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OFFICE OF
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Nancy G. Rosoff, Associate Dean
As a result of the budget cuts for fiscal year 2006-2007 that affected
the university and the campus, the delivery of academic advising
services was reorganized and devolved to the schools. This office
had previously been housed within the Division of Student Affairs.
After the reorganization, two academic advisors were assigned to
the Faculty of Arts and Sciences: Assistant Deans Nancy Gulick and
Danyelle Thurman. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences also assumed
responsibility for providing services to international students,
handled by Assistant Dean Thurman. The Office of Academic Advising
reports to Associate Dean Nancy Rosoff.
In addition, we continued the process of improving departmental
advising of students with declared majors. A number of faculty participated
in training in the use of the Degree Navigator program, which has
proven to be an asset in the advising process.
The academic advisors serve as the primary points of contact for
students who have not declared a major and are available as a resource
for all students. They conducted workshops about Degree Navigator
and the course selection process with students in each section of
the English composition classes in the fall. In addition, the office
continues to certify students for graduation and to be the initial
point of contact for the registration of transfer students.
The Office of Academic Advising provides academic, career, financial,
and personal advisement/counseling to Camden College of Arts and
Sciences, and University College students. Students are referred
to the appropriate departments for service when needed. Students
are informed of current and revised college and departmental requirements.
In addition to individual and group appointments with the academic
advisors, students could contact the advising staff online and by
telephone. New freshman information sessions were conducted to assist
students with the online registration process, general requirements,
and selecting a major. New Student Seminars also prepared students
for spring registration. Eighty-one students were re-enrolled for
the fall 2006 semester, and 118 students were re-enrolled for the
spring 2007 semester.
The Office of Academic Advising and its staff played a significant
role in the implementation of the Keys to Success Program, the academic
orientation for first-year students. Over the course of five dates
in June and July, 347 students from CCAS and UC registered for classes
under the direct guidance of Assistant Deans Gulick and Thurman.
These sessions enabled students to select their own classes for
the fall semester in small groups and to learn in depth about college
requirements. This component, as well as the remainder of the Keys
to Success program, will hopefully contribute to a higher retention
rate for our students.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SERVICES
Danyelle Thurman, Assistant Dean for Academic Advising
New international students were welcomed to the campus by an orientation
program held on Friday, October 20th, 2006. During the program,
students were introduced to the campus and the services available
to them such as Immigration Services, Career Services, Health Services,
and Computing Services. The data on the international students at
the Camden campus was tracked and maintained through the SEVIS computer
software system. Throughout the year there were several Optional
Practical Training Workshops (OPT) to assist international students
with their employment authorization applications. In addition, Curricular
Practical Training Workshops were held to assist students with applications
for paid internships. During the year international students received
personal and individual assistance with changing their visa status
and renewal, traveling, banking, obtaining employment on and off-campus,
academic planning, and personal counseling.
There were approximately 62 students engaged in undergraduate and
graduate study and research on the Camden campus. These students
represent the following countries:
| Country | Number of Students |
| Canada | 2 |
| China | 5 |
| Columbia | 1 |
| Cote d’Ivoire | 1 |
| Gambia | 1 |
| India | 11 |
| Japan | 1 |
| Jordan | 1 |
| Kenya | 1 |
| North Korea | 1 |
| South Korea | 6 |
| Mali | 1 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Norway | 1 |
| Pakistan | 1 |
| Peru | 2 |
| Romania | 1 |
| Suriname | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
| Taiwan | 20 |
There were 13 undergraduate students, 31 graduate students, 7 professional
studies students, and 11 students participating in Optional Practical
Training off-campus employment. The following consists of the majors
represented by international students on the Camden campus:
Undergraduate International Majors / Number of Students
Art 1
Biology 2
Business Management & related studies 7
Undeclared 3
Graduate International Majors / Number of Students
Biology 5
Business Management 22
Criminal Justice 1
Law 7
Mathematics 1
Public Administration 2
SENIOR SERVICES and COMMENCEMENT
Nancy V. Gulick, Assistant Dean for Academic Advising
An array of services prepares seniors for graduation. Beginning
in August, 908 seniors (652 full-time and 256 part-time students)
received Senior Reviews to inform them of their progress toward
the degree. Degree Navigator, the online degree audit program was
used for the first time to review requirements. With assistance
from their faculty advisors, students were able to plan their programs
for their final semesters. Senior Review Seminars were also conducted
in September to explain certification procedures and eighty students
attended. The Senior Webpage (http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/seniors/)
provided pertinent information from the Office of Academic Advising,
Career Services, Bookstore, Financial Aid, Registrar, Teacher Prep
and Alumni Relations. Graduation Seminars were held in March to
address the myriad of questions that graduates have.
This academic year 670 students graduated from the College of Arts
and Sciences and University College, only seven more than last year.
