November, 2008

A Message From President Pamela Trotman Reid

Dear Parents and Families,

It doesn’t seem that long ago when I was in your shoes: breathing a sigh of relief that the arduous college search process was completed, but beginning my own process of letting go and allowing my child to fully engage in the college experience. You can rest assured that your daughter is in an ideal academic environment where she will mature and move toward adulthood prepared to lead and succeed!

At our recent Convocation ceremony, I welcomed the largest undergraduate class in the history of Saint Joseph College — a group that is particularly close to my heart, as together, we will complete our first full year on campus. They are part of a campus community rich with possibilities — from an ever-expanding academic “menu” of undergraduate and graduate programs to a full student-life calendar to numerous internship and pre-professional opportunities — there are more options for a student’s personal and professional growth than can be outlined on paper. Instead, I offer you a recap of a few recent initiatives:

  • This summer, the College opened two new residence halls that offer apartment-style living for juniors and seniors. Other residence halls were renovated and updated.
  • Academically, we recently launched an Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate program. We also revamped the undergraduate Business Programs to focus on leadership and entrepreneurship. And perhaps the most exciting news is we recently received full approval from the Board of Trustees to develop the College’s first doctoral program in Pharmacy.
  • Student-run clubs and organizations provide students ample experience in leadership, service and professional skill development. We currently offer 30 clubs, along with the opportunity for students to start new ones as their interests develop. Last year, for example, Kristen Pomeroy ’10 started the Green Team, an environmental club that evolved from her independent research on the College’s carbon footprint.

Please know that Saint Joseph College is an open and inclusive community. We invite parents and families to make the most of what our campus offers. The Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities hosts an array of artistic and cultural events throughout the year. Tickets to a foreign film, classical theater, music or dance performance present a wonderful way to spend an evening with your daughter in the midst of her community. I look forward to seeing you on campus!

Sincerely,

Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D., President

Family Day Fun

Family and friends of all ages came to campus October 4 to celebrate Family Day — Saint Joseph College style! The O’Connell Athletic Center was transformed into a festival, complete with game and information booths, an inflatable slide and moon bounce and an ongoing barbecue. At the center of all the activity was Blue Jay competition — the cross country team hosted an invitational meet and the soccer team defeated Rivier College 4-0.

Kishana Pinnock ’08, shown at right with her nephew, Kevon, said “I really look forward to Family Day because my whole family comes. It’s great to spend time with them on campus and have so many activities that they enjoy. Ever since last year, my nephews have been looking forward to it — especially the moon bounce!” This marked the College’s highest attended Family Day with 780 registered participants.

SJC Support

Parents, is she calling you for advice? Help your daughter help herself — remind her of the well-established SJC support network. The following offices are only a phone call (or e-mail) away:

  • Center for Academic Excellence: Located on the second floor of Mercy Hall, the CAE offers round-the-clock academic support including: tutoring in all academic disciplines, writing support, and assistance with papers. The CAE also monitors the College’s award-winning Writing Portfolio Program. Encourage your daughter to seek support early, before she becomes overwhelmed. Contact: for appointments: cae@sjc.edu or 860.231.5514; for online assistance with a paper: tutoring@sjc.edu,
  • Counseling: The Counseling & Psychological Services Center, located in the Health and Counseling Center, provides professional and confidential psychological services and treatment for students on a variety of issues. These topics include, but are not limited to: transition to college life, changing relationships, independence and dependence, stress, depression, chronic mental health disorders, and self-esteem. The Center is open to all students and the services, which are available throughout the nine-month academic year, are free of charge. Contact: 860.231.5530
  • Career Development Center: It’s never too early to take advantage of the services offered by the CDC, located in McDonough Hall, room 111. Services include: selecting a major, finding an internship, career fairs, resume writing, interview skills, financial literacy and more. Contact: careercenter@sjc.edu.

