University Information

Southern Connecticut State University is a fully accredited institution, having met the standards of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system (CSCU) Board of Regents.

Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the New England Commission of Higher Education indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding the university’s accreditation status by the New England Commission of Higher Education should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact the New England Commission of Higher Education by mail at Three Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA  01803-4514, by phone at (781) 425-7785 or online at https://www.neche.org/contact/.

Selected University programs are accredited by:

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• American Chemical Society
• American Counseling Association Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
• Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Connecticut State Board of Education
• Council for Accreditation of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• Council on Education for Public Health
• Council on Social Work Education
• National Association of School Psychology
• National Association of Schools of Music

The Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies has primary responsibility for administering the policies and procedures relating to graduate study at the university. Graduate School policy is made by the Graduate Faculty, acting through its representative body, the Graduate Council. Although the Graduate Dean and the Graduate Council exercise general responsibility for the development and recommendation of policies, procedures, requirements and standards of graduate study, the operation of individual programs and the advisement of students are the primary responsibilities of the respective academic and professional departments, schools, and colleges.

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools, the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools, and the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals.

Founded in 1925, the Alumni Association provides programs for more than 95,000 alumni of Southern Connecticut State University. The purpose of the Alumni Association is to support the development and overall mission of the University.  We support a spirit of loyalty among a diverse body of former and current students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends.  This is accomplished through our ongoing efforts with programs, such as our Alumni Professional’s Day, participation in alumni networks (both affinity and region-based), Homecoming Weekend, active involvement/volunteerism, and opportunities for professional, social and intellectual growth by an increased connection with campus and the community. 

The Alumni Association, in collaboration with the SCSU Foundation, also supports hundreds of scholarships for our students, in addition to emergency funds specifically created for students in need. The program annually awards over 400 academic scholarships to outstanding Southern students. Distinguished and outstanding alumni, selected in recognition of their exemplary achievements and significant contributions to local, state and national issues, are also honored.

Lastly, the Southern Alumni Magazine, sent to alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University throughout the year, reflects the progressive and dynamic nature of the University, its alumni, faculty and students.

Southern's 171-acre campus consists of a variety of buildings, recreational, and learning centers as described below.

Academic Science and Laboratory Building

The 98,332 square-foot, four-level Academic and Laboratory Science building features expanded wings for molecular biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and marine science.  The CSCU Center for Nanotechnology and the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies are both housed in the building.  Specialized research laboratories include a high performance computing laboratory, an astronomy control room, a metal-free clean room, a rock and mineral preparation laboratory, and a number of analytical instrumentation laboratories (NMR, LCMS, XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AA, SEM, TEM).  Werth Center resources include an aquarium laboratory to support two large display aquaria featuring Long Island Sound fish species.  All of our labs support active research in areas such as cancer research, material science, organic and inorganic chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, computational physics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, soil science, hydrology, marine science, and theoretical science. 

Buley Library

The Hilton C. Buley Library, Southern Connecticut State University's center of research, plays an indispensable part in the academic experience of every student. Buley Library provides nearly 860,000 print and electronic volumes which include monographs and audio-visual materials and access to more than 130 electronic databases to serve study, teaching, and research needs. An online catalog shared with the 17 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) and the Connecticut State Library expands available print and media resources to 4.7 million titles. Interlibrary loan services and other consortium arrangements further supplement these holdings.

A broad range of library services support and enhance the access and use of information resources in all formats. The main floor of Buley Library features a professionally staffed Reference Desk where librarians provide research assistance in utilizing Alma and Primo (the integrated library and discovery systems of the CSCU system), online research databases, the Internet, and the 29,000-volume print reference collection. In addition to journals included in full text databases, Buley Library subscribes to 550 individual electronic and print periodical titles and houses 57,850 bound periodical volumes. Audio visual materials are located on the first floor right after the reference stacks. Instructional services meet a range of needs—basic orientations, library tours and course-integrated instruction sessions arranged by teaching faculty. Presentations are offered on search strategies and selection of appropriate research information using both print and online resources. Individual research appointments with a librarian can be arranged through an online request system on the library's website. Individualized Instruction/Research Consultation Forms are available.

A valid Southern student identification card (Hoot Loot card) serves as a library card. Students who are enrolled in courses or conducting research for a thesis at the university are eligible to borrow library materials. Students are responsible for all materials checked out on their cards. All library fees for lost or overdue books must be paid as they occur.

The Buley Library building also houses the Academic Success Center, the First Year Experience Office, the Office for New Student and Sophomore Programs, the Writing Center, the Information Technology (IT) Department and Help Desk, the Owl Perch Cafe, the Buley Art Gallery, the Faculty Development Center, the Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders, the Library Science Department, the Dean's Office of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the Graduate Student Lounge.

The library staff is readily available to help students use information resources. Consult the student handbook for additional information regarding library use and regulations. For information and hours, call (203) 392-5750. The library's home page is: libguides.southernct.edu/home.

