CSCU 2030

CSCU 2030 is a proposed generational investment in Connecticut’s public colleges and universities. The seven-year proposal seeks investment in two specific areas. First, it seeks state appropriations support to invest in affordability, student supports and wrap-around services, and innovative and expanded academic programs. Second, it seeks state investment in modernizing facilities and updated technology, laboratories and classrooms.

There are two specific investments included in CSCU 2030. First, CSCU is proposing increases of $54.3 and $127.8 million over FY2023 levels in the state budget, with support sustained through FY2030. This would include investments in expansion of the PACT tuition-free community college program to include all community college students plus university students pursuing; in-demand programs, expansion of existing academic programs and development of new credentials to match industry demands; and increased student supports such as mental health, transportation, food, and housing services.

Second, the CSCU 2030 capital projects program proposes $2.21 billion in investments over seven years to make all CSCU campuses safer, more accessible, and more sustainable. This includes an expanded Transportation Jobs Center at Gateway Community College, and updated facility for Capital Community College, improvements to academic and student support buildings at all state universities, and technology upgrades to increase productivity, innovation, and security.

Yes and no. While overall state assistance to CSCU has increased over the past 15 years, nearly every new dollar appropriated to CSCU has gone toward growing employee fringe benefit costs. As you can see on the graph below, the operating funds our campuses have received has been almost completely flat since 2007. When coupled with a 40 percent increase in inflation between 2007 and 2022, CSCU’s operating funding has been significantly compressed in recent years, and new investment is needed. In addition, CSU 2020, the state’s previous capital investment program for the state universities, provided its final round of funding in FY2021. CSCU institutions have exhausted their capital project allocations and need to establish a vision and funding for the physical infrastructure of our campuses for the next decade.

Yes. CSCU is working closely with our partners in the legislature and the administration to make CSCU 2030 a reality.

Yes. CSCU 2030’s capital improvement request includes upgrades at every CT State Community College campus, each of the four state universities, and Charter Oak State College. Some examples of improvements include: expanded Transportation Jobs Center at Gateway Community College; updated facility for Capital Community College; upgrades to buildings at Middlesex and Naugatuck Valley Community Colleges; improvements to academic and student support buildings at all state universities, including Welte Hall at Central, the health and wellness center at Eastern, Morill Hall at Southern, and the Berkshire Hall Innovation Center at Western; technology upgrades to increase productivity, innovation and security. In addition, student supports and innovative academic programs will be deployed at all institutions and benefit students throughout the system.What is the greatest project priority with the bonding proposal?

Though all of the projects included in the capital proposal are critical to the long term stability of our CSCU buildings, a few projects are prioritized highly including an updated campus for Capital Community College, a transportation center at Gateway Community College, technology funding system wide and deferred maintenance at all campuses.

The community colleges are very active in workforce development programming as part of a larger ecosystem in the state that utilizes federal and state funding to provide entry level training opportunities. They work closely with the state’s employers, state agencies and the workforce development boards to connect students to employment opportunities upon program completion. The CSCU 2030 increase in the appropriations funding will allow for the creation of seamless pathways from these entry level training opportunities to credit programs at the colleges and universities.

CSCU 2030 will focus on developing and administering equitable wrap-around student support services to fill gaps where public services are not available. Working with state agencies and community organizations and independently where needed, we will ensure services will be available to students across all CSCU locations within Connecticut. Several services such as behavioral health, academic support and supplemental instruction will be available both on ground and online to meet student needs. Additional support services will include resources to assist with housing and food insecurity, early childhood education and family care options, and assistance with transportation. This investment will position CSCU to serve our learners holistically and ensure they have an excellent ongoing educational experience.