Rights Reserved Statement
This Student Handbook supplements the Connecticut State Community College Catalog and is not a complete listing
of all CSCU/CT State policies, procedures, or practices. This digital Student Handbook is posted online for students
and applicants for general information and guidance only. It does not constitute a contract, either expressed or
implied. CSCU/CT State reserves the right to change its policies, procedures, regulations, fees, and announcements
without notice whenever such action becomes necessary.
Publication Date
June 2023
CT State Community College Student Handbook | i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the CT State President ........................................................................................................... 1
ABOUT CONNECTICUT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ..........................................................................2
CSCU Board of Regents ........................................................................................................................... 2
CT State Structure and Campuses ........................................................................................................... 2
CT State Mission Statement .................................................................................................................... 2
CT State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement ............................................................................... 2
Affirmative Action Policy Statement ................................................................................................ 2
Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination .......................................................................................... 3
College Accreditation .............................................................................................................................. 3
Public Health Emergency Disclaimer....................................................................................................... 3
CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIRECTORY ......................................................................................4
CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC CALENDAR .....................................................................9
APPLYING TO BECOME A CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT ................................................. 10
GENERAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS ................................................................................................ 10
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS ..................................................................................... 10
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students .............................................................. 13
RE-ADMIT/RETURNING STUDENT ADMISSIONS ................................................................................. 13
Academic Fresh Start ...................................................................................................................... 13
TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSIONS ....................................................................................................... 14
NAVIGATING CT STATE: WHERE CAN I GET HELP? QUICK REFERENCE SHEET ..................................... 15
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION ........................................................................................................... 17
ACADEMIC ADVISING ....................................................................................................................... 18
Degree Works ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Placement/Assessment ......................................................................................................................... 21
TUITION AND FEES ........................................................................................................................... 22
Business Office ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Current Tuition and Fee Schedules ....................................................................................................... 22
Delinquent Accounts ............................................................................................................................. 22
Emergency Aid....................................................................................................................................... 22
FINANCIAL AID ........................................................................................................................... 22
Funding Options for Non-Credit Students ...................................................................................... 26
REFUNDS OF TUITION AND FEES ................................................................................................. 26
Refund Policy – Non-Credit Programs ............................................................................................ 29
CT State Community College Student Handbook | ii
REGISTERING FOR CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES ........................................................... 30
Cross-Registration Privilege .................................................................................................................. 31
ADDING/DROPPING A COURSE ................................................................................................... 31
WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE OR CT STATE ........................................................................... 32
TIPS FOR SCHEDULING CLASSES
.................................................................................................... 33
STUDENT RECORDS .......................................................................................................................... 35
Office of Enrollment & Retention Services ........................................................................................... 35
Privacy of Student Education Records: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ......... 35
Transcripts and Grade Reports ............................................................................................................. 37
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ........................................................................................................... 38
CARE TEAMS ......................................................................................................................................... 38
CARE Referral .................................................................................................................................. 38
CAREER SERVICES ....................................................................................................................... 38
DISABILITY SERVICES .................................................................................................................. 39
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES PROGRAMS ...................................................... 45
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS ............................................................................................... 45
Medical Leaves of Absence............................................................................................................. 46
TimelyCare ...................................................................................................................................... 46
Additional Resources ...................................................................................................................... 47
TUTORING/ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTERS ................................................................................... 48
VETERANS SERVICES................................................................................................................... 49
Veterans Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service (OASIS) ........................................... 52
STUDENT LIFE .................................................................................................................................. 53
Student Activities .................................................................................................................................. 53
Student Employment ............................................................................................................................ 53
Student Government............................................................................................................................. 53
Student Newspapers ............................................................................................................................. 54
Student Radio Stations .......................................................................................................................... 54
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND STUDENT RESOURCES.................................................. 55
Academic Appeal (Grade Appeal) ......................................................................................................... 55
Academic Honors – Semester and Graduation ..................................................................................... 55
Announcements (Student Postings)...................................................................................................... 55
Bookstore .............................................................................................................................................. 55
Class Cancellations – Instructor Related ............................................................................................... 56
Commencement Ceremony .................................................................................................................. 56
Community Resources .......................................................................................................................... 56
Community Service/Volunteerism ........................................................................................................ 56
Cooperative Education, Practicum, or Internships ............................................................................... 56
Early Childhood Centers ........................................................................................................................ 56
Faculty Contact and Office Hours ......................................................................................................... 57
Fitness Centers ...................................................................................................................................... 57
Food Pantries ........................................................................................................................................ 57
Food Services/Cafeteria ........................................................................................................................ 58
Foundations ........................................................................................................................................... 58
CT State Community College Student Handbook | iii
Health Insurance ................................................................................................................................... 58
Honor Societies – Including Phi Theta Kappa........................................................................................ 58
Honors Program .................................................................................................................................... 58
Housing .................................................................................................................................................. 58
Intramural Sports and Athletics ............................................................................................................ 58
Library .................................................................................................................................................... 59
Lost and Found ...................................................................................................................................... 59
Reading Days ......................................................................................................................................... 59
Smoking and Vaping .............................................................................................................................. 59
Transportation Services ........................................................................................................................ 59
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ........................................................................................................... 61
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES ............................................................................................ 75
Student Email ........................................................................................................................................ 75
IT Support .............................................................................................................................................. 75
Help Desks ............................................................................................................................................. 76
Multifactor Authentication Requirement ............................................................................................. 76
NetID ..................................................................................................................................................... 76
Wireless Network .................................................................................................................................. 78
CAMPUS SAFETY .............................................................................................................................. 79
Student Identification (ID) Cards ........................................................................................................... 79
CLOSINGS, CANCELLATIONS, AND DELAYED OPENINGS ..................................................................... 79
Emergency Notification System (ENS) ............................................................................................ 79
CAMPUS EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ................................................................................................... 81
HOW TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY ...................................................................................................... 81
Emergency Exits/Evacuation Routes ..................................................................................................... 81
Evacuation of the Building .................................................................................................................... 81
Lockdown/Shelter in Place .................................................................................................................... 82
Safety Drills and Training Classes .......................................................................................................... 82
Safety Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................... 82
CAMPUS PARKING ........................................................................................................................... 83
Public Safety Escorts ............................................................................................................................. 85
Traffic on Campus ................................................................................................................................. 85
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 86
Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act ...................................................................................................... 86
Injury While on Campus ........................................................................................................................ 87
Off-Campus Injuries ........................................................................................................................ 87
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Awareness ....................................................................................... 87
The Clery Act ......................................................................................................................................... 88
Vandalism, Damage or Theft ................................................................................................................. 89
Video Use Notice - Police Accountability Act ........................................................................................ 89
RIGHT TO FILE A COMPLAINT ............................................................................................................... 89
CT State Community College Student Handbook | iv
CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY CONTACTS ................................................................................................. 90
Campus Public Safety Links ................................................................................................................... 91
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION ...................................................................................... 92
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION ............................................................ 93
STUDENT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION ................................................................................. 94
BOR/CSCU Statement of Title IX Policy ................................................................................................. 94
Policy on Racism and Acts of Intolerance ............................................................................................. 95
Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Support Services, and Processes Policy ............................................... 95
STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCESS AND POINTS OF CONTACT ............................................................... 96
Campus DEI/Equity Coordinators .......................................................................................................... 96
Campus Disability Services/Accessibility Coordinators......................................................................... 97
Campus Deputy Title IX Coordinators ................................................................................................... 98
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG INFORMATION .................................................................................. 100
STUDENT CONSUMER INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 102
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................ 104
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 1
Message from the CT State President
On behalf of everyone at Connecticut State Community
College, it is my honor to welcome you to a new academic
year. We are committed to providing you with an engaging
and rewarding student experience and to providing the
support you need to be successful.
As you embark on this important and exciting stage of your
educational and personal journey, you are also a part of an
important and exciting chapter for our college. New and
returning students are being welcomed to Connecticut State
Community College – CT State.
All community college students in Connecticut are now part
of the same family. You now have a statewide network of
campuses and resources at your disposal. Community
colleges in Connecticut have been changing lives with
extraordinary academic programs, student enrichment
activities, holistic support services, and skills training for over
60 years. We continually look forward to maintaining our
legacy of accessible, affordable, and quality education for all
students.
In an ever-evolving world and global economy, we know the
significance of remaining innovative and responsive to national trends by modernizing our programs and
courses so they prepare you for the best career.
At every moment, we devotedly strive to fulfill our mission of student success and equity. We’ve
transformed ourselves into a student-ready institution. We’ve removed roadblocks to transferring credits
and enrolling in classes at any location. We’ve unified our admissions, registration, and financial aid
processes. We’ve standardized advising for all and aligned curriculum across our six schools to ensure that
every student achieves career-aligned learning outcomes and is equipped for transfer to a four-year
college/university.
This Student Handbook is your guide to navigating your time at CT State. Each section is designed to share
important details and answer questions for you. It lays out precisely what we expect from our students,
but more importantly, what you can expect from us.
The comprehensive and intentional commitment of our faculty, staff, and administration ensures that
your experience at CT State will deliver a solid foundation for your future success. We are inspired that
you chose to become a member of the CT State family while dedicating yourself to your studies and
maximum potential.
John Maduko, MD
President
Connecticut State Community College
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 2
ABOUT CONNECTICUT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CSCU Board of Regents
The Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) is the governing body of the Connecticut State Colleges
and Universities System (CSCU) and is comprised of 15 voting members and 6 non-voting, ex officio
members who have been selected for their special talents, their vision, and their sense of civic
responsibility. Two students serve as Student Representatives who make periodic reports to the student
body through the Student Advisory Council. The Connecticut State (CT State) Community College is a
constituent unit of the State System of Higher Education and one of the institutions that comprises the
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.
CT State Structure and Campuses
In July of 2023, the 12 community
colleges in Connecticut will merge to become
Connecticut State
Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the country and the largest in New England
.
CT State students will be able to take classes at any of the following campuses: Asnuntuck (Enfield),
Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven and North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester,
Middlesex (Middletown and Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern
(Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis
(Farmington and Bristol)
.
CT State Mission Statement
The Connecticut State Community College provides access to academically rigorous and innovative
education and training focused on student success. The college supports excellence in teaching and
learning, makes data-informed decisions, promotes equity, and advances positive change for the
students, communities, and industries it serves.
CT State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
The Connecticut State Community College commits to bold and disruptive change by actively: identifying,
naming, and dismantling structural racism, systemic poverty, and other barriers; establishing equitable
and anti-racist policies and practices; and empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to
advance racial, social, and economic justice. Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess
practices and policies and transform the world we live in by eliminating inequities.
Affirmative Action Policy Statement
As the statewide policy making authority for public higher education in Connecticut, the Board of Regents
for Higher Education (BOR) is committed to leading, by example, in the areas of equal employment
opportunity and affirmative action. Additionally, the Board of Regents has been charged by state statutes
(specifically Connecticut General Statutes sections 10a-10 and 10a-11) to promote representative racial
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 3
and ethnic diversity among the students, faculty, administrators, and staff at public institutions of higher
education. The Board of Regents for Higher Education’s policies also advances compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act at all Connecticut state colleges and universities. Equal employment
opportunity and affirmative action are essential to achieving higher education’s twin goals of academic
excellence and equity.
Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination
Connecticut State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed,
age, sex, national origin, marital status, ancestry, intellectual disability, mental disability, learning
disability, physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness or deafness, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, veteran status, criminal record, genetic information or any other federal or
state protected class in its employment, programs, and activities. For information regarding
nondiscrimination, disability, and Title IX policies/procedures, please contact: John-Paul Chaisson-
Cardenas, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, CT State Community College, (860) 612-7056,
jchaisson-cardenas@commnet.edu.
College Accreditation
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is one of seven
higher
education accrediting bodies in the United States
.
It is a voluntary, non-
governmental member association recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education as an authority
of quality in higher education having as its primary
purpose the accreditation
of educational institutions
.
Connecticut State Community College is
undergoing the
NECHE accreditation process
, and the goal is to attain accreditation
by July 1, 2023, so
that the Board of Regents (BOR) may finalize the merger of the 12 community colleges. Presently, all
12 of the community colleges are NECHE accredited.
For information on specific program accreditations, please refer to the CT State College Catalog.
Public Health Emergency Disclaimer
In the case of a severe outbreak of the coronavirus or other illness, Connecticut State Community College
reserves the right to adapt the format of any class to an entirely online/distance learning modality as
public health conditions warrant. Such change will not result in any increase or decrease of tuition and
fees. We all understand that tuition and fees are in exchange for learning, academic credit, and certain
non-academic services regardless of whether taught on-ground, in a hybrid environment, or entirely
remotely.
Most important to CT State Community College is the health, safety, and welfare of every member of its
community. We have learned that, despite campus efforts to comply with health and safety guidelines, it
is not possible to guarantee a disease-free environment.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 4
CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIRECTORY
Connecticut State Community College – Central Office
185 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
(www.ctstate.edu)
CT State President
John Maduko, M.D.
CT State President’s Cabinet
Levy Brown, Ed.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, Ph.D., MSW
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Title IX Coordinator
Thomas Coley, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise Performance
Tamika Davis
Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management
Ann Harrison
Associate Vice President of Communications & Strategic Marketing
Chief of Staff to President Maduko
Kerry Kelley
Vice President of Finance & Administration
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 5
CT State Community College Campuses
Asnuntuck Campus
170 Elm Street, Enfield, CT 06082
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Coach, Ed.D.
Asnuntuck | Campus Directory
Main Campus Number: (866) 526-6008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Campus
950 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Chief Executive Officer
G. Duncan Harris, Ed.D.
Capital | Campus Directory
Main Campus Numbers: (860) 906-5000 Local
or (800) 894-6126 Toll-Free
Capital | Map and Driving Directions
Capital | Campus Hours
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gateway Campus
20 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Gateway @ North Haven
88 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT 06473
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Scott J. Kalicki, Ph.D.
Gateway | Campus Directory
Main Campus Number: (203) 285-2000
Gateway | Map and Driving Directions
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 6
CT State Community College Campuses
Housatonic Campus
900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Manuel Gomez, Ph.D.
Housatonic | Campus Directory
Main Campus Number: (203) 332-5000
Housatonic | Map and Driving Directions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manchester Campus
Great Path, P.O. Box 1046, Manchester, CT 06045-1046
Chief Executive Officer
Nicole Esposito, Ed.D.
Manchester | Campus Directory
Main Campus Number: (860) 512-3000
Manchester | Map and Driving Directions
Manchester | Campus Hours
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesex Campus
100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457
Chief Executive Officer
Kimberly Hogan
Middlesex @ …
Platt High School, 220 Coe Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450
Vinal Technical High School, 60 Daniels Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Wilcox Technical High School, 298 Oregon Road, Meriden, CT 06451
Pieper Veterinary, 150 Berlin Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Middlesex Health, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Middlesex | Campus Directory
Main Campus Numbers: (860) 343-5719 Local or (866) 526-6008 Toll-Free Middletown
For MxCC @ Platt: (203) 235-0774 or Enrollment Services at (860) 343-5719 or (866) 526-6008 Toll-Free
Middlesex | Map and Middlesex | Driving Directions
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 7
CT State Community College Campuses
Naugatuck Valley Campus
750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708
Naugatuck Valley @ Danbury
190 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810
Campus Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Administrative Offices)
Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D.
Naugatuck Valley | Campus Directory and Naugatuck Valley | Professional Staff Directory
Main Campus Numbers: (203) 575-8000 Waterbury or (203) 437-9699 Danbury
Naugatuck Valley | Map and Naugatuck Valley | Interior Map
Naugatuck Valley | Driving Directions
Naugatuck Valley @ Danbury | Driving Directions and Naugatuck Valley @ Danbury | Parking
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwestern Campus
Park Place East, Winsted, CT 06098
President
Michael A. Rooke, Ph.D.
Northwestern | Department Directory and
Northwestern | Faculty Directory
Main Campus Number: (860) 738-6300
Northwestern | Map
Northwestern | Driving Directions or Northwestern | Driving Directions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norwalk Campus
188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
Chief Executive Officer
Cheryl C. De Vonish, J.D.
Norwalk | Campus Directory
Main Campus Number: (203) 857-7000
Norwalk | Driving Directions and Hours
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 8
CT State Community College Campuses
Quinebaug Valley Campus
742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson, CT 06239
Quinebaug Valley @ Willimantic Center
729 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Chief Executive Officer
Karen Hynick, Ed.D.
Quinebaug Valley | Campus Directory
Main Campus Numbers: (860) 932-4000 Danielson or (860) 230-6129 Willimantic
Quinebaug Valley | Campus Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Rivers Campus
574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
Three Rivers Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center
(Housed in the Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School)
189 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340
President
Mary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D.
Three Rivers | Campus Directory
Main Campus Numbers: (860) 215-9000 Norwich or (860) 441-0314 Groton-MAC Office
Three Rivers | Map and Three Rivers | Driving Directions
Three Rivers | Campus Hours
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tunxis Campus
271 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032
Tunxis @ Bristol
430 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010
Chief Executive Officer
Darryl Reome, Ed.D.
Tunxis | Campus Directory and Tunxis | Faculty Directory
Main Campus Numbers: (860) 773-1300 Farmington or (860) 314-4700 Bristol
Tunxis | Map and Tunxis | Driving Directions
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 9
CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC CALENDAR
FALL 2023
Full-Term Courses August 29, 2023 - December 18, 2023
Late Start Term September 12, 2023 - December 18, 2023
First 7-Week Term August 29, 2023 - October 16, 2023
Second 7-Week Term October 24, 2023 - December 18, 2023
SPRING 2024
Full-Term Courses January 19, 2024 - May 13, 2024
PLEASE NOTE: Additional CT State calendar dates for academic year 2023-2034 (including add/drop and withdrawal
deadlines) are currently under development. To view the current CT State Academic Calendar, please click: CT State
| Academic Calendar.
The CSCU Common Calendar*
FALL 2023
CC Faculty Semester Begins
August 25, 2023
CSU Work Year Starts
August 28, 2023
CSCU Classes Start
August 29, 2023
Labor Day, NO CLASSES
September 4, 2023
CC Reading Day, NO CLASSES
November 7, 2023
Thanksgiving Recess, NO CLASSES
November 22 - 26, 2023
CSU Final Exams
December 11 - 17, 2023
CC Final Exams
December 12 - 18, 2023
CC Faculty Semester Ends
December 23, 2023
Spring 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 15, 2024
CC Faculty Semester Begins
January 16, 2024
CSU Classes Start
January 17, 2024
CC Classes Start
January 19, 2024
CSU President's Recess, NO CLASSES
February 16 - 19, 2024
CC President's Day, NO CLASSES
February 19, 2024
Spring Break Recess, NO CLASSES
March 11 - 17, 2024
Day of Reflection Recess, NO CLASSES
March 29 - 31, 2024
CSU Final Exams
May 6 - 12, 2024
CC Final Exams
May 7 - 13, 2024
Memorial Day, NO CLASSES
May 27, 2024
CSU Faculty Year Ends
May 31, 2024
CC Faculty Semester Ends
June 1, 2024
* The CSCU Common Calendar is a system-wide calendar for the institutions of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
(CSCU) that defines the traditional fall and spring semesters.
CC – Connecticut State Community College
CSU – Connecticut State Universities
CSCU – Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 10
APPLYING TO BECOME A CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT
GENERAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Please visit CT State | How to Apply or the CT State College Catalog for further information about CT
State’s general admissions process and requirements for admission into a degree program.
Open-Door Admissions Policy/Open Enrollment
CT State Community College has an open-door admissions policy. The open-door policy offers admission
to anyone holding a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (GED) without requiring
Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs). Some programs may have special requirements. Applications for
admission to CT State are accepted year-round.
PLEASE NOTE: CT State Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) non-credit students do
not need to apply for admission to the college. Students should contact their home campus WDCE Office
directly to request an application/registration form. Please see the Workforce Development and
Continuing Education section of this Handbook for contact information.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS
CT State takes considerable pride in the diversity of its student body. The international students who
attend the institution contribute to the powerful sense of respect and multicultural understanding that
defines our culture. Being an international student in the U.S. is a great opportunity and an exciting
experience. However, it comes with a lot of responsibility. As an international student, you must maintain
your F-1 visa status and follow these steps carefully:
• Stay in touch with your International Advisor/DSO (Designated School Official). During your studies in
the U.S., your DSO becomes an important person in your life. The DSO is responsible for creating your
Form I-20, maintaining your SEVIS record, keeping you informed of the federal regulations governing
your visa status, and in some cases facilitating your interactions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS). Your DSO should be the first person you talk with if you have any questions regarding
the legal requirements of your stay in the United States. Your DSO can assist in answering your
questions or refer you to someone who can help.
Non-U.S. citizens or residents who need a SEVIS Form I-20 from CT State to obtain an F-1 student visa
or to change their current nonimmigrant visa status to F-1, as well as students in active F-1 status
transferring from another U.S. college/university, must submit their application for admission and
other required documents by the following deadlines:
New International Students Transfer International Students in F-1 status
Fall Semester – June 15th Fall Semester – July 20th
Spring Semester – November 1st Spring Semester – December 20th
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 11
The following documentation must be provided by the prospective student before a SEVIS Form I-20
can be issued by CT State. All documents must be translated into English and validated and notarized
as being an official and accurate translation.
1. A completed CT State Community College Application.
2. A copy of the student’s passport (biographical page only).
3. Proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.
4. Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International
English Language Testing System), or Duolingo official scores. The minimum TOEFL score for
admission is 61 on the internet-based version. The minimum IELTS score for admission is 5.5. The
minimum Duolingo score for admission is 85.
5. Proof of available funding. Affidavit of Support and supporting financial documents noting the
student’s intended source of financing available to cover their education and living expenses while
in the United States. All financial documents, including bank statements, must be in English and
note currency values in U.S. dollar equivalencies.
6. Housing Plan Letter showing student’s intended U.S. address, as well as permanent homeland
address.
7. Proof of adequate immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox); a
record of two doses of each required immunization must be on file with CT State prior to
acceptance.
8. Transfer students in F-1 status transferring from a college/university in the U.S. must provide
proof that they are currently in status and eligible for transfer: a copy of the F-1 visa passport
page, a copy of their current I-20, current college transcript, and an International Student Transfer
Form.
Maintaining your legal F-1 visa status is extremely important to remain in the United States as an
international student. It is important to take these steps seriously in order to maintain your F1
status. It is also important to stay up to date on new U.S. immigration policies that might take
place during your stay in the U.S. CT State’s International Student Admissions Team is happy to
assist international students with all F-1 visa/I-20 related matters. To contact our team, please
email us at: CTState-Internati[email protected].
• Maintain full-time enrollment. Register for a minimum of 12 credits every fall and spring semester.
Only 3 credits out of 12 can be taken online; the rest must be in-person. If you need to enroll for RCL
(Reduced Course Load), speak with your DSO first: in some cases, a RCL may be allowed but it requires
your DSO’s authorization. Never drop classes without speaking with your DSO first.
• Extend your I-20 as needed. Sometimes program completion can take longer than expected. In most
cases, you can request an I-20 extension.
• Apply for a new I-20 as needed. If you are planning to switch majors, be sure to request a new I-20.
• Check with your DSO before you travel abroad and make sure your DSO has signed your I-20 for travel.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 12
• Obtain special permission to work. Working off-campus without prior approval from your DSO and
USCIS is a serious violation of F-1 visa regulations which could result in deportation. However, all F-
1 students are allowed to work part-time on campus. For all employment-related questions, contact
your DSO.
• Change your status or depart the U.S. in a timely manner. After you complete your program, you will
have 60 days to depart the U.S. However, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training
(OPT), transfer out to another school, or change your immigration status. Speak with your DSO about
these options if you are considering extending your stay in the U.S. Make sure to do this prior to your
program completion date.
• Keep your passport valid. You will need your passport in order to enter the U.S. Your passport should
be valid for at least six months into the future.
Always speak with your DSO BEFORE you do any of the following:
• Drop classes
• Change your major
• Transfer to a new school or take a leave of absence
• Take a break from school
• Travel outside the United States
• Move to a new address
• Request a program extension
Helpful Terms:
• F-1 Visa – the type of visa international students receive to study in the U.S.
• I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility) – document issued by a SEVP-certified school certifying that a
student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial
resources to stay in the United States. The I-20 form allows foreign nationals to apply for an F-1
student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
• USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, part of U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement that handle all matters related to international students and visitors.
