Faculty and Staff Blog

What a weekend!!! As fast as I got home, I am back on the road. My travels this week will take me to Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. A huge highlight of my trip this week will be having dinner with my friend Mary from Vermont. It is always nice to have somebody to talk to while you eat. Eating alone gets old but you start to think the USA Today newspaper or the latest book I am reading is my best friend!! Speaking of USA Today, I love the word puzzles!!! My friend Darcy showed me them one time and I was hooked. Quick Cross and Up and Down words are my favorite. Sometimes I will try my hand at the crossword, only to realize I should have never started. Once in awhile I will get 1 or 2 clues correct. Like I said, once in awhile.

Last night we had our monthly chat. There were 48 of you on there. It was mad crazy and my fingers were sore from all the typing. It was great to see so many excellent questions. Please don’t ever be afraid to ask us questions. That is why we are here. I am not just another pretty face from UNH!!! (smirk)

There is a big event this weekend. Yes, it is Open House on Sunday, but even bigger than that is my 5 year wedding anniversary. More on that toward the end of the week. Open House is a great time to see the campus and meet with students and faculty. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for one of the 3 dates. We would love to have you on campus!!

Well, time to head north on I-95 here in Maine. I am Bangor bound and of course making a few stops along the way. I love Maine with the deals I can get at a few stores. For my Maine friends, “I should have bought it when I saw it at ____________!!! My favorite store of all time!!!! My wife has asked me to pick up clothes pins. I hope the plastic ones are in stock!!!!

Enjoy the week everyone!!! Until next time ...

Composed on September 19, 2008

104 vs.47. Sounds like a basketball game score, right? Well, that is the temperature difference between Phoenix AZ and Burlington VT. Although I need a sweatshirt to keep warm from the early fall chill, it is great to be back in New England. It is really great to see my friends from the road and to see those students who I met when they were juniors.

Downtown Burlington VT is one of my favorite places to visit while on the road. The shops, the restaurants and even Lake Champlain; northern Vermont is a neat place to be. The leaves, for the most part, are still green but in just a few short weeks the landscape will be painted with all sorts of reds and yellows. Awwwwww, fall in New England. What a wonderful time of year.

Well, today is Friday and I am heading home after the college fair today. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!!! Until next time ...

For those who do not know, we here at UNH offer prospective students and their parents the opportunity to ask questions of admissions representatives and current students online about once a month through our online chat program.  We do this to provide families with the opportunity to ask questions that they typically could ask us on campus, but may not have the time to come visit ... or maybe thought of the question AFTER their visit.  It is also a great opportunity for students to talk to other students about THEIR perspectives.

Tonight's online chat was quite an event.  We had nearly 60 students come to chat with us and ask us about everything from residence halls, to food, to admissions statistics.  

Online chats give admissions reps some opportunities as well.  These chats provide us with the chance to see what some of our future applicants are really like.  The way we are talked to during a chat gives us a pretty good idea of how a student acts in "real life".  If a student is polite and asks a lot of questions, that means that student will be active and engaged in the classroom.  If a student is inconsiderate of other students as well as admissions representatives ... chances are that student will be inconsiderate to others if they joined us on our campus community.  Online chats also give us a window into what a student's real concerns are during their college search process.  It helps us give valuable feedback to administrators here on campus to make sure the concerns of our students are met. 

Just like your teachers and counselors tell you that what you put on your Facebook and MySpace is out there for everyone to see ... the way you act in an online chat is out there for admissions counselors to read and consider during your application process.  We appreciate all of your thoughtful questions and input during tonight's chat.  To log in to our next chat, simply go to www.newhaven.edu/chat.  All chats are 7-9 p.m. EST on the nights they are scheduled.

Wow it has been one busy week for me here on the road. Since leaving UNH on Monday, I have already driven over a thousand miles. I was in Southern Maryland all week visiting schools and now I’m in my hotel room in Sterling, Virginia.  I’ve been booking hotel rooms, checking emails, returning phone calls and watching a little College football when I can and trying to finish the current book I’m reading.

The book is called The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, here is a little background about the book; the “Last Lecture Series” was a series of lectures held at Carnegie Mellon University where professors would give a lecture as if it was their last. Low and behold it would be Randy Pausch’s last lecture, Professor Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer was given a limited amount of time left.

