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Contact Information
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E-Mail:
resnet@wsc.ma.edu
Phone:
5528
Mailing Address:
ResNet - Computer Center
Westfield State College
577 Western Ave.
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This site has been designed as a forum to discuss issues related to potential university status for
Massachusetts state colleges. As I noted previously, if university status does become either a
mandate or an option, it is my hope that each state college respectively will be given latitude
to determine what such a public higher education reorganization would mean to its own identity,
mission and programs. I ask that you contribute to this forum by expressing your key thoughts
about this issue as it relates to the identity, mission, and programs of Westfield State College.
Thank you for your time and your input.
Barry Maloney, Interim President.
- I have very mixed emotions for changing the WSC into a University. First off I should say that I am a student so you know what point of view I am taking. I am more against this change than I am for it. I can understand why the college wants to make this step. A lot of the other colleges are also doing it, so do we really want to be the one college left without "University" status? Of course not. It was also brought up that when people look at "state college" opposed to "University" they believe a University is more prestigious. If the numbers mean anything to anyone then they will see that our school is growing and growing and more and more people are getting rejected because of the high interest. We did that without becoming an University. Also, I do not know if prices will change but I feel like what this college stands for will. The students are doing the research and with "University" standing, more professors will be doing that. Also, if the number of students will increase, then the college will no longer be the WSC everyone knows and loves. Our college is already over populated and we cannot keep up with the buildings and facilities to accommodate that. I am against becoming a University. Since when is being different, a bad thing?
- I'd like to know more about plans for the change. I'm open to the suggestion of becoming a University, but I haven't heard any convincing benefits yet.
- Do it, Rockapella!
- I'm not very educated on what 'university status' really means. Is it just a name change? I've heard rumors about the price of tuition and other mandatory expenses will increase as well as the actual size of the campus/college. I'm a freshman this year, and one of my primary reasons for coming to Westfield State was because of the size and price of the campus. I don't like the idea of a bigger campus or more people even if it is only a couple thousand. I think part of Westfield's identity is its size and 'coziness.' I would be really upset if 'university status' changed the size and price of Westfield State College.
- i think becoming a university is a greattt idea. people are saying that because its a university you will lose that small college feel but that is wrong i know of universities that are smaller then westfield and its not about the size of the school its about what it can offer and by becoming a university we can offer so much more to the students that we have becoming a university is probably one of the best things this school could do for its students
- im sorry i ever came here and i told everyone on the tours to just pack it up and head out cuz it aint worth it
- Please don't change Westfield State into a University! We have what most colleges can't offer us. We have the small classroom sizes (student teacher reatio 20:1) which is more than most schools can say..especially universities. Westfield State is also affordable, which is what most people look at first when they are applying to college. By changing to a university status, you charge way more for a less personable education.
More important, the thing that concerns me most is the education itself. Since we are currently a small state college, we have the ability to reach our teachers for advising easier than any university, teachers actually know and recognize students in their class (also more than any university could say), students learn better in a small classroom size than in larger ones and the research proves that. Also, when it comes to registration, grades, and actually meeting with an advisor, we can get in and out faster than a university. I love the fact that I can make an appointment with my advisor in the same week, rather than four weeks from now.
I'm surprised that you are even considering the change to university status. You, as administrators, are the ones who have talked about your pride for such a small college. There are simply too many advantages for a small college to change it to a university where students become a number and price rather than a name and a student to educate.
Do we really want to lose all the charm and advantages that only a small college can offer?
No, we don't.
So please, don't change Westfield State.
- I hhave to say, I completely disagree with Westfield State changing to University status. When I applied to this college nearly four years ago, it appealed to me the most because of the small campus, small classroom sizes, and overall what the college offered as a state college rather than a university.
If you change Westfield State into a university, you will lose the class classroom sizes, which are beneficial to students and faculty. By keeping the small classroom sizes, students and teachers get a chance to know each other on a basis that only a state school can offer. I would hate to see us lose the small classrooms and better learning to become a university where the classroom sizes are far too big and the chances of a professor being able to offer as much time and help to each student as they do now will greatly be lessened.
I can't even believe the school is considering this change of status. I love this college more than anything, and to change all the appeals of a small college to that of a university, well that's just unrealistically stupid.
We already have a university nearby, and clearly, we chose Westfield State over Umass for very good reasons.
