With the closing of another academic year, we are excited to bring you our May 2019 Parent & Family Newsletter. Below, you can read about the students recently inducted into the Blue and Gold Hall of Fame, summer closing reminders, highlights from the School of Science, and information on award winning first seminar courses at the College. Additionally, you can find information about Commencement and important dates and deadlines for your reference.
We hope you have a fantastic summer with your student!
Susie Orecchio, MA, NCC
Director of Administration & Operations, Student Affairs
Coordinator of Parent & Family Programs
Highlights from the Vice President
for Student Affairs
Dear Parent and Family Members,
Alas, the end of the 2018-2019 academic year is rapidly approaching. This has been a year of challenge and triumph yet as I reflect, I remain hopeful and inspired. Through the many challenges facing our campus, to be sure, we have demonstrated a fundamental value of Student Affairs. We have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to resilience. Our Athletic program has once again produced another year of enviable accomplishments with Coach Sally Miller reaching the 600 win ranks in Women's Softball and senior Ryan Budzek closing out his career winning a national championship in wrestling. With your help and the generosity of many others, our annual Day of Giving yielded the largest individual donors and the most funds raised for our signature initiative Lions Lifting Lions; a support program for students challenged by homelessness, food insecurity, and other emergent issues. The dedicated staff members of Student Affairs were also successful in opening a food pantry here on campus serving students and the broader Ewing community. We also unveiled our Blue and Gold Hall of Fame wall recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of our incredibly talented students. The efforts have been endless, the commitment has been unmatched and much more was accomplished all while gearing up and hosting our first annual Out of the Darkness Walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to bring heightened attention and awareness to this growing crisis.
As we bring this year to a close, you should work with your student to familiarize yourself with the many expectations that come at the conclusion of a college year. This would include graduation prep, final exams stress indicators, and summer transition for graduate school, first job, or summer work. However, to commemorate the experience of The College of New Jersey, I would encourage you to now or perhaps later, consider participating in our developing class ring tradition. Class ring purchases can be made at the TCNJ Bookstore. For additional information on Commencement, please visit commencement.tcnj.edu.
Sean O. Stallings
InterimVice President of Student Affairs
Blue and Gold Hall of Fame By Avani Rana, Director of Leadership Development
The Blue and Gold Hall of Fame was created five years ago to recognize the variety of student leadership that occurs at the College. The Blue and Gold Award honors students who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to The College of New Jersey. This award acknowledges our understanding that these students, through the quality of their work and dedication to the mission of the College, will have a positive and lasting impact on the student experience. These individuals have all proven themselves to be critical change-agents, excellent role models for their fellow students, and dedicated and able leaders in and out of the classroom. These individuals represent leadership, scholarship, service and the core beliefs of the College.
Each year, we recognize 12 students for their service and contributions to The College of New Jersey. This past year with the renovation of the Brower Student Center, the Blue and Gold Hall of Fame was created on the 2nd floor of the Student Center to honor the students inducted. The students inducted this year were:
Justin Brach
Lauren Bsales
Brooke Chlebowski
Dominic Clark
Abigail Flagler
Carlie Horton
Nicholas Mack
Kai Mangino
Zahra Memon
Danielle Parks
Kelly Saldarriaga
Sarah Sleiman
Summer Break Closing Information By the Department of Residential Education & Housing
All residence halls close for the summer on Tuesday, May 21 at 8:00 PM. Students must completely vacate their housing assignment within 24 hours of their last final or by Tuesday, May 21 at 8:00 PM, whichever comes first. Below are some important reminders from Residential Education to ensure a smooth move-out process:
All meal plan points will expire at the end of the day on Tuesday, May 21. To make sure leftover points are not forfeited, take advantage of Sodexo’s Case Sale! Students received specific information about this in the closing email.
Students who rented a microfridge or safe will receive an email with instructions directly from the rental company regarding pick-up.
All personal items, including furniture, carpets, and other materials of this nature should be removed before your student's last day in residence. These items can only be thrown away in the large, 30-yard dumpsters. Students can be fined for large trash items left in the hallways, stairways, or the smaller dumpsters.
If there are any repairs required in your student's room (except College Houses), they should report them using the online work order system. College Houses requests should be reported to TSC Corp at 609-771-3312.
Rearrange the furniture as you originally found it in August, which may include bunking or debunking the beds. Remove all items from walls, doors, and windows (posters, tape, stickers, hooks, mirrors, etc.).
To avoid cleaning fees, your student's room must be left in broom swept condition. All trash is to be removed and all drawers, closets, and sink cabinets are to be cleaned. All bathrooms in Cromwell, New Residence, Decker, Eickhoff, Townhouses, Apartments and College Houses must be thoroughly cleaned.
