April Faculty and Staff Newsletter
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the end of the academic year, I want to recognize the collective effort that supports our students. Whether through teaching, advising, research support, administration, operations, or student services, your work often behind the scenes makes their progress possible. I know this is a demanding time, and I sincerely appreciate all that you do to keep the College running.
While this time of year often brings broader visibility to UConn through athletics, that same commitment and excellence are reflected every day across CAHNR in our classrooms, labs, offices, and in the many ways we support our communities.
Recently, we celebrated with members of our community at the Awards and Honors event, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to making it a meaningful occasion. At our recent Advisory Board meeting, partners and alumni shared ideas to expand mentorship, internships, and industry connections; we will be following up on these opportunities in the coming months.
We are also actively preparing for commencement, an important milestone that reflects the culmination of our students’ hard work and your dedication to their success. I look forward to celebrating this achievement together at the upcoming ceremony and recognizing the accomplishments of our graduates.
Thank you again for your continued dedication and care for our students and programs during this busy and rewarding season.
Kumar Venkitanarayanan
Interim Dean and Director
Have an idea for the newsletter? We are grateful for the creativity and diverse opinions of our College community.
Featured Story of the Month
Research
Two CAHNR Faculty Among World’s Most Highly Cited Researchers
This is the sixth year in a row Zhe Zhu has been on this list, while Yangchao Luo has been named six times since 2019
Hallmark Husky
Save the Date
Spring 2026
- April 18, Grad Student Research Forum
- April 21-22, UConn Gives
- May 8, Faculty & Staff Meeting
- May 11, Masters and PhD Commencements
- May 15, CDEs
- May 16, DPT Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony
- June 9, Grow and Thrive
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Compliance and Ethics Training
Don’t forget, Annual Employee Compliance and Ethics Training needs to be completed by May 1, 2026.
Staff Advisory Council is excited to bring back our annual Spring Plant Swap
Date: Thursday April 23, 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Location: Ratcliffe Hicks Arena
Welcome to CAHNR
AnaAlicia Cruz, Rebecca Fahey, Brenna Regan, Kimberly Hughes, Alyssa Jones, Educational Program Assistants at UConn Extension’s Tolland office
Updates from the Business Office
What do you call a group of rabbits hopping away from you? A receding hareline.
There’s more fun in this month’s edition of the CAHNR Business Office newsletter. Each month, the team in CAHNR’s Business Office will update the CAHNR community on deadlines, policies, procedures, staffing changes, and all kinds of other useful information. Visit the CAHNR Business Office site for more.
CAHNR Impacts 2025
CAHNR makes an impact each and every year. We have an annual magazine to highlight some of the phenomenal work being done within our College’s research enterprise, academic programs, and Extension activities.
CAHNR Views
Equestrian Team Home Show
Hands On Learning at Pathobiology
Policy Highlights
Academic Program and Accreditation Review
- All undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs across all University of Connecticut campuses and locations are required to undergo a formal and comprehensive external evaluation at least once every eight years.
- The review process is centrally managed by the Office of the Provost and necessitates the completion of an in-depth self-study, the submission of departmental data, and the hosting of an external review team for a formal site visit.
- The primary objective of these evaluations is to facilitate continuous program improvement and provide the university administration with objective, evidence-based data to guide long-term strategic planning and the allocation of institutional resources.
Protection of Minors and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
- UConn is committed to promoting a safe environment for minors participating in University-sponsored activities.
- Pursuant to state law, all University employees (except student employees) are Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse and/or Child Neglect and must comply with the reporting requirements in Connecticut’s mandated reporting laws.
- University Sponsored Activities Involving Minors must register with the University’s Minor Protection Coordinator with sufficient advance notice to confirm the requirements of this policy have been met.