Online Journalism Portfolio

This portfolio contains samples of writing.

[central-recorder-reporter]

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS STALLING AMID STATE BUDGET WOES

5 MAY , 2016  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - The arbitration deadline for the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors (CSU-AAUP) and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents (BOR) has been pushed back again – until June – as the state’s legislators continue to deal with the state’s ongoing fiscal crisis.

As a result, the current collective bargaining agreement has been extended.

According to CSU-AAUP representatives, negotiations are still ongoing over several key issues, as both sides pay close attention to the events which are occurring in Hartford over the State’s budget. Both parties have until August, when the current contract expires, to finalize a new one, with the state’s fiscal deadline on July first.

“The CSU-AAUP/BOR contract negotiations continue on non-economic issues,” said Dr. Elena Tapia, President and Chief Negotiator of CSU-AAUP,  in a statement.

The movement of the arbitration deadline comes after the Gov. Dannel Malloy asked legislators to reject a contract for the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA), a union for non-teaching professional employees there, back in March. According to the Hartford Courant, he called the proposal too tough for economic times, and said, “Agreements negotiated between labor and management must reflect our new economic reality.” The UCPEA is currently re-negotiating their contract.

The new June first arbitration deadline also marks the third time the deadline has been moved. Both sides have openly said they wish to avoid  arbitration, especially in the state’s current fiscal atmosphere. Both parties, however, have yet to reach an agreement and are weary to discuss any economic-related issues with the state’s budget still pending.

According to official CSU-AAUP ‘Table Talk’ reports, a periodic report on the progress of contract negotiations from the CSU-AAUP to its members, has shown progress has been made on some issues, while others still remain in contention.

Specifically, in a March 14 report, both CSU-AAUP and BOR negotiators came to an agreement on a proposal which would enable multi-semester contracts to part-time faculty who have taught for six or more semesters. According to the report, eligible members and department chairs would be able to request such contracts.

In a most recent report released on April 6th, members of the CSU-AAUP, in a meeting on March 31st, asked about the status of a series of tentative agreements which they made with BOR negotiators on March 9, inquiring if whether or not the BOR had signed off on them. Members of the BOR negotiating team stated they were not done yet and that it was “a lot of tedious work.”

The same report also outlined justification for movement of the arbitration deadline to June first. It said, “This extension of the deadline represents a prudent adjustment in support of our aim to reach a fair resolution to several outstanding issues at the negotiating table.”

Calls and messages left for the BOR were not immediately answered or returned.

As negotiations continue, members of the CSU-AAUP and BOR remain tight-lipped regarding what is currently being discussed in meetings. Both parties have made it clear, however, they still hope to reach a deal in a timely manner.

http://centralrecorder.com/2016/05/05/contract-negotiations-stalling-amid-state-budget-woes/

[central-recorder-reporter]

A Day in Doggie-Daycare. 

by Nicholas Leahey

When dog owners need someone to watch their beloved friend when they’re away, they put them in doggie day-care, like this one at The Flying Fur in Windsor Locks, CT. These photos show how these furry little animals spend their time.  

[central-recorder-reporter]

Study Abroad at CCSU

The world may seem like a big place, but here is how CCSU students are able to explore it. 

[central-recorder-reporter]

The Suffield Fire Department

Many people seek to give back to the community, just like the volunteer firefighters at the Suffield Fire Department.

[central-recorder-reporter]

CCSU Honors Program Tests Students

Oct 15, 2016

By Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT- When Sara Ilnicki finally chose the college she wanted to attend her senior year of high school, all she could remember was the feeling of relief. Her hard work had finally paid off.

“I felt that a scholarship would be hard to pass up,” she said.

As a part of her application to CCSU, Ilnicki found time to apply to the Honors Program, a process she described as being very short in comparison to other Honors Programs she applied to. Upon her acceptance to CCSU, she was also offered a half-tuition scholarship for her first year.

Ilnicki’s story is one which is typical of students in the Honors program, where most students in the program receive up to full scholarships in exchange for their time in the program.

According to Dr. Paul Petterson, Director of the Honors Program, every year there are between 185 and 200 students who go through the program, while an average of 125 students receive some kind of scholarship.

Upon applying to the program, students are immediately eligible for half tuition scholarships, which can be upgraded to full tuition scholarships based on their academic performance. Students must achieve and maintain a 3.5 GPA in both honors and regular courses in order to obtain and retain a full tuition scholarship, while a 3.2 GPA must be achieved and maintained to obtain and keep a half tuition scholarship.

