About

Eastern Tsuga College is a private liberal arts institution located on the edge of Verdant, Connecticut, a town in New England with deep historical roots tied to the Connecticut Witch Trials and occult lore. Over the years, the college has developed a reputation as one of the most progressive and experimental schools in the region. Its course offerings have sparked both intrigue and controversy, making it an attractive destination for students with open minds and unconventional interests.

 

Founding and History

Eastern Tsuga College was founded in the mid-1800s, and its name is derived from the Eastern Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) that densely populate the surrounding forests. The town of Verdant, where the college is located, has a mysterious past. Founded during the late Connecticut Witch Trials in the 17th century, Verdant became a refuge for those accused of witchcraft. Over time, rumors of witchcraft and occult practices in the area became embedded in the local lore. The town earned a reputation for being a haven for the persecuted and is believed to have rescued many during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

In more recent history, during the 1980s, the college faced significant backlash due to the Satanic Panic. Several courses with provocative titles caught national attention, leading to protests from religious groups. The situation escalated when investigators frequently trespassed in search of supposed occult activity. Despite the turmoil, ETC endured and rebounded by embracing Verdant’s history. The town and college began marketing themselves as a “safe harbor” for the misunderstood, cementing their place as a destination for dark tourism.

 

Courses and Curriculum

ETC is known for its unusual and sometimes controversial courses that push the boundaries of conventional academic disciplines. Courses like “Freud and the Phallus”, “Winning at Sports and Zombies”, and “OnlyFans: Financial Fundamentals” have graced its catalog, reflecting the college’s open-minded philosophy toward education. One of its more provocative courses, PSYCH 250: Sexology: Sexual Deviance or Sexual Culture, taught by Professor William Taylor, explores societal responses to sexuality and how these responses shape individuals’ identities. The course fits into ETC’s ethos of encouraging students to challenge societal norms and embrace subcultural perspectives.

The school has a tradition of encouraging professors to develop experimental courses. Faculty members are given a great deal of freedom to propose new ideas each semester, with student reviews determining whether these courses remain part of the curriculum.

Notable Incidents

One of the most significant events in Eastern Tsuga College’s history was the banning of all Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities in the late 1970s. This decision came after a series of hazing incidents that tragically resulted in student deaths. However, the fraternities and sororities found loopholes in the ban, reforming as “Orders” or “Societies” with names drawn from Greek mythology, further cementing the rebellious and resilient spirit of the student body.

The Satanic Panic of the 1980s caused a temporary dip in enrollment as fear and misunderstanding about the college’s progressive curriculum spread. However, the college regained its footing by leveraging Verdant’s history, positioning itself as a beacon of free thought in a historically oppressive time.

Cultural Influence and Student Life

The surrounding Eastern Hemlocks play a significant role in both the town’s and the college’s mystique. According to local legend, these trees were imbued with protective spells by witches, creating an aura that lowers inhibitions and encourages open-mindedness in those who enter the area. This reputation has only fueled the college’s image as a place of personal exploration and transformation.

Students at ETC are often drawn to its vibrant culture of experimentation, independence, and subcultural exploration. The institution attracts those who are not afraid to push boundaries academically, socially, and personally.

The college remains a focal point of rumors related to occult practices, with some believing that a secret society known as House Subconium continues the work of its predecessors, maintaining occult traditions that have existed in the region for centuries.

Eastern Tsuga College has evolved into a haven for those seeking a non-traditional academic environment, where intellectual curiosity is encouraged, and societal norms are continuously challenged.

Notable Faculty

 

• President Lauren Reynolds
• Professor William Taylor

Notable Locations

 

• The First Witch Statue
• Verdant Scholars Memorial Grove

Notable extracurricular Activities

 

• Cheerleading at Eastern Tsuga College
• Eastern Tsuga Sports