{"id":728,"date":"2012-09-10T20:03:54","date_gmt":"2012-09-11T00:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/grad1213\/introduction-to-westconn\/"},"modified":"2017-04-19T15:12:00","modified_gmt":"2017-04-19T19:12:00","slug":"introduction-to-western","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/catalogs.wcsu.edu\/grad1718\/introduction-to-western\/","title":{"rendered":"GENERAL INFORMATION"},"content":{"rendered":"

General Information<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

University History<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Western Connecticut State University, founded in 1903, is located in Danbury, a major city in Fairfield County in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, 65 miles north of Manhattan and 50 miles west of Hartford. Western\u2019s rural 364-acre Westside campus complements its 34-acre, 16-building Midtown campus in the heart of downtown Danbury. Constant planning, evaluation, and improvement of programs and curricula sharpen Western\u2019s \u201cedge of excellence\u201d and keep it responsive to the progressive community it serves. The university works with and is supported by a forward-looking, innovative nonprofit, cultural, service, and business community and collaborates with several local, state, and regional community agencies and educational institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mission Statement<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society.\u00a0To achieve this, we\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Offer undergraduate and graduate programs that weave together liberal arts and professional education and instill a desire for life-long learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Sustain a vibrant, inclusive campus that connects individuals through co-curricular programs, cultural events, and service to the community.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Attract student-centered faculty who are passionate teachers and accomplished scholars.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Establish partnerships that create opportunities for internships, research, and experiential learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Values<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Excellence.<\/strong> We value outstanding achievement realized through persistence, effort, honest feedback, and self-reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Curiosity.<\/strong> We value the questions that drive learning, innovation, and creativity, which serve as the beginning and the desired outcome of education.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dialogue.<\/strong> We value the conversations that explore diverse perspectives and encourage shared understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Engagement.<\/strong> We value the interactions with ideas, peers, and community that are essential to a vibrant university environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opportunity.<\/strong> We value the possibilities created by affordable, accessible educational environments in which students can grow into independent thinkers and confident leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Respect.<\/strong> We value the right of all people to be treated with dignity and fairness and expect this in our policies, classroom, and community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vision.<\/strong> Western Connecticut State University will be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Mission was approved by the University Senate (March 11, 2015) and the University President (March 24, 2015).<\/span><\/p>\n

The University Values\u00a0were approved by the University Senate (May 6, 2015) and the University President (May 7, 2015).<\/span><\/p>\n

The University Vision\u00a0was approved by the University Senate (January 18, 2017) and the University President (January 19, 2017).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0_______________________________________________________________________________________________<\/span><\/p>\n

GRADUATE STUDIES<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mission, Role, and Scope of Graduate Programs\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The graduate programs at Western offer advanced study under the direction of dedicated educators. Students in the graduate programs benefit from a faculty whose commitment to teaching, to research, and\u00a0to other professional activities has resulted in national recognition in widely varying fields. Guidance from this faculty helps to strengthen the academic and professional ability of students by increasing their knowledge of a subject, improving their capacity for independent study, familiarizing them with research in their fields, and training them to conduct meaningful research of their own.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mission of the graduate programs is not confined within the perimeters of the university. The programs also make a significant contribution to the community at large. As a result of their intense, concentrated study at Western, students are well prepared to enter society, not only as trained professionals and specialists, but also, in a wider context, as thoughtful, sensitive human beings with personal integrity and an appreciation of intellectual and political freedom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Much of this understanding is developed in professional in-service and preservice programs through cooperative efforts with regional businesses, industry, government, social service, and educational agencies. Western\u2019s faculty and programs are dedicated to forging and maintaining such ties through the ongoing assessment of regional needs and continual interaction with community, business, professional, and academic organizations-an interaction that also helps to refine the graduate curriculum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0university administrator for Graduate Studies at WCSU is the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs\u00a0who is advised by the Graduate Council, a faculty body with representation from each discipline, and the four school deans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graduate Council<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Graduate Council is responsible for recommending overall graduate policy, approving programs, and maintaining high standards. Program proposals developed by academic departments, working with their school deans, must be approved by the Graduate Council before implementation.\u00a0Its membership includes the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, school deans, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services, the associate director of the Office of Graduate Admissions, all graduate program coordinators, and two graduate student representatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graduate Program Coordinators<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Each graduate program has a qualified faculty member who serves as graduate coordinator.<\/span><\/p>\n

