CSCU Forward
Building Toward 2026
CSCU Leads Through Transition & Transformation
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system continues to lead during a time of transition and transformation. Serving over 100,000 learners annually across Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, Connecticut State Community College, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University, CSCU remains Connecticut's most accessible and affordable pathway to higher education. Ninety-five percent of our students come from Connecticut and 80 percent of graduates stay and work here. This report reflects our shared progress, institutional leadership, community partnerships, and guiding values.
By the Numbers
STUDENTS
100,000 Learners
During the 2024 academic year, CSCU served nearly 100,000 learners across six institutions.
LOCATIONS
16 campuses + 6 satellites
With more than 17 million square feet of facilities statewide, CSCU serves the largest student population in CT.
GROWTH
7% Enrollment Increase
7% systemwide enrollment increase in Fall 2025.
- CSUs: +9.8%
- CT State: +4.3%
- Charter Oak: +17.3%
ACCESS
10,636 Dual Credit Students
10,636 dual and concurrent enrollment students from 205 public high schools took classes at CSCU institutions in AY 2024-2025.
ACCESS
1,966 Auto Admission Students
1,966 students in Fall 2025 enrolled in our four state universities through the CT Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP), making college more accessible to more students.
SUCCESS
Completions Increased 7.3%
14,416 degrees awarded to 12,258 students across the system in AY 2024-2025
+7.3% completions systemwide in AY 24-25
DIVERSITY
Majority-Minority-Serving Institution
CSCU serves students from all 169 Connecticut towns, reflecting our state's full diversity. As a majority-minority-serving system, we're committed to expanding access, equity, and opportunity—ensuring public higher education remains a powerful engine of social mobility.
DIVERSITY
0%
of CSCU students identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), Fall 2025
0%
are first generation
0%
are adults (25+)
0%
receive pell grants
0%
are female
DIVERSITY
Learners by Nationality
- <1% American Indian or Alaska Native
- Asian 4%
- Black or African American 16%
- Hispanic/Latin 30%
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander <1%
- Two or More Races 4%
- Race/ Ethnicity Unknown 4%
- White 41%
Federal Landscape
With the implementation of H.R. 1—a sweeping federal package reshaping financial aid, student loans, and institutional accountability—CSCU has formed an H.R. 1 Committee to guide our system's response. The committee includes representatives from across our colleges, universities, and the System Office, appointed by CSCU presidents and the Interim Chancellor to ensure faculty, staff, and student voices are reflected. Together, they will leverage institutional expertise to prepare for federal changes, track implementation and legal developments, and ensure CSCU can respond promptly.
Committee updates, including membership, engagement summaries, FAQs, and helpful resources are maintained on the CSCU Federal Updates webpage.
Enhancing Affordability
Expanding Successful PACT Program
Since its inception in Fall 2020, the Mary Ann Handley Award, formerly known as the PACT Program, has provided crucial financial support to students pursuing their degrees at CT State Community College.
SINCE FALL 2020
33,543 Students from CT State Community College received Mary Ann Handley Grants
SINCE FALL 2020
$91.7 Million in Mary Ann Handley grants have been awarded
Continuing the Success
Building on this strong foundation, CSCU will launch the Finish Line Scholars Program in Fall 2026, which will expand the Mary Ann Handley Award to support CT State Community College students who matriculate at one of the four Connecticut State Universities or Charter Oak State College.
Strengthening transfer pathways from CT State Community College to Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University, is a key priority for CSCU. By extending this debt-free program beyond the associate degree, we are creating a clear, affordable pathway for students to complete their bachelor’s degree, reinforcing CSCU’s position as the most accessible and affordable higher education option in Connecticut.
BUCKING NATIONAL TRENDS
Keeping Tuition Flat
For the second year in a row, CSCU will keep tuition flat, bucking a national trend. With tuition frozen at last year’s rates, CSCU continues to see its student population rise.
BUCKING NATIONAL TRENDS
Enrollment Rising
Enrollment at the four state universities is up nearly 10% from fall 2024. CT State Community College saw a 4.3% increase, while Charter Oak State College grew 17%.
Advancing Systemwide Compliance and Accountability
Office of Compliance
The CSCU System Office has formed an Office of Compliance that is charged with establishing and cultivating a robust culture of accountability and ensuring that the system is maintaining the highest ethical standards and creating an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Compliance also offers policy development support, privacy incident response and consultation, and general policy enforcement services.