Senior Review Seminars
| Year: | 2006* | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
| TOTALS | 80 | 168 | 157 | 165 |
| *First year for Degree Navigator |
Graduation Seminars
| Year: | 2007 | 2006 | 2005* | 2004 |
| TOTALS | 162 | 118 | 113 | 170 |
| *First year of Senior Webpage |
GRADUATES
| Year: | October | January | May | TOTAL |
| Class of 2007 | 64 | 124 | 482 | 670 |
| Class of 2006 | 71 | 136 | 456 | 663 |
| Class of 2005 | 57 | 134 | 413 | 604 |
| Class of 2004 | 61 | 121 | 417 | 599 |
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 2007
The Commencement Ceremony was held at the Tweeter Center on Thursday,
May 17th. Dr. Margaret Marsh, Interim Provost and Dean, presided
over the ceremony, at which Dr. Marie Cornelia was the Grand Marshal
and Dr. Timothy Martin the reader. Golden Raptors Gloria Ditchey
’53, Catherine Kalis ’57, and Clifford Owens ’57
joined the celebration in honor of the fifty-year anniversary of
their graduation.
President Richard McCormick and Dean Marsh greeted the graduates.
Maxim Kind, the president of the Student Governing Association,
shared his hopes for the Class of 2007 and introduced former Provost
Roger G. Dennis, Esq., the Commencement speaker. Mr. Dennis, the
founding dean of Drexel University’s College of Law reflected
on his ten years as provost of the Camden campus and spoke of the
opportunities available to our students.
President McCormick congratulated the Class of 2007 as he conferred
the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dean Marsh praised the outstanding
students. Three students received the Dean’s Undergraduate
Research Awards: Grace Keene for “Magic and Christianity:
A Secret Romance” conducted with Dr. John Wall; Philip Osborne
for “Ontological Arguments: the Impasse” with Dr. Charles
Jarrett; and Sara Troxel for “Curatorial Practice” with
Dr. Roberta Tarbell and Dr. Martin Rosenberg. A total of 788 graduates
received degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences/University
College (670) and the Graduate School Camden (118). Charles Mannella
(CCAS ’70), the director of Rutgers University-Camden Alumni
Relations, congratulated the new 2007 graduates. Dr. Julianne Baird
and seniors Genise Cox, Katie Downey, Andrew Finnerty, Kristine
Gianna, Krista Gorman, Grace Keene, and Melissa Tepperman concluded
the ceremony with the singing of Bob Dylan’s Forever Young
and were joined by the Madrigal Singers and the audience for the
Rutgers Alma Mater, On the Banks of the Old Raritan.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (EOF) PROGRAM
Christopher Dougherty, Director
EOF is a state-funded program that provides outreach, access, and
support to students who have traditionally been excluded from access
to higher education. As part of the Rutgers-Camden EOF Program,
first-time, first-year students receive academic support via a five-week
summer program. Throughout their undergraduate program, these students
are supported by EOF via the delivery of academic advising, tutoring,
skills workshops, and bilingual services. The program also provides
referrals to a variety of other student service offices on campus
in addition to maintaining expertise in areas such as crisis intervention,
graduate school admissions, student learning and assessment, and
transition to college from high school. EOF also serves graduate
students and transfer students. In academic year 2006-2007 (AY 06-07),
over 280 students enrolled in the EOF Program at Rutgers-Camden
and received financial support in the form of EOF grants and academic
support from a staff of Senior Counselors. Other students benefit
from the support of EOF as well, especially those learners who are
in need of services to assist in their adaptation to the academic
requirements of a research university.
AY 06-07 marked a period of consolidation and stability for the
Rutgers-Camden EOF Program. The program remains fully staffed (Director,
Assistant Director, four Senior Counselors, and Administrative Assistant).
Each staff member also oversees defined areas in addition to their
work on behalf of students enrolled in the program. In addition,
Stephanie Barthelemy continues to expand her role in overseeing
the operations of the program in her capacity as Assistant Director.
After admitting 38 first-time, first-year students in fall 2005,
the program returned to admitting fifty students for fall 2006,
more consistent with past practices at the campus. The lower enrollment
number for fall 2005 was in part attributable to campus-wide declines
in admissions at the undergraduate level. The program also continued
outreach activities with schools in the city of Camden and surrounding
districts in order to cultivate awareness of options for college
among students in early high school and later middle school. In
order to expand services to students, particularly those first-year
students experiencing academic difficulties, the Rutgers-Camden
EOF Program implemented an intrusive academic support model intended
for all EOF students on probation or projecting to be on probation.
Conducted by the Learning Specialist in the Rutgers-Camden Learning
Center (RCLC), the academic support program conducted multiple group
sessions followed by individual consultations with the Learning
Specialist and academic coaches or tutors.