Whatever happened to the idea of affordable education? If you change to the university status, you'll charge for more money for a less personal education, and that's just unthinkable. I thought this college was all about it's small college charms, small classrooms for better learning, affordable housing and education, and over all more offerings of academics.
Lastly, if you change to university status, what happens to your number 2 among the safest schools in massachusetts? Realistically, arrests, alcohol, and other crimes are undoubtedly higher at larger colleges. Do you really want to lose Westfield's charm to that??
Please, leave Westfield State as is. It's an amazing school, and one that I've been proud to call my home.
- University status would allow us to participate in doctoral programs instead of having to apply to UMASS or other institutions. For educators, this is crucial to our being able to increase our already puny salaries. SAY YES TO A UNIVERSITY!
- Westfield State should not become a university. I came to this college because I was offered the chance to learn more then what a university offered me. It was at a lower cost then many of the other universities I had looked at and there for I was able to come here. If Westfield became a university we would lose the small respectful status that WSC has. The campus now is very small and distance is not an issue when having to walk to class. I like Westfield State just the way it is now. IT SHOULD NOT CHANGE!!!!
- I think it is idiotic to make this state school a university. Sorry for my bluntness, but with university status will come more expenses for students to pay, lose the close nit safe feeling of the campus, and create chaos and anger among Westfield along with many of the students. I personally came here because this was a small college close to home that didn't cost an awful lot of money. I like having the convienience of this place without having to pay alot of money. Westfield State should not become a university.
- I didn't think much of all this university vs college talk until my buddy brought up the point to me. I am a freshman but I like Westfield just the way it is now. It?s small and manageable to get around. It has been a success here so far so why change it. I?m not against expanded because that would be nice and accommodate more students that wish to go here. If we become a university then we will lose the uniqueness of the college as it is. We will just be Umass "irrelevant". Also the tuition will increase which will stink for those of us that wanted to go to a state school to save money. I don't see how changing Westfield into a university can help it all that much. I would rather see Westfield stay as a college opposed to a university and many people i know feel the same way. I'll represent their voice since they probably won't respond to the email that was sent out. I'm glad you?re asking our opinion too, instead of just making changes without consulting the student body.
- Westfield State College is for the eastern Massachusetts highschool slackers and the overflow of highschool drop outs that get turned down by H.C.C. I watch to see how the student body respond to the Arts and Drama world here at WSC. THEY DON"T!!! At other colleges the library closes at 11pm or even 1 am. WSC library closes at 4 or 5 on the weekend on account of nobody showing up!!!!!! You can't put a silk hat on a pig. I've seen more serious students at H.C.C. - WSC WILL have to become a University because it will be pushed that way by the community eventually anyway. Campus life is almost nonexistant except for the Neanderthal's playing football. GET THE MUSIC AND DRAMA DEPT GOING!!!!! I'm just trying to be honest, so you will understand the real deal. Praise Jesus.......... East Coast
Like I said, WSC is a college for slackers who didn't get into a real University.
- i dont think we need any more students here..the dorms are crowded enough already..and i like that this is a very affordable school..making this a university would only make things more expensive..i think the money needs to go towards having better food at the dc, having nicer dorm rooms, having parking for all students, and having more and exciting things to do on campus..if no one has noticed, the weekends here are dead..they make me want to go home because there is nothing to do here..making the school a university would only make this a bigger more expensive school, students who want to come here are here for a small inexpensive school
- I think we should become a University
- I honestly think whether i graduate from Westfield "University" or from Westfield State College makes no difference. I feel our professors and advisors should be giving us advice on how we will enter the real world and giving us an education that will help us excel in the real world. Who cares what looks good on paper. Im with everyone saying that Westfield needs to address the issues the students are facing. No one on the board cares because lets face it, do they eat at the DC, are they forced to live in a dorm as juniors because they couldn't get an apartment on campus? did they have issues getting the classes they wanted? No i dont think so. So i think its time they took a look away from making more money and focused on issues that affect us all as a student body. Use money to hire more professors to teach more classes and to make changes that we really need. I mean honestly did Scanlon need remodeling? i think not. Also for god's sake look at this city theres only one way out and you want more people to come here!
- Westfield's mainly education and criminal justice majors. It might be nice to have a little more diversity, so I think we should become a university.
