Dear WestConn Community, 

Before anything else, I want to acknowledge something directly. Some of the criticism I heard over the past two weeks was about my own use of generative AI, particularly on social media and in connection with the inauguration. For some students, especially those in our Visual and Performing Arts programs, this was not just a concern; it was hurtful. 

 I am sorry.

 I understand more clearly now how those choices were experienced, and I take that seriously. 

 As a result, we are taking the following steps: 

• The university will no longer use creative materials created using generative AI. This approach will remain in place while we work toward more formal, campus-wide guidance through our shared governance processes and system office. 

• I will also limit my own use of generative AI, particularly in ways that intersect with the university’s public presence. 

As I shared previously (https://www.wcsu.edu/president/2026/04/11/apersonalnote/), some of my use of these tools has been personal, a way for me to express ideas or emotions creatively and quickly. That does not change the impact it had. Moving forward, I will be more thoughtful, provide clearer context, and work more directly with our student artists and creators, whose work should be central to how we represent WestConn. 

 During this time, I also had the opportunity to meet with students and members of our campus community in nine conversations about AI at WestConn. Most of those who participated were students from our Visual and Performing Arts programs, so while these discussions were incredibly valuable, they do not yet reflect the full range of perspectives across our university. 

That matters, and it’s something we will address. 

I want to thank each of you. You showed up with honesty, passion, and care for this place. That was clear in every conversation. 

I also want to thank Joshua Sumrell, Director of Inclusion and Belonging, for helping facilitate these conversations and for thoughtfully capturing themes and insights across all sessions. His leadership helped ensure these were spaces where students felt heard. 

Below is a summary of the feedback we heard.  

A Desire to Stay Human and Connected: Across every conversation, there was a strong and consistent message about the importance of human connection. Many of you expressed that your concern is not simply about technology, but about what it means for us to remain a community grounded in relationships, authenticity, and trust. There is a desire for WestConn to continue to feel personal. To feel real. To be a place where communication reflects people, not processes, and where connection is not replaced by convenience. 

The Importance of Creative Work and Identity: Students in the arts, in particular, spoke with clarity and conviction about their work. Creative expression is not just a task or an output. It is deeply personal. It reflects time, effort, growth, and identity. When AI is used in creative spaces, especially in visible or public ways, it can feel like that work is being replaced or overlooked. For some, it raises questions about the value of their education and the future of their fields. This is not just about preference. It is about purpose. 

AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute: At the same time, there was not a rejection of AI altogether. Many of you acknowledged that it can be helpful, especially when used to organize ideas, support learning, or improve efficiency. What I heard clearly is a distinction: AI can be a tool that supports thinking. It should not replace thinking. There is a desire to learn how to use these tools responsibly, without losing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills that define a WestConn education. 

Inconsistency and Uncertainty Across the University: Another theme that came through strongly was inconsistency. Students described very different expectations depending on the class, the department, or the instructor, including how faculty are using AI in teaching, assignments, grading, and assessment. In some spaces, AI is discouraged or prohibited. In others, it is encouraged or required. This creates confusion. It raises questions about fairness. And it makes it difficult to understand what the university truly expects or values in this moment. Clarity matters here, and we have work to do. 

Ethical and Broader Impacts: Some of the conversations moved beyond the classroom and into larger questions about ethics and impact. Students raised concerns about how AI systems are built, how they use existing work, and what that means for ownership and fairness. Others spoke about environmental impact, including the energy and water demands of data centers, and how that aligns with WestConn’s commitment to sustainability. Some also raised concerns about over-reliance on AI and its potential impact on learning, confidence, and mental well-being. These are not easy questions, and they are not limited to WestConn. But they are important, and they are part of how we think about our role as an institution. 

There was also a clear call for more shared understanding. Students asked for clearer definitions of generative AI, more guidance on how to use it responsibly, and opportunities to learn how to identify it in writing, music, and visual work. This is not just about policy, it is about education. 

A Desire to Be Involved and Contribute: What stood out just as much as the concerns was the willingness to help. Many of you expressed interest in being part of the solution, especially when it comes to showcasing student work, contributing to university communications, and helping shape how AI is used here. There is pride in what you do. And there is a clear desire to see that work reflected in how we present ourselves to the world. 

