WCSU Events

American Sign Language Workshop
2025-10-30 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | AccessAbility Services, White Hall 005, 181 White St., Danbury
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE WORKSHOP: Join us for an introductory level sign language workshop to learn some of the basics of ASL!
Thursdays 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Haas Library 411
Register at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=vC1i4bqUrUiHu6fygHTuPbmIyn6-9phNsXH5IXdSj8lUNEVaSzVPSEo5RUxGTE1RRVAxS0FSRUZOOC4u

Social Impact Event
2025-10-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Westside Campus Center, Room 212, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
SOCIAL IMPACT EVENT: Students will gain insightful strategies on supporting a nonprofit organization. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Room 212 of the Westside Campus Center.

WXCI Halloween Party
2025-10-30 18:00 - 22:00 | Westside Campus Center Ballroom, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WXCI HALLOWEEN PARTY: Event from 6-10 p.m. at the Westside ballroom. There will be live music, drinks, and a cash bar. It’s vampire themed, so come dressed up. Have to be 18+ to enter and for WCSU students only.

Día de Muertos Ofrenda (Day of the Dead)
2025-10-31 08:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-01 08:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-02 08:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-03 08:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-04 08:00 - 22:00 | Warner Hall, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
DIA DE MUERTOS OFRENDA (DAY OF THE DEAD): Día de Muertos: Honoring Life & Legacy 💐
Join us in celebrating Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) — a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. From October 30 to November 6, we invite you to visit our ofrenda (altar) and take part in this beautiful tradition of remembrance. 🕯️🌼
The altar will be in the Warner Hall Lyceum on the Midtown campus from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, at which time it will be relocated to White Hall, also on the Midtown campus, for Nov. 5 and 6.
Bring a photo or item to add to the ofrenda as we come together to celebrate life, love, and memory. ❤️
This event is sponsored by the Department of Social Sciences, LASO, WCSU Beyond Borders, the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and the UndocuAlly Taskforce.

Regional Conference - Western Marketing Association
2025-10-31 08:30 - 15:30 | President’s Reception Room, Westside Classroom Building 218, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
REGIONAL CONFERENCE – WESTERN MARKETING ASSOCIATION: The Western Marketing Association’s 8th Annual Regional Conference will feature four keynote speakers covering topics on sports marketing, AI, cybersecurity, and social media. This conference gives students the opportunity to network, engage in workshops, participate in competitions to win prizes, and engage in our pumpkin-painting activity while enjoying breakfast and lunch from our sponsors! (Note: General Admission ticket holders only have access to speaker sessions, workshops, and networking.) From 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 218 of the Westside Classroom Building.
Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-western-marketing-association-regional-conference-tickets-1748876910919

Fall Harvesting at the Jane Goodall Permaculture Garden
2025-10-31 15:00 - 16:00 | Permaculture Garden, 181 White St., Danbury
FALL HARVESTING AT THE JANE GOODALL PERMACULTURE GARDEN: Join us to harvest and clean vegetables planted on the Day of Service! The vegetables will be donated to the Daily Bread Food Pantry. Harvest dates include: Friday, Oct. 31 (Halloween): turnips and greens; Friday, Nov. 14: baby carrots and beets. From 3 to 4 p.m. at the Permaculture Garden adjacent to the Science Building on the Midtown campus.

Men's Ice Hockey vs. Albertus Magnus College
2025-10-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT, 06810
WESTCONN MEN’S ICE HOCKEY VS. ALBERTUS MAGNUS COLLEGE: The Wolves will face off with Albertus Magnus College at 4 p.m. at the Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way in Danbury. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Halloween Party
2025-10-31 19:30 - 21:30 | Kathwari Honors House, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
HALLOWEEN PARTY: Join us on Halloween night for pumpkin carving, face painting, photo station, crafting, and best costume contest! From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Kathwari Honors House (Midtown).

The Comedy of Errors
2025-10-31 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-01 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Studio Theatre, VPAC, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: By William Shakespeare, adapted by Pam McDaniel. Directed by Pam McDaniel. In the Studio Theatre in the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Westside campus.
Performance times:
Friday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m.
Click here to learn more about the production and to select other performance dates/times.

