Dear readers, 

This semester, I’ve spent a significant amount of time working closely on the polytechnic and Research 2 transition, and in this letter I’m offering my perspective as a CCSU undergraduate student. 

It’s not the end of the world. It’s not the end of the legacy and culture that Central has built over its history. 

Some of the major objections to the proposal that we’ve witnessed have to do with the immediacy of the announcement and the initial lack of collaboration in making the decision to transition the school in a very calculated and specific direction. 

While it may seem like a surprise to some, there were clear indications that the university, as a business, needed to make a significant change to ensure a bright future for students at Central. 

But how true is this? There has been a decrease of 41,125 students enrolled in high school in Connecticut over the last decade, according to the Connecticut State Department of Education. This has a direct correlation to the number of students applying for higher education, putting significant strain on university budgets. 

State funding for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system has also been dwindling due to a heavy dependency on COVID-19 relief funds over the last few years. A lack of budget readjustment has left some universities in the CSCU system looking for additional revenue sources. 

These constraining factors on the budget and the business side of the university have left not just President Zulma Toro in a precarious situation, but CCSU as a whole in a position where it needs to justify itself on a larger stage than just New Britain. 

The transition isn’t meant to ostracize who or what it currently means to be a Central Connecticut State University student, but rather to bolster the degree you are earning — both in stature and in pride. 

Are there aspects that could potentially negatively affect what it means to attend CCSU? Of course. As with any change, there will be aspects that may inadvertently have consequences. However, with a change this large, the university will likely do what it can to mitigate those consequences, which is why a task force has been created to oversee the proposal process on a larger scale. 

My concerns center on what this change could mean for the demographics of the university. One aspect that I am proud to share when I talk about CCSU is the fact that it is so diverse. Seeing different hues and shades, unique styles and regalia, and a wide range of backgrounds and cultures on a daily basis is a pivotal part of the CCSU experience. 

After researching different polytechnic institutions across the country, their constituencies often have a similar look and feel that differs from what CCSU currently represents. It doesn’t concern me that some students may be attracted to a new polytechnic identity and Research 2 distinction. What concerns me is how that shift could shape the next 50 years of graduates. 

However, optimism for the future is necessary for preserving the past, and when we have the opportunity to voice our opinions, we should take advantage of the avenues that allow us to be part of that change. 

The task force is currently distributing surveys to students and faculty. I encourage everyone to complete them and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback that can be considered as the proposal continues to develop. 

If you have anything you would like The Recorder to cover as it pertains to the polytechnic proposal, don’t hesitate to reach out and share your perspective. We’re interested in how students are feeling. Do you know what the shift entails? When was the first time you heard about it? Is our coverage doing enough? 

One mission that won’t change with this transition is The Recorder’s commitment to delivering news to our community. 

Wonderful wishes, 

Elijah Hernandez 

Co-Editor-in-Chief