The Office
of Multicultural & International Affairs (OMIA) is composed
of several units that differ with respect to mission, programs
of instruction, services provided, and the nature of their
contributions to the core mission of the University. Yet
the common denominator that connects them all is the promotion
and respect for international, diversity, multicultural,
and equity issues in teaching, learning, research, and programmatic
initiatives across campus.
Students come to the University of Connecticut at a critical
stage in their development, as they are defining themselves
in relation to others and experimenting with different identities,
relationships, and values before making permanent commitments
to jobs, friends, and intimate personal relationships. A
primary role of the Vice Provost is to provide leadership
and guidance to the University regarding multicultural and
international issues.
OMIA enhances our ability to place questions of diversity,
identity, citizenship, and responsibility at the heart of
the college experience.
Department
of International Services and Programs (DISP) (www.disp.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3083
Storrs, CT 06269-3083
(860) 486-3855
The Department of International Services and Programs promotes
friendship and understanding among people of diverse cultures
and backgrounds, while also providing an array of services
to UConn’s international community. DISP’s facilities
include the International Center, a focal place for a wide
range of intercultural programming, and a TV lounge and
game room. The Center is open every day and evening for
use by individuals and student groups. DISP is also responsible
for the daily advisory services and program interests of
international students, faculty and staff. A full-time advisory
staff is available to consult for the following: (1) U.S.
immigration concerns, (2) personal, cultural and academic
adjustment, (3) orientation and cross-cultural programming,
and (4) special events for the campus community. In addition,
DISP ensures that all international student and scholar
visas remain in compliance with the Student Exchange Visitor
Information System (SEVIS).
Office of Diversity and Equity (www.ode.uconn.edu)
241 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2175
Storrs, CT 06269-2175
(860) 486-2943
The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) supports the University's
commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, social equity,
and affirmative action through various services. ODE assists
academic and administrative divisions in their efforts to
develop and implement programs that promote a diverse and
inclusive campus environment, and advises the President,
Executive, and Senior Administration on institutional civil
rights and social equity policies and issues. ODE’s
compliance function encompasses: (1) monitoring employment
systems, (2) Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance,
(3) pre-litigation discrimination case management, and (4)
diversity and sexual harassment prevention training and
education. ODE also writes the University’s annual
report on progress and future goals related to the aforementioned
functions and publishes this information in the Affirmative
Action Plan for Employment. In addition, ODE conducts outreach
activities and is the University’s liaison with state
and federal civil rights enforcement agencies.
The multicultural
centers play a vital role in the retention of international
students, students of color, women, and gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender students by providing a supportive environment
and a menu of activities and services that engage students
and sustain their connection to the wider University community.
In general, the centers inform the campus community about
the experiences of the populations they represent and serve,
building a strong bridge between the academic and non-academic
units on campus. Their programs include conferences, guest
speakers, cultural celebrations, theatrical performances,
musical events, art exhibits, leadership classes, orientation
programs, and outreach activities, all of which provide
a forum for all students, faculty, and staff to understand
and appreciate the contributions, struggles, and diversity
of the UConn community.
Within the cultural centers, the extent of student service,
advocacy, and programming has been as diverse as the centers
themselves, but more important have been the extent and
depth of those activities. The centers have developed educational
and cultural opportunities that have not only created an
awareness of the many cultures which enrich UConn, but also
fostered dialogue on issues important to various ethnic,
racial, social, and economic groups, as well as to women,
those with disabilities, and those with diverse sexual orientations.
Asian American Cultural Center (www.asacc.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3186
Storrs, CT 06269-3186
(860) 486-0830
The mission of the Asian American Cultural Center is to
serve as an informational resource center regarding the
Asian American experience and to create an appreciation
and understanding of the diverse Asian cultures represented
within the community. The Center aids and supports Asian
American students in understanding and assessing the various
resources available to them on campus and serves as a cultural
liaison to the broader University community. Through guest
speakers, themed orientation sessions, Asian American Heritage
Observance, Open Houses, the Exploring Leadership for Asian
American Students Seminar, and other activities, the Center’s
programs focus on the historical, cultural, political, and
socioeconomic aspects of Asian Americans as well as on the
roots of their individual cultures.
