Frequently Asked Questions

 

Technology Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend the June Orientation program?
All students who are new to WestConn (Freshmen, Transfer, International, etc.), and their parents.

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Is June Orientation required?
Yes, it is.  This is a day when you get ready for life at WestConn, the day you finalize your class registration, get your parking permit, and your ID card.  You can take your placement tests, meet some of your faculty and attend invaluable workshops that will help you make your experience at WestConn even more rewarding.  Do not miss this day if at all possible!

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When and where is June Orientation?
June 2008 Orientation is scheduled for Monday, June 23rd through Thursday, June 26th, 2008 from the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  You only have to come for one of those days, though, and additional services will be available after the official program ends.

Monday, June 23, 2008 Ancell School of Business
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 School of Professional Studies
School of Visual and Performing Arts
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 School of Arts & Sciences – Majors
Thursday, June 26, 2008 School of Arts & Sciences – Exploratory Studies

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What day do I come for June Orientation?
That depends on your major.  Look up your major in our list of majors to find the school you belong to.  You will attend the day of orientation reserved for your school. 

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I am an Elementary Education major with a concentration in Math.  Do I come on the day reserved for Professional Studies or Arts & Sciences?
Elementary Education is your main program of study so you would attend the orientation day reserved for Professional Studies.

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I am a Secondary Education major with a concentration in Math. Do I come on the day reserved for Professional Studies or Arts & Sciences?
You should attend the first day reserved for Arts & Sciences and meet with mathematics.

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Are my parents allowed to come to June Orientation?  What about my siblings?
Not only are parents allowed to come, they are encouraged to attend.  There will be special workshops just for parents and some for students and parents to attend together.  However, if at all possible we encourage families to make arrangements for younger siblings to
remain at home as this day is especially reserved for WestConn students and their parents.

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What time does June Orientation start in the morning?
That depends.  If you are planning to take your placement test that day, you need to be here early.  An optional breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and most workshops for students and parents begin at 8:00 a.m.  Please check www.wcsu.edu/orientation/studentschedule.asp for more information. 
Remember: Monday, June 23rd, Orientation will be at the Westside campus.

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What if I am on vacation during June Orientation and can’t attend?
Every incoming freshman should attend June Orientation.  If you cannot make it to the day scheduled for your major's Orientation but can come on another day, please call the Orientation Hotline at 203-837-8215 or complete the RSVP form online and tell us you are switching your days.  You will not meet the faculty from your major but everything else will be pretty much the same.  If you are gone for the entire week, do the following:

  1. still make sure you send your course selection to the registrar's office; if you do not send it back in time you will have to come and register in person after July 1st
  2. the registrar's office will send you a copy of your schedule if you do not attend Orientation; call them in July if you have not received it
  3. come any time after July 1st on a Monday - Friday between 8am and 4:00pm to get your ID card, parking permit, computer accounts, books, etc.; bring your class schedule, photo ID, and the registration of the car you are planning to drive
  4. check out WestConn's web page at www.wcsu.edu for more information
  5. plan on attending some of the special programs and workshops during Welcome Week in September

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I have received my registration packet in the mail.  Should I send in my course selection if I have not yet taken my placement test(s)?
YES!  Just write the date of your placement test next to that section and choose all of your other courses.  The correct course you place into will be added after you take your test.  Everything else will be done during Orientation.

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I have received the results for my Math placement test but have not yet received the results for my English placement test.  Is that normal?  And what about my Chemistry placement test?
Yes, the results for the English placement test take a little bit longer than those for the Math placement test.  Many students do not need to take the Chemistry placement test.  If you are not sure if you should take the Chemistry placement exam, please check the web page at www.wcsu.edu/chemistry/placeexam.htm for more information.