“We have the ability to give 34 full scholarships on average per academic year,” said Petterson, “the freshman class could have 34 full scholarships theoretically.”

In Ilnicki’s case, her scholarship fluctuated while in the program. “My scholarship has gone back in forth,” she said, adding that she struggled after her first year of honors classes. She was put on probation, and lost her scholarship the following semester.  

All honors scholarships granted by the program are funded directly by the Board of Regents, with each of the four CSU schools, Eastern, Southern, and Western, receiving an allocation for use for scholarships. The scholarships are then given to students at the discretion of each school, due to the different requirements and standards each school has for their respective honors programs.

While no exact number was given, Petterson, who also heads the overall scholarship committee, indicated that the school normally receives upwards of more than $1 million allocated to its scholarship funds.

“The maximum number of scholarships we can give out is 136,” said Petterson, “but it usually averages around 125.

”Due to the varying number of students who participate in the honors program each year, it is a challenge for members of faculty and administration involved in the process to predict the number of scholarships which may be handed out from year to year. On average, however, Petterson claims the number of students stays consistently between 125 and 128 students.

“The numbers can change as a result of different cohorts,” said Petterson.

Admission to the honors program is dependent upon meeting certain specific criteria, and is open to high school graduates, students who have completed their first academic year, as well as transfer students who possess no more than one year of academic credits.

After going one semester without her scholarship, Ilnicki was able to get her honors GPA back up during the second semester. The elementary education major was grateful, and credits it all to her hard work ethic.

[central-recorder-reporter]

CCSU CLUB HOCKEY END REGULAR SEASON STRONG

11 MAR , 2016  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - After struggling against Eastern Connecticut, the Blue Devils rebounded in a high scoring affair against Bryant over the weekend.

The Central Connecticut Men’s Ice Hockey Club Team closed out the regular season with a doubleheader, including a 5-2 loss to Eastern on Friday, and a 7-6 win over Bryant University on Saturday.

CCSU (9-7-0) started out strong in the first period Friday against Eastern in front of a sizable crowd in attendance, when Dylan Brown made a cross-ice pass to Jack Johnson on a 2-on-2 rush up ice, to beat Eastern goalie Alex Bliesher just 2:35 into the game.

That would be the CCSU’s only goal in the first period, however, with Eastern scoring three unanswered goals within five minutes soon after.

“I think we just got cocky after that first goal, and it blew up in our face,” said CCSU Captain Matthew Lis after the game.

Johnson later scored again on a 2-on-1 rush up ice with Brown at 14:16 of the third period. It wasn’t enough to stop Eastern’s offense though, who solidified their 5-2 victory when forward Christian Keator’s wrist shot beat CCSU goalie Zachary Gosselin high on the glove side late in the third period.

Unofficially, CCSU had 45 shots on goal during the game, while Eastern had 49.

“We just didn’t come ready to play today, and I think it showed,” said Gosselin after the game Friday.

The following night, the Blue Devils came out hard in their last regular season game against Bryant University, holding a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period, and a 5-3 lead after the second period. Despite a Bryant comeback surge in the third period to tie the game 5-5, led by Bryant’s Daniel Congiusta and Garrett Lehan, CCSU’s Frank Pisano and Lis were each able to score, giving the Blue Devils the victory with a final score of 7-6.

CCSU’s Lis, Pisano and Kyle Leyerzapf each scored twice in the game. Lis and Brendon Quirion also had two assists. Unofficially, shots on goal were 56 to 43 in favor of CCSU.

“We didn’t play our best, which I think says a lot about our team when I we say that even though we won,” said Leyerzapf after the game. “Hopefully we can clean things up before the playoffs.”

Despite the loss to Eastern on Friday, ending a five-game winning streak, the Blue Devils are 6-1 in their last seven games, earning themselves a post-season spot as a result.

“We’re going to keep everything the same,” said CCSU Head Coach Joseph Dabkowski. “In post-season games, there is going to be more energy and more emotion, and we’re just going to try to maintain our identity as a team.”

In accordance with the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s (ACHA) post-season competition structure, the Blue Devils will play post-season Super East Conference next week in New Jersey. CCSU’s quest for a national championship however will begin in roughly a week and a half when they will compete in Regional ACHA play. They will play either Friday Feb. 26 or Feb. 27 in Danbury depending on their league ranking.