Professor Pausch didn’t lead his lecture as a sad somber lecture about his illness but as a enlightening and motivating lecture to encourage people to go for your dreams and overcome any obstacles that may come your way. He titled his lecture, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” During his life, Professor Pausch was able to achieve all of his dreams with the exception of one (I encourage you to buy the book to find that one out).  Throughout all the setbacks, Pausch was still able to live his dreams.

Living your dreams is such an important concept everyone should strive to do with their lives. No matter what obstacles or problems that may come your way, keep on going and you will be able to surpass it.  I’ll end this blog with a quote from Professor Pauch:

Hi Everyone! My name is Kevin Phillips and I am the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of New Haven. After working at two other universities, I came to UNH in 1999 and became the director in June 2007. I would like all of you to know that I have absolutely loved every single minute that I have worked because UNH is really a special place.

Our incoming class for this fall was the largest ever and our campus has never been more active. I actually came in this morning at 7:00 a.m. and there were many students already working out in our recreation center. I was noticing this as I was shoveling two double chocolate donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts into my mouth and practically guzzling down a large coffee. The thought that I too should use the rec center crossed my mind while enjoying this extremely healthy breakfast. 

Several members of the UNH community have been begging and pleading with me to play basketball with them at lunchtime. Since I did play four years of college basketball and at one time was actually not too bad of a hoops player, you would think that I would make the time. However, we are already working hard at recruiting our class for Fall 2009 and there are more visitors then ever before. “Students first” has always been my policy so I guess the basketball will have to wait a while. 

In addition to being the Director of Admissions, I also teach two sections of our Freshman Experience course. This is a class that is designed to help our freshmen make the transition to college. Believe it or not, they really do need this class! One of my male students already encountered a laundry issue. Apparently washing his red shorts that he used while working out in the rec center and throwing it in the wash with his white T-shirts is not a good idea!! 

I’ve also been told that my classes have become rather popular on campus not necessarily for my teaching ability but for some of my giveaways. As an example, I always give an Informational Awareness Quiz on the first day of the semester to test my students’ knowledge in various areas (it’s actually very tough). The intent is to show them that they do not know everything and that, in college, they should keep an open mind and learn new things. 

I also was supposed to let them know that the student who answered the most questions correctly would win a prize and if anyone happened to get all 40 right, they would win $50. Apparently, I really said that the student who answered the most correct would win the $50 in each of my classes, so I had to fork over $100 of my own money – not good for me but great for the two students who won!! 

Anyhow, UNH is a great place with limitless opportunities! Please visit with us and I know you will see how great this place is too! Thanks for checking out my Blog and please check back as often as you like!          

Today I had the privilege to visit three high schools in Connecticut during the day, and then go to a college fair (also in Connecticut) in the evening.  I met a lot of great people who hopefully will come and join us for an Open House later this fall.

One piece of advice I would like to give to prospective students ... particularly at college fairs ... is SPEAK UP!  Parents, I know you are concerned with your student's future, and I can respect that 110% ... but students, remember that going to college is YOUR decision, and you need to make sure you are making one that will make YOU happy.

Don't get me wrong.  I love answering anyone's questions about UNH at a college fair.  Oftentimes parents will think of things that their son or daughter did not think to ask, because in all likelihood they have been through this process once before themselves, or with another son or daughter.  Their experience is invaluable when it comes to questions about billing, financial aid, academic advisement, etc.  

With that said, a parent should not be the only one asking questions of college reps.  As a student, you know what your interest are ... ask me if I have programs that will address those interests.  Ask me about the major you are interested ... heck, ask me about the food!

There were a few times last night that I had a mom/dad with a son/daughter come to my table, and only the parent asked the questions and took notes.  Students, this is your decision and no one elses ... Ask questions! 

Football season is definitely in full force, and I’m not talking about Brett Favre coming out of retirement. For the first time since the fall of 2003, the University of New Haven Chargers Football has returned to the playing field.  The Chargers will start their first season under the Northeast-10 Conference during the fall 2009 semester. However, the sounds and sights of football have engulfed the Ralph F. DellaCamera, Jr., Stadium where many students sit and watch the team practice everyday.  It is certainly great to see the Chargers back in action to reclaim their place as a dominant force on the football field. I remember watching the homecoming game in 2003 when I was a freshman, every student wearing Charger blue and gold, cheering for our beloved team. I look forward to the return of homecoming to UNH next Fall as it was a great school bonding experience for everyone.