• SEVP – Student and Exchange Visitor Program. In order to enroll international students, schools must
be SEVP-certified.
• CPT – Curricular Practical Training – training that is an integral (i.e., required) part of the student’s
curriculum. It must be authorized by the DSO/PDSO.
• OPT – Optional Practical Training – up to 12 months of full-time work authorization in student’s field
of study. Students can apply for this authorization while still studying in their program (pre-
completion) or after they complete their program (post-completion). The application for OPT is made
with USCIS and takes a few months to approve.
• RCL – Reduced Course Load – permission to enroll below the full-time requirement. It must be
authorized by DSO/PDSO in advance.
• DSO – Designated School Official – an employee assisting and overseeing students who are studying
at a U.S. institution on a student visa.
• PDSO – Principal Designated School Official – a DSO with added responsibilities.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 13
For further information on international student admission requirements, please visit: CT State |
Admissions and select the link for the Admissions Office at your home CT State campus.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students
The fundamental responsibility of a public education institution is to foster learning, innovation, and
strong communities to any student willing to put in the work to learn and achieve. CT State admits
students based on a holistic approach and our campuses are open access. CT State does not collect or
retain information on undocumented students' immigration status and does not maintain a list of
undocumented students. Note, however, DACA students requesting institutional financial aid or
scholarship assistance may be required to provide certain information regarding their immigration status.
For more information, please visit: CSCU | Financial Aid | Undocumented Students.
CT State campus police may not inquire about a student's immigration status during the course of their
work, including anyone seeking assistance from the CT State campus police. No student may be detained
solely on the basis of immigration status. This is standard operating procedure for CT State campus police.
CT State Protocol for Engagement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
CT State is strong because of its diversity. Our campuses thrive when people from different races, ages,
religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender expressions, nationalities, physical abilities, and political
perspectives have a forum for sharing their beliefs and ideas while learning together. This is a critical value
of higher education. CT State is committed to social justice, to celebrating our diversity, and fostering a
climate of inclusion and respect for one another. CT State will continue to comply with federal and state
law, and at the same time, will remain focused on what is truly best for students and our community. For
the complete CSCU Position on DACA and Protocol for Engagement with ICE, please click: CSCU | DACA.
RE-ADMIT/RETURNING STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Whether you have decided to return to earn an associate degree, certificate or have decided that you
need to refresh your skills in a chosen profession, we are glad to welcome you back! If you have not
registered for two or more years, excluding summer sessions, you must apply for readmission to CT State
and should contact the Admissions Office prior to the beginning of the semester in which you wish to re-
enter. There is no application fee. The CT State College Catalog in effect at the time of a student’s
readmission to the college, or any subsequent and superseding catalog, will govern that student’s
academic status and graduation requirements. For further information, please refer to the CT State
College Catalog.
Academic Fresh Start
Academic Fresh Start is a one-time opportunity for eligible students who have not attended college for a
period of one or more years (two standard semesters) to have prior grades earned at CT State Community
College, or one of the legacy Connecticut community colleges, excluded from their academic grade point
average (GPA) after re-admission to Connecticut State Community College.
For information on CT State’s Academic Fresh Start Policy, please refer to the CT State College Catalog.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 14
TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Students may transfer to CT State from other colleges for any semester. In addition to following the
procedures for admission into a program, transfer students must submit an official transcript from any
other college(s) and universities attended and must be an accepted or enrolled student with CT State for
the completion of a transcript evaluation. Official transcript(s) must be sent by mail or electronically from
your previous college(s) to the CT State Admissions Office. Student copies of transcripts/unofficial
transcripts will not be accepted for the purposes of official evaluations. Official transcripts are accepted
through e-transcript services such as Parchment, CollegeBoard, and the National Student Clearinghouse,
or electronically to [email protected] and by postal mail. Transfer grades are not included
in CT State’s calculation of grade point average (GPA). For further information on Transfer Admissions,
please contact CTState-TranscriptE[email protected]. To view CT State’s transfer credit policy, please refer to
the CT State College Catalog.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 15
NAVIGATING CT STATE: QUICK REFERENCE SHEET
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING
CONSULT
Academic Programs
Guided Pathways Advisor
Department/Division Chairperson
Program Coordinator
Adding/Dropping Courses
One Stop Enrollment Services Center
Financial Aid
Guided Pathways Advisor
Books and Supplies
Bookstore
Campus News and Information
Campus Bulletin Boards/Campus Video Monitors
(where available)
Campus/CT State Websites and Social Media
Career Planning
Career Services Office
Guided Pathways Advisor
Faculty Advisor
Change of Major
Department Chairperson
Guided Pathways Advisor
One Stop Enrollment Services Center
Change Personal Information (e.g.,
name or address)
One Stop Enrollment Services Center
Clear Student News Releases for
Publication or Post Bulletins (campus
dependent)
Associate Dean of Student Development or their
designee OR Dean of Students/Dean of Students and
Faculty or their designee
Collegiate Education for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing Program @
Northwestern
(860) 738-6382 (voice/tty)
(860) 469-3138 (voice/videophone)
CEDHH Program
Disability Disclosure
Disability Services Coordinator
Discrimination
John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, Ph.D., MSW
CT State VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
(860) 612-7056, jch[email protected]
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
Find a Part-Time Job
Career Services Office
Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty
Associate Dean of Student Development
Gender Equity Center @ Gateway
(203) 285-2480, Room N111
Email: gw-wellness@gatewayct.edu
Gender Equity Center
ID Cards
Please visit your home campus website for further
information on how to obtain a student ID Card at that
location.
Intercollegiate Team Sports @ Gateway
gatewayct.edu/student-life/athletics
International Students/F-1 Visa/I-20
Form
International Student Admissions:
CTState-InternationalAd[email protected]
Loans
Financial Aid Office
Lockers
Please visit your home campus website to determine if
lockers are available at that location.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 16
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING
CONSULT
Lost and Found
Please visit the campus information desk or public
safety office to determine where found items are held
at that location.
Make Photocopies
Computer Centers/Labs
Library
Men’s Center @ Housatonic
Beacon Hall, Room 325
Men's Center @ Housatonic
Mental Health Counseling
Please visit campus Mental Health and Wellness
webpages for on- and off-campus resources, including
TimelyCare.
Obtain Parking Permit (where required)
Please visit your home campus website for further
information regarding the need for any parking permits
at that location.
Registration
One Stop Enrollment Services Center
Religious Accommodations
John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, Ph.D., MSW
CT State VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
(860) 612-7056, jchaisson-cardenas@commnet.edu
Scholarships
Financial Aid Office
Office of Institutional Advancement/College Foundation
See a Faculty Member
Faculty Office (during posted hours or by appointment)
Student Clubs
Director of Student Activities
Office of Student Activities
Student Government
Director of Student Activities
Office of Student Activities
Study and Research
Library Staff
Talk over Academic Problems
Faculty
Guided Pathways Advisor
Wellness Counselor
Talk over Personal Problems
Wellness Counselor
Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty
Associate Dean of Student Development
Title IX
John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, Ph.D., MSW
CT State VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
(860) 612-7056, jchaisson-cardenas@commnet.edu
Transcripts
One Stop Enrollment Services Center
Transfer
Guided Pathways Advisor
Faculty Advisor
Tutoring
Tutoring and Academic Support Center
Veterans Affairs
Veterans Coordinator or Office of Veterans Services
Women’s Center @ Housatonic
Beacon Hall, Room 371
(203) 332-5268, Women's Center
Women’s Leadership Institute
COMING SOON
Work Study
Financial Aid
Withdrawal from College
Guided Pathways Advisor
Wellness Counselor
One Stop Enrollment Services Center
Financial Aid
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 17
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
All accepted, degree seeking students are strongly encouraged to complete CT State’s New Student
Online Orientation and attend an in-person Orientation at their home CT State campus. The purpose of
New Student Orientation is to prepare students to successfully transition to college. The orientation
provides students with the tools to become academically and socially successful at CT State. Students will
participate in workshops, orientation resource fair, campus tours, and meet faculty and staff of the
college.
Orientation & Onboarding workshop sessions can include:
• Navigating the college/campus website
• Student Support Services/campus resources
• Available resources (e.g., getting student IDs, U-PASS cards, and access to computer loans)
• Degree and certificate programs offered
• Tools and technology
• Important college terminology
• Identifying faculty advisors; importance of creating a working relationship with them
• Identifying campus resources and departments (e.g., advising, career services, counseling, tutorial
services, media services, campus foundation, and financial aid)
• Student Code of Conduct (e.g., anti-discrimination, anti-harassment)
• Campus life
• Paying for college
• Academic advising support
• Classroom expectations
• Campus safety
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 18
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Academic advising assists students in establishing and achieving their academic, career, and transfer goals.
CT State students have access to both trained professional advisors (Guided Pathways Advisors), as well
as faculty experts (faculty advisors). Students should meet with an advisor at least once per semester and
more often as needed.
Advising appointments are available in-person and virtually. If students have questions or need assistance
identifying or connecting with their Guided Pathways Advisor or faculty advisor, please follow the link
below to connect with your campus advising office.
CT STATE – GUIDED PATHWAYS ADVISING LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Faculty Advising
All full-time faculty engage in academic advising and provide advising to students within their specific
program(s) or discipline. Faculty are the foremost experts on their specific discipline or program and play
an integral part in the student’s academic, career, and transfer planning. Students should connect with
their assigned faculty advisor to discuss program options and details about the structure, outcomes, and
specifics of the degree or certificate program.
Guided Pathways Advising
Mission Statement
All community college students, from initial registration to completion, are supported by Guided Pathways
Advisors to establish academic and career goals, receive proactive and individualized academic and
holistic supports that result in the timely and equitable completion of credentials that lead to
employment, transfer, and family sustainable wages.
Vision
Guided Pathways Advising is a dynamic, student-centered, holistic approach grounded in student
development and learning. Guided Pathways Advisors align advising practices with the diverse and unique
needs of each individual student in their caseload. Guided Pathways Advisors advise, advocate, mentor,
support, and coach their caseload to reach their individual goals.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 19
Guiding Principles
• Students receive deliberate and personalized support necessary to contribute to their success.
• Faculty advising is central to the Guided Pathways Advising model.
• Guided Pathways Advising is grounded in institutional collaboration.
• Commitment to bold and disruptive change through the advancement of equitable advising practices.
• Guided Pathways Advisors pledge to empower students and staff to advance racial, social, and
economic justice while identifying and responding to student barriers.
• Evidence-based research informs advising practice.
• Data is collected, disaggregated, analyzed, and reported in a transparent manner.
• Student voices are amplified by honoring lived experiences and by highlighting their unique assets to
develop meaningful advising relationships.
• Ongoing professional learning and individual staff development is fundamental to the model.
PLEASE NOTE: CT State Workforce Development and Continuing Education non-credit students are not
currently assigned to a Guided Pathways Advisor. Questions or concerns should be directed to your home
campus Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. Please see the Workforce
Development and Continuing Education section of this Handbook for contact information.
To schedule an appointment with a Guided Pathways Advisor, students may also contact or visit the
advising office at their home campus location.
CT STATE – GUIDED PATHWAYS ADVISOR CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION
Asnuntuck
Capital
Gateway
Housatonic
Manchester
Middlesex
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 20
CT STATE – GUIDED PATHWAYS ADVISOR CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION
Naugatuck Valley
Kinney Hall, Room K520 (Liberal Arts & Behavioral Science)
Elkstrom Hall, Room E500 (Business & STEM)
Founders Hall, Room F217-234 (Health Careers & Nursing)
Danbury Campus, 2
nd
Floor (All programs)
Phone: (203) 575-8025
Northwestern
Green Woods Hall (GW), Room 208
Phone: (860) 738-6328
rturner@nwcc.commnet.edu
Norwalk
Quinebaug Valley
Student Success Center, Room C129 (Danielson)
Coming to Willimantic in Fall 2023
Phone: (860) 932-4008 (Danielson)
Phone: (860) 230-6129 (Willimantic)
Advising@qvcc.edu
Three Rivers
A Wing, Room A110
Phone: (860) 215-9017
Advising@trcc.commnet.edu
Tunxis
Degree Works
Degree Works is an advising tool that allows students to view their program requirements and to monitor
their progress toward graduation. It also shows them who their advisor is, their home campus selection,
Academic Standing, and their chosen degree and/or certificate program(s).
“What If” Audits
A student can run a “What If” degree audit using Degree Works. If a student is considering changing their
major or adding a second program of study (degree or certificate), this can be a very useful tool. With this
tool, a student will be able to see how their completed courses would apply toward another program.
PLEASE NOTE: Using the “What If” in Degree Works does not officially change a program of study –
students will need to fill out a program change form in myCTState/Student Self-Service.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 21
The Student Educational Planner (SEP) is a Degree Works tool that a student and their advisor can use to
plan out a course schedule for a number of semesters in the future. The goal is to enable students to make
informed decisions about their coursework, the sequence of classes for their major, and provide a clear
path toward graduation.
To access Degree Works:
1. Log in to myCTState, the Student Self-Service card and select Degree Works.
2. Type in your student Banner ID# and hit enter.
Not sure who your faculty advisor is? Log in to myCTState, your guided Pathways Advisor will be listed
on the Advisors card or through the Access Your Student Profile link on the Student Self-Service card.
Click on the advisor’s name for contact information. Use the Faculty/Staff directory on your home
campus website to find office hours, locations, phone numbers and/or email addresses.
Placement/Assessment
In its commitment to an open-door admissions policy, CT State welcomes students with different levels
of academic preparation. The college believes that proper preparation and course selection is key to
academic success.
All students should engage with academic advising prior to registering for courses. Advisors will meet with
students to review placement options and make course recommendations based on multiple measures.
Currently, high school grade point average (GPA) is used as a primary measure to place students in English
and Mathematics. However, students are encouraged through the admissions process to submit SAT
scores, ACT scores, high school or college transcripts, AP credit, CLEP credit, or other measures that can
be used to assess placement. Students entering English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
programming will engage in a placement process as determined by the ESOL programs.
Placement Waivers
Students who have an associate degree or higher are exempt from having to provide high school grade
point average (GPA) upon presentation of appropriate documentation (i.e., transcripts or degree showing
they have met the specified prerequisite).
Students who cannot produce a high school GPA, nor produce a self-reported GPA, should contact a
Guided Pathways advisor or their home campus Admissions Office to discuss further options for
placement assessment.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 22
TUITION AND FEES
Business Office
The campus Business Offices handle all tuition/fee payment transactions for students. It will help you
better understand the finances of your education and assist with payments, refunds, payment plans,
waivers, and other billing transactions. Please refer to your home campus website for Business Office
hours specific to your campus location.
Current Tuition and Fee Schedules
For information on CT State tuition and fees, please refer to the CT State College Catalog or visit CSCU |
Investing in a CT State Education. Tuition and fees for non-credit courses are noted per class.
Delinquent Accounts
No student shall be enrolled, graduated, or granted a transcript until all previous charges, fines, or other
assessments have been paid.
Emergency Aid
In an effort to ensure student success, CT State offers emergency assistance to students for unforeseen
financial hardships. For further information, please select the link below for your home campus.
CT STATE – EMERGENCY AID CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
FINANCIAL AID
CT State’s campus Financial Aid Offices strive to help every student minimize financial barriers to earning
a college education. The college encourages all students to apply for financial aid using the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online (www.fafsa.gov). Campus Financial Aid Office
personnel are available to assist students in all phases of the financial aid process and to answer any
questions pertaining to financial aid, as well as work-study. Please visit CT State’s online CT State |
Financial Aid Guide for more detailed information.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 23
Students are expected to initiate the financial aid process in a timely manner. It is your responsibility to
complete your application on time, check the status of your application, ensure all requirements are met,
and ASK FOR ASSISTANCE if needed. Late applications will be awarded on a fund-available basis. The
FAFSA is available on October 1
st
each year. Filing the FAFSA as early as possible every year may result
in a larger aid award.
Who should apply for financial aid?
Whether or not you think you qualify, you should apply. All awards provided by the Financial Aid Office
require a FAFSA to be completed. Outside scholarships may also require you to apply for federal financial
aid first by completing a FAFSA.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
• Be a US Citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Have a valid high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
How to Apply
To apply for ALL financial aid, you must file your FAFSA every year at www.fafsa.gov. Workshops to assist
you in completing the FAFSA are offered throughout the year and schedules are posted on CT State
campus websites in both English and Spanish.
What if I am ineligible to complete the FAFSA?
If you are an undocumented student or a student within the DACA program, you may be eligible to
complete the Aid Application for CT Undocumented Students (AACTUS). This separate application
provides access to institutional financial aid grants for those who cannot complete the FAFSA. The AACTUS
must be completed annually and is available at CSCU | Financial Aid | Undocumented Students.
Eligible Programs
Federal regulations stipulate that students may only receive financial aid for courses that count toward
an eligible degree or certificate program. To comply with this requirement, CT State must track the courses
that a student is registered for that count toward their degree or certificate program. Courses identified
as not meeting program requirements will not be included in the calculation of financial aid eligibility and
may result in a bill owed to the college. Prerequisite courses will be covered.
If it is determined that any coursework you are registered for falls outside of your program of study, your
financial aid award (if applicable) will be impacted. For questions about taking coursework outside of your
program of study, students are encouraged to meet with their Guided Pathways Advisors and faculty
advisors.
Types of Financial Aid Available
CT State provides a variety of financial aid programs in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and jobs to
eligible students. The amount and type of aid received is dependent upon the student’s financial need as well
as annual federal, state, and institutional allocations.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 24
Scholarships
Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for their college costs.
This is typically money that does not have to be repaid, and is awarded based on academic merit, talent,
or a particular area of study.
CT State Foundation Scholarships
CT State Foundation scholarships are available for currently enrolled students. For further information,
please select the link below for your home campus.
CT STATE – FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Grants
Grants are financial aid dollars that do not have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from
school and owe a refund). A variety of grants are available and are awarded based on need.
Work-Study Jobs
The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn a real wage by working part-time. You will earn at
least the current minimum wage provided by the State of Connecticut, with the possibility of a higher
wage depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the job.
Loans
Loans are funds that you borrow and must pay back with interest.
Tuition Waivers
Waivers of tuition may apply to eligible Veterans and students over the age of 62.
Federal Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grants
Awarded to eligible undergraduate students who
display financial need and have not earned a
bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grants (FSEOG)
Awarded to eligible undergraduate students who
demonstrate exceptional financial need.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 25
Federal Financial Aid
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
Awarded to eligible students whose parent/
guardian was a member of the US Armed Forces
and died as a result of military service performed
in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
Loans made to eligible undergraduate students
based on financial need. The government will pay
all interest on this loan while you are in school.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Loans made to eligible students, not based on
financial need. You are responsible for all accrued
interest.
Federal PLUS Loans
Credit-based loans made to parents of
undergraduate students.
State Financial Aid
Roberta B. Willis – Need-Based Grant
Awarded to eligible CT residents based on
financial need and other criteria from the CT
Office of Higher Education.
Roberta B. Willis – Need-Merit Grant
Awarded to eligible CT residents based on
financial need, academic merit, and other criteria
from the CT Office of Higher Education.
Pledge to Advance CT (PACT)
CT State | Learn About PACT
Awarded to eligible students to cover the gap
between federal and state grants and community
college tuition and fees.
Institutional Financial Aid
CT State Grant
Awarded to students based on financial need
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To maintain your financial aid eligibility, it is important to maintain satisfactory academic progress. In
general, this means a student must be in good academic standing and successfully complete the
designated pace percentage (earned credits/attempted credits) according to their program of study. For
more information,
visit CT State’s online
CT State | Financial Aid Guide. Please also refer to the CT State
College Catalog.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 26
➢ If you are denied financial aid for failure to make satisfactory academic progress, you have 30 days
from the date of being notified of the Financial Aid Office’s decision in which to submit your appeal
form. If you do not submit your appeal during this time, your appeal may not be considered.
➢ Appeal forms are available at your CT State home campus Financial Aid Office or HERE.
Funding Options for Non-Credit Students
Please contact the CT State Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) or visit
your home campus WDCE website for further information on funding options available to non-credit
students. Please see the Workforce Development and Continuing Education section of this Handbook
for contact information.
REFUNDS OF TUITION AND FEES
All students should familiarize themselves with the deadlines established by CT State for adding, dropping,
and withdrawing from courses. Please refer to the Academic Calendar to identify these dates each
semester. Different deadlines may apply to accelerated courses spanning less than the traditional 15-
week term (e.g., late start, first half or second half courses). Please be sure to review the Academic
Calendar to find the deadline(s) that corresponds to your unique course schedule.
If you need more information on the course refund process, please contact the One Stop Enrollment
Services Center on your home campus. Questions regarding late withdrawals should be directed to your
home campus Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty or their designee.
➢ Please see CT State’s Academic Calendar for all Add/Drop and Withdrawal Deadlines.
Policy on Refund and Course Withdrawals
EDITORIAL NOTE: The following excerpted Board of Regents (BOR) policy is currently under review by CT State. Minor editorial
revisions to original text, made for purposes of Handbook clarity, are noted in bold italics.
Refunds for Full-Term Courses
Students may drop courses through the “Last Day to Drop a Class” on your CT State Academic Calendar;
courses dropped during this period will not appear on your transcript. Courses can be added up to calendar
day seven of a full, 15-week term.
No course withdrawals will be accepted once 80% of the semester has passed. For a typical 15-week term,
80% of the term is considered the last day of the twelfth week of the term. A student may appeal the course
withdrawal deadline due to mitigating circumstances.
• Prior to the start of the term through calendar day seven of the term: 100% of tuition and fees will be
refunded.
• Between the calendar day eight and census (20% of the term): 100% of tuition and fees will be
refunded. For students that drop a course during this period, a “Late Drop Fee” will be assessed at
$50 per course.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 27
• After census and until 80% of the term: drops are considered a course withdrawal and will be noted
as a “W” on the transcript. No tuition or fees will be refunded.
Refunds for Abbreviated Terms
(Summer, Winter, Late Start or Other Variable Terms)
Students may drop a course through the first 20% of an abbreviated term length; courses dropped during
this period would not appear on a transcript. Courses can only be added up to the first 10% of the
abbreviated term length, but not to exceed seven calendar days.
No course withdrawals will be accepted once 80% of the abbreviated term has passed. For abbreviated
terms, 80% is considered the last day of the business week of that period. A student may appeal the course
withdrawal deadline due to mitigating circumstances.
• Prior to the start of the term through 10% of the term length: 100% of tuition and fees will be refunded.
• Between 10% of the term length and 20% of the term length: 100% of tuition and fees will be
refunded. For students that drop a course during this period, a “Late Drop Fee” will be assessed at
$50 per course.
• After 20% of the term length through 80% of the term: drops are considered a course withdrawal and
will be noted as a “W” on the transcript. No tuition or fees will be refunded.
Refunds of Title IV and Other Financial Assistance
This policy excludes the effect of the Return of Title IV Aid calculation for student aid recipients.
The Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for Title
IV grant or loan recipients who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence prior to
completing 60% of a payment period or period of enrollment unless otherwise noted by the US
Department of Education. This includes “unofficial withdrawals,” which are defined as students who stop
attending their classes but do not follow college policy and officially withdraw from class(es). Federal law
requires that the student’s federal aid eligibility be recalculated in these situations and Title IV aid not
earned by the student be returned to the US Department of Education.
It is recommended that students receiving financial assistance should consult with the Financial Aid Office
prior to withdrawal in order to determine the financial impact that the Return of Title IV funds calculation
will have.
Funds not earned by the student are required to be returned to the appropriate federal program in the
following order:
1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans
3. Federal Direct PLUS received on behalf of the student
4. Federal Pell Grants
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
6. Other grant or loan assistance authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act
Although not required under federal regulation at the time of this policy, after federal return obligations
are satisfied, any remaining funding shall then be returned to the following programs at the discretion of
the policy associated with that funding source:
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 28
7. Other State, Institutional, or Private financial assistance
8. Student
Refunds to Veterans
Students entering the armed services; being relocated by the military; or deployed, before earning degree
credit will have 100% of term charges cancelled upon submitting notice in writing and a certified copy of
enlistment papers.
