School of Graduate and Professional Studies newsletter, Fall 2024

The Hoot Fall 2024

Meet the SGPS Staff The School of Graduate and Professional Studies’ (SGPS) mission is to promote excellence in all aspects of graduate education. Whether you have questions on programs, your thesis or dissertation, Graduate Commencement, etc., our staff is here to help! With assistance from our student employees, SGPS strives to provide Southern students with ample resources and opportunities to excel in their graduate school journey.

Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Back row, from left to right: Stefanie Ortiz, Jessica Jensen, Jennifer Sparano, Teneka Mills, Lisa Galvin, and Christina West-Webster.

Front row, from left to right: Dawn Grimes, Rabia Hos, and Amy Feest.

Student Employees (not pictured): Emma Hubbell (UA), Jonah Junga (GA), Sean Laragy (GA), Avry Sylvester (SW)

gpsinfo@southernct.edu

(203) 392-5240

Buley Library, BU 444-448

Contents 2-3 Welcoming the Dean and Associate Dean

10-11 Getting Involved Finding Community on Campus

Meet Dr. Rabia Hos and Dr. Jessica Jensen

4-5 Making Connections Interdisciplinary Collaboration at the Makerspace

6-7 Owl’s Eye View Diverse Campus Perspectives from Graduate Students

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Celebrating Southern’s History A University Dedicated to Excellence

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Campus-Wide Commitment to Social Justice

12-13 Graduate Student News and Events 14-15 Degrees with Voices Using Your Degree to Empower & Uplift Others

16 Equitable Education Resources for Graduate Success

17 Resolution to Succeed Commit Yourself to Success this New Year

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Welcoming the Dean & Associate Dean Meet Dr. Rabia Hos and Dr. Jessica Jensen Rabia Hos, Ph.D. Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies

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Dr. Rabia Hos began her career in education as a K-12 teacher, specializing in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). She now holds her Ph.D. in Education, Teaching, Curriculum, and Change from the University of Rochester, where she worked to extend the need for English language learners courses to those in higher education. Dr. Hos has taught refugees and immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating classroom environments that cater to the needs of these populations. As a Turkish immigrant herself, she wants to make sure bilingual and first-generation students of all ages feel confident in their academic pursuits, and views advocacy as a core tenant to education.

“I think teachers need to be advocates for their students,” says Dr. Hos, sharing that “creating an atmosphere where students feel a sense of belonging” is crucial to student success, both in and out of the classroom.

Previously, Dr. Hos served as graduate program director for the School of Education at the University of Rhode Island and as department chair for the Department of English Language Teaching at Zirve University in Türkiye. She has also received funding from agencies such as the U.S. Department of State, Rhode Island Department of Education, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Nellie Mae Education Foundation for her robust scholarship on global education, multilingual learners, and STEM. As our Dean, Dr. Hos wants to “put sustainable systems of communication in place so that graduate students feel comfortable reaching out to us,” in the hopes that all students feel welcome and accepted as part of the community at Southern. Providing more support to international graduate students and working to internationalize Southern’s graduate program is another one of Dr. Hos’ priorities, emphasizing the importance of “opening up spaces for underserved communities to have access to quality graduate education.”

As the daughter of a Chilean father and American mother who communicated exclusively in German at home, she naturally grew a deep appreciation for multilingualism and multiculturalism. Her experience living in France during middle school ignited her interest in Francophone cultures, which eventually led her to pursue a doctorate. Her research interests focus on contemporary French literature, particularly first-person fictional narratives of reproductive bodies. Dr. Jensen has received multiple honors, including the AATF Indiana Collegiate French Teacher of the Year award, as well as various teaching and service accolades.

Jessica Garcés Jensen, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Jessica Garcés Jensen has a robust background in higher education, and a deep passion for the advancement of graduate studies and leadership.

Holding a Ph.D. in Romance Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and her A.B. in French Literature from Brown University, Dr. Jensen has discovered a sense of purpose by leveraging her diverse interdisciplinary experiences to enhance higher education curricula.

Prior to Southern, she served as a Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor of French at the University of Southern Indiana, where she developed innovative graduate programs. Notably, she helped found and lead USI’s Master of Arts in Second Language Acquisition, Policy, and Culture. Dr. Jensen is committed to students of all backgrounds, advocating for refugees and immigrants in higher education spaces.

