Emilie Ulc

Emilie serves as the Program Director of the Mansfield Middle School Tutoring & Mentoring Program. This program matches UConn mentors with 5th through 8th graders at the local middle school. They complete assignments together, study for exams, and create long-lasting positive relationships. She joined as a freshman and became assistant program director her sophomore year, before becoming program director in August. She explains, “I wanted to make a difference in the Mansfield community and find a way to work with kids, something that I've always loved to do.” She is currently a junior studying Political Science.

What she loves most about the Community Outreach Office is the “warm and welcoming space filled with some of the most kindhearted, motivated people” she knows. When she’s not working, you can find her teaching spin at the Recreation Center, writing for HERCampus, and walking Horsebarn Hill with her friends! 

Lindsey Mychalcuzuk

Lindsey is a sophomore currently studying in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Culture, Health, and Human Development & Psychology. As a first-year student, she volunteered with Community Outreach at the Mansfield Senior Center, an experience that sparked her passion for community engagement. She now serves as the Juniper Hill Program Director. “When I heard about an opening at Juniper Hill, I was eager to apply!” 

Lindsey describes her time with Community Outreach as incredibly meaningful. “From professional development to days of service, CO has provided me with invaluable opportunities and memories. I am so grateful for the friendships I’ve made and can’t wait to see how CO and Juniper Hill continue to grow!” Outside of CO and academics, she enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and attending concerts.

Give & Go

Give & Go will be returning from May 6th-10th, 2026! Give & Go is a student-led initiative collaboration between Community Outreach, the Office of Sustainability, and Campus Housing that accepts items like clothes, bedding, furniture, appliances, bikes and scooters that students no longer need or want. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community while practicing sustainability. Since 2009, Give & Go has diverted over 100,000 lbs of waste from landfills to community partners and students in need, with 9,224 lbs of donations last year alone.

There will be pop-up tents at campus residents halls where you can easily donate your items to make an impact on people and the planet. Sign ups for volunteers will be circulating soon!

Second Chance Educational Alliance

Second Chance Educational Alliance is a program that supplements secondary education in correctional institutions by preparing UConn student volunteers to tutor in various curricula, such as business, science, math, and reading and writing competency. MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a level 4/5, high/maximum security facility for incarcerated men in the area. It is the largest correctional facility in New England, and it offers extensive programming to assist incarcerated students with educational services. Students facilitate the classroom lessons and create activities for tutoring and instructing a course. The program offers 4 classes to inmates, and next semester, they will offer a maximum of 3 Teaching Assistants per class.

With the support of Program Director Piyush Bahel, Assistant Director Ohm Tripathi, and the support of community partner Dr. Erin Corbett, student volunteers can help build the foundation necessary for job security following the students’ release.

If you are interested in volunteering in upcoming semesters, please reach out to uconn.co.correctional@gmail.com

February and March Professional Development

On February 17th, we hosted a professional development workshop with a winter Olympics theme. Student leaders began with interactive activities inspired by winter sports, including a curling-style game, before the workshop on reflection. Meg Marshall, Assistant Director of Community Outreach, led the conversation, highlighting the importance of reflection, why it matters, and the benefits it brings to personal and professional growth.

On March 4th, we hosted our final professional development workshop of the year. At this event, we were joined by Kaitlyn Anderson from the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. She explained how to curate an effective resume. Students were able to put Kaitlyn’s tips into action by editing their own resumes during the workshop.

We’d like to offer a special thank you to the professional development committee, led by Graduate Assistant Brenna McNeece, and coordinators Robert Boucher and Maggie Hart. Throughout the year, they continued to go above and beyond in organizing the logistics and flow of the events! 

Office Mini Golf Community-Building Event

On February 16, the community-building committee hosted office mini golf. We set up tables, chairs, and office supplies to create a 9-hole course throughout the whole 204 space. Students had a great time, and we hope everyone will be able to join us for our upcoming March and April community-building events. Follow our Instagram for more details to follow!

"Benito Bowl" Dialogue

Dialogues recently hosted an event, the "Benito Bowl," with the Puerto Rican / Latin American Cultural Center. This debrief of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show was well-attended by students who spoke about the importance of cultural identity and community in turbulent times. This echoes Benito's message, rooted in MLK Jr's teachings, that "the only thing more powerful than hate is love."

Origami Night

March 24, 6pm-8pm

SU 203

The community-building committee will be hosting an origami night after spring break. Paper materials and instructions will be provided, and all are welcome!

Senior Reflection Part II

April 7th, 5:00-7:00pm

CO Space, SU 203

On Tuesday, April 7th, we will be having a reflection event for all seniors and graduating students. You do not have to have attended the first reflection event to come to this one!

RSVP at s.uconn.edu/reflection2

CO Banquet and Senior Send-Off

April 19th, 4:30-7:30pm

UConn Alumni Center

All CO student leaders & staff are invited to attend the banquet. Graduating students are invited beforehand for a special send-off event. There is no dress code, but many students like to dress up in business/business casual for pictures!

Please RSVP at s.uconn.edu/COsend-off for the senior send-off (4:30-5:30pm)

Please RSVP s.uconn.edu/COBanquet for the banquet (6:00-7:30pm)

Trans Day of Visibility and Community Quilting Project

On March 31, Civic Engagement & Dialogues will be co-hosting an event with the Rainbow Center to recognize the Trans Day of Visibility. On April 7, Civic Engagement will also be collaborating on a community quilting project.

More details to follow soon!