A Western Education

A Western Connecticut State University education gives students a strong liberal arts foundation; depth of knowledge in a chosen field; effective intellectual, interpersonal and technological skills; and the ability to learn and continue learning. Degree programs are designed to meet these primary objectives of the university mission. WCSU strives to give its graduates the knowledge, skills and experience needed to reach their personal and professional goals.

Bachelor’s degree programs at the university begin with general education, in which students learn ways of knowing the world through the arts and humanities; the social and behavioral sciences; the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science; and health and exercise sciences. The development of foundation skills in writing and computation, essential for work at an advanced level, is ensured as part of general education.

Students take a second significant step by choosing a major, a program in a particular field of study leading to a degree. Some students also decide to complete a minor, a lesser concentration, and most students include elective courses as their program allows. This catalog shows the many choices available, including innovative majors, learning through experience and the opportunity to design your own program leading to a degree. At every stage WCSU faculty serves as guides and advisers.

As stated in the mission, the high quality of a WCSU education means that the university serves Connecticut as “an accessible, responsible and creative resource.” WCSU graduates have gone on to distinguished public service, as well as distinction in many fields of business and profession. The university welcomes students from many backgrounds and is committed to their success.

Degree Requirements for Undergraduates

Western Connecticut State University awards the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Music, and Associate in Science to students who have successfully completed the prescribed courses of study. Students are required to attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (a “C” average) for graduation in most degree programs. However, some degree programs require a higher grade point average for graduation (see program sheet).

The university’s requirements for graduation as stated in the undergraduate catalog at the time students are matriculated (admitted to a degree program) will be honored at the time of graduation. If a student changes majors, graduation requirements will be those listed in the catalog at the time of the approved change.

If matriculation is interrupted (if a student withdraws from the university and is readmitted), the requirements for graduation will be those stated in the catalog at the time of readmission.

Awarding of Credit

Credit Hour:  A semester hour of credit is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks;
2. or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time;
3. or at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph 1 of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other engaged academic time leading toward the award of credit hours.

To be awarded a degree from Western Connecticut State University:

1. A minimum of 30 semester hours must be earned in courses at Western;
2. At least half of the credits in a major and nine credits in a minor must be earned at Western;
3. Sixty is the maximum number of credits that can be earned through examination that may be applied to a bachelor’s degree; 30 is the maximum number of credits that can be earned through examination that may be applied to an associate degree.

Credits towards an undergraduate degree at Western can be earned in these ways:

1. Take courses at Western and pass them with acceptable grades;
2. Transfer credits from approved academic institutions or as recognized by credit-recommending agencies (ACE, etc.);
3. By examination including CLEP, ACT/PEP, NLN, advanced placement, department examinations;
4. USAFI and DANTES credits;
5. Have a portfolio review of non-traditional educational experiences done by Charter Oak State College, 66 Cedar St., Newington, CT 06111-2646; call (860) 666-4595.

Matriculation

Matriculated Student (Degree Seeking) – Someone who has been formally accepted by Western Connecticut State University to pursue a degree. Matriculated students may attend full-time or part-time.

General Education at Western Connecticut State University combines course-based competencies with opportunities to explore a wide range of disciplines outside of a student’s major. The university has identified 10 competencies that support academic success and prepare students for life-long learning. There are shared learning outcomes for each competency, which are embedded in courses across the curriculum.

Competencies may be satisfied in the major, minor or any other area of interest. There are no rules about how many competencies can be satisfied in the major. The only rules are:

• All competencies must be satisfied (as listed below).
• All students must complete at least 40 credits outside of their major discipline.

With this approach, the university has created the opportunity for students to develop essential skills and habits of mind in disciplines where they are most engaged with the material. It is important that students explore ideas from several areas of curriculum outside their major, but without an arbitrary limit on that exploration.

Part 1: Competencies

Students must complete all of the competencies. FY, W1, and 3 other competencies should be completed in the first 30 credits.

Students must then repeat three different competencies, excluding writing and first year navigation. Most competencies should be completed within the first 60 credits.

