Letter from the Dean of Arts and Sciences
Dear Students,
We welcome you to Western Connecticut State University and the website for the School of Arts and Sciences! I hope you will look around on our website, and contact us if you have questions.
Arts and Sciences is the largest of the four academic schools here at WestConn. It has thirteen different academic departments -- Biology; Chemistry; Communication; Computer Science; English; History; Mathematics; Philosophy; Physics/Astronomy/Meteorology; Psychology; Social Sciences [Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Political Sciences]; Writing, Linguistics and the Creative Process; and World Languages and Literature. We have more than 75 different majors, options, and concentrations (undergraduate; graduate) -- lots of exciting choices -- and new ones all the time. We also have a Contract Major that can be tailored to your own interests and career goals.
Our faculty are leaders in their fields, and they enjoy teaching your classes and working with you on research and creative activities. Classes are small, and faculty are interested in the ideas you bring to discussions both inside the classroom and out, the papers you write, and other academic and related activities. Faculty also serve as your academic advisors -- personally helping you create a path for your future that will take you where you want to go. Don't believe you need to know everything about career plans when you enroll -- helping you discover that kind of answer is part of our job.
One thing we have clearly discovered is that our location here in Western Connecticut also provides for special opportunities that might not be available in other universities. For example, our proximity to New York City allows many additional connections to world class experts who are relevant to your interests. Also, there are places in New York City that are known throughout the world for offering outstanding opportunities and experience (like Broadway, the cutting-edge medical centers, art galleries, scientific and pharmaceutical laboratories, the New York Public Library, or numerous business headquarters). Here at WestConn, we really have the best of both worlds -- we have a beautiful campus in the city of Danbury, Connecticut (pop~75,000 population, with hills, lakes, forests), and we are only about 1 hr 15 min. by train to the city. The significance of these kinds of opportunities and connections lasts a lifetime.
Whether you are interested in biology, ecology, chemistry, biochemistry, communication, media arts, human relations, computer science, computer animation, earth and planetary science, creative writing, English literature, journalism, professional writing, technical writing, public relations, history, mathematics, medical technology, philosophy, American Studies, non-Western cultures, physics, meteorology, broadcast meteorology, political science, psychology, economics, anthropology, sociology, Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic or German, you will be very happy here in Arts and Sciences. WestConn is a beautiful, well-located university offering exciting possibilities for your future.
Come visit! See what is going on -- we will be happy to show you and your family our campus. We want you to meet the people -- the faculty, staff and other students -- who make this university such a special place. I think you will find that WestConn is an ideal setting for the next four years of your life!
We hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Linda Vaden-Goad, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Warner Hall, Suite 300
203-837-9401