In addition to supporting the creation of innovative, interdisciplinary graduate programs, Dr. Jensen is committed to fostering a strong sense of community among graduate students – by both leading student involvement initiatives and creating environments where graduate students feel empowered to express themselves and advocate for their needs.

To our graduate students, she recommends “enhancing your graduate experience by actively participating in both academic and extracurricular activities expanding your network, building connections, and engaging with the broader campus community. Challenge yourself to attend events, join student organizations like GSAC, and seek out leadership roles to further enrich your time at Southern.”

“Meet The Deans” Dr. Hos and Dr. Jensen have attended multiple “Meet The Deans” events throughout the Fall ‘24 semester, visiting the various academic buildings and meeting students and faculty members from all fields of study.

Together, they spoke with current and prospective graduate students about anything and everything graduate school – from accelerated pathway programs and non-credit certificates, to the benefits of pursuing graduate education.

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Making Connections Interdisciplinary Collaboration at the Makerspace The prevalence of the ‘makerspace’ – loosely defined as a public space where people gather to work on creative projects while sharing resources, equipment, and knowledge – has grown exponentially over the past two decades, with an observed 14-times increase in the number of makerspaces worldwide from 2006-2016 (Popular Science.) Joining the ‘maker movement’ in 2015, the Makerspace at Buley Library serves as a beacon of imagination and innovation on Southern’s campus, allowing space for students to gather, learn, and create alongside one another.

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Kelly King, Graduate Assistant, MLIS ‘25

Kelly King is a Graduate Assistant at the Makerspace, where she is responsible for running the space during library hours, planning programs, posting on social media, and leading engagement initiatives to promote student involvement within the space, at both the academic and recreational level. A current MLIS (Master’s in Library and Information Science) candidate, King has been working at the Makerspace since January of this year, and has found the experience to be extremely beneficial for her professional development. “It’s helpful seeing the specific challenges that come with being in a library,” says King, explaining how working in both the Makerspace and Reference Department at the Buley Library has enriched her endeavors as a graduate student. King is supervised by STEM Librarian Diana Hellyar, who she is grateful to have as a mentor throughout her assistantship.

One of the Makerspace’s current priorities is communicating with University faculty, informing them about resources and encouraging them to take advantage of the materials, equipment, and space for their classes. “Now, we’re starting to see a little bit more interaction with professors,” says King, detailing how faculty members are incorporating the Makerspace into classes across a variety of subjects – from Sports Management to Women’s and Gender Studies.

King shared that she was enrolled in ILS 599: “Libraries/The Maker Movement” during the first semester of her MLIS program, and that her positive experience in this course is directly correlated to her academic and professional growth.

3d printed student projects in the Makerspace

On the makerspace as a public resource, King states that “all of them are very unique, which is one of the things that I think is great about the Makerspace; you kind of make it what you can.” The Buley Makerspace offers a wide array of machines, tools, and supplies available to all students and faculty members – “everything from coding kits and robots to crochet hooks and knitting needles that people can check out and bring home.” King also cited the potential benefits of the Makerspace’s resources to Southern’s teaching program, mentioning how student teachers can take out STEM education Lego sets and other activities for use in their own classrooms. The Makerspace’s collection is always growing, with a Cricut vinyl cutting machine being one of their newest acquisitions. A full list of Makerspace resources can be found on their website, libguides.southernct.edu/makerspace.

King working on a 3d printed project

The Makerspace’s interdisciplinary nature provides a unique opportunity for students of all disciplines to explore shared interests in crafting, technology, and everything in between. This environment encourages students, student employees, and faculty members to work together, affirming the importance of community-centered learning and demonstrating how cross-field collaboration makes for a more enriching academic experience.

On accessibility and inclusion in the library, King states, “it’s about letting students know that the library is not just about books, and that libraries are about providing resources.” She hopes that by getting the word out about the Makerspace, students will realize the potential of the library as a space for fostering human connection and building community.

libguides.southernct. edu/makerspace @scsu_makerspace The Makerspace is located on the ground floor of the Buley Library, and remains open for all students during library hours. For current library hours, please visit libguides.southernct.edu/hours.

If you need to coordinate with Makerspace staff to use specific resources, please fill out the request form on the home page of their website.

