In the University’s newest push to elevate its science offerings and scholarship, administrators announced on Tuesday morning a wave of investments into faculty and facilities for science and engineering — as well as a structural change to establish a School of Engineering and Applied Science faculty distinct from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

The investment includes the addition of 45 faculty positions — 30 in SEAS and 15 in FAS — as well as new construction and renovation projects to take place over the next ten years. Further, effective July 1, SEAS will operate “as a distinct budgetary unit” from FAS, led by its own dean. SEAS will continue to encompass six departments in total — biomedical engineering, chemical and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science, electrical engineering, applied physics and computer science — and all other STEM departments will remain under the jurisdiction of FAS. Read More

Celebrating an expansive new space for training, networking and showcasing products, the Black Business Alliance (BBA) hosted the grand opening of its state headquarters inside the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford on Thursday.

“We showcase Black excellence on every level,” said BBA Executive Director Anne-Marie Knight, gesturing to a lounge area, work stations and an enticing retail space spotlighting African jewelry and clothing by local designers. “We're excited about what the future holds for us.”

With 200 members and hundreds more on its contact list, the BBA hopes to expand the network and economic power of Black businesses in the state from its new headquarters, Knight said. Read More

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday it is relaxing its mask guidance for communities where hospitals aren't under high strain. Under the new guidance, nearly 70% of the U.S. population lives in an area considered to be low or medium risk, and residents there are advised they can go indoors without masks.

The CDC recommends continued mask use in communities where serious cases of COVID-19 are straining the health system. Read More