Appeal for Refunds of Tuition and Fees
Common policies and procedures will be implemented across CT State to ensure that students are treated
equitably across each of the campuses. This process will include the following: a single Refund Appeals
Form for use at each campus, a common procedure for forming a committee to review appeals, common
criteria for consideration in the review process, a common timeframe for students to submit appeals, and
a common policy for retaining documentation when the appeal is received.
Appeals must fall under one of the following categories to be considered: military relocation or
deployment, documented medical emergency, documented personal emergency, or incorrect advisement
for the program of study. No appeals will be considered or accepted once the term for which they appeal
is being made has finished. No appeals will be considered for a course in which the student is currently
registered or has already earned a grade. Please contact the One Stop Enrollment Services Center on
your campus if you need more information on the refund appeal process.
Additional Fees
Time Due
CT State Refund
Late Drop Fee
Due upon time of assessment. The fee
will be assessed at $50 per course.
Non-refundable.
Supplemental Course
Levels 1 & 2
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Clinical Fees/Allied
Health Fees
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Nursing Media Fee
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Nursing Program – Learning
Support & Assessment
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Manufacturing Fee
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
College Services & Student
Activity Fee
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Transportation Fee
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Materials Fee
Due date established by college.
Same as tuition.
Replacement ID Fee
Due date established by college.
Non-refundable.
Academic Evaluation Fee
Due date established by college.
Non-refundable.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 29
Additional Fees
Time Due
CT State Refund
Portfolio Fee
Due date established by college.
Non-refundable.
Refund Policy – Non-Credit Programs
A full refund for non-credit programs will only be considered when a student drops a class 24 hours prior
to the first scheduled meeting of a refund-eligible course. You may submit your written refund request to
the CT State Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at your home campus in person,
by mail, e-mail, or fax.
Students need to provide the following information: full name, address, date of birth, student
identification number or social security number, and course reference number (CRN). In addition, we
require a brief explanation for your withdrawal.
Verbal withdrawals for noncredit programs are processed through the CT State Office of Workforce
Development and Continuing Education by phone or in person.
Refunds are mailed directly to you approximately two to four weeks from the processing date. No refunds
or credit towards another program will be considered after the first class has begun. Please see the
Workforce Development and Continuing Education section of this Handbook for contact information.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 30
REGISTERING FOR CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES
Credit students can register online through myCTState. Should you need personal assistance, please feel
free to contact your home campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center.
PLEASE NOTE: CT State Workforce Development and Continuing Education non-credit students are not
currently assigned to a Guided Pathway Advisor and may not have access to online registration and
payment. Registration questions or concerns regarding non-credit courses should be directed to your home
campus CT State Office of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. Please see the Workforce
Development and Continuing Education section of this Handbook for contact information.
Registration Steps for Currently Enrolled Credit Students
1. Know your assigned Guided Pathways Advisor
Log in to myCTState. Your Guided Pathways Advisor will be listed on the Advisors card or through the
Access Your Student Profile link on the Student Self-Service card. Click on the advisor’s name for
contact information.
2. Meet with your assigned advisor
Students should meet with their Guided Pathways Advisor to discuss their academic goals and plans
for the upcoming semester. Students will find out what courses are required for their academic goals
or degree and start their Plan of Study form. Your advisor will recommend courses for you to take
next semester, and you should make note of the course(s) for which you intend to register. In your
first semester at your campus, you will have an advising hold preventing online registration. Your
advisor will release this hold after your advising session.
3. Review the course schedule
The course schedule can be found at myCTState or on your campus website.
4. Financial Aid
If you have applied for financial aid, check your status by clicking myFinancialAid on the Financial Aid
card. If your award offer is complete, proceed to register online. If not, visit, call, or email your home
campus Financial Aid Office.
5. Register
Registration can be processed within your online portal. Students who have been issued a NetID and
password should log in to myCTState, navigate to the Student Self-Service card, and click on the Access
Registration Dashboard link. Click the Register for Classes link, selecting the term that you would like
to register for. The Find Classes tab will allow you to search all courses, with their CRN numbers, for
the current registration term. Once you find the course you want to register for, click the Add button
on the far right of the course row. Continue this process until you have selected all the courses you
want to register for. Click the Submit button at the bottom of the screen to finalize course registration.
If you know the specific Course Registration Numbers (CRNs), you may enter that instead. Select the
Enter CRNs tab, enter the CRN numbers for all the courses you’ve selected (Student Self-Service card,
Browse Classes link), click the Add to Summary button then click the Submit button to finalize course
registration. Alternatively, registration can be completed in person at your home campus One Stop
Enrollment Services Center with a Registration Form. (See also CT State | Register for Classes.)
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 31
If you have difficulty with online registration, feel contact your One Stop Enrollment Services Center
for assistance.
6. Provide payment
Payment can be made online at the time of registration or in person at your home campus Business
Office. Be sure to retain a confirmation receipt of your payment for your records.
➢ Remember, the earlier you register, the better class schedule you’ll have.
Cross-Registration Privilege
A cross-registration privilege exists for students who register for fall or spring credit courses at multiple
colleges within the Connecticut state system of higher education. A student who has proof of payment
for the maximum full-time tuition at their home institution is exempt from further charges at a state
university, the University of Connecticut, or CT State. A student who has paid the tuition and fees of a
part-time student at their home institution and registers for additional courses at another college shall
not exceed the amount charged for a full-time student if the student's combined registration at both
institutions would classify them as a full-time student. This exchange privilege is offered on a space-
available basis only to degree or certificate-seeking students. Changes to registration may result in
changes to your cross-registration privilege.
CT State students can register any time during in-person registration. Students who are not CT State
students need to wait until the first day of classes to apply for this privilege. All students interested in this
special cross-registration plan should contact the CT State One Stop Enrollment Services Center at their
home campus location. You will need to give a copy of your higher education institution’s paid bill to your
CT State home campus Business Office for processing. If you are a financial aid recipient and you are
attending another higher education institution at the same time, please see your home campus Financial
Aid Office.
ADDING/DROPPING A COURSE
Students looking to add/drop CT State courses should do so online; forms are also available (as needed)
at your home campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center.
➢ Refer to CT State’s Academic Calendar for add/drop deadlines.
➢ Changes that increase or decrease the total number of credits in which a student is enrolled will
affect billing and financial aid.
Before dropping a course, students should:
• Carefully review Financial Aid and Tuition and Fees policies as outlined in this Student Handbook.
• Meet with a Financial Aid counselor to determine any impact on financial aid eligibility.
Registration changes may be made:
• Online at my.CTState.edu in Banner Student Self-Service.
• By emailing the appropriate form to the One Stop Enrollment Services Center. Emailed forms will only
be accepted if sent from the student’s college email address.
• In person (with completed form) at the One Stop Enrollment Services Center.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 32
To view CT State’s Policy on Refund and Course Withdrawals, please see the Refunds of Tuition and Fees
section of this Handbook or click: BOR | Policy 3.7.
WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE OR CT STATE
Students who wish to withdraw from their CT State coursework may do so. Course withdrawals are
reflected by a “W” notation on the transcript. Withdrawal forms must be submitted to the One Stop
Enrollment Services Center by given deadlines noted in the Academic Calendar. The form may be
submitted online or obtained at the One Stop Enrollment Services Center. Prior to withdrawing from a
course, the student must meet with one of the following: course instructor, faculty advisor, or Guided
Pathways advisor. Course withdrawals may affect financial aid and veteran’s benefits. Students are
encouraged to meet with their Financial Aid Specialist or Veterans Certifying Official (if applicable) prior
to withdrawal.
Withdrawal from CT State
Students who are contemplating withdrawing from ALL courses, are required to consult with either the
course instructor, faculty advisor, or a Guided Pathways Advisor. It is also recommended that students
receiving financial assistance consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawal. Withdrawal forms
are available in the One Stop Enrollment Service Center or for download online. A Guided Pathways Advisor
will sign the withdrawal form after meeting with the student. Deciding not to attend class(es) does not
constitute an official withdrawal and may result in a failing grade and/or financial obligation to CT State.
Medical Withdrawals and Refunds
Students seeking medical withdrawals and/or refunds for medical reasons must submit documentation
from a medical provider along with their withdrawal form to the campus Dean of Students/Dean of
Students and Faculty/Associate Dean of Student Development. The documentation presented must be
from a medical provider stating the dates and recommendations. Please do not provide any actual
medical records to the Dean/Associate Dean. These requests must be received during the semester for
which the request is being made and decisions are at the discretion of the Dean/Associate Dean.
➢ Please refer to the CT State’s Academic Calendar to identify the withdrawal period.
To view CT State’s Policy on Refund and Course Withdrawals, please see the Refunds of Tuition and Fees
section of this Handbook or click: BOR | Policy 3.7.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 33
TIPS FOR SCHEDULING CLASSES
HOW
MANY
CLASSES
SHOULD
I TAKE?
The number of classes you choose to register for should reflect the amount of time you have to commit to
the class expectations.
In general:
CONSIDER:
➤ How many hours a week do you work?
➤ Do you have children or other family members to take care of?
➤ Do you have church or volunteer commitments either on or off campus?
➤ Do you have health problems or other issues that may interfere with your concentration?
If YES to any of these, you should avoid a full-time load to avoid setting yourself up for failure and risk
losing financial aid or getting placed on probation or suspended. Take 1-3 classes instead.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY CLASSES?
Think about your work and bus schedule. How long do you have to get to or from? It is not appropriate to
come to class late or leave early even if it is for work or to catch the bus.
Think about when you learn best. Are you a morning person or do you start “waking up” and being able
to concentrate in the afternoon?
WHEN SHOULD I BE SCHEDULING CLASSES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AND DAY?
Make sure your workload has balance. If you have 1 or 2 harder classes (subjects you do not enjoy or
courses with heavier workload or labs), be sure to balance it out with 1 or 2 classes that you would consider
easier.
Make sure your schedule has balance. Most classes meet twice a week for 1½ hours or once a week for
3 hours. Consider spreading your schedule out throughout the week to give you a balanced timeframe to
study. For example, you can take 2 classes on a Monday & Wednesday (MW) schedule and 2 on a Tuesday
& Thursday (TR) schedule so you can study for your MW classes on Sunday and Tuesday and your TR
classes on MW.
Consider your concentration level. Do you have a difficult time staying focused for more than 2 hours at
a time? If so, you should schedule classes with a break in between to give you time to study, re-energize,
or grab a bite to eat. Other students may prefer to have classes back-to-back to feel they have
accomplished their day early and allow them to do other things.
Consider your motivation level. If you schedule classes too far apart, you may be tempted to go home or
leave campus and not come back!
1 hour in class = 2-3 hours of coursework, reading, studying, projects, etc.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 34
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Having a Guided Pathways Advisor (plus a faculty advisor) is a great resource to help you. You can make
the most of your relationship with your advisor by considering a few tips:
Contact your advisor throughout the year, not just at course enrollment times. Let your advisor know if
something particularly interesting or exciting has happened in your life, or if you have questions or
concerns your advisor may be able to help with. Let your advisor know what you do outside of your classes
— advisors receive grade reports, but they have no way to learn about any other aspect of who you are
unless you share that with them.
Ask your advisor what the best way is to contact them. Many faculty members check their e-mail several
times a day; others prefer a phone call, an appointment, or for you to drop in.
For meetings, ask your advisor if they designate certain office hours each week for drop-in visits, use an
open-door policy, or prefer that you call ahead to make an appointment. Ask how far in advance you
should call to set up an appointment.
Always come prepared to meetings with your advisor. If the agenda includes discussing course enrollment
for the next semester, bring a completed copy of your program curriculum requirements worksheet
indicating which requirements you have already met, and bring a tentative plan for courses for the next
semester. It is okay to include a list of several courses that you’re thinking of selecting from; you and your
advisor can pare down the list together.
The 2- or 4-year plan. With your advisor, plan with the “whole picture” in mind — consider how courses
and activities (e.g., internships, travel abroad) might line up over your entire time at CT State and/or
transfer plans, not just one semester at a time. Some courses are offered in alternate semesters; some
programs have specific application deadlines. To help ensure you minimize any unforeseen problems you
could encounter, plan ahead with your advisor.
Submit forms and applications well ahead of the due date. Do not leave things until the last minute and
risk losing out on great opportunities.
Use your advisor’s knowledge about the professions linked to your major to help you think more about
your career options. Do not limit your advising meetings to talking about course enrollment. Share your
career aspirations with your advisor and ask for suggestions. CT State Career Services Offices can provide
career counseling to students who are not sure about their career paths.
YOUR GUIDED PATHWAYS AND FACULTY ADVISORS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU —
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE RESOURCES!
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 35
STUDENT RECORDS
Office of Enrollment & Retention Services
The CT State Office of Enrollment & Retention Services is responsible for the maintenance and security of
all current and former student records. The Office of Enrollment & Retention Services also handles
transcript requests, degree evaluations, enrollment verifications, graduation eligibility evaluations, and
more. Your home campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center will be able to assist you with a variety of
enrollment needs.
CT STATE – ENROLLMENT SERVICES CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Change of Personal Information
A student may update their personal information (address, phone number, preferred name, etc.) online or
at their home campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center (see above links). While legal name changes
require supporting legal documentation (i.e., marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), we can
accommodate the use of students’ preferred names and preferred pronouns; your home campus One
Stop Enrollment Services Center will be able to assist you. Students are encouraged to keep their personal
information current.
For further information, please review CSCU’s Use of a Preferred First Name and Execution of Changes to
Legal Name by Students Policy (Click Here).
Privacy of Student Education Records: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Notice and Directory information Policy
The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect
to their education records. Broadly, these are:
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day CT State
receives a request for access.
• The right to request amendment of an education record that the student believes is inaccurate.
• The right to provide written consent before CT State discloses personally identifiable information (PII)
from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without
consent.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 36
• The right to opt-out of CT State releasing Directory Information*, except in certain circumstances. This
can be done by completing a “Request for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information” form (available
online and in your campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center).
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by CT
State to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
* A subset of student information, called “Directory Information,” is designated by the Board of
Regents as permissible to release under specific circumstances as described in the full text of the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Notice and Directory information Policy. Please
also see the CT State College Catalog (CT State | FERPA).
Authenticating Identity
At CT State, we take our responsibility for protecting student data very seriously. To comply with FERPA,
and before disclosing non-directory (confidential student education records) information to a student,
parent or legal guardian, or an authorized representative over the phone, in person, or via email, we must
first take reasonable steps to verify the requesting individual’s identity and that such individual is
authorized to receive the information about a student’s education record.
We verify identity as follows:
In Person Verification
Before releasing or discussing confidential student records, we will verify the student’s or other requesting
individual’s identity with an acceptable form of photo identification. Examples of acceptable photo
identification include:
• College-issued photo ID
• Official high school-produced student ID card from the school currently attending
• Government-issued driver’s license or non-driver identification card
• Government-issued photo work badges
• Government-issued passport
• Government-issued military or national identification card
If a student or other requesting individual is unable to provide an acceptable form of photo identification,
we will ask a series of alternative questions to authenticate identity.
Over the Phone Verification
We will not use a student’s social security number and/or date of birth to verify identity. Instead, we will
ask students a series of questions that are compliant with both FERPA and the Board of Regent Directory
Information Policy. Students who are unable to answer these questions will be asked to visit the One Stop
Enrollment Services Center to present a valid form of photo identification.
Email Verification
We will only communicate with students through their CT State email accounts. Should you email our
office using another email platform, please be aware that we will only provide a response to your query
through your CT State student email account.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 37
Release of Information to a Third Party
Students may, at their discretion, grant CT State Community College permission to release information
about their student records to a third party by completing a “Student Information Release Authorization”
form (available online and in your campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center). A separate form must
be completed for each third party to whom access is granted. The specified information will be made
available only if requested by the authorized third party. Please note, CT State will not release information
to an authorized third party over the phone. The authorization form has no expiration date; however, this
authorization may be revoked at any time by completing a “Revocation of Student Information Release
Authorization” form (also available online and in your campus One Stop Enrollment Services Center).
Transcripts and Grade Reports
Official transcripts are currently provided free of charge, but students must meet all financial obligations
to CT State before they will be issued. Current and former students can request official transcripts in
electronic format (e-Transcripts) to be sent to other educational institutions, potential employers, or any
other appropriate entity.
Official transcripts may be requested electronically via Parchment, Inc. or with a paper Transcript Request
Form, if needed. Electronic requests are processed within 24 hours of receipt of the request. Paper
transcripts are processed within seven to ten business days.
PLEASE NOTE: Transcripts issued to students are classified as “unofficial.”
On-Line Transcripts Requests (Preferred Method with Faster Processing)
•
Current Students (enrolled in CT State beginning in Fall 2023) can begin ordering transcripts on
myCTState after the first seven-week term is completed in Fall 2023; prior to this students should
continue to order their legacy transcripts through their myCommNet account. Starting mid-
September 2023, students who have been issued a NetID and password should log in to myCTState,
navigate to the Transfer Credit Evaluation card, and click on the Parchment link. Once on the
Parchment website, follow the instructions on the website’s homepage to order an official transcript.
If you do not remember your NetID or password, please use the online self-help tools to obtain your
NetID or reset your NetID password. On the myCTState login page, click on the can’t access your
account link and follow the directions. Students also have the option to view their unofficial transcript.
Log in to myCTState, navigate to the Student Self-Service card, click on the Access Your Student Profile
link, then click Academic Transcript, select the Transcript Level and Transcript Type.
•
Former Students (never enrolled in CT State, but who were enrolled at one of the 12 legacy campuses):
Students who have not enrolled in CT State, please visit Parchment, Inc. to submit an official transcript
request. Please ensure that your last name, first name, date of birth, and last four digits of your SSN
are entered correctly so that your request can be processed in a timely manner.
Paper Transcripts (Secondary Method)
Please contact the One Stop Enrollment Services Center on your home campus to complete a Transcript
Request Form. Please expect about seven to ten business days for processing once your request has been
submitted.
Grade Reports
Current students may access their grades at my.CTState.edu approximately one week after the semester
exam period. Students may be given mid-semester grades at the discretion of their instructor. Mid-semester
grades are not entered on the permanent record.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 38
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
CARE TEAMS
TOGETHER WE CARE
CT State works to create a community of care to support students to reach their academic goals. One
integral component of the community of care are the campus CARE Teams. The CARE Team is a
multidisciplinary team of campus partners who work collaboratively to support students’ needs and keep
the campus community safe. CARE Teams are inclusive of behavioral and threat teams needed to address
a continuum of concerns. The CARE Team assists with any situation that could potentially pose a threat to
a student’s wellbeing or others within the CT State community. The CARE Team uses a proactive and
educational approach to develop appropriate support and interventions for individuals of concern. The
CARE Team will also be reactive when necessary to respond to perceived threats and concerns for safety
by implementing appropriate resources to address the issue. Each CT State campus has a CARE Team.
Each CARE Team works to ensure that the campuses are provided with the training and resources to
respond to student and community safety concerns.
The CARE Team is not an emergency response team. If there is an immediate threat to a student or to
CT State, or if there is a medical or mental health emergency, please call your campus Public Safety
office, 988 or 911 as appropriate. Afterwards, always document all actions with a CARE Referral.
➢ CARE Referral
If you are concerned about someone or need more support yourself, please complete a CARE Referral.
CARE referrals can also be completed to report a person of concern or an incident on your campus, even
anonymously. Please submit a CARE Referral using the link for the specific campus at which your
concern is related.
For more information, please visit: CARE Teams.
CAREER SERVICES
Career Services professionals at CT State campuses are available to assist students, alumni, and
community members through all stages of career development and to manage an effective job search
overall. They offer comprehensive programs, activities, and resources that provide assistance with resume
writing and interviewing skills, and help students develop a deeper understanding of the fit between their
interests, values, and skills and the world of work. Career Services staff members assist students in
developing career plans, aligning academic majors with career objectives, and finding meaningful
experiential learning/internship opportunities as well as paid and gainful employment. They also support
students’ overall career development by offering access to networking opportunities, in-person and
virtual recruitment events, and other related programs that bring employers and industry professionals
to campus. In recognition of career development occurring over the lifespan, Career Services promotes a
greater awareness of the relationship between college and future work as an important motivator that
builds both short- and long-term success.
Career Services supports the definition and identified competencies associated with Career Readiness
developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). For information regarding
Career Readiness, please view NACE’s Career Readiness Fact Sheet.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 39
For further information, please select the link for your home campus below.
CT STATE – CAREER SERVICES CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
DISABILITY SERVICES
CT State is accessible to students with disabilities in accordance with
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. Students with disabilities that
have been diagnosed and documented by a licensed professional
qualified to make a diagnosis of the condition may be eligible for
services. CT State is committed to the goal of achieving equal
educational opportunity and full participation for individuals with
disabilities. To this end, CT State uses a variety of learning aids to
ensure that no eligible person is excluded from participation in, is
denied the benefit of, or is subjected to discrimination in any of its
programs, services, or activities. For further information, please
review your home campus website or contact the CT State Office of Equity and Civil Rights at:
https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights [link available June 2023].
CT STATE – DISABILITY SERVICES CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION
Asnuntuck
(860) 253-3005 – Room 119B
Capital
(860) 906-5204 – Room 314
Gateway
(203) 285-2231 – Main Campus, Room S202
Housatonic
(203) 332-5018 – Lafayette Hall, Room L115
Manchester
(860) 512-3590 – SSC, Lowe, Room 131
Middlesex
(860) 343-5879 – Chapman Hall, Room 707
Naugatuck Valley
(203) 575-8086 – Kinney Hall
It is important for students
moving from PK-12 to a Higher
Education institution to
understand that there are major
differences in how disability
accommodations are addressed.
If you have any questions, please
consult with your home campus
Office of Disability Services.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 40
CT STATE – DISABILITY SERVICES CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION
Northwestern
(860) 738-6318 – Greenwoods, Room 303
Norwalk
(203) 857-7192 – East Campus, Room E101
Quinebaug Valley
(860) 932-4299 – Danielson Campus, Room W107
Three Rivers
(860) 215-9265 – Room A-124
Tunxis
(860) 773-1530 – Room 6-109
PLEASE NOTE: All Disability Procedures are listed at: https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights/procedures
[link available June 2023].
Rights and Responsibilities
CT State is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for students with disabilities to access its programs
and services. Students who have, or suspect they may have, a disability for which they would like to
request academic adjustments, modifications, or reasonable accommodations can contact their home
campus Office of Disability Services to discuss their needs. This process is a collaborative effort between
the individual student, Office of Disability Services, and CT State faculty. All participants in the interactive
process have a role to play in making education accessible, and understanding the rights and
responsibilities of the participants is essential to the process.
CT State Students
The rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities at CT State campuses.
Students have a right to:
• Equal access to programs, activities, facilities, and services at CT State campuses
• Information that is reasonably available in accessible formats
• Reasonable and effective accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary
aids and services that are determined on an individual basis
• Appropriate confidentiality and maintenance of disability-related records and communications
• Appeal decisions regarding the determination or provisions of accommodations, modifications,
academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services. These appeals can be filed by contacting the
CT State Office of Equity and Civil Rights at: https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights [link available June
2023].
• File a complaint or an appeal when a faculty or staff member, or another student has violated their
rights. (See “CT State Student Complaints and Appeals” below.)
Students have the responsibility to:
• Meet the CT State academic, technical, and institutional standards
• Self-identity to Disability Services when reasonable accommodations, modifications, academic
adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services are needed
• Provide supporting documentation, as outlined in the documentation guidelines, if the student is
requesting academic adjustments, modifications and/or reasonable accommodations
• Promptly respond to any documentation requirements or requests from the campus Office of
Disability Services
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 41
• Adhere to the expectations, policies, and procedures outlined in this Student Handbook
CT State Faculty
The rights and responsibilities of faculty at CT State in providing accommodations to students with
disabilities.
Faculty have a right to:
• Maintain CT State academic, technical, and institutional standards
• Request notification, through an Accommodation Letter, of a student's need for reasonable
accommodations
• Contact the campus Office of Disability Services to clarify a student's request for reasonable
accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services
• Appeal if they believe an academic adjustment, modification, or reasonable accommodation request
constitutes an alteration to an essential element of a course or compromises academic, technical, or
institutional standards. Appeals will be reviewed by the Office of Equity and Civil Rights.
