will impact us in a myriad of ways.  Please know that the University is here for you:

  • Student Health and Wellness – Mental Health:  Mental Health Services is available to provide support to the Storrs student community at this time of loss.  Mental Health Services is located on the 4th floor of Arjona and their website lists information regarding their hours of service. Additionally on their website, you will find information on managing grief and loss.
  • On Call: A Counselor-on-Call and crisis information is available to you, all day, every day.  The Counselor on Call is available after hours by calling 860-486-4705.
  • Residential Life: The Residential Life staff team are available 24/7 to support members of the University residential population in need of support.  They can be contacted at 860-486-2926, or through the Resident Assistants on duty.
  • Dean of Students: The Dean of Students Office located on the 2nd floor of Wilbur Cross is available to assist students struggling with the loss of their classmate. You may make an appointment by calling 860-486-3426 or stop in to meet with a staff member during business hours, Monday – Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm. Staff in the Dean of Students Office are available to help you connect with support services as needed.
  • Student Care Team: If you are concerned about the well-being of a community member, call 911.  If it is not an emergency please complete a referral for the Student Care team.

Please take time to care for yourself and your fellow students during this difficult time. As a community we will support one another. I am continually touched by the students, faculty, staff, and organizations, like Active Minds, that seek to support each other.  I am grateful to be among such a community of compassionate Huskies.  Please, ask for help.  We’re here.

Yours,

Eleanor JB Daugherty
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Spring 2020 Winter Welcome

Dear Students,

Happy New Year! We look forward to your return to campus.

As you pack, make sure your cold weather attire includes lined coats, mittens, hats, extra blankets and waterproof boots.  For those of you with cars, emergency supplies such as a flashlight, batteries, ice scraper and traction sand are important.  Water and non-perishable food will also be important to keep available for when you cannot easily leave your residence. If you are not feeling well or need a flu vaccine, please contact Student Health and Wellness.

When there are severe weather conditions, keep in mind that the campus is an enormous physical plant and our resources are prioritized when clearing snow.  Your safety is our top concern and we encourage you to monitor emergency messages on our campus Alert site at alert.uconn.edu and the Winter Storm Guide.   Please also be mindful of campus policies if you need to miss a class.  For those who rely on public transportation to get to and from campus, please stay aware of any transportation changes.

Facilities Operations is a department focused on keeping our buildings and grounds clear and safe during severe weather.  This department is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and has a downloadable mobile app for requesting on campus work orders.  The workers you have come to know inside the buildings help with storm related issues outside.  Please be cognizant of them operating equipment, and recognize certain service levels may not be reached during inclement weather.

During severe weather, the clearing of snow is prioritized to focus immediately on:

  • Access for emergency vehicles (fire, police, and EMT)
  • Student access to critical areas like Student Health and Wellness and the Dining Halls
  • Emergency building repairs

Once the above priorities have been satisfied, Facilities Operations and Building Services will then work to clear roads and enable access for:

  • Transportation (i.e. UConn buses)
  • Access to academic buildings for classes
  • Waste Management
  • Parking Lots

We share this with you to stress that your health and safety are the University’s top priority.  It also means that some campus comforts may be delayed while we focus on making sure we provide for emergency services on campus.  During those times, it is important to stay safe, limit your activity outside, and follow the direction of University staff.  Any unsafe conditions on the UConn grounds should be reported to Facilities Operations and Building Services using the mobile app found on the MyUConn app or by calling 860-486-3113.

UConn is prepared to offer minimal disruption to classes and the functioning of the University.  It takes scores of individuals to keep the campus accessible and safe, and I know you will join me in appreciating their dedication to UConn students, staff and faculty.

Best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Michael Jednak

Associate Vice President for Facilities Operations and Building Services

P.S.  Membership in the Dean of Students Advisory Group remains open to the student body.  The next meeting is February 11.  If you are interested in joining, please email Cathy Downs at catherine.downs@uconn.edu. All are welcome!