Volleyball vs. University of Saint Joseph
2025-11-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | O’Neill Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN VOLLEYBALL VS. UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH: The Wolves will face the University of Saint Joseph at 7 p.m. in the Feldman Arena of the O’Neill Center on the Westside campus. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Día de Muertos Ofrenda (Day of the Dead)
2025-11-06 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.

Virtual Handshake Information Sessions
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual event
VIRTUAL HANDSHAKE INFORMATION SESSIONS: The Career Success Center invites WCSU students from ALL majors to participate in the virtual Handshake Information Sessions. Learn how to use WCSU’s Handshake job board to create your profile, research and apply to jobs/internships, connect with employers, and learn about career-related events. Register on Handshake to get the online link at wcsu.joinhandshake.com. Questions? email careersuccess@wcsu.edu
Tuesday, Sept. 9 – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – noon
Thursday, Nov. 6 – 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 2 – 2 p.m.

First Generation Celebration
2025-11-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Berkshire Hall, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
FIRST GENERATION CELEBRATION: Join us in celebrating First Generation students, faculty and staff from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Berkshire Hall lounge on the Midtown campus.
The event will feature:
11 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks by Robert Pote, Director of Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs
11:15 a.m.: Presidential Address by Dr. Jesse Bernal
11:25 a.m.: Remarks by Mr. Farooq Kathwari
11:30 a.m.– 12:10 p.m.: Students, alumni, faculty, and administration will share their experiences
12:15 p.m.: First-Generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff group picture
1 – 1:45 p.m.: SGA Presents: Musical Chairs – Prizes included!
1:50 – 2 p.m.: Event concludes
The Career and WCSU Resource Fair will be ongoing throughout the event. Music and light refreshments will be provided.
If you are a First-Generation student, faculty, administration, or alumni, please obtain a shirt and/or buttons.

American Sign Language Workshop
2025-11-06 14:30 - 15:30 | 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

Mindfulness at the Library
2025-11-06 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.

Deja NEW - Building Your own Grilled Cheese
2025-11-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Berkshire Hall and Westside Campus Center Dining, Danbury, CT
DEJA NEW – BUILDING YOUR OWN GRILLED CHEESE: Get creative with your comfort food at Deja NEW! Build your own grilled cheese with a variety of breads, cheeses, and toppings for the ultimate personalized melt — available from 4 to 7 p.m. in Berkshire Hall on the Midtown campus and at the Westside Campus Center.

Graduate Virtual Information Sessions
2025-11-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
GRADUATE VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS: At Western Connecticut State University, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals with flexible, high-quality graduate programs designed to enhance your career opportunities and personal growth.
Our Virtual Information Sessions provide an opportunity to connect with faculty and program coordinators to learn more about our graduate programs. Whether you are exploring your options or ready to apply, these sessions will give you valuable insights into program structure, curriculum, admission requirements, and career prospects.
Join us to discover how a WestConn graduate degree can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Register for an upcoming virtual information session and take the first step toward achieving your academic and professional aspirations!
Click here to register for a virtual information session.

October 2025

Thursday, 10/2/2025, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Counselor Education – Click this link to join the information session.
Monday, 10/6/2025, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Addiction Studies – Click this link to join the information session.
Tuesday, 10/7/2025, 1 PM EST – Master of Business Administration MBA – Click this link to join the information session.
Monday, 10/13/2025, 6 PM EST – Master of Health Administration – Click this link to join the information session.
Wednesday, 10/15/2025, 1 PM EST – M.S. in Homeland Security – Virtual Information Session Link
Tuesday, 10/21/24, 5 PM EST. – Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership – Click this link to join the information session.
Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 7 PM EST – MFA in Creative and Professional Writing – Click this link to join the information session.
Wednesday, 10/29, 2025, 9 AM EST – International Applicant – Click this link to join the information session.

November 2025

Tuesday, 11/4/2025, 6:30 PM EST – M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis – Click this link to join the virtual information session.
Thursday, 11/6/2025, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Counselor Education – Click this link to join the information session.
Tuesday, 11/18/2025, 7 PM EST – MFA in Creative and Professional Writing – Click this link to join the information session.
Thursday, 11/20/2025, 7 PM EST – Master of Music – Click this link to join the information session.

