University Information

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.

"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 Colleges and Universities (ConnSCU), Southern leads the way in graduate education and produces the largest number of graduates in health/ life sciences, education, and social public services.

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 the second largest institution of higher education in Connecticut and the 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.

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.

Southern Connecticut State University is a fully accredited institution, having met the standards of the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education and the Connecticut State Board of Education.

Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the New England Association 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 Association 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 accreditation status by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 209 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730-1433, (781) 271-0022, email: cihe@neasc.org.

Selected University programs are accredited by

• American Chemical Society
• American Library Association
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
• Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
• Council on Education for Public Health
• Council on Social Work Education
• National Association of School Psychology
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

In Fall 2016, the University served 10,320 students. Of those, 7,963 were undergraduate students and 2,357 were graduate students. Over 2,600 students live on campus. Nearly 83 percent of the students are in the 18-29 age group, with more than 44 percent falling in the 20-24 age bracket. More than 58 percent of the University's students classify themselves as Caucasian, 15.1 percent as African-American, 12.2 percent as Hispanic, 3.2 percent as Asian, and 2.3 percent are multi-racial. (Approximately 7 percent chose not to identify their ethnicity.) More than 64 percent of the students are female and 96 percent are Connecticut residents. SCSU has students from virtually every town in Connecticut, 31 other states, and 10 countries. SCSU serves a diverse student population, half of whom are the first in their families to graduate from college, and over 33 percent are students of color. The University also provides a range of educational support services to 736 students with disabilities, one of the largest such populations at any Connecticut campus, and SCSU's regionally-known Disabilities Resource Center attracts both in-state and out-of-state students.

The University awarded 2,452 degrees in 2015-2016, including 1,594 bachelor's degrees, 624 master's degrees, 213 sixth year diplomas, and 21 doctoral degrees. Among the largest majors at SCSU are business administration, nursing, interdisciplinary studies, psychology, social work, education, exercise science, biology, public health, special education, communication, and communication disorders.

The University employs a primarily unionized workforce of approximately 946 individuals full-time, including 64 business and financial operations employees; 41 community service, legal, arts and media staff; 22 computer, engineering and science employees; 9 healthcare practitioners; 18 librarians and library technicians; 45 management employees; 27 natural resources, construction and maintenance staff; 116 administrative support employees; 57 instructional support staff; and 7 production, transportation, and material moving employees. The 423 full-time and 541 part-time teaching faculty are all represented by the American Association of University Professors.

Southern Connecticut State University, a fully accredited institution of higher education, is authorized by the Connecticut General Assembly to offer courses and programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in the arts and sciences and in various professional fields. Southern also offers a sixth year diploma in several special areas and two doctorates in education. One of 17 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) governed by the Board of Regents for Higher Education, Southern receives its major support from legislative appropriations.

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 schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Health and Human Services, and the School of Graduate Studies. In 2002, the University introduced the Doctor of Education degree program, and its first Ed.D. degree was conferred at the 2006 commencement. 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.

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

Southern’s 171-acre campus consists of a variety of buildings and recreational centers. Among these are:

Academic Science and Laboratory Building

The Academic Science and Laboratory Building features Connecticut's only center for nanotechnology and training labs for high performance computing, astronomy, cancer research, and molecular biology.  It is also home to the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies.

Adanti Student Center

The Michael J. Adanti Student Center, opened in January 2006, is a 125,000 square foot, modern multi-purpose facility located on the corner of Crescent and Fitch Streets. The center provides educational, cultural, social, and recreational programs that complement education outside the classroom. The center is the home of a state-of-the-art fitness center, fireplace lounge, ballroom, Barnes and Noble College Bookstore, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee house, and several dining establishments. The center has multiple lounges, meeting rooms, a game room, a 200-seat movie theatre, university police, computer labs, as well as office space for clubs and organizations. In addition, the Adanti Center offers a resource/information center, as well as access to email terminals and wireless services. For more information call (203) 392-5500.

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 over 600,000 print and media volumes, electronic books, periodical journals, and access to more than 200 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 more than two million volumes. Interlibrary loan services and other consortial 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, and the Internet. 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. General orientation tours of Buley Library are offered at the beginning of each semester. Individual research appointments with a librarian can also be arranged through an online request system on the library's website. The Learning Resource Center supports viewing/listening equipment and a Production Lab for having posters and educational materials made, and for media duplication.

