On July 1, Connecticut”™s 12 community colleges merged to become Connecticut State Community College ”“ CT State. Slowly, the new name will appear on campuses, web pages, forms and applications, merchandise and much more, but the coming together of these schools ”“ each with a rich history of serving their communities ”“ is much more than just a name change. It is a reimagining of public higher education in Connecticut, and one of the most ambitious transformations of two-year colleges ever undertaken.
One simple application allows students to apply to any of the campuses. Using the new CT State website (www.ctstate.edu), prospective students and their families can explore the associate degrees and certificates offered at each and determine the geographic best match for their desired program of study. Easy access to all locations also means that students can find a course time and modality (on campus, online or hybrid) that fits best with their home and work obligations. While each student will still have a “home” campus ”“ the place where they take most of their courses, meet with advisors and graduate from ”“ the flexibility and ease of use that the new college offers makes starting ”“ and completing ”“ a degree or certificate a little easier.
The hands-on, personal attention that Connecticut”™s community college students have become accustomed to remains – both inside and outside of the classroom. And the consolidation and cooperation among campuses offers a more cohesive experience for students, no matter which location they attend. A common calendar ”“ for both in-class and co-curricular activities ”“ makes it easier for students to synch their school life with their academic life and know about cultural events and key dates at each location.
Students interested in attending CT State in the fall can apply now; continuing students from each of the community colleges can register for their fall classes at this time, as well. All the information needed, including CT State”™s catalog, can be found on its new website. All applicants are encouraged to complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov. This is the first step for many in determining whether they may be eligible for free tuition.
This is a new way for Connecticut residents to access higher education, keeping all the best of the community colleges they, their families and their neighbors have benefitted from over the past six decades, and adding all the advantages and enhancements offered through a single, statewide community college ”“ CT State.