Credits for competencies will be counted where they apply (in the major or in the general education part 2).

Finally, all students will enroll in a Culminating General Education Experience CE to tie together their educational experience at WCSU. In most cases, the CE course is the major capstone/thesis.

First Year Navigation (FY) Competency

First Year Experience programs take a variety of forms to provide academic and co-curricular support as students begin university life. This competency allows first year students to transition into the University and to appreciate the values, culture, and resources of the academic community. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy FY.

Creative Process (CP) Competency

The creative process begins with an understanding of the specific discipline or form involved. This knowledge serves as a foundation for inspiration and imagination. This inspiration is then developed and explored through a process of discovery and research leading to a preliminary version of the creative work. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy CP.

Critical Thinking (CT) Competency

Critical thinking is an intellectual and analytical activity through which students develop the ability to recognize, examine, critique and synthesize arguments. It consists of two key components: acquiring the skills to assess the clarity, accuracy, relevance, and strength of arguments, and developing habits of mind to utilize those skills. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy CT.

Health and Wellness (HW) Competency

The educated person has an understanding of the relationships between good health and personal and societal choices. Such a person appreciates that good physical health improves quality of life and cognitive functioning, understands which lifestyle choices enhance physical and mental well-being, and knows how to implement those choices. Wellness is an active, lifelong process of becoming aware of choices and making decisions that allow individuals and communities to thrive. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy HW.

Information Literacy (IL) Competency

Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy IL.

Intercultural (IC) Competency

Intercultural competence is defined by the following general characteristics: (1) knowledge about cultures, including knowledge about issues that can arise when members of diverse cultures interact; (2) receptive attitudes to learning about and maintaining contact with diverse others; and (3) skills required to draw upon both knowledge and attitudes when learning about and/or interacting with others from diverse cultures. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy IC.

Oral Communication (OC) Competency

Oral communication is a prepared presentation that demonstrates knowledge of a selected topic and attempts to move an audience. This process involves the thoughtful evaluation of a topic, the clear, concise expression of an argument, the use of appropriate evidence in support of the argument, the effective engagement of the intended audience, and the polished delivery of a well-crafted presentation. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy OC.

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Competency

Quantitative reasoning is the ability to recognize, interpret, and use quantitative information in a variety of situations in order to understand and create arguments supported by quantitative evidence. Students possessing quantitative reasoning skills will be able to solve problems, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions based on quantitative information. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy QR.

Scientific Inquiry (SI) Competency

Science is a way of knowing based on empirical observation and verification. Scientific inquiry involves asking appropriate questions, designing and implementing strategies to answer those questions, and interpreting and explaining the results within a disciplinary/theoretical context. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy SI.

Writing Intensive (W1) Competency, Tier 1

WRT101 Composition I: As an introduction to college composition, this course provides first-year students with the writing skills needed to succeed in university studies. While they engage in writing as a process, students compose critical responses to sophisticated expository and argumentative texts (non-fiction). Students write in a variety of non-fiction genres and learn the fundamentals of planning, organizing, drafting, and revising a fully documented college research project.

Students who place out of Writing Tier 1 through Advanced Placement, SAT Scores, or a University Placement test will automatically meet this competency. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy W1.

Writing Intensive (W2) Competency, Tier 2

The second tier Writing Intensive competency encourages students to learn and think in ways that cannot be attained through other pedagogical patterns. It requires targeted instruction to allow students to learn more about the subject matter through writing and to learn how to improve their writing. The writing intensive competency must also involve research and a process of revision. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy W2.

Writing Intensive (W3) Competency, Tier 3

Three tiers of the writing competency allow students to develop their writing ability through continued practice. As the culminating writing experience, Tier 3 focuses on a discipline-specific synthesis of the skills acquired in the earlier tiers. Please see below for a list of courses that satisfy W3.

Culminating General Education Experience (CE)

The primary goal of the general education curriculum is to cultivate the capacity for lifelong learning. This can be demonstrated in the student’s ability to:

• Evaluate and draw defensible conclusions from information and other artifacts;
• Synthesize material from different bodies of knowledge; and
• Communicate ideas and arguments in forms appropriate to the discipline.

