WINTER 2014-2015 NEWS FOR STUDENT SERVICES: Admissions, Auxiliary Services, Campus Safety & Security, Center for Academic Support, Facilities, Institutional Research, International Center, Student Academic & Financial Services, Student Affairs, and Student Communications Connections JWU Students.... Not Just a Number Dale Carnegie once said, “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Someone’s name is the greatest connection to their own identity and the one way to easily get their attention. To call someone by name is a sign of courtesy and a way of recognizing them. At one time or another, everyone has had an experience with a service provider and been asked only for an account number. It can be uniquely frustrating to only be known by a number, especially when the customer is in good standing. It is this feeling of poor customer service which often has people switching from one service provider to another. This is something to remember when working with JWU students. When they call on the phone or visit the office, they should be greeted with a smile and a “hello” before asking for a student ID number. It is an easy gesture, but can have a powerful effect on the students’ feelings of whether they are important to the university. When working with a student, refer to them by their name as often as possible – put yourself in their shoes and think about how you would like to be treated. These small steps can have a tremendous impact on whether students feel JWU is a welcoming community and a place where they belong. Kris McNamara, director of student communications Happy New Year! A s I’ve walked around campus, it’s great to see the energy that everyone brought back to work after the break. 2015 is off to an exciting start! The beginning of the new year is especially exciting for our Radisson Hotel in Warwick which was ranked #1 in guest service out of all on the East Coast (from Florida to Maine), #3 in the USA, and #5 worldwide! That includes all resort and center city properties as well. Kudos to our Radisson team for all of their hard work! One key to achieving this distinction is their constant focus on the guest. It is important not only to meet guest needs, but to anticipate them and provide an excellent experience. I believe this philosophy is the same for our students – each of us can make a difference in a student’s JWU experience and, in fact, it could be just that individual attention which makes a difference and convinces a student to remain enrolled. All of us should constantly question, “How can I make a difference?” In closing, as it looks like our New England winter has finally settled in, I have a special invitation for you. The soup is hot at the newly renovated Harbor View Dining Center and I invite everyone to visit and enjoy lunch on us. Come check out the Dining Center and state of the art commissary kitchen. Just contact Elizabeth Han at [email protected] to schedule a tour to include lunch on us! We look forward to seeing you! Michael Downing Vice President of Auxiliary Services "In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail" -Anonymous
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WINTER 2014-2015NEWS FOR STUDENT SERVICES:Admissions, Auxiliary Services, Campus Safety & Security, Center for Academic Support, Facilities, Institutional Research, International Center, Student Academic & Financial Services, Student Affairs, and Student Communications
ConnectionsJWU Students.... Not Just a Number
Dale Carnegie once said, “Remember
that a person’s name is to that person the
sweetest and most important sound in any
language.” Someone’s name is the greatest
connection to their own identity and the
one way to easily get their attention. To
call someone by name is a sign of courtesy
and a way of recognizing them.
At one time or another, everyone has had
an experience with a service provider and
been asked only for an account number.
It can be uniquely frustrating to only be
known by a number, especially when the
customer is in good standing. It is this
feeling of poor customer service which
often has people switching from one
service provider to another.
This is something to remember when
working with JWU students. When they
call on the phone or visit the office, they
should be greeted with a smile and a
“hello” before asking for a student ID
number. It is an easy gesture, but can have
a powerful effect on the students’ feelings
of whether they are important to the
university. When working with a student,
refer to them by their name as often as
possible – put yourself in their shoes and
think about how you would like to be
treated.
These small steps can have a tremendous
impact on whether students feel JWU is a
welcoming community and a place where
they belong.
Kris McNamara, director of student communications
Happy New Year!
As I’ve walked around campus, it’s great to see the energy that everyone brought back to work after the break. 2015 is off to
an exciting start!
The beginning of the new year is especially exciting for our Radisson Hotel in Warwick which was ranked #1 in guest service out of all on the East Coast (from Florida to Maine), #3 in the USA, and #5 worldwide! That includes all resort and center city properties as well. Kudos to our Radisson team for all of their hard work!
