WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020

Student Affairs

AccessAbility Services

wcsu.edu/accessability/

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. 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 White Hall Room 005 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 Jesenia Minier-Delgado, Chief Diversity Officer, University Hall 115, at (203) 837-8277 or minier-delgadoj@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

http://westconnathletics.com/landing/index

Faculty: A complete list of the Athletics Department administration and coaches with contact information can be found on the WestConn website at http://www.wcsuathletics.com/information/directory/index

Intercollegiate Athletics

WestConn 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, Cross Country, Golf

Winter — Basketball, Swimming and Diving

Spring — Tennis, Baseball, Lacrosse

Women:

Fall — Volleyball, Tennis, Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country

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). Thirteen of the remaining 15 intercollegiate athletic programs are members of the Little East Conference while men’s golf and men’s swimming and diving will compete as an independent within the NCAA. 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

Recreation, Intramurals, and Club Sports

Amy Shanks, Assistant Director (CSI) Phone: (203) 837-8609
Berkshire Hall, Room 136
http://www.westconnathletics.com/general/RECREATION/Recreation_Department

 

Recreation

The recreation department at WestConn 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 WestConnREC 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 WCSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. For a current listing of intramural leagues and seasons, please visit http://www.westconnathletics.com/general/RECREATION/Recreation_Department.

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, ice hockey and men’s and women’s rugby.

Campus and Student Centers and Auxiliary Services

Dr. Paul M. Simon, Director (203) 837-8415 wcsu.edu/csc

Both the Campus & Student Centers 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 containing the MicroMart ( snack bar), commuter lounge and event space, bookstore, game room, Counseling Center, the Intercultural Affairs Office, Judicial Affairs, 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 the Campus & Student Centers Administrative Offices and Career Success Center, the testing center, as well as a 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.

Bookstore

Student Center, (203) 837-8464 wcsubookstore.com

Bookstore

Student Center, (203) 837-8464

Our bookstore has 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 www.bkstr.com/wcsustor

Food & Dining (203) 837-8764 wcsu.sodexomyway.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 (203) 837-8764 for all of your on-campus or off-campus foodservice needs or check out the website at wcsu.sodexomyway.com.

Shuttle Service

wcsu.edu/shuttle

The shuttle operates seven days a week during the fall and spring semesters, excluding some holidays. For the most current shuttle schedule and holiday schedule, visit the website indicated above. 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 320
Oni Figueroa, Testing Facilitator
(203) 837-8877
wcsu.edu/testing
CLEP ®

WCSU provides proctoring services for Distance Learning candidates, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP). WCSU 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 Ministries

wcsu.edu/stuaffairs/ministries.asp

WCSU’s campus ministries offer students a variety of activities and programs across several traditions.

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. 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. All denominations, non-catholic and non-Christians are welcome to be part of Newman Club or participate in any activities here with the Newman Club. The door is open to all.

The WCSU Campus Ministry, located in the Midtown Student Center 207, 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.

Both the Catholic Campus Ministry and WCSU Campus Ministry run other weekly programs and activities.

Students of other faiths can also find other spiritual counselors, activities and programs on campus.

WCSU Career Success Center

http://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess

The Career Success Center provides an extensive range of services to guide and assist WCSU students and alumni on a path toward successful career planning, including internships, job searching, networking, skill development, and other important career programs and preparations.

Students and alumni can take advantage of Career Success Center offerings through several venues, including 24/7 online resources (via online portals into several online career-discovery platforms), workshops and specially-requested presentations (such as during class periods or WCSU club meetings), and through specialized coaching sessions in the Career Success Center offices. Cloud-based, specialized tools assist students in finding and preparing for full time/part time jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities, as well as providing access to event sign-up, job advice, resume posting and even finding mentors.

Students seeking experience in their field of study can apply for the Career Success Center’s Cooperative Education Internship Program, which provides pre-professional experience linked to a student’s major or career interest. In addition to experience, participating students receive academic credit and, in most instances, a competitive hourly salary.

Other specialized career-support activities include: resume, curriculum vitae, job search and interviewing workshops; live and virtual career fairs/career exploration events; a senior on/off campus recruiting program; specialized workshops on networking, etiquette, dress for success, personal branding, and LinkedIn; and vast opportunities for experiential education, among others.

