WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020

Transcription

WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS, PROGRAMS, AND COURSESConnecticut State Colleges and UniversitiesAncell School of BusinessAccreditation and PolicyMacricostas School of Arts & SciencesMessage from the PresidentSchool of Professional StudiesAcademic CalendarSchool of Visual and Performing ArtsIntroduction to WesternDivision of Graduate StudiesAdmission to WesternDirectory AdministrationStudent ExpensesFaculty/StaffOffice of Student Aid & Student EmploymentFaculty EmeritiStudent AffairsAcademic Services and ProceduresAcademic Programs and DegreesGraduationAcademic Program DescriptionsWCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20201

Connecticut State Colleges & UniversitiesThe 17 Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (ConnSCU) provide affordable, innovative and rigorousprograms that permit students to achieve their personal and career goals, as well as contribute to theeconomic growth of Connecticut. The ConnSCU System encompasses four state universities – WesternConnecticut State University in Danbury, Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, EasternConnecticut State University in Willimantic and Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven – aswell as 12 community colleges and the online institution Charter Oak State College.Until the state’s higher education reorganization of 2011, Western was a member of the formerConnecticut State Unviersity System that also encompassed Central, Eastern and Southern Connecticutstate universities. With origins in normal schools for teacher education founded in the 19th and early 20thcenturies, these institutions evolved into diversified state universities whose graduates have pursuedcareers in the professions, business, education, public service, the arts and other fields. Graduates ofWestern and other state universities contribute to all aspects of Connecticut economic, social and culturallife.In April 2011, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the Connecticut legislature unveiled a plan to consolidate themanagement of higher education. Specifically, they created a Board of Regents for Higher Educationwhich replaced the governance structures for the Connecticut State University System (CSUS), theConnecticut Community Colleges, Charter Oak State College and the Board of Governors for HigherEducation. The transition from the CSUS Board of Trustees to the Board of Regents occurred betweenJuly 1 and December 31, 2011.Governance of the CSCU System is the responsibility of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, whichcomprises 20 appointments: nine by the governor (including the selection of one of his appointees as thechair), four by legislative leaders, two student representatives, and five ex-officio, non-voting members(commissioners of the departments of Economic and Community Development, Public Health,Education and Labor and the chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee).CSCU leadership team works with the campus leaders, faculty and staff to help increase the educationalattainment of Connecticut’s adult population. All 17 college and university presidents report directly to theBoard of Regents president, who reports to the Board of Regents for Higher Education. CSCU senior staffprovide additional support and guidance for both the board and member institutions.Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher EducationMatt Fleury, Hartford, ChairRichard J. Balducci, Deep RiverAviva D. Budd, StamfordNaomi K. Cohen, BloomfieldFelice Gray-Kemp, HamdenMerle W. Harris, West Hartford, Vice ChairHolly Howery, BristolDavid R. Jimenez, West SimsburyWCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20202

Peter M. Rosa, AvonJoAnn Ryan, TorringtonElease E. Wright, HartfordSage Maier, Student Regent, PlainvilleElena Ruiz, Student Regent, WillimanticDel Cummings (ex-officio), Professor of Chemistry, NVCCDavid Lehman ( ex-officio), Commissioner of Department of Public HealthWilliam Lugo (ex-officio), Professor of Sociology and Criminology, ECSUMiguel A. Cardona (ex-officio), Commissioner of the Department of EducationKurt Westby, Commissioner of LaborCSCU LeadershipMark E. Ojakian, President of the Board of RegentsJane Gates, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student AffairsDavid L. Levinson, Vice President for Community CollegesElsa Núñez, Vice President for State UniversitiesLeigh Appleby, Director of CommunicationsBenjamin Barnes, Chief Financial OfficerAlexandria Beaudoin, Director of Government RelationsErin Fitzgerald, Associate Director for Board AffairsWilliam J. Gammell, Director of Research & System EffectivenessMichael Kozlowski, Director of Strategic InitiativesAlice Pritchard, Chief of StaffJoseph Tolisano, Chief Information OfficerErnestine Y. Weaver, CounselSteven Weinberger, Vice President for Human ResourcesConnecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education39 Woodland Street Hartford, Connecticut 06105WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20203

