What's Hoppin' Denizen Edition

Visit ECSU's Website

Eastern Connecticut State University is a public, coeducational liberal arts university located in Willimantic, Connecticut. Founded in 1889, it is the second-oldest campus in the Connecticut State University system and third oldest public university in the state. Situated 30 minutes from Hartford, Eastern lies midway between New York City and Boston. The campus is located south of the University of Connecticut on CT Route 195. Although the majority of courses are held on the main Willimantic campus, select classes take place at the Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut and in Vernon, Connecticut.[1]

The President of the University is Dr. Elsa Nuñez. Prior to Dr. Nuñez, the university was led for nearly 18 years by Dr. David G. Carter. Dr. Carter became Chancellor of the Connecticut State University system in January 2006, and Dr. Michael Pernal succeeded him in the interim.[2]

Academics

ECSU is home to 33 undergraduate majors and 50 undergraduate minor programs. Academically, the university is split into three schools. The School of Arts and Sciences incorporates 16 departments including Anthropology, Biology, Computer Science, English, Environmental Earth Science, History, Mathematics, Modern and Classical Languages, Philosophy, Performing Arts, Physical Sciences, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Visual Arts, as well as the university's Writing Program.[3]

The School of Education and Professional Studies incorporates five departments, including Business Administration,[4] Communication,[5] Economics,[6] Education,[7] and Health & Physical Education.[8] ECSU also has a graduate division, offering a Master of Science in accounting, education, and organizational management.[9]

Housing

88% of first-year students, and 69% of all undergraduates live in college housing.[11] The campus is separated into first-year halls and upper-class halls. All students Sophomore status and higher are eligible to live in upper-class halls.[12]

First-year halls

• Burnap Hall
• Burr Ball
• Constitution Hall
• Crandall Hall
• Winthrop Hall
• Mead Hall

Upper-class halls

• Laurel Hall
• Niejadlik Hall
• Noble Hall
• Nutmeg Hall
• Occum Hall
• Windham Street Apartments (High-rise and Low-rise)

Student organizations

ECSU offers over 50 student organizations in which students can participate, including athletic, political, cultural, artistic, and communication clubs. The Campus Activity Board sponsors many of the events on campus, including movies, concerts, coPublic Libraryns, and trips. The campus newspaper is The Campus Lantern and the campus newscast is News 22. (As of September 14, 2006, The Campus Lantern is no longer a printed publication; it is available on the web at The Campus Lantern.com.) The Student Government Association is the liaison between the student body and university administration and each residence hall has a student council that plans events and trips for hall residents.

Athletics

The ECSU teams are known as the "Warriors." The mascot, though previously Native American-themed, is currently a blue cat and will soon change again. The university is a member of the NCAA Division III, the Little East Conference and the Eastern College Athletic Conference.[13] Intramural and/or collegiate teams are offered for these sports: badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross-country, field hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, racquetball, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, indoor and outdoor track, volleyball, and water polo.

University improvements

The university has undergone a number of construction projects in recent years, much of it under the leadership of former President Dr. David G. Carter. Past projects have included the construction of a new administration building, a new library, five new residence halls, and the Child and Family Development Center. Projects underway include extensive renovations and renovation to the Student Center, renovations to Burr Hall to convert it from a women's only to a co-ed residence hall, and a new science building. Projects being planned for the future include a fine arts building, a new public safety building, development of major campus entrances, relocation of the radio station, relocation of the softball field, development of a second parking garage and the second phase of the track project which includes artificial turf, bleachers and lighting.While the improvements to the campus have given it a more prominent position among the state's public universities, many students have commented that parking is difficult to find because of vast sections that have been fenced off due to the construction, especially in the area around the Student Center. The university administration has attempted to alleviate the problem with the opening of a new parking lot next to the current parking lot. Additional parking is also available at the Athletic Complex with an express shuttle to the main academic core.

Notes

1. ^ Directions to Off Campus Sites. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
2. ^ Eastern Connecticut State University (2006-05-18). Dr. Elsa Nuñez Appointed Eastern's Sixth President. Press release. Retrieved on August 25.
3. ^ ECSU School of Arts and Sciences. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
4. ^ Department of Business Administration. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
5. ^ Communication Department. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
6. ^ Economics Department. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
7. ^ Education Department. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
8. ^ Heath & Physical Education Department. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
9. ^ Graduate Studies Division. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
10. ^ Institute for Sustainable Energy Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
11. ^ College Board - ECSU Housing & Campus Life. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
12. ^ Housing and Denizenial Life. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.
13. ^ Fast Facts. Retrieved on August 25, 2006.

Information obtained from Wikipedia