Mission Statement of the School of Continuing Education

Within the context of the missions of the Connecticut State University System and of Eastern Connecticut State University, the School of Continuing Education serves diverse populations including: working adults, primarily in the region, who return to college part time attempting to complete a baccalaureate degree; Eastern full time students, primarily in the summer and winter sessions; cohorts of special populations seeking online or on ground credit courses toward certificates or degrees; adult professionals in the region seeking skill enhancement through noncredit offerings; and off campus specialized constituencies seeking summer residential programs and use of facilities.

Our primary degree seeking part time student population resides in Eastern Connecticut within a 35 mile radius. The median age is 35; 60 percent are female and 40 percent are male. More than 50 percent are seniors, another 25 percent are juniors. Approximately three quarters are white, non Hispanic. They primarily need access to intellectual and pragmatic knowledge that will further their academic and career development. In order to serve the needs of part time degree seekers, the School provides: access to affordable, flexible, convenient and transportable courses to allow program completion; access to services at the university; holistic professional academic advisement that clarifies the individual’s degree options; support and advocacy for students; online course offerings (which can be taken from home); courses transported to the client work site when requested; support mechanisms for students to convert life learning to college credit, and non-credit online programs that teach real world skills for career advancement.