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Owl’s Eye View Diverse Campus Perspectives from Graduate Students Every educational journey looks different, and graduate school is especially unique in that many students are balancing part or full-time work with their studies. This article highlights the spectrum of lives that we lead as graduate students, providing a glimpse into the various spaces and roles we step into each and every day.

We asked our graduate students to share their unique perspectives as they navigate in and out of graduate school this semester, and here’s what they said: Photo of the annual sailboat race at Fisher Island

by Sidney Krol, MPH ‘25

What does your life outside of being a student look like?

“I work part time as a substitute, part time at Stop & Shop, part time at my internship, and the rest of the time trying to catch up on sleep!”

– Dana Cote, MSW - Clinical Practice ‘26 “My life outside of campus involves helping my mother with her local business, volunteering at the Yale Cocaine Research Clinic (YCRC), and serving as a bilingual crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line.”

– Alisson Paredes Naveda, MA Psychology ‘25 “I work as a graduate assistant in the department of special education. Along with this, I am a waitress and full time graduate student. In my free time I love to volunteer in my community.”

– Caitlin Walker, MS Special Education ‘25 “That maple tree behind Engleman is one of my favorite spots on campus to relax and read a book or do my homework.”

– Anna Cenzalli, MS Recreation Therapy ‘26

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“I am an assistant director & dance teacher for Greenwich Dance Arts, a company that goes into schools & teaches kids dance classes after school. I also am a soccer coach for kids who are neurodivergent & have disabilities with an organization called Soccer Shots Southwest Connecticut.”

– Taylor Logan, MAT Special Education (K-12) ‘25

“I am currently a full-time Graduate Intern at SCSU, serving in two departments: Residence Life and the Office of Conferencing, Events, and Student Affairs Auxiliaries (CESAA). This dual role has allowed me to develop a versatile skill set in financial analysis and event management, while also collaborating with diverse teams to enhance the overall campus experience.”

Sidney’s cat, Smokey

– Beatrice Alvarez, MBA - Management ‘26

What other aspects of yourself or your life as a grad student would you like to share?

“I love to read. If I get really engrossed in a book, I can finish it within a day. I have two cats, Smokey (F, 8) and Bowser (M, 1). They are my main responsibility outside of work. I love going to the beach in the summer and tend to go every weekend.

I also enjoy hanging out with my friends.”

– Sidney Krol, Master’s of Public Health ‘25 “I have been Curling for 16 years (I was a Nationally competitive athlete but I’m stepping back to focus on school). I love photography, reading, hiking and spending time with friends and family. I’m always up for a good adventure!”

“I have a one year old mini golden doodle who I love to walk by the beach. Along with this I love to spend time with my family and friends.”

– Caitlin Walker, MS Special Education ‘25 “I have four cats, one dog, one bunny, two birds and three fish! I love to read (my favorite place in my hometown is the public library branch near my house), cook and bake, and spend time in nature (birdwatching, canoeing, camping, and hiking).”

– Meg Adrade, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling ‘26 “I’ve got 2 cats; Momo and Esther. I love to read, mostly fantasy and thriller books. I also really enjoy doing puzzles, but that doesn’t have an on-the-go alternative like books do so I don’t get to them super often.”

– Dana Cote, MSW - Clinical Practice ‘26

– Anna Cenzalli, MS Recreation Therapy ‘26 “I’m a very enthusiastic dog owner. My English foxhound, Charlie, is the goodest girl in the world.

She has deep affection for sidewalk licking, squirrel chasing, and curling up with the laundry fresh out of the dryer. I’m also a self-proclaimed award-winning Aunt to the most gorgeous nephew and niece, Elliott and Abigail. They are the best hand-holders, swimmers, and belly-laughers you have ever heard in your life.”

– Stephanie Hoos, MSW - Clinical Practice, MA Women’s & Gender Studies ‘27

This article would not be possible without the contributions of our students – thank you so much to everyone who submitted!

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Celebrating Southern’s History A University Dedicated to Excellence In September, Southern Connecticut State University celebrated its 131st year as a cornerstone of public higher education in the state of Connecticut. Southern has a robust history rooted in the intergenerational pursuit of knowledge, and it maintains these foundations years later as a strong proponent of lifelong learning.

