Student Affairs
Student Affairs
AccessAbility Services
The mission of the Office of AccessAbility Services is to ensure educational equity for students with documented disabilities by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations and services. Accommodations and services may include: advocacy, reasonable accommodations, early registration, complaint processing, exam proctoring, assistive technology, academic assistance, foreign language substitutions and other services that are of value and importance to students with disabilities. The primary goal of AccessAbility Services is to ensure equal access to programs and activities at Western Connecticut State University. AccessAbility Services calls upon the entire community to facilitate and advocate for the best university environment possible for individuals with disabilities. The AccessAbility Services staff work collaboratively with the university community to accomplish this mission.
Qualified students with documented disabilities who are in need of disability services or reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact AccessAbility Services immediately. The university respects a student’s right to disclose or not to disclose a disability; however, the university is not responsible for providing services or accommodations for students who do not disclose a disability to AccessAbility Services. Students must complete an Accommodation Intake Form and provide appropriate documentation in order to receive services. Communication of a disability to other sources does not serve as a substitute for official notification to AccessAbility Services.
For additional information, contact Elisabeth Werling, AccessAbility Services Coordinator. AccessAbility Services is located in Higgins Annex Room 017 and can be reached at (203) 837-8225 (voice), (203) 837-3235 (TTY) or by email at aas@wcsu.edu. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of AccessAbility Services with questions or concerns. Additional information about AccessAbility Services is available at www.wcsu.edu/accessability.
Discrimination in programs and services due to a disability is prohibited at Western Connecticut State University and is a violation of state and federal law. To file a complaint of discrimination because of a disability, contact Carolyn Lanier, Chief Diversity Officer, University Hall 214, at (203) 837-8277 or lanierc@wcsu.edu. Please note that the discrimination complaint procedure does not replace and is not a substitute for other established university procedures such as judicial, grade appeal, housing, public safety or other such policies and procedures. Students with disabilities are held to the same standards and must follow established policies and procedures as other students at Western Connecticut State University.
Athletics
wcsuathletics.com/landing/index
Faculty: Athletic Director Ed Farrington, Pete Algarin, Mark Allen, Scott Ames, Bob Campbell, Jill Cook, Don Ferguson, Patrick Hull, George Kostelis, Joe Loth, Danielle McDonnell, Joe Mingachos, Jason Ouellet, Jennifer Ouellet, Drew Owens, Kimberley Rybczyk, Shawn Stillman, Heather Stone, John Susi and Ritush Venugopal.
A complete list of the Athletics Department administration and coaches with contact information can be found on the WCSU website at www.wcsu.edu/sports/AthleticStaff/staffdirectory.html.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Western offers a variety of opportunities for the student-athlete to excel at the regional and national levels of competition.
Sporting events are scheduled throughout the academic year and opportunities are provided for male and female teams.
Men:
Fall — Soccer, Football
Winter — Basketball
Spring — Tennis, Baseball, Lacrosse
Women:
Fall — Volleyball, Tennis, Soccer, Field Hockey
Winter — Basketball, Swimming and Diving
Spring — Softball, Lacrosse
All programs belong to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The football program is a member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Association (MASCAC). The 13 other intercollegiate athletic programs are members of the Little East Conference. In addition, all programs hold membership in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). The university belongs to conferences and associations appropriate to the specific athletic program.
Eligibility to Participate in Varsity Athletics
Eligibility is determined in accordance with policies established by the NCAA, including requirements for satisfactory progress and good academic standing.
Campus Ministry
wcsu.edu/stuaffairs/ministries.asp
The spiritual needs of the students are served by a staff of three religious leaders of the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish communities. They offer opportunities for worship celebrations, service projects, pastoral counseling, community outreach and various programs of a religious, non-denominational, ethical and philosophical nature. Places for study, reflection, friendship and relaxation are available at the Student Center and the Newman Center (across the street from Newbury Hall).
