About UConn

History of the University of Connecticut

Late in 1880, brothers Charles and Augustus Storrs donated land and money to start an agricultural school in Connecticut. More than 130 years later, the University of Connecticut has become one of the top 25 public universities in the nation.

UConn History Timeline

Published Histories of the University

There are three published histories of the University:

  • Connecticut Agricultural College – A History (The Tuttle, Morehouse & Taylor Company, New Haven: 1931) by Walter Stemmons
  • University of Connecticut – The College History Series (Arcadia Publishing, 2001) by Mark J. Roy '74 (CLAS), formerly of University Communications
  • Red Brick in the Land of Steady Habits: Creating the University of Connecticut, 1881-2006 (UPNE/Connecticut, 2006) by Bruce Stave, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus

Administration

University Administration & Governance

The administration of the University is determined in part by legislative enactment, in part by the Laws and By-Laws of the Board of Trustees, and in part by regulations and policy made by the President, the University Senate, and the several faculties.

Officers of the central administration are the President, the Provost, and the Vice Presidents. Each school, college, division, institute, and center has a dean or director, and each department has an executive officer, referred to as a head or chair.

Board of Trustees

The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees functions as a legislative body. The Board appoints the President; determines the general policy of the University, including the establishment of new schools and colleges; makes laws for its government; manages its investments; and directs the expenditure of funds.

The Board of Trustees comprises 21 members: 12 appointed by the Governor of Connecticut; two elected by students; two elected by alumni; and five ex-officio members, including the Governor and the commissioners of Agriculture, Economic and Community Development, and Education.

President

The President of the University of Connecticut is the chief executive of the University. In this capacity, the President is responsible for carrying out and enforcing all policies and regulations adopted by the Board for the operation of the University and is given authority requisite to that end.

The President regularly forms committees, task forces, or other bodies to engage with specific issues. Visit the Communications page on the President’s website for up-to-date information on such initiatives.

The President has several initiatives that he designates to committees ad hoc.

Provost

The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs is the University’s chief academic officer responsible for managing its academic operations. They also coordinate the formulation of policies and the administration of all the University’s schools, colleges, divisions, institutes, and regional campuses.

The Provost’s leadership team have oversight over aspects of undergraduate and graduate education, faculty and staff affairs, strategic initiatives, global affairs, and information technology.

Regional Campus Directors

Each of UConn’s regional campuses is governed by the Office of the Director, which provides governance and management for the functions of academics, administration, budget, infrastructure, research, outreach, and public engagement programming, reporting directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  • UConn Avery Point, located in Groton, Connecticut, is a center of excellence for marine and maritime studies and delivers an outstanding education in more traditional areas of study. It is home to Connecticut’s sea grant initiative and several research centers.
  • UConn Hartford leverages partnerships in its metropolitan Hartford neighborhood to provide a remarkable learning environment for a diverse student population and serving as a model of community service, opportunity, and success.
  • The UConn School of Law, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located two miles from the center of Hartford, Connecticut, and minutes from the State Capitol, courts and agencies, and the offices of Hartford’s law firms and corporations.
  • UConn Stamford is an urban campus at the center of a robust business community and energizing city, giving students tremendous access to learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
  • UConn Waterbury, located in a leading-edge facility in the heart of Waterbury’s revitalized downtown, provides educational access and excellence for thousands of Connecticut residents by promoting lifelong learning and community engagement.

President’s Cabinet and Vice Presidents

The President’s cabinet is composed of Vice Presidents who oversee the functional areas of the University’s operation. Vice Presidents include the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the chief academic officer; the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, the executive director of UConn Health; the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, the chief administrative and financial officer; the Vice President for Student Affairs, the chief student personnel officer; the Vice President for Research, the chief research officer; the Vice President for Communications; the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management; and other Vice President positions as defined by the President in the best interest of the University.

Council of Deans

The Council of Deans, which is convened by the Provost, consists of the deans of the schools and colleges and such others as the Provost deems appropriate.

University Laws and Bylaws

University Bylaws

The By-Laws of the University of Connecticut outline the organization of the Board of Trustees and define the officers of the University and their roles and responsibilities.