The coordinators are members of the Graduate Council and leaders in program development. A strength of graduate study at Western is that students enrolled in graduate programs are advised directly by the appropriate program coordinator as they plan their progress toward their degree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graduate Faculty<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

All faculty members who participate in graduate programs must have earned\u00a0terminal degrees appropriate to their disciplines and to the graduate courses they teach or have significant and highly recognized accomplishments in the field relevant to the graduate courses they teach. Faculty members who participate in graduate programs at WCSU are active scholars who present and publish regularly in their relevant field of study, some having received national and international distinction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graduate Catalog Addendum<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Western Connecticut State University produces its academic catalogs at the beginning of each academic year. Normally, curriculum changes approved in one academic year are implemented during the next academic year. Changes that require immediate implementation will appear as an addendum in the electronic version of the catalog until the next catalog is published..<\/span><\/p>\n

Alumni Association<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Alumni Association of Western Connecticut State University, founded in 1919, promotes the general welfare of the university. The board of directors is composed of 16 directors and five officers who meet regularly to discuss and plan programs, events, and volunteer opportunities for alumni. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contributing members receive an alumni membership card, borrowing privileges at both the Ruth A. Haas and Robert Young libraries, use of computers in the Haas Library, and special membership benefits through the WCSU Save Program,\u00a0which provides alumni with discounts at many businesses, both local and nationwide. All alumni receive the Cupola<\/em> magazine, alumni e-newsletter, insurance and\u00a0special affinity program\u00a0discount offers, special access to\u00a0career services, and invitations\u00a0to special alumni programs and events. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scholarships are awarded each year by the Alumni Association to deserving Western students who meet academic requirements and show evidence of extracurricular involvement at the university and in the community. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Alumni Association keeps alumni connected to their alma mater through social networking activities, hosted on- and off-campus. Whether a graduate of Danbury Normal School, Danbury State Teacher\u2019s College, Danbury State College, Western Connecticut State College, or Western Connecticut State University, alumni are part of campus history and the future of the university.<\/span><\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Statements, Policies, and Reports<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rights Reserved Statement<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Students attending Western Connecticut State University are required to familiarize themselves with the catalog. Primary responsibility for knowing and fulfilling all requirements rests on the individual student. The catalog in effect at the time of admission or readmission to a degree program governs degree requirements.\u00a0 Western Connecticut State University administration reserves the right, whenever advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees and\u00a0to withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, or degree, or any requirement in connection with any of the foregoing.<\/span><\/p>\n