December 2025

Wednesday, 12/3/2025, 1 PM EST – M.S. in Homeland Security – Virtual Information Session Link
Thursday, 12/4/2025, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Counselor Education – Click this link to join the information session.

January 2026

Tuesday, 01/13/26, 5 PM EST – Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership
Thursday, 1/15/2026, 5 PM EST – Financial Aid
Monday, 1/19/2026, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Addiction Studies
Monday, 1/19/2026, 5:30 PM EST – M.S. in Education, Literacy & Language Arts
Tuesday, 1/27/2026, 9 AM EST – International Applicant
Wednesday, 1/28/2026, 4 PM EST – MS in Integrative Biological Diversity

February 2026

Friday, 02/06/2025, 6 PM, EST – Master of Health Administration
Monday, 2/9/2026, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Addiction Studies
Tuesday, 2/10/2026, 1 PM EST – Master of Business Administration MBA
Wednesday, 2/11/2026, 4 PM EST – M.S. in Homeland Security
Thursday, 2/12/2026, 7 PM EST – Master of Music
Wednesday, 2/24/2026, 5 PM EST – Master of Arts in Teaching

March 2026

Monday, 3/2/2026, 1 PM EST – M.S. in Homeland Security
Monday, 3/9/2026, 6 PM EST – M.S. in Addiction Studies

April 2026

Wednesday, 4/8/2026, 4 PM EST – M.S. in Homeland Security
Friday, 04/24/2026, 6 PM EST – Master of Health Administration
Friday, 04/24/2026, 1 PM EST – Master of Business Administration MBA

Interested in Medical School?
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Science Building 125, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
INTERESTED IN MEDICAL SCHOOL?: Come learn about the journey to medical school from current residents at Danbury Hospital. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 125 of the Science Building on the Midtown campus. Stay for pizza afterwards. RSVP at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vC1i4bqUrUiHu6fygHTuPe3Dy-_VwlBOq6Kx2occNINUQU5JM1owMjE1MFlPWDJXSkM1M1NLSFhHSi4u&route=shorturl

Late Night With Strings
2025-11-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Westside Campus Center South Ballroom, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
LATE NIGHT WITH STRINGS: Spend the evening with the Strings Club playing games such as musical chairs, jeopardy, and Kahoot! There will be lots of great prizes, as well as free food and drinks! From 7 to 9 p.m. in the Westside Campus Center Ballroom South.

PAC Open Mic
2025-11-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Wolves Den (MT Student Center, lower level), 181 White St., Danbury, CT
PAC OPEN MIC: Join PAC for Open Mic from 8-10 p.m. in the Wolves Den in the Midtown Student Center.

Graduate Portraits
2025-11-07 11:00 - 17:00 | Midtown Student Center Theater, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
GRADUATE PORTRAITS: The Event & Conference Management Department will host Fall Graduate Portraits (Thornton Studio Photographers) from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Midtown Student Center. Open to all WestConn graduating students. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted. There is no sitting fee and you will be able to view your proofs online. Cap and gown will be available for the portraits, and we recommend that you dress as for a job interview. To make an appointment, please visit www.thorntonstudio.com, click on “schedule appt” and use the school code 01380. If you need to change your appointment, just select a new date & time and your previous appointment will be automatically canceled. For any questions, please contact Thornton Studio at info@ThorntonStudio.com or 1-800-883-9449 x 1758.

In-Person Study Abroad Information Session
2025-11-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-10 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.

Round Table Event and Potluck
2025-11-07 14:30 - 16:00 | Warner Hall 200, 181 White St., Danbury
ROUND TABLE EVENT AND POTLUCK: This is a fun, casual roundtable event happening at 2:30 p.m. in the Futures Lab in Room 200 of Warner Hall on the Midtown campus. Feel free to stop by whenever you can to share your research, discuss something interesting you’ve learned, talk about current events, or simply enjoy good conversation. Feel free to invite friends!
We’ll also be having a potluck, so if you’re able, please bring something to share with everyone. This will be a great opportunity to connect with others and get comfortable discussing topics you’re passionate about.
This is open to all- not just Social Science students!