William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors is the story of two identical twins named Antipholus who are separated following a shipwreck 25 years earlier. Antipholus of Syracuse takes off to Ephesus to reunite with his brother, beginning a misadventure of magnificent farce. This original adaptation based in the world of The Comedy of Errors centers the story on Adriana, Antipholus of Ephesus’s wife, as she navigates a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Featuring a company of young actors and unique musical numbers, this piece is sure to delight and intrigue both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Accessible seating is available in limited quantity, please email Eric Gomez, VPAC Events Coordinator at gomeze@wcsu.edu to inquire about accessible seating. You may also call the box office at (203) 837-3266.
WCSU student tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at the VPAC box office with valid ID.
No refunds are permitted; all sales are final. Please note that tickets are subject to a higher price at the box office. The venue recommends purchasing your tickets in advance on wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com.

Field Hockey vs. Plymouth State University
2025-11-01 09:30 - 11:30 | Westside Athletic Complex, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN FIELD HOCKEY VS. PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY: The Wolves will face Plymouth State University at 9:30 a.m. at the Westside Athletic Complex. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Volleyball vs. Rhode Island College
2025-11-01 12:00 - 14:00 | O’Neill Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN VOLLEYBALL VS. RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE: The Wolves will face Rhode Island College at noon in the Feldman Arena of the O’Neill Center on the Westside campus. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Football vs. Susquehanna University
2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Westside Athletic Complex, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN FOOTBALL VS. SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY: The Wolves will face Susquehanna University at 1 p.m. at the Westside Athletic Complex. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and children 12-under; WCSU students are free with ID. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Poetry Reading and Gallery Opening
2025-11-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Innovation Studios, 18 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT
POETRY READING AND GALLERY OPENING: CSU Professor of Creative and Professional Writing and Kathwari Honors House Director Dr. Brian Clements will participate in the grand opening of the Four Monkeys Art Gallery at Innovation Studios, 18 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury. From 4 to 6 p.m., the event will feature art, live music and ekphrastic poetry. Clements will read his poem, which also will be on display next to its inspiration, “Flow,” by WCSU alum painter Casey Lerner. The public is invited.

Open House
2025-11-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Midtown campus, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
OPEN HOUSE: Learn how Western Connecticut State University is setting the standard for affordability, location and quality academic programs! Meet with faculty and other representatives from our academic programs, student groups and administrative offices. Plus, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and take a tour of our beautiful campus. Your family is encouraged to join us, too! Learn more at www.wcsu.edu/openhouse/
Register for a 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. session here

Softball's 28th Annual Breakfast Fundraiser
2025-11-03 07:15 - 09:30 | Westside Campus Center Ballroom, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
SOFTBALL’S 28TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER: On Monday, Nov. 3, the 28th Annual Opening Day Breakfast will be held to officially “throw out the first pitch” of the 2025-26 season! Once again, we are asking for your support. We invite you to attend for free or if you wish to sponsor your own table and invite seven of your friends or coworkers, please reach out to RSVP or sponsor a table. There will also be a short presentation by WCSU Women’s Softball Head Coach Heather Stone, team member introductions, silent auction, and a raffle with great prizes!
We hope you will be able to join us at the Westside Campus Center Ballroom, from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
RSVP via email to stoneh@wcsu.edu or 837-9019.
——————————————————————————————————–

Live From the Museum: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
2025-11-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
LIVE FROM THE MUSEUM – CELEBRATING NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: The Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion is promoting this virtual event for Native American Heritage Month.
In partnership with the Aquinnah Cultural Center, join a museum educator live to commemorate Native American Heritage Month. Dedicated to the Aquinnah Wampanoag, the Aquinnah Cultural Center in Massachusetts imparts cultural knowledge, fosters tribal connection, and shares their historical narratives and oral traditions. Together, we’ll explore tribal sovereignty, the constitutional roots of Indigenous relationships, and take a look at the belongings and creations of the Aquinnah Wampanoag.
Speaking with the National Constitution Center’s team will be Brad Lopes, an enrolled Aquinnah Wampanoag citizen and the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Aquinnah Cultural Center. Throughout his career as a classroom and public educator Brad has sought to help build understanding about tribal sovereignty and how it relates to civics curricula in the United States. With a background in education and museum studies, Brad seeks to help educators implement more accurate knowledge about Tribal Nations and our inherent sovereignty within the education system.
This virtual event will begin at noon. Register at https://constitutioncenter.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qv1eJf-ST3WZxj6TSm2eWA#/registration