School Spotlight
School of Science By Jeffrey M. Osborn, Dean of the School of Science
and Shannon Presha, Assistant to the Dean/Office Manager
The students, faculty, and staff in TCNJ’s School of Science have had a busy spring semester. Here are a few highlights.
TCNJ Hosts the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics – TCNJ was selected by the American Physical Society to host the 2019 Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) for the Mid-Atlantic States. Over 300 attendees, including undergraduate physics majors, professional physicists from industry and higher education, corporate and academic leaders, as well as high school students and teachers attended this three-day conference in January. Learn more.
TCNJ Named among the Top 5 Producers of Physics Teachers Nationwide – TCNJ was named to PhysTEC’s “5+ Club” for three of the past five years. Most colleges and universities graduate fewer than two trained physics teachers a year, and the most common number of graduates is zero, according to PhysTEC, a flagship education program of the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers. Learn more.
Novo Nordisk Spring Lecture Focuses on the Connections between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease – In addition to sponsoring a year-long Lecture Series, Novo Nordisk is supporting Student Scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year and TCNJ’s summer 2019 MUSE program, or Mentored Undergraduate Research Experience. Learn more.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Officer Speaks on Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Computing Community – Dr. Janice E. Cuny, who leads the NSF’s Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate efforts on broadening participation and education in computing, visited campus in March. Learn more.
Students Develop Innovative Projects at TCNJ’s Hackathon – TCNJ’s student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery hosted the 7th Annual Hackathon in February. Hacking is all about building things that you always wanted to have but no one has built it yet. It’s to come up with an amazing idea and work tirelessly on it. It is to fail, and fail again until you achieve your goals. Learn more.
Computer Science and Business Students Team Up to Provide Real-world Solutions to Local Charity – When Mercer Street Friends, a Trenton-based human service agency, needed to upgrade their information systems they found help in a friendly collaboration with TCNJ. Learn more.
Chemistry Professor Benny Chan named Educator of the Year by NOGLSTP – The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals recognized TCNJ Chemistry Professor Benny Chan as Educator of the Year for 2019. Learn more.
TCNJ Biology Major Interviewed by CBS New York: Student EMS Service Helping To Save Their Classmates’ Lives – In case of emergency, fellow students are at the ready at TCNJ. TCNJ’s all-volunteer EMS crew balances college life with saving lives. Learn more.
Math & Statistics Students and Faculty win Awards at NJ Undergraduate Mathematics Conference – TCNJ students attended and presented at the 16th Annual Garden State Undergraduate Mathematics Conference. Jason Miles won an award for his presentation and Dr. Karen Clark received the MAA-NJ Service Award for her many contributions to the field. Learn more.
Faculty Corner By Leeann Thornton, Associate Professor of Biology, First Seminar Program Coordinator
Award Winning First Seminar Courses
The beginning of a college career has many firsts, and at TCNJ all students participate in a seminar designed to introduce them to academic rigor and scholarship. In the First Seminar Program (FSP) course, all students must practice reading critically, writing a well-supported argument, and articulating their ideas in discussions and presentations. Each instructor chooses a content framework that is grounded in their scholarly interests and engages the students in exploration that is not connected to the major they have chosen. The content area differs widely across campus, ranging from “Know Your Food” to “The Apocalypse Now” to “The History of Disease” to “Emotional Literacy.” There is even a course on Star Wars that connects to modern perceptions of war. For the past few years, TCNJ has honored FSP instructors with teaching awards to celebrate their contributions to this important program.
Dr. Michele Lise Tarter, Professor of English, teaches an FSP entitled, “Incarceration Nation: The Literature of the Prison.” She is receiving the Robert Anderson First Seminar Program Instructor of the Year Award. Her course embodies the FSP goal of challenging students to think deeply about a subject area that they are not likely to have studied. She has been a dedicated instructor in the First Seminar Program for many years, and she has an innovative approach to engaging students in conversations about the social issue of imprisonment. Dr. Tarter’s course challenges students to develop skills in literary analysis by exploring texts written by or about prisoners from 600 AD to the present. She combines an exploration of gender, sociology, criminology, and psychology with the study of literature. Dr. Tarter encourages students to bring their unique interests and creativity to their work in the class. She also invites guest speakers to help the students connect their studies with real-world experiences. Here are a few comments from students:
“Listening to a person that has gone through the system we spent so much time learning about was very eye opening.”
“Great activities and powerful testimonies by guest speakers. Emotionally moving and completely changed my perspective on prisoners and people as a whole.”
