Effective Dec. 1, the University of Connecticut is reorganizing its Academic Affairs and Student Life and Enrollment divisions “to ensure that every student is supported from classroom to community,” according to a statement.
Under the new structure, the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, Dean of Students Office, Student Activities, Cultural Centers and Programs and the Center for Students with Disabilities will now report to the Division of Student Life and Enrollment.
In a joint statement to UConn Today, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamir Alpay and Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Nathan Fuerst said the change will create “a unified network of support services and resources that supports a student-centered structure integrating the student experience and wellness under one umbrella.”
Additionally, the Office of the Registrar and the university’s academic integrity and misconduct functions will transition to the Office of the Provost, following the recent reintegration of the Office of the Vice President for Research into the Provost’s Office earlier this semester.
Fuerst said the realignment aims to improve coordination and efficiency while advancing the goals outlined in the University Strategic Plan.
“The goal was to improve alignment of student services under the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, in support of the goals articulated in the University Strategic Plan,” Fuerst said. “We believe this reorganization will ultimately enhance the student experience while creating opportunities for our teams to improve efficiency and effectiveness.”
According to Fuerst, bringing together several student-focused offices under one division will allow for more targeted, intentional service delivery.
“This change will allow teams within our division to be intentional in how they prioritize students through the services they provide,” he said. “It also reinforces opportunities for coordination and collaboration between student service areas.”
Fuerst acknowledged that any large organizational change presents challenges, but said his team is working proactively to ensure a smooth transition.
“Any big change introduces the risk of new challenges,” he said. “I’ve asked our leaders to be forthcoming with what they view as potential pitfalls or risks. By identifying those early, we can mitigate them through intentional planning aimed at ensuring uninterrupted support for UConn students.”
With the Cultural Centers and Programs now housed within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, the university’s goal is to strengthen its capacity to serve underrepresented student populations.
“Across every aspect of this reorganization, we are improving our ability to support all students— and in particular, to enhance the experience of students who are underrepresented among our student populations,” Fuerst said. “We’re focused on meeting students where they are, helping them connect with their experience as a UConn student, and supporting them in fulfilling their career and life aspirations.”