The Career Success Center is located on the third floor of the Westside Campus Center in Suite 300 and is open year-round for students and alumni. During the academic year, students and alumni are welcome to drop in at any time for personalized support and co-exploration with a Student Career Peer Leader; the “Level-up Your Career” booth also circulates between campuses throughout the year. One-on-one coaching with a Career Expert is available through appointments booked through website directions. Additional and more extensive information is available on the Career Success website, by calling the office at (203) 837-8263, or by emailing careersuccess@wcsu.edu.

THE CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Dennis Leszko, Director of the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Phone: (203) 837-8214
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, and Program Activities Council, and provides assistance with leadership development, university policies, and event planning. The CSI staff also coordinates programs, events, and activities on campus organized by and for students through the Student Activities Master Calendar.

 

Clubs and Organizations

Student Government Association (SGA) Phone: (203) 837-8711
Student Center, Room 215

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 217

Get the story! WCSU’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 219
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 Wednesday 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 WCSU’s 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

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

wcsu.edu/counseling/

The Counseling Center provides a wide range of services including free confidential individual and group counseling, psycho-educational workshops, training and consultation to students, administration, faculty, staff, and parents. Counseling is provided to help students address personal, interpersonal and academic concerns.

Services are available to all matriculated undergraduate and graduate students 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. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  In case of a mental health crisis outside of regular business hours, students should dial 911.

Health Service

wcsu.edu/healthservices/

The Health Service office, located in front of Litchfield Hall, provides full-time students with primary care and health education when classes are in session. It is staffed by a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, and administrative assistant.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments are not required, although you may schedule an appointment if this is more convenient for you. 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 and there is no charge for the office visit. However, there is a cost for radiology, laboratory, diagnostic tests, and/or medications dispensed at the office and that cost is the student’s responsibility.

If a written prescription is dispensed, students may use any 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.

Housing & Residence Life

wcsu.edu/housing/

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 WCSU: 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 resident directors.

Rooms have basic cable and students may access the Internet (wired and wireless) through the campus program.

Most Midtown rooms accommodate two students. Beds, desks, 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.

Fairfield Hall will be used to house students in single rooms during the 2019-20 academic year, available to students regardless of class standing. Litchfield and Newbury are reserved for first year students.

Westside

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 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.

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 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 fitness center. All apartments are provided with basic cable service and access to the Internet (wired and wireless) via the campus provider.

Meal Plans

All student living on campus are required to be on a meal plan.

In Fairfield, Litchfield and Newbury, students are assigned the Ultimate meal plan, the Platinum or Platinum Plus 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 before 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 (Blue Plus,  Gold,  Gold Plus,  Platinum Plus, 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.  Applications are available online at the Housing & Residence Life website, www.wcsu.edu/housing/forms-2.

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, and Priority Points. 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  no longer provides access to off-campus listings.

 

InterCultural Affairs

http://wcsu.edu/intercultural

Western’s InterCultural Center serves as a resource for the university and the community in promoting an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity

The InterCultural Center was established in 2017 to promote and implement multicultural programming. It is a positive force in the lives of African American, Asian American, Latino/Hispanic American and Native American students and other diverse students at Western Connecticut State University.

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 WCSU students are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the CSCU Student Code of Conduct. 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 CSCU 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

wcsu.edu/orientation/

New Student Orientation is designed to meet the needs of newly-admitted students and to answer questions they may have about WCSU and the college experience. For students entering WCSU in the fall semester, orientation consists of two programs — a summer program and LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt, Plan) scheduled just before and during the first week of classes.

During summer orientation, students have the opportunity to meet other students, get their ID, and create their WCSU accounts LEAP 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 WCSU’s “Entering the Gates” ceremony. Workshops are offered for both parents and students and  often include special orientation programs for commuter students, transfer students, and international students.   LEAP also includes lectures, movies, concerts, Clubs Carnival and other activities intended to welcome students to campus.

If you would like more information about New Student Orientation, please call the Office of Student Affairs at (203) 837-9700.

University Police Department

wcsu.edu/police

The WCSU Police Department is a 24-hour police department. The WCSU police officers can be found around campus either in cars, on foot or on bicycles, and their vehicles and uniforms are highly visible and easily recognizable. They enforce campus rules and regulations, and the laws of the State of Connecticut.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Program (CHOICES)

wcsu.edu/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 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The website is www.wcsu.edu/CHOICES.