Jene Thomas – General Assignment Reporter
Mary A. Papazian, president of Southern Connecticut State University, addressed progression of campus expansion, new grant research projects and the decline of student enrollment at the annual State of the University address on Sept. 17.
The speech, heard by students, faculty and New Haven’s own Mayor Toni Harp, was given in the Adanti Student Center. Harp’s attendance was due to an invitation extended by Papazian. In her address, Papazian announced the idea of instituting an elementary school, K through fourth grade, on campus grounds to make a stronger connection between Southern and the greater New Haven area. As a member of the Board of Education, Harp was showing her support.
“For many years, Southern was sort of considered outside of the city and I think Dr. Papazian wants to make a stronger link and I think that’s really important,” said Harp.
Plans for the current renovations on campus are expected to be finished by spring of 2015, Papazian said. Currently under construction are the Hilton C. Buley Library and the new science center. The new Buley library will consist of state of more advanced computer labs, tutorial classrooms for students, an art gallery that will feature student artwork and a new cyber café. Papazian announced a student competition relating to the cyber café.
“To our students, we’ll be holding a competition to name the cyber café so start thinking of a good name,” she said.
Across the parking lot is the ongoing construction of the new science academic building. “A new state of the art structure that will provide greatly enhanced career based educational opportunities,” she said.
Southern is now taking a green approach in hopes of becoming more environmentally friendly. Along with recycling programs, new building designs such as the newly renovated School of Business building, “have been identified as a LEED Gold-certified facility by the United States Green Building Council,” Papazian said.
The new campus aesthetics aren’t enough to bring in students, as enrollment in undergraduates has declined by 2 percent. Papazian said the most likely cause of the decline is due to the tuition raise. Tuition is now higher because of the changes to campus. 60 percent of the operating budget comes from student tuition and fees. Papazian asks that the Southern community work together since it was take the support of everyone to attract more students.
“A four year degree has never been more valuable,” she said.
Southern does not have the reputation of a four-year school though, Papazian said. Matriculated students find themselves graduating at a five to six year rate. The fall class of 2009 had a 4-year graduation rate of 22.6 percent. That’s a decline from the fall class of 2008 five-year rate of 47.7 percent. “Projections are that next year’s six year graduation rate will move over 50 percent for the first time,” the President said.
Those on the path to graduation now have access to new grant assisted research opportunities, provided by the SCSU foundation. The new program allows students to engage in cutting edge research in and outside of the classroom by providing financial assistance. Recipients of the grant work with faculty members who are experts in their fields. One student, Aileen Ferraro, used the summer research grant to hypothesize if good bacteria grown on the roots of plants could help its growth and prevent hazardous bacteria. Ferraro was assisted mentor Elizabeth Lewis Roberts, a biology professor here at Southern.
Despite the enrollment rate, Papazian is convinced that new projects are in place to bring more students to Southern. With the new faculty members and the school’s civility and respect clause, the school welcomes the changes.
“It is time to come together as a community,” said Papazian, “and evaluate on our progress.”