Men's Ice Hockey vs. University of Southern Maine
2025-11-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT, 06810
WESTCONN MEN’S ICE HOCKEY VS. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE: The Wolves will face off with the University of Southern Maine at 6:30 p.m. at the Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way in Danbury. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

The Comedy of Errors
2025-11-07 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-09 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.

Football vs. Catholic University
2025-11-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Westside Athletic Complex, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN FOOTBALL VS. CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY: The Wolves will face Catholic University at 5 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/.

Men's Ice Hockey vs. Babson College
2025-11-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT, 06810
WESTCONN MEN’S ICE HOCKEY VS. BABSON COLLEGE: The Wolves will face off with Babson College at 2:30 p.m. at the Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way in Danbury. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Opera Scenes
2025-11-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, VPAC, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
OPERA SCENES: Opera Scenes, featuring the WCSU Opera Ensemble in favorite opera scenes and excerpts. Richard Weidlich, Director
Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-scenes-tickets-1485118221579
**Tickets at the Faculty, Staff and Student rate are available at the VPAC box office located in the VPAC lobby – a valid WCSU ID is required at the time of purchase**
NOTE: Advance ticket purchases made online are $10 plus fees; Tickets purchased at the door are $15.
No refunds are permitted; all sales are final.

Men's Basketball vs. The College of Wooster
2025-11-09 13:00 - 15:00 | O’Neill Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER: The Wolves will face The College of Wooster at 1 p.m. in the Feldman Arena of the O’Neill Center on the Westside campus. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
2025-11-09 15:00 - 16:30 | Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, VPAC, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WIND ENSEMBLE AND SYMPHONIC BAND: Wind Ensemble directed by Fernando Jimenez and Symphonic Band directed by Matthew Doiron. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall in the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Westside campus.
Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/wind-ensemble-and-symphonic-band-tickets-1510192338939.
**Tickets at the Faculty and Staff rate are available at the VPAC box office located in the VPAC lobby – a valid WCSU ID is required at the time of purchase**
NOTE: Advance ticket purchases made online are $10; Tickets purchased at the door are $15.
No refunds are permitted; all sales are final.

Origami Day Folding Event
2025-11-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Higgins Hall lobby, 181 White St., Danbury, CT
ORIGAMI DAY FOLDING EVENT: On November 10, the Mathematics department will host a “folding event” in observance of International Origami Day. The event will take place in the Higgins Hall lobby on the Midtown campus from 9:30 until 11 a.m. There will be paper, and folding instructions a variety of projects. All are welcome.

WestConn Exchange: Weaving Our Way Forward - IT&I/Facilities Renewal Plan
2025-11-10 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual
WESTCONN EXCHANGE – WEAVING OUR WAY FORWARD – IT&I/FACILITIES RENEWAL 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.

Women's Basketball vs. John Jay College
2025-11-10 17:30 - 19:30 | O’Neill Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
WESTCONN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. JOHN JAY COLLEGE: The Wolves will face John Jay College at 5:30 p.m. in the Feldman Arena of the O’Neill Center on the Westside campus. For more information, visit https://westconnathletics.com/.

The Suite Life on Campus Bingo
2025-11-10 20:00 - 21:30 | Westside Campus Center Ballroom, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, CT
THE SUITE LIFE ON CAMPUS BINGO: Join PAC and Housing & Residence Life for The Suite Life on Campus Bingo at 8 p.m. in the Westside Campus Center Ballroom. Play for a chance to win a MacBook, Nintendo Switch, and more.

Veterans Day Coffee
2025-11-11 07:00 - 21:00 | Berkshire Hall and Westside Campus Center Dining, Danbury, CT
VETERANS DAY COFFEE: In honor of Veterans Day, we’re offering free coffee to all veterans as a small thank-you for their service. Stop by the Fireside Lobby Café in Berkshire Hall on the Midtown campus or The Daily Grind in the Westside Campus Center to enjoy a cup on us from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