They also outline: membership, functions, officers, meetings, etc., of the schools and colleges, divisions, centers and institutes, and departments of the University and the University Senate; procedures regarding faculty and staff, including academic appointment and tenure, professional staff loads, termination, retirement, grievances, etc.; general policies and practices of the University including naming of facilities, intellectual property, establishment of regional campuses, student organizations, etc.; and criteria for awarding honorary degrees.

University Policy

University Policies and Procedures are official statements expressing the position of the University on issues of institution-wide importance. A policy guides the decisions and actions of the institution and is consistent with its mission.

University Committees

The University utilizes the talents of its faculty, staff, students, and others through the work of committees, commissions, task forces, and other permanent and ad hoc groups.

These groups work on a wide variety of policies and initiatives, from academic materials fees, capital projects planning, and parking, to childcare, the status of women, and the community partnership with the Town of Mansfield.

University Senate

The University Senate is a legislative body responsible for establishing minimum rules and general regulations of the educational program and mission of the institution, excluding the University of Connecticut Health Center, that are not reserved to the Board of Trustees, to the administration, to the Graduate Faculty Council, or to faculties.

The University Senate consists of 91 elected or appointed members: Three (3) administrative officers elected by and from a group composed of the deans of the schools and colleges which are Senate electoral constituencies; seventy-two (72) members elected by the faculty; nine (9) members elected by the professional staff; five (5) undergraduates appointed by the president of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG); two (2) graduate students appointed by the president of the Graduate Student Senate (GSS).

Ex-officio members of the University Senate include the president, the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, vice presidents, vice provosts, and associate vice presidents. Elections are held annually.

Senate Executive Committee

The Senate Executive Committee organizes and coordinates the business of the Senate and its committees. Its members constitute the faculty membership on the Trustee-Administration-Faculty-Student Committee.

  • Senate Committees
    The University has eight (8) standing committees and a nominating committee. Eligibility to serve on a committee is not limited to members of the Senate. The standing committees are responsible for: growth and development; faculty standards; enrollment; University budget; courses & curricula; scholastic standards; student welfare; and diversity.
  • Senate Representation on Committees Across the University
    Some members of the University Senate also serve on committees that function across the University, such as the Board of Trustee committees, the Building Names Committee, Space Committee, Parking Advisory Committee, and the UConn Foundation Board of Directors.

Student Governance

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) exists to represent and govern all undergraduate students and student groups and oversee the disbursement of student fees.

The purpose of the Graduate Student Senate is to represent the graduate community within the University community, serve as an advocate of the graduate community’s concerns and needs to both the University and non-University organizations, serve as a liaison between the graduate community and the administration, provide services to meet the special needs of the University’s diverse graduate community, enhance and encourage cooperation and association within the graduate community, and enrich the lives of graduate students at the University.

The Student Union Board of Governors (SUBOG) is the programming board on campus and handles most large on-campus events and concerts.

The Residence Hall Association is a student government body that serves as a liaison between residents of the University and Residential Life and Dining Services.

Campus Resources

Arts and Entertainment

The University offers a rich and diverse mix of cultural, social, and recreational activities to complement its academic and research endeavors. Theater and concerts, museum exhibitions and hands-on activities, lectures and seminars, athletic contests, and a wide range of dining opportunities are part of the overall University experience. The University maintains the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, the Connecticut Repertory Theater, the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, and the William Benton Museum of Art. These and other on-campus venues host local theater productions, concerts, exhibits, and recitals highlighting student and faculty artists and performers. Concert and performance series feature touring companies and renowned artists in music, theater, and dance productions. In addition to museum and art exhibitions, visitors can view other campus attractions including the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources animal barns and the Plant Biodiversity Conservatory and Research Center.

Campus Visitors

Visitors to the University’s main campus in Storrs are greeted at the Lodewick Visitors Center, which offers year-round tours for prospective students, their families, and guests. UConn Avery Point visitors can sign in at the Branford House Mansion Welcome Center to participate in a talk and tour of the maritime campus. UConn Hartford offers tours of the downtown Hartford campus for prospective undergraduate students and group visits for high schools and other groups. UConn Stamford visitors can take student-led campus tours year-round of the campus and residential hall. The campus also hosts special guest tours, Skype tours, group visits, and tours of the Digital Media and Design space. UConn Waterbury offers tours of the downtown Waterbury campus for prospective students and groups.