Policy Committee
As part of CSCU's Office of Compliance, a system-wide Policy Committee has been established that is tasked with reviewing, revising, recommending, and implementing Board of Regents' adopted system-wide policies to ensure consistency and compliance.
2025 CSCU Policy Updates
- CSCU Uniform Training Policy
- CSCU Executive Residency Policy
- CSCU State Vehicle Use Policy
- CSCU P-Card Policy
- CSCU Signatory Authority Policy
- CSCU Fund Balance Policy
- CSCU Hazing Policy
- CSCU Policy on Policies
- CSCU Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Policy (Updated)
- CSCU Student Code of Conduct (Updated)
- CSCU Interim Student Academic Misconduct Policy (Updated)
P-Card Reduction
CSCU is actively working to reduce the number of P-Cards held by individuals across the system to improve oversight. A streamlined approach ensures that only authorized personnel have access to P-Cards with proper checks and balances in place. To date, there has been a 20% reduction in P-Cards.
Compliance Education
A cornerstone of CSCU's Office of Compliance is educating individuals of their rights and responsibilities as members of the CSCU community.
Audit Function
Compliance is establishing an internal audit function that will centrally track audit findings from the Auditors of Public Accounts (APA) and assess whether individual findings trigger a statutory reporting obligation. The CSCU Compliance team is also developing risk classifications for each audit finding, identifying both the nature of the finding and the severity of the associated risk. This framework will support prioritization of corrective actions and allow for clearer, more consistent communication with institutional leadership and external stakeholders. Further, the audit function will conduct prompt and thorough internal audits at all CSCU institutions to identify control weaknesses and advise leadership on best practices to ensure all operations are efficient and effective.
Transparency Council
The CSCU System Office is working toward establishing a Transparency Council to ensure the public knows how CSCU conducts business. The system strives to be accountable in all its dealings with students, faculty, staff, the community, Executive Branch, General Assembly and businesses. This means sharing and updating information and making it readily available to the public.
Enhancing Systemwide Governance & Communication
Board of Regent's Governance Committee
Establishing the Board of Regent's Governance Committee that is tasked with developing and recommending strategies, policies, and practices that orient, educate, motivate, and assess the performance of Regents and the structure and organization of the Board and associated committee meetings.
CSCU Presidents Council
The CSCU Presidents Council comprises the six institutional presidents and the CSCU Chancellor, serving as a collaborative body to align strategy and amplify institutional perspectives. The Council fosters collaboration, shares best practices, addresses common challenges, and leverages opportunities to enhance institutional and systemwide success. By harnessing the diverse strengths of four-year universities, a consolidated community college, and a fully online institution, the Council ensures its recommendations are informed by a comprehensive understanding of needs across all institution types.
President Led Initiatives
Southern Connecticut State University
Dr. Sandra Bulmer will lead the HealthCare Taskforce, building on her health and human services expertise to expand healthcare workforce programs across our six institutions. She'll work with major healthcare systems and employers statewide to advocate for investments that enable scaling current programs and developing new ones to meet evolving workforce demands.
Central Connecticut State University
President Dr. Zulma Toro will develop a systemwide framework for applied and experiential learning across two-year and four-year institutions. She'll expand partnerships with employers and community organizations to enhance student access while coordinating with institutional leaders to identify strengths, reduce duplication, and share innovative models across the system.
Eastern Connecticut State University
As the leader of CT's only public liberal arts institution, President Dr. Karim Ismaili will champion integrating liberal arts education with career preparation, demonstrating how critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and civic engagement are essential to workforce readiness and Connecticut's long-term economic vitality.
Shared Governance
Actively engaging shared governance bodies across the CSCU system, including faculty senates at our colleges and universities, the Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC), and the Student Advisory Committee (SAC), to foster open dialogue, communication, and meaningful participation and collaboration.
Showcasing Students
Relaunching the System Office’s Spotlight newsletter to showcase, through a system-wide lens, how each CSCU college and university is preparing the next generation of workers for in-demand sectors, re-skilling and upskilling learners at every stage, advancing innovation, and broadening access through dual and concurrent enrollment.
Innovation & Partnerships
Our colleges and universities are leaders in emerging technologies, like AI, that are transforming how we live, work and learn.
Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University welcomed the inaugural cohort of the new Robotics and Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship program. Central is partnering with TRUMPF, Inc. on the apprenticeship program which is designed to meet advanced manufacturing needs.
