Transitions Day
Associate in Arts Program students welcomed to Newark campus
2:24 p.m., July 27, 2012--Responsibility, resources and registered student organizations (RSOs) topped the topics discussed by University of Delaware students and academic support staff during Transitions Day, held Friday, July 20, at several locations on the Newark campus.
The event marks the arrival of recent graduates of the Associate in Arts Program (AAP) who are continuing their academic careers on the UD’s main campus.
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George H. Watson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Jack Bartley, faculty director of the Associate in Arts Program, welcomed about 165 students, parents and guests.
While students face new challenges, parents also have serious concerns about their student who may be moving away from home for the first time, said Carolyn Quinci, assistant dean, College of Arts and Sciences Associate in Arts Program.
“Ultimately, parents want to make sure that their son or daughter is going to be cared for,” Quinci said. “They want to know that their students have someone to go to if there are difficulties.”
Faith Davidson, who attended the presentation for parents, found the program informative and welcoming.
Davidson said she especially appreciated a presentation by Jonathan Lewis, senior psychologist in the University's Center for Counseling and Student Development.
“You try to guide your children and build a sense of responsibility in them, but it’s still hard to let your children go off to college,” Davidson said.
In Sharp Laboratory, 79 student attendees heard support staff and former AAP graduates offer timely advice on navigating campus life and academic challenges.
Lysbet Murray, assistant director in the Office of Academic Enrichment and Student Success, encouraged students to seek assistance early on, before serious difficulties arise.
“The resources are here, but they are not going to come looking for you,” Murray said. “You also need to build a support system of people in your residence hall, classes or student activities who will be looking out for you.”
Murray said that help with academic and personal issues is available at both the Center for Counseling and Student Development and the Office of Academic Enrichment and Student Success.
Jacqueline N. Aldridge, assistant dean for access and academic development programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, urged students to commit to academic excellence and to consider applying for competitive programs such as the Network of Undergraduate Collaborative Learning Experience for Underrepresented Scholars (NUCLEUS).
“Preview your lessons before you come to class so that you will have a better ideas of what is going,” Aldridge said. “It is going to be very competitive after you graduate, so you need to be competitive now.”
Jenifer Laird, program coordinator in the University's Career Services Center, discussed self-assessment, career interests and goals.
“You should have at least two internships before graduating,” Laird said. “Serving as an officer in a registered student organization is a great way to gain leadership experience.”
Former AAP grads offered tips on subjects ranging from class size and time management to commuting.
“Don’t drive back and forth to each class during the same day,” Victoria (Tori) Berger, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences from Middletown, Del., said. “The time in between classes can be used to study, work, or get involved with some group activity.”
Kelsey Levering, a senior in the College of Health Sciences from Newark, Del., recommended getting internships and possibly becoming a resident assistant (RA).
“An internship will show employers what you have been doing,” Levering said. “Being an RA was a lot of fun and a good leadership experience.”
“When I was going to classes in Georgetown, I knew all my professors and classmates,” said Holly Hines, a master’s degree student in the College of Education and Human Development from Milton, Del. “It’s different here. You have to get out and meet people and maybe join a club and check out Activities Night (Sunday, Aug. 26).
“The workload is definitely different,” said Chris Slayton, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences from New Castle, Del. “One professor will give you 50 pages to read, and another one will give you 30 pages, both due on the same day.”
Dexter Joseph, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences from Dover, Del., recommended undergraduate research and the study abroad program highlighted earlier in the program by Lisa Chieffo, associate director of student programs in UD's Institute for Global Studies.
“I spent three and a half weeks in Sorrento, Italy, and the last week in Rome,” Joseph said. “I never thought I would be visiting Italy. It was a really unique and wonderful experience."
Cecilia Davidson, a junior in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said, “I really liked hearing from the students who were in the program before us. It was interesting to hear what they were interested in and seeing how my interests fits into that.”
Renee Fisher, administrative academic adviser in the Associate in Arts Program in Dover, reminded students that study abroad scholarship are available.
“Study abroad is one of the best experiences that you can have, and Winter Session is the most economical time to go,” Fisher said. “If money is your only concern, talk to the study abroad people and do that early.”
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Evan Krape