Dining

In addition to providing meals for the resident student population, Dining Services operates a number of retail operations throughout the main campus in Storrs, from formal dining to grab-and-go stores and cafés for light meals, snacks, and beverages. University Catering services include served meals, buffet meals, receptions, and coffee breaks for campus events. The UConn Dairy Bar has long been a community tradition. Since the 1950s, UConn student employees have assisted full-time staff in manufacturing and selling dairy products made with UConn’s own dairy herd milk. Products include eggs, yogurt, and cheeses. The Dairy Bar is open year-round and the hours of operation change according to the season. Downtown Storrs offers local eateries, shops, and entertainment steps from the main campus.

Fitness and Recreation

Access to the campus Recreation Center is available through paid membership, and faculty and staff can arrange payment through payroll deduction. Opened in 2019, the dynamic, three-story, 191,000-square-foot facility offers traditional fitness and recreation amenities, as well as an outdoor adventure center; an eight-lane, 25-yard competitive swimming pool; a mind-body studio with an outdoor terrace; a four-court gymnasium and two additional multi-purpose courts; a 56-foot-high climbing wall; a cycling studio; three racquetball courts; a three-lane track; and more. UConn Recreation also coordinates intramural and club sports. UConn is the home of the Huskies, with 24 men’s and women’s teams participating in NCAA Division I competition. The mission of the Division of Athletics is to develop student-athletes into well-rounded individuals who achieve academically and are active members of the community.

Lodging

The Graduate Storrs Hotel offers lodging accommodations, conference services, and a café for visitors to the Storrs campus.

University Communications

University Communications oversees a team of communications specialists responsible for cultivating and telling UConn’s story to a broad audience. University Communications publishes news and editorial content through UConn Today, UConn Magazine and UConn Health Journal; pitches UConn research and news to local and national media; oversees the University’s official social media accounts; publishes the monthly “UConn at Work” newsletter to communicate with all employees; develops strategies and guidelines for the UConn brand; provides complimentary graphic design services for official University business; and captures photography and videos that chronicle life at the University.

University Events Calendar

Hundreds of lectures, seminars, and colloquia are offered throughout the academic year, many of which are open to public participation. Information about these and other University events can be found in the University’s events calendar. Users may submit their own department/school/college/unit events through an online form.

UConn Fact Sheet

The University Fact Sheet, published yearly by the Office of University Communications, encompasses an overview of the University’s enrollment, faculty and staff, and other institutional data.

Maps and Directions

The University maintains an interactive map of the Storrs campus with an integrated search feature and brief descriptions of each building. UConn Avery Point, UConn Hartford, UConn Health, UConn Law, and UConn Stamford maintain their own campus maps and directions.

Phonebook

The University Phonebook serves as a directory of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Connecticut. Users will need to log in with a NetID and password to access student information.

Administration

Administration

University Administration & Governance

The administration of the University is determined in part by legislative enactment, in part by the Laws and By-Laws of the Board of Trustees, and in part by regulations and policy made by the President, the University Senate, and the several faculties.

Officers of the central administration are the President, the Provost, and the Vice Presidents. Each school, college, division, institute, and center has a dean or director, and each department has an executive officer, referred to as a head or chair.


Board of Trustees

The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees functions as a legislative body. The Board appoints the President; determines the general policy of the University, including the establishment of new schools and colleges; makes laws for its government; manages its investments; and directs the expenditure of funds.

The Board of Trustees comprises 21 members: 12 appointed by the Governor of Connecticut; two elected by students; two elected by alumni; and five ex-officio members, including the Governor and the Commissioners of Agriculture, Economic and Community Development, and Education.

There are several committees of the Board of Trustees who handle X, y, z. If you’re involved in something that requires approval by the BOT, it will require sign off from these committees.

Board of Trustees Committees


President

The President of the University of Connecticut is the chief executive of the University. In this capacity, the President is responsible for carrying out and enforcing all policies and regulations adopted by the Board for the operation of the University and is given authority requisite to that end.