Accreditation and PolicyACCREDITATIONWestern Connecticut State University is accredited by the New England Commission of HigherEducation.Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the New England Commission should be directed to theuniversity’s administrative staff. Individuals may also contact the New England Commission of HigherEducation, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4531. Call (781) 425-7785, Fax (781)425-1001 or email info@neche.org.Accreditation by the New England Commission has reference to the institution as a whole. In addition,the university is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.Individual programs at the university are accredited by:The American Chemical SocietyThe Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.The Commission on Collegiate Nursing EducationThe Connecticut State Department of EducationThe Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational ProgramsThe Council for Accreditation of Educator PreparationThe Council for Health Education ProgramsThe Council on Social Work EducationThe National Association of Schools of MusicThe National Association of Schools of TheatreAssociation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.RIGHTS RESERVED STATEMENTStudents attending Western Connecticut State University are required to familiarize themselves with thiscatalog. Primary responsibility for knowing and fulfilling all requirements rests with the individualstudent. The catalog in effect at the time of the student’s admission or readmission to a degree programgoverns degree requirements.The Western Connecticut State University administration reserves the right, whenever advisable: (1) tochange or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; (2) to withdraw, cancel, reschedule or modify anycourse, program of study, or degree or any requirement in connection with any of the foregoing.State Authorization Reciprocity AgreementThe State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districtsand territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondarydistance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take onlinecourses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a NationalCouncil and administered by four regional education compacts. The Connecticut Office of HigherEducation became a member of SARA in 2017, thus allowing Western Connecticut State University toWCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20204

apply to be a member of SARA. This allows Western Connecticut State University to accept students fromall SARA approved states.Student ComplaintsPursuant to federal regulations and the terms of SARA, the Office of Higher Education is responsible forthe investigation and resolution of out-of-state students’ complaints against institutions of highereducation based in Connecticut and offering distance education via SARA. Note that issues regardingstudent life, such as discipline, grading, etc., fall solely within the purview of the institution and are notgenerally investigated. Additionally, the Office of Higher Education does not investigate anonymouscomplaints or provide legal advice. Currently, SARA institutions are to:Apply the tuition refund policies of their home state to students located in other SARA states; andFor students located in non-SARA states, follow any relevant tuition refund policies of those states.Within two years of the incident complained of, out-of-state students enrolled in a Connecticut institutionvia SARA may file a complaint in accordance with the following steps:1. The student must attempt to resolve the complaint by exhausting the institution’s establishedinternal grievance procedures. These are usually published in the institution’s catalog, studenthandbook and/or posted on the institution’s website. Absent extenuating circumstances, the Officeof Higher Education will not investigate complaints filed by students who have not first sought aresolution with the institution.2. If all remedies at the institutional level have been exhausted and the complaint is not resolved, thestudent may file a complaint with the Office of Higher Education. To file a complaint, please followthese procedures. All documentation for review related to the complaint must be provided by thestudent as part of the filing.3. The Office of Higher Education will process the complaint and provide copies of all documents filedwith the complaint to the institution. The institution has 20 days to respond. After receiving aresponse and conducting an investigation, the Office of Higher Education will issue a findingsreport to all parties. The findings report is final.If a Connecticut student is enrolled in a distance education program offered by a SARA institution basedin another state, the student should contact the portal agency in that state to pursue the complaintprocess. Connecticut students enrolled in Connecticut institutions must first exhaust an institution’sestablished internal grievance procedures, and then should contact the Office of Higher Education priorto filing a complaint.All correspondence, including institutional applications and student complaints, should be sent via emailto: sean.seepersad@ct.gov or post to:Dr. Sean SeepersadSARA CoordinatorDivision Director, Academic AffairsOffice of Higher EducationState of Connecticut450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 707Hartford, CT 06103-1841NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONand MULTICULTURALISM STATEMENTWestern Connecticut State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer,WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20205