Connecticut Hall

Connecticut Hall, the main food service facility, is an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant dining location featuring an abundant variety of nutritionally balanced hot and cold entrees, to order grilled foods, ethnic cuisines, sandwiches, salads,  side dishes, and a separate allergen free area.  The facility is open daily until 10:00pm for students and staff.

Davis Hall

Dorothy Davis Hall is a comprehensive facility which houses the College of Education, including the Departments of Elementary Education, Special Education, and Counseling and School Psychology. It also houses the Departments of Communication Disorders and Marriage and Family Therapy in the College of Health and Human Services. Combined diagnostic and treatment areas composed of 12 therapy rooms for individual and small-group sessions, each with closed-circuit television, a two-way auditory communication system, and one-way vision mirrors for observation are located in Davis Hall. There are two specially designed classrooms for large group therapy sessions and for working with the hearing impaired. The audiology and speech science suites are equipped with three soundproof rooms for testing and research. The upper levels include classrooms, two lecture halls, conference rooms, seminar rooms, and a complete language laboratory facility.

Earl Hall

Ralph Earl Hall provides instructional facilities for the fine arts and music. Art studios are equipped for drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, graphic arts, metal working, crafts, and design. The music wing consists of a large choral room, a band and instrumental music unit with practice rooms, a sheet music library.

Engleman Hall

Finis E. Engleman Hall is home to many classrooms, academic programs, and administrative offices. The offices of the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, International Education, the Veterans Center, University Access Programs, the Disability Resource Center, the Dean of Students, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.  Engleman Hall houses the departments of Anthropology, Communication, Media, and Screen Studies, English, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and World Languages and Literatures, and the Interdisciplinary Studies, Judaic Studies, and Women's & Gender Studies programs as well as laboratory facilities for world languages and psychology. The Garner Recital Hall holds large-scale lectures and performances and the Bagel Wagon offers prepared food and drink for purchase and inside and outside seating.

Granoff Hall

Granoff Hall on the West Campus is a one-story facility, located in the residence complex on Wintergreen Avenue. The building is divided into two entrances, the front entrance, which houses Health Services and the back entrance which houses University Police. The Health Center is composed of exam rooms, a laboratory for diagnostic testing and phlebotomy, a medication room which stores a small formulary of medications, and staff offices.

Jennings Hall

Manson Van B. Jennings Hall houses the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Physics, and the department of the Environmental, Geography & Marine Sciences. Providing more than 92,000 square feet of usable space, Jennings Hall has laboratories for both classes and research, a large amphitheater, and classrooms.  In addition, the building houses a robotics laboratory and a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Sciences laboratory.

Jess Dow Field

Southern's multi-purpose athletic facility is the first full-size playing field in Connecticut to be constructed with an artificial surface. Dow Field seats 6,000 people and accommodates football, soccer, field hockey, women's lacrosse, and track as well as exercise science classes, recreational activities, and intramural. The lighted outdoor complex features a synthetic playing surface and track.

John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts

The John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts features an open-thrust stage as the focal point for its 1,568-seat theater. Semicircular in design, Lyman Center provides the setting for both University and public entertainment, as well as for meetings, conferences, and cultural activities. The Robert Kendall Drama Lab, located inside the center, houses the Theatre Department's instructional program and offers an excellent space for experimental plays and other events.

Michael J. Adanti Student Center

The Michael J. Adanti Student Center is a 125,000 square foot, modern multi-purpose facility that stands on the corner of Crescent and Fitch streets. The student center provides educational, cultural, social, and recreational programs that complement education outside the classroom. The center houses a state-of-the-art fitness center, fireplace lounge, ballroom, Crosspoint Federal Credit Union, Barnes and Noble college bookstore, Dunkin Donuts and four dining establishments. The center has multiple lounges, meeting rooms, a game room, a 200-seat movie theater, campus police office, computer labs, as well as club and organization office space. In addition, the Adanti Student Center offers a resource/information center as well as wireless services. For more information please call (203) 392-5500.

Moore Fieldhouse and Pelz Gymnasium

These two major structures provide facilities for preparing health, exercise science, and recreation specialists as well as for comprehensive programs in intercollegiate and intramural athletics. Moore Fieldhouse contains an unusually large gymnasium surrounded by a 200-meter track. Areas in the gymnasium are set aside for basketball and gymnastics, and a third multipurpose area is used for a variety of activities, such as badminton, tennis, track and field events, volleyball, and indoor baseball practice. Adjoining the fieldhouse is the Bruce Hutchinson Natatorium, an eight-lane swimming pool complex. Other major facilities in the fieldhouse are a physiological development laboratory, a comprehensive athletic training room, and a fully equipped weight room. Irma Pelz Gym houses a general-purpose gymnasium, a specially equipped gymnasium for gymnastics, and a six- lane swimming pool. Classrooms for instruction in health, exercise science, and recreation are located in both facilities.

