Orientation : LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt, and Plan) Week 2019

FAQ LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt, and Plan) Week

Last updated: August 14, 2018


Technology Frequently Asked Questions


When and where is LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt and Plan) Week?
 LEAP Week begins on August 23rd.  A schedule with all of the week’s activities will be posted on-line.

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What requirements are there before I am allowed to register?

The following information must be in place before you can register for classes:

  1. make your $200.00 non-refundable deposit
  2. send a copy of your childhood vaccinations, specifically the MMRs and varicella, to the Health Service Office (fax to 203-837-8583) – include your WCSU ID number on the fax – or bring this information with you when you come to register
  3. you will need to have taken any applicable placement test as noted in your admissions packet (Math, English, and Chemistry)

If you missed Summer Orientation and need to catch up, you will be sent your schedule along with a package of information to help you get on track for the Fall semester.  Transfer students need to meet with an advisor as soon as possible after being accepted (don’t forget to bring your program sheet to the meeting).  If you just now got accepted to WCSU, please check out the summer advisement schedule or make an appointment with the Advisement Center at 203-837-8397 to register for classes.

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What immunizations must I provide in order to register for classes?

Connecticut State law requires students to present immunizations in order to register for courses. Please go to staging.www.wcsu.edu/healthservices and click on immunization requirements for details.

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Do I need to show any other immunization if I will be residing on campus?

All residence hall students are required by Connecticut State Law, Public Act 01-93, to have documented proof of immunization with meningococcal vaccine (menactra or menomune) before arriving on campus.  Please submit your proof to the Health Services office located in front of Litchfield Hall, Midtown campus.  Also, you may fax your information to (203)837-8583.

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When do Fall classes begin?
Classes begin on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

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How do I register for LEAP Week?
You do not have to register for LEAP Week.  But, if you have any questions you can call 203-837-9700 or send an email to diazv@wcsu.edu.

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What is the “Entering the Gates” ceremony and why is it important?
During the “Entering the Gates” ceremony, you, as a new member of the WCSU community, will enter through the university gates, symbolically leaving behind your life as high school student or student at another university.  Led by the university president, deans, and faculty in academic regalia, you will enter and accept your new role as a responsible member of the WCSU community and university life.

This tradition was started in 1999 and has been a part of the LEAP Week activities ever since. Similar traditions have been part of opening ceremonies at many other colleges and universities around the country, including Ivy League schools such as Penn or Brown.

Students should line up around 12:00 p.m. on the Alumni/Friends Circle. Make sure you wear your new WCSU t-shirt which you’ll receive at check-in. Parents may line-up on the paths leading from the gates to the Science Building lawn where the Opening Ceremony will be held. Faculty and staff  will also assemble around 12:15 p.m. in the Alumni and Friends Circle next to Old Main and the Gates to lead the procession.

It’s time to take on your new role and be proud of it!

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When will I get information about LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt and Plan) Week?
You will receive an email about LEAP Week in mid-August and a reminder email will be sent to all students later in the month.  Your best source of information, however, will be the detailed schedule posted on the web which will be updated continuously as we get closer to LEAP Week.

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What do I need to bring for LEAP Week?
If you are planning to buy or rent your books, bring cash or credit cards and a copy of your schedule.  If you have not yet submitted your proof of immunization, please bring that with you as well (see questions regarding immunizations below).

If you’re a commuter student, bring your WCSU ID card to the events and get a taste of what WCSU is all about!

If you’re a resident student, remember to move in only at the appointed time as indicated in the email you received (or will receive).  Bring a print-out of your residence-hall check-in time which should be displayed in your car window.  Below is a short list of items you should bring. For more detailed information, check out the “What to Bring to Campus” pamphlet or refer to the Housing & Residence Life website.

