Welcome

Welcome!

The Brotherhood Initiative invites all students at Central Connecticut State University to participate. BROTHERHOOD is a group of students, faculty, and partners dedicated to helping students have an outstanding college experience.

The initiative aims to promote the health, retention, and graduation of male students by fostering a sense of belonging and community. We believe it is essential to build collaborative relationships with the entire campus community and to work together to promote true equity and justice for everyone.

Since our founding in 2008, we have supported hundreds of college men and women through resources, peer or faculty mentoring, counseling, academic assistance, and advocacy. We aim to help students reach their academic goals. Why do it alone when you have access to a BROTHERHOOD (e.g., brothers and sisters) willing to stand with you on your journey to earning your degree? Consider joining the BROTHERHOOD and expand your support network.

From humble beginnings

In 2007, William Fothergill, Counselor in Counseling & Student Development (formerly known as Counseling & Wellness Center), responded to the increasing demand for mental health and wellness support for male students. Through his research, Mr. Fothergill laid the groundwork for a campus-based support framework focused on addressing the developmental needs of male student populations. The framework was called the Wellness Retention Model, emphasizing a holistic approach to improve success outcomes for college men.

The Wellness Retention Model focused on three main service areas: (1) Health & Wellness, (2) Retention, and (3) Graduation. Recognizing the barriers faced by Central male students, which mirrored national trends, he established the HEALTHYfellows Campaign, a guiding philosophy aimed at addressing the growing need for specialized support services for male student populations. The Campaign was created as a way to address education, health, and wellness disparities that affect the success of male students. It aims to advocate for fair supports and resources to meet the needs of all male students.

The Brotherhood (Formerly Man Enough Support Initiative)

The Brotherhood Initiative, formerly known as the Man Enough Support Initiative (MESI), was founded in 2008 as the service arm of the HEALTHYfellows Campaign. The Brotherhood serves as an initiative dedicated to improving student success.

The Brotherhood operates as a coordinated support system designed to connect students with the resources they need to handle college challenges. It continues to function as a student-led wellness initiative that “celebrates the male spirit” by promoting equity and inclusion for all students. The Brotherhood acts as a support network, providing guidance, information, resources, advocacy, mentoring, and camaraderie.