This is an exciting time for Avery Point. UConn’s Strategic Plan 2024-2034 calls for developing seven world-class campuses as part of one flagship university. UConn is investing in each unique campus to best promote student success and power thriving regional communities around Connecticut. 

Here at Avery Point, we aim to: 

• Expand the number of four-year majors offered in in-demand career fields, such as engineering, business, and psychological sciences.   
• Develop partnerships to build the workforces that small, medium and large area businesses need.  
• Utilize Avery Point’s unique geography to fulfill our mission as a Land and Sea Grant institution and lead critical new research in climate resiliency.  
• Engage in ongoing productive discussions with tribal nations in our state focused on building innovative new collaborations centered on the Avery Point campus. 

As part of this process, we’ve explored many different ideas — some of which we are advancing, and others we are not. Below are answers to some recent common questions.  While we’ve devoted considerable time exploring different possibilities for Avery Point, please know we are early in the process of hammering out details. We will continue to share updates as they are available.  
 
If you have a question or suggestion, please let us know by emailing us at: averypointadministration@uconn.edu 

ENROLLMENT 

UConn Avery Point previously served over 700 undergraduate students and currently has 450 enrolled today. Our vision will re-build Avery Point’s enrollment in order to more fully and sustainably serve southeastern Connecticut and the state’s higher education needs into the future. 

 
STUDENT HOUSING 

With no on-site housing, all students (including first year) must independently find their own housing and compete for limited rental housing in the area, live at home, or commute from afar.  

UConn aims to construct a residential hall on the Avery Point campus. The proposed location is across from the existing athletic building (also referred to as Site A in the June 2024 RFEI), which is currently used as a baseball field. The residential hall would house approximately 250 students and include expanded dining, healthcare, and other support services so students’ day-to-day living needs can be fulfilled. Construction would be funded by UConn, and the residence hall would be owned and operated by UConn. The baseball field will be relocated and funding has been set aside to accomplish this. 

We will work closely with town officials to plan ahead for infrastructure needs, including police, fire, emergency preparedness, traffic, etc.  

We will also actively listen to and work together with the community to address areas of local concern or impact.  

NO HOTEL 

There are no plans to construct a hotel on UConn Avery Point (this includes the parcels referred to as Sites B and C in the June 2024 RFEI, and Sites A and B in the RFO.) In 2024, UConn did issue a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) and Request for Offers (RFO) to gauge market interest/ideas for a hotel in response to parents/guests’ requests for accommodations, desire for event space and management, and as a potential revenue source. No proposals were received for a hotel, and UConn is not pursuing this concept. 

EXPANDING ACADEMIC OFFERINGS & SPACE NEEDS 

Avery Point’s existing educational buildings/spaces will be able to accommodate the space needs for expanded academic offerings for the foreseeable future.