Non-Key Tweets

[Hoophound]

The CSUs are hemorrhaging students. Undergraduate enrollment is down 25% in the past decade at ECSU and it is hard to see what can turn enrollment around. The state wants UConn to INCREASE enrollment and build more campus housing in Storrs. Why not take advantage of the underutilized infrastructure at ECSU? There are less than 4k undergrads at ECSU now.

In the 1980s, there was talk of closing ECSU or merging it with UConn.

I don’t think extending UConn into Willimantic and taking over ECSU is a good idea for UConn. UConn needs to be growing toward the population and the money in Greater Hartford and beyond. I’ve always felt that Willimantic itself was a major drawback of ECSU. UConn should be focused on Storrs, Hartford and Stamford.

 

[CL82]

The State universities, Central, Easter, Western, Southern, are different and have different missions from UConn. They are more teaching focused and less dedicated to research which is really UConn’s bread and butter. The regional schools are comparable to places like the traditional MAC schools, the MASCAC schools in Massachusetts. They have a different role than UConn.

What I’d like to see is some of the UConn regional campuses, notably Stamford and Hartford, become universities in their own rights more like NC Charlotte, or UMass Lowell. A component of the UConn system but separate entities that offer more than a place to put kids who can’t fit into dorms in Storrs and MBAs taught by pseudo-faculty moonlighting from Aetna and M&T Bank. Make them real universities with real programs and real faculty.

The push to put dorms in Stamford, Hartford, and now Avery Point makes me wonder if this is a long-term goal.

 

[UConnJim]

I don’t think extending UConn into Willimantic and taking over ECSU is a good idea for UConn. UConn needs to be growing toward the population and the money in Greater Hartford and beyond. I’ve always felt that Willimantic itself was a major drawback of ECSU. UConn should be focused on Storrs, Hartford and Stamford.

I agree about the cities, but a decision on what to do with ECSU is coming no matter what due to the enrollment declines.

 

[Hoophound]

I agree about the cities, but a decision on what to do with ECSU is coming no matter what due to the enrollment declines.

Just curious, why is enrollment declining at a time when private schools are unaffordable for most? I would think ECSU would be fine.

 

[UCONNJACK]

Just curious, why is enrollment declining at a time when private schools are unaffordable for most? I would think ECSU would be fine.

Shrinking high school student population. Private colleges are closing at record numbers.

 

[Hoophound]

Shrinking high school student population. Private colleges are closing at record numbers.

I didn’t realize it was that dire in CT. In Florida all of the schools are constantly growing. Of course, an education from a Florida state university is a ridiculous bargain. It’s shockingly affordable. One of a small handful of things Florida does really well.

 

[noeynox]

Just curious, why is enrollment declining at a time when private schools are unaffordable for most? I would think ECSU would be fine.

Think there was a lull in birthrate for a few years and they are college age now.

 

[jostar1]

 

[UConnJim]

Just curious, why is enrollment declining at a time when private schools are unaffordable for most? I would think ECSU would be fine.

All of the CSUs have declining enrollment. Enrollment in Connecticut public 2 and 4 year colleges and universities has declined by 20% from 2018 to 2023 from 113k to 90k. During that time period, UConn enrollment was up ~2%, Western Connecticut was down 27%, Eastern Connecticut was down 24%, Central Connecticut was down 18%, and Southern Connecticut was down 12%. Community Colleges were down 27%. We will see closures and consolidations.

 

[ZooCougar]

Just curious, why is enrollment declining at a time when private schools are unaffordable for most? I would think ECSU would be fine.

Because less people are going to college because there are lfewer college age people.

 

[Hoophound]

All of the CSUs have declining enrollment. Enrollment in Connecticut public 2 and 4 year colleges and universities has declined by 20% from 2018 to 2023 from 113k to 90k. During that time period, UConn enrollment was up ~2%, Western Connecticut was down 27%, Eastern Connecticut was down 24%, Central Connecticut was down 18%, and Southern Connecticut was down 12%. Community Colleges were down 27%. We will see closures and consolidations.