One key to achieving this distinction is their constant focus on the guest. It is important not only to meet guest needs, but to anticipate them and provide an excellent experience. I believe this philosophy is the same for our students – each of us can make a difference in a student’s JWU experience and, in fact, it could be just that individual attention which makes a difference and convinces a student to remain enrolled. All of us should constantly question, “How can I make a difference?”
In closing, as it looks like our New England winter has finally settled in, I have a special invitation for you. The soup is hot at the newly renovated Harbor View Dining Center and I invite everyone to visit and enjoy lunch on us. Come check out the Dining Center and state of the art commissary kitchen. Just contact Elizabeth Han at [email protected] to schedule a tour to include lunch on us! We look forward to seeing you!
Michael Downing Vice President of Auxiliary Services
"In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail" -Anonymous
Spotlight on ...STUDENT FINANCIAL PLANNING COUNSELORS Diane Riccitelli, student services training coordinator
Financial Planning is unique to JWU and an essential part of the university’s success.
While a financial aid department can be found at every school, JWU provides students with an additional service. Between the Downcity and Harborside campuses, there are 20 student financial planning counselors (a.k.a. financial planners), each with 400-500 students assigned.
Financial planners assist students and families providing appropriate financial resources and offering counsel on financing a JWU education. With limited federal funding, there seems to never be enough money to match the amount of need; however, these individuals work tirelessly with families to find the right plan.
Dawn Blanchette, director of financial aid and planning, is proud of her team; “We have a great team that truly cares for students and put them first. They are dedicated to making the student experience a good one.”
New students are contacted, typically after they have received a financial aid award, with planners introducing themselves, reviewing the award, student account and payment options, and fielding any questions or concerns. In addition, planners meet with students and families during New Student Summer Orientation. Returning student outreach begins each spring through the "R U Ready" campaign. The goal is to speak with every returning student before they leave for summer break to review their financial aid package and student account. These individual contacts are the core of a planner’s work and help build and maintain relationships with students and families.
Ultimately, financial planners help students remain in school and graduate. With four terms per year, their work is constant and there are seldom “slow” periods. Yet, their commitment remains strong and they truly impact both a student’s decision to attend JWU, as well as stay enrolled through graduation.
Downcity Financial Planners
Harborside Financial Planners
Notes of Appreciation
So often in our daily interactions, something we say or do may touch another person's life. That person could be a student, co-worker, employee or manager. Many times, we are unaware of the impact or impression our words and/or actions have.
And when the shoe is on the other foot and someone has said or done something for us, we don't always let them know just how appreciative we are.
Justin Taylor, student to Mim Runey, president
I am a culinary student at the Harborside campus. I am also a disabled U.S. Navy veteran that is currently in school under a VA program known as VOCREHAB. I have struggled often with issues in the classroom and out of the classroom. I have often won those battles, but I have also lost some of those battles. The staff here on the Harborside campus that have assisted me through these hurdles have been absolutely AWESOME! If it hadn't been for some of these key individuals, I most definitely would have withdrawn from the university last academic year! Here's the reason why I'm still here......even though I'm "wounded", I'm a true warrior! On another positive note, I almost chose to withdraw from the university very recently, but I'm still pushing forward. Passion and goals are two of the biggest things that are motivating me to fight for what I want from my education. I'm currently struggling and had to re-evaluate class schedules and benefits of being here.....but I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere without a metaphorical fight!!!
The individuals that have been there and made me feel like a person and have greatly helped me are Thomas Choice, Prof. Eileen James, Shelly Olausen, Jaime Wager, Linda Robinson, and Maria Barone. Specifically because of these individuals, I feel like a wanted JWU Wildcat.
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Student Services Center Helped Students Brace for Final Exams
The end of a term and final exams can be stressful for students. With this in mind, in November, staff in SAFS, International Student Services and Study Abroad prepared Final Exam Survival Kits for their Work Study students and Student Assistants as both a show of
appreciation and to help students while they studied. The week before finals, students received a bag consisting of a beverage, gum, hard candies, chocolate, brownies, granola bars and a note of inspiration. The bags were such a hit, a collection for next term is already underway. Sounds like the start of a new tradition!