  • Clothes for hot and cold weather
  • Toiletries
  • Bathroom Linens
  • Bedding (sheets for a regular-sized twin bed, comforter, pillow, pillow case, etc.)
  • Laundry supplies (detergent, dryer sheets, quarters, etc.  Laundry facilities work from your WestConnect account on your card, and save you money.  You may want to consider loading some cash on your ID card.)
  • Computer
  • Other essential items

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Are my parents allowed to come to LEAP Week?
Yes, there will be activities for your parents on the first day of LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt, and Plan) Week, August 23rd such as the “Entering the Gates” and “Opening Ceremony” as well as the Barbeque immediately following the “Entering the Gates” ceremony.  Your parents are invited to stay for dinner but would have to pay for that.

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 Where can my parents and I stay if we are coming in from far away?
Here is a list of hotels that are only about 10-15 minutes away from our Midtown and Westside campuses:

Midtown campus:

Westside campus:

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How do I get to WCSU for LEAP Week?

Directions and a map can be found here: http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/campustour/.
Directions from the local airports can be found here: http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/orientation/travel.asp

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Where do I park for LEAP Week?

Student parking at the Midtown campus is available only in the parking garages.  Parking restrictions apply. Student parking at the Westside campus is in the assigned commuter and/or resident student lots.  Please consult the parking area chart for details.  Please check our website for directions at http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/campustour/.
Students moving into the residence halls will have received an email with a half hour appointed time for move-in.  Cars need to be unloaded quickly and then have to be moved to one of the parking garages.

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I am a transfer student.  Do I really need to attend LEAP Week?

Yes.  We encourage all students to attend not only to familiarize themselves with resources and services available at WCSU but also to get to know other students, form connections, and make friends by having a good time together.  If you have not already gotten your ID card and computer accounts, now is the time to do so considering you will need them for the start of the school year.

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What if I am a part-time student?

Part-time students are invited and encouraged to attend LEAP Week.  Just like our full-time students you can learn something about WCSU and get to know other students in a fun and informative setting.  If you have not already had the time to do so, now is also the time to make sure you get your ID card, computer accounts, buy your books, etc.

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What if I am an adult or non-traditional student?  Do I still need to attend LEAP Week?

Yes.  There will be a lot of information available during orientation that is important to all students.

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What do I do if I need accommodations for my disability during LEAP Week?

If you have a disability and require special accommodations for LEAP Week or your classes, contact WCSU’s AccessAbility Services office at (203) 837-8225.  To find out more information you can go to their website: staging.www.wcsu.edu/accessability.

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Will I be able to purchase my books during LEAP Week?

Yes, there will be time during or after LEAP Week for students to purchase their books. Textbooks may be purchased with cash or check (valid Government issued ID required). Bring a printout of your class schedule. Credit cards will be accepted only if the cardholder is present. Follett gift cards will also be accepted for all purchases. If you put money into your WestConnect account, you can use your WestConnect card at the bookstore.  Books can also be ordered online from the WCSU Bookstore website and will be delivered directly to your residence hall on move-in day at no extra charge.  Some textbooks are also available for rental and in detail format.  See the WCSU bookstore website for additional information.

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How do I find out about getting involved on campus?

You can visit our website, https://www.wcsu.edu/studentlife/clubsbridge/, to see what student organizations are already on campus or how to form your own club or organization.  During LEAP Week you can meet many of the student organizations at Club’s Carnival.

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How do I get a parking decal/ID Card?

Parking decals were discontinued effective July 1, 2016.  Students no longer need any stickers or decals.  However, parking locations are limited to the two parking garages on the Midtown campus, and the commuter lots and Centennial Parking garage on the Westside campus.

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Where do I go to pay my bill or find out about Financial Aid?

The Cashier’s Office is located on the first floor of the Old Main Administration Building where you will be able to handle all billing inquiries or you may visit their web site at http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/cashiers/.  Bills are due in full in mid-July for Fall, and mid-December for the Spring semester.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment is also located on the first floor of the Old Main Administration Building where you can find answers to any of your financial aid concerns, or go to http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/finaid/.