Campus ministers can be reached at:
· Catholic — Student Center 211, (203) 837-3240 or Newman Center, (203) 744-5846
· Protestant – Student Center 211, (203) 837-8328
· Jewish — For leadership call Student Affairs at (203) 837-8606
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center (CDC) provides a wide range of services to help students with career planning and job searches. Students who are exploring career options can discuss their plans with a CDC staff member and use the “SIGI3” software, which assesses career interests and provides extensive information about different job fields.
Students can also take advantage of an extensive career library that offers a large collection of literature on career fields, job search, company profiles, and graduate and professional school information. The CDC also hosts several online resources such as Going Global, and VAULT Career Insider, which make extensive career and employer information available 24 hours a day.
Students who want to receive practical experience in their field should take advantage of our highly successful Cooperative Education (Co-op) Internship Program, which provides career-related experience linked to major or career interest. Students receive academic credit, and in most cases, a salary, for their co-op work experience.
The CDC provides an On/Off Campus Recruiting Program for graduating seniors to interview for career opportunities with area employers. We also have an online job posting and job search information site, College Central, which students can access 24 hours a day at www.collegecentral.com/wcsu.
The CDC hosts a major Career Fair each year that provides job opportunities for full-time, part-time, and summer employment as well as co-ops and internships. We also host a number of special workshops on resume writing, interviewing and job search strategies, as well as resume critique sessions to help students with their job search.
The CDC is located on the second floor of the Student Center on the Midtown campus, Room 227. “Drop-in hours” are offered several days a week. Further information is available on the CDC website: wcsu.edu/cdc or by calling the office at (203) 837-8263.
Counseling Center
The goal of the Counseling Center is to provide students with a safe, confidential and supportive environment to discuss life concerns, challenges and opportunities. In the Counseling Center, we offer help in handling the difficulties and anxieties associated with everyday campus life as well as those that arise out of extraordinary circumstances.
Therapy is provided to help students address personal, interpersonal and academic concerns. The therapy process is about problem solving, expansion of awareness, coping skills and personal growth. Students seek help for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: adjustment to college life, relationships with family or friends, stress and time management, depression and suicidal thoughts, anxiety, grief and loss, alcohol and substance use, anger management and irritability, acquaintance rape, loneliness and isolation, weight or body image concerns, identity issues and sleep disturbance.
The Counseling Center also provides outreach, educational workshops and training. Outreach includes providing consultation services to administration, faculty, staff and parents.
Our services are free and available to all undergraduate and graduate students who are matriculated at Western Connecticut State University. Students can call the Counseling Center at (203) 837-8690 or stop by the Midtown Student Center, Room 222, to make an appointment. Appointments are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. In case of an emergency outside of regular business hours, students should dial 911 or call the 24-hour mental health emergency hotline at: (888) 447-3339.
Health Service
The Health Service office, located in front of Litchfield Hall, provides full-time students with primary care and health education on a year-round basis. It is staffed by a doctor, one nurse practitioner and a secretary. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are required for non-emergencies. Changes in hours are reported to the Dean of Student Affairs, University Police and Office of Residence Life.
The costs for radiology, laboratory, and diagnostic tests are the student’s responsibility. A nominal charge is billed to tuition if the student chooses to have a prescription dispensed on site. If a written prescription is dispensed, the student can use an in-network pharmacy to fill the order.
In the event the medical staff needs to refer a student to a specialist or the emergency department at Danbury Hospital, the student’s health insurance plan would apply.
In the event a student is treated in Health Service during office hours and becomes incapacitated by illness or injury and needs to be transported by ambulance, or needs someone to assist following discharge, the medical staff will offer to contact an individual with consent from the student.
Immunizations
State of Connecticut law requires all matriculated students (full-time and part-time) to provide proof of the following immunizations. WCSU recommends all students complete the Connecticut State University Student Health Service Form available at www.wcsu.edu/onlineforms.asp.
· Two measles, two mumps, two rubella and two varicella (exempt from varicella/chicken pox if born in the United State before 1/1/1980 or if the student had the actual chicken pox per a doctor’s letter).
