BUILD Hartford Course
BADM-4895/BADM-5894, Section 701
COMM 4998-001/COMM 5895-001
Students will attend a weekly 3-credit course on Wednesdays from 1-4pm to engage with local entrepreneurs, established business owners, and industry experts, delivering compelling business stories that capture and highlight the best of what Hartford has to offer. Students will explore Hartford's rich history and its evolving business ecosystems, particularly within hotels, restaurants, and food service businesses — gaining valuable insights into what drives success and how to share those stories effectively.
By collaborating with peers and local businesses, students will develop skills in storytelling and digital media. Students will learn how to craft authentic and engaging narratives that not only showcase the unique flavors and experiences of Hartford’s hospitality industry, but also highlight the resilience and innovation of its business community.
Course Registration Information
The BUILD Hartford course will be offered in Fall 2026 and is available for both undergraduate and graduate credit through BADM or COMM, welcoming students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
- BADM Section
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students across any major or campus. Graduate students enrolling in the BADM section may need a permission number; contact rory.mcgloin@uconn.edu and include your Peoplesoft number to request access.
- COMM Section – Variable Topics
Available to students who meet the Communication course prerequisites. Students should review eligibility requirements in the course catalog or consult their academic advisor. Students enrolling in the COMM Variable Topics section may need a permission number; contact rory.mcgloin@uconn.edu and include your Peoplesoft number to request access.
Students are encouraged to enroll through the section that best aligns with their academic program and eligibility.
BUILD Hartford Fellowship
The BUILD Hartford Fellowship is an immersive learning opportunity for UConn undergrad and graduate students interested in business storytelling, digital content creation, and urban development. Supported by the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism, the fellowship offers students the chance to engage directly with Hartford’s hospitality, entertainment, and food service sectors.
Fellows will work alongside local business owners, community leaders, and academic partners to develop creative, multi-media projects that highlight the city’s vibrancy and potential. These real-world storytelling experiences allow the fellows to explore Hartford’s past, present, and future through the lens of entrepreneurship and placemaking. The fellowship emphasizes:
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Business communication and content creation rooted in authentic engagement
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Collaborative projects with Hartford-based businesses and organizations
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Professional networking opportunities with industry experts and civic leaders
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Applied learning experiences that translate academic insight into impact
The pilot fellowship will run through the end of August 2025, with additional cohorts launching in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Fellows will build a portfolio of work that supports Hartford’s ongoing development and contributes to the narrative of its dynamic cultural and economic landscape.