Faculty have the responsibility to:
• Contact the campus Office of Disability Services if it is suspected that an academic adjustment,
modification, or reasonable accommodation request compromises the course content or
expectations in order to determine alternate means of access for the student with a disability
• Discuss appropriate options with students, who have provided an Accommodation Letter, to
determine how the approved academic adjustment, modification, or a reasonable accommodation
will be arranged
• Provide or arrange for approved reasonable accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments
and/or auxiliary aids and services included in the Accommodation Letter, in a timely manner, for
students with disabilities
• Refer to the campus Office of Disability Services those students who request accommodations, but
have not provided an Accommodation Letter
• Maintain the confidentiality of information regarding any student disability issues
CT State Community College
The rights and responsibilities of CT State when providing support to students with disabilities.
CT State has the right to:
• Maintain CT State’s academic, technical, and institutional standards
• Request and receive, through Disability Services, documentation to verify the need for reasonable
accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services
• Determine effective reasonable accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments and/or
auxiliary aids and services through an interactive process between the individual student and
Disability Services
• Deny a request for reasonable accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments and/or
auxiliary aids and services if the documentation which has been submitted does not contain sufficient
information to support the request
• Determine that an accommodation, modification, academic adjustment and/or auxiliary aid or service
is inappropriate or unreasonable when it poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others,
constitutes an alteration to an essential element of a course or program, or poses an undue financial
or administrative burden on CT State or the home campus
• Hold students accountable to CT State policies and procedures, including any established deadlines
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 42
CT State has a responsibility to:
• Provide information in accessible formats to students with disabilities in a timely manner upon
request
• Provide or arrange approved reasonable accommodations, modifications, academic adjustments
and/or auxiliary aids and services in a timely manner for students with disabilities
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of disability-related records and communications, except as
permitted/required by law, including maintaining such records and communications in secure files
separate from academic files, with limited access to authorized individuals
• Practice nondiscrimination in accordance with applicable state and federal laws
• Inform students with disabilities of the process for filing a complaint or an appeal if they feel their
rights have been violated
Additional Information from the U.S. Department of Education
To ensure a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the postsecondary education experience, students
with a disability need to be well informed about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the
responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward them. The U. S. Department of Education Office for
Civil Rights website explains the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing
to attend postsecondary schools, as well as the obligations of a postsecondary school. To view the
publication, please visit: Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education.
Accessing Disability Services at CT State
Students with disabilities are encouraged to self-disclose upon application to CT State or may do so at any
time. The enrolled student (not an advocate, parent, school, or community organization) must initiate the
self-disclosure process that leads to CT State’s recognition of the student’s disability. It is the student’s
responsibility to follow the procedures to request an academic adjustment, modification, or reasonable
accommodation from the Office of Disability Services by accessing the Accommodate System at their CT
State home campus.
All Disability Procedures are listed at: https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights/procedures [link available June
2023].
CT STATE – DISABILITY SERVICES CAMPUS LINKS TO ACCOMMODATE SYSTEM
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Timeliness of Requests
To ensure sufficient time to make provision for aids or service, it is the student’s responsibility to request
any needed academic adjustments, modifications, or reasonable accommodation(s) in a timely manner,
following appropriate procedures. Generally, three weeks advance notice is the minimum, with some
types of accommodation requiring more advance notice. If a request is submitted with less than the
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 43
minimum time needed to arrange the request, the campus Office of Disability Services will make a
reasonable attempt to provide the requested academic adjustments, modifications, or reasonable
accommodations but cannot guarantee that the request will be met without delay or substitution.
General Requirements and Documentation Guidelines
Modifications, reasonable accommodations, and academic adjustments are determined through an
interactive process between the student and the campus Disability Services staff. Consequently,
documentation requirements may vary by situation. More importantly, the interactive process must be
informed and guided by documentation that substantiates the need for specific accommodations. This
means that students are responsible for providing the necessary documentation before the interactive
process can begin.
For Disability Services to determine appropriate academic adjustments, modifications, or reasonable
accommodations, submitted documentation is expected to meet the following guidelines, regardless of
the format:
• Documentation of a diagnosed disability or medical condition must be current; the recentness of
documentation required is generally dependent on the type of condition and whether the impact of
the impairment on the student is static or changing.
• Documentation must be relevant to the impact of the impairment from the condition on the student's
participation in education or co-curricular activities at CT State:
▪ Students may submit any history of accommodations used, however, prior receipt of
accommodations (e.g., in high school or in another college) do not guarantee receipt of the same
accommodations; and
▪ While secondary school accommodation plans such as IEPs or 504 Plans are helpful, they often
do not provide sufficient information to establish eligibility for accommodations at the college
level when submitted without a corresponding evaluation.
Though supporting documents format may vary, the following information and data are generally
recommended to assist Disability Services in determining the appropriate academic adjustments,
modifications, or reasonable accommodations:
• A clear statement of the diagnosed disability and severity of the condition
• The date of diagnosis and date of most recent evaluation
• Identification of the major life functions impacted by the disability
• A diagnostic summary, including any relevant history, with an indication of how the disability will
affect participation in college courses, activities and/or the college experience
• Description of any auxiliary aids used by the student (e.g., hearing aids, assistive listening devices,
visual aids, etc.)
• Recommended academic adjustments, modifications, or accommodations that are appropriate to
address the impact of the disability
• Name, title, license number and state (if applicable), address, phone number, fax number, email
address, and dated signature of evaluator qualified to make the diagnosis
To assist qualified evaluators with providing Disability Services with the information needed, the treating
qualified evaluator submits a completed Disability Provider Form when a complete and recent evaluation
report is not available. These forms can be obtained from your home campus Office of Disability Services.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 44
Please note that Disability Services will also provide students with the proper release forms in case of
additional questions, and when necessary, verify the evaluator’s credentials.
Additional Information
• Disability-related supporting information and documentation received is confidential and is used for
the sole purpose of determining eligibility for academic adjustments, modifications, or reasonable
accommodations. Such documentation is not shared with others without the student’s consent,
except as needed for legitimate educational purposes, or when otherwise required by law.
• Disability-related information, including submitted documentation, is maintained by Disability
Services for seven years from the time the student graduates or last attends CT State. Original copies
are not always maintained. For more information on the confidentiality of student records, please
see: FERPA Notice and Directory Information Policy (BOR Policy 2.2).
• If the documentation submitted does not contain sufficient information to determine appropriate
academic adjustments, modifications, or accommodations, Disability Services will contact the
student. Additionally, if the documentation provided is incomplete or insufficient to determine
whether the student qualifies as having a disability or is eligible for an academic adjustment,
modification or reasonable accommodation, Disability Services may request additional
documentation. Any cost incurred in obtaining additional documentation is the responsibility of the
student. Missing or delayed information may result in a delay in reviewing a student’s request.
• Students are always encouraged to meet with their home campus Office of Disability Services to
discuss the documentation, provider releases.
• For more information on the process for requesting reasonable accommodations, please visit:
https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights/procedures [link available June 2023].
CT State Student Complaints and Appeals
If a student has followed appropriate procedures but feels that agreed-upon academic adjustments,
modifications, or reasonable accommodations are not being provided appropriately, the student is
encouraged to contact their home campus Office of Disability Services as soon as possible. If a student is
not satisfied with the results of this meeting or the approved academic adjustments, modifications, or
reasonable accommodations from the home campus Office of Disability Services, they may direct
questions, concerns, or complaints to the CT State Office of Equity and Civil Rights Office at:
https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights [link available June 2023].
CT State Barrier to Access Reporting
CT State is committed to taking steps to ensuring and improving physical and technological access on CT
State campuses and utilizes an internal reporting form which is one of several ways for students, faculty,
and staff to report a physical or technological barrier which restricts any person's access to campus
websites, services, or facilities. Please report any issues to the CT State Office of Equity and Civil Rights
Office at: https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights [link available June 2023].
Complaints through the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
Students retain the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education | Office for Civil Rights
if they believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability regardless of whether or not
they have utilized the above procedures for CT State.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 45
OCR Contact Information for Connecticut:
Boston Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Telephone: 617-289-0111
FAX: 617-289-0150; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.Bo[email protected]
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES PROGRAMS
CT State’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs are designed to serve the needs of all
students whose primary language is not English. These credit and non-credit classes were developed to
enhance students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They were designed to enable non-
native English-speaking students to develop and synthesize the core English language proficiency skills
necessary for success towards attaining a college degree or certificate.
Resources available to students include Academic Advising, Tutoring Services, and specialized ESOL
Faculty. Please visit your home campus website to identify ESOL services available to students at your
specific campus location.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Navigating college responsibilities while balancing the demands of life can be a challenge. Many college
students often find themselves feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope. These stressors can interfere
with your ability to be academically successful. A licensed Wellness Counselor will help you identify your
current stressors, assist you in developing healthy coping skills and connect you to additional resources.
Mental Health and Wellness staff are here to create an inclusive environment to provide equitable
mental health support and wellness services to all CT State students.
✓ Crises Response
✓ Wellness and Prevention Programming
✓ Emotional Support in an Accessible, Safe, Judgement-Free Space
✓ Coordinated Referrals for More Immediate or Specialized Care Within the Community
✓ Free, Confidential, Short-Term Case Management and Counseling Services
✓ Advocacy for Mental Health Policies and Initiatives
For more information and how to schedule an appointment visit: Mental Health Counseling and Wellness
Services.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 46
Medical Leaves of Absence
In accordance with House Bill 6402, PA Act 21-132: An Act Concerning Higher Education Sec. 6 (2), CT State
is committed to supporting students’ health and well-being and promoting an equitable approach to
student support and wellness.
The terms “health” and “wellbeing” include, but are not limited to, medical, psychological, and emotional
diagnoses. Students may experience medical and/or mental health situations that significantly limit their
ability to function successfully or safely in their role as students. In those situations, students can request
a voluntary Medical Leave of Absence to seek treatment. CT State’s Medical Leave of Absence
procedures, including the potential financial and academic impact of such leaves and return protocols,
are currently under development. Support services and programming for students, including resources
available for crises, can be found in multiple locations on campuses, including print and electronic listings.
For further information about seeking a medical withdrawal and/or refund for medical reasons, please
visit the Medical Withdrawals and Refunds section of this Handbook.
TimelyCare
CT State Community College has partnered with TimelyCare to make mental telehealth counseling free
and available to all students. TimelyCare will help supplement our current on campus Mental Health and
Wellness services.
Go to TimelyCare to create an account with your school (.edu) email address, or students can sign-
up/register for an account by downloading the TimelyCare mobile app to begin seeing providers.
TimelyMD will provide key services to our community. Free services available to students 24/7 from
anywhere in the U.S.:
• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand mental health support to talk about anything
• Scheduled Counseling: choose a time and date to meet with a licensed counselor
• Medical: scheduled and on-demand support for common health issues (cold, flu, etc.)
• Health Coaching: work on improving healthy lifestyle behaviors (body image, meal planning, sleep
issues, etc.)
• Documentation for some diagnosed disabilities
• Basic needs support through a Care Team
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 47
Additional Resources
• IN IMMEDIATE DANGER: Call 911
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
In crisis, call 988 for immediate mental health support
• Crisis Text Line
Get Help Now: Free, 24/7, Confidential – Text START to 741-741
Text STEVE to 741-741 for a culturally trained crises counselor
• Call 211 for basic needs support and mental health services
Visit www.211ct.org
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Chat now: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Lifeline, then press 1
• The Trevor Lifeline (Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ Youth)
866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)
• Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)
• Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Call or Text 1-888-999-5545
In Espanol: 1-888-568-8332
• National Sexual Assault Hotline
24-hour online hotline: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
• CT Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline
Text CCADV or call CTSafeConnect: 1-888-774-2900
Visit ctsafeconnect.org
• National Domestic Violence Emergency:
Visit www.TheHotline.org
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text START to 88788
• Connecticut Office of Victim Services
Victim Advocate to help victims of crime – 1-800-822-8428
• National Center for Victims of Crime
Visit National Center for Victims of Crime
Victim Resource Center 1-855-4-VICTIM
• JED Mental Health Resources
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 48
TUTORING/ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTERS
At all CT State campuses, tutoring services are provided in a comfortable academic environment where
students can receive extra help and support with classwork and writing assignments. Students are
encouraged to think logically and work through problems, so that their understanding of the subject
material is strengthened.
Our campus Academic Success Centers provide a wide array of free academic support services to all
registered students. Convenient scheduling options are available to meet student needs. Although some
services may vary by campus, our Centers offer:
• Individual and group tutoring in most subjects
• Academic coaching, including help with study skills, test taking, and organization
• Placement testing preparation
• Software and materials to enhance reading, writing, and math skills
• Specialized workshops (e.g., research paper writing skills, time management, coping with test anxiety)
• Online tutoring
• Support for students with disabilities
Specialized Learning Centers are located on some CT State campuses, including:
• Math Centers – for concepts review and skills practice, from developmental to advanced mathematics
• Writing Centers – for help with writing for all subjects, including brainstorming ideas and revising
drafts
• Computer Centers/Labs – for computer tutoring and assistant with instructional software
• Language Labs – for working on assignments, practicing language, and using additional materials and
resources to enhance the language learning experience
To obtain further information on all Center programs and to learn how to schedule an appointment for
virtual or in-person tutoring services, please select the link below for your home campus.
CT STATE – TUTORING/ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTERS CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 49
VETERANS SERVICES
The federal government offers a wide variety of services to veterans through the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) (VA | GI Bill Benefits). CT State is committed to having exceptional resources available
for student veterans on our campuses by fostering an encouraging environment to strengthen institutional
and individual goals. The Veterans Certifying Officials located at all 12 main campuses of CT State can help
eligible students apply for VA benefits. You are advised to apply for veterans benefits as soon as you apply
for admission to the college using the information found at VA | How to Apply. To be eligible for VA
benefits, you must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Most credit programs and some non-credit
programs offered by the college are eligible for VA benefits. Approved programs can be found at the State
of CT | Office of Higher Education. Once you have registered for classes and submitted your request for
certification, the CT State will certify your enrollment to the VA. Your continued certification by CT State is
contingent upon meeting satisfactory academic progress guidelines (please see section below). A student
whose Combined Academic Standing indicates “suspension” is academically ineligible to receive VA
educational benefits.
Students receiving VA benefits must complete and submit a Request for VA Certification to their home
campus VA Certifying Official each semester and notify them of any changes in their course load and/or
program of study. Courses must meet the requirements of the degree or certificate in which the veteran
or dependent is enrolled.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about
education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at VA | Education
and Training.
Policy Protecting Students from Fees and Penalties Due to VA Payment Delay
In accordance with Title 38 U.S. Code 3679 subsection (e), the college adopts the following additional
provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Chapter
33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits, while payment to the institution
is pending from the VA. The college will not:
• Prevent the student’s enrollment
• Assess a late penalty fee
• Require students secure alternative or additional funding
• Deny their 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 college
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
• Provide a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or its equivalent), or for Chapter 31, a VA Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment contract with the college on VA Form 28-1905 by the first day of class
▪ Note: Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the
equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 students cannot get a completed
VA Form 28-1905 (or any equivalent) before the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
case manager issues it to the college.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 50
• Provide a written request to be certified
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other
institutional policies
• Review the VA | G.I. Bill® Comparison Tool to identify additional requirements
Veterans and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
VA regulations require that all students receiving VA educational benefits meet the college’s academic
standing policy as stated in the CT State College Catalog. Students failing to make SAP will have their VA
educational benefits discontinued in accordance with CT State policy. Students who are suspended for
failing to meet the college’s academic standing policy will be reported to the VA. Students may appeal
their academic suspension in accordance with CT State policy. Should the appeal be successful, the
student’s enrollment will be reported retroactively to VA for the enrollment period to which the appeal
applies. For further information on Satisfactory Progress, please refer to the CT State College Catalog.
Veterans Tuition Waiver
A waiver of general fund tuition is extended to all eligible Connecticut Veterans with service during certain
wartime periods. Members of the Connecticut National Guard may also be eligible for waivers of tuition.
To be eligible for a tuition waiver, veterans must:
•
Be honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions for active service in the U.S. Armed
Forces (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard). National Guard members
activated under Title 10 of the United States Code also are included
•
Have served at least 90 or more cumulative days active duty in time of war (please see “Periods of
Service” below), except if separated from service earlier because of a federal Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) rated service-connected disability; or the war, campaign, or operation lasted less than 90
days and service was for the duration
•
Be accepted for admission at CT State
•
Be domiciled in Connecticut at the time of acceptance, which includes domicile for less than one year
Veterans must submit their DD-214 (Discharge Papers) to their home campus Veterans Certifying Official.
Tuition waivers are not provided for summer session, winter intersession, or credit-free courses.
Periods of Service
Only those who served in the following manner may qualify:
Active duty for at least 90 days during:
▪ World War II ............................... December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
▪ Korean Conflict ........................... June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
▪ Vietnam Era ................................ February 28, 1961 – July 1, 1975
▪ Persian Gulf War ........................ August 2, 1990 – Until an ending date prescribed by
Presidential proclamation or by law (no end date at this time). All
military war service subsequent to August 2, 1990, is covered,
including but not limited to, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Iraqi
Freedom, Somalia, and Bosnia.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 51
Engaged in combat or in a combat support role in:
▪ Lebanon...................................... July 1, 1958 – November 1, 1958, or September 29, 1982
– March 30, 1984
▪ Grenada...................................... October 25, 1983 – December 15, 1983
▪ Operation Earnest Will ............... July 24, 1987 – August 1, 1990 (escort of Kuwaiti oil
tankers flying the U.S. flag in the Persian Gulf)
▪ Panama ...................................... December 20, 1989 – January 31, 1990
Reservists must be mobilized in time of war for other than training purposes.
Connecticut National Guard Tuition Assistance
CT National Guard members will need to file an application with their unit before the beginning of each
semester. The Certificate of Eligibility that is issued from the CT National Guard must be on file at CT State
with the home campus Veterans Certifying Official before the registration process can be completed.
Tuition waivers are not provided for summer session, winter intersession, or credit-free courses.
Dependent Children/Surviving Spouse Waivers
State statutes also provide that tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities may be waived for:
• Any Connecticut resident who is a dependent child or a surviving spouse of a member of the Armed
Forces killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, who was a Connecticut resident; and
• State residents who are dependent children of a person whom the Armed Forces has declared to be
either missing in action or a prisoner of war while serving in the Armed Forces after January 1, 1960.
Courses Subject to Waiver
Tuition Waivers are for credit courses during the spring and fall semesters ONLY and are not provided for
summer session or winter intersession courses. Continuing Education non-credit course waivers are
available only at the discretion of your home campus Office of Workforce Development and Continuing
Education and are also dependent on seat availability 24 hours prior to the start of the non-credit course.
Expenses Not Covered
College costs other than tuition – such as for books, student activity and course fees, parking – are not
waived. Waivers may also be reduced by the amount of education reimbursement you may receive from
your employer.
Principles of Excellence
CT State adheres to the principles outlined in the Principles of Excellence provided under Executive Order
13607. The college must:
• Provide students with a personalized form covering the total cost of an educational program
• Provide educational plans for all military and veteran education beneficiaries
• End fraudulent and aggressive recruiting techniques and misrepresentation
• Provide accommodations for Service Members and Reservists absent due to service requirements
• Designate a Point of Contact for academic and financial advising
• Ensure accreditation of all new programs prior to enrolling students
• Align institutional refund policies with those under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as
amended
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 52
Foreign schools, high schools, on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, residency, and internship
programs, and those who do not charge tuition and fees are not asked to comply with this executive order.
The VA’s Comparison tool (VA | G.I. Bill® Comparison Tool) will also allow you to review which institutions
participate in the Principles of Excellence program. In Connecticut, veterans are a protected class. If you
have any concerns or would like to file a complaint, please contact John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, Ph.D.,
MSW, at (860) 612-7056 or at jchaisson-cardenas@commnet.edu.
For further information, please select the link for your home campus below.
CT STATE – VETERANS SERVICES CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Veterans Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service (OASIS)
CT State is dedicated to supporting our military community with their transition from service members to
students. Each CT State main campus provides a safe space specifically for veterans to study, relax and
build comradery with other student veterans. Campuses also offer information on how to access Veteran
Administration benefits for all who are eligible. For further information, please select the link above for
your home campus.
Struggling in Your Classes?
If any academic issues or difficulty arise, your first step is to speak with
your instructor. If you still need support or guidance, please meet with
your Guided Pathways Advisor, your faculty advisor, or a counselor. The
CT State faculty and staff on our campuses have a wealth of knowledge
and are there to offer you the support and assistance you need. If they
are unable to help you, they will refer you to someone who can.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 53
STUDENT LIFE
Student Activities
The Student Activities department is the hub and heart of all activities relating to student clubs and special
interest organizations. We are a learning laboratory for students to build and hone their leadership skills
and abilities. The activities provided will enhance the overall student experience. By getting involved in
activities, students become more connected to their campuses, increase their persistence, and are
provided with a more well-rounded student experience. Each campus Student Activities department
offers a variety of clubs to choose from. Participating in a club or activity will help students make lasting
friendships and develop lifelong skills to enrich your personal and professional life. Student Activities
encourages and promotes inter-departmental cooperation and community service activities for students
to get the maximum benefit out of the college experience.
For further information, please select the link for your home campus below.
CT STATE – STUDENT ACTIVITY CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Student Employment
A limited number of part-time, on-campus employment opportunities are available to currently enrolled
students each semester. Most campus jobs are limited to financial aid recipients. Please visit your home
campus Financial Aid Office or Career Services Office for more information regarding on- and off-campus
employment opportunities.
Student Government
Student Government serves as the student governing body. The purpose is to create and maintain
channels of communication with faculty, staff, and administration and to participate meaningfully in
college and campus affairs. The Student Government functions as the coordinator of student interests,
grants recognition to student organizations, and sponsors a variety of social, cultural, and educational
activities throughout the year. As the coordinating agency for student activities, the Student Government
makes major decisions concerning expenditure from the student activities fund.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 54
For further information, please select the link for your home campus below.
CT STATE – STUDENT GOVERNMENT CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
Student Newspapers
Several CT State campuses have student-run newspapers that focus on news and events that affect their
local campus communities. Please visit your home campus website or Student Activities department to
determine if a campus newspaper is published at your location and how you can get involved.
Student Radio Stations
Students can enjoy experiential learning opportunities involved in creating and presenting on-air
programming at CT State’s two campus radio stations:
• Asnuntuck Radio, WACC-107.7 FM
• Manchester Radio, ICE-1620 AM
These noncommercial radio stations provide educational, informational, and entertainment
programming. For further information, visit the Asnuntuck and Manchester campus websites.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 55
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND STUDENT RESOURCES
Academic Appeal (Grade Appeal)
Please refer to the “Grade Appeals” section of the CT State College Catalog for further information
regarding the CT State academic appeal policy and related appeal procedures. Students may also reach
out to their Guided Pathways Advisor and/or program advisor for assistance in navigating the appeal
process.
Academic Honors – Semester and Graduation
For information on the CT State Honors Policy, please refer to the CT State College Catalog.
Announcements (Student Postings)
Student printed announcements may be posted only in campus posting areas assigned to student
activities. All postings (both in print and in digital format) of student announcements, including emails
announcing student events, require the prior approval of the campus Dean of Students/Dean of Students
and Faculty/Associate Dean of Student Development or their designee. Please contact your home campus
Office of Student Activities for further information.
Bookstore
The Follett Bookstore has textbooks available for sale or rent, as well as clothing, gifts, and a wide selection
of supplies needed for your classes. The bookstore has established an online textbook ordering program
designed to enable students to electronically view, select, and order new or used textbooks with
convenient pick up in your campus bookstore. The bookstore has implemented the following initiatives
to make books more affordable:
• In addition to being committed to charging fair prices on all books per industry standards, the
bookstore will also provide a ten percent (10%) discount off retail prices for all new textbooks.
• The bookstore is committed to supporting, where applicable, the adoption of Open Educational
Resources (OER) at the lowest possible price to students.
• A Price Match program whereby the bookstore shall match the lowest advertised price for new, used,
or rental textbooks found at other local bookstores, Barnes&Noble, and Amazon retail (not Amazon
marketplace) for books that it currently has in stock.