· The actual lab results of positive titers (blood test) may be submitted in lieu of the immunization.
· All resident hall students are required by Connecticut State Law to have documented proof of meningococcal/meningitis/menactra vaccine before a room is assigned.
Failure to comply with the state-mandated immunization requirements will restrict you from registering for the following semester.
The Hepatitis B vaccine, though not required, is strongly recommended for students. Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that can be prevented through the vaccine. The preventative vaccine is recommended by a number of health associations, including the Center for Disease Control, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the American College Health Association. Contact your health care provider or local health department.
Some academic programs may require additional immunizations or examinations before the student’s participation in an internship or other assignment.
Sports
All new varsity players must submit a completed “Pre-participation Physical Exam for Varsity Athletes” form, a “Questionnaire for Participation in Varsity Sports” and an “Authorization for Release of Information” form.
Also on an annual basis, all varsity athletes must complete a health questionnaire and a release of information, which is reviewed by the Health Service staff. These forms are available to download at wcsu.edu/health services/athleticrequimt.asp.
Insurance
Enrollment and waivers are administered through the University Cashier, located in Old Main 106. For more information, call (203) 837-8381.
Housing & Residence Life
The Department of Housing and Residence Life offers its residents an integrated program known as CULTURE™, which stands for “Creating Undergraduate Learning Through Unique Residential Experiences.”
The CULTURE™ program is designed to help students excel academically and provides myriad opportunities for community and leadership development. Students who live on campus are expected to participate in and support their living and learning environments.
Once you have made the decision to live on campus, it is important to find the residence hall that best suits your needs. There are six halls at Western: three on the Midtown campus and three on Westside.
Residence Halls
Midtown
The three residence halls on the Midtown campus are all traditional-style residence halls. Newbury, Litchfield and Fairfield halls are coeducational. All buildings are state-owned and staffed with professional residence directors.
Rooms have basic cable and students may access the Internet (wired and wireless) through the campus ResNet program.
Most Midtown rooms accommodate two students. Beds, desks, bookshelves, chairs and dressers are provided, and roommates may enhance the decor with items such as drapes, bedspreads, rugs and lamps. Linens are not provided, so students must supply their own mattress pads, pillows, sheets, towels and pillow cases. All beds are regular twin size.
Westside
Grasso Hall
Grasso Hall is an apartment-style, upperclass, residence hall. Each apartment is furnished and has two bedrooms, a living/dining room, a kitchen and a bathroom and is provided with basic cable service and access to the Internet (wired and wireless) via ResNet, the campus provider.
Traditionally, four students live in each apartment — two students per bedroom. While Grasso students are usually very involved in academic and campus life, they still maintain an active hall council, which provides a variety of social and educational events throughout the year.
Pinney Hall
A 430-person apartment-style building for upperclass students, Pinney Hall has five-person apartments that include three furnished bedrooms, two bathrooms, a furnished living and dining area, a full-sized kitchen and a balcony. In addition, there are two-story floor lounges spaced throughout the building, as well as a conference/meeting room (center). All apartments are provided with basic cable service and access to the Internet (wired and wireless) via ResNet, the campus provider.
Centennial Hall
Centennial Hall is a suite-style hall with furnished suites that typically have a living room, two bedrooms and toilet, shower and sink rooms. Kitchens are not provided in this residence hall and residents are required to participate in the Platinum Dining plan.
Typically, five students share a suite. Basic cable and Internet (wired and wireless) access through the campus ResNet service is provided. Study lounges are located on each floor and a large multi-purpose area is located on the ground floor. There is a parking garage at the rear of the building.
Meal Plans
In Litchfield and Newbury, students are assigned the Ultimate meal plan, but may opt for the Platinum meal plan if they’d like by notifying the Housing & Residence Life office prior to the start of the semester.
Fairfield and Centennial residents are assigned the Platinum meal plan, but may opt for the Ultimate meal plan if they’d like by notifying the Housing & Residence Life office prior to the start of the semester.
