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 Morel, AccessAbility Services Director. 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 Daryle Dennis, Interim Chief Diversity Officer, University Hall 214, at (203) 837-8277 or dennisd@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.
Alumni Relations
Office of Alumni Relations
In addition to supporting the WCSU Alumni Association’s activities, the office has expanded its scope of operation to include Student Affairs and the coordination of activities that connect students and alumni through scheduled events/programs. The office director, Tom Crucitti, has joined the Student Affairs leadership group and works with its members to identify areas of opportunity for student engagement. He leverages alumni relationships to assist in those opportunities. The office collaborates with Career Services to support its efforts to assist students in their career search activities. This operational expansion of activity creates an environment that grows and strengthens student and alumni relationships.
Athletics
wcsuathletics.com/landing/index
Faculty: Interim Athletic Director Scot Ames, Pete Algarin, Mark Allen, Bob Campbell, Ryan Cavanagh, Jill Cook, Don Ferguson, Patrick Hull, Joe Loth, Danielle McDonnell, Joe Mingachos, Drew Owens, Kimberley Rybczyk, Shawn Stillman, Heather Stone, John Susi and Jennifer Thomas.
A complete list of the Athletics Department administration and coaches with contact information can be found on the WCSU website at http://www.wcsuathletics.com/information/directory/index
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. 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 and Student Centers and Auxiliary Services
Dr. Paul M. Simon, Director (203) 837-8415 wcsu.edu/campuscenter
Both facilities are your “home away from home.” You will find dining locations, lounges, university box office, a theater, conference and meeting rooms.
Additionally, the Midtown Student Center (SC) houses the Colonial Corner (a new student lounge), bookstore, game room, Campus Ministries, Career Services, Counseling Center, Mail Services, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), and the Substance Abuse Prevention office. The Student Government Association, student newspaper, radio station, Program Activities Council, Greek Council and Student Veterans Association are also located in this building.
The Westside Campus Center (CC) additionally houses offices for academic advisement, judicial affairs, the testing center, as well as a cardio fitness center, and computer lab. The Daily Grind, our late-night dining and entertainment venue, features Starbucks coffee, Tazo teas, Island Oasis, Pepsi products, pastries and snacks all served in a beautiful lounge setting fully equipped with wireless internet.
Bookstores Student Center, main level Westside Classroom Building (203) 837-8464 wcsubookstore.com
Our bookstores have everything from required textbooks and ebooks to rent or purchase (don’t forget to bring your schedule), to snacks, sweatshirts, school supplies and souvenirs. For more information go to bkstr.com/wcsustore/home.
Food & Dining (203) 837-8764 wcsucampusdining.com
Campus Dining Services provide a wide variety of services to all students, faculty, and staff including meal plans, catering and on-campus dining. Please call for all of your on-campus or off-campus foodservice needs or check out the website at wcsucampusdining.com.
Shuttle Service shuttle@wcsu.edu wcsu.edu/shuttle
The shuttle operates seven days a week during the fall and spring semesters. For the most current shuttle schedule and holiday schedule, visit the website indicated above. Download the Doublemap app to see real time information about the shuttle location and shuttle alerts. When classes are cancelled for an entire day due to inclement weather, the shuttle does not operate. If classes are delayed, the shuttle will begin one hour before classes begin. If classes are cancelled, the shuttle will operate for one hour after classes are cancelled.
Testing Center (Proctoring Services)
Westside Campus Center 300
Oni Figueroa, Testing Facilitator
(203) 837-8877
CLEP ®
WCSU provides proctoring services for Distance Learning candidates, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Western administers all CLEP examinations; however, not every exam is accepted by the university for equivalency credit. Visit www.wcsu.edu/testing to register and to learn about our services.
Campus Ministry
wcsu.edu/stuaffairs/ministries.asp
Western’s campus ministries offer students a variety of activities and programs.
The Catholic Campus Ministry invites students, faculty and staff alike to consider its Newman Center, located across the street from Newbury Hall on the Midtown campus, a home away from home. Their hours are: Monday-Friday 10am -5pm and closed Saturday and Sunday. This hospitable Center is the heart of the Catholic Campus Ministry, which brings a range of worship, fellowship, outreach and educational opportunities to university life. Come in for information, inspiration – or just for coffee and talk. The welcome mat is out for all!
The Western Christian Ministry, located in the Student Center at Midtown, is a community where students find opportunities to ask questions, to grow, to serve and to belong. Congeniality and a spirit of focused involvement are key here. Members come together to catch up on what’s happening on campus and in life during activities such as lunch bunch. Wednesday night fellowship invites spiritual sharing and celebration. Praxis (which offers learning through service in the community) and Alternative Spring Break (when students travel to Mexico to work with Habitat for Humanity) are programs specifically geared to empower the spark of volunteerism in students. Reel Faith, as the name implies, meets for movie reviews and lively discussions on the impact of film on our lives.
Students of other faiths can also find other spiritual counselors, activities and programs on campus.