• A book buyback program whereby the bookstore shall pay students no less than 50% of their books’
purchase price so long as that book has been adopted for the ensuing semester.
• A textbook rental program in which rentals shall save the student, on average, at least 50% of what it
would cost to purchase the same book as new.
Bring your class schedule with you when you visit the bookstore, and Follett staff will help with finding
the books and materials required for your classes. Please refer to your home campus website for regular
bookstore hours at your campus location.
Disclaimer: The CT State bookstores are operated by the Follett Higher Education Group of Oak Brook, Illinois. CT
State accepts no liability for acts or claims arising from any action or lack of action by the bookstore company. A copy
of the contract between the college and Follett is available for review in your home campus Business Office.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 56
Class Cancellations – Instructor Related
If an instructor cancels class due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, a notice of cancellation will
be posted by campus staff outside of the classroom. If an instructor is late for class, students are to extend
a 15-minute courtesy wait after the scheduled beginning class time. The Dean of Students/Dean of
Students and Faculty /Associate Dean of Student Development or their designee should be notified if an
instructor has not shown for a scheduled class. Students are to review the instructor’s cancellation
information on the class syllabus and should check their CT State email for messages from their instructors.
Commencement Ceremony
Each of the campuses of CT State hosts one commencement ceremony annually at the end of the spring
semester in May. There is no commencement ceremony for fall semester or summer session completers.
However, these completers will be invited to participate in the following spring’s commencement ceremony.
Community Resources
Community resources that may be of interest to students are identified on CT State’s campus websites.
The resources available cover a wide variety of services, such as domestic abuse/violence or neglect; basic
needs such as food, shelter, and clothing; addiction services; mental health and wellness services; and
legal assistance. Your Guided Pathways Advisor and home campus Student Affairs staff can also help you
locate the service(s) you might need.
Community Service/Volunteerism
The campuses of CT State hold community events each semester and welcome student volunteers for
these events. Some examples of community service opportunities are Blood Drives, Food Drives, and Read
Across America. Please look for future volunteer recruitment announcements on your home campuses.
Cooperative Education, Practicum, or Internships
Through Cooperative Education, Practicum, or Internship programs, students may have an opportunity to
earn credit, pay and/or work experience. Academic credit is awarded for cooperative education and work
experiences under the supervision of department faculty. Cooperative education and work experience
opportunities allow students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and on-the-job training in an
actual work environment. In some programs of study, cooperative education/work experience is a
required course of study within the curriculum. Please refer to the specific Program of Study and/or
contact the specific program coordinator for further information.
Early Childhood Centers
The Early Childhood Centers on seven of our CT State campuses provide safe, quality programs for
preschool children and serve as model lab schools for our Early Childhood Associate Degree programs.
These Centers are staffed with licensed, qualified, and experienced early childhood professionals and give
Early Childhood Education students an opportunity to observe and practice the methods and theories
taught in CT State’s academic program. These Centers are accredited by the National Association for the
Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 57
Students can benefit from low-cost, on-site childcare in these Centers while they attend school. Many of
the Center childcare slots are filled on a first come, first served basis. Students who wish to have their
children in these programs must first apply. There may be a waiting list, so an application should be
submitted as early as possible. Please note that the age range of children served varies by campus Center.
For Early Childhood Center enrollment options, hours of operation, and Director contact information,
please select one of the links below:
CT STATE – EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER LINKS
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Naugatuck Valley
• Norwalk
• Tunxis
Faculty Contact and Office Hours
Faculty provide information regarding office hours, office location, telephone number, and email address
in their course syllabi. Full-time faculty office hours and contact information is also posted outside of the
faculty offices. Faculty can be reached via college email and have mailboxes on campus.
Fitness Centers
CT State is committed to improving the overall health and general well-being of its students. Several of
our campuses have fitness facilities that are available for use by currently enrolled students. For further
information, please visit your home campus website to determine if these facilities are available.
Food Pantries
Campus food pantries are free and available to all enrolled students. Our food pantries seek to alleviate
the barriers and challenges associated with food insecurity so students can remain in school. For further
information, please select the link for your home campus below.
CT STATE – FOOD PANTRY CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 58
Food Services/Cafeteria
Snacks, drinks, and hot/cold meals are available for purchase in most of CT State’s campus cafeterias.
Please check your home campus website for current hours of operation. Snacks and beverages are also
available for purchase from campus vending machines.
Foundations
CT State’s 12 campus foundations are nonprofit organizations that support efforts to provide quality,
affordable post-secondary education to our students. For links to foundation scholarship opportunities,
please visit the Financial Aid section of this Handbook.
Health Insurance
If you do not have health insurance, please visit www.accesshealthct.com to see available healthcare
options. (Please also see the TimelyCare section of this Handbook.)
Honor Societies – Including Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the national honorary fraternity in two-year colleges that recognizes high scholastic
achievement. To be eligible for membership, a student must achieve and maintain a QPA of 3.5 for a
minimum of 12 credits earned. There is a Phi Theta Kappa chapter at all 12 CT State campuses. Please visit
your home campus website to learn about other honor societies that may also have a presence at that
campus location.
Honors Program
Several campuses of CT State provide academically talented and motivated students with academic
enrichment in their associate degree program through an Honors Program, Honors courses, or an Honors
designation. Honors Programs and Honors courses provide students with an opportunity to develop their
intellectual skills through challenging work that emphasizes critical and analytical thinking, investigate
topics of interest, conduct research, work on special projects, and actively share this learning process with
other classmates and their professors. Honors students may receive faculty mentoring, special
programming, independent study opportunities, and early entrance into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor
Society. To see if there is an Honors Program, Honors courses, or an Honors designation at your CT State
home campus location, please visit your home campus website.
Housing
CT State is a commuter college and does not provide on-campus or off-campus housing to its students.
Intramural Sports and Athletics
Game rooms, gyms, fitness centers, and sporting equipment are available at some CT State campus
locations for student use. To learn more about available sport and fitness options on your home campus,
please visit your campus Student Activities website or contact your home campus Office of Student
Activities. Please note that some programs may require a nominal participation fee.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 59
Library
The CT State campus libraries provide resources and services to support the learning, teaching, and
research needs of students, faculty, and staff. Library staff are committed to helping students achieve
their academic goals by providing both in-person and virtual assistance to students in need of research
help. Each CT State campus library contains high-quality collections of print and electronic books,
electronic journals and newspapers, reference materials and audiovisual materials, including streaming
films.
Lost and Found
Any found items should be turned in at your campus Lost and Found location. Lost articles, upon proper
identification, may be claimed at these locations. Flash drives and computers will be given to the campus
Information Technology Department to determine ownership. Please write your name on all books and
other valued articles to make identification easier. To identify where Lost and Found is located on a
specific campus, please visit the information desk or public safety office at that campus location.
Reading Days
Reading Days are to be used as study days and/or optional make-up class time at the discretion of faculty
members. No faculty member will be assigned additional duty during the scheduled reading days and no
student shall be penalized for not attending any activities/classes on a Reading Day. To identify scheduled
Reading Days on CT State’s Academic Calendar, please click: CT State | Academic Calendar.
Smoking and Vaping
CT State is committed to providing a safe and healthy working/learning environment for all members of
our campus communities. Pursuant to state law, smoking is prohibited in any building or portion of a
building owned and operated or leased and operated by CT State. “Smoking” means the lighting or
carrying of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or similar device. Electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor
products are also prohibited by law.
Violations will be subject to disciplinary action. Compliance will be monitored by Public Safety and CT
State campus staff.
Transportation Services
U-PASS
Riding buses and trains in Connecticut is FREE for most students at participating U-Pass CT schools,
including CT State*. The cost of the program is already included in your student fees, so all you need is
your U-Pass CT and your valid CT State student ID and you’re on your way. Students must present a valid
CT State campus student ID every time they use the U-Pass for travel. Students can use the unlimited
semester pass to travel within the state by rail or bus. Fifteen transit systems participate in the U-Pass CT
program including Norwalk Transit, CTtransit, Greater Bridgeport Transit, Housatonic Area Regional
Transit, Magic Carpet, Northwestern CT Transit, Middletown Area Transit, CTfastrak, and CTtransit
Express. U-Pass is not valid for travel to New York or on shoreline Amtrak trains.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 60
On most CT State campuses, U-Passes are available in the campus Business Office. Replacements are
$10.00, with a limit of one replacement pass per student, per semester. Please visit your home campus
website for further U-Pass information specific to your campus location.
• For general information: U-Pass CT.
• For route or schedule questions: call CTtransit Customer Service, 525-9181 or visit CTtransit.
Students with special communication needs: call TTY 727-8196.
* Non-degree students, students who are fully on-line or students designating Naugatuck Valley and
Quinebaug Valley as their home campus do not pay the U-Pass fee but may opt-into the program by
paying the fee.
NV Rides
Riding public transportation routes in Waterbury and Danbury through HARTransit is FREE for students
designating Naugatuck Valley as their home campus. The cost of the program is included in the fees, so
all you need is your valid student ID and your bus pass.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 61
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
To view the current Student Code of Conduct, please click: BOR/CSCU | Student Code of Conduct.
Relevant sections are excerpted below.
The Student Code of Conduct should be read and followed by all students. Violations of the Student Code
of Conduct are subject to possible disciplinary action.
DISCLAIMER: The BOR/CSCU Student Code of Conduct is neither a contract nor an offer of a contract between any BOR
governed institution and any student. The provisions of this Code are subject to revision at any time.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
PREAMBLE
Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and
the general well-being of society. In line with this purpose, the Board of Regents for Higher Education (“BOR”) in
conjunction with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) has the duty to protect the freedoms of
inquiry and expression, and furthermore, has the responsibility to encourage all of its members to develop the
capacity for critical judgment in their sustained and independent search for truth.
CSCU has certain self-defined institutional values. Principal among these values is respect for the safety, dignity,
rights, and individuality of each member of the CSCU Community. The opportunity to live, study, and work in an
institution which values diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives and encourages discussion and debate about
competing ideas in an atmosphere of civility is a basic component of quality higher education.
All members of CSCU must at all times govern their social and academic interactions with tolerance and mutual respect
so that the students who pass through a CSCU door are enriched by these experiences and are prepared for full and
enlightened participation in a multi-cultural society. Because of the BOR’s and CSCU's commitment to principles of
pluralism, mutual respect, and civility, certain activities are not acceptable on CSCU campuses. Acts of intolerance,
of hatred or violence based on race, religion, sexual orientation or expression, disability, gender, age, or ethnic
background are antithetical to the BOR’s and CSCU's fundamental principles and values. It is the BOR's and CSCU’s
responsibility to protect our students' right to learn by establishing an environment of civility.
The disciplinary process is intended to be part of the educational mission of CSCU. Student disciplinary proceedings
are not criminal proceedings and are not subject to court rules of procedure and evidence.
INTRODUCTION
This Student Code of Conduct (hereinafter the “Student Code” or “Code”) is intended to present a clear statement
of student rights and responsibilities established by the Board of Regents for Higher Education. The BOR has charged
the President of the Board of Regents for Higher Education with developing procedures to protect those rights and
to address the abdication of responsibilities in collaboration with the four State Universities, the twelve Community
Colleges and Charter Oak State College. The Student Code describes the types of acts that are not acceptable in an
academic community.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 62
PART A: DEFINITIONS
The following list of defined terms utilized throughout this Student Code is provided in an effort to facilitate a more
thorough understanding of the Code. This list is not intended to be a complete list of all the terms referenced in
the Student Code that might require interpretation or clarification. The Vice President for Student Affairs at a
University, the Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty at a Community College, the Provost at Charter Oak
State College or their designee shall make the final decision of the interpretation of the definition of any term found
in the Student Code. For purposes of interpretation and application of the Student Code only, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:
1. “Accused Student” means any student accused of violating this Student Code.
2. “Advisor” means a person who accompanies an Accused Student or an alleged victim to a hearing (or a
proceeding pertaining to a report of sexual violence) for the limited purpose of providing advice and guidance
to the student. An advisor may not directly address the Hearing Body, question witnesses, or otherwise actively
participate in the hearing process (or other proceeding pertaining to a report of sexual violence).
3. “Appellate Body” means any person or persons authorized by the University Vice President for Student Affairs,
Community College Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty, Charter Oak State College Provost or their
designee to consider an appeal from a determination by a Hearing Body that a student has violated the
Student Code.
4. “Calendar Days” means the weekdays (Mondays through Fridays) when the University or College is open.
5. “College” means either collectively or singularly any of the following institutions: Connecticut State Community
College campuses of Asnuntuck, Capital, Gateway, Housatonic, Manchester, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley,
Northwestern, Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley, Three Rivers, Tunxis, and Charter Oak State College.
6. “Complainant(s)” means the person(s) who initiates a complaint by alleging that a Student(s) violated the code.
7. “CSCU” means either collectively or singularly, any of the following institutions: Central Connecticut State
University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut
State University; Connecticut State Community College campuses of Asnuntuck, Capital, Gateway, Housatonic,
Manchester, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern, Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley, Three Rivers, Tunxis;
and Charter Oak State College.
8. “CSCU Affiliates” means individuals and/or entities with whom or with which the College or University has a
contractual relationship.
9. “CSCU Official” means any person employed by the College, CT State or University to perform assigned
administrative, instructional, or professional responsibilities.
10. “CSCU Premises” means all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of, or owned, used
and/or controlled by, the University or College, either solely or in conjunction with another entity.
11. “Disciplinary Officer” or “Conduct Administrator” means a University, College, CT State or CSCU official who is
authorized to determine the appropriate resolution of an alleged violation of the Code and/or to impose
sanctions or affect other remedies as appropriate. Subject to the provisions of this Code, a disciplinary officer or
conduct administrator is vested with the authority to, among other duties: investigate a complaint of an alleged
violation of the Code decline to pursue a complaint, refer identified disputants to mediation or other
appropriate avenues of resolution, establish charges against a student, enter into an administrative agreement
developed with an Accused Student in accordance with Section II-B-3 of this Code, advise a Hearing Body, and
present the case before the Hearing Body.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 63
12. “Hearing Body” or “Hearing Panel” means any person or persons authorized by the University Vice President
for Student Affairs, Community College Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty/Student Conduct
Officer or Charter Oak State College Provost to determine whether a student has violated the Code and to
impose sanctions as warranted, including a hearing officer or hearing board.
13. “Institution” means the University or College within CSCU.
14. “Instructor” means any faculty member, teaching assistant or any other person authorized by the University to
provide educational services, including, but not limited to, teaching, research, and academic advising.
15. “Member of the CSCU Community” means any person who is a student, an official or any other person who
works for CSCU, either directly or indirectly (e.g., for a private enterprise doing business on a CSCU campus).
16. “Policy” means the written regulations, standards, and student conduct expectations adopted by the BOR and
found in, but not limited to the Student Handbook, the Residence Life Handbook, the housing contract, the
graduate and undergraduate catalogs, and other publicized University and College notices.
17. “Prohibited Conduct” means the conduct prohibited by this Code, as more particularly described in Part I-D of
this Code.
18. “Reporting Party” means any person who alleges that a student has violated this Code.
19. “Student” means either (1) any person admitted, registered, enrolled or attending any CSCU or CT State course
or CSCU and CT State conducted program, whether full-time or part- time, and whether pursuing undergraduate,
graduate or professional studies, or continuing education; (2) any person who is not officially enrolled for a
particular term but who has a continuing relationship with a CSCU; or (3) any person within two calendar years
after the conclusion of their last registered Community College course unless the student has formally
withdrawn, graduated or been expelled from the College.
20. “Student Code” or “Code” means this Student Code of Conduct.
21. “Student Organization” means an association or group of persons that have complied with the formal
requirements for University or College recognition.
22. “Support Person” means a person, who accompanies an Accused Student, a Reporting Party or a victim to a
hearing for the limited purpose of providing support and guidance. A support person may not directly address
the Hearing Body, question witnesses, or otherwise actively participate in the hearing process.
23. “University” means any of the following institutions: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut
State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University, whichever
the alleged violation of the Code occurred.
24. “Shall” and “will” are used in the imperative sense.
25. “May” is used in the permissive sense.
PART B: APPLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Application of the Student Code: The Student Code shall apply to the four Connecticut State Universities, the
twelve Community Colleges, and the on-line college: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut
State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University; the campuses of
Connecticut State Community College – Asnuntuck, Capital, Gateway, Housatonic, Manchester, Middlesex,
Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern, Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley, Three Rivers, Tunxis; and Charter Oak State
College.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 64
An alleged violation of the Student Code shall be addressed in accordance with the Code of Conduct, even if the
accused Student has withdrawn from the Institution prior to the completion of the disciplinary procedures.
The Student Code shall apply to Students and to University Student Organizations. The term “student” shall
generally apply to the student as an individual and to a Student Organization as a single entity. The officers or
leaders of a particular Student Organization usually will be expected to represent the organization during the
disciplinary process. Nothing in this Student Code shall preclude holding certain members of a Student
Organization accountable for their individual acts committed in the context of or in association with the
organization’s alleged violation of this Code.
2. Distribution of the Student Code: The Student Code shall be made readily available electronically and/or in a
printed publication to students, faculty and staff. The office responsible for Student Affairs will annually
distribute and make available to students, faculty and staff, electronically and/or in a printed publication, any
revisions to the Code.
3. Administration of the Student Code: A University’s and Charter Oak State College’s Provost or a Community
College’s Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty shall be the person designated by the institution
President to be responsible for the administration of the Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code. A
University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, a Community College’s Dean of Students/Dean of Students and
Faculty, or Charter Oak State College’s Provost shall be the person designated by the institution President to be
responsible for the administration of the Non-Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code.
PART
C:
SCOPE
OF
AUTHORITY
A Student who is found responsible for engaging in conduct that violates the Student Code on any CSCU campus,
CT State campuses or on property controlled by the BOR or by any CSCU Affiliate or any CSCU sponsored function or
event shall be subject to the sanctions described in this Code. The Student Code of Conduct also applies to online
activities, where applicable. Students who attempt to engage in conduct that violates this Code, who knowingly
encourage, aid or assist another person in engaging in such conduct, or who agree with another person, explicitly
or otherwise, to engage in such conduct, may also be subject to disciplinary action.
Off-campus misconduct by University students may be subject to the jurisdiction of the University and addressed
through its disciplinary procedures if one of the following conditions is met: (i) a Student engages in prohibited
conduct at an official University event, at a University- sanctioned event, or at an event sponsored by a recognized
University Student Organization; or (ii) a Student engages in prohibited conduct under such circumstances that
reasonable grounds exist for believing that the Accused Student poses a threat to the life, health or safety of any
member of the CSCU or to the property of the CSCU.
Community College students conduct is subject to the Code on campus and off-campus whenever such conduct
impairs College-related activities or affairs of another member of the College community or creates a risk of harm
to a member or members of the College community. Students must be aware that, as citizens, they are subject to all
federal and state laws in addition to all CSCU regulations governing student conduct and responsibilities. Students
do not relinquish their rights nor do they shed their responsibilities as citizens by becoming members of the CSCU
Community. However, where a court of law has found a student to have violated the law, an institution has the right
to impose the sanctions of this Code even though the conduct does not impair institution-related activities of another
member of the university or college community and does not create a risk of harm to the college or university
community. The decision to exercise this right will be in the sole discretion of the President of the impacted
institution or his/her designee.
Charter Oak State College applies this Code to matriculated and non-matriculated students, including those
participating in portfolio assessment, credential evaluation, testing, or contract learning. Jurisdiction shall be limited
to student conduct that occurs while students are taking Charter Oak State College courses or availing themselves
of Charter Oak State College services. However, if a matriculated Charter Oak State College student is found guilty of
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 65
student misconduct at another institution, including but not limited to misrepresentation of records from other
institutions, the student may be subject to disciplinary action at Charter Oak State College.
PART
D:
PROHIBITED
CONDUCT
The following list of behaviors is intended to represent the types of acts that constitute violations of this Code.
1. Academic misconduct, which includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and all forms of cheating.
Plagiarism is defined as the submission of work by a student for academic credit as one’s own work of authorship
which contains work of another author without appropriate attribution.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to: (i) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests or
examinations; (ii) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports,
solving problems or carrying out other assignments; (iii) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other
academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff; and (iv) engaging in any other
behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus.
2. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
a. Misuse of University or College documents, including, but not limited to forging, transferring, altering or
otherwise misusing a student fee card, student payroll card, identification card or other College or
University identification document, course registration document, schedule card, transcript, or any other
institution- issued document or record.
b. Knowingly furnishing false information to any CSCU Official faculty member or office.
3. Theft of property or services, or damage to, defacement or destruction of, or tampering with, real or personal
property owned by the State of Connecticut, CSCU/BOR, the institution, or any member of the CSCU
Community.
4. Actual or threatened physical assault or abuse, threatening behavior, intimidation, or coercion.
5. Sexual misconduct may include engaging in one of more behaviors:
(a)
Sexual harassment, which can include any unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favors, or any
conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of an individual’s education; submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used
as a basis for academic decisions affecting the individual; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of
substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or
offensive educational environment. Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment include
but are not limited to:
• sexual flirtation, touching, advances or propositions
• verbal abuse of a sexual nature
• pressure to engage in sexual activity
• graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or appearance
• use of sexually degrading words to describe an individual
• display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures or photographs
• sexual jokes
• stereotypic comments based upon gender
• threats, demands or suggestions that retention of one’s educational status is contingent upon
toleration of or acquiescence in sexual advances.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 66
(b)
Sexual assault shall include but is not limited to a sexual act directed against another person when that
person is not capable of giving consent, which shall mean the voluntary agreement by a person in the
possession and exercise of sufficient mental capacity to make a deliberate choice to do something proposed
by another.
A person who initially consents to sexual activity shall be deemed not to have consented to any such activity
which occurs after that consent is withdrawn. Consent cannot be assumed because there is no physical
resistance or other negative response. A lack of consent may result from mental incapacity (e.g., ingestion
of alcohol or drugs which significantly impair awareness or judgment) or physical incapacity (e.g., the person
is unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate consent). Consent must be affirmative. (See Sexual
Misconduct Reporting, Support Services and Processes Policy).
Sexual assault is further defined in sections 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a- 72b and 53a-
73a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(c)
Sexual exploitation occurs when a person takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another
for anyone’s advantage or benefit other than the person being exploited, and that behavior does not
otherwise constitute one of the preceding sexual misconduct offenses. Examples of behavior that could
rise to the level of sexual exploitation include:
•
Prostituting another person;
•
Non-consensual visual (e.g., video, photograph) or audio-recording of sexual activity;
•
Non-consensual distribution of photos, other images, or information of an individual’s sexual activity,
intimate body parts, or nakedness, with the intent to or having the effect of embarrassing an individual
who is the subject of such images or information;
•
Going beyond the bounds of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the closet to watch you having
consensual sex);
•
Engaging in non-consensual voyeurism;
•
Knowingly transmitting an STI, such as HIV to another without disclosing your STI status;
•
Exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances, or inducing another to expose his or
her genitals; or
•
Possessing, distributing, viewing or forcing others to view illegal pornography.
6. Intimate partner violence is defined as:
• Including intimate partner violence, which is any physical or sexual harm against an individual by a current
or former spouse or by a partner in a dating relationship that results from (1) sexual assault, as defined in
section 5 above; (2) sexual assault in a spousal or cohabiting relationship; (3) domestic violence; (4) sexual
harassment, as defined in section 5 above or, (5) sexual exploitation, as defined in section 5 above.
• Physical abuse, which can include but is not limited to, slapping, pulling hair or punching.
• Threat of abuse, which can include but is not limited to, threatening to hit, harm or use a weapon on
another (whether victim or acquaintance, friend or family member of the victim) or other forms of verbal
threat.
• Emotional abuse, which can include but is not limited to, damage to one’s property, driving recklessly to
scare someone, name calling, threatening to hurt one’s family members or pets and humiliating another
person.
7. Violations of privacy, including, but not limited to, voyeurism and the use of web-based, electronic or other
devices to make a photographic, audio or video record of any person without his or her express consent,
when such a recording is intended or likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to: (i)
surreptitiously taking pictures or videos of another person in spaces such as sleeping areas, bathrooms,
gymnasiums, locker rooms, and changing areas; and (ii) sexually exploiting another person by electronically
recording or permitting others to view or electronically record, consensual sexual activity without a partner’s
knowledge or permitting others to view or listen to such video or audio tapes without a partner’s knowledge
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 67
and consent. Publicizing or threatening to publicize such records will also be considered a violation of this Code.
