Alexea Candreva Hometown: Crown Point, Indiana Class: Sophomore Major: Journalism and Communications & Culture Minor: Spanish Activities: Works as an Advocate for Community Engagement (ACE) at Crestmont Boys & Girls Club, and also serves as a volunteer at the club; member of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. The IU experience, in her words: “When I was applying for colleges, money was a major issue for me. I knew my parents couldn’t help me at all, so I had to find a way to get myself through school. … I wanted a college that offered a variety of scholarships, organizations, and a great journalism school. After visiting IU for the first time, my decision was already made. I fell in love with the campus, the atmosphere, the culture, the J-school, everything. I knew I had to do everything and anything in my power to find a scholarship so that I would be able to attend. Once I got my Cox Engagement Scholarship, no other school was even on my radar. IU has gone above and beyond to help me meet my financial challenges. By offering such a large variety of different scholarship programs, I was able to find the scholarship that I knew would be perfect for me. The Cox Engagement Scholarship merges my passion for community involvement with my dedication to my academics and drive for success. Overall, IU has exceeded my expectations. I knew the journalism school was great, but I had no idea just how much I would love my classes. Every day I learn something new and grow in ways that I never knew possible. Being at IU is a journey, and you never know where it will take you next. That’s the most exciting part.”
sure they thrive on the Bloomington campus. Scholarship administration was efficient and strategic, including significant enhancements in COMPASS, the Selective Scholarship Application, and awarding of donor scholarships. Again, social media were key, with Scholarships staff using Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for recruitment, yield initiatives, and scholarship administration. They also executed a variety of successful scholar events — from recruitment efforts such as Game Days and Scholar Receptions, to yield events such as the Herbert Presidential Scholar Visit Days, to scholar graduation celebrations and retention initiatives such as the first 21st Century Scholar Brunch and the Cox Scholar Workshop. Of course, student retention initiatives are central to the work of the staff in First Year Experience Programs, and several FYE efforts were worthy of note this year. One program, Conversations on First Year Student Success, provides a forum for faculty and staff to discuss issues that can slow the progress of beginning students and also offers tools and techniques to address those issues. Topics for this year included, “Building
a Campus Climate of Civility,” “Working with International Students,” and “Addressing the Mental Health Issues Facing Today’s Students.” FYE also added value to this year’s New Student Orientation (NSO) by teaming up with two campus partners: the Office of Overseas Study and the Career Development Center. This year, the Office of Overseas Study presented one of NSO’s “Sprint Sessions,” short, topical informational sessions offered on the second day of Orientation. The session went very well and was a popular choice among participants. The Office of Overseas Study also participated in the Open Houses program during Welcome Week. The Career Development Center took advantage of Welcome Week as well, teaming up with the University Division to stage OEM’s Academic Orientation gatherings for exploratory students. While students with an identified major attend events planned by their intended schools, students listed as “exploratory” are invited to attend Academic Orientation. The event exposes students to various fields of study and gives them a chance to meet people who can help shape and direct their academic journey. Good direction and efficient organization are vital to student success, and the Office of the Registrar is focused on fostering both. Registrar staff took a number of steps this year to simplify the student experience — despite major changes to the
Brady Bair Hometown: Anderson, Indiana Class: Sophomore Major: Biology (Pre-dentistry) Minor: Spanish Activities: President of Collegiate 4-H Volunteers; College Republicans; Orientation leader during New Student Orientation; Student Alumni Association. The IU experience, in his words: “IU has fulfilled all of my expectations, and one of the big reasons is there are literally hundreds of people here to help students with a wide range of needs. For example, at every step of the financial aid process, somebody has helped me get the right answer about what I need to do. The 21st Century Scholars office is incredible. Not only do they work closely with the Office of Student Financial Aid to help ensure that everything is filled out on time, they also help students make the social adjustment to college by hosting social events on campus throughout the year. IU is a phenomenal public research institution, with a lot of cultural opportunities, amazing diversity, and a beautiful campus. Not only is this a wonderful place to study, it is also a welcoming home to more than 40,000 students.”
10 Office of Enrollment Management 2012 Annual Report