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I've had some Spanish in high school.  How do I know if I should enroll in Introductory Spanish or Intermediate Spanish?
There is a Placement Examination for Spanish. It is available online. Please read and follow the instructions carefully, and save and print results. Placement is also available by Oral Proficiency Interview. Please contact the chair of the World Languages & Literature Department for an appointment.  http://www.wcsu.edu/wll/Placement.asp

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Can I take a test to prove my proficiency in a foreign language to waive my foreign language requirement and how do I go about doing that?
The CLEP test is available in Spanish, French, and German. 6 credits earned will complete the foreign language requirement.  For more information regarding CLEP testing at WestConn go to: http://www.wcsu.edu/testing/clep.htm

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I am a transfer student and completed my language requirement at my old college/university.  Am I all set?
Transfer credits from accredited institutions are acceptable for completing the foreign language requirement. Details are available in the catalog and on our department web page.  http://www.wcsu.edu/wll/LangReq.asp

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What requirements are there before I am allowed to register?
The following information must be in place before you can register for classes:

  1. make your $200.00 non-refundable deposit
  2. a copy of proof of vaccination against measles and rubella must be presented to Health Service. It can be mailed, faxed or brought with you on the day of Orientation. You must have 2 measles vaccines, the first one given after your first birthday and one rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first given after your first birthday, are acceptable.
  3. you will need to have taken any applicable placement test as noted in your admissions packet (Math, English, and Chemistry)

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How do I make changes to my class schedule, after Orientation?
Students can make changes to their schedule, after orientation, in person at the Office of the Registrar in the Old Main Administrative Building, 1st floor.  Any questions can be directed to (203) 837-9206.

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What do I need to bring for June Orientation?
If you haven’t mailed in the course selection sheet sent to you in the mail, please bring that along with you when you come to campus (please mail it if there is still time).  In order to get your ID card and parking permit, you’ll need to bring a photo ID and the car registration of the car you are going to drive.  Bring cash or credit cards if you are planning to buy your books.  And if you have not yet submitted your proof of immunization, please bring that with you as well (see questions regarding immunizations below).  If you are taking the placement tests, follow the instructions for the tests.  www.wcsu.edu/admissions/placement_tests.asp

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What is the cost of June Orientation?
For students Orientation is free.  Parents are asked to pay $10 each to cover the cost of food.

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Where can my parents and I stay if we are coming in from far away?
Here is a list of hotels that are only about 10-15 minutes away from our Midtown and Westside campuses:

Hotels                                                                                  Website          

Holiday Inn                                                                   www.holidayinn.com

Maron Hotel and Suites                                              www.maronhotel.com

Wellesly Inn                                              www.welleslyinnsandsuites.com

Quality Inn                                                                   www.qualityinns.com

Residence Inn by Marriot                                        www.residenceinn.com

Sheraton                                                                        www.sheraton.com

Ethan Allen                                                           www.ethanallenhotel.com

Courtyard by Marriot                                                    www.courtyard.com

Spring Hill Suites                                                   www.springhillsuites.com

Best Western Berkshire Inn                www.bestwestern.com/berkshireinn

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When does Fall Orientation – Welcome Week begin?
Welcome Week begins on Saturday, August 30th and goes through the following Sunday, September 7th.

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When do Fall classes begin?
Classes begin on Tuesday, September 2nd.

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How do I get to WCSU for June Orientation?
Orientation for all schools except the Ancell School of Business is being held on our Midtown campus.  Orientation for the Ancell School of Business on Monday, June 23rd will be held on the Westside campus.  Directions and a map can be found here: www.wcsu.edu/campustour/directions.asp

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When will I get information about June Orientation?
After you have paid your $200.00 non-refundable deposit you will receive a letter and Orientation schedule in the mail as well as your registration packet which you need to complete and return to the Registrar’s office before Orientation.  Additional information is available on our website at www.wcsu.edu/orientation.

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What should I do when I arrive on campus for June Orientation?
The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. with check-in and a continental breakfast.  If students need to take placement tests for English, Math and Chemistry, those tests begin at 8:00 a.m.  Please refer to the schedule you received or refer to our website as listed above.

