Chancellor Chang urges Connecticut lawmakers to address CSCU's critical facility funding needs

The General Bonding Subcommittee of the Connecticut State Legislature convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss critical funding needs for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system. Chancellor Terrence Chang highlighted the significant impact of state investments on the University of Connecticut and emphasized the urgent need for similar support for the CSCU system, which serves approximately 85,000 students, 96% of whom are Connecticut residents.

Chancellor Chang expressed gratitude for past legislative support but raised concerns about the lack of funding for major capital improvements. He noted that the CSCU system currently has over $479 million in authorized but unallocated funds, with pressing priorities focused on health and safety projects. He criticized the state for prioritizing funding for amenities like pickleball courts over essential infrastructure improvements for educational facilities, stating that this disparity negatively affects student recruitment and retention.

The chancellor described the dire conditions at some campuses, including issues like flooding, rodent infestations, and failing infrastructure, which detract from the academic experience and hinder the ability to attract quality faculty. He stressed that without adequate funding, the CSCU system cannot provide the safe and modern facilities that students and staff deserve, ultimately impacting Connecticut's workforce and economic future.

During the meeting, legislators expressed their concerns about ongoing maintenance issues at specific campuses, such as Naugatuck, and questioned the delays in addressing these problems. The discussion underscored the need for a more robust commitment to higher education infrastructure in Connecticut, as the CSCU system plays a vital role in the state's educational and economic landscape.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and support from the legislature to ensure that the CSCU system can fulfill its mission of providing quality education and fostering economic growth in Connecticut.