Pre-requisites for CE courses are the successful completion of at least one exposure to each of the general education competencies (FY, CP, CT, HW, IC, IL, OC, QR, SI, and WI).

Part 2: Explorations

All students must complete 40 credits outside of their major. These may be used to meet competencies not covered in the major. When all competencies are met, students may take any course of interest to them that is not in their major discipline.

IMPORTANT: Not all courses satisfy the same competency every time they are offered. In addition, some courses satisfy two competencies, which could give students room for an additional elective. Read the descriptions in open/close carefully.

See below for a list of courses that fulfill competencies:

First Year Navigation (FY) Courses

ART 100, ART 101, BIO 101, COM 102, ED 101, ED 102, HIS 100, HON 100, HUM 101, HUM 102, HUM 114, HUM 119, MAT 150, MKT 101, NUR 106, PHI 104, PHI 265, THR 100, WRT 101FY

Creative Process (CP) Courses

ART121, ART130, ART141, ART150, ART160, ART250, ART309, COM146, COM247, ENG105, HIS225, HUM151, HUM250, HUM251, MUS191, MUS192, MUS195, MUS280, MUS284, MUS296, MUS388, MUS396, PHI250, PHI252, PHI259, PSY245, THR125, THR180, THR181, THR201, THR244W, THR281, WRT102W, WRT171W, WRT172W, WRT242W, WRT243W, WRT244W, WRT274W, WRT371W

Critical Thinking (CT) Courses

CHE102, CHE120, COM110, COM200, COM203, COM205, ENG105W, ENG106, ENG106W, ENG107, ENG107W, ENG108, ENG108W, ENG209, ENG210, ENG211, ENG212, ENG213, ENG214, ENG274, HIS100, HIS148, HIS149, HIS186, HIS187, HIS200, HIS201, HIS205, HIS206, HIS210, HIS212, HIS213, HIS233, HIS262, HIS266, HIS271, HIS288, HIS289, HIS290, HIS291, HIS292, HIS293, HIS293H, HIS302, HIS303, HIS304, HIS318, HIS325, HIS330, HIS332, HIS363, HIS370, HIS415, HIS416, HIS450, HUM110, HUM212, HUM213, HUM263, HUM280, MGT250, PHI100, PHI103, PHI110, PHI111, PHI112, PHI120, PHI209, PHI211, PHI221, PHI223, PHI225, PHI226, PHI229, PHI231, PHI232, PHI233, PHI234, PHI240, PHI241, PHI244, PHI245, PHI260, PHI262, PHI340, PHI381, PS102, PS262, SOC100, SOC100W, SPA330, SPA331, SPA337, SPA360, SPA361, SPA365, SPA370, SW210, THR386, WS210, WS260

Health and Wellness (HW) Courses

COM 203, HPX 100, HPX 177, HPX 253, HPX 313, HUM 222, NUR 336, PSY 260, PSY 270

Information Literacy (IL) Courses

COM102, COM146, COM247, ED206, ED212, ENG104, ENG104W, ENG130W, HIS201, HIS212, HIS225, HIS289, HIS290, HIS291, HIS292, HIS293, HIS293H, HIS332, HIS425, HPX200, HUM212, HUM213, HUM22, HUM222, MIS155, MIS260, MUS231, PHI100, PHI227, PHI316, PS100, SW300, WRT103W

Intercultural Competency (IC) Courses

ANT100, ANT100W, ANT251, ARB101, ARB102, CHI162, CHI164, ED314, ENG214, FR162, FR164, GER162, GER164, HIS115, HIS200, HIS216, HIS250, HIS251, HIS266, HIS271, HIS277, HIS281, HIS287, HIS288, HIS319, HIS330, HIS366, HIS368, HIS382, HIS383, HUM230, HUM243, HUM245, IT162, IT164, MKT201, NUR351, NWC103, NWC103H, NWC105, NWC107, NWC110, NWC112, NWC115, PHI240, PHI241, PHI244, PHI245, PHI340, POR162, POR164, POR196, POR198, PS104, SOC100, SOC100W, SOC251, SPA110W, SPA111W, SPA162, SPA164, SPA164H, SPA196, SPA197, SPA203, SPA204, SPA212, SPA221, SPA222, SPA224, SPA225, SPA226, SPA311, SPA330, SPA331, SPA337, SPA360, SPA361, SPA365, SPA370, SW220, WS251, WS319