Wow. That makes the idea of centralizing the campuses to CCSU in New Britain seem more feasible.

Just call it Connecticut State University and build more dorms and infrastructure. Everyone that wants to stay in their home region can do their first two years at a community college.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

This might be true, and would be hilarious.

 

[Fishy]

This might be true, and would be hilarious.

There was an article late last week that had a quote from a woman who was either a trustee or some kinda Nevada official who was in favor of going to the Pac-12 but who straight up said that they had no idea where the $30M would come from.

Edit: Here it is - UNLV’s broke

 

[Patman]

The State universities, Central, Easter, Western, Southern, are different and have different missions from UConn. They are more teaching focused and less dedicated to research which is really UConn’s bread and butter. The regional schools are comparable to places like the traditional MAC schools, the MASCAC schools in Massachusetts. They have a different role than UConn.

What I’d like to see is some of the UConn regional campuses, notably Stamford and Hartford, become universities in their own rights more like NC Charlotte, or UMass Lowell. A component of the UConn system but separate entities that offer more than a place to put kids who can’t fit into dorms in Storrs and MBAs taught by pseudo-faculty moonlighting from Aetna and M&T Bank. Make them real universities with real programs and real faculty.

Hartford is quickly heading that way and calling them co-equals are a joke that is going to piss somebody off. Either the Hartford people for not getting enough resources or the Storrs people for Hartford taking resources.

 

[Patman]

Wow. That makes the idea of centralizing the campuses to CCSU in New Britain seem more feasible.

Just call it Connecticut State University and build more dorms and infrastructure. Everyone that wants to stay in their home region can do their first two years at a community college.

why break something that isn't broken?

 

[nelsonmuntz]

There was an article late last week that had a quote from a woman who was either a trustee or some kinda Nevada official who was in favor of going to the Pac-12 but who straight up said that they had no idea where the $30M would come from.

Edit: Here it is - UNLV’s broke

UConn's chances of getting into the Pac 12 are dependent on the utter stupidity of these universities choosing to fight with each other rather than reaching a reasonable settlement even though the departing Pac 12 schools are footing the bill for whatever happens anyway.

 

[Fishy]

UConn's chances of getting into the Pac 12 are dependent on the utter stupidity of these universities choosing to fight with each other rather than reaching a reasonable settlement even though the departing Pac 12 schools are footing the bill for whatever happens anyway.

I think we exist outside of the drama here.

They need to get one more full-time member to get to the eight minimum schools. That’s where the drama and expense is going to happen.

We’d be a low-stress add as the ninth football school. If they want to avoid conference raid drama, add an extra time zone and get some exposure to the east coast, we’re an easy add. If they don’t, who cares?

 

[upstater]

Because less people are going to college because there are lfewer college age people.

Also less people are going to college period. It's a triple whammy.

1. Fewer kids in this generation.
2. Covid took a bunch of kids out of the mix.
3. We're well below our historical Cold War GI Bill % of degree holders. We're at 25% now, used to be at 50%. Our cohort (Canada, European countries) are still holding strong at 50%. China is pouring a ton of money into their institutions but not making very much headway.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

I think we exist outside of the drama here.

They need to get one more full-time member to get to the eight minimum schools. That’s where the drama and expense is going to happen.

We’d be a low-stress add as the ninth football school. If they want to avoid conference raid drama, add an extra time zone and get some exposure to the east coast, we’re an easy add. If they don’t, who cares?

Its nice to not really care about the outcome one way or the other for once

 

[Duncan Idaho]

The CSUs are hemorrhaging students. Undergraduate enrollment is down 25% in the past decade at ECSU and it is hard to see what can turn enrollment around. The state wants UConn to INCREASE enrollment and build more campus housing in Storrs. Why not take advantage of the underutilized infrastructure at ECSU? There are less than 4k undergrads at ECSU now.

In the 1980s, there was talk of closing ECSU or merging it with UConn.

Your data is not current plus job creation in the eastern part of the state is going to bring in workers and their families into the region.