CT State Community College
CT State Community College offers a non-credit AI Certificate program across 10 campuses, bringing AI learning statewide. Through its AI fellowship program, CT State Community College has trained 35 faculty and staff to integrate these tools into classrooms, with another cohort currently underway.
Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College launched the Connecticut Online AI Academy in partnership with Google. The program delivers AI fundamentals and a Google AI Essentials credential online, at no cost, to Connecticut residents 18 and older. To date, the academy has had over 2,000 participants and it’s making a big impact. Participant surveys found that only 8% of participants used AI every day prior to taking the course and after the five- week course, 44% said they now use AI every day.
Eastern Connecticut State University
At Eastern Connecticut State University, nursing students train in a new 6,500-square-foot, high-tech simulation lab, which is the largest of its kind and the only hospital-based nursing training facility in Eastern Connecticut. The lab supports Eastern’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which enrolled its third cohort in fall 2025. The facility was launched in partnership with Hartford HealthCare.
Southern Connecticut State University
The CSCU Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology (QNT), based at Southern Connecticut State University, serves as Connecticut’s hub for quantum workforce development, leveraging the university’s strengths in astronomy and astrophysics and its distinctive programs in engineering and applied physics.
Western Connecticut State University
At Western Connecticut State University, a new Master of Science degree in AI is preparing graduates for one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation. Grounded in mathematics and computer science, the program trains individuals to understand, develop, and apply both current and next-generation AI models across industries.
Systemwide Collaborations & Partnerships
ASU Accelerator
The CSCU system and Arizona State University’s (ASU) University Design Institute launched an eight-month initiative to enhance transfer pathways between CSCU’s two- and four-year colleges and universities.
The initiative includes design sessions and mentoring to build capacity for innovation. Individual design teams from four CSCU institutions are working with design experts and mentors to structure, develop, and refine ideas for implementation.
Expanding Access to Early College Credit
Through dual and concurrent enrollment programs, high school students can earn college credit while still in high school. Last year, the legislature and Governor Lamont enacted a law enabling systemwide expansion, ensuring access to college-level learning isn't limited by zip code or background.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, Central Connecticut State University, CT State Community College, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University served 10,636 dual-credit students across 205 of Connecticut's 238 public high schools. This growth has been made possible through partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, which allocated $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to build the infrastructure needed for expansion. To date, 22.7% of these funds have been expended to support this work.
10,636 Dual Credit Students
from 205 public high schools took classes at CSCU institutions in AY 2024-2025..
Addressing Food Insecurity
Stop & Shop increased its support to address food insecurity amongst students across CSCU’s colleges and universities in 2025 with $200,000 in monetary and in-kind product donations. CSCU saw a 40% increase in monthly visits across its 19 campus food pantries. Through this partnership, the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program supported the CSCU system in two ways:
$184,000 went directly to support on-campus food pantries at Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities and CT State Community College helping ensure students have consistent access to nutritious food and essential items.
In partnership with General Mills, Stop & Shop donated 1,000 care packages that were distributed to students during midterms week. The bags included food staples such as Progresso Soups and healthy snacks including fruit and Nature’s Valley granola bars to provide critical support to students during a high-stress time of the academic year. General Mills has been a generous sponsor of Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry Program for the past four years.
Campus Walk & Talk Tours
During the fall semester, CSCU colleges and universities launched walk-and-talk tours with area legislators—a coordinated engagement strategy developed by the System Office and presidents. The tours showcased institutional successes and explored investment opportunities through direct conversations with students, faculty, and staff.
Southern Connecticut State University
At Southern Connecticut State University, new interim president Dr. Sandra Bulmer led the tour which highlighted conversations with students, exploring the university’s state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center, and meeting Otus the Owl. Legislators were able to experience Southern’s innovation on full display.
Western Connecticut State University
The Western Connecticut State University legislative delegation braved the snow for a campus tour led by President Dr. Jesse Bernal. Lawmakers got a firsthand look at how WestConn trains the next generation of nurses, how its classrooms create interactive, hands-on learning experiences, and how the new Berkshire Hall has become an anchor of the Midtown campus — complete with a new dining hall, social spaces, and a fitness center.