H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center
(www.aacc.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3180
Storrs, CT 06269-3180
(860) 486-3433
The H. Fred Simons African American Culture Center develops
and implements educational and cultural opportunities that
foster awareness of African American culture and history.
The Center promotes cultural preservation, leadership, and
academic excellence through its innovative approach to cultural
advocacy, academic support, social support, and community
outreach. The Center helps students navigate the many resources
of the University and obtain assistance and information
on a wide range of administrative and academic support areas,
such as health services, career counseling, tutoring, financial
aid, and personal counseling. Its facilities include a large
community room, student lounge, a study/computer center,
a student newsroom, a library, and administrative and programming
offices. Programs of note include but are not limited to
the Black History Month Program, Kwanzaa Celebration, Community
Dialogues, Cultural Theme Banquets, Community Outreach Initiatives,
and leadership development projects.
Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center
(www.latino.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3188
Storrs, CT 06269-3188
(860) 486-1135
The Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center’s
mission is to improve the welfare of Latinos and to increase
awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Puerto Rican
and other Latino cultures. The activities and projects developed
by the Center strive to express and address the socioeconomic
concerns of Puerto Ricans and other Latinos. In pursuit
of this mission, the Center serves as a vehicle for students
to develop and strengthen social and leadership skills and
for Latinos and non-Latinos to enhance the multicultural
climate of the University of Connecticut. The Center focuses
its resources primarily on the areas of advocacy, educational-cultural
programming, empowerment, outreach, and recruitment and
retention of Latino students and staff. The Center’s
goals, activities, programs, and projects entertain, educate,
and sensitize the non-Latino population of both the University
and the state of Connecticut. The year’s calendar
of events are annually highlighted by the Latino Awareness
Month Celebration, Latin Fest, participation in University
Homecoming festivities, New Student Receptions, and educational
and cultural programming.
Rainbow Center (www.rainbowcenter.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3096
Storrs, CT 06269-3096
(860) 486-5821
The Rainbow Center opened in the Fall of 1998 with a mission
to create a positive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, queer, questioning, and allied people at the
University of Connecticut by fostering a sense of community,
cultural awareness, and understanding of their needs and
concerns. Through education and advocacy, the Center works
to eliminate negative behaviors and attitudes towards gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The Center contributes
to the academic leadership of the University through its
promotion of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer
(GLBTQ) Studies by bringing scholars to campus, conducting
conferences and lecture series, and providing research,
classroom, and curricular resources. Some services include
a weekly e-mail newsletter, a lending library, academic
courses, and working with an array of units around the University,
consulting, conducting intensive workshops, training initiatives,
and collaborating on projects. Internal activities are supplemented
by outreach efforts that include an alumni affinity group;
support for the efforts of related graduate, undergraduate,
and faculty-staff groups; and ever-improving electronic
and print outreach and marketing materials. Major programs
throughout the year include GLBTQ Awareness Month, Poetry
Slam Competitions, Coffee Houses, and lecture and cinematic
events.
Women’s Center (www.womenscenter.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3118
Storrs, CT 06269-3118
(860) 486-4738
Established in 1972, the Women’s Center annually reaches
some 12,000 women and men as it strives to create a community
that celebrates women’s diversity and strengths while
actively confronting societal challenges through activism
and social change. Its mission is to educate, advocate,
and provide support services to achieve gender equity at
the University and within the broader community. Special
attention is focused on women who face additional challenges
due to their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, sexual
identity, religion, age, and physical or mental ability.
A major component of the Center is the Violence Against
Women Prevention Program, which includes a peer education
program, the Men Against Violence Against Women Program,
activities for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Awareness
Months, and crisis intervention counseling and advocacy.
The Center also provides lounge space for classes, studying,
and socializing, as well as an extensive library of books,
magazines, and videos on a variety of issues related to
gender. The programs and services of the Center are available
to students, staff, faculty, and members of the community.