“We’re just going to practice hard, and stick with each other,” said Leyerzapf. “I think if we stick together, we will do well in the playoffs.”

http://centralrecorder.com/2016/03/11/ccsu-club-hockey-end-regular-season-strong/

[central-recorder-reporter]

SODEXO WORKERS RALLY FOR FAIR CONTRACT

11 MAR , 2016  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - In a show of solidarity, approximately 30 Sodexo union members gathered in the Student Center Friday afternoon to protest current issues relating to negotiations over a new contract between Sodexo and union workers.

According to the Sodexo Office and students who were in the Student Center Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m., members of the Sodexo Union workforce from UNITE HERE Local 217, a union group which represents food workers from several universities in the state, including Central Connecticut, gathered in Semesters and staged a protest over current negotiations about the recently expired collective bargaining agreement between Sodexo and its food workers. Protesters were seen holding signs and chanting, “What do we want? A fair contract! When do we want it? Now!”

“They ran around the [Student Center] circle area with the lake, like a bunch of rabid animals honestly,” said student Rebecca Stadig, who was sitting just outside the Student Center when the group of demonstrators left and began heading towards Memorial Hall.

The protesters walked from the Student Center, to Memorial Hall, then back again, chasing Sodexo Operations Manager Michael Lorusso in the process after protesters spotted him in the Student Center circle. According to Sodexo General Manager Jonathan Small, protesters then chased Lorusso to a kitchen door next to the register at Pandini’s, where they followed him into an office to “forcibly deliver a message.”

According to Lorusso, that message was a petition which they allegedly gave to him to sign. The petition was signed by union members in attendance and stated, “We are the members of UNITE HERE Local 217 in Connecticut. Our employers want to lower the benefits our families rely on. They don’t like paying union wages. They want us to shrink and go away. We pledge to stand united and fight together, protect what we have, win what we deserve, build strength in numbers.”

“I told them to put it down and I would look it,” said Lorusso.

Soon thereafter, members of the protest lingered, before finally dispersing, ending the protest around 5:20 p.m.

While the Student Center was generally empty at the time, some students still took notice, including Alex Trembly, who tweeted about the incident, saying “… Sodexo had a union rally… Inside the Student Center… On a Friday… When the place is nearly empty…”

“I got annoyed, so I left,” said Stadig, who was also recently hired by Sodexo as a student worker and did not want to remain on the premises.

“I think sometimes it’s about media for them. They need to show solidaity,” said Wayne ‘Otis’ Mamed, Director of the Student Center, who also oversees Sodexo operations on campus. He also added that he walked back and forth from the protest to his office and labeled the protest as “mellow” after observing no “adversarial behavior.”

The protest Friday was a result of collective bargaining agreement negations, which began the day before in a closed meeting between CCSU Sodexo Union members from UNITE HERE Local 217, a union of hotel and food service workers in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and Sodexo over the previous contract, which expired Feb. 28th. The contract has been extended through May 31st, with the intention of holding negotiations during the summer.

“It could take between three or six months to negotiate the contract,” said Small, adding he hoped it does not actually take that long.

While negotiations have only begun, some Sodexo workers are concerned about what the end result may hold. More specifically, under the previous five-year contract, Sodexo covered 100 percent of all medical and dental benefits. The coverage, however, has been the most expensive part of the contract, which has fueled speculation if whether not it will change in the future.

“We haven’t gotten into that yet,” said Small. “We still in the beginning.”

Members and leaders of the Sodexo workers union and UNITE HERE Local 217 did not respond to calls and messages that were left.

The contract negotiations come in the wake of a new dining services contract between Sodexo Dining Services and CCSU, which was signed last year. The contract is set to last five years, with the possibility of a five year extension.

http://centralrecorder.com/2016/03/11/sodexo-workers-rally-for-fair-contract/

[central-recorder-reporter]

BLUE CHIPS CAUSE ANNOYANCE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

11 MAR , 2016  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - Jennifer Cardines is working the late shift at Tony’s Central Pizza. As she stands behind the counter, a customer walks in.

“Hi, how can I help you?” she asks.

“Hi, I was wondering if I could get some stuffed shells,” asks the customer.

“Sure, anything else?”

“Nope. Oh and you guys take blue chip, right?” he says.

Slightly annoyed, Cardines pauses, then gives a quick “yeah.” She then takes the blue chip, swipes it, and gives it back to the customer.

Normally, Cardines wouldn’t mind helping any customer with a card. With a blue chip card, however, her annoyance stems from the fact that unlike normal credit or debit cards, which can charge between three and four percent business surcharge fees, the blue chip card charges upwards of 11 percent.