- WSC is by far the best value of the Massachusetts State Colleges, The size and price are perfect for most students, if you don't like it go get lost at Umass.
- speaking as a lifelong resident of westfield as well as a current commuter, i am against the change if it will make more students come. this city cant handle the large influx of traffic that would occur. if we did become a university and expanded enrollment, then we would be completely irresponsible.
- If this college becomes a university students can say goodbye to small classes and great professors. University professors are more worried about research than teaching students. The reason people come to WSC is because of its size and academics why go and change something that is fine the way it is. I would have chosen a different school to attend if WSC was an university. There are a million other ways the school can add diversity and fix the little problems. Maybe if the school spent less money on demolishing Ely and more money on advertising to a more diverse population then we wouldn?t be attending a school that is 89% white. I give tours of the campus and I am yet to have a person of any other race besides white in my group. I blame this on admissions and poor advertising on the schools part. Why doesn?t the school make an effort to go into cities. WSC is becoming a let down to me, they are selling out in every way possible. I came to this school because of its unique qualities and now they want to turn us into the next UMASS or UCONN. If I wanted to become an alcoholic then that?s where I would have applied.
- it just might b time for change.there are too many students including me who plan on transferrin fall semester of next year.there are even students who have already filled out papers for spring semester elsewhere.smaller classes and bein cheaper is nice,but what else does this school offer?theres not much to do on campus.its actually boring and i think that it needs to be more diverse.
- It would be necessary to send the student body an email about what the status change would mean for a college. I doubt that issues such as the DC being open later would be remedied by a change in title. This discussion leads me to believe that all that will happen with a change is that WSC will be WSU and nothing more, which i approve of. But such things as larger class sizes and increased tuition should be laid out before us. Send us a list of what changes may happen and let us discuss this way, if not you'll continute to get alcohol policy bashing and generally negative comments about the school
- i like the small classes having 300 people in lecture halls like umass is overwelming.
- it would make this school less gay and maybe attract more kids instead of everyone wanting to transfer after just one semester because this school has little or nothing to offer. Too strict, horrible classes, academic offices screwed everyone over, its time for change!
- I believe that our school should focus on more important goals such as improving the Res. Halls, classrooms, Maiking student life much more friendly...like the DC being open later...etc, and also the school overall performances. Don't waste our money and time on a pointless things such as becoming a University.
- I agree with the person who send if the college is changed to a university prices will go up. My sister goes to UMass and it costs atleast twice as much as here. I also agreed with the part where they said that the disscusion here was useless. I have had an experience at another college. Where they had students discuss something about changing the school. In the end the college administratives made their own decision and didn't follow any of the students suggestions. So I really see no point of a descusion any way.
- I'm all for it providing there is not a significant tuition increase.
- I think that we should change to being part of the UMASS system and change the ridiculous alcohol policies
- I think that we should change to being part of the UMASS system and change the ridiculous alcohol policies
- I do not think Westfield should change to UNiversity status. The main reason why I chose to come to this school was because of it's "small school charm" and atmosphere and turning it into a university will make that appeal dissapear. Making it any bigger will take away from the attractiveness Westfield has, and it will end up turning into every other big school in the state, which is unnattractive in my opinion. People come to Westfield because of size, amount of students, location, and appearence. The small school charm Westfield has to offer is unique in the sense that most schools do not still offer at this point. Turning it into a University would NOT be a positive change.
- Having the "University" title would feel more rewarding, saying "I go to Westfield University" in my opinion sounds like Ive accomplished more.
Unfortunately looking at other universities, I do not agree with the changes that occur. I completely chose Westfield State for its smaller class sizes. EVERY University I checked out has massive class sizes, many 80+ students. I feel I receive more of an education with small class sizes. Many of my friends who go to a university have told me how they must teach themselves because they dont learn as much in the classroom.
The title "University" comes with many benefactors including more money for the college. More money equals expansions. Expansions equals more students. More students means I don't get the best education I can get.
Think about it...
- For the hundredth time...the campus cannot grow very much, there is no point in worrying about the school losing its "small school charm" when there is no space for the school to go. Classes won't get bigger because we can't accept anymore students than we already have. I'm going to assume that price will increase, which is going to be the main concern for most students. We need to know what will happen, but administrations appears to not want to share that information, therefore any discussion here is fairly useless.