Grasso and Pinney residents are assigned the Blue meal plan. However, Grasso and Pinney residents may select any other available meal plan (Gold, Platinum or Ultimate) by notifying the Housing & Residence Life office prior to the start of the semester.
Application for On-Campus Housing
When students are accepted to the university, they are mailed an application for on-campus housing with the Admissions acceptance packet. Only full-time, matriculated students are eligible to live in on-campus housing.
Commuter students who have not lived on campus previously may also apply to live oncampus for the following semester, and will be placed as space allows.
Students who become on-campus residents must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and meet the guidelines for satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible for on-campus housing. First year students typically live on the Midtown campus. Returning students typically live on the Westside, their placement determined by room selection and eligibility for a building based on age and credits earned. Because of the overall demand for on-campus housing, students are encouraged to apply early for housing.
Off-Campus Housing
The Department of Housing & Residence Life is partnered with an off-campus listing service, Places4Students.com. Students looking for off-campus accommodations are encouraged to go online to check for current listings. A link to the site may be found at the Housing & Residence Life website, wcsu.edu/housing.
Judicial Affairs
wcsu.edu/stuaffairs/judicialoffice.asp
The Office of Judicial Affairs administers the student discipline process and serves as liaison to all university departments regarding matters pertaining to student conduct. All Western students are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities(“CSCU”) Student Code of Conduct. Formal complaints, as well as any inquiries concerning the student discipline system and student discipline records, should be directed to the Director of Judicial Affairs at (203) 837-8770.
CSCU Student Code of Conduct
The CSCU Student Code of Conduct is intended to present a clear statement of student rights and responsibilities established by the Board of Regents (BOR) for Higher Education. The BOR has charged the President of the Board of Regents for Higher Education with developing procedures to protect those rights and to address the abdication of responsibilities in collaboration with the four State Universities, the 12 Community Colleges and Charter Oak State College. The Student Code describes the types of acts that are not acceptable in an academic community.
Students must be aware that, as citizens, they are subject to all federal and state laws in addition to all university regulations governing student conduct and responsibilities. Students do not relinquish their rights or shed their responsibilities as citizens by becoming members of CSCU.
Preamble
Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students and the general well-being of society. In line with this purpose, the BOR, in conjunction with CSCU, has the duty to protect the freedoms of inquiry and expression, and furthermore, has the responsibility to encourage all of its members to develop the capacity for critical judgment in their sustained and independent search for truth.
CSCU has certain self-defined institutional values. Principal among these values is respect for the dignity, rights and individuality of each member of the CSCU community. The opportunity to live, study and work in an institution that values diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives and encourages discussion and debate about competing ideas in an atmosphere of civility is a basic component of quality higher education.
All members of CSCU must at all times govern their social and academic interactions with tolerance and mutual respect so that the students who pass through a CSCU door are enriched by these experiences and are prepared for full and enlightened participation in a multicultural society. Because of BOR’s and CSCU’s commitment to principles of pluralism, mutual respect and civility, certain activities are not acceptable on CSCU campuses. Acts of intolerance, of hatred or violence based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, age or ethnic background are antithetical to the BOR’s and CSCU’s fundamental principles and values. It is the BOR’s and CSCU’s responsibility to secure the students’ right to learn by establishing an environment of civility.
The disciplinary process is intended to be part of the educational mission of the CSCU. Student disciplinary proceedings are not criminal proceedings and are not subject to court rules of procedure and evidence.
The complete “CSCU Student Code of Conduct” can be found in the Student Handbook, which is available through the Office of Student Affairs in Old Main 306 and at www.wcsu.edu/stuaffairs.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is designed to meet the needs of newly-admitted students and to answer questions they may have about Western and the college experience. For students entering Western in the fall semester, orientation consists of two programs — a summer program usually held in June and Welcome Week scheduled just before and during the first week of classes.