A valid Southern student identification card (Hoot Loot card) or CSCU ID serves as a library card. All full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the CSCU system may borrow library materials from any of the libraries in the system. All library patrons must present a current, valid University identification when checking out material and agree to abide by all applicable policies. All library fees for lost or overdue books must be paid as they occur or a block will be placed on registration and transcripts.

The library staff is readily available to help students use information resources. Consult the library's website for additional information regarding library use and regulations. For information and hours, call (203) 392-5750 or visit the library's website.

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.

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.

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 its director, Kevin M. McNamara, can be contacted at (203) 392-5955, or by email: mcnamarak2@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 recently established multi-disciplinary Center. The center focuses on researching and developing best practice training models for educators and related service providers; coordinating and disseminating resources; collaborating with multiple agencies and organizations to streamline efforts; promoting a unified network throughout the state sharing practices critical for ensuring children and youth with ASD receive an appropriate education that meets their individual needs. The Center is a response to the rapid rise in prevalence of ASD in Connecticut. Located on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University and administratively housed within the largest teacher education program in Connecticut, the Center provides technical assistance to PK-12 teachers, other school personnel, families, and community service providers. To support these trainings and technical assistance, the Center conducts innovative research and translates research into evidence-based instructional practices. For more information, contact Ruth Eren at (203) 392-5947.

Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science

The Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science fosters outstanding teaching and research in the various fields of mathematics and science through the enhancement of existing campus initiatives and through effective collaborations among math and science faculty in K-16, with the goal of increasing the number and quality of students pursuing careers in math and science. The center enhances the facilities and infrastructure for conducting research and research training in science disciplines through coordinated grant-writing activities for intramural and extramural funding, creates a forum for interdisciplinary math/science collaboration in teaching and research, strengthens the capacity of K-12 institutions in the greater New Haven community to effectively teach mathematics and science to all students, increases the impact of math and science on students through the General Education Program, and develops programs to specifically increase the number of women and members of underrepresented groups pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For more information, contact Maria Diamantis at (203) 392-6143.

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 at (203) 392-6602.

The SCSU Foundation, chartered in 1972 as a Connecticut non-stock corporation for charitable purposes, is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation operates exclusively to promote the educational, scientific, literary, and cultural objectives of the University. As the primary fundraising vehicle to solicit, receive, and administer private gifts and grants that will enhance Southern’s mission, the SCSU Foundation supports the University’s pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. The offices of Development and Alumni Relations work in partnership with the SCSU Foundation in support of its endeavors. Executive Director’s office: Engleman A215, (203) 392-6900.

Founded in 1925, the Alumni Association provides programs for more than 80,000 alumni of Southern Connecticut State University. The charge of the Alumni Association is to support the development and overall mission of the University. The Association promotes a spirit of loyalty among a diverse body of former and current students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends which is accomplished through an on-going effort of alumni program expansion; solicitation of active involvement; opportunities for professional, social, and intellectual growth; and an increased connection with campus and community matters.

Among the programs conducted by the Alumni Association in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations, its largest single effort is the Association’s Scholarship Program. In collaboration with the SCSU Foundation, the program annually awards over 180 academic scholarships to outstanding Southern students. Additional programming includes class reunions, regional and business networking events, and Homecoming Weekend. Distinguished and outstanding alumni, selected in recognition of their exemplary achievements and significant contributions to local, state and national issues are also honored.

Southern Alumni Magazine, sent triannually to alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University, reflects the progressive and dynamic nature of the University, its alumni, and students. Director: Michelle Rocheford Johnston, Wintergreen 170, (203) 392-6500.

It is the policy of Southern Connecticut State University to prohibit discrimination based on all protected classes including but not limited to race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, and sexual orientation 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 Office of Diversity and Equity Programs, (203)392-5899 at Southern Connecticut State University; the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT 06106; or the Office of Civil Rights, United States Department of Education, Region I, John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, Room 222, Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109.

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

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.

The University requires moral and ethical behavior, and integrity, in all research performed by its faculty, students, and staff. The RPP is accountable for assuring 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 substantive 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 project proposal which will be examined for requisite compliance and assigned a disposition. Animal research may not be initiated without IACUC approval.

—The Educational Resources Division provides 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.

Information regarding the Research Protection Program, and interactive forms for IRB and IACUC proposal submissions are available at www.SouthernCT.edu/academics/graduate/research/rpp/.