The Chef Connection Ken Watt, executive chef, Auxiliary Services
Ingredients:Bittersweet chocolate chips 20 oz Butter – 3 sticks, dicedEggs – 8 eachPinch of saltVanilla – 1 tsp
microwave, sit for 30 seconds,) until when you stir, all chocolate and butter are melted• Inaseparatebowl,addeggs,salt,andvanillaandwhiskuntilcompletedincorporated(about1minuteorso)• Combinechocolateandeggmixturetogether,blenduntilcompletelyincorporated
Make this delicious easy recipe for your Valentine!
Ask Chef Watt!Did you know that 1/4 cup of sweetened applesauce can be a substitute for one egg in most baked goods? Ever wonder about other substitutions? If you have something you would like to ask our chef, please send your question to [email protected]. The first submission will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card.
international students from 88 countries on all four campuses?
• The countries sending the most international students to JWU are China with 649 students, Saudi Arabia with 189 students, and South Korea with 104 students?
• International students from JWU contribute nearly $70,000,000 annually to the U.S. economy? (Source: http://www.
nafsa.org/Content.aspx?id=34242)
CHALLENGE!There are 10 countries in the world that only have four letters in their name.
Can you name them?
First person to respond to this challenge with the correct answer will receive a gift from the International Center. Please send responses to [email protected] Café
Votes have been tallied - Starbucks We Proudly Serve in the Yena Center is now the Wildcat Café!
Dining Center's New "Cook/Chill" Changes How JWU Prepares Food
The redesign of Harbor View Dining Center brought some great new technology to campus. The “cook/chill” is a small food manufacturing operation designed to cook volume products for all dining center operations and eventually some production in hotel operations. Improving consistency and quality, it will also reduce waste and advance JWU’s ability to recycle and, ultimately, aid in being more fiscally conscious.
In addition to cooking volume products, the cook/chill also packages them pasteurized for an extended shelf life. This process will result in better food quality and enhanced food safety, while still using traditional ingredients and cooking methods. Its capacity is huge, allowing staff to produce approximately 1,000 gallons of soups and sauces each week for the dining operations, as well as several hundred pounds of cooked meats to later be reheated for service. Already, in one month’s time, it has produced 365 gallons of Alfredo sauce and 411 gallons of red sauce.
The cook/chill will give JWU students an introduction into another avenue of food production, similar to what is currently being used in large casinos, hospitals and large institutions.
The funnel is a common visualization tool borrowed from the business world. Applied to the admissions process, it helps to identify conversion points in student recruitment.
ProspectsThe first step is awareness – students need to learn about a school. JWU purchases names from the following sources: College Board, NRCCUA (National Research Center for College and University Admissions), and ACT and then sends these students emails and print mailings to make them aware of JWU. JWU Admissions Reps play a strong role in raising awareness through their high school and college visits, appearances at college fairs and other events.
Inquiry A student has asked for information about JWU and Admissions’ goal is for the student to submit an application. How students perceive a school is a big factor in their decision to apply or attend. Having a personal investment in JWU – even if it’s just because the student has spoken with an admissions officer – is key. Many admissions staff members remain friends with students they recruited years ago.
Application JWU has a no-fee application, so the process to apply is easier. Some students will have built a relationship with JWU staff members, but others may not have. This is why it is important the Admissions Reps and campus staff work on building that relationship while the university continues to build upon perception through marketing.
AcceptanceThe student has been admitted, now the goal is to receive the student's deposit (shows intent to attend) and, ultimately, enroll. At this stage JWU is competing against a student’s other choices. It is more important than ever to clearly identify competitive advantages and what sets JWU apart from other schools. The financial aid process is critical – helping students understand options and how their JWU education can be financed. If students haven’t visited, much effort is placed on encouraging them to see JWU in person. If students can visualize themselves on campus, it has a strong impact on their decision to attend. This is another point at which all staff members have an impact – when a student is on campus, they are also evaluating if it is a welcoming environment.