Campus ministers can be reached at:
· Catholic — Student Center 223, (203) 837-3240 or Newman Center, (203) 744-5846
· Protestant – Student Center 223, (203) 837-8328
WCSU Career Services
http://www.wcsu.edu/career-services/
The Office of Career Services provides an extensive range of services to assist WCSU students and alumni with career planning, current and post-degree internship and job searches, and overall preparation for meaningful careers. Students can meet with a Career Services staff member for career counseling, advisement and consultation to enable effective career decision-making, to gain experience through an internship or other experiential activity, and to successfully prepare for careers following graduation.
Students can take advantage of an extensive array of 24/7 online resources available on the Career Services website, along with a compact in-house career library that offers hard-copy literature on career fields, job search, company profiles, graduate and professional school information, and related topics.
Students seeking experience in their field of study can apply for the Career Services’ Cooperative Education Internship Program, which provides pre-professional experience linked to their major or career interest. In addition to experience, participating students receive academic credit and, in most instances, a competitive hourly salary.
Career Services provides an On/Off Campus Recruiting Program enabling graduating seniors to interview for full-time career opportunities with area employers. An online job posting and job search information site, Colonial Career Connection (College Central), which students can access 24 hours a day, is available at www.collegecentral.com/wcsu.
Career Services hosts an annual major Career Fair to provide full-time, part-time, summer employment, and cooperative education internship opportunities. Career Services offers an array of workshops on resume writing, interviewing, job search, networking, LinkedIn, and related topics, as well as resume critique sessions throughout the year. Special career-related events are regularly scheduled on topics such as etiquette, appropriate dress, major-specific panels and more.
Career Services is located on the second floor of the Midtown Student Center, Room 207 and is open year-round. “Drop-in hours” are offered several days a week along with weekly services on the Westside campus. Additional and more extensive information is available on the Career Services website: wcsu.edu/career-services or by calling the office at (203) 837-8263.
THE CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
| Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) | Phone: (203) 837-8214 |
| Amy Shanks, Assistant Director (CSI) | Phone: (203) 837-8609 |
| studentlife@wcsu.edu | |
| wcsu.edu/studentlife |
The Center for Student Involvement (CSI), located in the Midtown Student Center, Room 227, is the main point of contact for students wanting to form a new club or organization and those currently involved with one. CSI is where student organizations register and receive information and support. The CSI staff advises in the operation of more than 80 student organizations, including the Student Government Association, the Program Activities Council, and the Recreation Council, and provides assistance with leadership development, university policies, and event planning. The CSI staff also operates the recreation, intramurals, and club sports program as well as coordinates programs, events, and activities on campus organized by and for students through the Student Activities Master Calendar.
| Recreation, Intramurals, and Club Sports | |
| Amy Shanks, Assistant Director (CSI) | Phone: (203) 837-8609 |
| Berkshire Hall, Room 136 | |
| wcsu.edu/recreation |
Recreation
The recreation department at Western is dedicated to providing the campus community with a multitude of recreational activities to encourage physical fitness and promote a positive well-being. All students are invited to engage in one of the many recreation, intramural and club sports activities taking place on campus. The WesternREC offices and information desk are located in Berkshire Hall next to the Colonial Fitness Zone. For up-to-date information, please visit our website, wcsu.edu/recreation.
Intramurals
Team and individual events are offered for women, men and coed divisions, and the programs are open to all current Western students, faculty, staff, and alumni. For a current listing of intramural leagues and seasons, please visit wcsu.edu/recreation.
Club Sports
The club sports program provides opportunity for individuals who share a common interest in a recreational sport to improve their skill level and overall knowledge of the sport or activity. 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. Examples of current active club sports include dance team, cheerleading and men’s and women’s rugby.
Clubs and Organizations
| Student Government Association (SGA) | Phone: (203) 837-8711 |
| Student Center, Room 215 | |
| 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. If you are interested in serving your fellow students, stop by the office.
| The Echo | Phone: (203) 837-8707 / (203) 837-8708 |
| Student Center, Room 212 | |
| echo.wcsu.edu |
Get the story! Western’s student-run newspaper is available online at https://wcsuecho.wordpress.com/ All students, independent of their major, are eligible to write and work for The Echo.
| Greek Council | Phone: (203) 837-8217 |
| Student Center, Room 217 | |
| sga.wcsu.edu/greekcouncil |
This is the governing body for all social Greek letter organizations. For information concerning any Greek organization, just call or stop by.
| Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) | Phone: (203) 837-8720 |
| Newbury Hall | |
The IRHA is the governing body for each of the Residence Hall Councils. Representatives are elected from each residence hall.
| Program Activities Council (PAC) | Phone: (203) 837-8421 |
| Student Center, Room 219 |
PAC is the main programming board for student activities. Throughout the semester, PAC organizes various trips, game shows, comedians, movies, and more for your entertainment pleasure. If you have an interest in advertising or planning campus events, concerts, and shows, then stop by the office to join or attend a meeting – every Monday at 4 p.m. in the Student Center.
| Campus and Student Centers Board | Phone: (203) 837-8504 |
Great resources like our Midtown Student Center and Westside Campus Center need a collective student voice to keep them serving student needs and enriching university life.
| Student Veterans Organization (SVO) | Student Center, Room 208 |
The SVO is a club 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 is comprised of student veterans who wish to support and serve other veterans – at WCSU and abroad – in a number of ways.
| WXCI Campus Radio | Phone: (203) 837-8387 |
| Student Center, Room 213 | |
| wxci.wcsu.edu |
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, pumping 3,000 watts of power through its transmitter.