“I don’t like it because it costs them way too much money. [The owners] lose money from it,” says Cardines.

Like purchases made at Tony’s Central Pizza and other businesses located especially in the Central Square Plaza across the street from DiLoreto Hall, it’s not uncommon to frequently see students use money they have on their blue chip card to pay for their meals at places that accept them. In the plaza, which houses many popular chains and locally-owned restaurants, including Dominos, Dunkin Donuts, Underground Deli, Tony’s Central Plaza and others – it means almost every business.

“We kind of half to have it because the university is right there,” says Wing It On Manager Andrew Gruner.

While the blue chip card machine is a fixed 30 dollar monthly rate, the 11 percent surcharge fluctuates for each business based on the volume of blue chip card usage. As a result, some businesses find themselves paying more than others based on their student customer demographic.

“We get a lot of customers late at night because we’re one of the only businesses which is open late,” says Gruner. He adds that on any given night, upwards of a third of all students who purchase meals will use their blue chip card to do so. The most revenue he has seen in one night from students using blue chip was approximately $1,500.00, before the 11 percent surcharge fee.

“When you look at the amount at the end of the month, you look at it and you’re like ‘woah, that’s a lot,’” says Gruner.

Most businesses in the Plaza see the most purchases with blue chip at the beginning and ending of each semester, when students use their newfound blue chip card money or attempt to get rid of the remainder of what is left from the semester.

“We usually see students use their blue chip the most at the beginning of the semester,” says Nicole Hale, Owner of the Underground Deli. “We usually don’t see blue chip in the summer at all.”

In order to help compensate for fees associated with the blue chip card, some businesses in the plaza have adopted different methods of generating more revenue.

Dominos, specifically, charges an extra fee for food delivery, while subway charges an extra fee when using blue chip money on purchases. In Subway, a sign was recently posted on the outside glass next to the sandwich station, which states that subway discounts and coupons are not accepted with blue chip.

Despite businesses that view the blue chip card as a burden or nuisance, some businesses view the blue chip card program as a necessary fee to attract more students and create more revenue.

“On any given day, I only see maybe five, six or up to seven people use it,” says Rotana Grill ‘n’ Lounge Manager Hicham Choukkairi. His demographic of costumers are mostly non-students.

“Because I don’t sell a lot with blue chip, it doesn’t affect me a lot,” says Choukkairi. He hopes the fact that he uses blue chip will attract more students.

The 11 percent merchant surcharge that is charged to the business when a blue chip card is used is done on a monthly basis, similar to that of other credit or debit card companies, and is done based on the total of all blue chip card purchases. In addition, businesses are charged an additional $30.00 a month for using and maintaining a blue chip card machine that processes the transactions.

While the blue chip card office handles all on campus-related blue chip business, all off-campus finances are handled by an outside company called Off-campus Advantage, a subsidiary of the Cboard Group. Popular among universities and colleges across the country, Central Connecticut, Southern Connecticut and Western Connecticut all currently possess a joint contract with Cboard to handle all off-campus vendor finances.

According to the Blue Chip Card Office, of the 11 percent merchant surcharge fee, the school receives roughly half, or 5.5 percent. The revenue is then transferred to the University’s general fund, which is designated for a wide range of University funding in different areas. As a result, CCSU makes 5.5 percent of all blue chip card purchases.

“There are certain costs with running a program,” says Thomas King, CCSU Director of Auxiliary Services for Information Technology.

The remaining 5.5 percent is received by Cboard. It is unclear, however, if that money goes back to maintaining blue chip machines or other various part of software infrastructure. Cboard did not respond to phone calls or messages.

“I don’t think they’re at disadvantage,” says King, referring to local businesses. “I don’t think they would be a part of the program if they didn’t think it was worth it.”

“We do it for the kids, so that they will come,” said Tony Antonaras, Owner and Manager of Tony’s Central Pizza. “We need it.”

http://centralrecorder.com/2016/03/11/blue-chips-cause-annoyance-for-local-businesses/

[central-recorder-reporter]

BUBBLE TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW SPORTS RECREATIONAL CENTER

11 MAR , 2016  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Brtain, CT - Students looking to play recreational basketball with friends may have another place to play in the near future.

Plans are currently in motion to build a new recreational facility in place of Kaiser Bubble, which is located behind Kaiser Gymnasium. The new project comes as part of ongoing campus renovation projects continuing at Central Connecticut.

“We’re very excited for it,” said Student Activities and Leadership Development (SA/LD) Director Scott Hazan.

