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Announcing AI for ImpaCT: UConn’s University-Wide AI Initiative

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Dear Colleagues,

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, learn, and live. Over the past several months, I have been engaging with our community to shape a University-wide initiative to be responsive to AI advancements and coordinate AI-related work across units.  I have met personally with the University Senate and faculty, staff, and academic leaders in small groups and during school and college meetings. Those conversations have made clear that UConn has important strengths in AI, that we need a framework to build on our strengths, and to guide and coordinate our institutional strategy around AI in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Coordinated Leadership Around AI

Today, I’m pleased to announce AI for ImpaCT, a coordinated university-wide initiative designed to connect and advance AI efforts across our academic, research, operational, and public service missions. The goal of AI for ImpaCT is to support interconnectivity among teaching, learning, research, innovation, and societal impact and to encourage safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI. The vision for beneficial and ethical AI is beautifully articulated by one of our student clubs.

The leadership structure around AI for ImpaCT is taking shape. I have appointed David Bergman, Associate Dean for Faculty & Research and Professor of Operations and Information Management, as the Provost’s Special Advisor on AI to help coordinate AI for ImpaCT initiatives across the university and advise my office on emerging issues related to AI in teaching, research, workforce development, and university operations.

The Special Advisor will chair an AI Council comprised of representatives from across the university including faculty, staff, and students. The AI Council will help set priorities, identify opportunities and challenges, and support university-wide coordination as AI continues to evolve. Consistent with UConn’s commitment to shared governance, the AI Council will serve as a coordinating resource and work closely with the University Senate and other governance bodies on AI-related matters within their areas of responsibility.

The AI Council will work closely with university leadership, ITS, UConn Health, and administrative units as the university explores AI applications and technologies, institutional needs, training, and the use of AI tools across university operations. A smaller AI Executive Committee comprised of members of the AI Council will liaise with the Special Advisor to advance priority initiatives and coordinate work between meetings of the broader AI Council.

The AI Council will support development of a university-wide web presence to help share resources, updates, opportunities for engagement, and ways for members of the UConn community to participate in this work. I also encourage faculty, staff, students, and partners to share ideas and engage with the Council as opportunities emerge.

CURRENT INITIATIVES

The initiatives and work areas below reflect some of the important work being done at UConn to prepare our community for the AI transition.

Preparing Students for an AI-Enabled Future

Preparing learners for a world increasingly shaped by AI will be an important part of AI for ImpaCT. In partnership with the AI Council and in consultation with deans, faculty experts, and the University Senate, we will continue building academic programs and learning opportunities that align with both student interest and workforce needs.

Earlier this year, the Board of Trustees approved the university’s first graduate certificate built around an “AI + X” model with the launch of AI for Business through The Graduate School. We expect additional programs in other disciplines to follow in the next academic year.

The AI Council and AI Executive Committee will work closely with academic units to help guide the development of proposals for an undergraduate minor in AI, with the goal of launching as early as this fall, and a university-wide undergraduate AI major is targeted to launch in Fall 2027. We are in the process of evaluating how programs such as the M.S. in Data Science can help support and expand AI-related education and research opportunities across the university. There are also several existing programs across the schools and colleges that include concentrations in AI or have foundational AI topics infused in the curriculum.

In addition to degree programs, UConn will expand AI literacy and workforce development through online and non-credit offerings, employer partnerships, and micro-credentials that could potentially support both current students and members of the broader community.

Teaching, Learning, and the Use of AI

Faculty, staff, and students are already working through questions related to teaching, learning, assessment, academic integrity, research, privacy, fairness, and the use of AI applications across academic and administrative settings. We will continue building guidance and support in these areas by drawing on expertise that exists in our university community.

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, The Graduate School, and faculty and staff in the schools and colleges are helping support AI efforts through faculty development, course design support, guidance for graduate students and instructors, and ongoing conversations around appropriate and effective uses of AI in academic settings.

The AI Council will be charged with helping coordinate AI efforts in teaching and learning, identifying areas where additional support is needed, and sharing effective practices with the University community.

AI Research and Public Engagement

AI-related research and scholarship are being conducted at UConn in many disciplines. Faculty are advancing foundational AI research, applying AI across industries and professions, and examining the broader societal impact of these technologies in fields such as healthcare, business, engineering, education, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. The Humanities Institute’s “AI and the Human” initiative is one example of interdisciplinary scholarship exploring the societal  implications of AI.