8. Hazing, which is defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a Student,
or which destroys, damages, or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission
into, affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. The express or
implied consent of the victim will not be a defense to an allegation of hazing. Consenting to the activity
by remaining silent or not objecting in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this
Student Code.
9. Stalking, which is defined as repeatedly contacting another person when:
a. The contacting person knows or should know that the contact is unwanted by the other person; and
b. The contact causes the other person reasonable apprehension of imminent physical harm or the
contacting person knows or should know that the contact causes substantial impairment of the other
person’s ability to perform the activities of daily life.
As used in this definition, the term “contacting” includes, but is not limited to, communicating with (including
internet communication via e-mail, instant message, on- line community or any other internet communication)
or remaining in the physical presence of the other person.
10. Harassment, which is defined as conduct which is abusive or which interferes with a person’s pursuit of his or
her customary or usual affairs, including, but not limited to, such conduct when directed toward an individual
or group because of race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or expression,
age, physical attribute, or physical or mental disability or disorder, including learning disabilities and mental
retardation.
11. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd or indecent (including, but not limited to, public nudity and sexual activity in
areas generally open to members of the campus community), breach of peace or aiding, abetting or procuring
another person to breach the peace on CSCU premises or at functions sponsored by, or affiliated with the
University or College.
12. Behavior or activity which endangers the health, safety, or well-being of oneself or others.
13. Offensive or disorderly conduct which causes interference, annoyance or alarm or recklessly creates a risk thereof
at CSCU or CSCU premises, CSCU web or social media sites, at a CSCU-sponsored activity or in college or university
courses, including cyber bullying. This offense does not apply to speech or other forms of constitutionally
protected expression.
14. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys (including, but not limited to, card access, card keys, fobs,
etc.) to any CSCU premises or forcible and/or unauthorized entry on or into CSCU premises.
15. Starting fires, causing explosions, falsely reporting the presence of fire, bombs, incendiary or explosive
devices, or falsely reporting an emergency.
16. Unauthorized or improper possession, use, removal, tampering or disabling of fire and/or safety equipment and
warning devices, failure to follow standard fire and/or emergency safety procedures, or interference with
firefighting or emergency response equipment or personnel.
17. Use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by law and
CSCU regulations. Alcoholic beverages may not, under any circumstances, be used by, possessed by, or
distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 68
18. Use, possession, purchase, sale, distribution or manufacturing of narcotics, controlled substances and/or
drugs, including, but not limited to, marijuana and heroin, or drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted
by law.
19. Use, possession or distribution of firearms, ammunition for firearms, other weapons or dangerous instruments,
facsimiles of weapons or firearms, fireworks, explosives or dangerous chemicals. A dangerous instrument is
any instrument, article or substance that, under the circumstances in which it is being utilized, is capable of
causing death or serious physical injury. The possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument on campus
is strictly prohibited, even if such item is legally owned.
20. Gambling, including, but not limited to, promoting, wagering, receiving monies for wagering or gambling for
money or property on CSCU premises.
21. Disruption or obstruction of any College or University function, activity or event, whether it occurs on or off the
campus, or of any non-University or College function, activity or event which is authorized by the institution to
occur on its premises.
22. Intentional obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on CSCU premises or at University or
College-sponsored or supervised functions or interference with entry into or exit from CSCU premises or with
the free movement of any person.
23. Failure to comply with the directions of CSCU officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of
their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
24. Conduct that violates published BOR/CSCU policies, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to,
residence hall rules and regulations.
25. Conduct prohibited by any federal, state and/or local law, regulation or ordinance.
26. Unauthorized use of CSCU property or the property of members of the CSCU Community or of CSCU Affiliates.
27. Theft, unauthorized use, or abuse of University or College computers and/or peripheral systems and
networks, including, but not limited to:
a. Unauthorized access to CSCU computer programs or files;
b. Unauthorized alteration, transfer or duplication of CSCU computer programs or files;
c. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and/or password;
d. Deliberate disruption of the operation of CSCU computer systems and networks;
e. Use of the Institution’s computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws (including
unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted material, including, but not limited to, copyrighted
music, movies, and software);
f. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene messages (which are defined as messages
which appeal mainly to a prurient, shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, excretion, sadism
or masochism, go well beyond customary limits of candor in describing or representing such
matters, and are utterly without redeeming social value); and
g. Violation of the BOR Policy Statement on Acceptable and responsible use of Information Technology
resources and/or any applicable BOR computer use policy.
28. Abuse of the CSCU conduct and disciplinary system, including but not limited to:
a. Failure to obey the notice from a Hearing Body or CSCU Official to appear for a meeting or hearing
as part of the Student Conduct system;
b. Falsification, distortion, or intentional misrepresentation of information to a Disciplinary Officer or
Conduct Administrator, or before a Hearing Body;
c. Initiation of a conduct or disciplinary proceeding knowingly without cause;
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 69
d. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a disciplinary proceeding;
e. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the disciplinary
system;
f. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a Disciplinary Officer, Conduct Administrator or member of a
Hearing Body prior to, and/or during the course of, the disciplinary proceeding;
g. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a Disciplinary Officer, Conduct Administrator, or
member of a Hearing Body prior to, and/or during the course of the disciplinary proceeding;
h. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code; and
i. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the disciplinary system.
PART E: HEARING PROCEDURES FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, SEXUAL INTIMATE PARTNER, DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE & STALKING REPORTS
In addition to disciplinary procedures applicable to State University students in Section II, Community College
students in Section III, and Charter Oak State College Students in Section IV, for any hearing conducted involving
allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking and
intimate partner violence the Complainant and the Respondent shall each have the following rights:
1. All complaints of sexual misconduct will be reviewed by the Equity and Civil Rights Office or a Deputy Title IX
Coordinator who will determine supportive measures and whether the complaint falls within the scope of Title
IX.
2. If the institution’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator or Equity and Civil Rights Office determines that the alleged
harassment is:
(1) so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to an
education program or activity; or,
(2) implicates an employee of the institution, alleging that the employee conditioned a provision of an aid,
benefit, or service upon the complainant’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or,
(3) alleges “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v)
1
, “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C.
12291(a)(10)
2
, “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8)
3
, or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C.
12291(a)(30)
4
as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30)
5
and
(4) the alleged harassment occurred within the United States on property owned or controlled by the
1
20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), The term “sexual assault” means an offense classified as a forcible or non-forcible sex offense under
the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
2
34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10) The term “dating violence” means violence committed by a person - (A) who is or has been in a social
relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be
determined based on a consideration of the following factors: (i) The length of the relationship. (ii) The type of relationship. (iii)
The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
3
34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8) The term “domestic violence” includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current
or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who
is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse
of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against
an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
4
34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30) (30) The term “stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would
cause a reasonable person to - (A) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (B) suffer substantial emotional distress.
5
34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30) (30) The term “stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would
cause a reasonable person to - (A) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (B) suffer substantial emotional distress.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 70
institution or any building owned or controlled by a student organization officially recognized by the
institution; and
(5) at the time of the filing the Complainant was participating or attempting to participate in the educational
program or activity;
The Office of Equity and Civil Rights Office will initiate the Title IX Process.
The Title IX Process and Procedures are available on-line and through the Office of Equity and Civil Rights.
3. If the institution’s Title IX Coordinator determines that the alleged harassment does not meet the factors in
Section 2 above, but the alleged misconduct violates the Student Code of Conduct, the following procedures
apply:
a. At any meeting or proceeding, both the Complainant and Respondent (Respondent means the person
who has been reported to have violated the Student Code of Conduct) may be accompanied by an advisor
or support person of the student’s choice provided the advisor or support person does not cause a
scheduled meeting or hearing to be delayed or postponed and provided an advisor or support person may
not directly address the Hearing Body, question witnesses, or otherwise actively participate in the hearing
process (or other proceeding or pertaining to a report of sexual misconduct);
b. Both the Complainant and Respondent are entitled to request that disciplinary
proceedings begin promptly;
c. Any hearing regarding an accusation of sexual misconduct shall (i) be fair, prompt and impartial; (ii) be
conducted by a Hearing Body annually trained in issues relating to sexual misconduct (iii) use the
preponderance of evidence (more likely than not) standard; (iv) shall allow both the Complainant and
Respondent the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses on their behalf during any disciplinary
proceeding; (v) provide both the Complainant and Respondent with equal access to any information that
will be used during meetings and hearings; (vi) invoke the standard of “affirmative consent
6
” in determining
whether consent to engage in sexual activity was given by all persons who engaged in sexual activity; (vii)
presume that the Respondent is not responsible until the conclusion of the process; and (viii) the hearing
will be held live.
d. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Complainant and Respondent
have the right to keep their identities confidential;
e. Complainants and Respondents shall be provided written notice of the decision of the Hearing Body
simultaneously, normally within one (1) business day after the conclusion of the Hearing. In accordance
with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) the notice to parties to sexual misconduct shall
contain only the following: the name of the parties, the violation committed, if any, and any sanction
imposed against the Respondent.
f. Both parties shall have the same right to request a review of the decision of the Hearing Body (appeal rights)
in the same manner and on the same basis; however, if a request for review is determined to be properly
made and if the review determines there is sufficient grounds for altering the decision of the Hearing Body,
among the other actions that may be taken as set forth above, the sanction of the hearing may be increased
or decreased.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any hearing pertaining to sexual misconduct both the Complainant and
Respondent are entitled to be simultaneously provided notice of any change in the results of the hearing
prior to the time when the results become final, as well as to be notified when such results become final.
If the institution’s Title IX Coordinator determines that the allegations do not constitute a violation of Title IX, Board
or institutional policy and can make no finding of responsibility, complainant and respondent will be notified that the
matter will be closed.
6
The standard of “Affirmative Consent” is set forth in the BOR Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Support Services and Processes Policy
and is incorporated herein by reference.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 71
PART
F:
CONDUCT
AND
DISCIPLINARY
RECORDS
The written decision resulting from an administrative conference or a hearing under this Code shall become part of
the student’s educational record and shall be subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA). A student’s disciplinary record shall be maintained separately from any other academic or official file
maintained by the Institution. Disciplinary records will be maintained for a period of five (5) years from the date
of the incident, except that the sanction of expulsion shall be noted permanently.
While student education records are generally protected from disclosure by FERPA, there are a number of exceptions
to this rule. Students should be aware that a record concerning his/her behavior while a student at the College or
University may be shared with other colleges or universities to which the student may subsequently wish to transfer
or be admitted. Similarly, prospective employers may require a student to provide access to his/her education
records as part of the employment application process. A record of having been sanctioned for conduct that violates
Section I.D. of the Code may disqualify a student for admission to another college or university and may interfere
with his/her selection for employment.
PART
G:
INTERPRETATION
AND
REVISION
Questions regarding the interpretation of this Code shall be referred to the University’s and Charter Oak State
College’s Provost or a Community College’s Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty or their designees for
the administration of the Non-Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code and to the University’s Vice
President for Student Affairs, a Community College’s Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty or Charter Oak
State College’s Provost or their designees for the administration of the Academic Misconduct portion of the Student
Code.
This Code shall be reviewed and revised, if and as necessary, every five (5) years, or as directed by the President of
the Board of Regents for Higher Education.
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
APPLICABLE TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS
Procedures for Community College students differ from those procedures applicable to either the Universities or
Charter Oak State College. This is due to the environmental, cultural, and administrative differences within the types
of the institutions comprising CSCU. Procedures for addressing allegations and sanctions regarding academic
misconduct (as defined in Section I.D.1 above) for Community College Students as set for in this Section III of the
Code.
PART
A:
DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES
(Academic
and
Non-Academic
Misconduct)
In regard to College Students, the following procedures shall govern the enforcement of the Code:
1. Information that a student may have violated the Code should be submitted to the Conduct Administrator
designated by the Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty, or other designee of the President
(hereinafter referred to as “the CA”), normally within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of a possible violation
or within thirty (30) calendar days of the date that the facts constituting a possible violation were known.
2. Upon receipt of information relating to a possible violation from the CA, the Dean of Students/Dean of Students
and Faculty may immediately place restrictions on or suspend a student on an interim basis if, in the judgment
of the Dean, the continued presence of the student at the College or continued participation in the full range of
college activities poses a danger to persons or property or constitutes an ongoing threat of disrupting the
academic process.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 72
a. “Interim restrictions” are limitations on the Student’s participation in certain College functions and activities,
access to certain locations on campus or access to certain persons, that do not prevent the Student from
continuing to pursue his/her academic program. A Student upon whom the Dean has placed interim
restrictions shall be afforded written reasons for the restrictions, as well as the time period during which
the interim restrictions shall apply. The decision of the Dean regarding interim restrictions shall be final.
b. “Interim suspension” is the temporary separation of the Student from the College that involves the denial of
all privileges, including entrance to College premises. Prior to imposing an interim suspension, the Dean
shall make a good faith effort to meet with the Student. At this meeting, the Dean shall inform the Student
of the information received and provide the Student an opportunity to present other information for the
Dean’s consideration. Based upon the information available at that time, the Dean shall determine whether
the Student’s continued presence on campus poses a danger to persons or property or constitutes an
ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process. A Student suspended on an interim basis by the Dean
shall be provided written reasons for the suspension and shall be entitled to an administrative conference
or a hearing as soon as possible, normally within ten (10) calendar days from the date the interim
suspension was imposed. The decision of the Dean regarding an interim suspension shall be final.
3. Following the imposition of interim restrictions or interim suspension, if any, the CA shall promptly investigate
the information received by meeting with individuals who may have knowledge of the matter, including the
accused Student, and by reviewing all relevant documents.
4. In cases where the respondent has an approved disability accommodation that may be relevant to the
investigation, the CA will consult with the Campus disability coordinator before finalizing the investigation. If
upon the conclusion of the CA’s investigation, the CA determines that there is insufficient reason to believe the
Student has committed a violation of any part of Section I.D. of this Policy, the Dean shall dismiss the matter
and shall so inform the Student in writing.
5. If upon the conclusion of the CA’s investigation, the CA determines that there is reason to believe the Student
has committed a violation of any part of Section I. D. of this Code and, after considering both the possible
violation and the prior conduct record of the Student, that a sanction of less than suspension or expulsion is
appropriate, the CA shall schedule a meeting with the Student to informally resolve the issue. The Student shall
be given reasonable notice of the time and place of the meeting. At the meeting, the Student shall have the
opportunity to present information for the CA’s consideration. At the conclusion of the meeting, the CA shall
determine whether it is more likely than not that the Student has violated the Policy and, if so, impose a sanction
less than suspension or expulsion. The CA shall provide the Student with a written explanation for the
determination. The decision of the CA may be appealed to the Dean based on the criteria note in #10.
6. If upon the conclusion of the CA’s investigation, the CA determines that there is reason to believe the Student
has committed a violation of any part of Section I.D. of this Code and, after considering both the violation and
the prior conduct record of the Student, that a sanction of suspension or expulsion is appropriate, the CA shall
provide the Student with reasonable written notice of an administrative conference with the CA and shall
inform the Student that their failure to attend the administrative conference or to respond to the notice may
result in the imposition of the maximum permissible sanction. At the meeting, the CA shall provide the Student
with a written statement that shall include the following:
a. a concise statement of the alleged facts;
b. the provision(s) of Section I.D. that appear to have been violated;
c. the maximum permissible sanction; and
d. a statement that the student may resolve the matter by mutual agreement with the CA, or may request a
hearing by notifying the CA in writing, which must be received by 5:00pm on the following business day.
7. If the Student requests an administrative hearing, he/she is entitled to the following:
a. to be heard within five (5) days or as soon as reasonably possible, by an impartial party or panel whose
members shall be appointed by the CA;
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 73
b. if the CA appoints an impartial panel, to have a Student on the panel if requested by the Student;
c. to appear in person and to have an advisor who not shall attend as a representative of the Student.
However, if there is pending at the time of the hearing a criminal matter pertaining to the same incident
that is the subject of the hearing, a lawyer may be present for the sole purpose of observing the proceedings
and advising the Student concerning the effect of the proceedings on the pending criminal matter;
d. to hear and to question the information presented;
e. to present information, to present witnesses, and to make a statement on his or her behalf; and
f. to receive a written decision following the hearing.
8. As used herein, the term “impartial” shall mean that the individual was not a party to the incident under
consideration and has no personal interest in the outcome of the proceedings. Prior to the commencement of
the hearing, the Student who is subject to the hearing may challenge the appointment of an impartial party or
panel member on the ground that the person(s) is (are) not impartial. The challenge shall be made in writing to
the CA and shall contain the reasons for the assertion that the person(s) is (are) not impartial. The decision of
the CA shall be final.
9. A written recommendation of the impartial party or panel shall specify whether, based on the information
presented, it is more likely than not that the Student committed the violation(s) reported and shall state the
sanction to be imposed, if any. The written recommendation shall be sent to the Dean who will review the
recommendation and communicate the final outcome to the student.
10. Sanctions imposed by an impartial party or panel are effective immediately. The Dean may, for good cause,
suspend imposition of the sanctions imposed by the impartial party or panel to allow the Student time to prepare
a written request for review. If a written request is received, the Dean may continue to suspend imposition of
the sanctions until he has reviewed and acted on the Student’s request.
11. A written request for review of the decision of the impartial party or panel must be received by the
President/CEO within three (3) calendar days after the Student is notified of the decision and must clearly
identify the grounds for review. The review by the President is limited to the record of the hearing, the written
request, and any supporting documentation submitted with the request by the Student. The decision of the
impartial party or the panel shall be upheld unless the President finds that:
a. a violation of the procedures set forth herein significantly prejudiced the Student; and/or
b. the information presented to the impartial party or panel was not substantial enough to justify the decision;
and/or,
c. the sanction(s) imposed was (were) disproportionate to the seriousness of the violation.
12. Decisions under this procedure shall be made only by the college officials indicated.
PART B:
DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
The prior conduct record of a Student shall be considered in determining the appropriate sanction for a Student who
has been found to have violated any part of Section I.D. of this Code. Sanctions shall be progressive in nature; that
is, more serious sanctions may be imposed if warranted by the prior conduct record of the Student.
A “sanction” may be any action affecting the status of an individual as a Student taken by the College in response to
a violation of this Policy, and for the purposes of this Section III of the Code include but are not limited to the
following:
1. “Expulsion” is a permanent separation from the College that involves denial of all Student privileges, including
entrance to College premises;
2. “Suspension” is a temporary separation from the College that involves denial of all Student privileges, including
entrance to college premises for the duration of the suspension, and may include conditions for reinstatement;
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 74
3. “Removal of College Privileges” involves restrictions on Student access to certain locations, functions and/or
activities but does not preclude the Student from continuing to pursue his/her academic program;
4. “Probation” is a status that indicates either (a) serious misconduct not warranting expulsion, suspension, or
removal of College privileges, or (b) repetition of misconduct after a warning has been imposed;
5. A “Warning” is a written notice to the Student indicating that he or she has engaged in conduct that is in violation
of Section I.D. of this Code and that any repetition of such conduct or other conduct that violates this Code is
likely to result in more serious sanctions;
6. “Community Restitution” requires a Student to perform a number of hours of service on the campus or in the
community at large.
EDITORIAL NOTE: The Student Code of Conduct is currently under review by CSCU/CT State. Minor editorial revisions to original
text, made for purposes of Handbook clarity, are noted in bold italics.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 75
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Student Email
All students are provided a college Office 365 email account. Students can log on to the Office 365 portal
(CSCU | Office 365 Access) with their student NetID and password to access their Outlook Web App email
(OWA). You can also access the Office 365 portal by logging on to my.CTState.edu.
➢ All official college email communications, including email sent from within the Blackboard
learning management system, are sent to your college Office 365 email account. Employees and
students are expected to check their official email accounts on a frequent basis.
Your email address is automatically generated typically in about 24 hours after you are admitted (or re-
admitted) to CT State (exceptions include weekends or holidays where it could be longer). You should
receive information from your CT State home campus (which may be via the email address you entered
on your application, or a mailed letter) letting you know what your assigned student email is, or how to
find it.
PLEASE NOTE: Your NetID (e.g., 00123456@student.commnet.edu) is NOT the same thing as your email
address. Do not use your NetID as an email address. Student email addresses currently end in
@mail.ct.edu.
Don't know your Office 365 email address? [Click here for instructions]
IT Support
The Information Technology (IT) Department at CT State is committed to providing the highest quality
services to students, faculty, and staff. IT provides assistance for accessing campus computers, logging in
to myCTState, email, campus wireless networks, and the maintenance of classroom computers, phones,
and printers.
Computer Usage
CT State will assign individual accounts to registered students. The account holder is responsible for all
usage on the assigned account. Computer related accounts issued to individuals are intended for the sole
use of those individuals. Any student found utilizing accounts other than their own will be subject to
disciplinary action. In addition, students are not to use CT State computer resources for monetary gain or
for the development of software intended for sale.
All resources and facilities of the Computer Centers/Labs and other campus computing sites are to be
used for legitimate and authorized CT State academic and administrative purposes. Computing resources
include host computer systems, personal computers and workstations, communication networks,
software, and data files.
Students will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for any unauthorized or illegitimate use of the
computer systems, resources and/or facilities. This includes willful or malicious acts of deletion, alteration,
or destruction of computer hardware, modifying any equipment belonging to or under the control of the
Computer Centers/Labs, and loading or storing non-college licensed software on CT State equipment.
Users may also be subject to criminal prosecution.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 76
➢ The usage of CT State IT resources is a privilege dependent upon appropriate use. All users of CT
State IT resources are responsible for using IT resources in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct, CSCU/CT State policies and the law, as applicable. Individuals who violate CSCU/CT State
policy or the law regarding the use of IT resources are subject to loss of access to IT resources as
well as additional CSCU/CT State disciplinary and/or legal action.
Help Desks
Student support hours are 24/7, 365 days per year. For assistance with a covered service (Blackboard,
myCTState, Banner Self Service, Office 365, NetID, Wireless, Library), visit the CT State | IT Online Help
Desk to chat or create a case, or contact IT by phone at (860) 723-0221.
For local IT resources, please click your home campus link below.
CT STATE – CAMPUS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HELP RESOURCES
Asnuntuck
Housatonic
Naugatuck Valley
Quinebaug Valley
Capital
Manchester
Northwestern
Three Rivers
Gateway
Middlesex
Norwalk
Tunxis
Multifactor Authentication Requirement
CSCU and CT State are committed to safeguarding student data and the integrity of our institutions’
systems. In line with our continuous efforts to enhance security practices, Multifactor Authentication
(MFA) will now be mandatory for accessing CSCU Microsoft 365 applications, including access to
institutional email, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams.
MFA provides an additional layer of protection for your account by requiring a second authentication
factor when you log in. This ensures only you can access your account, even if your password is
compromised. We are compatible with several MFA enrollment options, including the Free Microsoft
Authenticator app, text messages, voice calls, personal hardware keys (FIDO), and other OATH compatible
authenticator apps. You can choose the options that best suit your needs.
Our IT teams are available to help if you need assistance with enrollment. To get started or check your
status, please visit the CSCU Enrollment Wizard any time for assistance. To find out more about MFA and
how it may impact you, please read the MFA FAQ.
NetID
The Network ID (NetID) is a Windows Active Directory account that is uniquely assigned to each CT State
student, faculty, and staff member. It serves as your login to many CT State computing and networking
services, including the Login Portal. Your student NetID is composed of the following two items:
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 77
1.
Your Username: Student Banner ID Number (without the @ sign)
2.
Domain: @student.commnet.edu
For Example: 00123456@student.commnet.edu.
PLEASE NOTE: Your NetID is NOT the same thing as your email address. Do not use this as an email
address. Student email addresses currently end in @mail.ct.edu.
What is my initial NetID password?
The initial password for all new NetIDs will be based on a combination of personal information (birth date
and social security number). Specifically, the following three items will make up the initial password:
1.
The first three (3) characters of your birth month (with first letter capitalized). For example: Dec.
2.
The Ampersand character symbol: &
3.
The last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number. For example: 2400
4.
For Example: Dec&2400
Log-In
to
Computer for First
Time
1.