- I like leaving the Westfield as a college. Sure it would increase majors and options, but if people want different options there are other colleges and universities for them to go to. I chose Westfield largely based on it's size and price. If we become a university the size and price could quickly grow. If you want a university with more options and a bigger campus, go somewhere else. Don't mess it up for those of us already here and liking Westfield the way it is.
- One of the main reasons I chose to come to this school was because I knew I would be able to learn everything I would learn at a university here but at a lower cost. Although going to a university does look better on a transcript, why should I waste all of my money now on a university while I could just wait for grad school to go to a university if I chose to do so? I like the fact that at a smaller state school, class sizes are smaller and professors get a chance to get to know their students. This way, I am not just another student number to a professor and to the school. Personally, I would be intimidated to be in a larger classroom. How would I be able to ask questions? How would the professor know if he or she is really teaching effectively? If people were looking for more majors and more variety in classes in this school, clearly this school is not for them and they should go to a university. I came to this school with an intent and a purpose so I see no need in extra majors.
- i think we should become a university!
- I think the school should focus on other things, like more of a retention rate on weekends rather then becoming a university.
- I think that students should be presented with more information as far as what the differences between a college and university are and what changes would occur by making the switch before they should be expected to help with the decision.
- I believe that the name of the College/University does not have any importance but the school itself does to many students. The community of our school is very important, the size is appealing to most people. Also, the cost is that of a state institution. I feel that if these two things changed, amoung other things, that it would interfer with the spirit that our campus community has. Therefore, I feel that the students should be more aware of what things will change if the college changes to a University.
- I think the school should focus on other things, like more of a retention rate on weekends rather then becoming a university.
- Westfield State University...it would still be considered a State school correct? Just like UMASS Amherst or UMASS Darmouth? It wouldn't be becoming Westfield University correct? So the cost to go to school here wouldn't be increasing to something on the lines of $40,000 a year like BU or NYU or schools like that correct? It would just cost a little more than it's costing now at a price range like UMASS, whatever that cost is? But what would be the other benefits of becoming a university? Would we get a pre-med program, because that would be great! (Even though I'll be graduated along with the majority of the people here by the time the school ever became a university if thats what was decided!)
- I honestly don't care if I graduate from Westfield State College or Westfield University. The name doesn't mean anything. I care more about the quality of my education, my experience at the school, and how affordable it is. If this college becomes a university, it wouldn't matter to me that it might look better on my resume. If the price of attending this school goes any higher, I would look to transfer. I am all for smaller classrooms, more professors, more classes being offered, and even certain departments (for example the art dept) receiving more money to make changes and buy new equipment. I think this should be happening anyway, regardless of our school's name. But if the cost to attend changes significantly, then I would have to leave. I also like the size of this college. It's big enough that I don't know everyone's name, but it's small enough that it feels like a community. The problem I have noticed with larger schools (UMASS for example) is that the customer service aspect is terrible. That school has become so big that students have to wait longer to see advisors, get their grades, get into certain classes, and seek help. As of right now, WSC is pretty good at staying on task and helping students in a timely fashion. The larger we become, the more we will lose that time between students and faculty/staff. I think the main focus of this college shouldnt be whether or not we have a name change, but issues that are more pressing, like: the poor quality and service that Sodexho provides us, the terrible prices and buyback options at the bookstore, the outdated and unsafe equipment in the art department, the lack of space in housing (forcing triples is unexceptable), the poor turnout for campus events like spring weekend etc mainly do to the terrible choice of entertainment, the run-around that a lot of students deal with when it comes to academic advising, the lack of progress in the college's sustainability goal, the lack of computer labs available to students outside of classroom time, the lack of mac computers available to students outside of classroom time, the poor quality of many mac computers and projectors on campus, the jacked up prices of snacks sold (again thanks to sodexho), the lack of a school mini grocery store like we had three years ago, the poor quality of the heating/cooling systems in many residence halls, and the list goes on.
- No where have I heard anything about any benefits changing the name of this school would bring us. All I see is a jack in price for the same thing I'm getting now, all to be called a University. I don't see that fair to those who go here for the afforable education at a STATE school with a good reputation. I dont think it should change.
- Westfield State University :) Even if there was an increase in tuition, we would get more variety in courses and majors.
- I'm a single mom, working full time and attending school full time as well. I chose We
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