Other Student Organizations
For a complete list of student organizations, visit wcsu.edu/studentlife.
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 assistance with challenges associated with everyday campus life as well as those that arise out of extraordinary circumstances.
Counseling is provided to help students address personal, interpersonal and academic concerns. The counseling approach used focuses on problem solving, increasing self-awareness, coping skills and enhancing personal growth.
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 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, nurse practitioner, nurse, and secretary. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments are recommended for non-emergencies. Changes in hours are reported to the Office of the Dean of Students, University Police, and the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
All full time students are eligible for care at Health Service. There is no charge to be seen in Health Service. The costs for radiology, laboratory, diagnostic tests, and/or prescription medicine dispensed at the office are the student’s responsibility. If a written prescription is dispensed, students may use an in-network pharmacy to fill the order. If our medical staff refers a student to a specialist or the local emergency department at Danbury Hospital, the student’s health insurance plan would apply, including all applicable co-pays and co-insurances. WCSU Health Service cannot guarantee benefits and eligibility at the time services are rendered.
Immunizations
All students must complete the Connecticut State University Student Health Service Form found online at www.wcsu.edu/healthservices/forms/health-form.pdf. This form includes proof of two measles, two mumps, two rubella, and two varicella (exempt from varicella/chicken pox if born in the U.S. before 1/1/1980 and exempt from all proof of immunization if born prior to 12/31/1956). The actual lab results of positive titers (blood test) may be submitted in lieu of the immunization. All residents living in on-campus housing are required to show proof of having received a dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine within the past five years or submit a medical or religious exemption against such vaccinations before a room is assigned.
Though not required, the hepatitis B vaccine 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. For vaccine availability, please contact your health care provider or local health department.
Some academic programs may require additional immunizations or examinations prior to 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
In the event a student is treated in Health Service and becomes incapacitated by illness or injury and needs to be transported via 9-1-1 (or needs someone to assist following discharge), the medical staff will offer to contact an individual for the student.
Insurance enrollment and waivers are administered through the Cashier’s Office in Old Main, Room 106. 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 Fairfield, 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.
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 on campus 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 provides access to 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 a 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 Student Code of Conduct and Statement of Judicial Procedures. Formal complaints, as well as inquiries concerning the student discipline system and student discipline records, should be directed to the Director of Judicial Affairs at (203) 837-8770.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The Student Code of Conduct is intended to present a clear statement of student rights and responsibilities established by the Board of Regents 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 twelve Community Colleges and Charter Oak State College. The Student Code describes the types of acts that are not acceptable in an academic community.
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 Board of Regents for Higher Education (“BOR”) in conjunction with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“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 safety, dignity, rights, and individuality of each member of the CSCU Community. The opportunity to live, study, and work in an institution which 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 multi-cultural society. Because of the 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 or expression, 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 protect our students’ right to learn by establishing an environment of civility.
The disciplinary process is intended to be part of the educational mission of CSCU. Student disciplinary proceedings are not criminal proceedings and are not subject to court rules of procedure and evidence.
The complete “Student Code of Conduct” can be found in the Student Handbook, which is available on the WCSU website.
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 and Welcome Week scheduled just before and during the first week of classes.
During summer orientation, students have the opportunity to meet other students, get their ID, create their WestConnect acccounts and finalize their class schedule for the upcoming semester.
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 a short program to help students get connected.
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 Connecticut State University Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs offer the following programs: ConnCAS/EA2P programs for incoming freshman, ConnCAP/Upward Bound (federal) for high school students and Excel for middle school students.
These pre-college programs have assigned advisers and staff dedicated to assist and closely monitor the middle/high school students’ academic progress throughout their public school experience. The 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 an academic summer enrichment program that includes selective field trips.
Included in the Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs is the ConnCAS/EA2P (Educational Achievement & Access Program), an intense five-week summer residential program that offers academically and 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 ConnCAS/EA2P 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.
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 gets in the way, it can seriously derail those dreams.
The goal of the office is to provide confidential counseling for substance abuse, resources, information, and services that help students make informed and responsible decisions about the use of alcohol and/or drugs; to collaborate with student organizations, faculty, and staff in planning exciting alternative activities that promote healthy lifestyle choices; and to work with students in creating positive changes on campus and to reduce underage and binge drinking.
The CHOICES Office provides accurate, current information on alcohol and other drugs; conducts individual screenings and assessments for students on a voluntary or referral basis; refers students to counseling and support services on and off campus; provides support for any student concerned about someone else’s use/abuse by advising ways the student can make a difference; 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) 837-8899 or stop by the Midtown Student Center, Room 211, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. The website is www.wcsu.edu/CHOICES.