Admission to Western – WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025 (2024)

Admission to Western

Western Connecticut State University seeks to enroll students who will benefit from and contribute to the university. Admission to the four undergraduate schools is competitive. Students are admitted to the university on the basis of predicted success in the specific majors for which they apply.

New England Regional Student Program

Western Connecticut State University participates in the New England Regional Student Program of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). This arrangement offers residents of the other New England states the opportunity to enroll at Western for a reduced rate. NEBHE rate. Similarly, Connecticut residents may avail themselves of programs offered by schools in other New England states that are not available at Connecticut State Universities.

Detailed information about the Regional Program can be obtained through the Office of University Admissions at Western, from any secondary school guidance office, or from the New England Board of Higher Education, 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 or by calling (617) 357-9620.

New England Regional Program at Western

State Rehabilitation Programs

State Rehabilitation Commissions frequently offer generous educational services to persons with a disability or a handicap. A student with a disability or handicap should contact a commission office to determine eligibility.

Campus Visit, Interview, Open House

Visitors to campus are encouraged to take student-conducted tours and to meet informally with students and faculty. This will give a more personal view of Western Connecticut State University. Group presentations and guided tours are available on select Saturdays in the fall and spring, as well as weekday tours when the university is in session. The Office of University Admissions hosts an open house each fall.

Arrangements for a campus visit or requests to meet with a faculty member as part of a visit should be made well in advance. Please call the Office of Admissions at (203) 837-9000 for more information or visit www.wcsu.edu/admissions/tours/

Application Procedures (Fall and Spring)

As of July 1, 2014, Western Connecticut State University is a member of The Common Application and students are encouraged to apply online at www.commonapp.org/Login. Students may also apply online using Western’s online application at www.wcsu.edu/admissions/application. Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Additional information such as senior year grades, standardized test scores or final semester grades may be required.

Application dates for undergraduate students:

Fall Semester: Rolling admissions begin December 1, with class spaces filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority deadline for first-time first-year applicants is April 1.

Spring Semester: Rolling admissions begin October 1, with class spaces filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

A $50 nonrefundable application fee must accompany the completed application. No application will be processed without payment of this fee. Waivers of this fee may be made if requested by a recognized educational or social welfare agency.

If admission is offered, a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $200 must be submitted by May 1 for fall semester entry.

First-year Application Guidelines

Academic preparation is the most important factor in determining admission. Class rank, grades of “B-” or better, and SAT/ACT results are recommended, but a sincere effort is made to judge achievement in relation to the quality and depth of the secondary school program.

Candidates for admission must have a high school diploma from an accredited secondary school or an equivalency diploma. General Educational Development (GED) test scores must be converted into a State of Connecticut Equivalency Diploma. Homeschooled students also may be considered for admission. All students must submit a personal essay and at least one letter of recommendation.

Applicants must show evidence of successful completion of the following academic units in high school with a cumulative grade point average of “B-” or higher:

1. Four years of English, including writing skills and literature.
2. Three years of mathematics, including Algebra I, geometry and Algebra II.
3. Three years of social sciences, including U.S. History.
4. Two years of laboratory sciences.
5. Academic course work may be substituted for one of the areas above.

Standardized Test Optional Policy

Beginning with the class entering infall 2013, the submission of standardized tests (SAT I and ACT) is optional for admission to Western Connecticut State University. While we recognize that standardized tests accurately measure aptitude for many students, there are many others whose talents are not measured by such tests. The test results can serve as an artificial barrier to many highly qualified students, preventing them from even considering degree completion at Western.

We are proud to join with the more than 850 colleges nationwide who have made the decision to move to test-optional admission. Research has shown that the best predictor of academic success in college is the grades students achieve in high school (grade point average of 3.0 or above).

* IfAccepted, students whochoose to enroll, are required to submit standardized test scores for academic placement and advising or a placement exam. Please note that students who wish to be considered for the pre-nursing program, are required to submit standardized test scores for admission.

