CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities

The 17 Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (ConnSCU) provide affordable, innovative and rigorous programs that permit students to achieve their personal and career goals, as well as contribute to the economic growth of Connecticut. The ConnSCU System encompasses four state universities – Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic and Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven – as well as 12 community colleges and the online institution Charter Oak State College.

Until the state’s higher education reorganization of 2011, Western was a member of the former Connecticut State University System that also encompassed Central, Eastern and Southern Connecticut state universities. With origins in normal schools for teacher education founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these institutions evolved into diversified state universities whose graduates have pursued careers in the professions, business, education, public service, the arts and other fields. Graduates of Western and other state universities contribute to all aspects of Connecticut economic, social and cultural life.

In April 2011, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the Connecticut legislature unveiled a plan to consolidate the management of higher education. Specifically, they created a Board of Regents for Higher Education which replaced the governance structures for the Connecticut State University System (CSUS), the Connecticut Community Colleges, Charter Oak State College and the Board of Governors for Higher Education. The transition from the CSUS Board of Trustees to the Board of Regents occurred between July 1 and December 31, 2011.

CSCU leadership team works with the campus leaders, faculty and staff to help increase the educational attainment of Connecticut’s adult population. All 17 college and university presidents report directly to the Board of Regents president, who reports to the Board of Regents for Higher Education. CSCU senior staff provide additional support and guidance for both the board and member institutions.

Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education

Western Connecticut State University is a public university accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education. The Board of Regents for Higher Education is the governing body for the 17 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU). CSCU encompasses 85,000 students and offers more than 1,500 degree and certificate programs.

The Board of Regents is comprised of 15 members. Thirteen members are appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders and two are students chosen by their peers. There are also seven non-voting ex-officio members. For more information, the names and positions of administrative officers, and the names and principal affiliations of members of the governing board can be found at https://www.ct.edu/regents/members.

Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education
39 Woodland Street • Hartford, Connecticut 06105