Enter your NetID Username; if you do not know your NetID, click: CSCU | IT Support Center - NetID
Lookup.
2.
Enter your NetID Password
3.
The first time you log on, you will be prompted to change this temporary password to a more
permanent personal password.
Create
a
NetID
Personal
Password
The following requirements must be followed when selecting a NetID password:
•
Password must be at least eight (8) characters.
•
Password must be complex and difficult to guess. A password must contain characters from three (3) of
the following four (4) categories:
1.
Uppercase characters (A through Z)
2.
Lowercase characters (A through Z)
3.
Numeric digits (0 through 9)
4.
Special characters (for example: !, $, #)
•
Password must not contain all or part of the user's NetID account name.
•
Password must differ from previous passwords.
•
Password is forced to change every 90 days, but users can change them sooner.
After three (3) incorrect login attempts, your account becomes locked. If a student has been locked out,
there is a 15-minute wait before their account is automatically unlocked.
NetID Password Reset
Password resets can be performed online at: CSCU | IT Support Center - NetID Reset.
CT State Computer Services Students Can Access with Their NetID
The NetID will be used to access a variety of CT State services over time. Services that will be immediately
available using your NetID include:
• PC workstations through the CT State campus system
• MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive access, and more)
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 78
• myCTState (source of information and access to personal, academic, and work-related services)
• Degree Works (an advising tool)
• Blackboard Learn (a learning management system used to conduct online and distance learning)
• The Library Database
Wireless Network
The wireless network is available throughout each CT State campus and allows a student to connect and
access the internet using their personal wireless devices (laptop, tablet, or smartphone). Just use your
NetID and password for connection. For WiFi instructions, including eduroam, click: CSCU | Wireless
Access.
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CAMPUS SAFETY
Student Identification (ID) Cards
To enhance the safety and security of the entire CT State community, all students are required to obtain
a student photo identification (ID) card.
A CT State student ID will allow access to campus buildings and some campus-specific parking garages
(where applicable). The student ID also serves as a library card, can be used to access resources from other
campus departments (e.g., computer centers/labs, tutoring centers, career services), and is used to secure
admission to CT State campus-sponsored activities and special events, when required. The student ID
card, along with your student U-Pass, will allow free bus and rail transportation in Connecticut. (Please
see U-Pass section of this Handbook.)
Students will be required to show their current CT State registration/bill and a valid form of picture ID to
receive their ID Card. Please visit your home campus website for further information on how to obtain a
student ID Card for your home campus location. There is no fee for the initial issuance of a student ID
card.
➢ While on campus, all CT State students must always carry a photo ID visibly displayed on their
person. Upon request from CT State Public Safety Officers, faculty or staff, students must present
this identification. Anyone without a valid CT State ID may be declined access to campus buildings.
ID Reissuance
No reissuances of student ID Cards will be allowed except for lost or stolen cards. There is a CSCU Board of
Regents authorized replacement fee of $10.00 for a misplaced, lost, or stolen photo ID card.
CLOSINGS, CANCELLATIONS, AND DELAYED OPENINGS
In the event of severe weather, power failure, or any other extreme or unusual circumstances, your CT
State campus may have to close or have a delayed opening. Should this occur, an announcement will be
made by your home campus on their website, Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter platforms, as well as
to local radio and television stations. Your campus’s main telephone number will also play a recorded
message.
Emergency Notification System (ENS)
CT State has an Emergency Notification System (ENS) developed by Everbridge to provide notification for
when an emergency condition is imminent, or a situation exists that threatens the health and safety of
individuals. These notifications include when campuses may be closed or delayed due to weather or other
circumstances.
The ENS will permit the distribution of emergency information via telephone, e-mail, text message and/or
voice message. Messages can be provided to landlines or cell phones. Individuals will receive information
or instructions relative to the specific circumstance.
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Updating the Everbridge Emergency Notification System (ENS)
Faculty, staff, and students of CT State should update the ENS System with their Emergency Contact
information via Banner Self-Service whenever their current contact information changes.
Directions:
1. Log in to Banner Self-Service, and select myCommNet Alert from the homepage.
2. Review your Emergency Notification contact information and make any changes you need.
3. Once you submit the form, your contact information will be updated.
PLEASE NOTE: CT State is currently in the process of developing a new opt-in process for ENS messages.
Once completed, it will allow all users to select which campuses from which they receive emergency
notifications.
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CAMPUS EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
➢ FOR ALL LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES, DIAL OR TEXT 911.
➢ Campus Public Safety should be notified immediately of any emergency or of any situation that
might jeopardize the safety of persons or property on your campus. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, PLEASE
SAY SOMETHING.
HOW TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY
Identify:
1. The nature of the emergency.
2. If police, fire, or ambulance is needed.
3. If there is a weapon involved.
4. If the suspect is still present; if not, identify the direction the
suspect went.
Emergency Exits/Evacuation Routes
Emergency response procedures and evacuation routes are posted in all CT State classrooms. Please
familiarize yourself with these routes and campus emergency exits at the beginning of each semester.
Do not evacuate one building and enter another. Go around any buildings to the designated exterior
assembly areas.
Evacuation of the Building
If you hear the notification to evacuate, all persons are to immediately leave the building following posted
evacuation routes and procedures, if feasible. Only if it is safe to do so, please be sure to take all personal
belongings with you.
In most cases, the procedures for evacuation will include the following steps:
• The fire alarms will sound with an announcement to evacuate the building.
• The phone paging system will be used for special instructions during an emergency situation.
• Evacuation plans are posted near all classrooms and offices identifying the evacuation route,
appropriate exit, and the location where persons should gather after they have left the building.
• Once people are outside the building, they should move to their designated assembly areas, keep
away from the building, and under no circumstance reenter the building until informed that the Fire
Department or Law Enforcement Officer in Charge has declared the emergency over.
Campus Public Safety personnel and/or the Law Enforcement Officer in Charge will direct you to re-enter
when the building is cleared and safe to do so.
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Lockdown/Shelter in Place
In the event of a shelter-in-place (lockdown), students, staff, faculty, and visitors must remain in place. If
in a classroom, secure the door by wedging it shut. If in an office, secure the door by locking it. If you are
in an open area, take shelter in the nearest room and secure the door by either locking it or wedging it
shut. Turn off the lights and close the blinds. Set all cell phones to silent mode or turn them off. Close or
turn off laptops. Move to an area of the room where there are solid walls, furniture, or other objects and
hide behind them. Stay as low to the floor as possible. Wait for instructions or notification from the police
or college official that lockdown has been lifted.
Safety Drills and Training Classes
Public Safety officials conduct one Fire Drill per semester. A simulated Shelter-In-Place training exercise
or evacuation drill is also conducted at least once per academic year. Public Safety officials also conduct
free safety awareness and self-defense classes each semester at many CT State campus locations.
Safety Videos
CT State students can view Public Safety procedure and practice videos by visiting any of the CT State
campus websites. All CT State students should familiarize themselves with the “Run, Hide, Fight”
procedure for their home campus location or any other CT State campus on which they visit. “Run, Hide,
Fight” videos can be viewed on CT State campus websites.
Safety Responsibilities
Staff, faculty, and student awareness, cooperation, and involvement are critical to the success of CT State
campus safety. Staff, faculty, and students must assume responsibility for their own personal safety, and
the security of their belongings by taking common sense precautions. Public Safety actively conducts
situational awareness and “See Something. Say Something” training for employees and students.
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CAMPUS PARKING
CT State provides free parking for registered students at all 12 of its campus locations. On-campus parking
is restricted to times involving programs and/or educational activities associated with the college.
Students may not park in CT State parking lots or parking garages for employment purposes outside of
the college.
• Campus Garage Parking
Garage parking is available at four CT State campuses. Please click the appropriate link below for
further information about parking at these locations.
CT STATE – GARAGE PARKING CAMPUS LINKS
▪ Capital*
▪ Gateway
▪ Housatonic
▪ Naugatuck Valley**
*All students at the Capital campus must obtain a Proximity Access Card to access the Morgan Street
Garage, located at 155 Morgan Street. Students have until the second week of classes to obtain a
Proximity Access Card. During this grace period, students may pull a ticket for validation by the
reception desk located in the main lobby. If a student loses a parking ticket before the end of the two-
week grace period, please see the Capital receptionist. If a ticket is pulled after the two-week grace
period, the student is responsible for paying the maximum daily rate.
Motorcycle parking is available at the Morgan Street Garage in a designated area on Connector Road,
adjacent to the main entrance.
**All students at Naugatuck Valley’s Danbury campus are required to display a parking tag for the
Danbury Parking Authority. Parking tags for students are available in the administrative offices at the
NVCC Danbury Center located at 190 Main Street. Parking is available in the Terence E. McNally Patriot
Garage, located at 21 Delay Street. The garage is free to students whenever the college is open. A
security officer is on duty during Danbury campus class times and business hours.
Campus parking lots and outdoor spaces are well-lit, and Public Safety personnel are available if needed.
➢ Public Safety personnel are not allowed to jumpstart any vehicle, change a tire, or provide vehicle
unlocking. Should you need these services, please contact a towing company.
Parking Regulations
CT State clearly designates and differentiates parking areas for the convenience and safety of all. All
vehicles shall be parked in a lawful manner. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to find a valid
and lawful parking space. Designated student lots are to be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Parking for Persons with Disabilities
There are parking spaces designated for persons with qualifying disabilities in all CT State campus
parking lots. These spaces are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access. Vehicles with
a special license plate or removable windshield placard permit are the only vehicles that can park in
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 84
these parking spaces in any campus lot or parking garage. Parking in these spaces without an
appropriate placard will result in a state infraction and will result in a fine.
• Parking for Faculty/Staff
On many CT State campuses, there are parking lots and parking spaces designated for faculty/staff
members’ use only. A CT State campus parking permit is required for these areas, and students and
visitors are prohibited from parking in these spaces.
• Reserved Parking
There are “Reserved Parking” spaces on CT State campuses. These reserved spaces are assigned to
specific individuals. Only the individual assigned to the space is permitted to use that space.
➢ All campus parking violations are subject to warning or fine. Repeat violators of CT State’s parking
policies may be referred to the Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty/Associate Dean of
Student Development or their designee for possible disciplinary sanctions.
➢ Parked vehicles presenting a hazard, impeding vehicular or pedestrian traffic, interfering with the
operation of emergency vehicles or in a restricted area will be tagged and towed, without notice,
at the owner’s expense. Owners are responsible for costs of towing, impounding, and storage of
their vehicles.
Penalties for CT State parking and moving violations are determined according to State of Connecticut
laws. Depending upon the severity of the violation, the owner/operator of the vehicle may be issued an
Infraction Notice instead of a CT State parking ticket. The fines of an infraction are pre-determined by
state law and are not discretionary.
Payment of Fines
Fines must be paid in a timely manner. For further information on the payment process applicable to your
campus, please visit your home campus website. Students who do not pay their fines will not be allowed
to register for the next semester.
Student Driver Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each student driver to:
1. Know and comply with the parking regulations.
2. Maintain a current valid driver’s license.
3. Connecticut law requires continuous liability coverage on any registered vehicle, including out-of-
state registered vehicles. Out-of-state students are advised to check with their insurance agents, or
company, to be sure they have the required coverage.
4. The student and/or the owner in whose name any vehicle is registered will be responsible for any
penalties associated with violations of these regulations by their vehicle.
5. CT State does not assume responsibility for any motor vehicle operated or parked anywhere on its
property or in parking garages designated for student use, or for its contents nor does it assume
responsibility for alleged or actual damage resulting from a vehicle needing to be towed.
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CT State students, faculty, and staff all must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the
security of personal property. This can be done by applying some simple, common-sense rules such as:
• Park in well-lit areas. Avoid parking in deserted areas, especially after dark.
• Always lock your vehicle when leaving it unattended.
• Do not leave valuable items in your vehicle in plain view. Lock them in the trunk.
• When walking to a vehicle, walk with others.
• Take the shortest, most direct, and well-lit route to your destination.
• Have keys ready when returning to your vehicle.
• Look inside your vehicle before entering it.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended.
• Do not give personal information to strangers.
• Do not carry large sums of money or other valuables on your person. If someone demands or grabs
your purse or wallet, do not resist.
• Report suspicious activities, persons, or vehicles to campus Public Safety immediately.
• If a crime is committed, report it to campus Public Safety at once.
Public Safety Escorts
Public Safety personnel are available to escort students, faculty, and staff to their automobiles upon
request.
Traffic on Campus
• Motorized Vehicles
All Connecticut motor vehicle laws are applicable on CT State campus property and will be strictly
enforced. Any motor vehicle or pedestrian accident on a CT State campus, no matter how minor,
should be reported to campus Public Safety. Failing to report an accident that causes physical injury
or property damage could result in a charge of evading responsibility under State law.
• Bicycles
Bicycle operators are reminded that while riding on campus roads, they are to keep to the right side
of the roadway and that they are subject to the same traffic regulations governing the operation of
vehicles (e.g., stop signs, traffic lights, one-way street designations). Bicycle operators on CT State
property must ride or operate bicycles in a prudent and careful manner with reasonable regard for
the safety of the operator and other persons.
• Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks, parking lots and all other areas of the CT State
campuses. However, pedestrians shall grant the right of way to emergency vehicles. Pedestrians
shall be responsible for using sidewalks and marked crosswalks wherever possible and shall abide by
the Connecticut General Statutes regarding use of the sidewalks, crosswalks, and roadways.
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ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION
Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA) of 2000 is a federal law that provides for the tracking of
convicted sex offenders enrolled at, or employed at, institutions of higher education. The CSCPA is an
amendment to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Act. This
federal law requires state law enforcement agencies to notify CT State whenever a registered sex offender
indicates that they are either enrolled, employed, or carrying on a vocation at CT State.
A searchable database, available to the public, is maintained by the Connecticut State Police at the
following website: State of Connecticut | Sex Offender Registry. Additionally, in accordance with Chapter
969, Section 54-258 of the Connecticut General Statutes, campus police departments keep a record of all
registration information transmitted to them from the State Police.
In the State of Connecticut, convicted sex offenders must register with the Sex Offender Registry
maintained by the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police, Sex Offender Registry
Unit. The Sex Offender Registry information is intended to be used for such purposes as the administration
of criminal justice, screening of current or prospective employees and volunteers, or otherwise for the
protection of the public in general and children in particular. Unlawful use of the information for purposes
of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and a willful violation shall be punishable by law.
**************************************************************
Sex Offenders on Campus
Whenever in the judgment of the college president or designee the presence or continued presence of a
convicted sex offender who has been previously admitted or registered as a student, credit or non-credit,
would constitute an unreasonable threat to the safety of people, the security of property or the integrity
of academic processes and functions of the college, such person may be denied acceptance into and/or
continued attendance as a student or have limitations placed on participation in college activities and/or
access to college property.
The decision to exclude a person under this provision must be based on an assessment of the risk
presented by the continued presence of the convicted sex offender, who normally must be allowed to
provide information pertinent to the decision. The decision to exclude such person may not be based
solely on the person’s status as a convicted sex offender, nor shall any person use information regarding
a convicted sex offender to injure or harass any person.
The decision of the president or designee shall be final.
Board of Trustees Policy 5.1.1
EDITORIAL NOTE: The foregoing policy is currently under review by CT State. Minor editorial revisions to original text, made
for purposes of Handbook clarity, are noted in bold italics.
Student questions or concerns should be directed to their home campus Dean of Students/Dean of
Students and Faculty/Associate Dean of Student Development.
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Injury While on Campus
If you are injured on a CT State campus, please notify the Associate Dean of Campus Operations at that
campus location. They will advise you of any required paperwork that may need to be completed to
document the incident. Please visit the campus staff directory links in the CT State Community College
Directory section of this Handbook, the campus website, or the campus information desk to obtain the
Associate Dean’s office location information.
Off-Campus Injuries
In the event of an injury occurring at a college-sponsored, off-campus event, please notify the CT State
faculty or staff member in charge. That person will decide the best course of action and will report the
injury to a member of Public Safety or the Associate Dean of Campus Operations upon return to your CT
State campus.
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Awareness
CT State is committed to preventing overdose-related deaths through the proper training, administration,
and usage of naloxone hydrochloride, commonly known as NARCAN® Nasal Spray, or other similarly acting
and equally safe overdose-reversing drug approved by the FDA. The Connecticut Good Samaritan Law
allows anyone, if acting with reasonable care, to administer an opioid antagonist to a person one believes
in good faith is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose without criminal or civil liability.
Intranasal naloxone kits are stored and accessible to students, faculty, and staff at several locations on
each CT State campus, including the following:
Asnuntuck Campus
• Building 1, North Corridor B (adjacent to Admissions Suite 104)
• Building 2, Lobby 400 (adjacent to entrance vestibule)
Capital Campus
• Public Safety HQ (Suites #101/102 in the lobby)
• Public Safety Substation (Room #714 - on the 7th floor, next to the
cafeteria)
Gateway Campus
New Haven Campus:
• North Building Cabinets
1. Lower-level elevator lobby
2. 1st floor elevator lobby
3. 2nd floor elevator lobby
4. 3rd floor elevator lobby
5. 4th floor elevator lobby
• South Building Cabinets
1. 1st floor elevator lobby
2. 2nd floor Library entrance, S-201
3. 3rd floor elevator lobby
4. 4th floor elevator lobby
North Haven Campus (88 Bassett Road):
• Lobby area near restroom entrances
Housatonic Campus
• Public Safety Office, Beacon Hall, Room 110
• Public Safety Office, Lafayette Hall, Room A127
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Manchester Campus
• Campus Police dispatch office, Student Services Center, L174
Middlesex Campus
• With AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Machine, Founders Hall,
Room 147
• With AED Machine, Wheaton Hall, Main Hallway, First Floor, Near
Restrooms
• With AED Machine, Snow Hall, Main Hallway, First Floor, Near Restrooms
• With AED Machine, Chapman Hall, Upper-level Hallway
• With AED Machine, Chapman Hall, Main Lobby
Naugatuck Valley Campus
• Main Public Safety Office, Room C122
• Student Center, Room S520
• Public Safety Satellite Office, Room C101.
Northwestern Campus
• Founders Hall and Annex:
1. Founders Hall – 1st Floor Hallway outside Office #105
2. Founders Hall Annex – 2nd Floor Hallway next to Restrooms/#211
• Arts and Science Building – 2nd floor Student Lounge next to #204
• Joyner – 1st floor Student Lounge #132
• Greenwoods Hall – 2nd Floor Hallway outside of Registration #219
• Learning Resource Center – 2nd floor landing next to #208
Norwalk Campus
• East Campus Information Desk
• West Campus Main Lobby Security Post
Quinebaug Valley Campus
Opioid Rescue Kit locations:
• 1
st
Floor Corridor next to Atrium, W113
• 1
st
Floor East Corridor by E186
• 1
st
Floor West Vestibule Manufacturing Wing, N113
• 2
nd
Floor Library entrance, C224
• Campus Security, Atrium of West Wing, W113
Three Rivers Campus
• Security, Main Lobby entrance desk
Tunxis Campus
• Welcome Center, 100 Building, Main Entrance
• Circulation Desk, 1st Floor, Library Circulation Desk
The Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act (20
U.S.C §1092(f)) is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime
on and around their campuses and to provide the institution’s policies concerning campus security. CT
State campus Security and Uniform Campus Crime Reports (SUCCR) can be accessed on each CT State
campus website. Upon request, a copy of the report for your home campus can be obtained from that
campus’s Associate Dean of Campus Operations.
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Vandalism, Damage or Theft
Students, faculty, and staff should promptly report incidents involving vandalism, damage, or theft to
Public Safety. Information regarding such incidents will be recorded on Incident Report forms kept on file
in the campus Public Safety Offices. When deemed appropriate, the local and/or State police will be
notified.
Video Use Notice - Police Accountability Act
(Campus police officer body-worn and dashboard camera use)
Effective July 1, 2022, and in compliance with the State of Connecticut’s Police Accountability Act, all CT
State campus police officers are required to wear and use body-worn cameras (BWCs). Dashboard
cameras are also required in each CT State police patrol vehicle. A body-worn camera is an “on-the-body”
video and audio recording system worn by a police officer to capture digital multimedia evidence as an
additional means of documenting specific incidents in the field in the course and scope of the police
officers’ duties. The purpose of equipping police officers with issued or approved body-worn and
dashboard cameras is to assist in the following:
a. Strengthening Police Accountability by documenting incidents and encounters between officers and
the public.
b. Resolving Officer-Involved Incidents and Complaints by providing an objectively independent record
of events.
c. Improving Agency Transparency by allowing the public to see video evidence of police activities and
encounters in accordance with applicable laws regarding public disclosure.
d. Identifying and Strengthening Officer Performance by using footage for officer training and
monitoring when appropriate and consistent with the law.
e. Improving Evidence Documentation for investigation, prosecutions, and administrative reviews of
employee performance and/or civil actions.
BWCs will not be used to record CT State police officer’s day-to-day routines and conversations. Police
officers will only activate their BWCs during direct calls for service, unexpected public interactions for
service and/or proactively intervening in matters that require police service or involvement.
RIGHT TO FILE A COMPLAINT
All students and employees have the right to file a complaint with the
state or local police concerning crimes committed at any CT State
campus.
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CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY CONTACTS
In all life-threatening emergencies, dial or text 911.
• Asnuntuck Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 253-3013
Routine Calls – (860) 253-3013
• Capital Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 906-5075
Emergency Calls – dial ** from any campus phone
Routine Calls – (860) 906-5075
• Gateway Campus: Emergency Calls – (203) 285-2246
Routine Calls – (203) 285-2246
• Housatonic Campus: Emergency Calls – Lafayette Hall – (203) 332-5025
Emergency Calls – Beacon Hall – (203) 332-5040
Emergency Calls – dial ** from any campus phone
Routine Calls – (203) 332-5025
• Manchester Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 512-3111
Emergency Calls – dial 2-3111 from any campus phone
Routine Calls – (860) 512-3680
• Middlesex Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 463-5062
Routine Calls – (860) 463-5062
• Naugatuck Valley Campus: Emergency Calls – Waterbury – (203) 575-8112
Emergency Calls – Danbury – 911
Routine Calls – (203) 575-8113
• Northwestern Campus: Emergency Calls – 911
Routine Calls – Conn. State Police – (800) 497-0403 / (860) 626-1820
Routine Calls – Conn. State Police Desk Operations – (
860) 626-1840
Routine Calls – Winsted Police – (
860) 379-2721
• Norwalk Campus: Emergency Calls – East Campus – (203) 857-7223
Emergency Calls – West Campus – (203) 857-7155
Emergency Calls – dial 7-7223 from any campus phone
Routine Calls – East Campus – (203) 857-7223
Routine Calls – West Campus – (203) 857-7155
• Quinebaug Valley Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 951-9056
Routine Calls – (860) 932-4915
• Three Rivers Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 215-9053
Emergency Calls – dial 5-5555 from any campus phone
Routine Calls (860) 215-9066
• Tunxis Campus: Emergency Calls – (860) 541-0800
Routine Calls – (860) 773-1328
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Campus Public Safety Links
For further information regarding public safety at any CT State campus, please select the link below for
that campus:
CT STATE - PUBLIC SAFETY CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
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TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION
Several programs have been developed to guarantee admission and to help CT State students transfer
successfully to four-year universities. Additional information on these programs is available through your
assigned Guided Pathways Advisor and/or faculty advisor. Students planning to transfer are encouraged
to consult with their assigned Guided Pathways Advisor early in their college enrollment to ensure that
their course selections, especially electives, will be accepted by the college or university they wish to
attend.
Transfer to the Connecticut State University System
CSCU’s Transfer Ticket are degree programs providing a pathway for CT State students to complete degree
programs that transfer to Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern, Western) and
Charter Oak State College without losing any credits or being required to take extra credits in order to
complete a bachelor’s degree in that same discipline.
Transfer to the University of Connecticut (UCONN) through the Guaranteed
Admission Program (GAP)
The Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) is an agreement between CT State and the University of
Connecticut that guarantees admission to the University of Connecticut’s College of Liberal Arts &
Sciences and to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, provided certain requirements are met.
Transfer to the College of Technology (COT)
The College of Technology (COT) provides career pathways for students to earn certificates, Associate of
Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering and Technology disciplines. COT reduces barriers
to education by providing a seamless articulation between the community colleges and the four-year
partner universities. In addition, the COT uniquely integrates all the aforementioned college and
universities systems through offering multiple points of entry for completion of degrees.
