Garrett Schlichte (Class of 2015) attended the  NODA National Conference (NODAC) held in Orlando, FL on November 2-5, 2014. At this conference, Garrett presented “Challenging Students to Dare Greatly: Empathy in Peer Leadership.”

As a graduate assistant within the Division of Enrollment Planning & Management, Garrett uses his bubbly personality and eagerness to help others to support Orientation programming at UConn.

As always, we are proud to acknowledge the hard work of our students. Congratulations again, Garrett!

 

 

Every year, the UConn HESA program offers an International Experience where students can travel to partner institutions abroad to conduct research and assessment projects. The goal of this collaboration, structured through the Universitas 21 partnership that UConn belongs to, is to benefit not only the student researchers but the hosting institution as well.

After spending three weeks assessing the use of social media platforms by international students at the University of Glasgow, five UConn HESA students returned to the ‘States with a fresh set of data and suggestions for UGlasgow student affairs staff. After returning home, these five students applied and were accepted to present their experiences at the NASPA Region 1 conference on November 17, 2014. The group’s presentation was titled, “Social Media: #DoItRight.”

Congratulations to Jackie Lee, Caroline Green, Eileen Rodriguez, Em Loisel, and Ty McNamee on their successful presentation!

 

George Takei, an established actor, social justice activist, and social media mega-power visited UConn on the evening of November 5, 2014.

Preceding his speaking engagement with students and visitors to the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, Takei sat down to dinner with various leaders within student affairs, including staff and HESA students from an array of departments and cultural centers on campus.

HESA students provided guidance to student organizations involved with the event, aided in the overall planning of the evening, and acted as ambassadors of the institution during Takei’s visit.

The event was sponsored by the Asian American Cultural Center, Asian & Asian American Studies Institute, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, Division of Student Affairs, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Neag School of Education, Global Affairs, UConn Alumni Association, Community Outreach, Leadership Office, Residential Life, Rainbow Center, Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center, Women’s Center and the African American Cultural Center.

Marisa Forti, a UConn HESA graduate with the Class of 2009, is set to begin her new position at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester. As the new Director of Student Development, Marisa will regularly manage first year students and students in transition programming. Overseeing such programs as first year seminars, peer advising, student activities, social justice programming, and direct coordination of student leadership efforts, Marisa continues to utilize the skills and experiences gained from the UConn HESA program into her role as a practitioner.

Furthermore, Maria’s efforts in supporting academically at risk students through early alerts and academic coaching will allow her to share her experiences between areas of student affairs and academic affairs concurrently.

The UConn HESA program is happy to recognize the efforts of past graduates, and we wish Marisa the best of luck in her new role!

The Division of Student Affairs recognized Shana Clarke (’14) with the Graduate Student Award of Excellence for her contribution to the division and students. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Beth Settje one of our assistantship site supervisors for receiving the ACPA Excellence in Practice award! Learn more >>

 

Kathy Andrade (‘13) and Mike Lynch (‘13) had the opportunity to present at this year’s National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Northeast Regional Conference in Hartford, CT. The 2nd year HESA students presented “Engaging Students Through Social Media” to students and student affairs professionals.

Jeremy DiGorio (’13) and Krista Muise (’12), Coordinator for Leadership Programs at the University of Connecticut presented at the Leadership Educator’s Institute (LEI) in Columbus, Ohio in December 2012. The duo co-presented with colleagues from Baylor University on Leading, Living, and Learning: Effective Leadership Learning Communities on campus. The presentation provided attendees with a myriad of strengths and challenges for leadership educators nationwide.

The MCPA Conference Committee has selected a program written by four HESA students (‘13): Sutha Kanagasingam, Amanda George, Sarah Lane, and La’Rez Wilson. Their presentation is titled: Undergraduate Commuter Students: Turning College Roadblocks into Green Lights. These HESA students will present at the 2012 Drive-In Conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on December 7th.Well done!

 

Ashley Vrabely (‘13) was selected as one of the 2013 ASCA Annual Conference Raymond Goldstone ASCA Foundation Scholarship recipients. Congratulations Ashley!