Morrill Hall

Arthur Morrill Hall is home to the departments of Computer Science and Journalism.   Morrill Hall also provides offices, special laboratories, and classrooms for computer science, geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy and environmental and earth science. In addition, the building houses a drone laboratory, a planetarium and an astrodome observatory.

Nursing Classroom Building

Houses the main Department of Nursing office, faculty offices, and classroom and laboratory areas with simulation capabilities.

OB 1 – Office Building

Houses the Department of Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management, Public Health, School Health Education, and Integrated Communications and Marketing.

Orlando Public Health Building

The Rocco Orlando Public Health Building houses the Public Health department faculty offices.

School of Business

The School of Business building is a 23,000 square foot facility housing office space for faculty and staff, two seminar/classrooms, and a trading/ seminar room.

Temporary Building

The Temporary Building houses the Department of Educational Leadership.

Wintergreen Building

The Wintergreen Building houses student enrollment services, including Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Transfer Student Services, the University Card Office, and Healthcare Studies Advising.  It also houses many of the university's administrative offices.

University Police

The University Police Department is located in Granoff Hall. Police officers are responsible for the safety and protection of the campus and its personnel as well as for enforcing parking regulations and conducting investigations. Students should promptly report thefts or other incidents on campus directly to the university Police Department, which is open 24 hours a day. The police department telephone number is (203) 392-5375. The police department is also responsible for shuttle bus services provided by the university.

Individuals can report a medical or fire emergency by dialing 9-1-1. All other types of emergencies, hazardous conditions, or everyday incidents may be reported to University Police by dialing 25375 from any in-house telephone. Individuals who want to contact university police and provide information regarding a crime or a police case but want to remain anonymous can do so online by visiting the Silent Witness section of the University Police website at SouthernCT.edu/university-police. Type in the information that you want to relay and it will remain anonymous.

Blue light emergency telephones are strategically located at various campus sites and may be activated by simply pushing the red button. The dispatcher will take the necessary information and quickly dispatch a police officer or other emergency services personnel to the caller's exact location.

The University Police Department provides a 24-hour walking escort service to accompany students, faculty, and staff to parking lots, residence halls, and other on-campus locations. For this service, call (203) 392-5375 from any telephone or call extension 2-5375 from telephones on campus. The Office of Residence Life offers the Late Night Owl Watch program to provide a walking safety escort that provides prompt, courteous walking escorts for SCSU residential students and staff. For this service, call Hickerson Hall at (203) 392-6367.

The University Police Department offers many programs on crime prevention and personal safety courses throughout the year. The department also provides lost and found services for the entire campus.

In accordance with Public Act 90-259, Southern Connecticut State University publishes reports annually on campus crime and security. These reports are available upon request from the University Police Department and on the University Police website: SouthernCT.edu/universitypolice.

Campus Parking and Traffic Regulations

All students who desire to park on campus must properly display a campus parking decal on their vehicle. Limited campus parking facilities require strict compliance with assigned areas. Vehicles parked in violation of the Traffic and Parking Regulations are subject to a fine and/or a State motor vehicle infraction and towing at the owner's expense. In order to facilitate better use of existing parking areas and to enhance personal safety, the University offers a shuttle service during day and evening hours.

Copies of the University's Parking and Traffic Regulations can be found in the Student Handbook and can also be accessed on the University Police website at SouthernCT.edu/universitypolice.

Southern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of age; ancestry, color; gender identity and expression; intellectual disability; learning disability; mental disorder; physical disability; marital status, national origin; race; religious creed; sex, including pregnancy, transgender status, sexual harassment and sexual assault; sexual orientation; veteran status; or any other status protected by federal or state laws in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

Discrimination includes harassment on any basis mentioned above, and sexual harassment as defined in the Connecticut General Statutes, U.S. EEOC Guidelines of Sexual Harassment, and in Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated at Southern Connecticut State University, whether by faculty, students or staff, or by others while on property owned by or under control of the University.

Inquiries regarding the university's compliance with state and federal laws regarding discrimination may be directed to the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs at (203) 392-5568 at Southern Connecticut State University; ; the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities, West Central Region Office, 55 West Main St., Suite 210, Waterbury, CT 07602 (203) 803-6530; or the Office of Civil Rights, United States Department of Education, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921, (617) 289-0111, ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Southern Connecticut State University is one of 17 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) governed by the Board of Regents for Higher Education. CSCU is comprised of the four Connecticut State Universities, the 12 Connecticut Community Colleges, and Charter Oak State College.

Beginning March 2020, Connecticut along with the rest of the United States suffered the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Day-to-day life as it existed before the pandemic changed drastically, and individuals and institutions adapted to new practices and behaviors.  Normative actions now include wearing facial masks, maintaining social distance, and working and learning remotely.  Learning about and adherence to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance has become a way of life.  As we plan for the next academic year, so much is uncertain, including the continuing threat of COVID-19.

