Frequently Asked Questions

Technology Frequently Asked Questions


When and where is January 2010 Orientation?
January Orientation is a Welcome Dinner that incorporates elements of Orientation.  The dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2010 (snow date is the 21st), from approx. 6:30-9:30pm in Warner Hall on the Midtown campus  All new students (including commuters, transfers, international students and adult learners) are invited along with their parents or spouses.

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Are my parents allowed to come to January Orientation?
Yes, not only are they invited but there will be a special workshop just for parents after dinner. 

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What requirements are there before I am allowed to register for classes?
The following information must be in place before you can register for classes:

  • make your $200.00 non-refundable deposit
  • send a copy of your childhood vaccinations, specifically the MMRs, to the Health Services Office (fax to 203-837-8583) – include your WCSU ID number on the fax
  • you will need to have taken any applicable placement test as noted in your admissions packet (Math, English, Chemistry)

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What do I need to bring for January Orientation?
If you have any questions regarding WestConn, be prepared to ask them.  Otherwise just bring a healthy appetite and a desire to meet new people and learn about your new university.

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Where can my parents and I stay if we are coming in from far away?
Here is a list of hotels that are only about 10-15 minutes away from our Midtown and Westside campuses:

Hotels                                                                                  Website          

Holiday Inn                                                                   www.holidayinn.com

Maron Hotel and Suites                                              www.maronhotel.com

Wellesly Inn                                              www.welleslyinnsandsuites.com

Quality Inn                                                                   www.qualityinns.com

Residence Inn by Marriot                                        www.residenceinn.com

Danbury Plaza                                                       www.danburyplaza.com

Ethan Allen                                                           www.ethanallenhotel.com

Courtyard by Marriot                                                    www.courtyard.com

Spring Hill Suites                                                   www.springhillsuites.com

Best Western Berkshire Inn                www.bestwestern.com/berkshireinn

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When do January classes begin?
Classes begin on Monday, January 25, 2010.

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How do I get to WCSU?
Directions and a map can be found here: www.wcsu.edu/campustour/directions.asp.

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When will I get information about January Orientation?
If you have not yet received a letter, you should be getting one shortly.  Please call the Admissions Office at 203-837-9000 if you want to check if all of your paperwork has been received.

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Where do my parents park for January Orientation?
During January Intersession parking is available in both the White Street and Commuter Parking garage on 5th Avenue.  The 5th Avenue garage is more conveniently located.  Please check our website for directions. www.wcsu.edu/campustour/directions.asp.

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I am a transfer student. Do I really need to attend January Orientation?
Yes.  We encourage all students to attend in order to familiarize themselves with resources and services available at WCSU.  Also, you may think you know how certain processes work from your prior college experience but you may find that WestConn is quite different.  Don't forego this opportunity to familiarize yourself with how things work at WestConn.

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How do I register for January Orientation?
Please RSVP by using the RSVP form on this website, call 203-837-9700 or send an email to selvarajb@wcsu.edu.

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What do I do if I need accommodations for my disability?
If you have a disability and require special accommodations for your classes contact WCSU’s AccessAbility Services office at (203) 837-8225.  To find out more information you can go to their website: www.wcsu.edu/accessability/

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What if I am a part-time student?
Part-time students are invited and encouraged to attend January Orientation.  Just like our full-time students you can learn something about WestConn

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What if I am an adult or non-traditional student? Should I still attend January Orientation?
Yes.  There will be a lot of information available during orientation that is important to all students.

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How do I find out about how to get involved on campus?
You can visit our website, www.wcsu.edu/studentcenter/studentorg/, and see what clubs and organizations are already on campus or how to form your own club.  You can meet many of the clubs during Club’s Carnival.

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How do I get a parking decal/ID Card?
The WestConnect office’s normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8am-4pm.  Bring your car registration of the vehicle you plan to drive and a photo ID and you will receive your parking sticker.  For the ID card you will need to bring a valid form of photo identification (driver's license, state identification card, passport) and your course schedule verifying registration for the current semester.

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Where do I go to pay my bill or find out about Financial Aid?
The Cashier’s Office is located in the Old Main Administration Building where you will be able to handle all billing inquiries or you may visit their web site at www.wcsu.edu/cashiers.  Bills are due in full by December 18, 2009.

The Student Financial Services Office is also located in the Old Main Administration Building. This is where you can find answers to any of your financial aid concerns, or go to www.wcsu.edu/finaid.

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When can new students move into the residence halls?
Students who are registered as full-time (12 credits or more) will be eligible to move into their residence hall for Spring 2010 on Sunday, January 24th, provided they have also sent in their proof of immunization.  Students who are not registered for 12 or more credits will need to see the Registrar prior to the move in date.

