UConn-AAUP Update January 20, 2026
Happy start to the Spring semester!
UConn-AAUP supports high-quality education at UConn and wishes all a productive semester
Not a member? Join Today!
In this update:
- CT For All Event- January 22nd 3:00-5:00 @ UConn-AAUP Offices
- Welcome Back Social – Join us! Friday, January 23rd 3:00-5:00
- New Executive Vice President for UConn-AAUP
- Seeking input from Graduate Professional Degree Programs
- Union Survey: Impact of Threats to Academic Freedom and Immigration Policies and Enforcement
- UConn-AAUP Organizing Committee & Contract Action Team
- 2026 Faquir Jain Excellence Awards – Nominations being accepted
- Calling all Knitters!
CT For All Event- January 22nd 3:00-5:00 @ UConn-AAUP Offices
UConn-AAUP is a proud member of Connecticut for All: a statewide coalition of 70+ labor, community, and faith organizations fighting for a more just and equitable CT. To learn more about CTFA check out Home – Connecticut For All
Thursday January 22nd
3:00-5:00CTFA Regional Round Table for Willimantic/Coventry/Mansfield
UConn-AAUP 1875 Storrs Rd. Mansfield Center, CT 06250nd
Register HERE
UConn-AAUP members are invited to attend a CT For All Round Table where attendees will discuss the coalition’s work and build solidarity across labor and community groups with an opportunity to meet with regional legislative leaders about the upcoming legislative session and the CTFA agenda. Questions? Contact Sam Sommers (smsommers@gmail.com)
Welcome Back Social – Join us! Friday, January 23rd 3:00-5:00
We have missed seeing everyone! Join us to kick off the semester between 3:00 and 5:00 for some pizza, solidarity, and camaraderie! Square Peg Pizza in Storrs Center.
New Executive Vice President for UConn-AAUP
This past week the UConn-AAUP Executive Committee voted to approve a nomination for the Executive Vice President position, left open by changes in the President. We are pleased to announce that Andrew Bush, Professor of Earth Sciences and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, will be the chapter’s new EVP.
If you see Andrew, please congratulate him!
Graduate Professional Degree Programs at UConn affected by the Department of Education’s RISE Committee Definition of Professional Degree Program:
We are asking graduate programs affected by the loss of GradPlus loans and the DOE’s RISE Committee’s definition of a “Professional Degree Program” to join together to discuss strategies to combat these changes.
Many graduate degree programs will be adversely impacted by the loss of federal GradPlus loans, lifetime caps on graduate student loans, and the subsequent proposed definition of a “professional” degree program. If your degree program will be adversely affected by these changes, we would like to hear from you. Please use this form.
REMINDER!! Union Survey: Impact of Threats to Academic Freedom and Immigration Policies and Enforcement
UConn-AAUP members have reported that threats to academic freedom and changes to immigration policies and enforcement have affected multiple areas of their work, including grant cancellations, suspended funding mechanisms, and travel restrictions. To offer a better understanding of the impacts of these changes, please fill out this anonymous survey This survey is on a non-UConn affiliated platform.
The results will inform UConn-AAUP’s actions in support of our members. On the final page of the survey (after submitting your answers), you are invited to click on the link to a separate form to enter a raffle for a $25 gift card.
UConn-AAUP Organizing Committee & Contract Action Team
We are very frustrated that the university sits on our proposals for months without responding. They are giving us good reason to stay engaged and informed. Check out the colored flyers across campus this week and scan the QR code to get involved!!! You can also click here to join the fight!
2026 UConn-AAUP Faquir Jain Excellence Awards
Call for Nominations: Teaching · Research · Service
The UConn Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (UConn-AAUP) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Faquir Jain Excellence Awards in Teaching, Research and Creativity, and Service. These awards recognize exceptional contributions by UConn-AAUP members across the University.
Nominations may be submitted by colleagues or through self-nomination. Each submission must clearly identify the award category and include a complete nomination package as outlined below.
Submission Instructions
All materials must be submitted electronically in PDF format, arranged in the following order:
- Nomination letter(s), with a letter from the Department Head or equivalent listed first
- Additional supporting documentation
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV)
Submit materials to:
Jen Curtis-Gray
📧 jcurtisgray@uconaaup.org
Deadline:
Friday, February 13, 2026
Applicants who were nominated in 2023, 2024, or 2025 are encouraged to reapply and may submit updated materials.
Award Categories & Requirements can be found here.
Calling all Knitters!
UConn-AAUP is excited to have a group of knitters (and people who crochet!) that are creating beanies for future outdoor actions! The union will supply the yarn, tea and camaraderie! Just bring your needles and hooks. New to knitting? That is ok! You can learn as we go or you can make the pom poms with Gina! 😊 2:00 on January 30th at the UConn-AAUP Office.