Incoming Chargers Connect with Deans, Professors, and Classmates

When Liza Rozenraukh ’27 was scrolling through Instagram recently, she discovered a unique opportunity at the University: the VIP Deans’ Tour. It was a chance for incoming Chargers, such as herself, to become more familiar with their particular academic college or school while building connections and community.

Intrigued, Rozenraukh, a new member of the University’s Pompea College of Business, registered for the event. It enabled her to sit down for breakfast with Gazi Duman, Ph.D., assistant professor, chair of Economics & Business Analytics, and one of the Pompea College’s faculty leaders, as well as several of her new classmates.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity to see the class setting and the business school,” she said. “I’ve already gone on many tours, but I wanted to get a more specific look. And, as a commuter, I wanted to get to see the lounge areas where I’ll be spending some time.”

‘Talking to the deans is the best source of information’

Rozenraukh was one of more than a dozen students who, with their families, attended the VIP Deans’ Tour. It’s a small, intimate event that connects new Chargers from each of the University’s academic colleges and schools with their new deans and some professors. It includes a networking breakfast, during which students and their families introduce themselves and get to know each other.

At nearby tables, Betsy Francis-Connolly, Ph.D., dean of the School of Health Sciences, and Shaily Menon, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also met some of their new students. Anton Rusu ’27, a new engineering student, connected with Ronald Harichandran, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE and Stephanie Gillespie, Ph.D., dean and associate dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering, respectively.

“I wanted to inform myself and learn what to expect when I start school,” he explains. “Talking to the deans is the best source of information. They are amazing people, and very talented. It comes down to taking advantage of opportunities such as this to see what’s to come and to prepare.”

‘Meeting new friends’

In an inclusive and friendly environment, faculty and staff welcomed the new Chargers, offering them a meal and Charger swag. Interim president Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., also greeted them. He was excited to discuss the social aspects of the University – both on campus and in the local community. He shared his own enthusiasm for the area, discussing his favorite local restaurants, the nearby beaches he enjoys, and the rich culture and vibrant arts scene of New Haven.

“This is a fun place to be,” he said. “It’s the people, the culture, and the food. If you come here and embrace it as I have, as our faculty have, you’ll see that this is a special place. We’ve had a blast here, and I think you will too.

“Come here and be leaders,” he continued. “Lean on the people you’ve just met. We’re here to support you.”

The VIP Deans’ Tour also gives students an up-close look at the areas of the campus they’ll be frequenting. The deans personally show the students around, taking them to classrooms, labs, and study areas, ensuring that everything is familiar when the students return in August for the start of the academic year.

David Schroeder, Ph.D., associate dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, brought students to Gehring Hall. He asked them engaging questions and answered theirs, and he says he enjoyed getting to know the students and their families.

“The Deans’ Tour gave me a chance to speak to students and their parents directly about their aspirations and expectations,” he said. “I feel we all learned a lot, and I know better decision-making will follow. It was also a lot of fun to interact with students and their parents outside of the traditional recruitment setting. We didn’t need to be students, parents, and administrators during the tour, and we communicated as you might when meeting new friends.”

‘It helps them connect’

Organized by Tiffany Hesser, Ed.D., vice provost for advising, retention, and academic support, and Josh Kealer, associate director of undergraduate admissions, the program endeavors to build connections for incoming students – with each other, with their new deans, and with the campus itself.

“This allows them to see the programs through the deans’ eyes,” explains Dr. Hesser. “This way, they walk around the halls with the deans and have a one-on-one experience with their faculty.

The event also enabled new students to get to know faculty from specific programs. Amy Carlile, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Biology and Environmental Science Department, and Amy Baker, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and sociology, also met with new Chargers, ensuring that students would see more familiar faces when they officially begin their classes.

“It’s important to offer new students time with their faculty,” said Kealer. “They get to learn about their programs as well as how to be successful. It helps them connect in a relaxed and informal way.”

‘This is a great community’

The VIP Deans’ Tour is the culminating event of a social media contest that invites new Chargers to put their name in for a drawing for the breakfast and tour. The event also drew several returning students who were excited to help welcome the newest Chargers. Alexis Smith ’25, a Charger Ambassador, was among them.

“It’s great for new students to get to meet their deans and gain a faculty perspective they might not otherwise have,” said Smith, a psychology major. “I like being a part of the community and showing new students that this is a great community. Being with people in the same college or school also promotes connection for them before they even start school.”