CAHNR provided $250,000 in funding for SVIC related projects. The purpose of these funds is to accelerate the SVIC’s work, and there were 23 proposals for a total of $395,660 in requested funds.

Review was conducted and proposals were assigned to two categories: 1) immediately fund for January-June 2023 cycle, and 2) discuss alternative funding options.

Category 2 proposals were either too large scope for January-June 2023 cycle or more information was needed to proceed with the project. The SVIC leadership team is meeting with each group to discuss ways to support the proposed project.

Individuals and SVICs were encouraged to submit to receive all potential project ideas and needs for Elaine to proceed with project assignments for the SVIC Leadership Fellow in the coming year. All 23 projects will have attention and some support from Stacey and Elaine to move forward or receive feedback and suggestions.

APPROVED Names of projects and Submitters (Funded for January through June 2023)

PARTIAL FUNDING

ONGOING PROJECT PLANNING – Names of projects and Submitters

Sustainable Agriculture Networking and Conference

Outcome: Advance awareness, knowledge, and adoption of innovative, sustainable approaches to agriculture, including controlled environment agriculture so that all producers are aware of and incorporate practices. 

Objective: To host a conference/workshop on sustainable agriculture production that increases networking and collaboration among CAHNR and others at UConn working in this area.

Identify Research Topics for Controlled Environment Agriculture

Outcome: Advance awareness, knowledge, and adoption of innovative, sustainable approaches to agriculture, including controlled environment agriculture so that all producers are aware of and incorporate practices. 

Objective: Identify two to three research topics in controlled environment agriculture and potential interdisciplinary research grant opportunities.

Maximizing Sport and Physical Performance and Improving Injury Prevention, Recovery and Rehabilitation

Outcome: CAHNR Collaboration Workshop on 2/7/23. We are hopeful that this can continue as a working group that meets 1x/semester to discuss progress and initiatives.

Objective: To host a workshop and have a round table discussion to describe activities as they relate to human health within the college, identify intersectionality between programs and discuss opportunities for collaboration

Build Connections at the Nexus of Human, Animal, Plant, and Environmental Health (aka ONEHEALTH@CAHNR)

Outcome: OneHealth Expo

Objective: Plan and obtain funding for a OneHealth Expo

Build Connections at the Nexus of Human, Animal, Plant, and Environmental Health (aka ONEHEALTH@CAHNR)

Outcome: Updated website that is a resource for current and prospective students, faculty, staff, administration, and the general public, that is “the” place to go for OneHealth information.

Objective: Update the website with new content, promote the website, move to the college level (currently under extension).

Build Connections at the Nexus of Human, Animal, Plant, and Environmental Health (aka ONEHEALTH@CAHNR)

Outcome: Identify overlap among co-occurring, separate efforts to design One Health curricula including courses, micro-credentials, and minors.

Objective: Meeting will be held by June 2023 of key leaders from One Health curricula initiatives to find synergies, limit overlap, and finalize courses for One Health minor.

Build Connections at the Nexus of Human, Animal, Plant, and Environmental Health (aka ONEHEALTH@CAHNR)

Outcome: Meet and Greet activity for CAHNR faculty/staff to come together to network and learn about OneHealth efforts

Objective: Informal gathering for social networking and open introduction/dialogue

SVIC Big Goal for CAHNR:  A Strategic Vision & Diversity Plan (with resources) for CAHNR

SVIC 2023 Focus Goal: Conduct an Equity Audit of CAHNR Organization Policies, Practices, Systems and Content

Objective & Outcome: The objective is to identify policies, programs, and practices that directly or indirectly impact CAHNR students, faculty or staff relative to their race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, color, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other socio-culturally significant factors. Data collected through a policy audit can be used to inform the process of removing institutional barriers that impede full participation, access and opportunity to students, faculty, staff, and community partnerships across the College. This effort must be broken down into manageable phases and will require resources (faculty and staff time, DEI professional guidance, student hire). The objective for the spring 2023 semester is to identify a leadership structure to coordinate the work, assemble content experts to inform the process, and outline a data collection plan.

Outcome: Identification of structural barriers and opportunity gaps that contribute to a negative climate for some students, faculty and staff in CAHNR. Use of information to inform change.

SVIC Big Goal for CAHNR:  Strengthen Communication Around DEIJ within CAHNR

SVIC 2023 Focus Goal: Build the Capacity of the SVIC and Improve Communication of DEI Initiatives across CAHNR

Objective: The objective is to strengthen communication structure around DEI within CAHNR to facilitate flow of information, knowledge, ideas and feelings. This is both top-down (Admin leadership level) & bottom up (students, staff, faculty, community partners). Also across SVICs. This might include establishing a meeting structure, student, faculty, staff round table discussions or forums, etc. to collate around common values, goals and objectives; explore various methods for gathering input, feedback, complaints and compliments, encourage greater participation in discussions and initiatives.

Outcome: Outcomes would include increased participation in DEI initiatives, better communication between the SVIC and College leadership, opportunities for CAHNR students, faculty, and staff to contribute input and feedback, and a more representative and transparent communication strategy for the College.

Climate Alliance

Outcome: To bring together key stakeholders and establish the foundational tenants for a functioning Climate Alliance within CAHNR

Objective:

Long Term: To Develop a Climate Alliance that serves the needs of UCONN, CAHNR, the state, and beyond.

Short Term: To assemble the group with the purpose of developing a mission/vison, determine subgroups/working groups, develop synergies.

Networking Tree

Outcome: To grow a functioning internal communication platform with engagement by all CAHNR users

Objective: To provide training on Connect Extension to the departments and capabilities to grow our CAHNR Family Tree