Central Connecticut State University President Zulma R. Toro addressed CCSU’s 175th anniversary, Central’s tuition increase, and new academic programs and facilities during the Student Government Association’s weekly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
During the meeting, Toro said she went to the Connecticut State Capitol on Wednesday and discussed the legislative session for 2024 to request funding from the state and advocate suspending Central’s tuition increase.
However, she cautioned senate members that even with her efforts, there was a chance the increased tuition would remain. Despite this, Logan Palardy, treasurer of SGA, expressed his gratitude to President Toro for standing with CCSU students.
“I’m glad that the president of the university is on our side on that matter,” Palardy said. “I think it says a lot about her intentions that she is advocating on a state level and to the governor himself about our tuition increases.”
SGA President Haneen Alkabasi added that while she is hopeful President Toro’s advocacy will produce something positive, she is still apprehensive.
“I do have hope, but it’s a little bit difficult; this is a battle that’s been going on for years,” Alkabasi said. “But I feel like the students on the back end have been doing a lot of advocacy work, and there’s a public hearing coming up at the Capitol that we’re planning to testify at.”
Toro said Central is developing programs and facilities to teach students how to use artificial intelligence. She added that she wanted students to take advantage of the upcoming programs and learn more about artificial intelligence before graduating.
Palardy talked about artificial intelligence and its role in the lives of students post-graduation.
“I think A.I. is going to become such an integral part of our lives,” Palardy said. “It’s definitely not a bad thing to at least get people familiar with it because it’s going to be in the workplace for sure. It’s already getting implemented.”
Toro also said several events will be held this year to celebrate CCSU’s 175th anniversary. One of which will be a gala.
