2nd Annual Student Success Conference
Connected For Success: Advancing Student Success through Partnership, Innovation, and ImpactDay Hour Minute Second
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Join colleagues from across UConn for the 2026 Student Success Conference, Connected for Success: Advancing Student Success through Partnership, Innovation, and Impact. This year’s conference is designed as a collaborative, working session to explore the current landscape of student success, identify opportunities for growth, and generate actionable strategies for moving forward.
Conference Details
Wednesday, May 20, 20269:00am-3:00pm (Check-In and breakfast begin at 8:30am)
UConn Storrs Campus, Student Union Ballroom, 2110 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT 06269, Third Floor
We are excited to welcome you to the 2026 Student Success Conference, Connected for Success: Advancing Student Success through Partnership, Innovation, and Impact. This year’s conference is designed as a collaborative and interactive experience focused on strengthening student success through shared learning, dialogue, reflection, and action. Throughout the day, participants will engage in facilitated working sessions, hear perspectives from campus leaders and experts, connect with colleagues from across the university, and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of student success at UConn. Attire Reminder: Don’t forget to show your UConn spirit by wearing your favorite UConn apparel!
Schedule
8:30-9:00AM Check-In, Networking, & Breakfast ExpandConnect with colleagues from across the university over a light breakfast and begin the day in a collaborative, welcoming environment.
9:00-9:30AM Opening Remarks ExpandSenior leadership will welcome attendees, recognize the power of community, and highlight the impact of our work.
9:45- 10:45AM Working Session Round 1: Exploring Opportunities for Growth ExpandParticipants will be assigned a themed working session group and engage in facilitated discussions, guided by campus experts, to explore opportunities to strengthen student success across the student experience.
11:00-12:00PM Panel: Reimagining a People-First Approach to Student Success at UConn ExpandDuring this panel, experts from across campus will share perspectives on how we can foster a stronger culture of care to help minimize burnout, demoralization, and disengagement among employees. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
12:00-12:45PM Community Lunch ExpandEnjoy a networking, community-building lunch and continue conversations with colleagues from across the university.
12:45-1:15PM Staff Wellbeing Sessions ExpandChoose from a range of optional sessions focused on connection, mindfulness, creativity, and innovation, intentionally designed to help you recharge and refocus.
Attendees will choose 1 session to participate in.
- Chair Yoga and Stretch, hosted by UConn Rec (Capacity: Up to 40 Seats)
- In this session, participants will engage in gentle movement and guided stretching techniques designed to improve mobility, reduce tension, and support overall wellbeing. All exercises can be easily incorporated into the workday and performed right from your desk.
- Innovating Wellness: The Bored Game, hosted by the Innovation Zone (Capacity: Up to 40 Seats)
- In this session, participants will be guided through an engaging, hands-on activity focusing on the exploration of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindset, and showcase how those themes can apply to self-care and wellness through play and gamification.
- Coping with Stress: Mindfulness & Breathing, hosted by SHAW (Capacity: Up to 30 Seats)
- In this session, participants can take a moment to slow down, reset, and recharge through guided mindfulness and breathing activities designed to support relaxation and overall wellbeing. This session offers a calm and supportive space for reflection, balance, and personal renewal.
- Board Game Room (No host. Capacity: Up to 40 Seats)
- Take a break, recharge, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of board games designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, creativity, and lighthearted fun.
- Meditation & Wellness, hosted by Student Activities (Capacity: Up to 40 Seats)
- Take time to pause and recharge through guided mindfulness and meditation activities focused on supporting overall wellness and balance. This session offers participants a calming space for reflection, relaxation, and intentional self-care throughout the day.
- Coloring & Connection (No host. Capacity: Up to 200 Seats)
- Participants will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of coloring pages while engaging in informal conversation with colleagues across campus. This session offers a low-pressure environment to relax, recharge, and build community through creativity and shared dialogue.
- Take a walk (No host. Capacity: Unlimited)
- Step away from the conference space and enjoy time outdoors with a walk around campus. This session provides participants an opportunity to recharge, get fresh air, reflect on the day’s conversations, and connect informally with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.
- Free time for Personal Renewal (No host. Capacity: Unlimited)
- Participants can use this time in whatever way best supports their personal and professional wellbeing. Whether choosing to relax, catch up on emails, continue conversations with colleagues, or simply taking a quiet moment, this flexible session is intended to provide space for rest and renewal throughout the day.
Attendees will return to their assigned room from the morning session to build on earlier discussions and focus on translating ideas into actionable approaches to strengthen student success.
2:20-3:00PM Community Debrief & Closing ExpandThe conference will conclude with a collective debrief, highlighting key ideas and insights to help inform what comes next for student success at UConn.
Working Sessions
Access and Equity ExpandThis session will explore how underrepresented students experience UConn and what conditions help them feel seen, supported, and able to thrive. Participants will identify changes to the student experience, campus climate, and support structures that would make equity more intentional and embedded across the institution.
This session will focus on what enables students with disabilities to fully access learning, campus life, services, and opportunities at UConn. Participants will consider how UConn could move beyond accommodation as a response and design academic, co-curricular, and service environments that are accessible and inclusive from the start.
Advising and Academic Support ExpandThis session will examine how students navigate UConn’s academic systems and what forms of advising, academic support, and communication help them stay on track. Participants will imagine a more student-centered academic support experience from the first semester through graduation.
Belonging and Connection Expand
This session will explore the experiences, relationships, and campus conditions that help students find their place at UConn. Participants will consider what it would look like for every student to feel known, connected, valued, and supported as part of the university community.
Career Readiness and Experiential Learning Expand
This session will focus on how students connect their UConn experience to purpose, career direction, and life after graduation. Participants will identify opportunities, relationships, and real-world experiences that help students build confidence and prepare for meaningful next steps.
Student Wellness and Basic Needs ExpandThis session will examine the supports, resources, and conditions that help students stay well enough to learn, participate, and persist. Participants will consider how UConn can more proactively support wellbeing and basic needs so students know what they can count on before reaching a crisis point.
Kay Camerato, Associate Director, Student Care and Concern
and Mary Painter, Associate Director of Mental Health, Student Health and Wellness
Parking
If you do not have a university parking permit and will require parking, please email jennifer.brodie@uconn.edu.
Accommodations