Southern’s history begins with the opening of the New Haven State Normal School in September of 1893. The first class comprised 84 students and three teachers, and was led by principal Arthur B. Morrill. The New Haven State Normal School was the third of its kind in Connecticut, offering a two-year curriculum in elementary education and preparing teachers for certification. While originally located in the Skinner School on State Street, the school quickly grew in popularity and relocated to a new building at 2 Howe Street in 1896.

In 1953, the school began moving to its current location on Crescent Street and in the fall of 1958, it was renamed Southern Connecticut State College. All the while, Southern continued to modernize, expanding its offerings to include liberal arts bachelor’s degrees in the arts and sciences while still maintaining a highly renowned education program. Another step towards greatness was taken in March of 1983, with Southern Connecticut State College joining the Connecticut State University System and undergoing one final name change to become Southern Connecticut State University.

After over 130 years, Southern is proud to continue its legacy of providing quality teacher education.

Teachers ensure that future generations are equipped with the knowledge, courage, and strength they need to succeed, and teaching is one of the most valuable forms of advocacy. The study of education and the advancement of educational instruction is at the center of Southern’s history; it is the immensely important work for which this school was founded. These core values, paired with an unwavering dedication to communitywide excellence, enable Southern graduates to become empowered leaders in their fields and bold advocates for a brighter tomorrow.

Postcard of the Skinner School, c. 1910

The school was renamed to New Haven State Teachers College in 1937, the same year it expanded its programs to offer a four year college degree.

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Campus-wide Commitment to Social Justice As a university, Southern is devoted to the advancement of social justice in all areas of life.

Through fostering constructive dialogue within our community that centers dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility, Southern sustains a vibrant sense of community and belonging. All across campus, students and faculty members are engaging in advocacy and learning to feel empowered in their collective diversity.

Interim President Dwayne Smith and guest speaker Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza Photo by Jay’Mi Vazquez

DEI Annual Conference and Lecture Series The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hosted a variety of events to spark meaningful and progressive conversations on campus this semester.

On Friday, September 20th, the division hosted Southern’s 2nd Annual DEI Conference Making Sense of Our Identity through Culture, Politics, Policy, and Social Change. The event featured a keynote from Dr. OiYan Poon, a renown educator, author, speaker, and race and education scholar.

The division also continued its Social Justice Lecture Series with an event entitled Empowering Lives: Overcoming Adversity to Help Change the World. Taking place on Wednesday, October 2nd, this event featured Keynote Speaker Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza, a transgender public scholar, intellectual activist, and professor at the Duke Divinity School. Speaking from his own experiences, Dr. Espinoza provided insight on how to be resilient in the face of hardships, and how appreciating diversity is a necessary step towards building community.

“Strength in Advocacy” The theme for this Fall 2024 issue of The Hoot is “Strength in Advocacy: Your Voice Matters.” Emphasizing the social justice ethos of our institution, and sharing the meaningful, empowering lives that our graduate students lead, “Strength in Advocacy” brings attention to the ways in which our students are uplifting both others and themselves through their graduate education.

Book display for election season in the Buley Library

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Getting Involved Finding Community on Campus Regardless of how often you have in-person classes, there are plenty of ways that you can engage with Southern’s vibrant campus life as a graduate student!

GSAC

Reigniting Graduate Student Involvement Students gather on campus for the Involvement Fair

Involvement and Resource Fair On Wednesday, September 4th from 12:00-2:00 pm, The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership hosted its annual Involvement and Resource Fair on the Academic Quad. This event showcased the multitude of student organizations Southern has to offer, as well as a plethora of campus resources available. With over 125 active student organizations, there is a place for everyone!

Clubs and Organizations As a graduate student, you are more than welcome to join any of our student organizations! Reach out to the specific club(s) you’re interested in to see what they offer and what your involvement will look like.

A full list of student organizations and events can be found on OwlConnect at owlconnect.southernct.edu.

Please note that you should contact and check in with your preferred organization(s) about joining as a graduate student! While Southern allows graduate students to attend meetings and participate in club events, graduate students cannot hold office in undergraduate student organizations.

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Are you looking for ways to get more involved in campus life at Southern? Do you want to find a sense of community with fellow graduate students? Consider joining GSAC! The Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) is in need of graduate student members who are passionate about enhancing the graduate student experience at Southern through advocating for graduate student needs, supporting graduate student research, and providing a variety of opportunities for graduate students to form meaningful personal and professional connections with one another.