Admission criteria for students who do not submit standardized test scores are as follows:

• Un-weighted B or 3.0 recalculated to university standards grade point average
• Top 35% of class
• Resume of activities/letters of recommendation (required)
• Official high school transcript (required)
• Personal essay (required)
• Senior Year Report Card and/or Midyear Grades (upon availability)
• March 1st deadline
• The application fee is$50.

Additional Application Materials:

1 If English is not the applicant’s native language, a 79 (Internet-based exam), 213 (computer-based exam), 550 (paper-based exam) score or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted in lieu of, or in addition to, the SAT scores. We will also accept a score of 77 or higher on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) and 6 or higher on the International English Languagetestingsystem (IELTS), (Band).

2. Scholarship and financial aid candidates must be accepted to the university and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, to be considered on time.

Prior to Registration:

1. All entering students are required to present evidence to the Health Service Office of a tuberculin test and proof of immunizations (measles, rubella, mumps and varicella). A recent physical examination is also required before the first class of the semester. Cost of this examination is the responsibility of the student. Please contact the Health Service Office for further information.

2.The residence status of each student is defined by Public Act 474 passed by the 1973 General Assembly. A standard reclassification form will be used by students seeking to change their residence classification. This form is available from the Office of Admissions. Tuition and fees are determined for each student on the basis of Connecticut (and other qualifying locations) or out-of-state residency. The failure of a student to disclose all facts relating to residence status shall be grounds for suspension or expulsion.

Admission Auditions for All Music Degree Programs

Applicants for degrees in Music Education, Bachelor of Music programs and Musical Theatre must complete the application for admission to the university and audition for the department as well. Students must meet the admission criteria of both the university and the music department. In addition, applicants will be tested on (1) knowledge of basic theory; (2) pitch discrimination; (3) basic piano techniques; (4) voice quality and ability to sing in tune.

Students wishing to pursue degree programs in the Department of Music must adhere to the following criteria for admission:

1. Fulfill general admission guidelines found in this catalog for the university, school and department.
2. Perform and pass an audition, in person or through electronic media, for members of the faculty. The student, through this audition, must exhibit the standards and skill sets required for entry into the Department of Music, including:

The ability to read and interpret standard musical notation.

• The ability to produce an acceptable tone quality on an instrument or voice commensurate with entrance into the liberal arts program, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), or one of two professional degree programs, the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), at the collegiate level.
• The ability to accurately perform basic fundamentals associated with an instrument or voice, such as major scales and percussion rudiments.
• The ability to accurately perform repertoire on an instrument or voice commensurate with entrance into a liberal arts (B.A.) or professional degree (B.M. or B.S.) program at the collegiate level.

3. Take and receive a passing score on a sight singing/ear training examination. (This examination will be used for entrance.)

Information regarding audition dates and specific audition requirements for all performance areas may be obtained on the website at www.wcsu.edu/music or by contacting the Department of Music at (203) 837-8350.

Admission Auditions for Musical Theatre Degree Program

Applicants for degrees in Music Education, Bachelor of Music programs and Musical Theatre must complete the application for admission to the university and audition for the department as well. Students must meet the admission criteria of both the university and the music department. In addition, applicants will be tested on (1) knowledge of basic theory; (2) pitch discrimination; (3) basic piano techniques; (4) voice quality and ability to sing in tune.

Students wishing to pursue degree programs in the Department of Music must adhere to the following criteria for admission:

1. Fulfill general admission guidelines found in this catalog for the university, school and department.
2. Perform and pass an audition in person for members of the faculty. The student, through this audition, must exhibit the standards and skill sets required for entry into the Musical Theatre program, including:

• The ability to accurately perform with accompaniment 16 bars of an up-tempo vocal selection and 16 bars of a ballad.
• The ability to perform a half- to one-minute monologue portraying a character close to the age of the individual auditioning.
• The ability to learn and perform a short dance phrase that demonstrates movement skills.

3. Take and receive a passing score on a sight singing/ear training examination. (This examination will be used for entrance.)