Along with the new team, UNH students and alumni will be able to experience the new blue Spinturf  field thanks to the generous donation for UNH alumnus Ralph F. DellaCamera, Jr. ’75 B.S. This makes UNH one of two college universities to have a blue field with Boise State having the other one. I got to see the field the other day and it is quite an impressive sight.  The first conference game of the 2009 season will be on September 12th at Assumption College. I can’t wait to see our Chargers play once again.

My first travel season begins in under 15 hours. I’m so excited to hit the road and meet new people. I leave for Southern Maryland Monday afternoon, it’ll be my first time back to Maryland since I was in the 8th grade … about 6 years ago. I look forward to it though, and I look forward to share some stories from the road.  Time to do some last minute packing!

Hello from sunny (and warm, 104 degrees) Phoenix Arizona!!!

I am down here for the national college fair. You know … the ones where there are hundreds of schools asking you “Do you have any questions?” Well, not at the University of New Haven table! I give you a “Hi, how are you?”… then I ask, “do you have any questions?”

Now you maybe thinking, “Does he really care how I am, or is he just breaking the ice so to speak?” To tell you the truth, both!!! I love speaking with prospective students and their families. But with me being six feet seven inches tall, I can be quite intimidating. Deep down though, I am a teddy bear. I do care how you are, that is why I ask. I want to know more about you and why you are looking at UNH as your possible college home. That, my friends, is what makes UNH different from other schools.

That’s all for now I guess. Sorry this has been such a short post. I have a 6:10AM flight tomorrow and I am off to bed. I am sure I will see some of you at a college fair or visit. Keep up the good work in school. I know you can do it!!

Until next time …

PS- I little note for all my friends in the Houston Texas area. Best of luck as you go through the recovery process. Your friends up north care about you!!!

As we enter "full swing" of the college search and selection for high school juniors and seniors, our Admissions Representatives spend many, many nights at college fairs around the country.  With these fairs, there are a number of positives and negatives in regards to how valuable they are to a student's college search.

College fairs provide students with access to many schools and colleges that they otherwise may not have known about.  At a national fair for example, a student will have the chance to meet representatives from hundreds of schools.  Information is free, so students can take a brochure from each representative they meet.  The same even goes for a local high school fair.  Most of the time at a local fair, you will meet representatives from the majority of the schools near you (ex. in Connecticut, you will probably meet a representative from us (University of New Haven), UConn, Southern, Central,  Hartford, Albertus Magnus ... and the list goes on).  In addition, you will probably meet a representative from colleges that are interested in students from your school (i.e. surrounding states).  This provides you with "face time" with the counselor that is likely to have a hand in your application process.  I know that here at UNH, the representative for your area is PROBABLY the person at your fair.

With all of the positives of a college fair, there are some negatives to watch out for as well.  Here are a few to watch out for and how to deal with them:

1. Lack of time: Many times you will find the college fair will fly right by.  If you have the opportunity, go over the list of schools at the fair before the fair so you know who to hit first.
2. Having too much stuff: Bring an extra bag to put all of the brochures you pick up in.  Also, don't forget to READ the stuff you pick up when you get home.
3. Don't just follow your friends: Your friends may have the same interests in schools as you, and they may not.  Make sure you visit with the counselors from the schools you are interested in before you visit with your friends.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions!: The counselors are there to answer questions, not just hand out brochures.  Ask as many questions as you like!

Greetings! My name is Felecia Edwards and I work with our freshman and transfer students in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at UNH. I came to UNH about two years ago as a graduate student in our Forensic Science program and later found that my work as a Graduate Assistant in the Undergraduate Admissions Office would lead to a position working with prospective students. I’ve been blessed with the great opportunities UNH has afforded me in such a short time.

I think you’ll find, like I did, that UNH is a small, nurturing, family-like community. As a graduate student and a UNH employee, I have seen firsthand how UNH faculty and staff put students first and work hard every day to make sure you enjoy your experience. I know how daunting your first college experience can be; however, it shouldn’t scare you, and we’re here to help.

That tight-knit community was evidenced in a special ceremony held at the university yesterday to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. I joined a large group of faculty, staff, and students to remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day just seven years ago. Following a procession across campus with local police and firefighters, we listened as our Campus Minister, Marty O’Connor, led a special ceremony at our 9-11 commemorative site. The campus flag was lowered to half staff at the time of the first attack on that tragic morning and each of us followed the ceremony by posting our own flag at the site. It was a somber yet powerful ceremony that allowed our campus community to honor the victims of 9-11.

