Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Right now, we are exploring both our existing strengths and new possibilities to inform a proposal or case for investment. Part of the process includes understanding the characteristics of a comprehensive polytechnic and inviting students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to join this exploration or contribute. Our goal is to build upon Central’s unique strengths and educational foundation to make a collective case for state investment in Central as a polytechnic university. 

Being responsive to the educational requirements of a changing society, state, and region demands Central establish a future-friendly, comprehensive, and applied educational approach building on our existing strengths. If Central becomes a polytechnic institution, our degree programs gain value in a few ways: experiential learning and applied research across all programs will engender more direct job readiness among our graduates. Central’s commitment to the liberal arts and sciences will ensure that graduates of any academic program emerge as good communicators, ethical analysts, creators, and nimble critical thinkers in a variety of complex work environments. This process will also allow for the development of unique, multidisciplinary degree programs integrating liberal arts, sciences, and technology. As such, Central graduates would be well-positioned to fill critical needs in the professional workforce. 

A comprehensive polytechnic model emphasizes experiential and applied learning; research with real-world impact; strong industry and community partnerships; and interdisciplinary education. Central is already emphasizing and supporting many of the aspects of a successful polytechnic across all our academic colleges and programs. Polytechnic universities have strong STEM-focused programs—specifically engineering, technology, sciences, and applied sciences. Central already offers a full slate of academic programs in those areas including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, and mechatronics. Central is also the only institution in the CSCU system to offer engineering degrees in a variety of concentrations such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and software. And the foundation of comprehensive polytechnics includes a commitment to both robust stand-alone and integrated liberal arts and social sciences. 

No. However, all the established strengths across Central’s vast academic offerings combined with nationally recognized programs and designations create an opportunity for further state investment and an elevated academic profile in the state and nation. 

Central already emphasizes:

• Applied research
• Distinctive programs in cybersecurity, AI, engineering, robotics, and health sciences
• Strong liberal arts and social sciences
• Applied learning for every student
• Workforce and industry partnerships through initiatives like the Central Applied Learning and Industry Corridor
• Community and global engagement
• Growing state-of-the-art facilities and financial sustainability

Together, these elements create a solid foundation for a next-generation polytechnic approach.

Students will gain expanded hands-on learning, industry-connected experiences, research opportunities, and career preparation. Central’s goal is for every graduate to complete at least two applied learning experiences before graduating. Our blanket of support also offers post-graduate transition and career support as students embark on their careers.

There is no reason to believe our athletic NCAA Division 1 status will change.

Central expects to see many more students enroll in the unique education of a polytechnic offer. As the self-study evolves, the tuition model will remain in its current structure.

While the task force process continues to explore this idea, Central’s current admission policy of accepting students year-round will continue. A state law that allows Connecticut high school seniors with grade point averages at or above 3.0 (weighted), which includes AP and Honors courses, or a GPA of 2.75 (unweighted) to receive automatic admission to Central and any school in the CSCU system will remain active. It is important to note that Central will maintain its commitment to inclusion in admissions.

A number of Polytech universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. But some do expand the academic calendar and provide three semesters.

No. Central is in the exploration phase of a self-study process. Task forces and steering committees are studying academic programs, infrastructure, applied and experiential learning, partnerships, and financial sustainability. Broad campus and community input is a core part of the process. The university will submit the final plan to the Board of Regents at the end of the summer and then, if approved, the CSCU System Chancellor and the president will present the plan to the General Assembly for consideration in February of 2027. The state has its own process of passing legislation through multiple layers of committees of cognizance, through the State House of Representatives, and State Senate, then ultimately the Governor. 

Attend open forums, share feedback, participate in discussions, and engage with your department or division as more opportunities to participate in the process are announced. 

Explore the webpage dedicated to the process of Exploring a Research 2 Polytechnic University Designation where you will find the latest meeting dates, agendas, and notes from the work by the task forces. There is also a link to submit questions and/or feedback.