Please visit CT State | Transfer or your home campus website for more details.
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
The Workforce Development and Continuing Education division at CT State Community College offers
short-term licensure and certificate training programs and courses designed to meet the needs of
residents and businesses. These high-quality programs provide individuals who are re-entering the
workforce or seeking to develop new technical skills an opportunity to advance in their careers. Our
intensive non-credit training is available to those interested in all career industries, including business,
healthcare, hospitality, information technology, advanced manufacturing technology, and social services
and provide opportunities for career growth. CT State Community College provides many programs that
prepare individuals to sit for industry credential examinations. Further details may be found on the
individual program web pages.
CT State Community College also provides Continuing Education for those in the greater community
seeking lifelong personal enrichment education on topics of interest that lead to personal growth. These
include English for other language speakers and opportunities to learn about gardening, fine arts, culture,
history and more.
In addition to individual courses, we contract with many companies and government agencies to provide
customized training for their employees. These classes are held in the workplace or may be offered online
or at campus locations throughout Connecticut. CT State Community College is ready to meet the demand
for job growth and skill development of today’s fast paced organizations.
Our programs are constantly changing to reflect the ever-changing needs of the businesses and
communities we serve. By browsing through our programs and services, we are sure that you will find a
variety of opportunities that are right for you.
For further information, please select the link below for your home campus.
CT STATE – WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CAMPUS LINKS
• Asnuntuck
• Capital
• Gateway
• Housatonic
• Manchester
• Middlesex
• Naugatuck Valley
• Northwestern
• Norwalk
• Quinebaug Valley
• Three Rivers
• Tunxis
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STUDENT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Nondiscrimination Statement:
CT State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex,
national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning or physical
disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, criminal record, genetic
information, or any other federal or state protected class in its employment, programs, and activities. For
information regarding nondiscrimination, disability, and Title IX policies/procedures, contact the CT State
Office of Equity and Civil Rights at: https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights [link available June 2023].
Furthermore, CT State is committed to equity in education. Equity in this context refers to the removal
and reduction of barriers that negatively impact student success within structures, policies and practices,
and ensuring that students receive targeted resources and supports to achieve their academic,
professional, and personal goals. Equity is achieved by identifying and intentionally addressing structural
racism, systemic poverty, and other forms of marginalization, upholding the expectation that
administrators, faculty, and staff act as anti-racist institutional change agents. CT State Community College
commits to bold and disruptive change by actively identifying, naming, and dismantling structural racism,
systemic poverty, and other barriers, establishing equitable and anti-racist policies and practices, and
empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance racial, social, and economic justice.
Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess practices and policies and transform the world
we live in by eliminating inequities.
All members of the CT State Community College community must, at all times, govern their social and
academic interactions with inclusion and mutual respect so that the students who pass through CT State’s
door are enriched by these experiences and are prepared for full and enlightened participation in a multi-
cultural and global society. Because of the BOR’s and CSCU's commitment to principles of pluralism,
mutual respect, and civility, certain activities are not acceptable on CSCU campuses. Acts of intolerance,
of hatred or violence based on race, religion, sexual orientation or expression, disability, gender, age, or
ethnic background are antithetical to the BOR’s, CSCU's and CT State’s fundamental principles and values.
It is the BOR's, CSCU’s and CT State’s responsibility to protect our students' right to learn by establishing
an environment of civility.
BOR/CSCU Statement of Title IX Policy
Consistent with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”),* the Connecticut State Colleges
and Universities (CSCU) does not and will not discriminate against students, faculty or staff based upon
sex in any of its programs or activities, including but not limited to education programs, employment or
admission. Further, retaliation against any person who made a complaint, testified, assisted, participated
or refused to participate in a Title IX process will not be tolerated.
The Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) is committed to ensuring that each member of the CSCU
community has the opportunity to participate fully in the process of education and development. The BOR
and CSCU strive to maintain a safe and welcoming environment free from acts of sexual discrimination,
including, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. It is the intent of the BOR that
each college and university provide safety, privacy and support.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 95
The BOR strongly encourages students, parents, bystanders and employees to alert the Campus Deputy
Title IX Coordinators to sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment. The Deputy Title IX
Coordinators shall promptly address these matters and treat all parties equitably.
In accordance with state and federal law, those accused of engaging in prohibited conduct will be
presumed not responsible and receive no punitive treatment unless and until found responsible after due
process. All BOR governed colleges and universities will provide complainants and the respondents with
supportive measures, including referral to agencies that provide medical attention, counseling, legal
services, advocacy, referrals and other relevant information.
* Title IX states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
PLEASE NOTE: The foregoing excerpts are provided for informational purposes only. To read the complete Statement
of Title IX Policy (BOR Policy 4.11): Click Here.
Policy on Racism and Acts of Intolerance
CT State is committed to providing educational opportunities to all who seek and can benefit from them,
as evidenced in the mission statements and policies concerning student rights, affirmative action, and
equal opportunity. The Board and the college recognize that an important part of providing opportunity
is creating a welcoming environment in which people are able to work and study together, by valuing the
diversity we all share.
Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Support Services, and Processes Policy
The Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) in conjunction with the Connecticut State Colleges and
Universities (CSCU) is committed to ensuring that each member of every BOR governed college and
university community has the opportunity to participate fully in the process of education and
development. The BOR and CSCU strive to maintain a safe and welcoming environment free from acts of
sexual misconduct, including, sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking. It
is the intent of the BOR and each of its colleges or universities to provide safety, privacy and support to
victims of sexual misconduct and intimate partner violence.
The BOR strongly encourages students, parents, bystanders and employees to report any instance of
sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking and intimate
partner violence.
At the campus level, the Deputy Title IX Coordinators will promptly address these matters and treat all
parties equitably. In accordance with federal law Respondents will be presumed not responsible and
receive no punitive treatment unless and until found responsible after due process. All BOR governed
colleges and universities will provide complainants and respondents with supportive measures, including
referral to agencies that provide medical attention, counseling, legal services, advocacy, referrals and
general information regarding sexual misconduct.
PLEASE NOTE: The foregoing excerpts are provided for informational purposes only. To read the complete Sexual
Misconduct Reporting, Support Services and Processes Policy: Click Here.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 96
STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCESS AND POINTS OF CONTACT
CT State has procedures in place for the investigation and resolution of student complaints, including
guidance on when and how a student can appeal an adverse decision made on behalf of the college. If
you have a general complaint or concern, or if you are simply not certain how the process related to a
particular type of complaint would be handled, please reach out directly to your campus Associate Dean
of Student Development/Dean of Students/Dean of Students and Faculty or visit the CT State Office of
Equity and Civil Rights Procedures page at: https://ctstate.edu/equity-civilrights/procedures [link
available June 2023]. These campus leaders will be able to provide you with further guidance on when, where,
and how to file a student complaint based on your specific situation. Contact information for CT State
campus Student Affairs leaders can be found via links in the CT State Community College Directory section
of this Handbook or on the CT State campus websites.
Students are first encouraged to direct questions, concerns, or complaints to their home campus
DEI/Equity Coordinator, Disability Services/Accessibility Coordinator and/or Deputy Title IX
Coordinator identified below.
CAMPUS DEI/EQUITY COORDINATORS
Asnuntuck
Capital
Carl Guerriere
Room 314G, (860) 906-5195, cguerriere@capitalcc.edu
Gateway
Housatonic
Manchester
Wanda Reyes-Dawes, MS-Counseling
Room L286, (860) 512-3206, wreyes-dawes@manchestercc.edu
Middlesex
Naugatuck Valley
Northwestern
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 97
CAMPUS DEI/EQUITY COORDINATORS
Norwalk
Quinebaug Valley
Tanaya M Walters, Ed.D.
Room E233, (860) 932-4184, twalters@qvcc.commnet.edu
Three Rivers
Tunxis
CAMPUS DISABILITY SERVICES/ACCESSIBILITY COORDINATORS
Asnuntuck
Capital
Gateway
Housatonic
Marilyn Wehr, MS, LPC
Room L115 – Lafayette Hall, (203) 332-5018, mwehr@hcc.commnet.edu
Manchester
Middlesex
Hilary Phelps, MA
Chapman Hall, Room 707, (860) 343-5735, hphelps@mxcc.commnet.edu
Naugatuck Valley
Vincent McCann, MS
Waterbury and Danbury Campuses
Kinney Hall, Room K406 (Waterbury), (203) 596-8608
Northwestern
Norwalk
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 98
CAMPUS DISABILITY SERVICES/ACCESSIBILITY COORDINATORS
Quinebaug Valley
Morgan B. Conway, M.A., GCertPDS
W107B, (860) 932-4299, mconway@qvcc.edu
Three Rivers
Matthew Liscum
A-124, (860) 215-9265, mliscum@trcc.commnet.edu
Tunxis
Deborah “Debbie” Kosior, MS
600 Building, Academic Success & Tutoring Center, (860) 773-1526
dkosior@txcc.commnet.edu
CAMPUS DEPUTY TITLE IX COORDINATORS
Asnuntuck
Dawn Bryden, Ed.D.
Room 101, (860) 253-1277, dbryden@asnuntuck.edu
Capital
Jason Scappaticci, Ed.D.
Room 210A, (860) 906-5085, jscappaticci@ccc.commnet.edu
Gateway
Housatonic
Robin Avant, MA
Beacon Hall – Room 278A, (203) 332-5061, ravant@hcc.commnet.edu
Manchester
Middlesex
Sara Hanson, Ed.D.
Founders Hall, Room 107, (860) 343-5883, shanson@mxcc.commnet.edu
Naugatuck Valley
Northwestern
Norwalk
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 99
CAMPUS DEPUTY TITLE IX COORDINATORS
Quinebaug Valley
Tanaya M. Walters, Ed.D.
Room E233, (860) 932-4184, twalters@qvcc.commnet.edu
Three Rivers
Tunxis
Sydney Lake
100 Building, (860) 773-1644, slake@txcc.commnet.edu
In addition, the CT State Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (https://ctstate.edu/dei) [link available
June 2023] is your initial point of contact for issues and complaints including those related to
accommodations/academic adjustments, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault,
stalking or intimate partner violence.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 100
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG INFORMATION
Students should review and are expected to abide by Connecticut state laws, the Policy on Alcohol and
Drugs in the Community College and the Student Code of Conduct.
The BOT 4.15 Policy on Drugs and Alcohol in the Community Colleges has been prepared as required by
the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention (34 CFR part 86) and the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
(41 U.S. Code §§701, et seq.). Connecticut State Community College is committed to education, and the
health and wellbeing of our students. This includes the prevention and response to the use of alcohol and
other drugs on our campuses.
The physical and mental health effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of
illegal drugs and misuse of prescription drugs can have social, academic, psychological, physical, financial,
and legal consequences. Combining drugs and/or using them with alcohol can be extremely dangerous.
Use of these drugs may cause blackouts, poisoning, overdose, and death; physical and psychological
dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and liver; impact on pregnancy;
psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety and inability to learn and
remember information.
The substance use by family members and friends may also be of concern to students. Patterns of risk-
taking behavior and dependency interfere in the lives of those who use substances and have a negative
impact on the affected students' academic work, emotional wellbeing, and adjustment to college life.
Alcohol and Other Drug Resources:
On-Campus
▪ Campus Wellness Counselor - Mental Health and Wellness Services
▪ Campus Mental Health Coalition
▪ Campus CARE Team
Off-Campus
▪ Alcoholics Anonymous – For a listing of meetings in Connecticut
▪ Connecticut Region Narcotics Anonymous – For a listing of meetings in Connecticut
▪ 211/United Way of Connecticut – Call 2-1-1, 24 hours/7days for information and referrals, or go
to the 2-1-1 website for substance abuse related service listings.
▪ The Connecticut Clearinghouse – Fact sheets and lending library of printed materials and videos
about individual drugs and related issues affecting mental health and wellness. The Clearinghouse
is Connecticut’s resource center for information about alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and related
issues affecting mental health and wellness.
Links to Connecticut Clearinghouse Drug Fact Sheets
(Fact sheets on specific drugs, drug testing, prescribed drugs, etc.)
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 101
▪ SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of
Health & Human Services)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, 1-800-662-
HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-
based organizations.
Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748
(HELP4U) to find help near you. To read more about HELP4U, please visit: HELP4U text
messaging service.
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 102
STUDENT CONSUMER INFORMATION
In compliance with federal and state regulations, Connecticut State Community College provides the
following information to students, parents, and the public about the institution.
❖ The Student Right-to-Know Act (P.L. 101-542)
Pursuant to federal law, colleges and universities that administer federal Title IV funds must disclose
certain information to prospective and enrolled students, parents, and employees, including
graduation rates. For further information, please visit:
• IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) collects institution-level data on
student enrollment, graduation rates, student charges, program completions, faculty, staff,
and finances.
❖ Academic Programs, including Accreditation and External Agency Recognition
• CT State College Catalog
❖ The Clery Act – Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics
• Asnuntuck Campus
• Capital Campus
• Gateway Campus
• Housatonic Campus
• Manchester Campus
• Middlesex Campus
• Naugatuck Valley Campus
• Northwestern Campus
• Norwalk Campus
• Quinebaug Valley Campus
• Three Rivers Campus
• Tunxis Campus
❖ CSCU Student Complaint Request to Review Process
In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, CSCU investigates Request for
Review of all written and signed student complaints against the colleges and universities in the CSCU
system. Additionally, CSCU also provides prospective and enrolled students with contact
information for filing complaints with our accrediting agency and other appropriate state agencies.
If you have exhausted all appropriate levels of appeal available at CT State, you may then file a
complaint about the College with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU).
Students should be aware that they have the right to seek advice from a private attorney. For
information on initiating and filing a Request for Review, as well as access to the State of Connecticut
complaint form: Click Here.
❖ Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy and Prevention Plan
• BOR Policy 5.11 - Opioid Overdose Prevention and Awareness Policy; also click here
• Alcohol and Other Drug Resources
• CSCU/CT State Student Code of Conduct
❖ Equity in Athletics
• U.S. Department of Education - Equity in Athletics Data Analysis
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 103
❖ Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• BOR Policy 2.2 - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Notice and Directory
Information Policy
• U.S. Department of Education - FERPA
❖ Information for Individuals with Disabilities
❖ Other Institutional Consumer Information, including:
• General Institutional Information
• Student Financial Assistance
• Health and Safety
• Student Outcomes
• Voter Registration
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 104
INDEX
A
Academic Advising, 18, 19
Academic Appeal, 55
Academic Calendar, 9
Academic Fresh Start, 13
Academic Honors, 55
Academic Misconduct, 65
Academic Problems, 16
Academic Programs, 15
Academic Success Centers, 48
Acts of Dishonesty, 65
Adding/Dropping a Course, 15, 31
Admissions Office, 13, 14, 21
Alcohol and Other Drug Resources, 100
Announcements, 55
Appeal, 26, 27, 28, 50, 62, 70
Appeal for Refunds of Tuition and Fees, 28
Asnuntuck, 2, 5, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54,
57, 62, 63, 76, 87, 90, 91, 93
Assessment, 21
B
Banner, 21, 31, 76, 77, 80
Bicycles, 85
Body-Worn and Dashboard Camera Use, 89
Bookstore, 15, 55
Business Office, 22, 31, 55, 60
C
Cafeteria, 58
Campus News and Information, 15
Campus Public Safety, 81, 91
Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA), 86
Capital, 2, 5, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54, 57,
62, 63, 76, 83, 87, 90, 91, 93
CARE Referral, 38
CARE Team, 38
Career Services, 15, 38
Central Office, 4
Change of Major, 15
Change of Personal Information, 15, 35
Cheating, 65
Class Cancellations, 56
Clery Act, 88, 102
Closings, Cancellations, And Delayed Openings, 79
College of Technology (COT), 92
Collegiate Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Program @ Northwestern, 15
Commencement, 56
Community Resources, 56
Community Service, 53, 56
Computer Centers/Labs, 48, 75, 79
Computer Usage, 75
Connecticut National Guard Tuition Assistance, 51
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), 2, 9,
61, 94, 95
Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination, 3
Cooperative Education, 56
Counseling Services, 45
Course Withdrawals, 32
Cross-Registration Privilege, 31
CSCU Board of Regents (BOR), 2, 36, 61, 79, 94, 95
CSCU Common Calendar, 9
CSCU Position on DACA and Protocol for Engagement with
ICE, 13
CSCU Student Complaint Request to Review Process, 102
CSCU’s Transfer Ticket, 92
CT State Board of Regents (BOR), 2, 3, 26
CT State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement, 2
CT State Grant, 25
CT State Mission Statement, 2
CT State Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 99
CT State Office of Equity and Civil Rights, 39, 40, 44, 94, 96
CT State President, 1, 4
CT State President’s Cabinet, 4
CT State Structure and Campuses, 2
D
Damage, 65, 66, 89
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students,
13, 23
Degree Works, 20, 21, 78
DEI/Equity Coordinators, 96
Delinquent Accounts, 22
Dependent Children/Surviving Spouse Waivers, 51
Deputy Title IX Coordinators, 69, 95, 96
Disability Services, 15, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 103
Disability Services/Accessibility Coordinators, 96
Disciplinary Procedures, 64, 69, 71
Disciplinary Record, 71
Disciplinary Sanctions, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73
Discrimination, 15
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 4, 15, 16
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy and Prevention Plan, 100,
102
E
Early Childhood Centers, 56
Emergencies, 81
Emergency Assistance/Aid, 22
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 105
Emergency Exits, 81
Emergency Notification System (ENS), 79, 80
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), 21, 45
Equity in Athletics, 102
Evacuation Routes, 81
F
Faculty Advising, 16, 18, 19
Faculty Office Hours, 57
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 35, 36,
70, 71, 103
Federal Financial Aid, 24
Financial Aid, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32
Financial Aid Appeal, 26
Fitness Centers, 57
Food Pantries, 57
Food Services, 58
Foundations, 58
Funding Options for Non-Credit Students, 26
G
Gambling, 68
Gateway, 2, 5, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54, 57,
62, 63, 76, 83, 87, 90, 91, 93
Gender Equity Center @ Gateway, 15
General Admissions, 10
Grade Appeal, 55
Grade Reports, 37
Grants, 24, 25, 27
Guided Pathways Advising, 18, 19
H
Harassment, 67, 69
Hazing, 67
Health Insurance, 58
Help Desks, 76
Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, 102
Honor Societies, 58
Honors Programs, 58
Housatonic, 2, 6, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54,
57, 59, 62, 63, 76, 83, 87, 90, 91, 93
Housing, 58
How to Report an Emergency, 81
I
ID Reissuance, 79
Information Technology, 75
Injury, 66, 87
Institutional Financial Aid, 25
Intercollegiate Team Sports @ Gateway, 15
International Advisor/DSO, 10
International Student Admissions, 10
International Students, 10, 11, 12, 15
Internship Programs, 56
Intramural Sports and Athletics, 58
IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System),
102
IT Support, 75, 77
L
Language Labs, 48
Library, 16, 59, 78
Loans, 15, 24, 25, 27
Lockdown, 82
Lockers, 15
Lost and Found, 16, 59
M
Manchester, 2, 6, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54,
57, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
Math Centers, 48
Medical Leave of Absence, 46
Medical Withdrawals, 32
Men’s Center @ Housatonic, 16
Mental Health and Wellness, 16, 45, 46
Middlesex, 2, 6, 18, 19, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54,
57, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
Motorized Vehicles, 85
Multifactor Authentication (MFA), 76
myCTState, 21, 31, 37, 75, 76, 78
N
Naloxone Kits, 87
Naugatuck Valley, 2, 7, 18, 20, 22, 24, 35, 39, 42, 48, 52,
53, 54, 57, 60, 62, 63, 76, 83, 88, 90, 91, 93
Need-Based Grant, 25
Need-Merit Grant, 25
NetID, 37, 75, 76, 77, 78
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), 3
News Releases and Bulletins, 15
Non-Credit Students, 10, 19, 26, 30, 93
Non-Discrimination Statement, 94
Northwestern, 2, 7, 18, 20, 22, 24, 35, 39, 40, 42, 48, 52,
53, 54, 57, 59, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
Norwalk, 2, 7, 18, 20, 22, 24, 35, 39, 40, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54,
57, 59, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
Notice and Directory information Policy, 35, 36
NV Rides, 60
O
Offensive or Disorderly Conduct, 67
Office 365, 75, 76, 77
Office of Enrollment & Retention Services, 35
One Stop Enrollment Services Center, 15, 16, 26, 28, 30,
31, 32, 35, 36, 37
Open-Door Admissions Policy, 10, 21
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 106
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Awareness, 87
Orientation & Onboarding, 17
Outlook Web App, 75
P
Parking, 16, 79, 83, 84, 85
Parking Regulations, 83
Password Reset, 77
Payment of Fines, 84
Pedestrians, 85
Personal Problems, 16
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 58
Photocopies, 16
Placement, 21
Placement Testing, 48
Placement Waivers, 21
Plagiarism, 65
Pledge to Advance CT (PACT), 25
Police Accountability Act, 89
Practicum, 56
Principles of Excellence, 51, 52
Prohibited Conduct, 63, 65
Public Health Emergency Disclaimer, 3
Public Safety Escorts, 85
Q
Quinebaug Valley, 2, 8, 18, 20, 22, 24, 35, 39, 40, 42, 48,
52, 53, 54, 57, 60, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
R
Racism and Acts of Intolerance, 95
Reading Days, 59
Re-Admit/Returning Student Admissions, 13
Refund for Non-Credit Programs, 29
Refunds, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 46
Registration, 16, 30, 31
Religious Accommodations, 16
Right to File a Complaint, 36, 44, 89
S
Safety Drills, 82
Safety Responsibilities, 82
Safety Videos, 82
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), 25, 50
Scholarships, 16, 24
Security and Uniform Campus Crime Reports (SUCCR), 88
SEVIS Form I-20, 10, 11
Sex Offenders on Campus, 86
Sexual Misconduct, 65, 66, 69, 70, 95
Shelter-in-Place, 82
Smoking and Vaping, 59
Stalking, 67
State Financial Aid, 25
Struggling in Your Classes?, 52
Student Activities, 16, 53, 54, 55, 58
Student Clubs, 16, 53
Student Code of Conduct, 61, 63, 64, 70, 74, 76
Student Complaint Process, 96
Student Complaints, 52, 62, 69, 94
Student Consumer Information, 103
Student Driver Responsibilities, 84
Student Email, 75
Student Employment, 53
Student Government, 16, 53
Student ID, 15, 59, 60, 79
Student Newspapers, 54
Student Postings, 55
Student Radio Stations, 54
Student Right-to-Know Act, 102
T
Theft, 65, 68, 89
Three Rivers, 2, 8, 18, 20, 22, 24, 35, 39, 40, 42, 48, 52, 53,
54, 57, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
TimelyCare, 16, 46, 58
Tips for Scheduling Classes
, 33
Title IX, 3, 4, 16, 69, 70, 94, 95
Traffic on Campus, 85
transcripts, 37
Transcripts, 16, 37
Transfer, 14, 16, 18, 71, 92
Transfer Admissions, 14
Transportation Services, 59
Tuition and Fees, 22
Tuition Waivers, 24, 51
Tunxis, 2, 8, 18, 20, 22, 24, 35, 39, 40, 42, 48, 52, 53, 54,
57, 62, 63, 76, 88, 90, 91, 93
Tutoring, 16, 48, 79
U
U.S. Department of Education, 3, 36, 42, 44, 45
UCONN Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP), 92
U-Pass CT, 59, 60
V
Vandalism, 89
Veterans, 16, 28, 50, 51, 52
Veterans Certifying Official, 49
Veterans Operation Academic Support for Incoming
Service (OASIS), 49, 52
Veterans Services, 49, 52
Veterans Tuition Waiver, 50
Violations of Privacy, 66
Volunteerism, 56
CT State Community College Student Handbook | 107
W
Wireless Network, 78
Withdrawal from CT State, 16, 32
Women’s Center @ Housatonic, 16
Women’s Leadership Institute, 16
Work Study, 16, 24
Workforce Development and Continuing Education, 10, 19,
26, 29, 30, 51, 93
Writing Centers, 48
Dec. 2023 | Rev3 | JM