The new facility, which will be named the Huang Recreational Center, has a price tag of $25 million. Construction is slated to begin during December of this year, and will last approximately two years, with a scheduled completion date of December 2018.

“[The Bubble’s] livelihood is already at the end” said Dr. Richard Bachoo, CCSU’s Chief Administrative Officer.

The new 70,000 square foot recreational facility will contain more recreational resources for students, including several multipurpose courts, two tracks – one on the first floor and one on the second – as well as additional storage areas and office space. According to Dr. Bachoo’s office, CCSU’s RECentral, which runs all on-campus recreational sports activities, will be have full access to the building.

“They will be the gatekeepers of the building,” he said.

Like the Bubble, the building will be connected to Kaiser Gymnasium. Kaiser Gymnasium will also receive air-conditioning renovations to fight the heat during the summer.

The new building will not be larger than the Bubble. Rather, it will contain more gross square footage, and thus more functional space; something the Bubble could not provide.

“The Bubble was designed to be a temporary structure,” said Hazan, implying that a permanent structure was always the plan.

Built in 1991, the Bubble has caused several problems for the University over the years which has made it difficult to maintain, especially during winter storms. Specifically, it has gone down several times, and been replaced once before.

“This will be an actual structure that will be able to house meetings and such,” said Dr. Bachoo.

The new facility will still host varying physical education and health classes and will also accommodate athletic teams for training when needed.

The new facility will be named in honor of philanthropist Huang Chang-Jen. While he never attended the University, Huang was involved with CCSU more than twenty years ago when he endowed a scholarship, according to CCSU News. He died in 2012.

Huang made headlines in 2014 when he donated $6.5 million to CCSU for expansion of scholarships for an exchange program with a school in China. Some of that donation will be going towards the new recreational facility as well, with the intention of naming the building after him.

“RECentral is a hugely popular program with students,” said Dr. Laura Tordenti, CCSU’s Vice President of Student Affairs. She added that she believed the project will greatly benefit students.

The new recreational facility comes amid the backdrop of ongoing campus renovation projects and new buildings, many of which are a result of Connecticut State University System’s (CSUS) long-term capital investment plan.

http://centralrecorder.com/2016/03/11/bubble-to-be-replaced-with-new-sports-recreational-center/ 

[central-recorder-reporter]

POLICE CHIEF SNEED SHARES HIS STORY

8 OCT , 2015  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - It was a steaming, hot summer day when police officer applicant Gregory Sneed took the test to become a police officer in Middletown, Connecticut way back in 1985. Thirty years after the start of his law enforcement career, he has risen to a top position as Central Connecticut’s Police Chief.

“I grew up in the housing projects of New Britain, so I had no desire to be a cop,” said Sneed.

Sworn in during March of 2014, he set out with many goals in mind. First and foremost to create a larger presence in the CCSU community, in order to play a larger role within it.

“If the community that you serve doesn’t know who you are, then we’re missing part of what we are supposed to be doing,” said Sneed while explaining his surprise about how he found many students and professors did not realize the university had its own police department, when he first started.

Working hard, he created more beats — a police term referring to where and when an officer patrols. More specifically, he cited how there are now more walking beats, done to encourage a more community-policing style of law enforcement, allowing officers to become more familiar with the CCSU community.

“It’s what I used,” said Sneed referring to the concept of community-policing, “But, I don’t want to take that away from the officers who were here already. They had the philosophy already.”

Sneed first learned about the concept in his early days as a supernumerary police officer with the Farmington Police Department, before his 27-year career with Middletown Police. He was assigned to a walk beat in Unionville, where he first discovered his interest in law enforcement.

“I liked helping people,” he said. He also added that it was during this time in his career that he really began to understand the idea of community-policing, and explained that he was accustomed to working with the community to solve problems.

While developing the idea of community-policing as a way to incorporate it into his philosophy during his time in the Farmington Police Department, he applied to Middletown Police for a position upon recommendation of a friend.

“I was one of about 250 or so applicants,” said Sneed. He, along with three others, were the only ones hired. Being one of three minority officers hired, however, he claimed sparked controversy. Sneed explained how he and the other two minority officers did not feel welcomed there originally, claiming that other officers said they had been “picked from the bottom of the barrel.”

“Long story short, it ended in the two other minority officers leaving, while I stayed,” he said.

Regardless of the social adversity originally facing Sneed, he nonetheless stayed on and excelled within the department. He gained a lot of experience during the time and a hand in a wide variety of fields, including hostage negotiating and SWAT.