This graduate catalog\u00a0is provided to students and applicants for their general information and guidance only. It does not constitute a contract, either express or implied, and is subject to revision at the university\u2019s discretion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Educational Records, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Western Connecticut State University accords all the rights under the law to students. No one outside the university shall have access to, nor will the university disclose any information from, a student\u2019s educational records without his\/her written consent except to personnel within the university, to officials of other institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, to persons or organizations providing students financial aid, to accreditation groups, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, to persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons, or to parents of a student who is officially documented as their dependent for income tax purposes. All these exceptions are permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The university will maintain a record of all requests for and\/or disclosure of information from a student\u2019s educational records. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request, any additional party to whom it may be redisclosed, and the legitimate interest the party had in requesting or obtaining the information. The record may be reviewed by the eligible student. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Within the Western Connecticut State University community, only those university officials acting in the student\u2019s educational interest are allowed access to education records. A university official is any person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support-staff position; any person appointed to the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education; or any person employed by or under contract to the university or the State of Connecticut to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor. A university official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is performing a task that is specified in his\/her position description or by contract agreement; performing a task related to a student\u2019s education; performing a task relating to the discipline of a student; or providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student\u2019s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At its discretion, the university may provide directory information in accordance with the provisions of the act to include student name, address, telephone number, photo ID, date of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams. Students may withhold directory information by notifying the Office of the Dean of Students in writing. Such a request will be honored until such time students request\u00a0in writing that their directory information again be made public.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The law provides students the right to inspect and review information contained in their education records, to challenge the contents of their education records, and to have a hearing on the matter. The Vice President of Academic Affairs or his or her designee at Western Connecticut State University has been designated to coordinate the inspection and review procedures for student educational records, which include admissions, personal, academic, financial, disciplinary, cooperative education, and placement records. Students wishing to review their educational records must make requests to the registrar, listing the item of interest. Only records covered by the act will be made available within 45 days of the request. Students may have copies made of their records with certain exceptions (e.g., a copy of their academic record for which a financial \u201chold\u201d exists or a transcript of an original or source document that exists elsewhere). To obtain a copy of your transcript, contact the Registrar\u2019s Office at (203) 837-9200. Educational records do not include records of instructional, administrative, and educational personnel, which are the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any individual except a temporary substitute, records of a law enforcement unit, student health records, employment records, or alumni records. Health records, however, may be reviewed by the physician of the student\u2019s choosing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students may not inspect and\/or review the following as outlined by the act: financial information submitted by their parents\u2019 confidential letters and recommendations associated with admissions, employment or job placement, honors to which they have waived their rights of inspection and review, or education records containing information about more than one student. In this last case, the university will permit access only to that part of the record\u00a0that pertains to the inquiring student. The university is not required to permit students to inspect and\/or review confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975, provided these letters were collected under established policies of confidentiality and were used only for the purpose for which they were collected. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students who believe that their educational records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading or is otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights may discuss their problems informally with the Office of Student Affairs. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the event a student\u2019s request, either to have access to a record or to amend information in a file, has been denied, the student may ask for a formal hearing. The student must submit a written request for the hearing to the Provost\/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The hearing panel will consist of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the academic dean of his\/her school. Decisions of the hearing panel are final. Any alteration to the student\u2019s record will be in accordance with the decision of the hearing panel and will become a permanent part of that record. The student has a right to add a statement to a challenged record if the panel\u2019s decision is not to amend the record in accordance with the student\u2019s request. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students who believe that the adjudications of their challenges were unfair or not in keeping with the provisions of the act may request, in writing, assistance from the vice president for student affairs of the university to aid them in filing complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Non-Discrimination, Affirmative Action and Multiculturalism Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Western Connecticut State University is an affirmative action\/equal opportunity educator and employer, fully committed to the goal of providing equal opportunity and full participation in its educational programs, activities, and employment without discrimination because of race, color, religious beliefs or association, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, learning disability, or mental retardation, past or present history of mental disorder, or prior conviction of a crime, in accordance with state and federal laws. To that end, this statement of policy has been put forth to ensure that no qualified person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the university. To file a discrimination complaint, or for inquiries concerning Western Connecticut State University\u2019s Nondiscrimination Policy, Title IX and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact the Chief Diversity Officer, in University Hall, Room 217, at (203) 837-8277, or voice, (203) 837-8284 TTY.<\/span><\/p>\n

Protection from Adverse Action<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

All individuals shall be free from all restraint, interference, coercion, or reprisal on the part of their associates, supervisors, and all others in making any complaint or appeal, in serving as a representative for a complaint, in appearing as a witness, or in seeking information. The above principles apply with equal force after a complaint has been resolved. Should these principles be violated, the facts shall be brought to the attention of the Chief Diversity Officer by the aggrieved party, his\/her representative, or any person affected. The Chief Diversity Officer shall bring all such situations to the attention of the President for confidential discussion, review, the potential for early proactive intervention and appropriate action.<\/span><\/p>\n

Individuals are advised of their legal options to file complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division and any other agencies, state, federal or local that enforce laws concerning discrimination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sexual Harassment Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It is the policy of Western Connecticut State University, in keeping with efforts to establish an environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the institutional community are respected, that sexual harassment of students and employees at Western Connecticut State University is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex when that behavior falls within the definition outlined.<\/span><\/p>\n