Enrollment The student has applied, been accepted and deposited. But, Admissions' work isn’t done yet – students need to enroll for classes. Contacts urgingthemtofinishthefinancialaidprocess,selectaresidencehall,attendOrientation,checkoutjwuLinkandfinalizeallpaperworkarethe order of the day. Essentially Admissions works to assist students in removing any barrier that may prevent enrollment. Continually communicating next steps is important to helping students understand all of their obligations before enrollment.
Recruitment for a fall term may begin as early as 20 months prior to enrollment. The process is long and can be overwhelming to students and their families. In addition to a dedicated Admissions staff, JWU’s collaborative approach, with many departments working with students throughout the process, plays a large part in the university’s recruitment success.
PROSPECTS
How can we all help Admissions?• If you pass a tour on campus, smile and say hello. Families will remember they felt welcomed.
• When helping prospective students, take a few minutes to ask how they are doing and if they have any other questions.
• If asked, attend Admissions and New Student Orientation events to meet families.
During the fall season, JWU captured two Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships, winning the men’s cross country
and men’s soccer championships on November 8. It marked the second straight GNAC title for head men’s soccer coach David Kulik and the first for head coach Hollie Walton, in his first year at the helm of the men’s cross country program. Under first year head coach Nancy Somera, the women’s volleyball team returned to the GNAC Finals, dropping a hard fought decision against Rivier.
Wildcats – Three Teams In Playoffs, Two GNAC Championships
Winter Sports Off to a Strong Start Led by head coach Lonnie Morris the JWU wrestling team is currently ranked #18 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association polls. The women’s basketball team, led by head coach Corey Boilard, tipped off the season with a championship at the Swarthmore Invitational. In December, both the men's and women's basketball teams participated in the JWU Cup, a unique tournament that draws all four campuses’ men’s and women’s basketball teams to one location for an annual competition.
Hockey Set For The Dunk For the second straight season, JWU Men’s Hockey will play a game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The Wildcats will host Fredonia State on Saturday, January 17 at 7pm in a non-league contest. Last year over 2,500 fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni electrified the building for one of the university’s signature events. Tickets are on-sale at CBCSI and the Athletics department and can be purchased for just $8!
Veteran Students Now Have Their Own Headquarters
An open house was held on November 12 for the new JWU Student Veteran Headquarters located in one of the incubator offices in the eCenter (Taco Building, 1st floor.)
The JWU Support Student Veterans Committee (SSVC) had been looking for a space to pilot a student veterans lounge for the past two years. With help from Facilities, IT and volunteers, the office space was painted, refurbished and equipped with new furniture, a computer, printer, fridge/microwave, whiteboard, table and chairs, charging station and rack for informational material. Given its location, the student vets can also utilize all the resources of the eCenter.
The Headquarters is open from 8:30am-6pm weekdays. Staff in the eCenter will monitor traffic to gather statistics on usage of the space. Based on this, changes could be made to hours, resources, etc. Initial feedback has been very positive.
Stop by to check out the space and support the JWU Student Veterans!
Responding to Students – More Flexibility in Meal Plans for 2015-16
Students have long expressed a desire for more choice and flexibility with meal plan offerings. In response, the university will separate room and board charges beginning for the 2015-16 year.
Resident students will be able to choose from a variety of meal plan options and prices based on the type of housing they choose. • Returningstudentsintraditionalhousing(non-apartmentstyle,nokitchen)willneedtosubscribetoaminimummealplanof10
meals per week, but will have options to upgrade if they choose. • Studentsinapartment-styleresidencehalls,whereamealplanhadpreviouslynotbeenprovided,cannowoptintoaplanandapply
financial aid dollars (if eligible) toward the cost (rather than paying out of pocket for a commuter block plan.)• Witheachplan,thereareadditional“flexdollars”thatmaybeusedforpurchasesatanycampusdininglocation,inany
The Wildcat Meal Plan (meal blocks) will still be available for commuters to purchase.
Specific room and meal plan costs and details are currently being communicated to students. If you have any questions about this change, please contact Auxiliary Services Administrative Coordinator Jennifer Marshall at [email protected].