Eastern Connecticut State University
President Dr. Karim Ismaili recently hosted Greater Windham County legislators for a campus tour showcasing key investments. The visit featured the university's new nursing simulation lab at Windham Hospital—a 6,500-square-foot facility that is the largest and only hospital-based nurse-training center in Eastern Connecticut. Legislators also toured Eastern's Low Rise Residence Halls, highlighting the need for modern student housing. Eastern is exploring a collaboration with the town of Windham to convert the Kramer Building into a new residence hall.
Further Investment in CSCU
$29.6 Million for CT State Capital Projects
In August, the State Bond Commission approved funding of more than $29.6 million for two important CT State Community College capital projects: the renovation of B-Wing at CT State Norwalk and the design for renovations at Kinney Hall at CT State Naugatuck Valley.
These approvals mark a critical step forward in our commitment to deliver high-quality, equitable, and workforce-aligned education to communities across Connecticut. Both B-Wing and Kinney Hall are far more than buildings; they are foundational spaces that support student success, academic innovation, and regional economic development.
$30 Million for Deferred Maintenance
The State Bond Commission also approved $30 million in deferred maintenance funding for CSCU’s colleges and universities to enhance academic and support facilities. These investments will improve safety and security, modernize building systems, and upgrade exterior grounds. By addressing long-standing maintenance needs, this state support helps ensure safe, high-quality learning environments while allowing colleges and universities to focus their own resources on education and student success rather than deferred maintenance.
Administrative System Upgrades
The CSCU system is currently transitioning its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Student Information System (SIS) from customized, Cloud Hosted instances of Ellucian’s Banner to Ellucian’s Software as a Services (SaaS) model. This change is necessary due to the system’s desire to update their existing administrative systems and Ellucian’s intention to retire their Cloud Hosted service. The CSCU System Office will be utilizing $15 million from its reserves to support the transition to SaaS.
This transition supports a systemwide digital transformation aimed at modernizing CSCU’s administrative systems and enhancing the overall experience for both students and employees.
2026 Top Priorities
As we prepare for the upcoming 2026 legislative session, our top priorities include securing additional capital funding and further strengthening the relationships we have established with key stakeholders, including the Office of the Governor, State Department of Education, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Office of Workforce Strategy, caucus and legislative committee leaders, and the faculty senates at each college and university. Additionally, ahead of the legislative session, the CSCU System Office and the Chancellor will engage with union leaders, institutional senate bodies, and the Faculty Advisory Committee to align legislative priorities.
We will develop an 18-month roadmap that sets the strategic direction and efforts for both the upcoming 2026 legislative session and the following 2027 biennium, recognizing that long-term success requires building a strong foundation now and extending beyond a single session. Input from internal and external stakeholders will be essential to shaping this roadmap
Welcoming New Regents
This fall, CSCU welcomed new members to its Board of Regents, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to guide our system forward. These dedicated leaders join us at a pivotal time, contributing their diverse backgrounds in education, business, and public service to support CSCU's mission of providing accessible, high-quality higher education across Connecticut. We are grateful for their commitment to our students, institutions, and communities as we navigate opportunities and challenges ahead.
Dakota Lawson is a non-traditional student at CT State Northwestern. He was born and lived on the Torres-Martinez reservation of the Desert Cahuillan tribe in southern California for the first few years of his life. Later in his youth he landed in Connecticut where he grew up tending to a wide array of farm animals.
When he first enrolled in community college, his only objective was to explore his interests and see what kind of direction he wanted to take, taking only a couple of classes per semester. As he got more comfortable with campus life, he started getting involved and breaking out of his comfort zone. Today, on top of his duties as Northwestern’s SGA treasurer, he also serves as the New England regional Vice President of Leadership of Phi Theta Kappa and a peer mentor for his campus’ Peer2Peer program. When he’s not on campus, he’s likely working as a laser tag party host, a scare actor at local haunted house, or gaming it up at home with the boys.
It didn’t take long for Dakota to realize his passion for film and video production. He plans on finishing his last year at Northwestern strong, graduating with a Liberal Arts degree before transferring to pursue a bachelor’s in film. After having a year in SAC under his belt and having dealt with the kinks of the CT State merger, Dakota is running for chair to amplify the voice of the student body from every campus. The CT State community helped him find direction and inspired him to give back to the community however he can.
Donald E. Williams Jr. brings decades of experience in public service, leadership, and policymaking, with a particular focus on education and workforce development, to the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.
Don served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1993 to 2015, including 10 years as Senate President Pro Tempore. During his legislative career, he chaired the Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, where he played a key role in overseeing policy and fiscal matters related to the CSCU system and the University of Connecticut.