Other major initiatives include and are not limited to:
(1) the annual Women of Color Recognition Banquet; (2) the
Women’s Advance Conference; (3) consultation to University
departments on issues of gender equity, sexual harassment,
violence against women, and diversity; and (4) Women’s
History Month programming, including the International Women’s
Day Festival.
Institute
for African American Studies (www.iaas.uconn.edu)
241 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2162
Storrs, CT 06269-2162
(860) 486-3630
The Institute for African American Studies is an interdisciplinary
teaching and research program that examines critical issues
affecting people of African descent. Students may major
in African American Studies through the University’s
Individualized Major Program. The Institute provides courses
and research that focus on the history, culture, contributions,
and experiences of people of African descent in the United
States. The Institute offers courses such as the Sociology
of African Americans, African Americans History, African
American Politics, and African American Music among many
others.
African National Congress (ANC) Partnership
(http://unescochair.uconn.edu/ancpartnership.htm)
233 Glenbrook Road, Unit 4124
Storrs, CT 06269-4124
(860) 486-0647
The partnership between the University of Connecticut and
two major South African institutions, the African National
Congress and the University of Fort Hare, was initiated
in February 1999. The reciprocal relationships of consultation,
learning, and empowerment drive the trilateral partnership,
at the heart of which are two objectives: first, to assist
in the preservation of archival materials that record or
reflect the fight against apartheid in particular and racism
in general; and, second, to advance understanding of human
rights globally. To realize these two fundamental goals,
the partnership collaborates with other units at UConn in
five areas: (1) the Comparative Human Rights Program; (2)
training of South Africans to preserve their oral history;
(3) cataloging and preserving ANC archives and training
South Africans as archival management professionals; (4)
identification and return of ANC archival materials to South
Africa; and (5) exchange of faculty, staff, and students
between the University of Fort Hare and UConn.
In May 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) awarded the University of
Connecticut the first UNESCO Chair in Human Rights in the
United States of America. The Chair joined a network of
UNESCO Chairs around the world, committed to promoting
human rights, peace, democracy and tolerance. The UNESCO
Chair in Comparative Human Rights is guided by the theme
of a common humanity and informed by the principles of
reciprocal learning and respect. The aim is to bridge
the gap between ideals and theories of human rights and human
rights practices, in order to accomplish positive change in
human relations. To develop effective and balanced approaches
to human rights, we need not only to appreciate the different
histories and philosophies of human rights struggles, but
also to learn from other people’s experiences. Reciprocal
learning and exchange of information about strategies to
advance the cause of human rights have become an imperative,
especially in the global context in which we live.
The UNESCO Chair & Institute of Comparative
Human Rights are committed to:Promoting reciprocal learning
and sharing of information in issues of human rights. Raising
moral consciousness around the ideals of human rights. Facilitating
the preservation and writing of history related to struggles for
human rights. Contributing to educational efforts that lay the
foundation for harmonious relations between people of different
backgrounds. Developing strategies for peaceful resolution of
conflicts. Cultivating respect for the democratic rule of law.
Asian American Studies Institute (www.asianamerican.uconn.edu)
354 Mansfield Road, Unit 2091
Storrs, CT 06269-2091
(860) 486-4751
The Asian American Studies Institute is an interdisciplinary
research, teaching, and publication program devoted to the
study of the Asian American experience within the larger
and evolving American society. Although the primary focus
of the Institute is upon Asians in America, attention is
also given to the study of Asia, since Asia informs the
Asian American experience. The Institute offers a minor
in Asian American Studies with courses drawn from a number
of fields. These courses, whose common thread is the Asian
American experience, provide a comparative analysis of race,
class, gender, and Asian ethnicity. The goal of the Institute
is to prepare students for positions of leadership and service
by cultivating a broad understanding of America’s
racial and cultural diversity. The Institute hopes that
students will employ critical learning in their private
lives as citizens. To complement its academic mission, the
Institute serves the community beyond the University as
a resource for information and advocacy.