Information regarding audition dates and specific audition requirements can be found on the website atwww.wcsu.edu/theatrearts or by contacting the Department of Theatre Arts at (203) 837-8250.

Transfer Admission for Music Students

All students wishing to transfer into any degree program in Music at WCSU must meet the criteria listed above, including those currently attending institutions holding articulation agreements with WCSU. All transfer applicants will be assessed in the areas of applied music, keyboard competency, music history, music theory and sight-singing/ear-training to determine eligibility for matriculation as well as for transfer credits that may be accepted in individual coursework.

Placement Examinations in Mathematics and Writing

It is the academic policy of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System and of Western Connecticut State University to have students begin their education with course work at the appropriate skill level in mathematics and writing.

To ensure that students are taking the correct courses, the university administers a placement examination for mathematics and writing before registration. Students who have been admitted to the university receive an acceptance packet from the Admissions Office informing them of requirements regarding these placement exams.

Some students are required to take mathematics only, writing only, or both examinations. Some students are exempt from both placement exams.

Exemption criteria are as follows:

An English/Reading SAT score of 440-590 permits a student to register for WRT 101, Composition I: The Habit of Writing. An English/Reading SAT score of 600 or greater permits a student to register for a writing-intensive course. The writing placement exam is required for a verbal score of 430 or less.

Math placement is based on a student’s SAT or ACT score. A student may place into a higher-level math class by taking the mathematics placement exam and achieving the appropriate score if they wish:

• SAT math score 520 and below or ACT math score 1–17 = MAT 100P, Elementary Algebra.
• SAT math score 530-560 or ACT math score 18–21 = MAT 100, Intermediate Math.
• SAT math score 570-610 or ACT math score 22-23 = General Education Math placement.
• SAT math score 620 and higher or ACT math score 24–36 = Calculus placement (or any General Education math course).

An equivalent course taken at an accredited institution with a grade of“C” or better in mathematics and/or writing may also exempt a student. Official transcripts must be on file in the Admissions Office for the exemption to take effect.

Advancement placement exam scores in both these areas may also exempt a student. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Placement information must be on file in the Admissions Office before a student can register for the appropriate courses.

The university requires that all remedial course work be completed within one academic year. A student who fails to meet this requirement will not be allowed to continue as a matriculated student. Please note: Some majors also require a chemistry placement examination.

Early Admission/Transition to College Program

This program permits selected secondary school seniors to enroll in a maximum of two courses a semester ( six hours a week) while completing their secondary school curriculum. Students ear college credit and are graded upon completion of course(s). The university considers applications from students who have three years of secondary school preparation. A “B” average in all college preparatory course and a rank-in-class in the top 30th percentile are the minimum academic requirements. Standardized test results are necessary and should be well above the national average. Motivation and maturity should be clearly evident. Consent of the guidance Counselor and legal guardians is necessary as well as an interview with a member of the admissions board.

Admission requirements for this program:

1. At least junior standing (11th grade) in HS with a ranking in the top 1/2 class
2. Letter of recommendation from guidance counselor
3. College Prep course load
4. Test scores of a least 1080 o the SAT or 22 on the ACT
5. Interview with Director of Admissions

First-Year Admission with Advanced Standing

Advanced Placement

A student may enter Western as a freshman, but with advanced standing toward a degree. Advanced standing may be achieved by taking Advanced Placement Examinations in which a score of three or higher will earn college credits in each subject area. Additionally, students can earn college credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or by taking courses for college credit while in secondary school.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The Campus and Student Centers administer several graduate and undergraduate tests.

At the undergraduate level, the centers administer the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). These examinations recognize that through work experience, reading or other activities, a student may have acquired knowledge equivalent to that taught in introductory college courses. By demonstrating this knowledge on a CLEP test, a student may qualify for college credit without attending class.

Western administers all CLEP examinations for the award of college credit. Each examination covers material equivalent to that taught in one or more courses at the university. To earn credit, the student must demonstrate knowledge equivalent to that of a student who has taken the course and received a grade of a least a “C”. Advance permission from an academic department may be required for some CLEP exams.