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) must adapt to meet this reality. Going forward, it is up to all of us – faculty, staff and students – to do our part to ensure our campus community stays as healthy and safe as possible. This is a shared responsibility, and every member of our community must adhere to national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements, and adhere to those measures Southern Connecticut State University deems safe and appropriate for the campus. This will include social distancing, wearing masks or other facial coverings, not reporting to class or work if sick, and isolating when required.

Although Southern Connecticut State University is readily developing a schedule of courses that include some in-class and on-ground instruction, no one knows what the future may hold. In the case of an outbreak of the coronavirus or other illness, the institutions reserve the right to adapt the format of any class to an entirely online/distance learning modality as public health conditions warrant. Such change will not result in any increase or decrease of tuition and fees. We all understand that tuition and fees are in exchange for learning, academic credit, and certain non-academic services regardless of whether taught on-ground, in a hybrid environment or entirely remotely.

Most important to CSCU and Southern Connecticut State University is the health, safety, and welfare of every member of its community.  Yet, despite campus efforts to comply with health and safety guidelines, it is not possible to guarantee a disease free environment, or to guarantee that campuses will not close and return to an online-only learning environment. These are the realities of working and learning during a pandemic. If you choose to return to campus during the pandemic, you accept that you are willing to do your part to keep the campus safe and acknowledge that you may be required to complete your course work in a remote learning environment.

The Southern Connecticut State University community is looking forward to welcoming you back. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the College or University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The College or University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College or University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request amendment of an education record that the student believes is inaccurate. Students may ask an appropriate College or University official to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, misleading or a violation of the student's right to privacy. However, FERPA is not intended to provide a process to question substantive judgments that are correctly recorded. Consequently, FERPA amendment requests do not allow a student to contest a grade in a course because the student believes that a higher grade should have been assigned.

To request amendment of an education record, the student should write to the official, clearly identifying the part of the record he or she wants changed and specifying why he/she believes it is inaccurate. The institution will notify the student of the decision. If the institution decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, a College or University official will advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the College or University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA permits disclosure without a student's prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest. A "school official" is a person employed by a College or University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the Board of Regents; an employee of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system office; or, a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the College or University who performs an institutional service or function for which the College or University would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the College or University with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College or University. Upon request, the College or University also discloses education records to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll without the prior consent of, or notice to, the student.

FERPA also permits disclosure of education records without consent in connection with, but not limited to:

• To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena;
• To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency;
• In connection with a student's request for or receipt of financial aid, as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid;
• To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, to state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs;
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions;
• To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the College or University;
• The results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime.
• Directory information as defined in the policy of the Board of Regents.

4. The right to refuse to permit the College or University to release Directory Information about the student, except to school officials with a legitimate educational interest and others as indicated in paragraph 3 above. To do so, a student exercising this right must notify the University's or College's Registrar, in writing. Once filed, this notification becomes a permanent part of the student's record until the student instructs the University or College, in writing, to remove it. A student may exercise his or her right to opt out of Directory Information, prohibiting disclosure of the student's information without the student's consent as noted in section 3, except however, that pursuant to the Solomon Amendment, military recruiters must be provided the same access to student information as is provided to nonmilitary recruiters.

5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Colleges to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Southern Connecticut State University provides an equal opportunity for higher education for all qualified students. The university affirms the basic right of all members of the university community to free inquiry, responsible discussion, and the uninterrupted pursuit of all activities normally associated with the operation of Southern Connecticut State University.

Detailed university regulations are printed in a number of university publications that supplement this catalog, e.g., Student Handbook, Southern News (the student newspaper), and bulletins distributed by administrative offices. Students who ignore these public announcements or who fail to act in accordance with them are liable to appropriate penalties, such as extra fees, fines, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university.

The Student Bill of Rights and the Student Code of Conduct are available online in the Student Handbook to help students understand their rights and responsibilities as members of the university community. The Student Code of Conduct does not replace or relieve the requirements of civil or criminal laws.

All students are expected to maintain acceptable standards of conduct while on the university campus, on property controlled by the university or university affiliates, and in connection with off-campus university activities.

The Connecticut State University System has certain self-defining institutional values. Principal among these is respect for the dignity, rights, and individuality of each member of our university community. All members of our university community are expected to govern their social and academic interactions with tolerance and mutual respect.

All members of the university community must carry on their person an official university identification card, and must present it on request by a university official or Campus Police officer. Those who cannot produce university identification cards on request may be asked to substantiate their reason for being on campus. Any person not a member of the university student body, faculty, or staff who participates in behavior contributing to the disruption or obstruction of the activities and operation of the university may be subject to exclusion from the campus and/or to civil arrest. All university regulations apply to part-time as well as full-time students, faculty, and staff. All others also are expected to abide by all university regulations. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct in the Southern Connecticut State University Student Handbook for further information.