Through GSAC, students can discover ways to make the most of their graduate school education and can feel more engaged with their peers, professors, and administrators. Additionally, GSAC involvement is a great professional development opportunity for graduate students looking to build their academic portfolio and gain leadership experience.

For questions about GSAC, or for more information about how GSAC involvement can look like for you, please reach out to Daphney Alston alstond4@southernct.edu.

Exciting Renovations to the Graduate Study!

Graduate Study Lounge (BU 438) Located on the 4th floor of the Buley Library, the Graduate Study is a multi-faceted space for graduate students to gather and coexist on campus. Whether you need somewhere to work on assignments, meet fellow graduate students, or relax between classes, the Graduate Study is available. The Graduate Study is open to all graduate students during library hours, and there is no need to reserve the space ahead of time – just come on in!

The Graduate Lounge will be undergoing an exciting renovation in the near future! This semester, the Graduate School received funding to update the Graduate Study Lounge space, furthering accommodation for graduate students on campus. On Friday, November 15th, Art & Design Chairperson Professor Alex Girard led a collaborative, handson workshop in the space, listening to graduate students’ ideas for the space and helping them further conceptualize their vision for the Graduate Lounge.

In the meantime, the space is still open to all graduate students during library hours as a place to get together, collaborate, and build graduate student community on campus.

For questions about the Graduate Study Lounge or to inquire about using this space for a graduate event, please contact The School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Also, be sure to look out for emails from the Graduate School about upcoming graduate student events being held in this space!

Interested in GSAC? Fill out our intake form! https://forms.office. com/r/sXc5eXXuSj

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Graduate Student News and Events Graduate Student Resource Fair Southern’s Graduate Student Resource Fair was held on Wednesday, September 18th from 4:006:00 pm in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom.

This SGPS-sponsored event gave current graduate students the opportunity to learn about the wealth of resources, offices, and organizations available to support their academic, professional, and personal development at Southern. The fair provided valuable information to help students successfully navigate their graduate experience, including resources that promote academic success as well as personal and professional growth.

Graduate Open House The University’s Graduate Open House was held on Thursday, October 10th from 3:00-7:00 pm in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom. Prospective students explored the numerous programs our school has to offer, and learned about the many advantages of pursuing a graduate education here at Southern. Attendees had the chance to meet with esteemed faculty and admissions representatives and hear from current graduate students about their experiences at Southern.

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Graduate student panelists Valene Fong, Javon Noblin, Sean Laragy, Taylor Logan, Jahmai Scarlett, and Victoria Ibitoye

Navigating the Challenges of Graduate School During the Graduate Open House, current and prospective students gathered in the Adanti Student Center Theater to participate in a casual panel-style discussion, “Navigating the Challenges of Graduate School.” This engaging and insightful panel featured current graduate students from a variety of programs sharing their experiences navigating their academic, professional, and personal lives in graduate school. Attendants had the chance to connect with one another, share positive experiences, and receive reassurance about any concerns related to graduate student life.

GA Connect and Grow On the first Friday of every month this semester, graduate assistants had the opportunity to attend “GA Connect and Grow” events, providing them with a dedicated space to gather and form connections with one other.

GAs from diverse backgrounds gathered to discuss their assistantships, sharing positive experiences and resolving any issues or concerns about their work at Southern.

Meetings were held in the Graduate Study Lounge on the 4th floor of the Buley Library (BU 438). This semester was the pilot run of “GA Connect and Grow,” and we plan on hosting more of these events in the spring! Look out for updates from the Graduate School via your school email. *Please note, these events are for Graduate Assistants only.*

Graduate Assistants and Graduate Deans meet for a “GA Connect and Grow” event

Season’s Greetings from the Grad Lounge!

Throughout the semester, the Graduate School held a variety of seasonal festivities for graduate students to attend in the Graduate Study Lounge! Our graduate students enjoyed apple cider donuts during midterms, pie and cider for a fall multicultural celebration, and hot cocoa right before finals week.

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Degrees with Voices Using Your Degree to Empower & Uplift Others Social justice is a core tenant of Southern’s mission, and as graduate students we should be conscious of the ways in which our studies enable us to be better advocates, leaders, and agents of meaningful change. Focusing on their academic and professional achievements, this article highlights some of the ways that our graduate students envision themselves helping others through their vocations, and are using what they’ve learned at Southern to make the world a better place.