During June Orientation, students have the opportunity to get their ID, a parking permit, establish computer accounts and finalize their class schedule for the upcoming semester. At that time, students and parents are officially welcomed to the university by the university president. They are invited to lunch with their dean and faculty, attend workshops and tour the campus. Students admitted after June orientation will have ample opportunity to do these things and get set for the fall during the summer months.
Welcome Week is organized around the first week of classes and includes the weekends before and after the semester begins. At this time, resident students move into the residence halls. Both commuter and resident students and their families are officially welcomed during Western’s “Entering the Gates” ceremony. Workshops are offered for both parents and students, and often include special orientation programs for commuter students, transfer students, international students, adult learners and veterans. Welcome Week also includes lectures, movies, concerts, Clubs Carnival and other activities intended to welcome students to campus.
For students beginning classes in January, orientation typically consists of an afternoon program for students and their parents the day before classes begin.
If you would like more information about New Student Orientation, please call the Office of Student Affairs at (203) 837-9700.
Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs
To enhance and ensure that pre-college students have the opportunity to develop their academic skills required for college admissions, Western has established the ConnCap (state)/Upward Bound (federal) programs for high school students and the Excel Program (state/local) for middle school students.
These pre-college programs have assigned advisers and staff dedicated to assisting and closely monitoring the middle/high school students’ academic progress throughout their public school experience. These pre-college programs also provide and promote academic achievement, cultural enrichment, the use of technology and instructional classes from pre-algebra to parental workshops. All middle and high school students are provided a five- to six-week academic summer enrichment program that includes selective field trips.
Included in the Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs is the EAP (Educational Achievement & Access Program), an intense five-week summer residential program that offers 30 to 40 selected, academically under-prepared students the opportunity to experience college life while residing on campus and taking two academically challenging college classes to fulfill admission requirements. All EAP students must successfully pass with a minimum of “C” or higher in their Math and English classes to be officially admitted into Western as a full-time student in the fall semester.
Recreation, Intramurals and Club Sports
The Recreation Department at Western, located in the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) in the Midtown Student Center 207, is dedicated to providing the campus community with many recreational activities to encourage physical fitness and promote positive well-being. Athletic facilities are available to the Western community on both campuses.
The Bill Williams Gymnasium on the Midtown campus provides aerobics and fitness classes and a fitness room for cardio workouts and strength training.
The Westside campus is home to the William A. O’Neill Athletic and Convocation Center, which houses the Feldman Arena, a six-lane natatorium, a four-lane indoor track, four full courts for basketball and volleyball, and a fitness center for cardio and strength training. Three practice fields and six lighted tennis courts are also available.
In addition, a new cardio fitness room is located on the first floor of the Westside Campus Center. Dedicated to encouraging intense cardio workouts, this facility has top-notch Precor equipment, and each machine is equipped with its own television. There is specific equipment available for core training as well.
Students are invited to join the Recreation Council, which plans events and brings recreation activities to campus.
Intramurals
The Western Intramurals Program offers team and individual sports activities with women’s, men’s and coed divisions. Events include: flag football, 5-on-5 basketball, dodgeball, volleyball and more.
Individuals of all skill levels are encouraged to join for friendly competition and fun. Intramural sports encourage friendship, strengthen the mind and body, and develop character, while nurturing a skill.
The intramural program is open to all Western students, faculty, staff and alumni. Suggestions for new intramural activities are welcome.
Club Sports
The club sports program provides an opportunity for individuals who share an interest in a recreational sport to improve their skill level and overall knowledge. Club sports can be organized on either a recreational or a competitive level. Instructional activities range from informal play to regular practices, in preparation for intercollegiate and tournament competition. Many clubs compete with other schools and are a part of a collegiate league of play.
Each club is created, organized, maintained and driven through student effort. Active club sports include ice hockey, cheerleading, dance team, women’s rugby and men’s rugby. Active recreation clubs include grappling, martial arts, golf, running, adventure, ultimate Frisbee, cross country, ski & snowboarding and WCSU Winter Guard.