UConn’s partnerships with organizations such as Morgan Stanley, Intel, Eversource, Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, and many more, along with ongoing clinical, research and educational efforts at UConn Health, are creating new opportunities for applied research, workforce partnerships, and public engagement connected to AI.

Federal agencies and other major funders continue expanding investments in AI-related research in many sectors. The Office of the Vice President for Research is already leading campus-wide discussions about UConn’s strengths to identify opportunities for greater interdisciplinary collaboration and external partnerships.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Partnerships

Connecticut’s workforce needs to adapt as AI reshapes industries and professions, and UConn will play a major role in preparing our state for a rapidly changing future by offering continuing education, online learning, non-credit programs, and employer partnerships. Earlier in this message, I referenced the potential for expanded micro-credentials and other flexible learning opportunities that can help both current students and working professionals build AI literacy and discipline-specific skills throughout their careers.

We also see strong connections between AI and UConn’s growing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Important work is already happening through schools and colleges, research centers, UConn Health, the Werth Institute, and other campus partners. As AI for ImpaCT develops, we want to connect these efforts and support opportunities related to startups, technology transfer, industry collaboration, educational technology, and other forms of innovation and revenue generation connected to AI.

Moving Forward

As Connecticut continues to establish policies and frameworks like the bill recently passed by the General Assembly, UConn and the AI Council have a responsibility to help guide the state through opportunities and challenges AI presents across education, industry, healthcare, and the workforce. UConn is well positioned to understand AI and anticipate what may come in the future to help inform policy decisions.

I’m excited about the conversations ahead and grateful for the thoughtfulness, creativity, and expertise that so many members of our community are already bringing to this space. I look forward to advancing the work of the AI for ImpaCT initiative with you and will continue to share updates on our progress.

Pamir Alpay, PhD
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of Connecticut

Appointment of Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan as Dean of CAHNR

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Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that following a national search, Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan has been appointed to serve as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and Director of the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station, effective July 1.

Dr. Venkitanarayanan is a deeply respected member of the UConn community, having served the University for more than 27 years in a variety of leadership roles, including Interim Dean of CAHNR, Senior Associate Dean, and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to UConn’s land-grant mission and to advancing the College’s impact across Connecticut and beyond.

During his time as Interim Dean, Dr. Venkitanarayanan has provided steady and thoughtful leadership across all aspects of the College’s operations. He has worked closely with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to strengthen CAHNR’s programs in teaching, research, extension, and engagement. He has prioritized interdisciplinary collaboration, enhanced the visibility and reputation of the College, and supported faculty and student success at every level.

Dr. Venkitanarayanan has also brought a strategic and proactive approach to resource development. In the past eight months alone, CAHNR has raised $6.45 million toward its annual fundraising goal, including a $1 million bequest. He has placed particular emphasis on expanding support for graduate students, successfully raising significant philanthropic funds to advance graduate education across multiple departments. In addition, he has reconstituted the Dean’s Advisory Board to strengthen engagement with industry, government, alumni, and community partners, creating new opportunities for student enrichment and workforce development.

Previously, as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, Dr. Venkitanarayanan played a central role in strengthening CAHNR’s research enterprise, helping to double extramural funding and expand interdisciplinary and translational research. His leadership has supported the growth of a robust research portfolio and deepened partnerships with federal agencies, industry, and community stakeholders.

An accomplished scholar in food safety, Dr. Venkitanarayanan has authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications and secured substantial competitive grant funding over $18 million throughout his career. He is also a dedicated mentor and educator, committed to experiential learning and preparing students for impactful careers. His work shows a deep understanding of how research, education, and outreach can come together to address complex challenges in agriculture, health, and natural resources.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the search committee, led by Dean Vicky Dickson, for their thoughtful and diligent work throughout this process. I am also grateful to the many faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders who shared their perspectives and engaged so meaningfully in this important search.

I am confident that Dr. Venkitanarayanan’s vision, experience, and collaborative leadership style will position CAHNR for continued success. His commitment to strengthening the College’s One Health approach and advancing its contributions to environmental sustainability, food systems, and community well-being will be critical as we look to the future.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Venkitanarayanan on his appointment and thanking him for his continued service to UConn and the College.