Oral Communication (OC) Courses

ART/PHI250, COM160, COM161, COM163, ED206, HIS206, HIS363, HIS/WS319, HIS287, HIS366, HUM110,  HUM151, HUM250, HUM251, HUM263, MED303, PHI110, PHI112, PHI120, PHI151, PHI223, PHI225, PHI231, PHI232, PHI252, PHI259, PHI111, PHI233, PHI234, PHI262

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Courses

AST231, CS110, CS135, FIN230, MAT110, MAT115, MAT118, MAT120, MAT127, MAT133, MAT135, MAT141, MAT170, MAT171, MAT181, MAT182, MAT185

Scientific Inquiry (SI) Courses

ANT229, AST150, AST231, BIO100, BIO103, BIO104, BIO105, BIO106, BIO107, BIO110, BIO115, BIO132, CHE102, CHE111, CHE206, MTR150, PHY170, PSY324, SW300

Writing Intensive, Tier 1 (W1) Courses

WRT101, WRT101P

Writing Intensive, Tier 2 (W2) Courses

BIO260, ED211, ENG104W, ENG105W, ENG106W, ENG107W, ENG108W, ENG130W, HIS325, HIS370, HIS415, HIS416, HIS425, HIS450, HUM230, HUM243, HUM245, HUM280, JLA200, PHI226, PHI227, PHI229, PHI260, PHI316, PHI381, PSY324, SPA110W, SPA111W, SW200, WRT103W, WRT210W, WRT245W, WRT273W, WRT991W, WS260

Writing Intensive, Tier 3 (W3) Courses

BIO480, BIO490, COM495, ED419, HIS490, HPX370, HUM311, HUM451, JLA405, MAT453, MGT415, PHI332, PHI334, PHI338, PHI389, PSY426, SW350

Culminating General Education Experience (CE) Courses

BIO480, BIO490, COM495, ED342, ED416, HIS490, HPX470, HUM311, HUM451, JLA405, MAT453, MGT415, PHI332, PHI334, PHI338, PHI389, PSY426, PSY439, SW350

* Additional courses are reviewed by the General Education Committee and approved by the Provost on a regular basis. Students should refer to Open/Close to view the available courses and their competencies.

The Major

Selecting a Major

Students may select a major at the time of admission or may request admission as undeclared.

To declare a major at the time of admission, students should consult the section of this catalog on the selected major to check for any special admission or retention standards. A department may request an interview with prospective students.

If undeclared, students should discuss course selection with an adviser in the Academic Advisement Center (203) 837-8397.

Continuing students must declare a major once they have completed 60 credits at the university.  Transfer and readmitted students entering or returning with 60 credit hours or more must declare a major by the end of their first Fall or Spring semester at WCSU.  Failure to declare a major as outlined above will result in the student being required to meet with an adviser in the Academic Advisement Center prior to registering for courses in a succeeding Fall or Spring semester.

Program Sheets

Each major program leads to a degree, and students should obtain and study the program sheet for their major. Program sheets may be obtained from the department, the office of the school dean, the Admissions Office or online at www.wcsu.edu/academics/programsheets. Program sheets list the degree requirements for each major. As students consult with their faculty adviser in the major, the program sheet will guide selection of courses to meet general education and major requirements.

Continuation in Major

Certain major programs have specific retention standards. See the appropriate catalog section where the major is described.