In addition, Snead rose through the ranks from officer, to sergeant, lieutenant, captain and eventually acting deputy chief — becoming the first African American to achieve the rank of acting deputy chief.

“I had a very rewarding career in Middletown,” said Sneed.

It was during this point in his life, where Sneed felt he wanted to see what else the law enforcement field had to offer, instead of heading down the road to retirement. Figuring out ways to make himself more marketable, he applied for the new position of Deputy Chief at Eastern Connecticut, and was given the position.

Similar to the CCSU Police Department, ECSU Police also emphasizes the importance of community-policing.

“That’s what we wanted to do in Middletown,” he said, as he noted the stark difference between the community policing efforts in both municipalities. Sneed believed it was the police department at ECSU which helped prepare him for the position he would later take on at CCSU.

The opportunity to obtain the position of Police Chief presented itself after CCSU Police Chief Jason Powell announced his retirement after 20 years of service in 2013. Sneed claimed that of all positions, it was the only one in which he would remotely consider applying for.

“I applied out of 60 to 70 applicants,” said Sneed.

While still considered a new kid on the block, he said that his arrival has met a few obstacles so far. “It’s been a very good ride thus far,” he said with gratitude, as he knocked on the wood table in front of him.

Born and raised in New Britain, Sneed knew the area by heart and described obtaining the position as a homecoming-like experience.

“I feel like my life is coming full circle,” he said, explaining how he started in the New Britain area and has now returned after so many years.

While he has a long personal history in New Britain, he is not a CCSU alumni. Sneed graduated with an associates degree from Tunxis Community College, and obtained a bachelors degree from Charter Oak College. He is currently working towards a MA in criminal justice at CCSU.

“I’m not a Blue Devil yet, but I will be,” he said with a smile.

http://centralrecorder.com/2015/10/08/police-chief-sneed-shares-his-story/

[central-recorder-reporter]

RAVI SHANKAR STILL IN HOT WATER

21 OCT , 2015  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - Administration remains tight lipped after Central Connecticut English Professor Ravi Shankar was suspended without pay in August, after being arrested for shoplifting in Middletown.

“Due to the pending legal matter, I am not at liberty to say any more,” said university spokesman Mark McLaughlin.

According to the Hartford Courant, Shankar was arrested and charged with fourth-degree larceny shoplifting in early August, after police said he took various store items from shelves, and returned them for store credit at a Home Depot in Middletown. The items totaled $1,339.75.

The case followed a history of criminal activity, including a case in 2011 when Shankar was convicted for credit card fraud. He was also convicted of drunken driving later that same year.

Hired in 2002, Shankar was most recently in the media spotlight in 2014, when he was promoted to a full-time professor, while serving jail time. He does currently possess tenure.

Since his suspension, Shankar has been actively seeking medical treatment.

“Ultimately this recent hardship has been a blessing in disguise because it has forced me to seek help, to confront certain aspects of myself, and to work diligently to better myself,” said Shankar regarding his suspension. He also said that he spent time at a local hospital to address his case of “acute mental illness,” but did not say which hospital.

As a part of his suspension, Shankar also had his health benefits and insurance cut, in addition to his salary.

McLaughlin would not comment whether or not Shankar would be fired from his position if he was convicted. He did, however, confirm that Shankar was not on the list of professors teaching next semester, due to his current status.

“He was very into what he taught,” explained Senior Timothy DeRoehn, a Resident Assistant and psychology major at CCSU. He had Shankar as a professor for a poetry class he took as a general education requirement during his sophomore year.

“I’m not sure I would say he was a good professor, just because he was not exactly friendly to novices,” said DeRoehn. On numerous occasions, he also explained how he missed several classes to go participate in poetry events, but that he never saw Shankar’s work.

For part of his suspension, Shankar will be out of the country, traveling to the Philippines, Japan, and Singapore to help launch his new anthology book. In his automated email responses, he stated he plans to be back in the United States by November 5, 2015.

[central-recorder-reporter]

Nursing a Program

19 NOV , 2015  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - In a small office space, tucked away in the corner on the third floor of Barnard Hall sits the brains for what many argue is CCSU’s most difficult and academically challenging program to get into; The CCSU Nursing Program.

Since its inception, the 6-year-old-program has created so much from so little, educating its students through its rigorous and difficult curriculum. Yet, its triumph has not come without stumbles and obstacles along the way, and students have taken notice.