The university's most distinctive feature is its faculty. Prepared in recognized universities in the United States and throughout the world, each faculty member is selected on the basis of scholarly competence in a specialized field. In those academic areas where the doctorate is generally considered a meaningful requisite to competent performance, faculty members are expected to attain this highest degree to be retained or promoted in their position. Textbooks, professional journal articles, and other scholarly publications written by Southern faculty members are found in colleges and libraries throughout the United States and around the world. Through participation in scholastic societies and educational organizations as officers and presenters at conferences, these scholar-teachers have brought distinction to the university and inspiration to their students.

 

 

The Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) is responsible for developing and maintaining procedures for the use of all student activity funds collected from full-time graduate students. Through its activities, GSAC supports educational, social, and cultural activities directed toward enriching the experiences of graduate students. GSAC is actively engaged in developing and supporting services for graduate students in the critical areas of research, professional development, and community service. The following services are offered for graduate students: lectures, workshops, research awards, conference funding, speaker honoraria for graduate courses, graduate club funding, and special projects. Coordinator: Arlene Lucibello, John Lyman Center. Telephone: (203) 392-6165.

Founded in 1893 as the New Haven State Normal School, Southern became a four-year college with degree granting powers in 1937. Ten years later, Southern joined with Yale University's department of education to offer a graduate program leading to a master of arts degree. In 1954, with Southern changing and growing to meet the needs of its students, the State Board of Education authorized the institution — then known as the New Haven State Teachers College — to assume complete responsibility for its graduate program. As a result, Southern made its name during the 1950s and 1960s preparing teachers in virtually every major scholastic area.

In 1959, six years after the institution had moved to its present campus, state legislation expanded Southern's offerings to include liberal arts curricula leading to bachelor's degrees in the arts and sciences, as well as career-oriented degree programs in fields such as nursing, social work, business, and computer science.The expanded curricular offerings also resulted in the legislature changing the institution's name to Southern Connecticut State College.

Since then, Southern has continued its growth as a modern, diversified center of higher learning, expanding both its undergraduate and graduate programs and opening up entirely new fields of study and research. In March 1983 Southern became a university, completing its evolution. Today, the University is composed of five academic colleges and schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. In 2002, the University introduced the Doctor of Education degree program, and its first Ed.D. degree was conferred at the 2006 commencement. Today, Southern also offers a sixth year diploma in several specialized areas, two doctorate in education degrees (Ed.D.), and a doctorate of social work (D.S.W.). With its strong and healthy identity intact and its fine traditions for support, Southern can look to a future as varied, dynamic, responsive, and responsible as its past.

The Southern Hoot Loot ID card is the primary university identification card, mandatory for all students. In addition, the card provides access to residence halls, meal plans, computer labs and also functions as a library card. The card also contains each student's unique eight digit university identification number.

Students currently registered (or paying the continuous enrollment fee) may obtain the Southern Hoot Loot ID card by visiting the University Card Office, located in the Wintergreen Building, Room 112. Students should bring proof of registration or enrollment (a current bill) and another form of picture ID for verification. The normal hours of operation are Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Southern Hoot Loot ID card can also function as an optional campus debit card, allowing additional privileges and services at Southern. With use of this campus debit account, students can deposit money into a Hoot Loot account to make purchases at various locations on and off campus. Students may also enjoy the convenience of purchasing from the Southern Barnes and Noble Bookstore, on campus snack and beverage machines, laundry services for residents, bus trips and other campus activities, and participating local stores and restaurants.

For additional information about Hoot Loot or to add money to the card from the university's secure Web site, visit: hootloot.SouthernCT.edu. Report lost or stolen cards to the University Card Office during normal business hours by calling (203) 392-7077. After business hours, please report lost or stolen cards to the University Police Department at (203) 392-5375.

Southern Connecticut State University provides exemplary graduate and undergraduate education in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. As an intentionally diverse and comprehensive university, Southern is committed to academic excellence, access, social justice, and service for the public good.

Fulfilling the Mission:

"Pursuing Excellence, Fostering Leadership, Empowering Communities"

As a student-centered institution, Southern regards student success as its highest priority. We seek to instill in all of our students the value of the liberal arts and sciences as a foundation for professional development and lifelong learning. Our students receive exemplary professional training and are inspired by the research, scholarship, and creative activity of our teacher-scholars.

Through tradition and innovation, Southern strives to empower every undergraduate and graduate student with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives essential for active participation and impassioned, ethical leadership in our rapidly changing global society. Within the Connecticut State University System, Southern leads the way in graduate education and produces one of the largest numbers of graduates in Health/Life Sciences, Education, and Social/Public.

Vision Statement:

A Model University

Southern Connecticut State University, a student-centered institution, will become nationally recognized as a model center for teaching and learning where faculty engage in outstanding research and creative activity and challenge students to reach their full potential. Our students will be empowered with the academic skills, intellectual tools, practical experiences, and extracurricular programs for success in their chosen fields of study and their life's work. Keys to their success will be excellence in critical thinking, problem-solving, technological literacy, oral and written communication, cross-cultural competence, global awareness, and collaborative, ethical leadership. We will expand our use of e-learning technologies to provide broader educational access and to introduce our students to technology as a tool for ongoing, interactive learning. Southern will employ best practices in energy conservation, the preservation of nature, and environmental responsibility to reflect our respect for the planet and future generations.

