Advocacy and Engagement

Advocacy and Engagement

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

UConn is committed to diversity. We believe that diversity makes our campuses better places to learn and work and positions UConn as a state, regional, and local leader in education, research, and outreach. Quite simply, we believe that the diversity of our communities makes UConn stronger.

The important transformational work related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice will only be successful if the University has buy-in and input from our entire community; no singular department or unit can do this work on its own. Together, we can improve the UConn experience for every member of our community.

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the territory of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Lenape Peoples, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We thank them for their strength and resilience in protecting this land, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example.

Pronunciations: Mohegan (Mo-he-gan); Mashantucket Pequot (Mash-un-tuck-it Pea-kwaht); Eastern Pequot (Pea-kwaht); Schaghticoke (ska-teh-COKE); Golden Hill Paugussett (paw-GUS-it); Nipmuc (Nip-muck); Lenape (Leh-NAH-pay)

Lighthouse at UConn Avery Point Campus

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the territory of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Lenape Peoples, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We thank them for their strength and resilience in protecting this land, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example.

Pronunciations: Mohegan (Mo-he-gan); Mashantucket Pequot (Mash-un-tuck-it Pea-kwaht); Eastern Pequot (Pea-kwaht); Schaghticoke (ska-teh-COKE); Golden Hill Paugussett (paw-GUS-it); Nipmuc (Nip-muck); Lenape (Leh-NAH-pay)

Avery Point Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Avery Point Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee was created to move towards a more equitable, inclusive, diverse, and socially-just campus. Working with campus leaders, faculty, staff, and students, the committee creates policy, hosts professional development opportunities, shares best practices, and educates the community.

Outreach & Engagement

Avery Point students, faculty, and staff participate in a variety of programs and projects to help our local and global communities.

Coastal Perspectives Lecture Series

This free, public lecture series focuses on coastal issues. It spans the breadth of human interactions with coastal waters, including speakers from the natural and social sciences, as well as arts and humanities.

Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA)

CIRCA combines UConn’s world-class research with Connecticut DEEP’s progressive policies and practical regulatory experience to work toward ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the built and natural environments of the coast and watersheds of Connecticut.

Global Café

The Avery Point Global Café is a learning community that hosts dialogues designed to help our students, faculty, and staff talk and listen to one another more effectively, understand various points of view, find common ground, collaborate, and respectfully address issues important to us all.

Health, Education and Safety (HES) Program

The HES Program provides services to promote the health and well-being of the residents of Branford Manor apartments in the city of Groton, Connecticut. Avery Point students collect food and mentor Branford Manor residents as a way of giving back to the community in which they live, while increasing their understanding of social issues within the community. The program is a collaboration between the City of Groton Police Department, the UConn School of Nursing, Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School, Groton Human Services, the Visiting Nurses Association of Southeastern Connecticut, and the Bay Management Company.

Mentoring & Reading in Groton Public Schools

UConn Avery Point students and staff spend time with local children from Groton public schools to provide a sympathetic ear and companionship. We also sponsor Read Across America, a project of the National Education Association, to help motivate children and young teens to read through community events.

Project Oceanology

Project Oceanology is a non-profit education and research facility dedicated to nurturing student and public interest and enthusiasm for marine sciences. They offer programs for schools, the public, and summer camp.