Professional Experience Through Service

“Volunteer and service opportunities are a great way for a student to experience the real world of work while helping others,” said President Reid. Indeed, Saint Joseph College boasts a long tradition of community service, one that is embedded in its founding mission. The Office of Community Service, located on the second floor of McGovern Hall, coordinates a wide range of service opportunities all with the goals of providing students work experience in professional settings and enhancing their awareness of social justice issues.

Your daughter is welcome to join any of the ongoing service projects listed below or to propose a new project:

  • At St. Mary's Home, students read to elderly residents, conduct socials, share talents and more.
  • At the Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, a local magnet school, volunteers encourage students to take an active role in their learning and to achieve academic success.
  • At Saint Elizabeth House Residential Services Program, SJC students help homeless residents through tutoring in the Learning Center.
  • At the House of Bread, Inc., students assist with babysitting, tutoring, donation drives, and more
  • At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, students mentor, coach and provide homework assistance.

For more information, contact Sydney Lake in the Office of Community Service at slake@sjc.edu.

Commuter or Resident — A Rich Campus Life

If your daughter is a commuter student, urge her to make the most of her Saint Joseph College experience by getting involved in campus life. SJC offers nearly 30 student clubs, NCAA athletics, a full menu of recreation and wellness activities, and an ongoing schedule of artistic and cultural events. Remind her to check out the following links for detailed information:

 “I’m a commuter student and I really love the experience. I am completely involved in campus life. I attend a lot of artistic and cultural events on campus. I love to stay late and study or just hang out with my friends. Everything is open to everybody and there’s no shortage of things of do!” — Lexi Levy ‘09

The Inauguration of President Pamela Trotman Reid

   

Members of the Saint Joseph College community united in celebration of President Pamela Trotman Reid’s Inauguration on September 26. In spite of the stormy weather, spirits were high at the Ceremony of Investiture and the subsequent luncheon in The O’Connell Center. Students participated in a variety of capacities: as banner carriers in the procession, performers in the Choir, and members of the Inaugural planning committee. At left, Samantha Kirrane ’09 presents President Reid with a charm bracelet on behalf of the student body. At right, President Reid and Archbishop Henry Mansell enjoy the ceremony.

To read more about Inauguration, including President Reid’s Inaugural Address, visit www.sjc.edu/inauguration.

Student Leaders in DC

Officers from the Student Government Association attended a leadership conference in Washington, D.C. Standing in front of the U.S. Capitol, from left to right are: Megan Newkirk ’09, vice president; Beth Manke ’09, president; Casey Shaw ’09, treasurer; and Jessica Tomkiel ’09, secretary.

Refer a Friend to SJC

Share the value of a Saint Joseph College education by referring your family and friends! The November 2nd Fall Preview is an optimal time for them to visit campus. Prospective students and families can meet faculty and students, tour campus, learn about financial aid and all programs of study. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. We appreciate you spreading the good news of Saint Joseph College! Information on Fall Preview is available at www.sjc.edu/admissions.

Leadership Opportunities

Encourage your daughter to get involved with leadership at SJC! Students interested in becoming a resident assistant, peer mentor, orientation leader, member of the Student Government Association or Student Programming and Events Council, should attend the Take a Chance on Leadership Information Sessions in McGovern Hall Lounge on any one of the following dates:

  • Monday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, November 19 at noon
  • Thursday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m.

Students must attend one session in order to receive an application. Completed applications are due Friday, January 23, 2009 and the Group Process interview will take place on Friday, January 30, 2009.

Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities — Fall 2008 Schedule of Events
Music … Theater … Comedy … Film …. Dance

Are you missing her already? Spend quality time with your daughter by attending events together at the College’s Autorino Center. This beautiful arts facility offers an exciting menu of artistic and cultural events — all at affordable prices. Check out The Center’s  fall calendar at www.sjc.edu/arts and make a date today.

Keeping up with the Blue Jays

Visit the Athletic department’s Web site at gobluejays.sjc.edu and keep up with the latest sports news. The site gives the coverage of each sport including a team roster, schedule, and scores, as well as information on the College’s athletic facilities and programs.

