Announcements

Announcements & Ongoing Events

SPRING SEMESTER GUIDELINES FOR WCSU STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF:

We hope you had a wonderful summer break and we are so excited to welcome everyone back to campus! Please remember to login to your Medicat Health portal to be sure that we have all of your health requirements prior to move in! (wcsu.medicatconnect.com)

We are aware that there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the local community. To best keep our campus safe, Health Services would like to offer a few reminders and recommendations:

1. Washing your hands often is the best way to prevent illness.
2. Stay up to date with Covid-19 boosters and annual Influenza Vaccine
3. If you feel sick- Stay Home!
   1. Test yourself for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test
      1. If Positive, let us know HERE, and we will help outline your isolation protocol. You will be asked to isolate at home – please make contingency plans for this now.
      2. If Negative, consider wearing a mask and seeking care from a medical provider to determine if any other testing or treatment is necessary.
   2. Consider wearing a mask while indoors in crowded spaces, particularly if you have an immune compromising medical condition or reside with someone who does.
      1. Visit the CDC Website for the latest COVID-19 information and guidance.

• The university will no longer manage contact tracing or make notifications about potential exposure. All individuals will be responsible for managing notification of those who were in close contact with you.
• Students who miss classes or activities due to a COVID diagnosis should contact their professors and coaches for specifics on how to proceed with any missed assignments or information.
• For most, masking is not required on campus and we have no social distancing requirements. However, if you have been exposed or tested positive, you must wear a mask per CDC guidelines. In addition, the university’s masking requirements will be based on local conditions in Fairfield County.
• For students who have symptoms, you will have to make an appointment with Health Servicescreate new email to be tested on-site. The university will not provide additional PCR testing services as were available in past semesters. To locate a PCR test provider near you follow this link.
• Faculty and staff who test positive should submit a self-report via the following website link: https://westconn.tfaforms.net/201.  A member of the Human Resources department will be in contact with you shortly thereafter with specific instructions.

WCSU FOOD PANTRY: The WCSU Food Pantry is open for all students on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The WCSU Food Pantry is designed to provide support to students who are experiencing food insecurity for any reason. The WCSU Food Pantry is temporarily located in the executive dining room in the Midtown Student Center. Students may visit the WCSU Food Pantry once a week for up to twenty (20) items. We are also looking for volunteers to staff the WCSU Food Pantry. Please contact Emily Kappel at kappel007@wcsu.educreate new email.

On days the university is closed for holidays or inclement weather, the food pantry will also be closed.

WESTERN RESEARCH DAY: SUBMISSIONS FORM NOW OPEN: Western Research Day (WRD) will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024. Undergraduate and graduate students from ALL DISCIPLINES are welcome. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is April 4, 2024, by 5 p.m. The poster submission portal is available at https://archives-library.wcsu.edu/forms/wrd/ .

CLERY REPORT: Western Connecticut State University has made available its 2023 Annual Campus Security Report as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This report is required to provide crime statistics for the prior three years, policy statements regarding various safety and security measures, campus crime prevention program descriptions, and procedures to be followed in the investigation and prosecution of alleged sex offenses.  The report is available online at

https://www.wcsu.edu/police/ and is available in paper form at the WCSU Police Department located at 4 Roberts Ave., Danbury, CT, on the Midtown campus.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO TO THE 2024 GALLERY OF GRADUATES: It’s that time of year again and commencement is just around the corner! Seniors, make sure your accomplishments get noticed by submitting your info and photo to our Gallery of Graduates: opens in a new windowhttps://www.wcsu.edu/gallery-of-graduates-form/

ISEP STUDY ABROAD: Choose from more than 300 partner institutions on six continents! Begin your quest!

Application deadlines:

• • • • • • • • • Fall 2024: March 1, 2024
                • Summer 2024: Program deadlines go from Feb. 15 – April 2024

For information, contact Donna Warner in the Midtown Student Center 207 at (203) 837-3270 or warnerd@wcsu.educreate new email.