Declaring or Changing of Major

To change or declare a major, students will need to:

1. Obtain  an “Application for Declaration of Major/Change of Major/Double Major/Change of Option” form from the Registrar’s Office or the Registrar’s website.
2. Meet with the chair of the department to which the student is seeking admission and discuss the major and its requirements. If there is no problem with entering the new major, the department chair will sign a change of major form and assign a new adviser.
3. File the change of major form with the Registrar’s Office.

Double Major

Any WCSU student who wishes to fulfill the requirements for more than one academic major may do so.  Students must satisfy the requirements for both majors, and courses required for one major may not be used to complete requirements for a second major.  To complete a double major in the Ancell School of Business within the five (5) business administration departments, students must complete the BBA Core and the courses in both majors with no duplication of courses in the two majors.  Both majors will be listed on the student’s transcript; however, only one degree will be awarded.

If a student qualifies for more than one degree, e.g., both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, the student must notify the Registrar’s Office as to which degree to receive at commencement.

Students are advised to exercise caution in selecting more than one major because the requirements to meet two majors will limit the ability to take elective courses.

Students are responsible for fulfilling the requirements of both majors as well as any special general education requirements in the majors.

Contract Major

A contract major is a coherent program of studies leading to a B.A. or B.S. degree, proposed by a student in consultation with a faculty adviser. The program must fulfill general education and other university-wide degree requirements including a major comprising a minimum of 36 credits ( at 200 level and above)  related to a specialized topic, theme or area of concentration. Credits in the major may be drawn from the course offerings of one or more academic departments and at least half of them must be taken at WestConn. The contract must be approved by the chairs of the departments from which nine or more credits are taken, by the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards, and by the Provost.  Following these approvals the student files a Change of Major request with the Registrar.

Proposals are normally presented before the completion of 75 credits. They must exhibit academic integrity and rigor. Therefore, students are cautioned that the later a proposal is presented, the greater the chance that more than the minimum number of credits for the bachelor’s degree will be required to complete the contract major. The student applicant must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 overall and 2.5 in all Major courses. Inclusion of a senior thesis or project is strongly advised.

The intent of the contract major is to allow students whose academic interests extend beyond existing majors sufficient flexibility to design a program of studies appropriate to their academic goals.

Departments and faculty advisers in fields related to the student’s interests may provide guidance on developing the proposal.

The Minor:

A minor is available to a matriculated student currently pursuing a baccalaureate degree. While not required for graduation, a minor provides an option for the student who wants an academic focus in addition to a major. Details on required courses are specified for each minor by the academic department; please reference the specific department information in the catalog.  A student may not declare a minor that is the same as his/her major (e.g., a student majoring in History may not also declare a History minor).  Courses in the minor are not necessarily additional degree credits; general education, major and free elective credits may be applied unless the catalog states otherwise. Students must complete nine credits at WCSU to meet the residency requirement in the minor.

Students must submit an Application for Declaration or Change of Minor to the Registrar’s Office of their intention to pursue a minor, change a minor or remove a minor so that their academic record may be updated. Certain programs require application to the department and approval before granted acceptance into the minor. Students should plan their minor program completion with the assistance of their advisor.

The minor is recorded on the student’s final transcript; students must indicate their minor on their graduation application.

Honors Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree (HIBDP)

The HIBDP is a special kind of honors contract major. Recognizing that the traditional division of knowledge into subject areas or disciplines is, to some degree, artificial, the university makes it possible for the highly motivated student to pursue a specialized course of study that examines, in depth, a single theme or idea from the perspective of two or more disciplines. A student might, for example, wish to pursue a course of study focusing on the Middle Ages, combining the disciplines of history, literature, philosophy, art history, music history and Latin. The student who chooses this option works closely with a faculty adviser and thesis director. The specific procedures for establishing an honors interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program are listed below:

