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Become a Student

Whether you're pursuing an associate degree, taking courses to transfer to a four-year institution or are seeking short-term job skill training, we welcome you to CT State!

As a student, you'll have access to the many academic programs and support services offered across our campuses and will be supported by a network of dedicated faculty and staff who are invested in your success. 

Questions?

Book an appointment with a recruitment and outreach specialist to get answers to all your enrollment questions and help starting your application for admission!

Chat now

Get In-Person Help

Get Started

It's easy to become a student. Follow the steps below to get started on your educational journey.

Please note that these instructions are for credit-seeking students only. Workforce Development and Continuing Education programs follow a different application and registration process.

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Explore Our Programs

We offer over 300 degrees and certificates, ranging from the arts to STEM and everything in between! Our program finder allows you to filter results by campus, time to completion, mode of study and career field so you can be sure to find the educational path that's right for you.

Find a Degree or Certificate

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Identify Your Home Campus

Learn more about our different campuses and choose your home campus. Students are able to take courses at any location but your home campus will determine how you access support services and campus activities, such as advising, disability support, student governance and clubs, commencement and more so it's important to choose a campus that's convenient for you.

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Apply to CT State

Before you can register for classes, you'll need to apply and be accepted to the college. The process to apply is the same across the campuses, and once admitted, you'll be able to take courses at any locations. However, the steps to apply may vary depending so it's important to identify your student type and follow those specific instructions.

What Type of Student Am I?

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Apply for Financial Aid

You may qualify for financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition, fees and books. Though this step is optional, all students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. For many students, a CT State education may be free with our tuition-free program.

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Complete Online Orientation

The myCTState Online Orientation will introduce you to academic resources, campus services and student support to help you acclimate to the college environment and get the most out of your time at CT State.

CT State Online Orientation

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Meet With an Advisor

Your Guided Pathways advisor will help you select the courses you need to meet program requirements and your career goals.

Find Your Advisor

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Register for Classes

Registering for classes at CT State is easy! Just follow the steps for new or continuing students.

Register for a Class

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Attend Your Home Campus In-Person New Student Orientation

All new, transfer and readmit students should complete New Student Orientation to prepare for the start of classes and get to know their home campus.

Find an Upcoming In-Person Orientation

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Pay for Courses

After registering for classes, you'll need to pay for any remaining balance not covered by financial aid or scholarships/grants.

What Type of Student Am I?

The steps to apply to the college vary depending on your student type. Find your student type below to learn how to apply.

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New Student

I've never attended another college or university after receiving my high school diploma.

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Transfer Student

I've attended another college or university, outside of the 12 community college campuses in CT, after receiving my high school diploma.

Students talk at table

Readmit Student

I've attended one of the 12 community colleges in the past but have not been enrolled for two or more years.

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High School Student

I'm a current high school student and want to take college classes while still enrolled in high school.

Learn How to Apply as a High School Student

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Senior Citizen

I'm a CT resident, aged 62 or older, interested in enrolling in credit courses for personal interest or development.

Learn More About Taking Courses as a Senior Citizen

International Students

International Student

I'm not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and will require an F-1 student visa to reside and study in the US (includes transferring F-1 visa students and non-immigrant visa holders wishing to switch to F-1 visa status). 

Learn How to Apply as an International Student

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Selective Admission Health Career Programs

I’m interested in becoming a student in one of the selective admission areas within nursing and health careers. 

Learn How to Apply for Selective Admissions Programs

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Workforce Development and Continuing Education

I’m interested in enrolling in a short-term licensure, certificate or continuing education program to enhance my career or personal development. 

Learn About WDCE Programs

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Other Special Admissions
Groups

I'm part of another group that may have different considerations when applying, such as a homeschool student, a second degree or part of the New England Regional Student Program.

Email Us for More Info

Questions?

Book an appointment with a recruitment and outreach specialist to get answers to all your enrollment questions and help starting your application for admission!

Chat now

Get In-Person Help

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Social Media

Whether you're looking for college-wide announcements or want to see what's happening on your local campus, staying in the loop is easy. Follow our official social media accounts to catch up on student stories, campus events and real-time updates.

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College-Wide Accounts

Campus Accounts

Asnuntuck

Capital

Gateway

Housatonic

Manchester

Middlesex

Naugatuck Valley

Northwestern

Norwalk

Quinebaug Valley

Three Rivers

Tunxis

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Arnita Walls

Arnita Walls, Ed.D., MSHR, IDI-QA

Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Arnita Walls has more than 25 years of leadership experience across higher education and mission-driven organizations, focused on advancing inclusive excellence, strengthening institutional equity and building strong, accountable organizations.

She has held senior leadership roles at institutions across the country, including Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX at Brandeis University; Interim Chief Diversity Officer and Interim Dean of Student Affairs at Luther Seminary, where she also served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Title IX Coordinator; Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Employee and Equity Relations at Saint Mary’s College; and Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Employee Training and Development at North Park University. She also served as Director of Human Resources and Employee Development at Summit Academy OIC and as an adjunct professor at Triton College.

