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The honorary designation has qualified WCSU for inclusion in Colleges of Distinction, a nationally renowned website with accompanying e-guidebook that provides profiles of select institutions that it describes as “the ideal places to learn, grow and succeed.”
The website places special emphasis on background that will inform students and parents weighing college choices and high school counselors who advise them. Colleges of Distinction noted that its selection of Western for this prestigious group reflects its determination that the university has met four fundamental criteria of distinction — actively engaged students, excellent teaching, a vibrant campus community and successful outcomes.
“Our inclusion as a College of Distinction in Connecticut places us with some of the state’s best private institutions as well as with our sister institution, Eastern Connecticut State University,” said Jane McBride Gates, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “At Western, we have long said that we are a hidden gem. Well, the gem has attracted more light with this designation.”
The Colleges of Distinction organization conducts a broad-based quantitative and qualitative evaluation of institutions nominated by educators and counselors across the nation to determine whether each college merits inclusion for profiling on its website. Factors considered in the selection process include the university’s strategic plan, first-year student experience, general education program, experience-based curriculum components, and alumni success and satisfaction.
“We focus on colleges that are deeply dedicated to students’ learning,” Colleges of Distinction executive editor Tyson Schritter said. “Schools designated as ‘Colleges of Distinction’ offer innovative learning experiences that educate, nurture and transform students.”
To access the WCSU profile or to obtain additional information about the Colleges of Distinction e-guidebook, visit www.CollegesofDistinction.com.
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