The club sports program is open to all Western students.
If you have any questions or feedback, have suggestions for a new intramural activity, would like to join an existing club or start a new one on your own, please contact the Assistant Director for Student Life/Student Activities, Room 207 in the Midtown Student Center, (203) 837-8609.
The Center for Student Involvement
The Center for Student Involvement (CSI), located in Room 207 of the Midtown Student Center, is the main point of contact for students wanting to form a new club or organization and those already involved with one. This is where clubs register and receive information and support.
The Center for Student Involvement staff advises more than 80 clubs, including the Student Government Association, the Program Activities Council and the Recreation Council. The CSI also operates the recreation, intramurals and club sports program. The staff provides assistance with leadership development, university policies and event planning, and coordinates programs, events and activities on campus organized by and for students.
Clubs and Organizations
Student Government Association (SGA) | Student Center 215, (203) 837-8711, sga.wcsu.edu
The SGA is the official voice of the student body. It appoints student representatives to university committees, allocates the student activities fee to student organizations and protects student rights.
The Echo | Student Center 212, (203) 837-8707 or (203) 837-8708
Western’s student-run weekly newspaper is distributed on both campuses each Tuesday. All students, regardless of their major, are eligible to write and work for The Echo.
Greek Council | Student Center 217, (203) 837-8217
This is the governing body for all social Greek-letter organizations.
Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) | Newbury Hall, (203) 837-8720
The Inter-Residence Hall Association is the governing body for each of the Residence Hall Councils. Representatives are elected from each residence hall.
Program Activities Council (PAC) | Student Center 219, (203) 837-8421
PAC is the main programming board for student activities, and organizes trips, game shows, concerts, comedians, movies and entertainment. The council meets every Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Student Center.
Campus and Student Center Board | (203) 837-8504
The board is the collective student voice advising the Midtown Student Center and Westside Campus Center on serving student needs and enrichment.
Student Veterans Organization | Student Center 208
The Student Veterans Organization (SVO) was established in 2009 to acknowledge the needs of Western veterans who wish to better integrate into the university community. Officially recognized and endorsed by the Student Government Association, the SVO comprises student veterans who wish to support and serve other veterans — at WCSU and abroad — in a number of ways.
WXCI Campus Radio | Student Center 213, (203) 837-8387
91.7 WXCI is a student-run college radio station located on the Midtown campus. Since its inception in 1973, WXCI has remained the second-largest college station in Connecticut, transmitting with 3,000 watts.
Other Student Organizations
For a complete list of student organizations, visit sga.wcsu.edu
The Substance Abuse Prevention Program (CHOICES)
The Substance Abuse Prevention Program at WCSU is called CHOICES (Cultivating Healthy Opportunities in College Environments). We believe that all students want to succeed, both academically and personally, and fulfill their potential during their college years. When substance abuse becomes a concern, it can seriously derail those dreams.
The goal of the office is to help students make informed and responsible decisions about the use of alcohol and other drugs of abuse; to collaborate with student organizations, faculty and staff in planning alternative activities that promote healthy lifestyle choices; and to work with students in creating positive changes on campus aimed at reducing underage and binge drinking. The CHOICES Office provides accurate, current information about alcohol and other drugs, as well as information on a variety of other topics that are relevant to college life.
The office conducts individual screenings and assessments for students on a voluntary or referral basis; provides short-term substance abuse counseling; makes referrals to higher levels of care, counseling and support services — both on- and off-campus— and provides support for any student concerned about someone else’s use/abuse of substances.
The office also plans educational workshops and presentations for residence halls, clubs, Greek life and athletic teams, and runs support groups for students who are trying to make positive changes in their lives.
All services are confidential. We encourage all students to participate in our programs, activities, the Alcohol Task Force and Choices Peer Educators Program.
For more information, please call (203) 837-8898, visit wcsu.edu/CHOICES, or stop by Litchfield Hall, Room 101, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.