Definition<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Sexual harassment of employees and students at Western Connecticut State University is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of condition of an individual\u2019s employment;<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the employee or student; or<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an employee\u2019s or student\u2019s work performance or educational experience, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment. In an academic setting sexual harassment would also include any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual might affect academic or personal decisions that are subject to the influence of the person making the proposal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Sexual harassment is discrimination on the basis of sex and a violation of the Connecticut General Statutes, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Additionally, unwanted physical contact with another person is a violation of the Connecticut General Statutes and may result in criminal prosecution.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Report Sexual Harassment<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Chief Diversity Officer, is responsible for overseeing sexual harassment matters and investigating complaints. To request a copy of the sexual harassment policy, complaint procedure and form, to discuss a sexual harassment concern, or to file a sexual harassment complaint, contact the Chief Diversity Officer\u00a0in\u00a0University Hall 217 or by telephone\u00a0at (203) 837-8277.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Protection from Adverse Actions<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    All individuals shall be free from restraint, interference, coercion, or reprisal on the part of their associates, supervisors, and all others in making any complaint or appeal, in serving as a representative for a complaint, or in appearing as a witness or in seeking information. The above principles apply with equal force after a complaint has been resolved. Should these principles be violated, the facts shall be brought to the attention of the Chief Diversity Officer by the aggrieved party, his\/her representative, or any person affected. The Chief Diversity Officer shall bring all such situations to the attention of the President for confidential discussion, review, the potential for early proactive intervention and appropriate action.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Individuals are advised of their legal options to file complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division and any other agencies, state, federal or local that enforce laws concerning discrimination.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Support Services and Processes Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Statement of Policy <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) in conjunction with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) is committed to insuring that each member of every BOR governed college and university community has the opportunity to participate fully in the process of education and development. The BOR and CSCU strive to maintain a safe and welcoming environment free from acts of sexual misconduct and intimate partner violence. It is the intent of the BOR and each of its colleges or universities to provide safety, privacy and support to victims of sexual misconduct and intimate partner violence.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The BOR strongly encourages victims to report any instance of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking and intimate partner violence, as an effective means of taking action by reporting such acts to the appropriate officials and pursuing criminal or disciplinary remedies, or both. The only way that action can be taken against anyone who violates another in such a manner is through reporting. Each and every BOR governed college and university shall provide those who report sexual misconduct with many supportive options, including referral to agencies that provide medical attention, counseling, legal services, advocacy, referrals and general information regarding sexual misconduct. Each and every BOR governed college and university will preserve the confidentiality of those who report sexual misconduct to the fullest extent possible and allowed by law. All BOR and CSCU employees, victim support persons and community victim advocates being consulted will make any limits of confidentiality clear before any disclosure of facts takes place. Other than confidential resources as defined above, in addition to employees who qualify as Campus Security Authorities under the Jeanne Clery Act, all BOR and CSCU employees are required to immediately communicate to the institution\u2019s designated recipient any disclosure or report of sexual misconduct regardless of the age of the reported victim.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Sexual intimacy is permissible only if it is agreed to by all participants and all activity is affirmatively consensual at all times. Sexual misconduct, as defined herein, is a violation of BOR policies and, in addition, may subject an accused student or employee to criminal penalties. <\/em>The BOR and each of its governed colleges and universities are committed to providing an environment free of personal offenses. Sexual relationships of any kind between staff, faculty and students are discouraged pursuant to BOR policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Options for Reporting an Incident<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Western’s Campus Resource Team (CaRT), is available to assist and support any student who has experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence on or off campus.\u00a0 Students’ confidentiality will be strictly protected in accordance with the law.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Formal Reporting: Contacting University Police<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Reporting any of the above incidents to police does not commit you to further legal action. However, the earlier you report any such incident, the easier it will be for police to investigate the crime and to prosecute the case successfully if that is your choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Protective and\/or Restraining Orders<\/strong><\/span>
    \n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 A protective and\/or restraining order may be requested by the courts related to any of the above incidents.<\/span>
    \n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 A court issued protective and\/or restraining order prohibits someone from communicating with an alleged victim, from entering the victim’s residence, workplace, school, or property and any place the victim may frequent. <\/span>
    \n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 When informed that a protective and\/or restraining order has been issued, Western will take immediate steps to enforce the order as it relates to activities on the campus. It is important that students alert Western Police that such an order has been issued (providing the Police with a copy of the order is strongly encouraged). For more information about protective and\/or restraining orders students may contact the University Police at (203)837-9300.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Criminal Complaint<\/strong><\/span>
    \n Students may make criminal complaints with Western’s University Police Department. The Police will inform the students of their rights and options.<\/span><\/p>\n