Building on Our Strengths

Southern takes great pride in being one of the largest institutions of higher education in Connecticut and a leading graduate center in ConnSCU. The institution will foster and promote the important synergies between undergraduate and graduate programs. One of our hallmarks is the unique ways in which graduate programs enrich undergraduate programs and the ways in which the undergraduate liberal arts and sciences provide a foundation for more specialized study. Through careful assessments of our fiscal, human, physical, and technological resources, we will strive to meet the workforce needs of the state and nation, especially in the fields of education, nursing, social/public services, business and STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). At the same time, we will strengthen our liberal arts core and cultivate interdisciplinary programs.

Engagement with Our Community

Through a variety of curricular and extracurricular programs, Southern will become widely known for its contributions to the intellectual, artistic, cultural, and economic growth and vitality of the region. In collaboration with other organizations, we will make significant contributions to closing educational achievement gaps, reducing health disparities, achieving social justice, and preserving our environment. The University will prepare students for social responsibility and global citizenship through the provision of exciting opportunities for community internships, service learning, and expanded international education programs. Southern will also demonstrate itself to be a visible and invaluable resource to the Greater New Haven community and the region, through educational partnerships, professional development opportunities, and community service.

Core Values

1. Excellence: The University values exemplary and distinguished performance in all aspects of University life by all members of the University community, especially in the areas of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.
2. Access: The University values its responsibility to provide opportunities for individuals with potential and motivation to become productive members of the University community and demonstrates that value by eliminating barriers that hinder full participation.
3. Diversity: The University values an educational and work environment in which individuals and cultures are celebrated and respected for the unique talents, insights, and perspective that they contribute.
4. Student Success: The University values all students, believes in their potential to achieve, and commits to challenging, supporting, and empowering them to transform their lives.
5. Life-Long Learning: The University values the pursuit of knowledge and provides an environment for all individuals to intentionally learn and develop throughout the various phases of their lives.
6. Community Involvement: The University values community service, civic engagement, and social responsibility by all University members and encourages the integration of these principles in the learning experience of students, invites community participation in university affairs, and promotes local, regional, national, and international collaborations.

The Core Values express the campus ideals, those concepts that we believe to be the essential pillars that support the work of Southern Connecticut State University. To sustain these ideals, all members of the campus community must take ownership in and apply these values. It is the principle of shared governance that provides for the unique and specific roles and responsibilities of faculty, staff, administrators, and students in the operation of the University. Embracing this principle makes Southern a community rather than a mere collection of individuals.

The purpose of graduate study is to provide for advanced and specialized learning under the direction of scholars and practitioners in full command of their disciplines. Concentrated, in-depth, graduate study not only provides the trained manpower for society's special needs but contributes to the essential knowledge base for addressing and solving society's problems. Graduate study is also a commitment to intellectual freedom, to personal integrity, and to respect for the freedom and integrity of others.

The university strives to maintain a high standard of excellence in its programs and seeks to instill in its students a desire for continuing self-education and self-development. Each school and college of the university has developed its graduate programs in accordance with the highest national standards of their respective fields.

Graduate programs are designed to develop the depth of education, the sensibilities, the skills, and the creative independence that prepare graduates to practice and contribute to their profession. This is accomplished by requiring students to demonstrate an understanding of specified subject matter areas, apply the theory and methodology of their fields, use appropriate bibliographic techniques, and be aware of the role of research and methods by which research is conducted.

The university requires moral and ethical behavior, and integrity in all research performed by its faculty, students and staff. Housed within the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI), the RPP is accountable for ensuring conformity with both federal and university research protection policies and procedures. The following RPP divisions promote and maintain appropriate management and oversight of SCSU research activities according to federal codes and institutional requirements.

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) advances and monitors the responsible conduct of research for all SCSU research projects. The office acts on allegations of research misconduct and serves as the Office of The Research Integrity Officer (RIO).

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) safeguards the rights and welfare of human participants in research. Investigators engaging in human participant research must submit a project proposal which will be examined for requisite compliance and assigned a disposition. Recruitment of human participants for research cannot proceed without IRB approval or exemption.

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for tending to the care and welfare of vertebrate animals used in research. Investigators engaging in vertebrate animal research must submit a protocol which will be examined for requisite compliance and assigned a disposition. Animal research may not be initiated without IACUC approval.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) ensures that all research and teaching laboratory protocols at the University that use or produce recombinant/synthetic DNA or potentially biohazardous material are in accordance with appropriate guidelines, regulations, and good safety practices. Investigators engaging in activities involving these materials work with Environmental Health Services (EHS) to submit a registration which will be examined by the committee to ensure that federal, state, and local regulations related to the use of these materials are followed. 