Admissions • Melissa DeCosta, admissions officer• Peter Dodd, marketing production coordinator• Sara Samuels, culinary classroom demonstrator
Admissions Representatives • Dana McFarland, charlotte metro area, Western North Carolina, Southwestern Virginia
Athletics • Jeff Bennet, coordinator of intramural programming• Jenna Juron, assistant women's basketball coach• Stephanie Feinstein, assistant women's softball coach• Jason Monk, assistant men's and women's golf coach• Eddie Patterson, assistant men's ice hockey coach• Steve Peltier, assistant women's ice hockey coach
Counseling Services• Alexander Laorenza,LICSW,alcohol&otherdrugcounselor
Facilities Management• Steven Sorel,energymanagementsystemsoperator,HVAC&Controls Group
Student Academic & Financial Services• Tami Leva, student services associate• Vicki Masse, scholarship assistant• Maria Tristao-Rocha, director of transfer and testing
Study Abroad• Amy Ewen, study abroad program coordinator• Logan Gauby, study abroad advisor
The Center for Academic Support• Jacob Solderitsch, part-time professor and math tutor
Transportation• Kofi Kisseh, assistant director of transportation services• Joseph Najmowicz, bus driver• Jonathan Reid, assistant director of transportation services• William Sarn, bus driver
Promotions, Position or Location ChangesStudent Involvement & Leadership• Jessica Grady,associatedirectorofstudentinvolvement& leadership for student engagement
Student Academic Services• Kristin Turchetta, transfer advisor
CongratulationsCampus Safety & Security• Kevin Dunn, patrol officer, on his engagement to Brianna on Nov. 8• Shaun McKenna, patrol officer, on his engagement to Amy on Nov. 15• Giovanni Melesko-Muriente, patrol officer and his wife Christy on the birth of their daughter, Katarina Belle, in December
Student Academic & Financial Services• Rachel Breton, student academic services, and her husband Dylan onthebirthoftheirdaughter,TaylorLilly,inOctober• Aileen DeArruda student academic services, and her husband Jay onthebirthoftheirson,LiamJoseph,inJanuary
• Courtney Greene, student financial services, and her partner Brandon on the birth of their daughter, Avery, in December• Linda Wiggins, academic counselor, on her retirement on Dec. 16 after nine years of service
Farewell & Best WishesCampus Safety & Security• Ronnie Vasquez-Rivas, patrol officer
Residential Life• Katarina Russo, assistant director of residential communities, Downcity• Isaac Spivey, residence director, South Hall
ConferencesInternational Student Services• Katie Gilbertson presented Booming Enrollment, Weak Satisfaction: Trends, Patterns and Strategies for the Saudi International Student at the NAFSA Conference in October.
New Student Orientation• New Student Orientation & Support Program held its first NODA Drive In in December. The Tttle of the conference was CT & RI Drive-In Creating the Perfect Team: Selecting & Developing the Ideal Orientation Team. There were 29professionalstafffromMA,CT&RIinattendance.
Student Communications• Sierra Barter, student communications, presented Building your Online Brand toCollegeLeadershipRIstudentsatAmica in November.
Professional Learning
Are you at the crossroads of your career? Do you feel stuck and not sure how to proceed?
If this sounds like you then take a moment to read the "7 Warning Signs of Career Distress". The first step is to recognize these warning signs in yourself before you can take action.
The author, Peter Diamond, provides an accurate description of what most people who are facing career distress experience along with helpful tips for each warning sign.
For the New Year, focus on turning your career distress into career success. The power lies with you!
Faculty Team Up with Athletics in New Mentoring Program Mel Graf, associate dean and executive director of athletics
JWUAthleticsandFacultyAthleticsRepresentative,ProfessorLouisPullano,have partnered to form a Faculty Mentoring Program. This initiative, being piloted in
Providence, connects a faculty member to each athletics team to enhance the student athlete experience by developing productive relationships between faculty, coaches and student athletes. The 22 assigned faculty mentors act as the “go to” person for student athletes in need of academic assistance, beyond what an academic advisor might provide. Ultimately, faculty mentors help to enroll, retain, and graduate quality student athletes.