1. The student should formulate the name and content of the HIBDP in consultation with at least one adviser from each of the departments where nine or more credit hours will be drawn. These advisers will also normally serve as members of the honors thesis committee (described below). The Honors Council recommends that the proposal for a HIBDP receive final approval prior to the senior year. Students must maintain a 3.2 GPA or higher in order to be eligible for a HIBDP.
2. The student should write a proposal for the HIBDP containing a description and rationale for the major. Also, the student should fill in a program sheet, which is available from the dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and the Registrar’s Office. All programs should contain between 39-50 credit hours including 3-6 hours of thesis credit taken as a Student Developed Study (SDS). At least two-thirds of the credit hours must be from courses 200 level or higher (with at least six credits hours drawn from courses 300 level or higher). At least one-half of the course credits must be drawn from courses taken at Western. Under unusual circumstances a student may petition the Honors Council for an alteration to these credit hour requirements.
3. The student should obtain approval for the HIBDP from chairs of departments where nine or more credit hours are drawn.
4. The student should submit the proposal with chairs’ signatures to the University Honors Council for review via the dean of Arts and Sciences Office, Warner Hall 300.
5. If approved by the Honors Council, the student should submit the proposal, program sheet and approval page to the chair of the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards (CUCAS) and the Provost.
6. If approved by CUCAS and the Provost, the student should submit a change of major form to the Registrar’s Office.
7. Before the final year the student should form a thesis committee consisting of at least one member of each of the departments where nine or more credit hours are drawn. This committee, along with the Honors Council, will be responsible for approving the honors thesis.
8. The student should present the thesis orally to the Honors Council and the thesis committee. If approved by both, credit will be given for the thesis (SDS). For more information on the HIBDP contact, Dr. Chris Kukk at (203) 837-8247 or e-mail him at kukkc@wcsu.edu.

Special Study Opportunities

University Honors Program

The University Honors Program was founded in 1987 to foster and nurture academic excellence among outstanding students in all of the four schools of the university.

The Honors Program has four primary goals:

1. To provide an opportunity for academically gifted and motivated students to excel in response to the challenge of an honors enrichment curriculum;
2. To expose students to some of the central modes of inquiry used by fields to understand problems and find solutions;
3. To provide opportunities for students to become part of an active and dynamic honors community; and
4. To emphasize the importance of bringing a multidisciplinary awareness to understanding the world around us.

The program has two paths: the full three-year program open to first-year students and first-semester sophomores, and an associate option open to juniors, seniors and transfer students.

The full honors program requires that students take a one-credit course, HON 100 The Nature of Inquiry, complete three honors activities, take one honors course in each of the four “modes of inquiry” and complete the interdisciplinary capstone seminar, HON 400.

If they choose, students also may perform honors enhancements in courses in their major or minor areas of study and/or participate in Honors Research and Teaching Practicums, HON 487 and 497. Students wishing to participate in the one-year or associate version of the honors program must complete two honors activities, two honors courses and the capstone seminar, HON 400.

With the exception of Honors 100, all required core honors courses may go toward fulfilling general education credit in the area where the course or seminar is offered.

More information on the program, including program benefits and admission requirements, is available at www.wcsu.edu/honors or students may contact the University Honors Program Director Dr. Chris Kukk at (203) 837-9501 or e-mail him at kukkc@wcsu.edu.

Faculty Developed Course (1 to 4 Semester Hours)

Occasionally, an academic department may offer an experimental course, labeled X98, to determine its value to the total departmental program or in response to a particular request from a group of students.

Student Independent Study (1 to 6 Semester Hours)

Opportunities to develop an individualized area of study are available to all matriculated students under all department auspices. The following course description applies university-wide and describes the process by which a student may be registered for credits through a course of his/her own design. The course number is determined by the academic level of the project. A student may earn one to six semester hours of credit through a Student Independent Study; however, there is no limit to the number of credits a senior may earn.

This vehicle is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop their own learning experiences. Students will design a project, labeled X99, and secure a faculty sponsor to work with. A Student Independent Study may be utilized more than one time. Open to all students. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty sponsor and department.

Cooperative Education Internship Program

Director of Cooperative Education Internship Program: Dr. Anthony Ciarleglio
Career Success Center, Westside Campus Center, Room 300
(203) 837-8265

Director of Career Success Center: Ms. Kathleen Lindenmayer
Westside Campus Center, Room 300
(203) 837-8266

Cooperative Education is an additional component of the undergraduate program at Western. Combining formal classroom work with meaningful on-the-job experience in cooperation with business, industry, governmental agencies and other employers provides professional development, academic achievement and personal growth. Students interested in cooperative education may register for CED 297 as a free elective or through an individual department where direct approval of the student’s major academic adviser and/or department chairperson is also required.