WestConn Exchange: Weaving Our Way Forward - DEI/Campus Climate Plan
2025-11-03 14:00 - 15:15 | Virtual
WESTCONN EXCHANGE – WEAVING OUR WAY FORWARD – DEI/CAMPUS CLIMATE PLAN: As we continue shaping WestConn’s path forward, you are invited to join a new series of forums — WestConn Exchange: Weaving Our Way Forward. These sessions are designed to be interactive, bringing together faculty, staff, and students for open dialogue and feedback as we refresh and finalize important strategies and decisions.
We are excited to offer each exchange in both in-person and virtual formats. You are encouraged to participate in at least one session for each topic. After each session, we will share insights and updates online for additional feedback and engage with shared governance bodies. Throughout the term, there will be numerous opportunities to provide your input through various formats.
WestConn Exchange Schedule

Strategy

Tuesday, September 16 | 1–2:15 p.m. | Virtual
Monday, September 22 | 9:30–10:45 a.m. | Campus Center Ballroom South

Finance

Wednesday, September 17 | 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Virtual
Wednesday, September 24 | 1–2:15 p.m. | Campus Center Ballroom South

DEI/Campus Climate Plan

Monday, November 3 | 2–3:15 p.m. | Virtual
Wednesday, November 5 | 3–4:15 p.m.| Campus Center Ballroom South

IT&I/Facilities Renewal Plan

Monday, November 10 | 1–2:15 p.m. | Virtual
Tuesday, November 11 | 9–10:15 a.m. | Campus Center Ballroom South

Register for Each Exchange at: https://wcsutickets.regfox.com/westconn-exchange#registrants

Brief Updates on Our Work
Strategy
Our strategy work is guided by Western Rising 2030 and seeks to integrate multiple planning efforts into one clear direction. I will propose that we center our efforts around three commitments.

Distinctly WestConn – modernizing academics to ensure accessible, career-ready, and affordable pathways.
Strengthen Our Foundations – securing long-term financial sustainability, modernizing infrastructure, and rebuilding trust.
Regional Anchor and Opportunity Engine – positioning WCSU as Connecticut’s largest HSI and a hub for workforce, education, and community development.

Your feedback will be essential as we identify our direction. Together, we will identify the most critical strategies to advance these commitments, establish clear metrics to measure progress, and create structures that hold us accountable across the institution.
Finance
Our financial discussions will focus on mitigation strategies and efforts to close our structural deficit. While we ended FY25 with a $4.5 million surplus and $11.9 million in reserves, these results depended heavily on $24.2 million in one-time system support and temporary measures, meaning the University carried a $23 million structural deficit. Looking forward, our five-year framework projects only modest surpluses in FY26-27 sustained through continued one-time support, before recurring annual deficits of approximately $10.5 million in FY28-FY30 unless new revenues and deeper efficiencies are achieved. Addressing this challenge will require careful attention to personnel costs, vendor renegotiations, shared services, and revenue diversification through housing, dining, grants, philanthropy, and auxiliary ventures. As I have reviewed our finances more closely, I have found the situation to be more complex than I initially anticipated—an unsurprising reality in today’s higher education environment, but one that underscores the importance of transparent communication, difficult choices, and collective action. To move forward, we need everyone—faculty, staff, students, and partners—actively engaged in identifying opportunities for reallocation and investment, generating new revenues, and ensuring that decisions remain aligned with our academic mission and long-term sustainability.
IT&I/Facilities Renewal
We are finalizing a three-year renewal plan that outlines more than $54 million in proposed state bond funding to strengthen WestConn’s physical and digital foundations. This plan directly connects facilities and technology investments to our academic mission and student experience. Your engagement is essential as we refine these priorities and design strong advocacy efforts with state leaders and partners. Together, we can build the infrastructure and technology that will power WestConn’s future.
DEI & Campus Climate Plan
Our DEI Master Plan 2025-2030 builds on recent momentum — hiring new leadership, strengthening recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff, and expanding culturally sustaining supports for students. The plan emphasizes creating a more inclusive campus climate, improving infrastructure for Hispanic and other underrepresented students, and embedding equity as a design principle across academics and student life. A key part of this work is being transparent about our challenges while also recognizing and replicating our successes as leverage points. Together, these insights will guide strategies that are both honest about where we must improve and bold in building on what already works. At the forum, we will provide an update on the plan and seek your input on how best to advance strategies that foster belonging, equity, and accountability across the institution.
These forums are not simply updates — they are an exchange of ideas and perspectives. Your input will directly shape our efforts as we move into this next chapter of renewal and growth. I hope you will join the conversation or provide input in other ways.