Institute of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies
(vm.uconn.edu/~prladm02)
354 Mansfield Road, Unit 2137
Storrs, CT 06269-2137
(860) 486-2815
The Institute of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, established
in 1994, is an interdisciplinary research and teaching program
with a comparative focus on the Puerto Rican, Mexican, and
other populations of Latin American origin in Connecticut,
the Northeast, other regions of the continental United States,
and Puerto Rico. It seeks to promote, sponsor, and promulgate
the results of comparative disciplinary research on these
populations and to foster broader campus awareness of diversity
through colloquia and publications that address the historical
and current contributions of people of Latin American heritage
to United States society and culture. The Institute offers
a multi- and inter- disciplinary academic program, including
an undergraduate minor as well as graduate courses in Puerto
Rican and Latino Studies. Among the course offerings are
Contemporary Puerto Rican Culture and Society, Latino Sexuality
and Gender, Women and Ethnicity, Latino Politics, Latino
Health and Health Care, and Latinos and U.S. Education.
The Women’s Studies Program
(http://www.womens.studies.uconn.edu)
354 Mansfield Road, Unit 2181
Storrs, CT 06269-2181
(860) 486-3970
The Women’s Studies Program is a flexible interdisciplinary
academic program devoted to the critical analysis of gender
and the pursuit of knowledge about women. Combining methods
and insights of traditional academic disciplines with the
special insights of Women’s Studies scholarship, the
Program’s courses yield fresh perspectives that illuminate
the origins of and changes in diverse cultural and social
arrangements. Committed to a vision of the world that is
international and cross-cultural, Women’s Studies
offers a major, a minor, four introductory-level general
education courses, and dozens of upper division courses.
Women’s Studies graduates are engaged in a wide variety
of rewarding careers, such as law, education, social work,
medicine, the arts, business, counseling, publishing, and
advocacy, to name a few.
Office
of International Affairs (http://oia.uconn.edu)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1182
Storrs, CT 06269-1182
(860) 486-3152
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) coordinates the
University of Connecticut’s international programs
and services. OIA provides technical assistance and management
for projects in several countries, short-term training in
development management, international student and scholar
support services, and management of several area studies
centers and programs, including the Center for Latin American
and Caribbean Studies, Center for European Studies, the
Center for Contemporary African Studies, the Middle East
Studies Committee, the South Asia Studies Committee, and
the India Studies Program.
Center for Contemporary African Studies
(www.ccas.uconn.edu)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1182
Storrs, CT 06269-1182
(860) 486-3152
Established in 1991, the Center for Contemporary African
Studies offers a minor in African Studies and a concentration
within the M.A. in International Studies. CCAS encourages
research on Africa, fosters student and faculty exchanges
with African universities, organizes a speakers program
and a film series, sponsors visiting scholars, and offers
information on Africa-related activities and resources to
the wider community. The Center draws its faculty from departments
throughout the University.
Center for European Studies (http://www.ces.uconn.edu)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1182
Storrs, CT 06269-1182
(860) 486-5888
The Center for European Studies (CES) was established in
1993. In addition to administering the Minor, Individualized
Major, and concentration in European Studies in the M.A.
in International Studies, a special priority of CES is to
connect scholarship in liberal arts disciplines with research
and training at the professional schools. The Center encourages
interdisciplinary research on Europe, coordinates graduate
and faculty exchanges with European universities, organizes
a speakers program, sponsors visiting scholars, and offers
information on European-related activities and resources
to the UConn community. CES also cooperates with other international
programs on campus, such as Linkage Through Language (a
foreign-language-across-the-curriculum project), and the
School of Business’s Center for International Business
Education and Research (CIBER). CES also maintains ties
to state government, business organizations, and businesses.
Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies
(clacs.uconn.edu)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1161
Storrs, CT 06269-1161
(860) 486-4964
The Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies advances
teaching and learning about Latin America and the Caribbean
through formal undergraduate and graduate programs of study,
scholarly research, and extracurricular activities. The
oldest area studies program at the University, Latin American
Studies was initiated in the late 1940s through the efforts
of two noted Latin Americanists, Nathan Whetten (Rural Sociology)
and Robert G. Mead, Jr. (Spanish). Officially established
by the Board of Trustees in 1979, the Center draws its faculty
from departments throughout the University, ranging from
agricultural economics to tropical zoology, with particular
strength in the traditional liberal arts disciplines, development
studies, and tropical biology. In addition to earning renown
for their scholarly credentials, the Center’s faculty
have played a major role in the promotion of Latin American
Studies regionally and throughout the United States.
Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI)
(www.gtdi.uconn.edu)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1182
Storrs, CT 06269-1182
(860) 486-3152
The Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI), a
unit of the Office of International Affairs, provides state-of-the-art
management training to administrators and managers of public,
private, and nonprofit organizations throughout the world.
To fulfill this mission, GTDI offers a combination of short-term
training and technical assistance programs in English as
well as other languages. Previously known as the Institute
of Public Service International, GTDI has trained, both
in Connecticut and overseas, more than 8,700 participants
from 130 countries.
International Proposal Development/Fulbright Programs (www.oia.uconn.edu/fulbright.html)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1182
Storrs, CT 06269-1182
(860) 486-2908
The University of Connecticut Fulbright Scholarship Committee is a standing committee of the
University, chaired by Dr. Elizabeth Mahan, the University's officially designated Fulbright Program
Advisor. The Fulbright Program Advisor recruits and counsels student and faculty applicants for
the various Fulbright programs. She serves as Project Manager for Fulbright-Hays Training
Grants (Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program and Faculty Research Abroad Program)
and, working with the members of the Fulbright Scholarship Committee, evaluates and rates
applications for Fulbright Grants for graduate study and research abroad.
University of Connecticut American English Language
Institute (UCAELI) (www.ucaeli.uconn.edu)
843 Bolton Road, Unit 1198
Storrs, CT 06269-1198
(860) 486-2127
UCAELI provides undergraduate and graduate students with
quality instruction in English as a Second Language to help
them achieve personal and academic goals. The program works
to help all students access the educational and cultural
resources of the University while providing them with specially
designed opportunities to engage in the process of socio-cultural
learning. UCAELI also serves as a resource center supporting
other University departments and offices with customized
language training and cross-cultural education projects
upon request.
Department
of International Services and Programs (DISP) (http://www.disp.uconn.edu)
2110 Hillside Road, Unit 3083
Storrs, CT 06269-3083
(860) 486-3855
The Department of International Services and Programs promotes
friendship and understanding among people of diverse cultures
and backgrounds, while also providing an array of services
to UConn’s international community. DISP’s facilities
include the International Center, a focal place for a wide
range of intercultural programming, and a TV lounge and
game room. The Center is open every day and evening for
use by individuals and student groups. DISP is also responsible
for the daily advisory services and program interests of
international students, faculty and staff. A full-time advisory
staff is available to consult for the following: (1) U.S.
immigration concerns, (2) personal, cultural and academic
adjustment, (3) orientation and cross-cultural programming,
and (4) special events for the campus community. In addition,
DISP ensures that all international student and scholar
visas remain in compliance with the Student Exchange Visitor
Information System (SEVIS).
India Studies Program (http://oia.uconn.edu/india/index.html)
341 Mansfield Road, Unit 1024
Storrs, CT. 06269-1024
(860) 486-2534
Established in 2003, the India Studies program offers a minor in India Studies,
and encourages scholarly research on India by faculty and students. The program
organizes lectures and cultural events, brings visiting faculty to campus, and
establishes linkages with universities in India for study abroad and faculty
exchange and research. India Studies is an interdisciplinary program drawing
on various departments throughout the university.
Middle East Studies (http://www.mideast.uconn.edu)
337 Mansfield Road, Unit 1057
Storrs, CT 06269-1057
Tel: (860)486-3315
Middle East Studies at the University of Connecticut is coordinated by a Committee of interdisciplinary faculty. The Committee
supervises a Minor in Middle East Studies and coordinates courses, research, conferences, and outreach activities related to the Middle East.