At the graduate level, the university administers the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), a graduate admissions test.

For more information about examinations and their requirements, call the Testing Hotline at (203) 837-9977, or check the website https://www.wcsu.edu/testing/

Educational Achievement & Access Program (EAP)

The Educational Achievement & Access Program (EAP) provides a select group of under-prepared students with the opportunity and support they need to obtain a college education. EAP provides a challenging introductory five-week summer program that assists students in developing their academic and study skills.

This five-week experience includes courses in mathematics, writing, an HPX/Great Hollow Wilderness experience, and study skills sessions that assist students with their first steps towards achieving academic success at Western.

Through EAP, students have the opportunity to become familiar with campus and residential life, make new friends and meet Western’s faculty and staff. Academic courses are combined with review/study hall sessions that provide students a more in-depth understanding of the materials presented in their classes. Students also receive daily tutoring in their academic subjects during assigned study hall sessions.

All EAP students are provided with the following year-round academic/university services:

• Writing Lab
• Math Lab
• Tutoring Resource Lab
• Individual academic counseling/advisem*nt sessions
• Special social/cultural events

The EAP admissions application deadline is March 1. Enrollment in the program is limited and admission is based on high school grade point average, SAT scores, high-school rank, letters of reference, personal interview and a written essay. EAP students are required to take the same writing and mathematics placement tests as non-EAP students. EAP students are admitted into a degree program or as “undeclared” students in the School of Arts and Sciences.

For more information about the EAP program, please call the Admissions Office at (203) 837–9000 or the EAP Office at (203) 837–8801.

Transfer Admission

Guidelines

A transfer applicant is a student who has earned 12 or more college credits (with no more than three credits by examination) after graduating high school. Only credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities will be considered for transfer.

Every official transcript bears a school seal. Students must contact the Registrar’s Office of each college or university previously attended to arrange forwarding ofan official transcript to Western’s Office of University Admissions via mail.

Transfer students are not required, under ordinary circ*mstances, to submit SAT I results.

A 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all previous college-level study is required for consideration for admission to the university; specific academic programs may require higher GPAs for admission. Education and Pre-Nursing require a 3.0 GPA.

Courses with a “C-” or higher grade are generally transferable to Western. However, only credits are accepted in transfer, not grades.

A “T” symbol is used to designate transfer credits on Western’s student transcripts. Courses taken at other institutions which are vocational or technical in nature may not be accepted at WCSU. Note: Any academic courses with a passing grade will transfer from Central, Eastern or Southern Connecticut State universities.

Students may transfer no more than 90 semester hour credits from a four-year college or university and no more than 75 credits from a two-year college. At least 30 credits, and at least half the total credits required in a student’s major, must be completed at Western for residency.

A new academic program or course submitted by an applicant for transfer consideration may be reviewed by the Admissions Board. A secondary school record is not required of transfer students under normal circ*mstances.

Evaluation of Transfer Credits

Transfer applicants may normally expect that their transfer credits will be evaluated at the time a decision is made to admit the applicant. Evaluations may be passed along to academic departments for review in acceptance to a degree program.Transfer applicants dissatisfied with their creditevaluation may appeal the decision to the Registrar, who is charged with managing the appeal process in coordination with the appropriate academic representatives. Students may request an appeal to adjust their transfer credit evaluation at any point up to their graduation from the university.

Transfer Arrangement for Associate Degree Recipients

It is the policy of the Board of Regents for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities that all students who graduate from two-year associate degree programs at the State Community Colleges are admissible to the Connecticut State Universities system. These students are admitted to the third year of study on the same basis as continuing students are admitted to junior standing. This policy also applies to the transfer applicants holding associate degrees from the Connecticut Board of State Academic Awards. Courses with grades of “D+”, “D” and “D-” are transferable only if the student has an associates degree.

Applicants who hold an associate degree are normally not admitted to a program if their cumulative grade point average is lower than departmental or school standards for admission. A student in this situation should contact the Associate Director of Transfer Admissions.