We asked our graduate students questions about what advocacy means to them, and what advocacy work looks like in their field. Here are some of their responses:

What led you to your field of study/profession?

“My interest in software development actually started with Professor Lockwood’s Modal Logic class during my undergrad. I fondly remember one particular puzzle, The Liar and the Truth Teller, that was provided as extra credit to an exam and how much I enjoyed solving that particular problem. That’s when I realized how exciting propositional logic was to me.”

“I want to grow as an advocate for the students I support, and provide them with the support they deserve to be successful.”

– Rick Mingione, MS Software Development ‘26

– Stephanie Kuczma, MS Special Education ‘25

Marina Diaz ‘27 working as a Software Testing Coordinator

“The need for passionate, motivated, and patient educators led me to the field of education. I believe each student deserves a teacher who will teach with excitement, creativity, and an open-mind.”

– Caitlin Walker, MS Special Education ‘25

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One of the treatment rooms that Meg Andrade ‘26 works in as a Behavioral Therapist

“While working as a SPED Para, I met a student who we had to call DCF for multiple times. I couldn’t help them the way I wanted to. I did all I could in my role but wanted to do more. After they moved with no warning in the middle of the night, I decided I needed to change career paths.”

– Dana Cote, MSW - Clinical Practice ‘26

“My mother guided me toward this field.

Since I was a kid, she had a deep passion for psychology and understanding the human brain. As I grew up, my own interest in this field grew as I recognized the importance of mental health awareness and the complexities of the challenges individuals face. Inspired by my professors, mentors, and supervisors, I am now dedicated to pursuing a career in clinical psychology, with the goal of being accepted into a PhD program.”

– Alisson Paredes Naveda, MA Psychology ‘25

“In this picture, I am presenting my undergraduate senior thesis, a few months before moving to SCSU.”

How do you help or plan on helping others through your profession?

“I ensure the best user experience for application software users: an experience free of bugs, accessible to all people, and functional for all target purposes.”

“I help kids with speech acquisition, redirecting maladaptive behaviors to become functional (so that they can be safe and still express themselves and their emotions), and help them functionally communicate with others around them!”

– Marina Diaz, MS Computer Science Software Development ‘27

– Meg Andrade, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling ‘25

– Alisson Paredes Naveda, MA Psychology ‘25

“I want to inspire kids to never give up & show them that they can do whatever they want to achieve.”

– Taylor Logan, MAT Special Education (K-12) ‘25

“I plan to leverage my philosophy background to approach AI and technology with an ethical foundation.”

– Rick Mingione, MS Software Development ‘26

“As a recreational therapist, I help people by improving their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through the use of recreational programs and activities like art, music, and a variety of games.”

– Anna Cenzalli, MS Recreation Therapy ‘26 “My greatest hope is to incorporate humor into everything that I do. To sit in the darkness with a person while holding a small beam of light is my way of accompanying that individual on their path. To use another metaphor: The best resource I can offer anyone is my shoulder to lean on - just until they get their legs back under them to stand.

Regardless of my title or my place of work, I plan to be of help by providing that light and shoulder to those in my care.”

– Stephanie Hoos, MSW - Clinical Practice, MA Women’s & Gender Studies ‘27

Caitlin Walker ‘25 in the classroom as a Student Teacher

This article would not be possible without the contributions of our students – thank you so much to everyone who submitted!

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Equitable Education Resources for Graduate Success

Many graduate students are juggling full-time careers alongside their studies, navigating their professional development, academic commitments, and personal responsibilities all at the same time. Others are just starting to establish themselves in their fields, and are seeking to build their resumes and make connections during their time at Southern. In an effort to accommodate all students, here are some ways that SCSU is making higher education more accessible.

Financing Your Education Southern offers an array of support systems for students concerned with affording their Graduate degree. For the most up-to-date information on Graduate financial aid, scholarships, and Graduate Assistantship opportunities, please visit grad. southernct.edu/financing-your-education.