What This Really Comes Down To: Taken together, these conversations are about more than AI. They are about identity, trust, and what it means to learn, to create, and to belong at WestConn. They are also about how we prepare for a world where AI will continue to grow, while holding on to the values that define who we are. 

These themes are not just reflections; they are shaping how we move forward, both in immediate actions and longer-term guidance. 

What Comes Next 

These nine meetings were an important starting point, but they are not the full conversation. Because many of these perspectives came from students in the arts, we need to expand this dialogue to include voices from across the university, including STEM, business, education, health sciences, and beyond and our faculty and staff. I will be working with the Provost, Deans, Student Government Association, and faculty through shared governance to continue this work, including developing clearer guidance and expanding opportunities for education and dialogue. 

We pride ourselves on the strength of our arts programs and the creativity of our students, and we also recognize that AI is a technology our students will encounter in their careers. Our responsibility is to hold both truths at once. 

Thank you again for your honesty, your advocacy, and your care for WestConn. This is what a strong, thoughtful academic community looks like.

Sincerely,
Jesse 

Dear Western Connecticut State University Community,

I am writing to follow up on this week’s University Senate discussion. After careful consideration, I am rescinding my prior disapproval of the proposed amendment and returning the matter to the Senate for action consistent with its established process. I also want to clarify the context surrounding my earlier action and outline steps we can take together to strengthen clarity in our governance moving forward.

In advance of taking formal action, I consulted with Senate leadership, shared my hesitation, and expressed a preference that the matter be addressed through Senate action rather than presidential action. Based on our discussion and shared interpretation of the governing documents, it was understood that this step would be necessary to move the matter forward. While this was not my preferred approach, it was taken in an effort to follow what was believed to be the appropriate process at the time. It is also important to note that, while our documents and practices have not always been applied consistently, the practice of receiving presidential feedback, and where appropriate approval on Senate actions, including constitutional amendments, has established precedent at WestConn.

I also want to address directly the broader concerns raised. Suggestions that I am not supportive of shared governance, collaboration, or dialogue do not reflect how I have approached this role. Since my arrival, my focus has been on building relationships, engaging openly, and working in partnership across our community. I understand that past experiences may shape how actions are interpreted, and I respect that history. At the same time, I ask that my actions be considered based on how I have engaged and the commitments I have made.

As I shared in the meeting, how we engage one another in moments like this matters as much as the outcome. These are complex issues, and we should approach them with curiosity, generosity of intent, and a willingness to listen to understand. We can disagree, at times strongly, without becoming adversarial. The assumptions we make about one another shape the culture we are building together, and we are at our best when we model the thoughtful, respectful dialogue we ask of our students.

Our governing documents, including the Constitution, bylaws, and related materials, are not always as clear or aligned as they should be, which can place all of us in a difficult position. The discussion at Senate, and in the days since, has made clear that our current language and processes are creating confusion, particularly in times of transition.

To move forward constructively, pursuant to the Senate Constitution (IV.A.1.), I have requested that the Senate President form a Senate Review Committee to develop and submit a report on proposed constitutional amendments that clarify roles, responsibilities, and processes, and reduce ambiguity in our governance framework. This is not about disagreement in values, but about ensuring that our framework is clear, consistent, and supports the shared governance we all seek to uphold.

My preference is to lead through dialogue and relationships. That is how we build trust and create something that lasts. I believe we have an opportunity to do that here, together.

Thank you for your engagement and your continued commitment to the university.

Sincerely,
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President

Dear WestConn Colleagues,

It was a joy to come together last week to celebrate the service milestones of our colleagues, and I wanted to take a moment to share my congratulations again with our entire community.

I have been talking about about weaving our strengths and building our future at WestConn. Moments like this remind me that those words are not abstract. They live in people. They live in the care shown in classrooms, offices, residence halls, labs, studios, and across every corner of our university. They live in the countless ways our colleagues show up for students and for one another, day after day, year after year.

This year, we recognized 55 employees for milestone years of service. Together, these honorees represent an extraordinary 1,050 years of service to our university. That is a remarkable legacy of commitment. It is also part of a larger story. Across the university, 65% of our 508 current full-time employees have served WestConn for 10 or more years. In addition, 24 employees have surpassed the 30-year milestone and continue to serve our students and community, with our most senior employee approaching 42 years of service.

