Faculty Handbook
XIV. Student Services
AccessAbility Services
AccessAbility Services directs and coordinates all necessary services for students with disabilities that impact on their educational experience. The office determines reasonable accommodations and provides exam proctoring, readers and note-takers, advocacy, auxiliary services, early registration, confidential counseling, mediation and complaint processing, specially designated math sections, foreign language alternatives, physical activity waivers, texts in alternate format, accessible furniture, academic coaching, referrals to other university and community services and more. AccessAbility Services provides professional development and consultation to faculty and staff to assist in making courses, programs and the campus community inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.
CAMPUS CENTER--WESTSIDE
This facility serves as a student center for the Westside campus.
The Campus Center provides
- A full-service cafeteria and dining area
- Fitness center
- Ballroom
- Multi-purpose meeting and conference rooms
- Computer lab
- Student activity space
- Lounge areas and related campus-life and student-life facilities
- The Daily Grind, a new concept in late-night dining, with Seattle's Best Coffee, pastries and entertainment, all set in a beautiful lounge with wireless Internet availability.
To schedule a meeting in the Campus Center, please email the details to campuscenter@wcsu.edu.
Campus Ministry
There are three campus ministries. Catholic (837-3240) and Protestant (837-8328) are located in the Student Center. The Newman Center is located between Dr. James Roach Avenue and Eighth Avenue across from Newbury Hall, (203) 744-5846, and the Jewish ministry can be reached at (203) 433-8330.
This office plays a key role in internationalizing the University. The Coordinator supports course abroad program development, international travel authorization processes, funding, and exchanges of faculty/students. Finally, the Coordinator serves as a programming resource for international issues and cross-cultural activities.
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center (CDC) assists students with their career planning and job searches by providing a wide range of career related services including:
- Career counseling on an appointment basis. "Drop-in" hours are also held for quick questions around career or job search issues. An-online career assessment tool (SIGI3) is also available for students.
- Cooperative Education Internship Program for undergraduate juniors, seniors, and upper-level sophomores seeking practical work experience related to their career interest or major. Co-op positions are developed in area businesses, corporations, government and nonprofit agencies. Co-ops carry elective credit, and in many cases also provide a salary.
- An on-line job referral system that includes both full and part-time employment opportunities for students and alumni. An On/Off-Campus Recruiting Program is also available to seniors who are seeking full-time employment upon graduation. An Annual Career Fair is held each spring for full-time professional positions as well as part-time, summer and co-op internship opportunities.
- The CDC has a career library available to students, staff, and alumni with materials on career opportunities, graduate school and company information. The CDC also has an on-line career library "Career Insider" available through WestConnduit, under Academic Tools, University Services tab. "Career Insider" has a wealth of career, industry and job search information.
- Career development workshops and seminars are offered on a regular basis to inform students, staff, and alumni of the career opportunities available and techniques to conduct a successful job search. CDC staff members frequently visit classes on request to present information or workshops on the above topics. Contact: 203-837-8263 or www.wcsu.edu/CDC for additional information.
Counseling Center
The primary goal of the Counseling Center is to support the mental health and well-being of WCSU's students. We pursue this endeavor principally through the provision of confidential psychotherapy services to students, at no additional out-of-pocket expense to them or to their families. The staff here also provides consultation services to faculty, administration, and staff, as well as an ongoing series of presentations, seminars, and workshops for the academic community about a wide variety of mental health-related topics.
The Counseling Center employs four full-time, licensed, clinical psychologists during the academic year, two of whom are also available during the summer session. Additionally, we have three clinical or counseling psychology graduate students in training under the supervision of the senior therapists. Our administrator has over ten years of experience in the Counseling Center. The staff is both gender and culturally diverse.
We are equipped to address the full range of mental health problems, including such issues as adjustment to college life, stress, time management, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, loneliness and isolation, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, eating concerns, suicidal thinking, interpersonal and/or sexual violence, alcohol and substance abuse, grief and loss, anger management, and identity issues. Our approach to treatment is tailored to the unique needs of each student. Referrals to clinicians in the community can be made when indicated.
The Counseling Center's Web page can be found at wcsu.edu/counseling. We are located on the Midtown Campus at 181 White Street, Student Center 222. Our hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can call or come in for information and/or to schedule an appointment, and faculty should feel free to contact us for consultation. The Counseling Center can be reached by telephone at (203) 837-8690. In case of an emergency outside of regular business hours, students should dial 911 or call the 24-hour mental health emergency hotline at (888) 447-3339.
Health Service
The Health Service Office is responsible for providing acute medical care, preventive care, and health education to all full-time students.
- General Information
- Appointments may be scheduled with the physician or nurse practitioner without charge to the student.
- Radiology, laboratory and other diagnostic tests are sent out and the student's medical insurance will be billed.
- It is recommended that students bring their insurance card to each visit.
- Referrals are made to area specialists as needed.