“They’re still working out the kinks,” said Bryan Smith, a senior nursing major at CCSU.

Started originally to address state workforce shortages in the field, the four year program in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) accepted its first class in August 2008. The program was offered as an addition to the existing Registered Nurse-BSN (RN-BSN) Program, whose origins date back to the 1980s.

Similar to the nature of many nursing programs at other schools, CCSU’s BSN program is also considered highly selective. Currently, there are 48 sophomores, 47 juniors, and 53 seniors who reside in the program. In addition, there are approximately 100 students in pre-nursing, who must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test and apply to the program to gain admittance.

According to the Nursing Department, the number of students in each class can fluctuate due to the fact that it is dependent upon the academic circumstances of the individuals involved.

“We are a very rigorous program, and one of the more difficult majors offered at CCSU,” said Dr. Nancy Peer, an assistant professor of Nursing.

The difficulty level of the program is reflected upon the strict academic standards which the department upholds in order to comply with the various requirements by organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and our State Board of Nursing, whom provide the objectives which the program must achieve.

Strict adherence to these pre-set requirements is ensured in multiple ways, including a strict four-year academic plan that students must stick to in order to graduate on time.  

Many students have found this to be very beneficial, while others, like senior nursing major Tanner Pedersen, worry it can be a hindrance, especially in the high-pressure academic environment, where any grade below a 77 percent is considered inadequate.

“Anything below a 77 percent is considered failing,” he explained.  

When a student receives a 77 percent or below in any class, they must re-take that class. However, if a student receives a 77 percent or below in two classes, they are automatically kicked out of the program. “They don’t even warn you,” said Pedersen.

There is a correlation between the high-pressure environment and the work load students have in the program, especially in a curriculum based heavily in math and science. As a result, those who enter the program oriented towards patient care can struggle the most.

“Individuals who are not prepared for a heavy curriculum of math and science, but more interested with the art of nursing care, have a culture shock upon entering our program,” said Dr. Peer.

Dedicated students still put in the time which is necessary of them, finding that the more time they invest, the more efficient they become.

“For us we are never done,” added Avery Ortega, who is also a junior nursing major, “it feels like every single day if you’re not studying, then you’re not caught up.”

Even while some students in the program have struggled because of the high-pressure nature of it, many have also defended it, knowing full well they will be dealing with people’s lives. “It’s tough, but they have good reason,” said Pedersen, “it’s justified.”

All nursing programs are rated on the number of graduates who successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first try. Those programs whose graduates fall below the national average passing rate of 80 percent is subjected to a warning issued by the State Board of Nursing. The program is then issued a limited amount of time to bring up their pass rates for the next class.

The BSN program at CCSU was confronted with this problem last year, when their average fell below the 80 percent, forcing the program to be placed on probation, resulting in more focus on student preparedness for the NCLEX.

“It is highly focused on the exam, and I think that is a great thing,” said Brown, who believes that nursing schooling should be safe and provide an individual with a foundation for their eventual job in the field.  

While students are most concerned now with passing the exam which may as well determine their future success, they are least concerned with job security upon graduation.

“People I know have said I will have no problem finding a job once I graduate,” said Pedersen. His lack of concern was echoed by many other students in the program, with some even explaining their intentions for further study in the major.

“Nursing is probably the best undergraduate major you could find,” said Brown, “and it has so many other openings to other fields.”

http://centralrecorder.com/2015/11/19/nursing-a-program/

[central-recorder-reporter]

NEW STEM BUILDING TO TAKE UP LIBRARY LOT

19 NOV , 2015  

by Nicholas Leahey

New Britain, CT - The building boom at Central Connecticut shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. First it was a new academic building, then residence hall, then dining hall — now, it’s a new Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building, projected to open in 2019 where the library lot currently exists.

The new building project, originally labeled as the Burritt Library Addition and Expansion project, was recently refocused, and is now planned to house numerous new science laboratories, smart classrooms, engineering laboratories, offices and much more. In a press release issued by CCSU in late September, the goal of the project is to, “strengthen, expand and showcase the university’s commitment to STEM education and technology-based interdisciplinary collaboration.”

According to CCSU’s Facilities Management website, the project is expected to cost $108 million dollars.

“Being an engineer, I think it is an exciting project for the campus,” said James Grupp, Coordinator of Capital Projects and Facilities Planning.