    University Police will conduct a confidential investigation and will keep the student apprised about any decision to prosecute. The police will review all cases with the State’s Attorney’s Office. The State’s Attorney will make the final decision to prosecute under state law. <\/span>
    \n If you wish, the police will contact the Women’s Center and an advocate will meet you at the police station.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. University Disciplinary Action: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Students may wish to contact the University Office of Judicial Affairs after a sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence to pursue university disciplinary action. A complete and detailed description of the judicial process may be found in the Student Code of Conduct, http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/stuaffairs\/PDFDOCS\/Student_Code_of_Conduct.pdf<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Judicial\/Disciplinary Option<\/strong>s<\/span>
    \n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 External: If you wish to have the assailant prosecuted, the police and district attorney’s office will handle the legal proceedings without expense to you. You do not need to hire an attorney. <\/span>
    \n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0 Internal: If the perpetrator is a member of the Western community, you also have the option to file a complaint through the university’s disciplinary system (see Student Handbook). In either instance, a university representative will be available to assist you through the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Students also have the additional option of filing, simultaneously, a criminal complaint by reporting an assault to the University Police.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Anonymous Reporting <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Any individual has the right to complete an Anonymous Interpersonal Violence Form which can be found on http:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/stuaffairs\/CaRT.asp<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This form does not include any personal identifying information (e.g., name, age, address). The purpose of this form is for statistical data collection, as well as to determine possible patterns that may exist. Even with anonymous reporting, the university may investigate an incident to determine if the community is in potential danger.<\/span>
    \n * Note: University employees are required to complete an Anonymous Interpersonal Report Form when made aware of an incident related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    Assistance in Changing Living Arrangements, Class Schedules, or On-campus Work Schedules<\/strong><\/span>
    \n The university recognizes that students may want to change their on-campus living arrangements, class schedules, and on-campus work arrangements. Students requesting these changes should contact the Director of Housing (203-837-8736) and\/or the Dean of Students (203 837-9700). <\/span>
    \nStudents should not hesitate to make these requests, which will be addressed in a timely manner.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Smoking Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Western Connecticut State University is a public university authorized under State of Connecticut statutes.\u00a0 In accordance with current statutes applicable to buildings owned and\/or operated by the State of Connecticut and residence halls in public institutions of higher education, smoking* is prohibited inside all buildings. In addition, the university has established the policy that smoking is prohibited within a fifteen (15) foot distance of all building entrances, exits and open windows in order to reduce the infiltration of second-hand smoke into occupied spaces. <\/span><\/p>\n

    *For the purpose of this policy, smoking shall include the recreational use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, snus, snuff, chew, clove cigarettes and the use of e-cigarettes. <\/span><\/p>\n

    [Note: the definition of “smoking” has been clarified.] <\/span><\/p>\n

    Approved on September 19, 2007 by the WCSU University Senate – Resolution R-07-09-04 <\/span><\/p>\n

    Approved on October 26, 2007 by Dr. James Schmotter, WCSU University President <\/span><\/p>\n

    Revised Senate Resolutions – Approved on January 15, 2015 by the WCSU University Senate – Resolution R-15-01-01 <\/span><\/p>\n

    Approved on February 17, 2015 by Dr. James Schmotter, WCSU, University President<\/span><\/p>\n

    Annual Security Report<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Western Connecticut State University is committed to assisting all members of the WCSU community in providing for their own safety and security.\u2002The annual security compliance document, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, 2015<\/em>, is available on the University Police Department\u2019s website at wcsu.edu\/police\/pdf\/Annual-Campus-Security-Report-2015.pdf.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you would like a copy of this report, you can stop by the University Police Department on Roberts Avenue, Midtown campus, Danbury, CT, at any time, day or night, or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (203) 837-9304. Both the website and annual report provide information about campus security and topics such as crime prevention, university police law enforcement authority, and crime-reporting procedures. You will also find information about crime statistics for the previous three calendar years of reported crimes that occurred in both on-and off-campus facilities. This information is required by law and is provided by the university\u2019s police department.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Annual Fire Safety Report, also required by law, is available at wcsu.edu\/efs\/firereport.<\/span><\/p>\n

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Campuses<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Midtown Campus<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Midtown campus, Western\u2019s original campus, is located in downtown Danbury. The many recent renovations, additions, and new buildings have transformed the Midtown campus into a modern college setting while retaining Western\u2019s traditional character. The Midtown campus features:<\/span><\/p>\n