The President regularly forms committees, task forces, or other bodies to engage with specific issues. Visit the Communications page on the President’s website for up-to-date information on such initiatives.

The President has several initiatives that he designates to committees ad hoc. A listing of his main initiatives can be found on the President’s website.


Provost

The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs is the University’s chief academic officer responsible for managing its academic operations. They also coordinate the formulation of policies and the administration of all the University’s schools, colleges, divisions, institutes, and regional campuses.

The Provost’s leadership team includes the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Vice Provost for Academic Operations, Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, and Vice Provost for Graduate Education.


Regional Campus Directors

Each of UConn’s regional campuses is governed by the Office of the Director, which provides governance and management for the functions of academics, administration, budget, infrastructure, research, and outreach, and public engagement programming, reporting directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  • UConn Avery Point, located in Groton, CT, is a center of excellence for marine and maritime studies, delivers an outstanding education in more traditional areas of study and is home to Connecticut’s sea grant initiative and several research centers.
  • UConn Hartford leverages partnerships in its metropolitan Hartford neighborhood to provide a remarkable learning environment for a diverse student population and serving as a model of community service, opportunity, and success.
  • The UConn School of Law, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located two miles from the center of Hartford, CT and minutes from the State Capitol, courts and agencies, and the offices of Hartford’s law firms and corporations.
  • UConn Stamford is an urban campus at the center of a robust business community and energizing city, giving students tremendous access to learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
  • UConn Waterbury, located in a leading-edge facility in the heart of Waterbury’s revitalized downtown, provides educational access and excellence for thousands of Connecticut residents by promoting lifelong learning and community engagement.

President’s Cabinet and Vice Presidents

The President’s cabinet is composed of Vice Presidents who oversee the functional areas of the University’s operation. Vice Presidents include the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the chief academic officer; the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, the executive director of UConn Health; the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, the chief administrative and financial officer; the Vice President for Student Affairs, the chief student personnel officer; the Vice President for Research, the chief research officer; the Vice President for Communications; the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management; and other Vice President positions as defined by the President in the best interest of the University.


Council of Deans

The Council of Deans, which is convened by the Provost, consists of the deans of the schools and colleges and such others as the Provost deems appropriate.

University Laws and Bylaws

University Laws and Bylaws

University Bylaws

The By-Laws of the University of Connecticut outline the organization of the Board of Trustees and define the officers of the University and their roles and responsibilities.

They also outline: membership, functions, officers, meetings, etc., of the schools and colleges, divisions, centers and institutes, and departments of the University and the University Senate; procedures regarding faculty and staff, including academic appointment and tenure, professional staff loads, termination, retirement, grievances, etc.; general policies and practices of the University including naming of facilities, intellectual property, establishment of regional campuses, student organizations, etc.; and criteria for awarding honorary degrees.


University Policy

University Policies and Procedures are official statements expressing the position of the University on issues of institution-wide importance. A policy guides the decisions and actions of the institution and is consistent with its mission.


University Committees

The University utilizes the talents of its faculty, staff, students, and others through the work of committees, commissions, task forces, and other permanent and ad hoc groups.
These groups work on a wide variety of policies and initiatives, from academic materials fees, capital projects planning, and parking, to childcare, the status of women, and the community partnership with the Town of Mansfield.


University Senate

The University Senate is a legislative body responsible for establishing minimum rules and general regulations of the educational program and mission of the institution, excluding the University of Connecticut Health Center, that are not reserved to the Board of Trustees, to the administration, to the Graduate Faculty Council, or to faculties.

The University Senate consists of 91 elected or appointed members: Three (3) administrative officers elected by and from a group composed of the deans of the schools and colleges which are Senate electoral constituencies; seventy-two (72) members elected by the faculty; nine (9) members elected by the professional staff; five (5) undergraduates appointed by the president of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG); two (2) graduate students appointed by the president of the Graduate Student Senate (GSS).

Ex-officio members of the University Senate include the president, the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, vice presidents, vice provosts, and associate vice presidents. Elections are held annually.