fully committed to the goal of providing equal opportunity and full participation in its educationalprograms, activities and employment without discrimination because of race, color, religious beliefs orassociation, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical disability, including butnot limited to blindness, learning disability or mental retardation, past or present history of mentaldisorder, or prior conviction of a crime, in accordance with state and federal laws. To that end, thisstatement of policy has been put forth to ensure that no qualified person be excluded from participationin, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity ofthe university.To file a discrimination complaint, or for inquiries concerning Western Connecticut State University’sNondiscrimination Policy, Title IX and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with DisabilitiesAct, contact Jesenia Minier-Delgado, Chief Diversity Officer, University Hall, Room 217, (203) 837-8277or TTY (203) 837-8284.Protection from Adverse ActionAll individuals shall be free from all restraint, interference, coercion or reprisal on the part of theirassociates, supervisors and all others in making any complaint or appeal, in serving as a representative fora complaint, in appearing as a witness, or in seeking information. The above principles apply with equalforce after a complaint has been resolved. Should these principles be violated, the facts shall be broughtto the attention of the Chief Diversity Officer by the aggrieved party, his/her representative or any personaffected. The Chief Diversity Officer shall bring all such situations to the attention of the President forconfidential discussion, review, the potential for early proactive intervention and appropriate action.Individuals are advised of their legal options to file complaints with the Connecticut Commission onHuman Rights and Opportunities, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department ofLabor, Wage and Hour Division, and any other agencies, state, federal or local, that enforce lawsconcerning discrimination.Office of Intercultural Student AffairsThe Office of InterCultural Affairs is committed to preparing students for lifelong learning and leadershipas ethical, responsible citizens in a diverse global community. We create learning spaces where studentsexplore, discuss and reflect on issues of identity, diversity and justice. We facilitate programs and eventsthat raise awareness of social justice issues. We help to develop student-centered support communities,and we cultivate and encourage campus allies and advocates who support the success of all WSCUstudentsSEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICYIt is the policy of Western Connecticut State University, in keeping with efforts to establish anenvironment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the institutional community are respected,that sexual harassment of students and employees at Western Connecticut State University isunacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a personof either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex when that behavior falls within the definitionoutlined.DefinitionSexual harassment of employees and students at Western Connecticut State University is defined as anyunwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexualnature, when:A. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of condition of an individual’semployment;WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20206

B. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisionsaffecting the employee or student; orC. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an employee’s or student’swork performance or educational experience, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work oreducational environment. In an academic setting, sexual harassment would also include any unwelcomesexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when submission to orrejection of such conduct by an individual might affect academic or personal decisions that are subject tothe influence of the person making the proposal.Sexual harassment is discrimination on the basis of sex and a violation of the Connecticut GeneralStatutes, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.Additionally, unwanted physical contact with another person is a violation of the Connecticut GeneralStatutes and may result in criminal prosecution.Report Sexual HarassmentJesenia Minier-Delgado, Chief Diversity Officer, is responsible for overseeing sexual harassment mattersand investigating complaints. To request a copy of the sexual harassment policy, obtain a complaintprocedure and form, discuss a sexual harassment concern, or to file a sexual harassment complaint,contact Jesenia Minier-Delgado at (203) 837-8277.Protection from Adverse ActionsAll individuals shall be free from restraint, interference, coercion or reprisal on the part of their associates,supervisors and all others in making any complaint or appeal, in serving as a representative for acomplaint, or in appearing as a witness or in seeking information. The above principles apply with equalforce after a complaint has been resolved. Should these principles be violated, the facts shall be broughtto the attention of the Chief Diversity Officer by the aggrieved party, his/her representative, or any personaffected. The Chief Diversity Officer shall bring all such situations to the attention of the President forconfidential discussion, review, the potential for early proactive intervention and appropriate action.Individuals are advised of their legal options to file complaints with the Connecticut Commission onHuman Rights and Opportunities, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department ofLabor, Wage and Hour Division and any other agencies, state, federal or local, that enforce lawsconcerning discrimination.Confidential counseling is also available; contact  at (203).Interpersonal Violence PolicyWestern Connecticut State University (WCSU) asserts that all students have the right to be free frominterpersonal violence such as stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual harassment or assault. Totreat all violence with the utmost seriousness, all non-confidential WCSU employees (including faculty)are required to submit an Anonymous Report Form when aware of any interpersonal violence; althoughstudent information will remain secure, it may be shared with the appropriate WCSU officials.Confidential, on-campus locations not required to report include the Counseling Center, Women’s Center,and Health Services. More information is available at www.wcsu.edu/stuaffairs/CaRT.asp.ANNUAL SECURITY REPORTWestern Connecticut State University is committed to assisting all members of the WCSU community inproviding for their own safety and security. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of CampusSecurity Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the university compiles an Annual Campus Security Report . Thereport may be requested from the Western Connecticut State University Police Department on RobertsAvenue at any time, day or night. A copy will be mailed upon request by calling (203) 837-9301.WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20207

Both the website and annual reports provide information about campus security and topics such ascrime prevention, university police law enforcement authority and crime reportingprocedures. Information also is provided about crime statistics for the previous three calendar years ofreported crimes that occurred in both on-and off-campus facilities. This information is required by federaland state law and is provided by the university’s police department.The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.wcsu.edu/efs/EHS/fireprevention.asp.WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20208

