UConn-AAUP April 17, 2026 Update
In this issue:
- UConn-AAUP Executive Committee 2026-2027 Election Results
- Support Federal Research Funding
- UConn-AAUP Continued Support of Avery Point Housing
- UConn-Waterbury Health & Safety Concerns
- SEBAC Announcement
- UConn-AAUP Annual Chapter Meeting
UConn-AAUP Executive Committee 2026-2027 Election Results
Congratulations to the newly elected AAUP Executive Committee! The newly elected officers and members-at-large will hold office from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. They are as follows:
President
Tom Bontly: Philosophy Department
Executive Vice President
Oskar Harmon: Department of Economics
V. President Membership & Organizing
Andrew Bush: Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Secretary/Treasurer
Maria LaRusso: Human Development & Family Sciences
Regional Campus Representative:
Daniela Falco: Department of English
Members At Large:
Karen Ann Caldwell: Chemistry Department
Chen Chen: Department of Educational Leadership
Laura Cisneros: Department of Natural Resources & Environment
Deneen Hatmaker: School of Public Policy
Sarah Hird: Department of Molecular & Cell Biology
Regina Lester-Harriat: School of Social Work
Kendra Maas: Institute for Systems Genomics
Kristine Nowak: Department of Communication
Jeremy Pressman: Department of Political Science
Martina Rosenberg: Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Support Federal Research Funding
Take action today to support research funding. With only a couple of weeks left before the close of the 2026 legislative session, we’re urging members to reach out to elected officials to support research dollars for UConn & UConn Health.
There is an opportunity to secure $50 million in the final state budget to support research interrupted and cancelled by federal funding changes at UConn and UConn Health.
Send an E-mail today! Here is an action guide
For Additional information on federal research cuts and the Impact to UConn & UConn Health please see this fact sheet
UConn-AAUP Continued Support of Avery Point Housing
This spring, UConn-AAUP leaders met with AAUP members at the Avery Point campus. Now is the time to stand up for Avery Point and to stand with Senator Osten, Senator Sommers and Representative Bumgardner who pushed for housing at Avery Point this fall. UConn is an economic driver for the state and specifically for Eastern CT. The Avery Point campus is positioned to meet the growing needs of the region, the local community, industry and students. The need for increased majors and offerings will help Eastern CT continue to grow. NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST- Increase the offerings in Academics and invest in housing for students. The state legislature is willing to invest state resources, local leaders are willing to invest, talented faculty and staff are ready to serve. UConn Board of Trustees needs to put the infrastructure in place to make this growth possible.
UConn-Waterbury Health & Safety Concerns
Earlier this week; UConn-AAUP Staff met with members of the UConn Waterbury Campus. Thank you to those members who were able to attend & highlight health and safety concerns surrounding the campus buildings and city streets. Immediately following the member meeting; senior staff met with Dean Fumiko Hoeft.
The chapter will continue to follow these issues and work with leaders at UConn Waterbury to ensure problems are addressed. Should you have concerns or are interested in being a part of future conversations please contact David Amdur
SEBAC Announcement
UConn-AAUP Annual Chapter Meeting
April 21, 2026 9:00am
Student Union Storrs Campus & Virtual
REGISTER
Breakfast will be available for in-person attendees.
This meeting is for Active Members (those who are members of the National AAUP and are dues paying members in good standing with the UConn Chapter) Please register here. Registering ensures a smooth process at check in so that the meeting can begin on time!
Should you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Gina at ginadb@uconnauup.org or 860-487-0450 by at least five days prior to the event.
Not a member? Join now!