Dr. Kristen A. Clark, TCNJ Sociology Alumna and member of the WILL Advisory Council, teaches an FSP entitled, “Rebel Girls: How Girls DO Activism & Social Change.” She is receiving the Outstanding First Seminar Program Course Award for her course in Fall 2018. Dr. Clark’s course engages students in the question of what it means to be a “girl” and the strategies that young women use to inspire social and political change in their communities. The readings challenge students to engage deeply with issues of age, gender and power through social media, film, and music. Dr. Clark also brings in outside speakers to help students learn from the leadership strategies of specific activists. The course assignments allow students to draw on creative means of expression as well as developing traditional writing skills that will serve them in other academic pursuits. She challenges students to critically evaluate information and incorporate multiple perspectives. Student comments illustrate the impact of Dr. Clark’s course:
“It really helped me open my eyes for the first time and see the world in a different light as well as myself.”
“The course was extremely interesting and informational, with respect to the material and as a platform for students of other backgrounds to come together and share.”
The 2018-2019 FSP instructor awards highlight the unique opportunities that first year TCNJ students have to engage deeply in a subject area with a professor who is passionate about the topic. Many students go on to have in-depth scholarly experiences in their later years as they explore independent study with professors in their degree programs.
What's New at TCNJ?
As the semester comes to a close, see some of the latest news available about The College of New Jersey!
Kathryn A. Foster is inaugurated as The College of New Jersey's 16th president.
President Foster discusses TCNJ Initiatives with Comcast Newsmakers.
TCNJ Students are honored at Sigma Tau Delta, international English honor society, convention.
News anchor, Keith Jones, visits the college and shares his knowledge of journalism.
TCNJ ranks 1st in the NJ Department of Health flu shot challenge.
Code the Future, a company to teach students in grades 2–8 how to code, wins the 2019 Mayo Business Plan Competition.
TCNJ launches the #TCNJsaysHi Instagram challenge to highlight supportive campus community.
Stay updated with more news about the Collegehere.
Summer Health Rejuvenation for College Students By Barbara Clark
Nurse Practitioner, Student Health Services
As the spring semester nears to a close, many students will prepare to leave campus for the summer. Before returning in the fall, students can use our warmest season to rejuvenate and improve their health and wellness. Some suggestions on ways to use the summer months to improve health include:
Exercise: find the time to start, increase or expand physical activity
Many gyms offer summer programs for college students without the expense of a year-long commitment
Join a summer league of a sport once enjoyed in high school
Take walks outside to improve cardiovascular health and mood
Nutrition:learn a new appreciation for food and for healthier eating habits
Enhance cooking skills or learn new recipes
Try a cooking class, check with your supermarket for low cost classes
Enjoy summer fruits, find a local pick-your-own or farmer’s market
Sleep: plan for a balanced sleep/wake schedule and stick to it
Try to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
Find sleep tracker apps to keep track of your sleep goals
Relax: reduce stress and find ways to unwind
Take time out for yourself and find healthy ways to reward yourself
Try a free trial yoga class at a local gym
Read a book in a quiet place or outside under a tree
Reconnect: find time to get together with friends and family
Hang out with friends in healthy ways
Reach out to others whom you haven’t seen in a while
Research your ancestry or learn more about your family
Students will return to campus with the knowledge of ways to keep healthy and with hopefully fond memories of those warm summer months away from school.
TCNJ Dining Services Nutrition Program & Mindful Eating By Puneet Sethi, RDN, Clinical Nutrition Manager
Through nutrient dense menu offerings, wellness promotion throughout campus, and educational events, TCNJ Dining services encourages healthy mindful eating. Puneet Sethi, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, has integrated mindful eating as an educational approach because she strives to challenge negative attitudes towards eating and nutrition, and to encourage a healthy balanced approach leading to sustainable, positive change in the lives of TCNJ students, faculty, and staff.
Every time we nourish, refuel, or simply enjoy food, it is an opportunity to have a mindful moment; we can develop a practice of mindful eating by repeating a few simple steps every time we eat. TCNJ Dining Services encourages you to:
Check in with yourself before you begin eating. Are you hungry? Are you full? How long has it been since your last meal or snack? Checking in on a hunger and satiety scale can help discern patterns in eating. Try to avoid eating when overly physically hungry or full.
Observe. How do you feel? Are you stressed, anxious, happy? How does the food in front of you look and smell? Is it appealing? Soak it in using as many senses as possible when observing your food, and how you are feeling before you begin to eat.
Remain in the moment. When you are eating, try to just eat. Turn off the TV, save long discussions for later and find a place to sit and eat. Building a practice of eating in a quiet, calm space will not only help reduce the mental clutter but also enable you to increase awareness of how you are feeling during the meal, allowing your brain to catch up with your stomach.
Savor and enjoy your food. Enjoy my brownie mindfully? YES. Pleasure from food is part of the human experience. If you are eating something that tastes good or that has positive associations, do not lose out on the opportunity to experience that by clouding it with negative judgments and guilty thoughts. All foods can fit into a healthy diet.