Best regards,
Pamir

Pamir Alpay, PhD

Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

University of Connecticut

Dr. Luyi Sun, 2025 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

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The Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor title is awarded annually following a university-wide nomination process and a rigorous review by a faculty and student committee. Final selections are approved by the UConn Board of Trustees, which confirmed this year’s awardees at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Luyi Sun

Dr. Luyi Sun is a globally recognized materials scientist and professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, where he also holds a joint appointment in the Institute of Materials Science. Since joining UConn in 2013, he has led an internationally renowned research program focused on nanostructured hybrid materials for functional, environmental, and energy-related applications.

Dr. Sun’s prolific contributions to science are evidenced by over 310 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact publications such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Advanced Materials. His work has earned more than 23,000 citations and an h-index of 83, and has been highlighted by MIT Technology Review, Smithsonian Magazine, and New Scientist, among many others. He is the inventor or co-inventor of 28 issued U.S. patents and more than 50 corresponding foreign patents, seven of which have been commercialized/licensed. The materials and devices invented in his lab have been featured in global exhibitions, including at the Material ConneXion Library in New York and the Penn Museum.

Dr. Sun is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Society of Plastics Engineers. He has also been recognized with the Morand Lambla Award from the Polymer Processing Society and was elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Sun has taught rigorous and interdisciplinary courses such as Thermodynamics and Polymer Processing, and has advised dozens of Ph.D. students, M.S. students and postdoctoral researchers, and more than 160 undergraduate research assistants. His students have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry, and many have received prestigious fellowships and national honors.

Dr. Sun has also demonstrated sustained leadership in academic and professional service. As Director of the UConn Polymer Program from 2018 to 2021, he expanded faculty engagement and strengthened the program’s profile. He has held leadership roles in national scientific organizations and organized more than 80 symposia around the world. His editorial work includes serving as Associate Editor of Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials.

Due to his outstanding record of research innovation, teaching, mentorship, and professional service, Dr. Luyi Sun strongly merits recognition as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor.

Professor Anne C. Dailey, 2025 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

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The Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor title is awarded annually following a university-wide nomination process and a rigorous review by a faculty and student committee. Final selections are approved by the UConn Board of Trustees, which confirmed this year’s awardees at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Anne Dailey

Professor Anne Dailey, Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Intellectual Life and the Ellen Ash Peters Professor of Law at the University of Connecticut School of Law, is a nationally recognized scholar whose work bridges constitutional law, family law, and psychoanalytic theory. A member of the UConn faculty since 1988, Professor Dailey has made transformative contributions to legal scholarship, education, and public service, with far-reaching influence across disciplines and institutions.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where she served as an Articles Editor of the Harvard Law Review. Following law school, she completed a judicial clerkship with Judge José Cabranes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. She has since become a pioneering figure in integrating psychoanalytic theory into legal analysis, most notably through her acclaimed book Law and the Unconscious: A Psychoanalytic Perspective, published by Yale University Press. This work received three prestigious honors: the Book Prize from the American Psychoanalytic Association, the Book Prize from the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis, and the Faculty Book Award from the UConn Humanities Institute.

Professor Dailey’s scholarship is widely cited and influential. Her co-authored articles The New Law of the Child and The New Parental Rights, and her sole authored In Loco Reipublicae, all published in top-tier law journals, have shaped the national discourse on children’s constitutional rights, state responsibility for families, and evolving family structures. She is a member of the American Law Institute and the Association for the Study of Law, Culture and Humanities.

She has held visiting faculty appointments at Yale, Harvard, and Penn Law Schools and has been named an Erikson Scholar at the Austen Riggs Center and a Fellow at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Professor Dailey is a dedicated and inspiring teacher of family law and constitutional law. She is also a deeply valued mentor to students and junior faculty, and her efforts have helped elevate the national profile of the UConn School of Law.

Professor Dailey’s scholarly distinction, interdisciplinary innovation, and enduring contributions to teaching and service make her a truly worthy recipient of the University of Connecticut’s highest faculty honor.

Dr. Peter Albertsen, 2025 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

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Peter Albertsen

The Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor title is awarded annually following a university-wide nomination process and a rigorous review by a faculty and student committee. Final selections are approved by the UConn Board of Trustees, which confirmed this year’s awardees at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Dr. Peter C. Albertsen is a globally respected urologic oncologist whose research and leadership have transformed the understanding and management of prostate cancer. A faculty member at UConn Health since 1987, Dr. Albertsen’s work has shaped national and international treatment guidelines and spared tens of thousands of men from unnecessary surgery and radiation.

He earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Princeton University and his medical degree from Columbia University. He completed his surgical residency at Harvard and his urology training at the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins. He also holds a master’s degree in medical administration and preventive medicine from the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Albertsen was among the first to use population-based data to challenge prevailing assumptions about PSA screening and prostate cancer aggressiveness. His landmark publications, including a seminal article in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrated that many prostate cancers grow slowly and do not require immediate treatment. These findings helped launch a global shift toward active surveillance, now a widely accepted standard of care. He has played key leadership roles in major trials in both the U.S. and the U.K., including serving as Chair of the Cause of Death Committee for the PLCO and ProtecT trials.

He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and editorials, with over 17,000 citations and an h-index of 63, placing him in the top tier of urologic researchers. His research has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and other leading journals, and has been supported by more than $5 million in external funding.

As UConn’s Urology Residency Program Director for over 30 years, Dr. Albertsen has trained more than 60 residents, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in academic medicine and beyond. He is widely praised for his dynamic and discussion-based teaching style and for his long-standing mentorship of medical students and residents.

Dr. Albertsen has served in numerous leadership roles at UConn Health and nationally, including as Associate Dean for Clinical Research and Planning, Division Chief of Urology, and Trustee of the American Board of Urology. He continues to provide exceptional patient care, including to underserved and correctional populations, and is often sought out by colleagues for their own care.

His many honors include the Eugene Fuller Triennial Prostate Award and the Distinguished Contribution Award from the American Urological Association, as well as honorary membership in both the AUA and the German Urological Association. Dr. Albertsen’s research, clinical care, and mentorship have had an enduring impact on the field of urology and the lives of countless patients, making him a most deserving recipient of the University of Connecticut’s highest faculty honor.

Observance of Juneteenth

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Dear Colleagues,

On Thursday, June 19, the University will observe Juneteenth, which commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom. In 2023, the State of Connecticut officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday. This year, the University Senate passed a resolution to designate it as a non-teaching day at UConn.

As a result, classes will not be held and no instructional activities should be scheduled on that date. The University encourages all departments and offices that are able to close in observance of the holiday to do so.

We recognize that certain critical University operations and departments will need to remain open to meet student and campus needs. We encourage you to talk to your supervisor to determine department needs. However, it is our expectation that most University operations will close to observe the holiday. Questions regarding scheduling or time issues should be referred to laborrelations@uconn.edu.

We look forward to the observance of this important day.

Sincerely,

Lakeesha Brown, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Anne D’Alleva, Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jeffrey Hines, Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion

Guidance for Pre-Tenure Faculty re Changes to Federal Funding

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Dear Colleagues,

As you know, the federal government is implementing significant changes to research funding priorities and allocations. In this context, we want to reaffirm our institution’s commitment to supporting faculty research, especially during the critical pre-tenure period.

First and foremost, this is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The effects of these changes on pre-tenure faculty will vary by field, funding agency, and the individual research trajectories of faculty members.

Given these variabilities, at this time, the administration is not planning to petition the Board of Trustees to implement a universal extension of the tenure clock, as we did during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are in active communication with peer institutions, and this approach is in alignment with similar institutions nationwide. Schools and Colleges are working with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) to assess the current funding landscape and will work with the Provost’s Office to identify and address any field-specific impacts on their promotion, tenure, and reappointment (PTR) processes.

We strongly encourage each faculty member to take a proactive approach in assessing how the federal funding changes may affect their research and engage in strategic planning for their tenure application as part of the PTR process.

Below are some key points that pre-tenure faculty should consider, in alignment with the OVPR guidance:

  1. Stay Informed and Engaged

Federal agencies including the NSF, NIH, DOE, and others, are adjusting funding mechanisms, research priorities, and review processes. The OVPR has been providing briefings and resources to help faculty navigate these changes and has established four task forces to help the university community understand and respond to these changes effectively.  If you are interested in joining a taskforce, please contact Matt Mroz (matthew.mroz@uconn.edu).

  1. Diversify Funding Sources

Given potential shifts in federal allocations of research funding, it is prudent to explore alternative funding sources, including:

  • Private foundations
  • Industry partnerships
  • State and local funding opportunities
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations that align with new funding priorities
  • Institutional support, including small and large grants, seed funding, and limited bridge funding that may be available through the Schools and Colleges and Centers and Institutes.
  1. Align Research with Emerging Federal Priorities (Where Feasible)

While maintaining scholarly identity is paramount, faculty should consider how their research can intersect with emerging federal priorities such as AI, quantum, and data science; biotechnology and health sciences with a focus on chronic disease; and national security. Adjustments in framing or collaboration may increase funding potential.