President’s MessageAt Western Connecticut State University our mission is to help students explore areas of study and learnto adapt in an ever-changing world. By introducing students to a variety of disciplines and teachingmethods, we help you find the path that is the best for you. We also offer a campus life that is rich withopportunities to learn outside the classroom, which prepares you for a lifetime of personal andprofessional growth.Our campus represents the diversity that characterizes public higher education today. Some students aretraditional college age and live on campus; others are balancing their studies while caring for families andworking. We provide the resources to encourage every student, from organized clubs to careercounseling and tutoring.At WCSU we offer small classes taught by dedicated professors. Our goal is to make a lasting impact, onethat will lead to success after graduation.Western Connecticut State University also participates with the community in campus and communityevents and has expanded the physical structure of our campus. In recent years, we opened a new130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Westside campus and a 49 million Science Building with a Weather Center on our Midtown campus. We take every opportunityto provide our students with the very best they need to focus on their goals. We educate students notonly for their first jobs, but also for their careers.Our students’ futures are our mission and passion. We look forward to helping you shape yours.Welcome to WCSU!Sincerely,Dr. John B. ClarkWCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20209

Academic CalendarFall 2019August 23August 23August 26August 27September 2September 3September 4September 10September 13September 17September 23September 24October 4October 14October 21October 21November 1November 1 – November 22November 11November 15November 26November 27November 28- December 1December 6December 7December 9-15December 18First year/Transfer student move inCross Registration and Senior Citizen registration beginsAcademic Year Begins For FacultyResidence Halls open for returning studentsLast day for full-time student to withdraw with no financial penaltyFirst Day of Classes. Enrollment reporting beginsLabor Day – No classes – University closedLast day for full-time students to withdraw from WCSU and receive a 90%refundLast day for part-time students to withdraw with 100% refundAdd/Drop period ends for Full Semester Day classesLast day for students to withdraw from WCSU and receive a 60% refundIndependent Study forms and Faculty Development forms due inRegistrar’s OfficeEnrollment Reporting Census DateLast day for Pass/Fail and Audit requestsLast day for students to withdraw from WCSU and receive a 40% refundUndergraduate Incomplete submission deadline for Spring/SummerColumbus Day – Classes in session. Non-essential Univ. offices closedUndergraduate Incomplete submission deadline for Spring/SummerMidterm grades due. May report Stopped Attending (SA)Second eight week classes beginUndergraduate Graduation Application Deadline for SpringCommencementTentative registration begins for Spring Semester– See Registrar’swebpage for detailed informationVeteran’s Day Observed – University open. Classes in sessionWithdrawal deadline without academic penaltyNon-matriculated student registration beginsThanksgiving Recess Begins – No Classes – University openThanksgiving Recess Cont. – No Classes – University closedGraduate Incomplete submission deadline for Spring/SummerLast Day of ClassesFinal ExamsFall final grades dueWinter IntersessionDecember 16December 25January 1January 11January 15Intersession BeginsChristmas Holiday – No classes – University closedNew Year’s Holiday – No classes – University closedIntersession EndsIntersession Final grades dueSpring 2020WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-202010

January 17January 20January 20January 21Janury 27January 28February 3February 8February 11February 14-17February 18February 18February 28March 16-22March 24April 1- 17April 10April 11April 17April 22May 7May 8May 11 – 17May 17May 20Cross registration and Senior Citizen registration beginsMartin Luther King Day – No Classes University closedSemester BeginsLast day for full-time students to Withdraw from WCSU with no financialpenaltyFirst Day of ClassesLast day for full-time students to withdraw from WCSU and receive a 90%refundLast day for part-time students to withdraw from WCSU and receive 100%refundLast day to Add/Drop day coursesLast day for students to withdraw from WCSU and receive a 60% refundStudent Independent Study forms are due to the Registrar’s OfficeEnrollment Reporting Census DatePresident’s holiday – No classes, University closedLast day for students to withdraw from WCSU and receive a 40% refundLast day to submit Pass/Fail Option forms and audit forms to theRegistrar’s OfficeUndergraduate Incomplete submission deadline for Fall/IntersessionSpring Break No ClassesMidterm grades due. May report Stopped Attending (SA)Tentative Undergraduate registration begins – See Registrar’s officewebpage for detailed informationDay of Reflection – No classes, University closedNo classes, University closedWithdrawal deadline without academic penaltyNon-matriculated undergraduate students registrationMake-up/Reading DayLast Day of ClassesGraduate Incomplete submission deadline for Fall/IntersessionFinal Exam WeekUndergraduate and Graduate Commencement (tentative)Spring Final grades dueSummer Session2020May 25May 26June 27June 29July 1July 4August 1August 3August 5August 22August 26Memorial Day – No classes, University closedSummer Session I BeginsSummer Session I EndsSummer Session II BeginsSummer Session I Final grades dueIndependence Day – No classes, University closedSummer Session II EndsSummer Session III BeginsSummer Session II Final grades dueSummer Session III EndsSummer Session III Final grades dueWCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-202011