Special Student Categories

Veterans

The university welcomes applications from Veterans. A veteran is encouraged to meet with a veterans affairs education benefit adviser through the Office of Enrollment Services located in Old Main 101, who will provide information about veteran’s benefits.

The university accepts the results of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) which is administered at no charge to military personnel on active duty through Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Armed Forces personnel desiring further information about the examinations should contact their education officer or write to DANTES, Madison, WI 53713 if taken before 1974. After 1974, contact DANTES, Box 2819, Princeton, NJ 08540.

A veteran who has been accepted into a degree program may, upon presentation of the DD Form 214, Report of Transfer or Discharge, receive exemption from the university’s exercise science requirement. The university also may accept college-level credits earned through the United States Armed Forces Institute and for service schools completed, as recommended by the American Council on Education, providing that credit is applicable to the individual’s degree program.

International Students

International student applications are accepted by Western Connecticut State University, though scholarship and loan fund limitations prohibit offering financial assistance to any students who do not hold U.S. citizenship.

International students residing outside the United States should contact the Office of University Admissions for admission information.

Applicants must earn a 79 (Internet-based exam), 213 (computer-based exam), 550 (paper-based exam) score or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted in lieu of, or in addition to, the SAT scores. The university will also accept a score of 77 or higher on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) and 6 or higher on the International English Language testing System (IELTS, Band).

Students also are required to indicate ability to finance their education.

Application materials will be sent if language ability and economic support are determined to be sufficient. If a request for application materials is approved, appropriate academic transcripts must be sent to the university as soon as possible.

Applicants are required to provide an official evaluation of their high school diploma and college level courses that has been conducted by an international educational service. A high school diploma or its equivalent may be a document-to-document evaluation. College and university courses must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

All new students planning to enter the university in the fall semester must submit all application materials before March 1. Students desiring to enroll in the spring semester must submit all completed materials before October 1. Students already studying in the United States should submit admission materials as outlined in the admissions procedure.

This university is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

For more information about international student advisem*nt, call the International Services Coordinator at (203) 837-3270.

Guest Students

The university may admit non-matriculated status individuals from other colleges and universities who meet Western’s admissions criteria and application deadlines for undergraduate study. Such applicants normally intend to return to their original collegiate institutions after attending Western for one year or less.

As a non-matriculated student at Western, the guest student must be approved in advance each semester by the Director of University Admissions, who also serves as the student’s academic adviser. A maximum of 30 credits may be earned at Western in this manner.

Readmission Guidelines

A readmit applicant is one who has previously been matriculated as an undergraduate at Western and is now seeking to return after one or more semesters without an approved leave of absence.

Readmission guidelines are as follows:

• An applicant must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
• An applicant with 45 or more credits completed must also meet any special department/school admissions requirements.
• An applicant should familiarize himself/herself with the university Fresh Start Policy to determine if it applies.
• The Board of Admission will review any cases with unusual circ*mstances worthy of consideration.

Fresh Start Readmission

Western’s Fresh Start Policy allows an applicant who was a previously enrolled, matriculated student with a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 to be eligible for readmission under certain conditions. The purpose of the program is to allow students who initially struggled academically to have a second chance at graduating with a GPA unaffected by the below-average grades of their initial enrollment.

1. The period of withdrawal or suspension and readmission must include at least one year in which no college courses were taken at WCSU. Remedial non-credit college courses in English/writing and mathematics are accepted. The Director of University Admissions may waive this condition, provided that during the period of withdraw or suspension and readmissions, the applicant has: (1) taken at least 12 credit hours of courses at another institution which are transferable to WCSU, and (2) earned a grade of “B” or better with respect to each such course taken. Nothing herein shall be interpreted in a manner that would require the Director of University Admissions to waive the condition.
2. Completion of no more than 60 credits at WCSU with a “C-” or higher average, when applying for admission.
3. Satisfactory completion of WRT 098: Written Communication and/or MAT 098: Elementary Algebra or MAT 100P: Intermediate Algebra Plus, and/or WRT 101P: Composition I Plus prior to admission, if appropriate.
4. Significant evidence of personal growth since withdrawal, in the form of two letters of recommendation. A student may be conditionally admitted to the university under this policy, resulting in restrictions in the number and nature of courses taken during the first semester of enrollment.
5. A personal interview may be required.
6. The Fresh Start Program may be exercised only once. The student’s cumulative GPA at Western becomes 0.0. Grades of “F”, “D-”, “D”, and “D+” are forgiven. Grades of “C-” or better count toward graduation. Students are admitted on probation under this option.
7. Students must meet all criteria for the academic program they wish to be enrolled in. Please see specific program requirements in the catalog.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is not being offered at Western Connecticut State University. Students interested in pursuing this program should contact the ROTC office at Sacred Heart University at (203) 365-7564.

Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) is offered at the University of Connecticut in Storrs and Yale University in New Haven and is available to Western students in all majors.

Special Student Categories

Office of Veteran Affairs

The Veterans Affairs Coordinator assists Veterans, members of the Selected Reserve and military-connected families in transitioning to higher education and is responsible for certifying the enrollment and changes in enrollment for students eligible for Veteran education benefits. The Office of Veterans Affairs is located on the Midtown campus in Old Main, Room 101B with office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All current/former service members and family members are encouraged to contact the Office of Veteran Affairs in order to ease the transition into WCSU.

CLEP

WCSU Admissions Office accepts the results of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which is administered at no charge to eligible military service members, spouses and civil service employees through Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). More information can be found by going here: https://www.wcsu.edu/testing/clep-military/.

Credit for Military Service

Upon receipt of a qualifying DD214, WCSU will award 2 credits for HPX 177: Fitness for Life. In addition, you may be eligible to receive college credit(s) by providing WCSU with your official Joint Service Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript. Further information can be viewed on our website at https://www.wcsu.edu/veterans/jst/.

VA Education Benefits & Important Student Policies/Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs provides education benefits to eligible Veterans, servicemembers, spouses and family members. To learn more about benefits offered, apply, restore or manage your education benefits, please visit https://www.va.gov. For WCSU to certify your enrollment for benefits with the VA, submit your COE from the VA and complete the Veteran Benefits Application which can be found by going here: https://www.wcsu.edu/veterans/forms/.

Matriculation: A student can be certified, for VA purposes, as a non-matriculated student for up to two semesters. The student can be certified beyond two semesters only if they are admitted to WCSU as a degree seeking student. The two-semester limit does not apply to a “guest student” taking courses at WCSU that will be applied their program of study at another school.

Course Applicability: Only courses that satisfy degree requirements may be certified for VA purposes. If a student takes a course that does not fulfill a program requirement, including audited courses & repeating courses successfully completed, it cannot be certified.

Repeated Courses: Repeating courses completed in a previous semester or accepted and applied as transfer credits may affect eligibility for receipt of educational benefits. Students who are receiving VA educational benefits will only receive payment for repeated courses if the initial grade did not meet institutional or programmatic requirements, whichever is more stringent. A student may retake a course to obtain a higher grade as outlined in the Course Grade Replacement Policy, however, benefits will not be paid if the initial course received a passing grade. Students who wish to obtain information on how repeat courses may affect their VA educational benefits should contact the Office of Veteran Affairs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations require that all students receiving VA educational benefits meet the University’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standard and the University’s academic standing policy as stated in the University catalog. Students who are dismissed will be reported to the VA and subsequent enrollments will not be reported to the VA until the student is reinstated or re-admitted to matriculated status. The enrollment of students who appeal their academic dismissal and who are allowed to attend in a non-matriculated status during the appeal process will not be reported to the VA. Should the appeal be successful, the student’s enrollment will be reported retroactively to the VA for the enrollment period to which the appeal applies.

Enrollment Status: An undergraduate student must register for a minimum of 12 credit hours of degree seeking courses, whereas a graduate student must register for a minimum of 9 credit hours of degree seeking courses to qualify for full-time housing allowance benefits with the VA during the fall and spring semesters. Please contact the Office of Veteran Affairs to determine the number of credits you would need to be registered for in the Summer or Winter to qualify for full-time housing allowance benefits. Please note, housing allowance benefits are based on where you take classes (in-person/hybrid or online) and the length of the semester/term.