Among his legislative achievements, Don helped secure $320 million in capital improvements for the state’s community colleges, now unified as CT State Community College, and led efforts to invest $1 billion to transform the facilities and campuses of Connecticut’s four regional state universities.
He also worked with leaders at Quinebaug Valley Community College, now CT State Quinebaug Valley, to secure the resources for a 30,000-square-foot addition to the college’s campus and fund its Advanced Manufacturing Center, further supporting workforce development in eastern Connecticut.
Don was the Executive Director of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) where he managed and helped lead policy development for Connecticut’s largest education union, representing more than 43,00 public school teachers. He previously served two terms as First Selectman of the Town of Thompson.
Don holds a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
Tyler Ye is a first-generation college student from Cheshire, CT pursuing a degree in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Psychological Sciences at Central Connecticut State University.
At CCSU, he has served as an SGA Senator for two semesters, advocating for students' needs. During his tenure with the CCSU SGA, he co-authored an open letter to the state legislature advocating for increased resources to support students and addressing the pressures and challenges they regularly face. He also furthered this advocacy by testifying before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee on behalf of the CSCU system and its students. Additionally, he has proudly attended press conferences involved in furthering tuition assistance and student loan forgiveness programs that benefit CSCU students.
Beyond just advocacy, Tyler has experience in a multitude of leadership roles his roles as Communications Officer for the CCSU Political Science Club and President of the CCSU Pre-Law Society. Experience has allowed him to gain and hone his communication and leadership skills. His academic excellence is reflected in his placement on the Fall 2024 Dean’s List and Spring 2025 President’s List, showcasing his ability to succeed as a student. With his diverse skill set, passion for advocacy, and strong commitment to students, Tyler is well positioned to make a meaningful impact as Vice Chair of the Student Advisory Committee for the Board of Regents.
Regent Erin Stewart Concludes Service on the Board of Regents
Regent Erin Stewart served on the Board of Regents from 2022 to 2025. She previously served as the 40th Mayor of the City of New Britain, first elected at the age of 26, and was the longest-serving female mayor in the city’s history. Born and raised in New Britain, Regent Stewart attended New Britain public schools and earned her undergraduate degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Haven. During her tenure on the Board of Regents, Regent Stewart served on the Finance and Infrastructure Committee. The Board and the CSCU System extend its sincere thanks to Regent Stewart for her years of public service and contributions to the system’s institutions.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, the CSCU System Office will continue its collaborative approach to supporting our institutions. We exist to enable, empower, and serve our institutional leaders, employees, and students so that teaching, learning, and student success can flourish. Reforms like five-year capital plans exemplify how we partner with our colleges and universities to create strategic roadmaps for long-term growth and impact.
Role of the CSCU System Office
We are reimagining the CSCU System Office as a resource hub that aligns priorities, removes friction, advances partnerships, and advocates for institutions and learners, allowing our colleges and universities to focus on delivering educational excellence.
After analyzing peer public higher education systems, the System Office has clarified its appropriate roles and implemented immediate changes, including having Human Resources and Information Technology report directly to the Chancellor's Office.
Continuing to Evolve & Adapt
Looking ahead, the System Office will continue to evaluate where we can adapt to changing demands, invest strategically, and align operations with the priorities of Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, CT State Community College, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University. To improve coordination across the system, we are developing a Standard System Operations Calendar that will capture and share key deadlines and milestones, Board of Regents and committee meetings, and required reporting obligations, promoting predictability and collaboration.
Responding to Federal Changes
The H.R. 1 Committee will continue providing guidance on workforce development policies and Pell Grant rules to implement a unified, responsive strategy.
Finish Line Scholars Program
In Fall 2026, the Finish Line Scholars Program will launch, expanding the Mary Ann Handley Award to include CT State Community College students who matriculate to Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, or Western Connecticut State University. Program policies are being developed collaboratively by our six institutional presidents for Board of Regents consideration.
These initiatives reflect CSCU’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and student success. As we move into 2026, the System Office will continue strengthening institutional partnerships, supporting strategic priorities, and ensuring that all students have the resources and opportunities to thrive academically and professionally.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our students, faculty, staff, institutional leaders, external partners, and state government leaders for their support and unwavering commitment to the mission of public higher education in Connecticut. When CSCU succeeds, Connecticut succeeds.