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Where do I park?
All students coming for Orientation at the Midtown campus (June 24th, 25th, and June 26th) will be asked to park in the White Street parking garage right on the Midtown campus.  All students coming for Orientation for the Ancell School of Business at the Westside campus (June 23rd) will be asked to park in the commuter parking lot.  Please check our website for directions.  www.wcsu.edu/campustour/directions.asp

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I am a transfer student.  Do I really need to attend June Orientation?
Yes.  We encourage all students to attend in order to familiarize themselves with resources and services available at WCSU.  You can get your parking permit, ID card, and computer accounts.  You will meet some of your faculty and attend invaluable workshops that will help you make your experience at WestConn even more rewarding.

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How do I register for June Orientation?
Please complete the RSVP form on-line, call the Orientation Hotline at 203-837-8215 and leave a message or send an email to orientation@wcsu.edu. 

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Is there a separate June Orientation for students with disabilities?
No, but the Disability Services office will be open during Orientation in a combination of workshops and office hours.  The Disability Services Coordinator also will be available for appointments throughout the summer.

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What do I do if I need accommodations for my disability during June Orientation?
If you have a disability and require special accommodations for June Orientation, placement exams, or your classes, contact WCSU’s Coordinator of Disability Services Ms. Deborah Cohen at (203) 837-8225 or by email at: cohende@wcsu.edu.

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What if I am a part-time student?
Part-time students are invited and encouraged to attend all of our Orientation programs – both June Orientation and Welcome Week in September.  Just like our full-time students you can learn something about WestConn, get registered, get your ID card, parking permit and computer accounts, meet your faculty, buy your books, etc.

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What if I am an adult or non-traditional student?  Do I still need to attend June Orientation?
Yes.  There will be a lot of information available during orientation that is important to all students.  You will register for classes, get your ID card and parking permit, computer accounts, and meet some of the faculty.  You would not want to miss this day.

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Will I be able to purchase my books during Orientation/Welcome Week?
Yes, there will be time during or after Orientation/Welcome Week for students to purchase their books.  To purchase textbooks, be sure to bring checks, cash or credit cards, and a printout of your class schedule.  If you put money into your WestConnect card, you can use your WestConnect card at the bookstore.  Books can also be ordered online at wcsu.bncollege.com for either shipping or in-store pickup.

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How do I find out about how to get involved on campus?
Some of the workshops offered during June Orientation will answer this question.  You can also visit our website and see what clubs and organizations are already on campus or how to form your own club.  During Welcome Week in September you can meet many of the clubs during Club’s Carnival.

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How do I get a parking decal?
Once you are registered for classes, bring your schedule, car registration of the vehicle you plan to drive and a photo ID to the WestConnect office and you will receive your parking permit.

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Where do I go to pay my bill or find out about Financial Aid?
The Cashier’s Office is located in the Old Main Administration Building where you will be able to handle all billing inquiries or you may visit their web site at www.wcsu.edu/cashiers.  Bill s are due in full on July 18th.
The Office of Financial Aid is also in the Old Main Administration Building where you can find answers to any of your financial aid concerns, or go to www.wcsu.edu/finaid.

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When can new students move into the residence halls?
Students who are registered as full-time (12 credits or more) will be eligible to move into their residence hall for Fall 2008 on Saturday, August 30th, the first day of Welcome Week, between 9am and noon provided they have also sent in their proof of immunization.  Students who are not registered for 12 or more credits will need to see the Registrar prior to the move in date.

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Will I need my own computer at WestConn and if I do what kind should I get?
Having your own computer is a great help.  Please see the “Important Information” link of the Orientation web site for detailed information.  www.wcsu.edu/orientation/important.asp

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What immunizations must I provide in order to register for classes?
All students – full and part-time – must show proof of two measles and one rubella immunization prior to registration according to the State Mandated Measles/Rubella Law, Public Act 89-90.  Please submit your proof to the Health Services office located in front of Litchfield Hall, Midtown campus.  For your convenience, a Health Services representative will be present in the Student Center to collect your proof during morning hours of your Orientation day.  Also, you may fax your information to (203) 837-8583.  Please note: proof of graduation from a Connecticut High School, in or after 1999, will also be accepted as proof of immunity for measles and rubella. Please present a copy of your High School diploma to Health Service.