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When can new students move into the residence halls?

New students who are registered as full-time (12 credits or more) will be eligible to move into their residence hall on Friday, August 23, the first day of LEAP Week.  Students who are not yet registered for 12 or more credits will need to see the Registrar prior to the move in date.  Please check your WCSU email for your specific half hour move-in time-slot (this email will be sent in early August).  Print that email and display the time prominently in the windshield of your car.  For detailed information regarding the move-in process, please click here.

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What type of meal plans are available and who can get them?

Please check the following website for more information: https://wcsu.sodexomyway.com/dining-plans/index.html

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What do I do if I need special dietary accommodations?

If you have special dietary requirements, please contact the office of Student Affairs at 203-837-9700 to let them know what you need and special arrangements can be made through Food Services.

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What computer facilities are available at WCSU?

WCSU offers a number of staffed facilities where you can receive assistance from our friendly student staff. We also have 24 hours computer labs available for student use. For a complete list of facilities and hours, please visit:    staging.www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp

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How do I get a WCSU Windows account?

A WCSU Windows account is necessary for students to access the University’s network from the computer centers, classrooms, labs, residence halls, and wireless network. You will be able to get your account information during Summer orientation, LEAP (Learn, Engage, Adapt, and Plan) Week, and any other time during the semester from the following staffed computer centers on campus: Midtown Computer Center (Haas Library), Westside Computer Center (WS 117), and the Student Technology Training Center (SC 225). http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp

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Should I get a WCSU email account?

Yes, all students are required to get a WCSU email account for official WCSU business. Once your account has been created, you will have access to your email from any computer on or off-campus that has access to the Internet by visiting https://mail.wcsu.edu, or by logging into WestConnduit and clicking on the email link. You can obtain your WCSU email account credentials at any of our staffed computer centers on campus.  http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/email.asp

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What is a WestConnduit?

WestConnduit is WCSU’s campus portal.  WestConnduit allows you to see your grades, course schedules, academic history and financial aid information, and allows you to register for classes and make payments to the university.  It also provides access to Blackboard, WCSU’s online course management system, campus and personal announcements, the campus events calendar, and convenient links to other university resources.

WestConnduit can be accessed by visiting staging.www.wcsu.edu and clicking on the WestConnduit link.

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Should I bring my own computer?

You do not need to bring your own computer. However, a laptop with wireless capability can be useful. In case you do not own a computer, WCSU has a number of computer facilities available for student use. Some are open as early as 8am, and close as late as 11pm. Some are open around the clock. You can find more information about the computer labs here: http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/mt-wscc.asp. You can also learn more about the 24 hour labs here: http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/24specs.asp.

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I want to purchase a computer to bring to WCSU. What should I buy?

Almost any new desktop or laptop computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus.

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Is WCSU Wireless?

Western Connecticut State University offers fast and reliable wireless network access to students, faculty, and staff on the Westside and Midtown campuses. For locations and more information, visit https://support.wcsu.edu/?ht_kb=which-university-network-do-i-connect-to.  To use the wireless network, your laptop, tablet, or other mobile device must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. WCSU’s wireless network uses SSIDs of “Western” , “Western-Student”, and “Western-BYOD” for easy connection. You will be prompted to log in using your Windows account credentials.

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How can I use my computer in the Residence Hall (ResNet)?

For more information on the available wireless networks visit: https://support.wcsu.edu/?ht_kb=which-university-network-do-i-connect-to

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I am not very computer savvy. Where can I get help?

The general computer centers, located in room 117 of the Westside Classroom Building and at Midtown on the first floor of the Haas Library, employ student lab assistants who can provide assistance based on their individual knowledge. However, students needing extensive help should visit the Student Technology Training Center (STTC) in room 225 of the Student Center on the Midtown campus. More information about the STTC can be found at: http://staging.www.wcsu.edu/sttc.

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