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What immunizations must I provide in order to register for classes?
All students – full and part-time – must show proof of two measles and one rubella immunization prior to registration according to the State Mandated Measles/Rubella Law, Public Act 89-90.  Please submit your proof to the Health Service office located in front of Litchfield Hall, Midtown campus.  Also, you may fax your information to (203) 837-8583. Please note: proof of graduation from a Connecticut High School, in or after 1999, will also be accepted as proof of immunity for measles and rubella.

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Do I need to show any other immunization if I will be residing on campus?
All residence hall students are required by Connecticut State Law, Public Act 01-93, to have documented proof of immunization with meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine before arriving on campus.  Please submit your proof to the Health Services office located in front of Litchfield Hall, Midtown campus.  Also, you may fax your information to (203) 837-8583.

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How do I make changes to my class schedule?
Students can make changes to their schedule in person at the Office of the Registrar in the Old Main Administrative Building, 1st floor.  Any questions can be directed to (203) 837-9206.

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What computer facilities are available at WestConn?
WestConn offers a number of staffed facilities where you can receive assistance from our friendly student staff. We also have 24 hours computer labs available for student use. For a complete list of facilities and hours, please visit:            www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp

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How do I get a WestConn Windows account?
A WestConn Windows account is necessary for students to access the University’s network from the computer centers, classrooms, labs, residence halls, and wireless network. You will be able to get your account information during June orientation, Welcome Week, and any other time during the semester from the following staffed computer centers on campus: Midtown Computer Center (Haas Library), Westside Computer Center (WS 117), and the Student Technology Training Center (SC 225). http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp

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Should I get a WestConn email account?
Yes, all students are required to get a WestConn email account for official WestConn business. Once your account has been created, you will have access to your email from any computer on or off-campus that has access to the Internet by visiting https://student.wcsu.edu/login, or by logging into WestConnduit and clicking on the email link. You can obtain your WestConn email account credentials at any of our staffed computer centers on campus.  http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/email.asp

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What is a WestConnduit account, and where can I get one?
WestConnduit is WestConn's campus portal.  WestConnduit allows you to see your grades, course schedules, academic history and financial aid information, and allows you to register for classes and make payments to the university.  It also provides access to Blackboard Vista, WestConn's online course management system, campus and personal announcements, the campus events calendar, and convenient links to other university resources.

You can obtain your WestConnduit credentials at any of the staffed computer centers on campus, or your can reset your PIN online at: https://webapp.wcsu.edu/bannerpin/. A WestConn email account is required.

WestConnduit can be accessed by visiting www.wcsu.edu and clicking on the WestConnduit link.

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Should I bring my own computer?
You do not need to bring your own computer. However, a laptop with wireless capability can be useful. In case you do not own a computer, WestConn has a number of computer facilities available for student use. Some are open as early as 8am, and close as late as 11pm. Some are open around the clock.

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I want to purchase a computer to bring to WestConn. What should I buy?
Almost any new desktop or laptop computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus. If your specific needs are more demanding (for example, if you use computer graphics development software, video capture, etc.), or for more information, please visit our computer recommendations page at: http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/recommended.asp

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Is WestConn Wireless?
WestConn offers fast and reliable wireless network access to students, faculty, and staff with data connection speeds of up to 54Mbps in selected locations on the Westside and Midtown campuses. For locations and more information, visit http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/wireless. To use the wireless network, your laptop (or PDA, Pocket PC, tablet, etc.) must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. WestConn’s wireless network supports both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards and uses an SSID of “WestConn” for easy connection. You will be prompted to log in using your Windows account credentials.

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How can I use my computer in the Residence Hall (ResNet)?
Any student who owns an Ethernet-ready computer can connect to our residence hall network using an Ethernet cable. Splitters and cables can be obtained at any of our staffed computer centers. Once connected, you will be required to log in using your Windows account credentials, install Clean Access, install a supported anti-virus program, and install critical Windows updates. For more information, please visit http://www.wcsu.edu/resnet.

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I am not very computer savvy. Where can I get help?
The general computer centers, located in room 117 of the Westside Classroom Building, the third floor of the Campus Center, and at Midtown on the first floor of the Haas Library, employ student lab assistants who can provide assistance based on their individual knowledge. However, students needing extensive help should visit the Student Technology Training Center (STTC) in room 225 of the Student Center on the Midtown campus. More information about the STTC can be found at: http://www.wcsu.edu/sttc.

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