Day of the Dead Dinner
2025-11-03 16:00 - 19:00 | Berkshire Hall and Westside Campus Center Dining, Danbury, CT
DAY OF THE DEAD DINNER: Honor Día de los Muertos with a special themed dinner at both dining halls. Celebrate this vibrant tradition with colorful décor and festive dishes that pay tribute to the holiday’s rich cultural heritage. From 4 to 7 p.m. in Berkshire Hall on the Midtown campus and the Westside Campus Center.

Fall 2025 Regional Lake Communities Symposium
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
FALL 2025 REGIONAL LAKE COMMUNITIES SYMPOSIUM: Management Issues of Connecticut Lakes. A Fall Science at Night seminar series for the public, students and scientists interested in local lake conservation and management. Based on the conversation started in 2019 -24, stakeholders this year will discuss Lake Management topics that impact our regional lakes.
The event is virtual and free, but registration is required: https://westconn.tfaforms.net/217. From 7 to 9 p.m.
“Volunteers Help Assess Connecticut Fisheries”
7 p.m. – Larry Marsicano, Brawley Consulting Group LLC., WCSU Limnology Instructor, will introduce the topic and speaker.
7:05 p.m. – Meghan Lally, Environmental Analyst III, CT DEEP, “An Introduction to PFAS and what our lake fish can tell us about the presence of PFAS in our water.”
7:30 p.m. – Questions from Audience
7:40 p.m. – Mike Beauchene, Supervising Fisheries Biologist, Bureau of Natural Resources/Fisheries Division, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, “The Trophy Fish Award Program and Fish Management in Connecticut.”
8:05 p.m. – Questions from Audience
8:15 p.m. – Andrew Ransom, Fisheries Biologist, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division, Trail Cameras and Anglers help evaluate the status of fisheries in CT.
8:40 p.m. – Questions from Audience

Use Your Scents
2025-11-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Berkshire Hall, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
USE YOUR SCENTS: As part of the Tabling Tuesdays program sponsored by Campus RECreation, please join the Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS) at the tabling event in Berkshire Hall on the Midtown campus at 11 a.m. for information on how to “Use Your Scents” creatively with essential oils and materials to make a pendant. Enjoy the benefits of the essential oils and flex your creativity muscles all at the same time. For additional information, contact Christel Autuori at autuoric@wcsu.edu

Silent Witness Exhibit
2025-11-04 11:00 - 14:00 | Westside Campus Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
SILENT WITNESS EXHIBIT: Come visit our Silent Witness Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level of the Westside Campus Center in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The exhibit consists of statues of individuals, across the state of Connecticut, who have died due to acts of domestic and dating violence. All participants will be encouraged to reflect and share ways they can make a difference in the community, both safely and effectively, to help break the cycle of interpersonal violence. Hosted by The Center for Empowerment and Education.

In-Person Study Abroad Information Session
2025-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Midtown Student Center Room 207, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
IN-PERSON ISEP STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION SESSION: International Services will host the following in-person Study Abroad Info Sessions in November:
Tuesday, 11/4 – 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/5– 3-4 p.m.
Friday, 11/7 – 2-3 p.m.
Monday, 11/10 – 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/12 – 3-4 p.m.
Thursday, 11/13 – 2-3 p.m.
Monday, 11/17 – 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/19 – 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, 11/20 – 3-4 p.m.
Monday, 11/24 – 1-2 p.m.
Students of all majors are encouraged to attend to learn how to apply for a semester, year-long, or summer study abroad experience. The sessions will be held in Midtown Student Center 207, within Intercultural Affairs. Please email warnerd@wcsu.edu to register – drop-ins are also welcome.

Mindfulness at the Library
2025-11-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Ruth Haas Library, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
MINDFULNESS AT THE LIBRARY: Feeling stressed this semester? Having trouble finding calm amidst assignments, classes, and other responsibilities? We’ve got just the program for you!
Join Prabha Makayee in the Ruth Haas Library for a meditation series running through the Fall 2025 semester! Prabha seeks to help build new perspectives and develop paradigm shifts in how we navigate challenges and practice des-escalation and self-regulation strategies.
Find Prabha on the 3rd Floor of the Haas Library on the Midtown campus from 3 to 5 p.m. on these dates: Sept. 18, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Oct. 18, Nov. 4, Nov. 6, Nov. 18 and Nov. 20.