Senate Executive Committee
The Senate Executive Committee organizes and coordinates the business of the Senate and its committees. Its members constitute the faculty membership on the Trustee-Administration-Faculty-Student Committee.

  • Senate Committees
    The University has eight (8) standing committees and a nominating committee. Eligibility to serve on a committee is not limited to members of the Senate. The standing committees are responsible for: growth and development; faculty standards; enrollment; University budget; courses & curricula; scholastic standards; student welfare; and diversity.
  • Senate Representation on Committees Across the University
    Some members of the University Senate also serve on committees that function across the University, such as the Board of Trustee committees, the Building Names Committee, Space Committee, Parking Advisory Committee, and the UConn Foundation Board of Directors.

Student Governance

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) exists to represent and govern all undergraduate students and student groups and oversee the disbursement of student fees.

The purpose of the Graduate Student Senate is to represent the graduate community within the University community, serve as an advocate of the graduate community’s concerns and needs to both the University and non-University organizations, serve as a liaison between the graduate community and the administration, provide services to meet the special needs of the University’s diverse graduate community, enhance and encourage cooperation and association within the graduate community, and enrich the lives of graduate students at the University.

The Student Union Board of Governors (SUBOG) is the programming board on campus and handles most large on-campus events and concerts.

The Residence Hall Association is a student government body that serves as a liaison between residents of the University and Residential Life and Dining Services.

Campus Life and Events

Arts and Entertainment

The University offers a rich and diverse mix of cultural, social, and recreational activities to complement its academic and research endeavors. Theater and concerts, museum exhibitions and hands-on activities, lectures and seminars, athletic contests, and a wide range of dining opportunities are part of the overall University experience. The University maintains the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, the Connecticut Repertory Theater, the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, and the William Benton Museum of Art. These and other on-campus venues host local theater productions, concerts, exhibits, and recitals highlighting student and faculty artists and performers. Concert and performance series feature touring companies and renowned artists in music, theater, and dance productions. In addition to museum and art exhibitions, visitors can view other campus attractions including the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources animal barns and the Plant Biodiversity Conservatory and Research Center.

Fitness and Recreation

Access to the campus Recreation Center is available through paid membership, and faculty and staff can arrange payment through payroll deduction. The facility offers bike, locker, and equipment rentals; fitness classes; a climbing center; and coordinates intramural and club sports. UConn is the home of the Huskies, with 24 men’s and women’s teams participating in NCAA Division I competition. The mission of the Division of Athletics is to develop student-athletes into well-rounded individuals who achieve academically and are active members of the community.

Dining

In addition to providing meals for the resident student population, Dining Services operates a number of retail operations throughout the main campus in Storrs, from formal dining to grab-and-go stores and cafés for light meals, snacks, and beverages. University Catering services include served meals, buffet meals, receptions, and coffee breaks for campus events. The UConn Dairy Bar has long been a community tradition. Since the 1950s, UConn student employees have assisted full-time staff in manufacturing and selling dairy products made with UConn’s own dairy herd milk. Products include eggs, yogurt, and cheeses. The Dairy Bar is open year-round and the hours of operation change according to the season. Downtown Storrs offers local eateries, shops, and entertainment steps from the main campus.

Lodging

The Graduate Storrs Hotel offers lodging accommodations, conference services, and a café for visitors to the Storrs campus.

University Events Calendar

Hundreds of lectures, seminars, and colloquia are offered throughout the academic year, many of which are open to public participation. Information about these and other University events can be found in the University’s events calendar. Users may submit their own department/school/college/unit events through an online form.

Campus Visitors

Visitors to the University’s main campus in Storrs are greeted at the Lodewick Visitors Center, which offers year-round tours for prospective students, their families, and guests. UConn Avery Point visitors can sign in at the Branford House Mansion Welcome Center to participate in a talk and tour of the maritime campus. UConn Hartford offers tours of the downtown Hartford campus for prospective undergraduate students and group visits for high schools and other groups. UConn Stamford visitors can take student-led campus tours year-round of the campus and residential hall. The campus also hosts special guest tours, Skype tours, group visits, and tours of the Digital Media and Design space. UConn Waterbury offers tours of the downtown Waterbury campus for prospective students and groups.
students walking across the storrs campus