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system announced today that the Fall 2024 Preliminary Census Report shows that CT State Community College (CT State) and the four Connecticut State Universities saw an uptick of 4.2% in student enrollment for the 2023-2024
school year.



Nationally, total student enrollment has declined in past years due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, CSCU enrollment numbers have begun to see an improvement. This improvement is due in part to targeted recruitment efforts as well increasingly meeting the demands of the diverse demographics the system serves. The CSCU system has adapted to the new realities that students face, offering flexible learning options such as hybrid and online courses.



As a whole, the four Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) have seen an increase of 4.7% in total student enrollment. Individual student enrollment increases at CSU institutions and CT State are as follows:

• Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) at 2.9%
  
  
• Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) at 9.5%
• Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) at 6.3%
  
  
• Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) at 0.8%
  
  
• CT State Community College (12 campuses) at 3.8%

 

[ZooCougar]

I think we exist outside of the drama here.

They need to get one more full-time member to get to the eight minimum schools. That’s where the drama and expense is going to happen.

We’d be a low-stress add as the ninth football school. If they want to avoid conference raid drama, add an extra time zone and get some exposure to the east coast, we’re an easy add. If they don’t, who cares?

That’s why I feel optimistic. At the same time if it doesn’t happen there won’t be any disappointment.

 

[KryHavok]

That’s why I feel optimistic. At the same time if it doesn’t happen there won’t be any disappointment.

It's almost as if...

I'm curious what the PAC think their new TV deal will be worth. IF UConn is asked to join, getting a full share at current MWC value (as I can't believe the new PAC will have much higher valuation) translates into what, a 5-6 million max. It ain't Px money but that would help. Buuuuut if it doesn't happen, well there's always the MAC hope of just waiting for something else.

 

[Fishy]

That’s why I feel optimistic. At the same time if it doesn’t happen there won’t be any disappointment.

Yep.

I really don’t give a crap if it happens.

 

[Ha Who]

Yep.

I really don’t give a crap if it happens.

 

[CL82]

Yep.

I really don’t give a crap if it happens.

To be honest, that was my thought process regarding the big 12 as well, though I fully realize that that would be much more lucrative for us.

I do see some benefits to being in a conference, even in a greatly reduced PAC 12. If the numbers justify the increase in travel costs 4 to 6 times a year, I'm fine with it, but it is nothing that particularly excites me.

We've been through this song and dance too many times. Do it, don't do it, I don't care.

 

[Fishy]

To be honest, that was my thought process regarding the big 12 as well, though I fully realize that that would be much more lucrative for us.

I do see some benefits to being in a conference, even in a greatly reduced PAC 12. If the numbers justify the increase in travel costs 4 to 6 times a year, I'm fine with it, but it is nothing that particularly excites me.

We've been through this song and dance too many times. Do it, don't do it, I don't care.

The B12 was game changing. People thinking that we're gonna land in some revised happy version of the ACC in 5 years are chasing rainbows. The B12 is kinda it for us in terms of a power conference.

This P12 things is....fine. Easier scheduling, good G5 names, maybe a smidge more revenue, bowl access, fine.

And if it doesn't happen, fine. I'm not losing sleep over that lost rivalry with Fresno State.

 

[mike012]

I am pretty sure San Diego st and Gonzaga hate us after our run ins during the dance.

 

[noeynox]

The B12 was game changing. People thinking that we're gonna land in some revised happy version of the ACC in 5 years are chasing rainbows. The B12 is kinda it for us in terms of a power conference.

This P12 things is....fine. Easier scheduling, good G5 names, maybe a smidge more revenue, bowl access, fine.

And if it doesn't happen, fine. I'm not losing sleep over that lost rivalry with Fresno State.

But its 1 to 1? Not interested in the rubber match?

 

[CL82]

I am pretty sure San Diego st and Gonzaga hate us after our run ins during the dance.

 

[CL82]

The B12 was game changing. The B12 is kinda it for us in terms of a power conference.

Fully agree, and yet it's hard to be particularly invested in the annual August dalliance with the big 12. If it happens, it happens. I'm not devoting a whole lot of emotional energy to it until they're painting "Big 12" on the court at Gampel.