Emergency Communications

Your daughter’s safety is a top priority. Saint Joseph College has implemented “SJCAlert”, the e-2Campus emergency notification system. This allows the College to contact students, faculty, and staff with emergency information via e-mail and cell phone. Please urge your daughter to register immediately if she has not already done so by using the following link: www.sjc.edu/alerts

Your daughter will automatically receive messages via her SJC e-mail account; in addition, she can register another e-mail address and up to two text-message-capable cell phone numbers. SJCAlert registration occurs each semester so that we have the latest contact information on file.

SJC on the Forefront of Financial Education

By Stephen P. Seaward, MBA, CMC, CMF
Director, Career Development

Whether it is credit cards, personal or school loans, college graduates are amassing significant debt. Unfortunately, many are ill-equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to personal financial management. As a result, college graduates are often forced to move back home or work second jobs in order to meet the minimum payment on their loans. “In an effort to improve our students’ knowledge of personal finances, the College enrolled the entire first-year class in MoneyU,” said Dr. Cheryl Barnard, vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

MoneyU, developed as an online course by Griffin Enterprises, uses an interactive curriculum to teach the benefits of developing finance knowledge and avoiding financial pitfalls. Students move at their own pace through the 10-hour course that teaches wise spending and credit card use. Additionally, the program shows students how to manage debt and save money. Students also learn about taxes, insurance, banking and planning, and how credit scores affect their future.

“The results with the incoming class were impressive,” Dr. Barnard said. “Post-test scores increased over pre-test scores. In academic terms, grades improved from a D+ to a B.” First-year student Chris-Ann Miller called the MoneyU program “enriching — and definitely worth my time and patience.”

The College’s commitment to financial education started in 2006 with the creation of the Learning Institute for Financial Education (L.I.F.E.). A free standing self-service kiosk in McGovern Hall, the L.I.F.E. center gives students access to an array of personal financial management information. Last April, the College also hosted its first Personal Financial Management Conference for Women, a day-long program that addressed the unique financial issues women face in their professional and personal lives.

As Dr. Barnard sees it, these ongoing efforts show the College’s commitment to fully educating its students in financial literacy. “We want our students to be financially self-reliant and have a winning plan for life after college,” she said.

Financial Aid: Looking Ahead

Although the 2009-2010 school year seems far off, it’s not too early to start thinking about your daughter’s financial aid. The priority deadline for returning students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is April 15, 2009. The  information provided on the form will determine how much and what type of aid you will receive. Some types of financial aid are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to complete the application beginning January 1, 2009.

To complete your renewal form, visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need the following:

  • Saint Joseph College school code: 001409
  • FAFSA PIN number for student and parent
  • 2008 Federal tax returns, income (taxable and/or non taxable), and investments, or 2007 Federal tax returns if you have not completed your 2008 tax returns.

Dependent students must also provide parent information in addition to their own.

FAFSA Workshop

Not looking forward to the FAFSA form? Let us help! On Sunday, January 25, the College’s Student Financial Services Office will host College Goal Sunday — a hands-on workshop to help parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Parents of returning and incoming students, as well as members of the College community are invited to attend. The workshop runs from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.; visitors will be directed to the location upon arrival. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Financial Services Center at 860.231.5223 or e-mail financialaid@sjc.edu.

New Director of Student Financial Services Office

Student Financial Services Office welcomes Beth Baker as its new director. Beth was previously employed as a corporate marketing and awareness manager at the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation. She joins Financial Service staff members Rose Meyer, Rosario Silvestre and Ann Cooper in providing financial aid services and counseling to current and prospective students and their families. The Office is located on the second floor of Mercy Hall.

The Parents' Update is produced by the Office of College Relations in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs. Questions? Contact Laura Sheehan, editor, at Lsheehan@sjc.edu.