CED 297 Cooperative Education Option I
(1-12 Semester Hours)

With prior approval from the Office of Cooperative Education, students may register for co-op credit according to the following procedures:

1. CED 297 credit may be applied as free elective credits taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
2. One academic credit shall be awarded for every 50 hours of work experience.
3. The maximum number of CED 297 credits a student may earn will be 18 semester hours, including any transfer of credit. Students may register for no more than 12 semester hours of CED 297 credit during a given semester. A maximum 18 semester hours may be taken during a student’s undergraduate academic program.
4. Students registering for CED 297 will be charged standard tuition fees for this credit.
5. Co-op work experiences must comply with established registration procedures for nontraditional courses.
6. Students must have at least 45 semester hours in good standing and have attained upper sophomore status at the time they register for CED 297.
7. Students are required to attend the CED 297 seminars, maintain a log, submit a final synthesis paper and complete employer and student evaluations.

(Any Label) 297 Cooperative Education/ Option II
(1-12 Semester Hours)

Upon request, a student may register for co-op education credit and receive a letter grade, which is awarded through an academic department. Students will need to obtain permission to earn a letter grade for this option from both the Co-op Office and the department chair before registration for co-op. The supervision and evaluation of students working under this option will be coordinated by either teaching faculty co-op coordinators and/or the co-op staff.

The following procedures apply to registration through departmental 297:

1. Students requesting a letter grade for departmental 297 credit must receive approval from the department chair and the director of the co-op program.
2. One academic credit shall be awarded for every 50 hours of work experience.
3. The maximum number of departmental 297 credits a student may earn, including any transfer, will be 18 semester hour department credits. Students may register for no more than 12 semester hour 297 credits during a given semester. Individual academic departments may limit the total number of departmental 297 credits taken by a student.
4. Students registering for departmental 297 will be charged standard fees for this credit.
5. Co-op work experience must comply with established registration procedures for nontraditional courses.
6. Students must have at least 45 semester hours in good standing and have obtained departmental approval for registration in departmental 297 co-op.
7. Students are required to attend the CED 297 seminars or an appropriate departmental 297 seminar, maintain a process log, submit a final synthesis paper and obtain an employer evaluation. For departmental 297, these requirements may be modified.

Study Abroad (ISEP)

Western Connecticut State University works with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) to make study abroad available and affordable for all students. The ISEP network, made up of 320 higher education institutions in the U.S. and around the world, makes it possible for WCSU students to pay the WCSU tuition, room, and board costs in order to study at universities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, as well as Central and South America.

There are two programs from which students may choose: ISEP Exchange and ISEP-Direct. The ISEP Exchange Program is a one-for-one exchange: for every student that Western sends abroad, the university accepts one incoming international student. The ISEP-Direct Program facilitates direct admission to those international universities in the ISEP network that are in high demand, and yet have a limited number of ISEP Exchange places. Under the ISEP-Direct Program, the student pays the fees of the host university. However with both programs – Exchange and Direct – any financial aid the student is receiving will be applied to their ISEP semester.

You need not speak another language to study abroad, since many of the ISEP university programs accommodate English speaking students. Courses taken as an ISEP student are transferrable to Western.

International study, providing a maturing educational experience, also adds an attractive qualification to any student’s subsequent professional employment. Firming up world language competencies is a definite advantage for any future career path.

In order to foster such a background among its students, WCSU also annually offers courses taught overseas through various departments. This permits grading for work accomplished according to the same academic standards and requirements as expected on campus.

For information on the ISEP program, call the International Services Coordinator at (203) 837-3270, University Hall 303. For short-term study abroad programs in Spain or Italy, contact the World Languages Department at (203) 837-9166, Berkshire Hall 120B.