The amazingly supportive mentors who volunteer their time are a part of the experience that college athletics provides – to help grow the JWU brand and create and engage students in a positive campus culture. Most of the faculty mentors are new to this role, unlike John Gounaris, associate professor of business, who has been a faculty mentor for more than 14 yearstothemen’sbaseballteam.HeadBaseballCoach,JohnLaRose,says,“oneofthebestthings Professor Gounaris does in his role as faculty mentor is speak about what students can expect after they graduate and enter the job market.”
School of Engineering and Design Professor Tom Calabrese not only works with the men’s basketball team to improve their academic performance, but also attends practices, sits on the bench, and is in the locker room for as many games as possible. According to Calabrese, “the program has afforded me the opportunity to contribute to the success of the basketball program by assisting students in realizing their academic potential and at the same time giving me the opportunity to gain valuable basketball experience.”
The Faculty Mentor Program is off to a tremendous start, largely due to the mentors who serve as strong role models and provide countless hours of their own time volunteering to improve the academic experience and success of our student athletes. We look forward to many successful stories in the future!
Dean of International Programs and Development selected for a Fullbright Scholar GrantShelly Stephenson, dean of international programs and development, was selected for a 2015-2016 Fullbright U.S. scholar grant.
New Professional AwardCongratulationstoDarrellMiller,assistantdirectorofoperations,CampusSafety&SecurityonreceivingtheNewProfessionalAwardattheAssociated College Unions - International Conference in November.
Radisson Hotel Providence Airport Ranked#4 Worldwide#1 East Coast of USA (For the past 5 years)#3 in USA
Rankings are based on overall guest satisfaction at the property, for a running 12 month timeframe.
Congratulations to Radisson employees' Harry Payne, mainentence; Maria Moore, laundry attendant, and Ariel Volquez, bellman, on RI Hospitality Association Hotel Employee of the Year Awards.
Harry Payne, maintenance; Maria Moore, laundry attendant;
and Ariel Volquez, bellman.
RI Monthly's Most Powerful WomenCongratstoPresidentRuneyandJWU'sSierraBarter(throughherPVDLadyProjectOrganization) for being recognized as two of the 30 Most Powerful Women in RI by RI Monthly.
President Runey and Sierra Barter
Snapshots
Snapshots (Continued)
• Everyyear,ResidentialLifeteamsupwiththeEastBayCommunityActionProgramtoadoptoneortwoRhodeIslandfamiliesin need and raise money to purchase toys, presents, and gift cards for each family member. Fundraising for this program happensineveryhall,andthisyear,theresidencehallsraisedover$750fortheirfamilies.GreatjobResidentialLife!
STUDENTINVOLVEMENT&LEADERSHIP• On Thursday, November 14, JWU’s annual Midnight Madness once again took center court. This tradition highlights JWU
athletic teams, student involvement and Wildcat spirit with games, competitions, spirit activities, and a showcase of the men’s andwomen’sbasketballteams.MidnightMadnessisco-sponsoredbyStudentInvolvement&LeadershipandAthletics,withsupport from the SEE program for volunteers.
• HeavyrainwashedouttheannualCelebrationofLight,buttheholidayspiritwasinfull-swingattheDecember10HolidayHoopla. Students gathered at the Pepsi Forum to enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, snowflake photos, candy for Hanukkah, holiday fun and the beautiful sounds of JWU’s Vocal Ensemble.
Need a stamp?
Liberty Market now sells postage stamps!
Valentines Day Gifts Now Available to Purchase
Carnations
LongStemDoveChocolateRose
4 Chocolate Covered Strawberries
2 Carnations + Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Valentine Gift Baskets
$1.50
$3.00
$5.00
$7.00
$16.99
OrdernowthroughSunday,February8atLibertyMarketlocated on the 1st floor of the Friedman Center on the Harborside Campus.
