WestConn Prepares To Welcome New Students

DANBURY — With the 2004-05 academic year less than two weeks away, preparations are in full swing at WestConn for “Welcome Weekend” festivities geared to new and returning students.

A highlighting for new students will be the third annual Entering the Gates ceremony at 1:30 pm on Friday, August 27, at the wrought iron gates that designate the entrance to the Midtown campus.

Last year, more than 500 students joined in walking through the balloon-festooned iron arches that bear the university’s name.

“We welcome our new students by asking them to walk through the university gates, which signifies leaving behind their high school days and entering the new and challenging world of the university,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Walter Bernstein. “This is WestConn’s way of introducing students to a new environment which values teaching, learning, critical thinking, and global awareness.”

An opening ceremony at the Alumni and Friends Circle will feature speakers including Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, a WestConn alumnus, and new WestConn President James W Schmotter.

From Friday, August 27, to Sunday, August 29, a variety of educational and entertaining events for students will take place to ensure “that students have all the information they need to become fully engaged members of the university community,” said WestConn Director of Student Center/Student Life Paul M Simon.

For more information, visit the WestConn orientation website at www.wcsu.edu/orientation or call Dr Simon at 837-8749 or the WestConn office of University Relations at 837-8486.