Out-of-State Veterans: In accordance with Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act, certain out-of-state veterans and their dependents may be eligible for in-state tuition and fee rates. Covered individuals include:

• A Veteran using VA educational benefits under the Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD), or Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), who lives in Connecticut (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in WCSU after being discharged from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
• A spouse or child using transferred VA educational benefits under the Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA) program who lives in Connecticut (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in WCSU after the transferor’s discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
• A spouse or child using VA educational benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state in Connecticut (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in WCSU after the servicemember’s death in the line of duty following a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.

For more information or to reclassify status, please contact WCSU’s Veteran Affairs Office.

• Yellow Ribbon: Out-of-state Post 9/11 GI Bill®recipients may be eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the VA will match the school’s contributions dollar-for-dollar to cover the cost differential between in-state and out-of-state students. To receive this benefit, you must be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill ® at the 100% benefit level and at least one of these must be true:
  • You served an aggregate period of active duty of at least 36 months on or after September 11, 2001, and received an honorable discharge.
  • You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service.
  • You’re a Fry Scholar (eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program on or after August 1, 2018).
  • You were discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability and served at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001.
  • You are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a Veteran.

Effective August 1, 2022, you may become eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program if you’re currently an active-duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level (you already served on active duty for at least 36 months) or if you’re a spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who meets these qualifications.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is limited to 25 students per academic year at WCSU on a first come first served basis. To sign up, please contact WCSU’s Veteran Affairs Office.

Veteran Payment Plans: WCSU offers interest free payment plans for fall, spring, and summer.

Payment plans for must be established when payment or financial aid cannot be posted to satisfy the balance in full by the bill deadline. After you register for classes, log into yourBannerWebaccount, then choose “EZPay (Touchnet)” to view charges, credits/financial aid, and then choose the payment plan that’s right for you. The payment plan you choose will determine if payment will be due at the time of enrollment or deferred for a set period of time. The $35 Enrolment Fee is waived for eligible Veterans and Dependents.

Students who register after the bill due date may enroll for the remaining installments.

Plans will automatically recalculate due to account adjustments, which may include additional charges, unanticipated payments, or a change in financial aid credits to the student’s account. Students and authorized users will be notified of any adjustments to the student’s monthly payment plan amount. Prior to enrollment, be sure to read the terms and conditions regarding late fees/holds that may be placed on past due payment plan accounts. Questions regarding payment plans can be referred to the Cashier’s Office or the Veteran Affairs Office.

VA Pending Payment Compliance: In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), WCSU adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. WCSU will not prevent the student’s enrollment, assess a late penalty fee, require the student to secure alternative or additional funding, or deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution. However, to qualify for this provision, such students will be required to provide their Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or its’ equivalent)orfor Chapter 31, VA VR&E’s contract with the school on VA Form 28-1905 (or its’ equivalent) by the first day of class, provide written request to be certified, or provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Tuition Waivers

In addition to the federal benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans and Air/Army National Guard members who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive a tuition waiver at WCSU after any federal tuition benefit received. The tuition waiver does not apply to other college costs such as books, fees, parking, and room and board and eligibility is not retroactive. For more information regarding eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit https://www.wcsu.edu/veterans.

**In order to begin using Veteran education benefits and/or a tuition waiver, the following documents must be submitted to WCSU’s Office of Veteran Affairs. Criteria depends on the benefit(s) for which you are applying; see below. In addition, students should also go to www.wcsu.edu/veterans/forms to complete any internal office forms that may be required.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard and can only be used while the student is in the service. TA may fund up to 100% of tuition during the fall and spring semesters only, up to $250 per credit hour, not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). This program is open to officers, warrant officers and enlisted active-duty service personnel. In addition, members of the National Guard and Reserves may be eligible for TA based on their service eligibility. To be eligible, an enlisted service member must have enough time remaining in service to complete the course for which he/she has applied. After the completion of the course, an officer using TA must fulfill a service obligation that runs parallel with – not in addition to – any existing service obligation. For more information regarding TA, please visit: https://www.wcsu.edu/veterans/military-tuition-assistance-ta-2/.