Those numbers are powerful, but what they represent matters even more. They reflect commitment, resilience, institutional memory, and a deep belief in this place and its people. They reflect colleagues who have helped steady WestConn through change, supported generations of students, and contributed quietly and consistently to the life of this university.

To each of our honorees, thank you. Thank you for staying. Thank you for caring. Thank you for helping make WestConn the kind of place where students can find their way, where colleagues lift one another up, and where our future is being built on a strong foundation.

You can view photos from the celebration on our WestConn Instagram or Flickr.

Please join me in congratulating this year’s honorees:

10 Years

Dr. Daniel Baluha, Dr. Diane Bennett, Dr. Jessica A. Coronel, Dr. Krista Heybruck, Mr. Timothy Howard, Mr. Bashkim Imeri, Dr. Xiaowen Jiang, Ms. Annmarie Krzanowski, Dr. Rotua Lumbantobing, Dr. Karen McLean, Dr. April Moreira, Mr. Guy Rotondo, Mr. Lenbert Wilson, Ms. Joanne Zanella

15 Years

Dr. Rée Gunter, Dr. Carol Huang, Dr. Douglas O’Grady, Dr. Monica Sousa

20 Years

Dr. Katherine Allocco, Dr. Galina Bakhtiarova, Mr. Jamie Begian, Dr. Emilio Collar, Mr. Richard DaSilva, Ms. Rebecca Devine, Mr. Michael Ercoli, Ms. Angelina Espinal, Ms. Amanda Favale, Mr. Mark Gegeny, Dr. Stacey Hawkins, Ms. Sherri Hill, Mr. Vincent Lagano, Ms. Catherine Lewis, Ms. Dawn Lipke, Mr. Kenneth Lynch, Ms. Mary Mazza, Ms. Danielle McDonnell, Mr. Ramon Nieves, Ms. Patricia A. O’Neill, Mr. Jeffrey Shpunt, Ms. Keisha Stokes

25 Years

Mr. Charles Alexander, Dr. Marjorie Callaghan, Mr. Frank Conte, Mr. Robert Eisenson, Dr. Russ Hirshfield, Dr. Bozena Padykula, Dr. Jeffrey Schlicht, Ms. Jennifer Zdziarski

30 Years

Mr. Fred Cratty, Dr. Marsha Daria, Mr. Mauro Ongaro, Dr. Zuohong Pan, Mr. Peter Rosa, Dr. Xiaodi Wang, Dr. Robert Whittemore

Congratulations again to all of this year’s honorees. Your service has helped shape WestConn, and your example continues to strengthen our community.

With gratitude,
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President

Dear WestConn Community,

I’ve heard some of your concerns about my use of AI, and I want to respond personally, because this is ultimately about trust, connection, and how we show up for one another.

Over the past few days, I’ve read the feedback shared about AI visuals and other content connected to me and the university. Some of it has been thoughtful and constructive. Some of it has been harder to read.

I want to say this clearly, I value the concern being raised about maintaining humanity and connection. That matters deeply to me. If you care about that, I hope you’ll join one of the roundtables I’ll be hosting next week so we can talk about it together, face to face, in the spirit of WestConn. You can register here: https://forms.gle/HQMeQXBKz5tJsyHW6. 

I want to take this time to clarify and share a few things.

First, I want to share something personal. Some comments have focused on my appearance in photos and headshots. Those images are professionally done, and like many professional photos today, they may be lightly refined. Still, reading those comments has been difficult. I’ve struggled with body image for much of my life, something I know many people, including many gay men, experience. I share that not for sympathy, but to remind us that there is a human being on the other side of every post.

I deeply value the work of our School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts. It is one of the reasons I was drawn to WestConn. I attend as many performances, exhibits, and shows as I can because it is a true jewel of this university, and I will always support and protect it.

As we prepared for the inauguration, a rare moment in the life of a university, my hope was to engage our student artists in every way possible. My exact message to leadership on December 28, 2025 was “I tried using AI for ideas, but I’d prefer this [inauguration branding and gifts] to be created by our faculty and students. It would be great as a student project, and we can cover the cost of materials or anything else needed.” At the time, I was told it was too late for that level of involvement. Still, I was so grateful for those in Theater and Music who contributed so beautifully during the investiture. I still do wish there were even more!