This ceremony was also an opportunity for me to remember a hero the City of New Haven lost on September 10, 2008.  I completed an internship with the New Haven Police Department Bureau of Identification this past summer and worked alongside Sgt. Dario Aponte, among others. Aponte was a 17-year veteran of NHPD and died tragically in a car accident while responding to a call.  I only worked with the B of I for a short time, but I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Aponte and the other detectives in the unit. Today, I will attend Sgt. Aponte’s wake with other UNH students who interned with him at the NHPD.  We all feel privileged to have worked with such a great person and a dedicated officer.
I hope that you all have the chance to take advantage of the internships offered to UNH students. It is a great way to get hands-on experience in your field of interest. You not only gain practical experience, but you also develop relationships with amazing people like Sgt. Aponte.
Thank you for checking out my first ever blog! I’m looking forward to the fall and can’t wait to share my experiences at UNH with you.  

It is great to see so many students on campus!!! Ahhhhh…….the hustle and bustle is back after a somewhat quiet summer. When the students arrive on campus, it is our queue in the Admission Office to “hit the road” recruiting for the fall 2009 class. Where will my travels take me you may ask? Well, hold on your hats. This will be a whirlwind tour-Ohio, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, New Jersey and last but not least, Hawaii. By the time Thanksgiving comes around I feel like I have just run the Amazing Race (CBS).

My colleagues and I spend many days in high schools and many nights in hotels traveling around to meet all of you. Whether the University of New Haven is your first choice school or this is the first time you have heard of us; stop by and say hello. We would love to chat.

Well time to run as I am about to board a flight back to Connecticut. Until next time ...

I can still vividly remember September 11, 2001.  I was a freshman in college walking back from my 8:30 a.m. class back to my residence hall.  During my walk back, I was crossing a courtyard and saw a girl crying and talking to her friend.  She said, "I can't believe it hit a building" ... I had no clue what was going on.

Upon returning to my room, my suitemate came storming down the hall ... "Turn on the TV!" he said.  I asked which channel, and he said, "Any channel!"

There it was ... live on CNN breaking news.  The two towers, burning like two smoke stacks.  I was in complete shock.  At that point we had no idea who or what was responsible for this terrible tragedy.

That afternoon I received an e-mail from my professor for my afternoon class informing us that class was cancelled, and to say a prayer for the victims of the attacks.  Countless gatherings and vigil's were already being planned.  It was then that I saw the impact of being a member of a close community.  Thousands of students, many of whom have family and friends that live or went to school in the New York City area, coming together to mourn, pray, and support one another.  We hadn't been to school more than 2 weeks ... we barely had time to meet and get to know each other.  But there we were, together during that challenging time.

Today, as we mark the 7th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the impact of those attacks on everything that we do.  Regardless of if you support our presence in Iraq or Afghanistan, take a moment to pray for our soldiers who are abroad ... and if you have the opportunity, thank a soldier for everything that they do and the sacrifice that they continue to make.

Today I am proud to roll out a new program that the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has established known as Charger Ambassadors.

Charger Ambassadors is our way of recognizing current UNH students who help prospective students learn about UNH through our Charger Day program, as well as with programs such as our online chats , student blogs, and other programs where we introduce prospective students to current students.

Visiting campus and getting to meet members of our campus community is one of the best ways a prospective student can find out if a particular university is the right "fit" for them.  That is why we encourage students to always visit every school they are applying to ... and visit more than once.  UNH specifically offers a tremendous amount of campus visit opportunities for our students, and we are always welcoming walk-in visitors as well.

We hope to see the Charger Ambassadors program really flourish, as it is a great way to recognize our great current students for all that they do, and to really give prospective students and their families what they are looking for ... a personalized and informative campus visit.

If any current UNH student wants to be a Charger Ambassador, please be sure to e-mail me at grogers@newhaven.edu .

I must say that it is a pleasure to post this inaugural blog post for the Faculty & Staff Blog here at UNH!  Being a member of the UNH campus community for about a year and a half, I have already been a witness to tremendous growth and transformation here.

Fueled by the opening of the new David A. Beckerman Recreation Center last December, and the construction of a new residence hall set to open next fall, the University of New Haven experienced a spike in applications for admission this past year (nearly double from the year before to be exact).  New buildings are only a part of the equation, however.

UNH has been recognized as a leader in Experiential Education; a unique approach to education that enables students to not only receive top-notch instruction in the classroom, but also access to real-world education through faculty-mentored research, internships & co-ops, and an emphasis on study abroad.

I look forward to keeping this blog up-to-date and informing everyone what is going on in my life on campus.  Stay tuned!