FITNESS ZONE HOURS AND WOLVES REC EVENTS: Check the Recreation Instagram page or Facebook page  for updates about upcoming events or regularly scheduled classes.

IHHS CENTER FOR WELL-BEING HOURS: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m., White Hall, Room 114, Midtown campus. We welcome you to the IHHS Center for Wellbeing for relaxation, stress relief, or to simply stop and catch your breath. We offer simple meditation, guided imagery, “yoga off the mat,” and  mindfulness meditations (coloring and chocolate). The gathering space is cozy yet large enough for small group workshops or activities. We offer herbal tea, a lending library, and gentle introduction and guidance in deep breathing and other stress-relieving activities. Private reiki sessions can be scheduled by appointment. This is an excellent resource for students who desire to find a quiet, relaxing spot on campus or need some time to escape the academic and social stressors present on a college campus.

For information about the IHHS, stress management, meditation and other practices, contact Christel Autuori at autuoric@wcsu.educreate new email.

MATH CLINIC HOURS: Do you need help with your WCSU math courses? Or simply a place to study math with help available just in case? Then, visit our knowledgeable, helpful and friendly Math Clinic Tutors in HI 108. We work primarily on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis, where appointments aren’t needed. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. We encourage all students who are taking math classes to use this excellent resource early and often. For more information and to find the complete Fall 2023 schedule that lists the tutor names, work hours and the courses each is willing and able to tutor: Please check your WCSU student email, refer to the Math Clinic Blackboard Module “Math Clinic Schedule and Tutors,” or visit the Math Clinic website and Math Clinic schedule.

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SOLUTIONS AT ECMC: WCSU has teamed up with Solutions at ECMC to provide students with a single resource for all their loan-related questions. Most importantly, to provide students with repayment options to avoid defaulting on their federal student loan. Solutions, a service of the non-profit organization ECMC, is dedicated to helping students recognize and realize their potential by creating and providing innovative education solutions that support schools and improve student educational outcomes.

Solutions provides the following services:

• One-on-one guidance. Advisers spend as much time as necessary with each student to ensure they understand the repayment plan options and can make informed decisions.
• Multiple communications options with advisors via phone, web chat, and email.
• Match the repayment plan to the student’s situation that will provide the most likely long-term solution.
• Ensure the student understands the short and long-term impact of their repayment plan choice.
• Email outreach campaigns that include time-sensitive information based on the student’s status and guidance for taking action.

Please go to the ECMC Financial Aid website for contact information.

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U-PASSES AVAILABLE: Stop by the information desk to grab your U-Pass for free transportation on any of Connecticut’s buses or trains. Use it to explore the neighboring towns or to make a trip to New York City (fare in NY State still applies.)

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HANDSHAKE: Join and follow the WCSU Handshake job board to explore part-time and full-time jobs/internships, research employers,

view/sign-up for workshops/events, make student connections, join virtual career fairs, meet with the Career Success Center team and much more…For more information, email careersuccess@wcsu.educreate new email.

GRUB HUB: Did you know that Western Connecticut State University students get Grubhub+ Student for free through graduation? Use your CONNect Cash to order from your favorite restaurants and get free delivery, exclusive perks, and $10 off* your first order. Here’s how:

1. Download the app
2. Tap Account then Campus Dining
3. Follow the prompts to activate free Grubhub+ Student
4. Enjoy a $10 Perk and start ordering from your favorite off-campus restaurants!

*Terms & Conditions

opens IMAGE file MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION – APPLY NOW: WCSU leads the region in innovative programs for professionals seeking licensure or specializations at the graduate level. Enhance your opportunities with a degree in:

TALKCAMPUS APP: TalkCampus is an app where you can talk with other students from around the world 24/7 if you’re struggling and worried about your mental health. Your student email address will give you free access; just download TalkCampus from the app store. It’s a place just for you, no staff, no fear of judgment, just instant, ongoing support. For more information, go to the Talk Campus website.

STUDENT HANDBOOK: The updated 2023-24 Student Handbook is available online here.