Given staffing changes and the scale of the event, I stepped in to help create some elements myself. That is not typical for a university president, but I believe we all step in where needed. We are one team.

The “weaved” W came from a deeply personal place. It was inspired by a textile from my great grandmother in Mexico. I used a photo I took of it for inspiration. I wanted to reflect the idea of weaving our strengths to build our future, and to share something of my own story in that moment.

I also want to acknowledge concerns about the song, “Weaving Our Strengths.” Those concerns are fair.

The song began as something personal. I’ve been writing reflections, what I would call novice poetry, as I’ve gotten to know WestConn. That writing became a poem, which I shared with a collaborator to turn into a song. The production was done through a company I had worked with before. I assumed it involved real musicians and voices. I did not verify.

That was my mistake.

We ask our students to critically examine their sources and tools. I did not do that here. The intent behind the song was genuine, but I should have taken greater care in understanding how it was created.

Finally, I want to share that sometimes I post images simply to express some of the deep emotional connections I feel towards our community. The holiday image of me and Wally, which drew unexpected attention, came from a quiet morning when I was alone in Danbury for the holidays, with my partner and dogs still in Michigan. I was reflecting on how grateful I am to be here with all of you. These moments are often spontaneous and personal, a way for me to connect and be creative in real time.

We are now working more broadly on this. Students and administrators are developing guidance together on the use of AI-generated visuals and audio in official university materials. We will share this with the campus for feedback after next week’s discussions. While this will guide institutional work, I will also be more thoughtful in my own use.

Let’s not allow social media to become a barrier to the very human connection we are asking for. If anything, this is an opportunity for us to live our values, to listen, to learn, and to engage with one another directly.

I am grateful for the way this community thinks critically and speaks up. That is part of what makes WestConn strong.

Thank you for holding me accountable. It matters. But, let’s also focus on building and strengthening our relationships. That matters too.

Sincerely,
Jesse

Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President
Western Connecticut State University

Dear WestConn Students & Colleagues,

We have officially launched the search for our Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students.

This is a critical, community-facing role, one that sits at the heart of the student experience at WestConn. More information about the search, including the position profile, advisory search committee, and anticipated timeline, is available here: www.wcsu.edu/president/studentaffairs/.

I am deeply grateful to those who have agreed to serve on the search committee, including its co-chairs, Jennifer LaBate and Melissa Stephens, and to our representatives from the University Senate, Student Government Association, AAUP, and SUOAF. Your willingness to engage in this important work reflects the shared investment we all have in getting this right. The full committee list is available on the website.

I encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues and your professional networks. As part of our process, the broader campus community will have opportunities to meet finalists, ask questions, and provide feedback. We hope to make that happen before the end of the term, though we are ready to adjust our schedule to ensure meaningful and broad participation, as this role deserves.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we build this next chapter together.

Sincerely,
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President

Dear Friends, Students, and Colleagues,

I’m writing to you the morning after one of the most meaningful days in the life of this university, and in mine.

We’ll share photos and memories from the inauguration later this week. But I didn’t want to wait. I wanted to say it directly: Thank you.

Thank you for showing up. For this university. For our students. For the future we’re building together.

When I looked out from that podium and saw the room – the faces, the energy, the belief – I felt something I don’t think I’ll ever forget. That was not just an inauguration. That was a community telling itself what it’s capable of.

• To our donors and foundation partners: I said it from the podium, and I’ll say it again here. Your investment in WestConn is not charity. It is the single best bet you can make on the future of this region. I hope you felt that in the room, because I meant every word. Every scholarship, every program, every door you help open – it changes a life. And that life changes a family. And that family changes a community. That’s not a talking point. That’s how it actually works.
• To our local and state elected officials: Your presence sent a powerful message. WestConn serves students who have the least margin for error, and the most to give back. Your support of public higher education tells them they matter. That matters more than you know.
•  To our Board of Regents, Chair Guay, Vice Chair James, and Chancellor Maduko: I carry your trust seriously. I hope the address reflected the kind of presidency I intend to lead, grounded in honesty, shared leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students.
•  To our faculty and staff: You are the soul of this institution. You learn students’ names. You stay late. You notice when someone is struggling, and you do something about it. Friday was a celebration of you. I know some of you have been carrying this place through hard years without a permanent president, without certainty, without enough recognition. I see you. And I need you to know this next chapter belongs to you as much as it does to anyone.
• To our students: You show up every day with a kind of courage and determination that makes all of this work worth doing. This place exists because of you. Never forget that.