Introduction to Western Connecticut StateUniversityHistoryWestern Connecticut State University, founded in 1903, is located in Danbury, a city in Fairfield County inthe foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, 65 miles north of Manhattan and 50 miles west of Hartford.WCSU’s rural 364-acre Westside campus complements its 34-acre, 15-building Midtown campus in theheart of downtown Danbury.The university continuously updates its academic offerings to ensure that students have access tocourses that will not only provide a basis in the liberal arts but also employment opportunities aftergraduation.MissionWestern Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-qualityeducation that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society.To achieve this, we:1. Offer undergraduate and graduate programs that weave together liberal arts and professionaleducation and instill a desire for life-long learning.2. Sustain a vibrant, inclusive campus that connects individuals through co-curricular programs,cultural events, and service to the community.3. Attract student-centered faculty who are passionate teachers and accomplished scholars.4. Establish partnerships that create opportunities for internships, research and experiential learning.Fulfilling the MissionWCSU offers a variety of opportunities and support systems to ensure every student can succeed andthrive.The Kathwari Honors Program coordinates the highest level of challenging academic courses across alldisciplines. Honors students also gain face-to-face access to noted authors, artists and world leaders likethe Dalai Lama, scientist Dr. Jane Goodall and Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee, who have allspoken on campus.For three years in a row, the Theatre Arts Department has won top national awards at the KennedyCenter American College Theatre Festival, including Outstanding Production of a Musical twice.WCSU is a place where you can reach any academic goal. Five students in recent years, for example, havebeen awarded prestigious Fulbright scholarships to conduct research or teach overseas. Nursinggraduates pass the state licensing exam at a 100 percent rate nearly every year. WCSU students scoreamong the highest pass rates for the CPA exam among Connecticut universities. The Career SuccessCenter is prepared to work with you from your first year to offer internships, resume writing advice andcareer guidance.OrganizationThe WCSU Division of Academic Affairs comprises four academic units: the Ancell School of Business, theWCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-202012

Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Studies, and the School of Visual andPerforming Arts. All undergraduate and graduate programs are offered through the four schools.The Office of Student Affairs oversees a variety of programs and services to meet students’ interests andneeds. These include AccessAbility Services, athletics, campus ministry, campus police, counseling, drugand alcohol abuse prevention, health service, housing and residence life, judicial affairs, pre-collegiateprograms, recreation, intramurals and club sports, and student life. Through its various offices, the divisionhelps students to become aware of their opportunities, optimize their performance, enrich their collegeexperience, and ensure protection of their rights and responsibilities.FacilitiesHere at Western Connecticut State University the Facilities Division’s mantra is to build an innovativecustomer-driven environment which focuses on student satisfaction, high levels of service andefficiencies, and timely responses for deliverables.Our mission is simple: deliver a safe, sustainable, and functional campus environment.The Facilities Division is made up of Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Operations, FacilitiesPlanning & Engineering, Facilities Scheduling and Promotion, and the WestConnect Card Office. Each ofthese diverse areas provide a high level of value to our students, Faculty/Staff, and the University’s visitorson a daily basis.To learn more about Facilities initiatives and services, policies and procedures, university Standards,sustainability efforts, and innovative solutions to everyday questions please feel free to visit us athttp://www.wcsu.edu/facilities/Educational Records and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Western Connecticut State University accords all the rights under the law to students. No one outside theuniversity shall have access to, nor will the university disclose any information from, a student’seducational records without his/her written consent except to personnel within the university, to officialsof other institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, to persons or organizations providing studentsfinancial aid, to accreditation groups, to persons in compliance with a judicial order, to persons in anemergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons, or to parents of a studentwho is officially documented as their dependent for income tax purposes.All these exceptions are permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.The university will maintain a record of all requests for and disclosure of information from a student’seducational records. The r

Directory Administration Faculty/Staff Faculty Emeriti WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020 1 . business, education, public service, the arts and other fields. Graduates of . (ex-officio), Professor of Chemistry, NVCC David Lehman ( ex-officio), Commissioner of Department of Public Health William Lugo (ex-officio), Professor of Sociology .