The Office of Financial Aid inside.southernct.edu/onestop/financial-aid/graduate financialaid@southernct.edu (203) 392-5222 The Office of Financial Literacy ​​inside.southernct.edu/financial-advising Contact - Lewis J. DeLuca, Jr., M.Ed. DeLucaL2@southernct.edu (203) 392-8862 Student Employment southernct.edu/career/student-employment

Office of Workforce & Lifelong Learning (OWLL) The Office of Workforce & Lifelong Learning (OWLL) provides professional development opportunities for those outside of the formal education system. Through OWLL, learners can build skill sets and credentials through lowcost, easy-to-attend workshops and training sessions, helping them stay relevant in their fields and promoting lifelong learning.

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For more information on OWLL, please visit southernct.edu/owll.

Wellbeing WellbeingCenter Center The Wellbeing Center at Southern is a onestop location for student wellbeing, support services, educational programming, and wellness-related training/certifications.

In providing these supports readily to all students, the Wellbeing Center upholds their mission “to help create happier, healthier, and more successful students through the promotion of holistic wellbeing.”

For more information, visit online (inside. southernct.edu/wellbeing) or in person (Schwartz Hall, Room 100.)

wellbeing@southernct.edu (203) 392-7330

@SCSUwellbeing

COMPASS Childcare If you are a parent in need of childcare while working or studying at school, consider COMPASS! Conveniently located on campus, COMPASS Drop-in Childcare and Family Resource Center provides a reservable, short-term program for children of SCSU students and employees.

With low, flexible costs and financial assistance available, COMPASS aims to make childcare as accessible and affordable as possible for our community.

For more information regarding oncampus childcare, up-to-date hours, and other parent resources, please visit southernct.edu/childcare.

childcare@southernct.edu (203) 392-7252

@scsu_childcare Starting in Spring 2025, evening hours will be offered Monday-Thursday 4:45-7:45pm!

Resolution to Succeed

Commit Yourself to Success this New Year Registering for Classes Secure your spot for Spring ‘25 - Get in touch with your advisor to discuss next

semester’s classes, your Degree Evaluation, and other program requirements.

Studying for Final Exams?

Here are some tips to help you prepare!

- Create a game plan. Make a list of all your assignments, breaking them down by subject and due date. Then, re-organize your list so that the closest due dates are at the top, and the furthest are at the bottom. You can also create a visual of your calendar or weekly schedule to get a sense of how much time you have available.

- Check your registration status: Make sure you

are registered for the classes/sections you need by going to the “Records and Registration” tab of the Student Self Service Banner.

- Frequently check the Student Banner and

your Southern email for pre-semester course updates, such as required textbooks and materials or class locations/meeting links.

- Pace yourself. Break overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Write all your tasks down and check them off as you go. It helps to do some of the quick and easy tasks first to build momentum.

Preparing for Spring Graduation

- Utilize resources and ask for help when you need it! The library and tutoring services are available to all students, just be sure to make appointments in advance. Your professors and classmates are also great resources!

1. Register for your capstone course (thesis, special project, examination, etc.)

New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break Program (NEBHE) Southern Connecticut State University participates in the NEBHE Tuition Break Program, which offers residents of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont the opportunity to enroll in any undergraduate degree program at SCSU, at the Connecticut resident tuition rate plus 50 percent. Beginning this semester (Fall ‘24), NEBHE is available to Pennsylvania residents as well!

To be eligible, participants must be fulltime, matriculated students. For more information, please visit southernct.edu/admissions/tuition-break.

Attention Spring ‘25 graduates! As you approach your final semester, make sure you complete these essential steps:

2. Check your Degree Evaluation to make sure you are on track for Spring 2025 Commencement.

3. Stay connected with your advisor, and reach out to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about completing your degree.

4. Look out for emails from SGPS regarding Commencement, and contact SGPS with any concerns at gpsinfo@southernct.edu or call (203) 392-5240.

Celebrating our Fall ‘24 Graduates!

To all of our students graduating this semester – congratulations on the completion of your programs!

You should be so proud of this momentous achievement, and we can’t wait to celebrate you at Commencement this coming Spring. If you plan on participating in Commencement, remember to keep an eye on your Southern email address for any and all Commencement-related updates. Again, huge 17 congratulations from everyone at SGPS!

The Hoot SGPS Newsletter Fall 2024

Supervisors Stefanie Ortiz & Dawn Grimes

Writer and Designer Jonah Junga