- All full-time and part-time matriculated students must show:
- Proof of two measles
- Proof of two mumps
- Proof of two rubella
- Proof of two varicella (chicken pox)
- Students are exempt for varicella if born in the U.S.A. before 1/1/80
The actual lab results of positive titers (blood test) may be submitted in lieu of the proof of immunization(s). Certification of confirmed cases of measles, mumps, rubella & varicella by a licensed health care provider may be submitted in lieu of the above.
All residential hall students are required by Connecticut State Law to have documented proof of the meningococcal/meningitis/menactra vaccine before registering for housing or entering the residence halls.
All full-time students must complete the CSU Confidential Health Form. www.wcsu.healthservicesonlineforms.asp
2. Sports
All new varsity players must submit a completed "Pre-participation Physical Exam for Varsity Athletes' Form," a "Questionnaire for Participation in Varsity Sports," and an "Authorization for Release of Information Form," in addition to a completed "CSU Confidential Health Record Form." Also, on an annual basis, all varsity athletes must complete a health questionnaire and a release of information which is reviewed by the Health Service staff. These forms are available to download at www.wcsu.edu/healthservices/athleticrequimt.asp.
3. Insurance – Enrollment and waivers are administrated through the University Cashier located in Old Main 106 and can be reached at 203-837-8381.
Intercollegiate Athletics
WestConn offers a variety of opportunities for the student-athlete to excel at the regional and national levels of competition. Different sporting events are scheduled throughout the academic calendar year to provide participation by interested parties. Opportunities are provided for BOTH male and female teams.
The men and women both belong to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The football program is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The 13 other intercollegiate athletic programs are members of the Little East Conference. In addition, the men and women’s programs hold membership in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
The University belongs to conferences and associations appropriate to the specific athletic activity program.
NEW Student Orientation
The University provides orientation for all incoming new students, from Freshmen to transfer students, including non-traditional students, international students, and veterans. Students entering WestConn in the fall attend a first orientation in June where they have an opportunity to meet fellow students and faculty members, get their ID card, parking decal, computer accounts, as well as their class schedule. Several workshops for students and parents are provided on that day. Welcome Week in the beginning of the fall semester adds additional programs intended to help students get adjusted to life at WestConn and generally begins with the traditional Entering the Gates and Opening Ceremony. Students entering WestConn in the spring semester are invited to attend an orientation program generally held one evening before classes start.
Recreation, Intramurals, and Club Sports
Life’s about balance-get out and get active! The Recreation Department here at WestConn is located in the Center for Student Development and is dedicated to providing the campus community with a multitude of various recreational activities to encourage physical fitness and promote a positive well-being. The Intramural and Club Sports programs provide opportunities for individuals who share a common interest in a recreational sport, to improve their skill level and overall knowledge of the sport or activity. Our university is unique in that the WestConn community can utilize athletic facilities on two different campuses. Please contact Amy Shanks, Assistant Director for Student Life/Student Activities, at 203-837-8609 or shanksa@wcsu.edu with any questions.
Student Center--Midtown
The Student Center provides a central location for the following:
- Student Center Operations
- Copy service for students
- Student lounges and game rooms
- Student and faculty dining areas and snack bar
- The campus Bookstore
- A campus mail room
- Career Development Center
- Counseling Center
- Student Activities Office
- WXCI Radio Station
- Campus Ministries
- The Echo
- The Yearbook
- Greek Council
- Program Activities Council
To schedule a meeting in the Student Center please email the details to studentcenter@wcsu.edu.
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Student Financial Services Office is responsible for the following services:
- Providing current information regarding all Federal and State financial aid programs (grants, work-study, and loans).
- Assisting students in their applications for financial aid.
- Evaluating the financial aid needs of students according to Federal guidelines and institutional policies.
- Disbursing student aid funds.
- Administering the student payroll.
- Coordinating activities of the Veterans’ Affairs section.
Student Organizations and Clubs
Each student organization recognized as being affiliated with the University is required to have a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor is the institution’s representative to the group, assisting students in understanding institutional policies and procedures. They also review all organizational expenditures, sign reservation forms, act as Permittee at functions serving alcoholic beverages, and attend activities of the organization. Faculty who are interested in serving as an advisor should contact the Student Activities/Student Life Office.
Substance Abuse Prevention Program CHOICES)
The Substance Abuse Prevention Program (CHOICES) provides services to students and staff including:
- confidential screening and assessments for students currently abusing substances;
- confidential help and information on the symptoms, resources and treatment available on campus or within the community;
- peer support groups;
- educational programs that positively affect attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol and other drug use on campus and throughout life.
This office may be found in Litchfield Hall, Room 101, 837-8899.
University Judicial System
The University Judicial System exists to provide for adjudication of violations and alleged violations by any student of University rules and regulations of both an academic and nonacademic nature. A complete list of violations subject to this system is contained in the “Student Code of Conduct”, which is available from the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
Any member of the University community may report an incident involving a student or student organization to the Office of Student Affairs. Determination as to whether sufficient evidence exists for judicial action to be initiated is made by the Office of Student Affairs.