JWU's College Leadership RI Graduates
In a State House ceremony on Friday, December 12, ten JWU students graduated aspartofCollegeLeadershipRhodeIsland’s(CLRI)Classof2014.Eachyear,
CLRIselectssomeofthebeststudentleadersfrominstitutionsthroughoutthestateto participate in its program that provides emerging leaders with knowledge and access to resources, enabling them to positively affect their communities. This year’s graduates are pictured below: (Top left to right) Nicholas Hendry, Trumane Trotman, Bradly VanDerStad, Karl Uzcategui, Judith (Anj) Shaw, Natalie Acosta, Courtney Butler; (Bottom left to right) Kendra Bowe and Elena Melekos (absent from photo is AndrewHooks.)AlsopicturedareKatieGilbertson,SusanConnery,Loren Intolubbe-Chmil,andScottLyonswhoattendedthisyear’sceremonyinsupportofJWU’sCLRIgraduates.
Facilitating a Session on Incidents in Ferguson, MO Michael Waugh, international and intercultural programming coordinator
The morning after it was announced that Officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted in the death of Michael Brown, several individuals at JWU recognized the need for a response. As reaction to this news began to spread on the last day before the Thanksgiving
break, members of the JWU community quickly came together to plan a session, scheduled for the first day of classes after break, intended to begin processing perspectives around the Ferguson decision. The Student Government Association was enthusiastic about providing the forum for this important conversation.
On Tuesday evening, December 2, over 60 students, staff, faculty and administration came together to discuss both the situation in Ferguson and related, larger systemic issues. After a brief overview of Ferguson, Missouri, the death of Michael Brown, its connection to many similar cases, and bias in the media, the floor was opened up for a facilitated discussion on JWU community members’ thoughts on the issues. LorenIntolubbe-ChmilandMichaelWaughfromTheBRIDGECenterco-facilitatedwithJWUalumandformermemberoftheboardoftrustees, Gerry Fernandez ’86, ’98 hon.
While it was expected that students would have a great deal to say about the issue, it was uncertain how comfortable they would feel doing so. It was amazing to see how eager the participants were to have a conversation, and at times debate, and also see their level of comfort speaking up on the associated matters.
Feedback from the conversation was overwhelmingly positive, and served as an indication of the need for many more opportunities of this kind to continue in all areas of the university. The BRIDGE Center facilitated a follow-up conversation during its weekly Coffee Hour on December 4.
Inthecomingweeks,lookforannouncementsaboutadditionalprograms,flashseminars,andenrollmentfortheLeadershipinMulticulturalContexts seminar. Please contact Michael Waugh, [email protected],[email protected] with any ideas and interests that you may have!
Val DiPippo:
Thanks For 32 Years of Service!
Val DiPippo, general maintenance group leader in Facilities Management, is retiring on January 23 after 32 years of service at JWU.
Val has seen many changes since his first day in September 1982 and his knowledge and experience have earned him the title of a true JWU historian by his colleagues. Val is a presence in and around JWU's many buildings, stopping occasionally to reminisce with an employee or tell one of his many jokes. We wish Val many years of happiness in his retirement!
Family Weekend 2014Family Weekend 2014 saw the highest revenue in three years. Both events on Friday night had higher attendance than previous years; the BRIDGE Center event and Chapel tour were also hits. Both lunches were sold out and less than 15 wine tickets remained. Thousands attended the dedication of the Wildcat statue.
700+People who attended
542Families who preregistered
123Families who registered onsite
98%*Attendees who indicated they enjoyed JWU Wildcat Family Weekend
95%*Attendees who indicated they have JWU Pride due to their JWU Wildcat Family Weekend experience
95%*Attendees who understand what it means to be a part of the JWU community
*Based on responses received on the JWU Wildcat Family Weekend assessment
By the Numb3rs
Helicopter Parent DebateThe debate goes on about the benefits and drawbacks of "helicopter parents," parents who hover over their children as they grow up.
A new report from researchers at California State U. Fresno, based on surveys of 450 undergraduates, found that: the students of helicopter parents were more likely to be dependent on others, engage in poor coping strategies and lack the soft skills such as responsibility and conscientiousness which employers value.
The research was published in a recent issue of Education + Training.