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Do I need to show any other immunization if I will be residing on campus?
All residence hall students are required by Connecticut State Law, Public Act 01-93, to have documented proof of immunization with meningococcal vaccine (menactra or menomune) before arriving on campus.  Please submit your proof to the Health Services office located in front of Litchfield Hall, Midtown campus.  Also, you may fax your information to (203) 837-8583.

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What computer facilities are available at WestConn?
WestConn offers a number of staffed facilities where you can receive assistance from our friendly student staff. We also have 24 hours computer labs available for student use. For a complete list of facilities and hours, please visit:            www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp

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How do I get a WestConn Windows account?
A WestConn Windows account is necessary for students to access the University’s network from the computer centers, classrooms, labs, residence halls, and wireless network. You will be able to get your account information during June orientation, Welcome Week, and any other time during the semester from the following staffed computer centers on campus: Midtown Computer Center (Haas Library), Westside Computer Center (WS 117), and the Student Technology Training Center (SC 225). http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp

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Should I get a WestConn email account?
Yes, all students are required to get a WestConn email account for official WestConn business. Once your account has been created, you will have access to your email from any computer on or off-campus that has access to the Internet by visiting https://student.wcsu.edu/login, or by logging into WestConnduit and clicking on the email link. You can obtain your WestConn email account credentials at any of our staffed computer centers on campus.  http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/email.asp

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What is a WestConnduit account, and where can I get one?
WestConnduit is WestConn's campus portal.  WestConnduit allows you to see your grades, course schedules, academic history and financial aid information, and allows you to register for classes and make payments to the university.  It also provides access to Blackboard Vista, WestConn's online course management system, campus and personal announcements, the campus events calendar, and convenient links to other university resources.

You can obtain your WestConnduit credentials at any of the staffed computer centers on campus, or your can reset your PIN online at: https://webapp.wcsu.edu/bannerpin/. A WestConn email account is required.

WestConnduit can be accessed by visiting www.wcsu.edu and clicking on the WestConnduit link.

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Should I bring my own computer?
You do not need to bring your own computer. However, a laptop with wireless capability can be useful. In case you do not own a computer, WestConn has a number of computer facilities available for student use. Some are open as early as 8am, and close as late as 11pm. Some are open around the clock.

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I want to purchase a computer to bring to WestConn. What should I buy?
Almost any new desktop or laptop computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus. If your specific needs are more demanding (for example, if you use computer graphics development software, video capture, etc.), or for more information, please visit our computer recommendations page at: http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/recommended.asp

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Is WestConn Wireless?
WestConn offers fast and reliable wireless network access to students, faculty, and staff with data connection speeds of up to 54Mbps in selected locations on the Westside and Midtown campuses. For locations and more information, visit http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/wireless. To use the wireless network, your laptop (or PDA, Pocket PC, tablet, etc.) must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. WestConn’s wireless network supports both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards and uses an SSID of “WestConn” for easy connection. You will be prompted to log in using your Windows account credentials.

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How can I use my computer in the Residence Hall (ResNet)?
Any student who owns an Ethernet-ready computer can connect to our residence hall network using an Ethernet cable. Splitters and cables can be obtained at any of our staffed computer centers. Once connected, you will be required to log in using your Windows account credentials, install Clean Access, install a supported anti-virus program, and install critical Windows updates. For more information, please visit http://www.wcsu.edu/resnet.

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I am not very computer savvy. Where can I get help?
The general computer centers, located in room 117 of the Westside Classroom Building and at Midtown on the first floor of the Haas Library, employ student lab assistants who can provide assistance based on their individual knowledge. However, students needing extensive help should visit the Student Technology Training Center (STTC) in room 225 of the Student Center on the Midtown campus. More information about the STTC can be found at: http://www.wcsu.edu/sttc.

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