UNIVERSITY MASTER PLAN SUMMARY

(Office of the President)

Since its founding as the State Normal School in 1849, Central Connecticut State University has always had a tradition of progressing, adapting and growing to meet the needs of the region.  Now, with the implementation of the Master Plan, we are in the midst of our boldest step as we embark on a great period of change and renewal to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Although the Master Plan represents a long-term effort to remake CCSU over the next decade, the transformation is already in progress.  The Governor and the legislature have committed approximately $200 million over the next decade - a first step in meeting the need for 700,000 square feet of space to serve current and future student enrollments, which are expected to grow by another 1000 in the next five years.

The Master Plan was formulated with careful attention to maintaining the historical integrity and legacy of the campus while blending in new technologies and modern efficiencies.  It is a framework for making improvements and establishing priorities that will benefit students in a timely fashion.

This overview provides a broad-brush picture of the University of the future - and the present.  We invite you to learn more about the exciting changes going on at CCSU as we transform the present and shape the future.

(Office of the Vice-President, Academic Affairs)

A university is a continually growing and changing entity.  As much as we are looking ahead and offering facilities and programs that fit the needs of the present and future, we have also made a conscious effort to maintain our bridge with the past and to keep the historical integrity of the campus intact.  We think the Master Plan has accomplished both of these tasks quite well.

We have addressed the immediate need for available classroom spaces as well as the expressed need for more of the modern accommodations the 21st century has to offer by renovating Willard and DiLoreto halls. This push for a much needed update includes the recent completion of the Robert C. Vance Academic Center.  Willard and DiLoreto will be renovated and linked by an in-fill and will also provide an all inclusive student services center within one building.  The overall impact of the renovation and the new classroom facility is a technologically and aesthetically up-to-date academic complex.  In keeping with the needs of the Twenty-First Century, these high-end academic showcases will feature sophisticated laboratory, computer, internet and multi-media capabilities.  A library expansion will add much needed space and house a contemporary center for information resources on campus with an emphasis on digital reference materials.  Interactive, modernized information technology, and internet access will replace the need for large collections of volumes.

(Office of the Vice-President, Student Affairs)

The expansion and improvements of the Master Plan will contribute enormously to a healthy climate on campus.  Each new project whether it be a classroom building, library or fieldhouse impresses upon students the importance of the educational process and how vital it is to them and society at large.  As the university makes this huge effort to become a world class facility it says we believe in excellence on every level, in academics, athletics, and social interaction."

A new fieldhouse will be the centerpiece of the University's efforts to enhance intercollegiate athletics and recreation.  It will replace the Kaiser Annex; and includes an eighth-mile track and four courts for basketball and tennis.  The new facility will offer large activity spaces including a performance court, pool, dance studio and fitness lab.  The reconfigured fieldhouse will seat 8,000 - 9,000 to provide an expanded venue for indoor sporting events. It will also allow the campus to accommodate commencement exercises and student related functions.  An addition to the Student Center is currently underway, expanding the snack bar and adding much needed offices for student organizations and student related functions.

(Office of the Chief Administrative Officer)

A key strength of this institution is the extent to which we present ourselves as a warm and welcoming environment to our internal and external constituencies.  The construction of our new Admissions building creates a focal point and a gateway to the central core of the university, which sends a message of professionalism and strong sense of purpose to all who visit our campus. It is also our hope that all of the construction projects which are presently underway will foster that same sense of purpose to our students, faculty, and staff, engendering the concept that we are continually drawing the future closer to the present.

Befitting its vital role as the welcoming center for prospective students, families, and other key groups, a new Admissions building will take its place prominently at the central core of the campus. This building will house the Admissions Office. The new facility to be located in a landscaped setting next to Manafort Drive will have dedicated parking providing convenient access for visitors to the campus.

 

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