Air Force ROTC

Students at WCSU are able to take Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) classes at Yale University’s main campus in New Haven, CT and earn a commission as second lieutenant. Through the AFROTC program, WCSU students, without paying extra tuition, can pursue a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. The freshman and sophom*ore courses carry no military obligation and are open to all students. Scholarships are also available for qualified students. These scholarships pay up to full tuition and fees, as well as money for books and a monthly tax-free stipend. For more information on AFROTC scholarships, please visit https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships.

Students enroll in a four-year or three-year (if joining in their sophom*ore year) AFROTC sequence. Students commute to New Haven on the days listed below for AFROTC-specific classes and events.

For more information, please visit their website at https://afrotc.yalecollege.yale.edu/. You may also contact the AFROTC Office at (203) 432-9431 or via email at airforce.yale.edu with any questions you may have regarding available classes, including the meeting schedule.

Leave of Absence Due to Military Deployment

The faculty and staff at WCSU value the service of those students in the armed forces and have created a dedicated Leave of Absence policy for these students being activated. To be eligible, students called to active duty must present a copy of their orders to the Office of Veteran Affairs as soon as possible. The office will notify the instructors and the appropriate offices about their activation.

The length and dates of the activation may vary, and students are encouraged to discuss their options available to them with their instructors. Students may not be eligible for incomplete grades if the activation is prior to the midpoint of the term or if the nature of the course prohibits the student from working independently. The final determination of the student’s eligibility and deadline for any incomplete grades is left to the discretion of the instructor.

For activations longer than 3 weeks, students may:
1. Withdraw from all courses and request a Military Leave of Absence.
2. Work with instructors and determine if an incomplete grade is appropriate.
3. Take the course as a Pass/Fail pursuant with the Pass/Fail policy.
4. Any combination of the above.

Students who have been issued an incomplete grade during a long-term activation should understand that the work missed while on active duty must be completed within the time limit established by the instructor. Work not completed by the established deadline may result in a failing grade for the course.

For activations less than 3 weeks, instructors should treat the student’s absence as excused absences. Students must work with their instructors to ensure that any missed work is completed in a timely manner after returning from activation.

All students who are being activated for more than 3 weeks must complete a Leave of Absence Form and return it to the Registrar’s Office prior to leaving the institution. This allows students to return to the university under the program requirements when they left and return without reapplying for admission. This Leave of Absence is good for up to one year but may be extended if the student’s active duty status is extended. Students who take a Leave of Absence and do not return after their activation must complete the readmissions process with the Admissions Office.

Re-admission for Military Servicemembers

WCSU acknowledges that students may be temporarily unable to attend classes or be required to suspend their studies in order to perform military service. WCSU encourages such students to resume their education once a military service obligation has ended and adopts this policy to ensure the timely readmission of such students.

In accordance with federal regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.18 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the university will promptly readmit servicemembers who seek readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.

Eligibility:
This policy shall apply to:
1. Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days; and
2. Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for less than 30 days when such an absence would result in a withdrawal from the university.

A student is eligible for readmission under this policy if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority). The cumulative length of all absences for uniformed service (service time only) must not exceed five years.

Notification:
A student must provide oral or written notice of a uniformed service obligation to the Office of Veteran Affairs as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. Such notice does not need to indicate when the student will return to the university.
The student must also give oral or written notice of his/her intent to return to WCSU within three years after the completion of the period of service. Immediately upon the student’s return to school, the student must provide notice that he/she may be entitled to the tuition and enrollment benefits outlined in this policy. The returning student may be required to provide supporting documentation.
Notification under this section must be provided, by the student, to the Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Kelly Visokay via email at visokayk@wcsu.edu  or at (860)837-8840.