CSCU reports 6.2% spring enrollment gain; highlights auto‑admissions and AI workforce programs

Chancellor Terrence Chang told the Board of Regents on Feb. 27 that the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system posted a systemwide spring enrollment increase of 6.2 percent and that the trend is stronger than recent national improvements.

Chang said the Connecticut Auto Admissions Program has seen rapid growth: while about 3,259 students used the program in a prior cycle, system officials reported 14,410 students had utilized the program in the current cycle. The chancellor noted historical data suggest more than 75 percent of students who use the auto‑admissions channel will enroll.

He also highlighted several institution‑led initiatives intended to grow workforce and research capacity. Southern Connecticut State University recently received an R2 research classification, which Chang credited to sustained faculty productivity and doctoral output. Central Connecticut State University launched a “Year of AI” to expand AI‑related academic programs and facilities and to share resources with local communities. Connecticut State (CT State) has partnered with Strategies by Design to offer a presidential fellows program focused on AI leadership, and Charter Oak State College is launching a Connecticut Online AI Academy to provide foundational AI skills to Connecticut residents age 18 and older.

Chang framed these items as part of a broader strategy to strengthen enrollment and career pathways across the state, and he invited questions and future presentations on the initiatives. Regents praised the developments and singled out institutional leaders for their work in recent recruitment and program efforts.

The board requested continued updates from the system office as final census numbers are confirmed; Chancellor Chang and staff said final census numbers for some institutions were still pending at the time of the meeting.