Somewhere on this campus right now, there’s a student who almost didn’t come back this semester. Who’s wondering if they belong. If you see them, tell them they do. That’s the work.

During my address, I asked our community to carry one question into every room and every decision: What does it take for our people to thrive? Not survive. Not get by. Thrive.

I meant that for all of us. Not just those on campus, but every partner, every supporter, every person who believes in what a regional public university can be.

If we answer that question honestly, and if we let it change us, there is no limit to what this university can become.

Welcome. Weave. Widen. That is WestConn Rising.

The celebration was extraordinary. Now the real work begins. I’m grateful to have every one of you in it. Let’s get to work.

With deep appreciation,

Jesse (🐾 from Bella & Tuck too with their rising popularity in their wolf gear 🐾)
WestConn President

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Interim Chancellor O. John Maduko has formally charged Interim President Christina Royal and me to convene a joint Task Force to develop a roadmap for a deeper regional partnership between CT State Danbury and WestConn. The goal is straightforward: better serve students in Danbury and the surrounding region, strengthening transfer pathways, aligning workforce preparation, and improving the overall student experience, while each institution keeps its own identity, mission, and accreditation fully intact.

This is a partnership, not a merger. Two institutions. One shared commitment to students.

Danbury is a dynamic, growing region. The students we serve, and those we have not yet reached, deserve a higher education ecosystem that meets them where they are and takes them where they want to go. That is what our work is about.

I understand that some in our community have concerns, especially about losing students to CT State because of the difference in tuition and about potential reputational risk. There are other questions as well, but these are the most common I have heard. I take those concerns seriously. At the same time, I believe the potential benefits far outweigh them. In similar efforts elsewhere, these fears haven’t materialized. Instead, institutions have seen stronger transfer pipelines, enrollment growth, and new revenue. This is exactly why we are convening a Task Force: to explore this carefully, examine the data and evidence, and help us move forward with clarity.

I’m looking for WestConn faculty and staff who want to help shape what this looks like. The Task Force and parallel sub-groups will include representation across academic leadership, student affairs, enrollment, operations, IT, institutional research, and others. I want people at the table who understand WestConn deeply and care about getting this right.

To self-nominate, send a brief statement of interest to president@wcsu.edu by April 7. A few sentences is all I need. Tell me who you are, what area you represent, and why you want to serve.

There will also be other opportunities for members of our community to provide feedback, and I will share regular updates as this work moves forward. I’ll be sharing more about the Task Force structure, timeline, and charge in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Thank you for everything you do for our students and for WestConn. This is the kind of work that can make a real difference for our region.

Sincerely,

Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President
Western Connecticut State University

Dear WestConn Colleagues,

I am pleased to share that Western Connecticut State University will confer the 2026 Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters upon Robert J. Yamin, Esq., and will present the 2026 President’s Medal to Dr. Richard Asselta. I am also glad to share that Anna Rathmann of the Jane Goodall Institute will serve as our commencement speaker. You can learn more about this year’s honorees and our awards history here: WCSU Awards.

Bob Yamin will be recognized at the Graduate Commencement on May 19. A proud WestConn alumnus, distinguished attorney, civic leader, and longstanding champion for the University and the greater Danbury community, Bob represents the very best of service, leadership, and commitment to the common good. This year’s honorary degree is especially meaningful, as it is WestConn’s first honorary degree in eight years.

Rick Asselta will receive the President’s Medal at the Undergraduate Commencement on May 18. Through decades of engagement with WestConn, partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, and service to the Danbury community and beyond, Rick has demonstrated a deeply student-centered and mission-driven commitment that has had lasting impact.

More information about commencement is available here: Commencement.

This year’s recognitions also reflect an important step in our continued work to lead through shared leadership. These recommendations were informed through a more inclusive and deliberative process that invited nominations from the community and guidance from a representative committee. I am grateful to all who helped shape this process, and we will continue refining it in the years ahead.

Please join me in congratulating Bob, Rick, and Anna as we prepare to celebrate Commencement and honor these remarkable individuals.

Sincerely,

Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President