The RPP Educational Resources provide information on a wide variety of research protection and responsible research conduct information. Text books, pertinent articles, federal codes and guidance, The Nuremberg Code, The Belmont Report, The Helsinki Declaration, conference and workshop proceedings, audio and video CDs, newsletters, and PowerPoint presentations are among some of the resources available.

All researchers participating in human subjects research, research with vertebrate animals, or work with potentially biohazardous materials are required to complete the training modules offered by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). Members of the SCSU community are able to select and complete these modules free of charge and provide their certification as proof of completion. Access to CITI is https://inside.southernct.edu/spar/citi.

Information regarding The Research Protection Program, and interactive forms for IRB and IACUC proposal submissions are available at https://www.southernct.edu/dri/rpp.

Chartered in 1972 as a Connecticut non-stock corporation for charitable purposes, the SCSU Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Operating exclusively to promote the educational, cultural, recreational, and research facilities and activities of the university, the Foundation supports the university's pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and public service primarily through raising and managing funds which benefit the students and programs of the university. The Offices of Development and Alumni Relations work in partnership with the Foundation in support of its endeavors. The telephone number for the Vice President's Office for Institutional Advancement is (203) 392-6192.

The University has established special centers to conduct multidisciplinary research or teaching.  These centers, formally recognized by CSCU, also serve to extend the University's mission beyond its campus through public and community service.

Center for Communication Disorders

The Center for Communication Disorders (CCD) offers supervised clinical training opportunities for students in speech-language pathology through the provision of speech, language, hearing, and augmentative communication services to children and adults in the greater New Haven area. Facilities include sound treated suites and electro-acoustic equipment for hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings, speech science instrumentation for measuring and treating voice and speech disorders, and specially-designed rooms and materials for diagnosing and treating a wide variety of communication disorders. Evaluation and therapy services are provided by graduate students in speech-language pathology under the supervision of licensed and certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.These services are offered free of charge to current students and faculty of the University and at minimal costs to the general public. Availability of services may vary with student enrollment. The center is located in Davis Hall 012 and can be contacted at (203) 392-5955 or by email: speechclinic@SouthernCT.edu.

Center for Educational and Assistive Technology

The Center for Educational and Assistive Technology (CEAT), located in Engleman Hall B017, provides educational and assistive technology services to students, faculty, and staff, as well as to the community at large. The services include providing assistive and educational technology hardware, software, and training for members of Southern's community and presentations and training sessions for the community at large. Graduate students who are interested in learning more about educational and/or assistive technology, for personal use, or as training for their future careers, may drop in any time.  For more information, call the CEAT at (203) 392-5799.

Center for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Education

The Center for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Education (formerly the Center for the Environment) has as its mission to provide opportunities to enhance student learning (K-16) and engagement in the areas of science, sustainability and environmental studies. The Center provides guidance, support and coordination of educational and community initiatives to help address Connecticut's need for an environmentally literate populous committed to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Through the Center, SCSU and ConnSCU provide educational experiences aligned with environmental and sustainability education, promoting cross-disciplinary initiatives; engaging in community outreach, and collaboration. The Center is responsible for coordinating educational activities for K-16 teachers and students and the public on the SCSU campus and Outer Island, in Branford, CT. On the SCSU campus, the Center coordinates Plant It Forward activities at SCSU. Students, faculty or members of the public interest in learning more about the Center should contact Susan Cusato at (203) 392-6610 or cusatos1@SouthernCT.edu. For those interested in scheduling an educational visit to Outer Island, please contact Vincent Breslin at breslinv1@SouthernCT.edu. Visit the Outer Island Research and Education website at: www.outerisland.org.

Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a multi-disciplinary Center that focuses on research, service, and support for individuals with autism and their families. The Center also seeks to support students with ASD who are enrolled here at Southern and seek to developing best practice training models for educators and other service providers. In this effort the Center collaborates with multiple agencies and organizations to disseminate research findings that promote evidence-based interventions. As part of the largest teacher education program in Connecticut, the Center provides technical assistance to PK-12 teachers, other school personnel, families, and community service providers. The Center conducts innovative research and translates research into evidence-based instructional practices. For more information, contact Fred Volkmar at (203) 392-5929.

Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science

The mission of the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (CEMS) is to foster K-16 student success across STEM disciplines by supporting innovative teaching and research in the various fields of mathematics and science through the enhancement of existing campus initiatives, development of new initiatives and partnerships, and through effective collaborations between mathematics, science, and education faculty both on and off campus, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number and quality of students pursuing careers in mathematics and science. For more information, contact CEMS at cems@southernct.edu or Dr. Carrie-Anne Sherwood at sherwoodc4@southernct.edu (203-392-5047).

Center for Nanotechnology

The mission of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Center for Nanotechnology is to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research, and educational initiatives/programs in microtechnology and nanotechnology with the goal of enhancing Connecticut's workforce competitiveness in nanotechnology and materials science. The Center for Nanotechnology builds upon existing collaborations with Yale University, University of Connecticut, and the Connecticut community colleges to create programs enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for the CSCU community and beyond.