  1. Maintain Open Communication with Mentors, Department Leadership, School/College Leadership, and OVPR

Pre-tenure faculty should draw on their department head, senior colleagues, dean and associate deans, center/institute directors, and the OVPR as essential resources. Regular conversations about tenure expectations, funding realities, and evolving research trajectories can help faculty make informed decisions about their scholarly path.

  1. Utilize Institutional Support Services

The OVPR offers many resources to support faculty in this work, including proposal development assistance (e.g., proposal coordination, writing, editing, review), grant-writing workshops, and communication resources.

Please know that the guidance for associate professors working toward their promotion to full professor is much the same, since they may face similar challenges in this funding landscape. Associate professors often have access to greater resources—such as unrestricted fund accounts, well-equipped labs, and extensive professional networks—that can help them navigate a shifting funding landscape. They should be intentional about leveraging these assets to sustain their research productivity. Associate professors should discuss their individual timeline for promotion with their department head or dean since the promotion timeline for associate professors is more flexible than the tenure timeline.

And a note to full professors: While you, too, may be facing similar funding challenges, your leadership and experience are especially valuable during this time—serving as a critical resource for colleagues, department heads, deans, and the OVPR. We are grateful for the numerous instances of mentorship and support that we have already seen senior faculty offer their more junior colleagues. Please remember that a sympathetic ear, a bit of sound advice, or a problem-solving brainstorm session can make an enormous difference alongside institutional supports.

Faculty who have questions or need guidance tailored to their specific circumstances should not hesitate to reach out to the OVPR regarding research and their department head, dean, and/or the Provost’s Office regarding the PTR process and expectations.

Please remember that if you encounter funding-related roadblocks or receive notification of changes to a federal research grant that you have already been awarded, you should reach out immediately to OVPR (research@uconn.edu) to explore available support mechanisms. The OVPR website provides essential guidance regarding the steps you need to take.

Although the funding landscape is evolving, we want to emphasize to all faculty that you are not navigating these challenges alone. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting your research productivity and professional success at every stage of your career.

This is certainly a time of extraordinary change that is testing our researchers, but our strong sense of community and commitment to UConn’s mission as a flagship Land and Sea Grant institution will see us through these challenging times, as they have in difficult times before. We are grateful every day to work with such outstanding colleagues.

Sincerely,

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.
Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

Faculty Activity Reporting System Live October 1

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Dear Faculty,

We are excited to announce that the Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) system is in its final stages of configuration and will soon be ready for faculty access as part of our phased implementation. Over the last several months, the implementation team has worked diligently to configure the system, migrate data from HuskyDM, and set up new integrations with our university systems.

Phase 1: Faculty Data Validation

On October 1, 2024, you will gain access to the system to review and validate your data. Please note, there are some known instances where data may be missing or incomplete due to historical issues with older systems. We encourage you to take this time to carefully review your information, particularly before the reporting periods in the spring. Additionally, you will need to review and accept data imported through Interfolio’s Data Services including sources like PubMed and SCOPUS. Our team will be available throughout the fall to troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.

Phase 2: Building Administrative Reports

Throughout the fall semester, the implementation team will work to build and finalize institutional level templates such as forms for the PTR/PR process. We will also work with individual units to assist in building templates for any unique reporting needs.

Info Session & Training Opportunities

To help you navigate the new system, we are offering several opportunities for guidance:

  • Virtual Info Session: Join us on October 1 at 2:00pm for a virtual live overview of the system and Q&A. This session will be recorded and posted on our webpage for future reference. The session will be oriented for faculty users but is open to all to attend.
  • Interfolio Led Training Sessions: We will also be hosting two training sessions led by Interfolio experts. These sessions will focus on the faculty experience and user interface. Additional sessions will be offered in the future.
  • October 16: 2:00-3:00 pm
  • October 21: 12:00-1:00pm

To RSVP for any of the above sessions or to find more information and resources please visit the Interfolio @ UConn webpage. You may also reach out to interfolio@uconn.edu with any questions or for assistance from the implementation team.

We look forward to working with you during this transition and appreciate your patience as we continue to build out reporting features and administrative tools in Phase 2.