Throughout her career, Dr. Walls has partnered closely with presidents, cabinet leaders and governing boards to align equity, compliance and culture with institutional strategy. Her work is grounded in translating values into practice. She brings deep experience in civil rights and Title IX coordination, affirmative action planning, organizational climate and leadership advising. Just as importantly, she is known for engaging stakeholders in thoughtful, candid dialogue and helping institutions navigate change with clarity and integrity.

Dr. Walls holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, an M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Arnita Walls

Contact

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Support Services

We know that sometimes students need help, whether within or outside of the classroom. CT State offers many services to assist you academically and beyond.

Academic Support

Academic Advising

Academic advisors will help you develop and achieve your academic and career goals, assisting you with picking classes and staying on track academically.

Disability and Accessibility Services

The Office for Disability and Accessibility Services (ODAS) supports students with disabilities by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations.

Library Services

Campus libraries support your information and research needs with robust and diverse collections and services, as well as innovative and inclusive spaces to study and learn.

Tutoring and Academic Support

Each campus offers free academic support, including in-person and virtual tutoring.

Mental Health and Wellness Services

Our mental health counseling and wellness counselors provide confidential, short-term counseling, crisis support, consultation and connections to campus and community resources.

Learn More About Mental Health and Wellness Services

Planning for Life After CT State

Career Services

Explore career options, search for jobs and find in-person support on most campuses.

Transfer Planning

If you're thinking of transferring to a four-year college or university, we can help you find the right school with guaranteed pathways, one-on-one support and tools to help you succeed.

Other Support Services

Childcare/Preschool

Several campuses offer childcare and/or preschool services to students, faculty and staff and the greater campus community.

Technology Assistance

The Information Technology department will support you with IT services, including email, WAN, internet, Blackboard, Banner, Office 365, client security, websites and more.

Veterans OASIS Centers

We're dedicated to supporting our military community with its transition from service members to students. Each campus provides a safe space specifically for veterans to study, relax and build camaraderie with other student veterans. 

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General Education Committee - Membership List

As of September 11, 2026

Voting Members (19/21 members)

Quorum currently = 10

Campus Representatives — 1 FT Faculty or Staff rep per campus with general education assessment expertise (x12)
Campus Representative
Asnuntuck Heidi Fitzgerald (confirmed 2026-28)
Capital Becky DeVito (confirmed 2026-28)
Gateway TBD (2024-2025 was Anne Williams, now retired)
Housatonic Matt Dunne (confirmed 2026-28)
Manchester James Gentile (confirmed 2026-28)
Middlesex Lin Lin (confirmed 2026-28)
Naugatuck Valley Heather Barrett
Northwestern Nicole Cesarek (vote will take place in Sept. 2026)
Norwalk Heather DeDominicis (confirmed 2026-27)
Quinebaug Valley Brian Donohue-Lynch
Three Rivers Michael Stutz (confirmed 2026-27)
Tunxis Alicia Hall (confirmed 2026-27)
Gen Ed Core Area Representatives — 1 rep from each Core Area (x9)
Core Area / Position Representative
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Written Communication Rebecca Busch Adams, Professor of English (Housatonic)
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Quantitative Reasoning Sandra Pettinico, Naugatuck Valley
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Arts & Humanities (ART, ARTH, DGA, ESOL, GRA, HUM, MUS, PHIL, THEA, Language and Culture) Jamilet Ortiz, Professor of Spanish (Housatonic)
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Oral Communication Alan Teitleman, Associate Professor of Communication (Naugatuck Valley)
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Scientific Knowledge & Understanding and/or Scientific Reasoning Michael Pence, Professor of Chemistry (Manchester)
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Social & Behavioral Science Lorraine Li, Professor of Economics (Gateway)
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Historical Knowledge & Understanding Christopher M. Paulin, Professor of History (Manchester)
1 FT Librarian representing Continuing Learning and Information Literacy Naomi Toftness, Northwestern
1 FT Faculty member of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee (contingent on DEI being a course requirement in the Common Core) TBD

Non-Voting Members (9/10 members)

Non-Voting Representatives and Liaisons
Position Representative
1 Director of Program Review and Assessment Joseph Cullen, Director, Academic Program Review & Assessment (CT State-New Britain)
1 Enrollment Management / Registrar Staff Jennifer Meny, College Office
1 Guided Pathways / Advising Director Staff Anna Syta, Tunxis
1 Institutional Research & Effectiveness Staff Vacant; needs to be filled
1 CSCU Director of the Office of Transfer Stephen Marcelynas
1 2-year faculty lead of the "CSCU Gen Ed Alignment committee**" (which would report to CSCU Transfer Council) Matt Dunne and Jamilet Ortiz are both liaisons to the CSCU committee
1 Chair of the CT State Curriculum Congress Jason Seabury, Professor of Mathematics, Naugatuck Valley
1 FT faculty member who teaches a course vetted for Creativity (additional Gen Ed in some CSCU Transfer Pathway degrees) James Schlatter, Tunxis
1 FT faculty member who teaches a course vetted for Global Knowledge (additional Gen Ed in some CSCU Transfer Pathway degrees) Latisha Nielsen, Associate Professor of Sociology (Naugatuck Valley)
1 FT Faculty who teaches or has taught a course vetted for Continuing Learning, Information Literacy Amy Royal (Naugatuck Valley)
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