Be aware of when it is time to finish eating. Know when it is time to stop by learning what physical cues indicate that you are starting to feel full and satisfied. Avoid feeling “thanksgiving full” after meals or snacks. An important part of knowing if you’ve had enough is also understanding your body's nutritional needs and ensuring that you are well nourished (as emotions can sometimes make us feel that we are more hungry or full than we may be!).
Meal Plans through TCNJ Dining Services include individualized nutrition services. Students have access to nutrition consultation, general wellness, medical conditions, sports nutrition, and weight management. For individual sessions, or for questions regarding the nutrition program at TCNJ, please email Puneet Sethi, RDN at sdhrd@tcnj.edu.
Alumni Update: The Coaches of the Class of 2018 TCNJ Athletics Department
When most student athletes graduate, their love of the game persists. Read here how some TCNJ Alumni maintained their passion by becoming coaches.
One Year Out Survey: TCNJ Class of 2017 TCNJ Career Center
Curious about what our students do after they graduate? Check out the results from our One Year Out Survey conducted last year.
Health & Wellness Newsletter By TCNJ's Health & Wellness Portfolio
TCNJ's Health & Wellness portfolio has another newsletter to share with you! We hope that this newsletter can provide you with useful information about the departments, programs, and initiatives at the College that focus on the health and wellness of your students. You can view the latest newsletter here.
Class of 2019 families, be sure to visit the Commencement websitefor detailed information on Commencement festivities. If you haven't done so already, register for the Facebook Event!
Advancing Your Student's Education By Susan Hydro
Director of Graduate and Advancing Education
Learning is a continuous process, spanning educational levels and bridging seasons. Whether you are a working professional, current college student, or even a high school student, The College of New Jersey enables you to advance your education.
Is your student looking for a way to get ahead or graduate early?Summer and Winter Sessions might be the path to pursue and registration is open now!
Does your student have a sibling at home seeking apre-college program? TCNJ offers residential and non-residential, credit and non-credit options!
A Legacy at The College of New Jersey is an alumna/alumnus or current student who is the grandchild, child, or sibling of another TCNJ alumna/alumnus or current student. The Office of Alumni Affairs hosts special events for Legacy families throughout the year. Please let us know if you are a TCNJ Legacy family by clicking here to fill out our survey.
27th Annual TCNJ Athletics Golf Open
How to Earn Good Grades in College Tips for Your Student Spencer Savings Bank Financial Center
Many students go into college believing that they can be successful by using the same study strategies they used in high school. This may not always be the case. Read on to learn some tips on how to change your study habits and set yourself up for success.
1) Read the textbook before class.
College classes are only one semester long, so instructors have tons of information to go over in class, and only a few short months to do it. As a result, lectures tend to be very content-heavy, and students can easily get lost only a few minutes into the lecture. The best way to fix this problem is to get at least vaguely familiar with the material ahead of time. Read through the textbook, or at least look it over until you feel confident about the main points. Doing so will save you a huge headache in class; you'll actually be able to follow what the instructor is talking about, and you'll get much more out of the lecture.
2) Review all of your notes at least once a week.
College classes have mid-term exams and final exams, and they usually count toward a large percentage of the final grade. Cramming, which may have worked well in high school, is not an effective study strategy in college. If you want to pass, it's best to review your notes regularly. Try reading through all of your notes for each class at least once a week. Better yet, work with a classmate and take turns quizzing each other on each set of notes.
3) Highlight in moderation only.
It's awfully tempting to jazz up the boring black-and-white pages of a textbook with line after line of brightly colored highlighting, but the terrible truth is that doing so is a waste of your time. Highlighting really good explanations, key facts, or things you are worried you will forget and not be able to find again is okay, but, if you find it necessary to highlight more than a fifth or so of what you read, then you're probably highlighting too much. Remember that you can always go back and re-read, whereas you'll never get back the time that you waste on excessive highlighting.
4) Create "gold sheets."
"Gold sheets" are like your own person cheat sheets. A few days before an exam, go through your notes and pick out whatever parts you find most difficult. Condense those into helpful notes to yourself, and write them all on a single piece of paper, your "gold sheet." This exercise makes your studying immensely more focused and efficient. All of the tough stuff is in one place, so you can review it almost at a glance, without having to page through a whole notebook full of information that you feel relatively confident about.
5) Make flashcards and study them daily.
For detail-oriented classes, such as anatomy, foreign languages, pharmacology, and perhaps physics, the best memorization strategy is to make flashcards and to study them daily. In each study session, always remember to review the ones you get wrong. Once you can get through your whole deck of flashcards every day without making a mistake, you can decrease your studying intensity. Try reviewing just five or ten flashcards every day so that you don't forget what you worked so hard to memorize.
The transition from high school to college is scary. However, if you have a solid study plan and come to classes prepared, there's no reason to worry. Just study frequently, effectively, and efficiently. Your GPA will thank you.