Research Center on Values in Emerging Science and Technology

The Research Center on Values in Emerging Science and Technology (RC-VEST) focuses on issues located at the intersection of science and values as implemented in emerging technologies. RC-VEST, comprised of faculty members from SCSU, meets regularly to discuss cutting edge issues that arise in technology, medicine, and science. One important purpose of the center is to bring together scientific information and ethical implications, as efforts to bring ethical based discussions into scientific classrooms have begun. Additionally, RC-VEST hosts an annual roundtable discussion focused on one particular topic as well as an annual speaker series, in an effort to bring scholars together to discuss and advance the issues. Research done by the members of the center focus on topics such as computer ethics and biomedical ethics. Future projects of RC-VEST will include active participation of faculty members from a number of disciplines at SCSU and other Connecticut universities. Please visit the center's website to learn more about the center, its members, and more information about these important topics.

Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies

The Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies enhances student and faculty engagement in coastal and marine environmental/ecological research and education. It provides undergraduate students with opportunities to engage in independent scholarship with faculty guidance. The center supports state-of-the-art models for science education and promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration in the sciences among students and faculty. The center enhances education at the University by fostering collaborative research and pedagogical initiatives among faculty across traditional academic departments in different disciplines.The interdisciplinary nature of coastal marine research provides students with opportunities to learn science by doing science. The University is located centrally along the heavily urbanized Connecticut coastline proximate to a variety of diverse natural habitats. This setting provides excellent opportunities for research and education focused on the pressures of human development and the need for the preservation of these natural habitats. For more information, contact Vincent Breslin, James Tait, or Sean Grace.

 

 

Effective August 25, 2015, smoking and tobacco use are prohibited in all facilities and areas of the Southern Connecticut State University campus with no exception. This includes, but is not limited to all indoor and outdoor areas and properties. Indoor areas and properties include, but are not limited to: all common areas, classrooms, residence halls, elevators, hallways, university-owned or -leased vehicles, garages, restrooms, dining areas, employee lounges, conference and meeting rooms, and all other enclosed areas on the campus. Outdoor areas include, but are not limited to: parking lots, grounds, courtyards, entrance and exit ways, and any other areas of the university campus. This policy applies to any individual on campus property, including but not limited to: students, faculty, staff, other employees, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers, visitors, and members of the public, and is applicable twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

For the entire SCSU Tobacco Policy Statement, visit the website at www.southernct.edu/tobaccofree/policy.

In Fall 2019, the University served 9,817 students. Of those, 7,962 were undergraduate students and 1,855 were graduate students. A total of 2,380 students live on campus. Nearly 81.5 percent of the students are in the 18-29 age group, with more than 40.8 percent falling in the 20-24 age bracket. About 55.2 percent of the University's students classify themselves as Caucasian, 16.9 percent as African American, 11.8 percent as Hispanic, 3.2 percent as Asian, and 4.1 percent are multi-racial. (Approximately 7.5 percent chose not to identify their ethnicity.) About 63.2 percent of the students are female and 96.1 percent are Connecticut residents. SCSU has students from virtually every town in Connecticut, 32 other states, and 42 countries. SCSU serves a diverse student population, half of whom are the first in their families to graduate from college, and over 37.4 percent are students of color. The University also provides a range of educational support services to 603 students with disabilities, one of the largest such populations at any Connecticut campus, and SCSU's regionally known Disabilities Resource Office attracts both in-state and out-of-state students. 

The University awarded 2,308 degrees in 2018-2019, including 1,676 bachelor's degrees, 496 master's degrees, 108 sixth year diplomas, and 14 doctoral degrees. Among the largest majors at SCSU are business administration, psychology, nursing, social work, education, healthcare studies, biology, computer science, exercise science, special education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Sociology, and communication disorders. 

Full-time teaching faculty (423) and part-time teaching faculty (659) are all represented by the American Association of University Professors.

 

 

 

Mission Statement

The University currently offers 35 graduate degrees, six (6) sixth-year certificates, and three (3) doctoral degree programs that are fully integrated into academic departments in four Schools and Colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health and Human Services. Working for the faculty, the School of graduate and Professional Studies is committed to providing access to its programs and services for qualified students of all racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and to extending selected graduate programs and services throughout the state of Connecticut.

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies works in concert with the Graduate Council, Provost, and the School and College Deans to:

• Act as an advocate for graduate education throughout the university and across the state;
• Continuously assess the graduate student experience and administrative policies;
• Promote innovation through new program development, interdisciplinary connections, and community partnerships; and,
• Help prepare graduates to serve as leaders for the state, the nation, and internationally.

Vision Statement

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies will provide vision and leadership to position graduate education as the foundation for personal and professional growth. The School of Graduate and Professional Studies will enhance the student experience by fostering connections across academic disciplines and strengthening external partnership opportunities to bridge theoretical study with professional application. Guided by the principles of the University Strategic Plan, the School will build an accessible and transformative learning community that nurtures research, scholarship, creativity, and innovation.