The 100,000 square-foot project will be championed by Hartford-based Amenta Emma Architects, whose extensive portfolio most notably includes a new visual performing arts center which opened last year at Western Connecticut State University, a new technology building at Naugatuck Valley Community College as well as a new main campus building set to be constructed at Housatonic Community College in the coming years. In addition, they will also be in charge of hiring consultants, who will deal with various mechanical, plumbing and other technical aspects for planning and construction the building.

While known statewide, the architectural firm has done little at CCSU, only replacing the windows in both Kaiser and Welte Halls.

The new STEM building, which possesses a $44 million construction budget, is still be planned to be connected to the library.

To replace those and others which may be lost from other planned projects, a new parking garage is planned for construction along Paul Manafort Drive within the next few years, according to Grupp.

“Replacing those parking spots is a high priority for us,” said Grupp in regards to the loss of the roughly 130 parking spots.

The new STEM building project is a part of the larger Connecticut State University System (CSUS) 2020 plan, which is a comprehensive, long-term capital infrastructure investment plan launched by former Governor M Jodi Rell in 2007. As a result, the project will receive state funding in accordance with the investment plan. Other projects on campus which have also been funded by the plan include the Social Sciences Hall, the CCSU Police Station and the library renovations for the first floor.

In relation to the project, Copernicus Hall, which currently serves as the home for STEM-oriented programs, will see new renovations financed by the CSUS 2020 project, but only with the excess leftover from the planned CSUS 2020 projects.

“They’re just crossing the ‘t’s’ and dotting the ‘i’s’, sorting out all the legal matters,” said Grupp, adding that the project is still in the early stages and has no official rendering yet to his knowledge.

http://centralrecorder.com/2015/11/19/new-stem-building-to-take-up-library-lot/

[central-recorder-reporter]

MEN’S ICE HOCKEY BEAT RIVALS WILLIAM PATTERSON

11 FEB , 2016   

by Nicholas Leahey

Newington, CT - The Central Connecticut Men’s Ice Hockey Club Team (7-6-0) beat conference rivals William Patterson University (8-2-0) 2-0 Saturday in a tight and physical game at Newington Ice Arena.

After a slow first period for the Blue Devils, the first goal was scored just 3:04 into the second period, when Captain Matthew Lis scored unassisted from the hash marks to beat William Patterson goalie Jordan Hulahan high on the blocker side.

“I was pumped,” said Lis in an interview after the game. “It’s a great feeling. I can’t explain it.”

CCSU was then able to cement their lead when forward Jack Johnson scored a power play goal at 6:11 of the third period off a rebound, beating Hulahan on the glove side.

“Going into the game we knew what was on the line,” said CCSU Head Coach Joseph Dabowski after the game. “They came out really hard and threw some big hits. It was a turning point when we decided not to shy away.”

The Blue Devils were outshot in the game, unofficially 63 to 33. Despite WPU’s onslaught, especially during the remaining 1:30 of the game when WPU pulled their goalie, CCSU was able to hold on, giving goalie Zach Gosselin the shutout.

“I mean, I think the whole team played really well,” said Gosselin after the game. “To come out and beat a team like William Patterson is a very big thing.”

Tensions were high during the game, which was very physical from the beginning on both sides. The opening minute especially saw two big hits, including one 25 seconds in, when CCSU forward Adam Mink was hit up high.

Scuffles broke out during numerous points during the game, as both teams exchanged words with one another. Multiple penalties for roughing and unsportsman-like conduct were given throughout the game as a result.

The most notable instances came in the remaining minute of the game when Lis exchanged words with William Patterson’s Kyle Garlasco, resulting in matching roughing penalties. Soon thereafter, CCSU left wing Kyle Leyerzapf got into a physical confrontation with WPU defender Shawn Lacorte during the last five seconds of the game. Both were subsequently given matching roughing penalties, and sent off the ice.

In all, 16 penalties were given during the game, with each team receiving eight penalties respectively.

Despite game statistics, most of which heavily favored William Patterson, CCSU earned a much-needed victory, adding to their 6-1 record this semester.

“They matched their intensity,” said Coach Dabowski. “They kind of rose to the challenge, and they didn’t back down.”

The Blue Devils play their next game Friday, Feb. 12th against Eastern Connecticut State University at Newington Ice Arena as a part of a weekend double-header. They also play Bryant on Saturday, also at home.

Going into the weekend double-header, the Blue Devil’s plan to maintain their energy level.

“We’re doing a lot of things right, and keeping things consistent. If we’re doing a lot of things right, then keep it going,” said Coach Dabowski.

http://centralrecorder.com/2016/02/11/mens-ice-hockey-beat-rivals-william-patterson/