Following site visits to the New Brunswick campus EOF Programs,
Rutgers-Camden hosted its own site visit in May 2007. Dr. Cheryl
Williams, University Assistant Dean for Special Programs at CUNY,
conducted the visit in collaboration with the EOF Program Office
in Trenton. The visit included the preparation of a detailed report
outlining the program’s performance in terms of enrollment
and retention and articulating strategic goals for subsequent academic
years. The visit included interviews with staff and faculty aligned
with the EOF program and students who were both recently enrolled
in or nearing completion of their degree programs. The overall response
to the visit was positive, and at the present time the program awaits
a final report for the site visit.
RUTGERS-CAMDEN LEARNING CENTER
Robert L. Ciervo, Director
In October 2006, the Rutgers-Camden Learning Center (RCLC) hired
a new director to oversee all programming and operations at the
learning center. Dr. Robert Ciervo, who previously led the Drexel
Learning Center at Drexel University and served as the Director
for Academic Support for Student Athletes at Temple University was
hired to lead and improve services at the Rutgers-Camden Learning
Center. In addition to directing the RCLC, Dr. Ciervo was also responsible
for developing processes to alert students who had received mid-semester
academic alerts, assisting with the adjudication of appeals for
retroactive course withdrawals and readmissions, and refining the
standards for placing students on academic probation and dismissal.
In December 2006, a new learning specialist, Christopher Cruz Cullari,
was hired to fill the position vacated by Tom Pignone, who was hired
by the United States Military Academy Prep School in Fort Monmouth,
NJ. The learning specialist developed an improved training program
for RCLC tutors, provided academic assistance to all College of
Arts and Science students who were on continued probation, and developed
a special academic assistance program for EOF students who had under
a 2.0 GPA.
The main focus of the RCLC continued to be the provision of individual
course content tutoring and writing assistance to undergraduate
students. In Spring 2007 there were 957 student visits to the Learning
Center for tutoring (722), writing assistance (115), or at one of
the supplemental instruction sessions (101). The RCLC provided supplemental
instruction sessions for Nursing I, Nursing II, World Masterpieces,
and Calculus for Business and Chemical Principles II during the
2006-07 academic year. In Spring 2007, for the first time, students
were asked to complete tutor evaluations after each tutoring session.
RCLC tutors averaged a score of 4.84 out of 5 on the six evaluation
questions and out of the ninety-five comments that were written
in the optional additional comments section of the evaluation ninety-four
were positive.
In the summer of 2007 the RCLC implemented new computer software
that allows students to make appointments for tutoring online. For
the first time, students were able to select a specific tutor for
a specific course on a particular day and time on their own. The
system allows students to make appointments through the RCLC website,
after which an automatic email is sent to both the student and the
tutor to confirm the date, time, and location of the appointment.
Students are also able to cancel appointments online and reschedule
their own appointments.
The RCLC will continue to work with other departments on campus
to expand the provision of its services for the 2007-08 academic
year. Drop-in tutoring at night is planned at the residence hall
and tutors will also be on hand at the academic study halls overseen
by the Athletic Department to provide academic assistance for student-athletes.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Mary Beth Daisey, Associate Provost for Student Affairs
Student Affairs comprises the following offices which service the
students of Rutgers-Camden:
The entire division of Student Affairs fosters and promotes services
that enhance the successful academic and personal growth and development
of a diverse student body within the university and the larger society.
In carrying out its mission, Student Affairs delivers high quality
programs and services by being responsive to the needs of Rutgers
University-Camden.
Athletic and Recreational Services
Jeffrey Dean, Director
Athletics and Recreational Services is an administrative unit within
the Office of Student Life. Its athletic mission is to conduct intercollegiate
sports programs within the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC)
and the NCAA Division III. Recreational Services is responsible
for providing recreational, intramural, and club programs, as well
as events for the campus community, which includes students, faculty,
staff, and alumni. In addition, Recreational Services extends its
facilities and staff to the community at large of Camden and South
Jersey.
The Rutgers-Camden Softball team attempted to defend the school’s
first-ever National Championship by winning the NJAC tournament
and advancing to the NCAA Regional Tournament in Fayetteville, NC.
Additionally, the Men’s Soccer team earned a birth in the
NJAC Championship tournament. After a second round loss, the team
was selected to participate in the ECAC Championship tournament
and was victorious. The Women’s Soccer team also earned a
birth into the ECAC Championship tournament, but was defeated by
one goal in a valiant effort.
Rutgers-Camden student athletes and coaches were the recipient
of several prestigious awards bestowed by the NCAA and the NJAC.
Two student athletes were named to All-American teams in 2006-2007,
an additional athlete was named Athlete of the Year for the NJAC,
and one coach was deemed NJAC Coach of the Year.
Collectively, this past year was once again one of the most successful
in Rutgers-Camden history.
During the 2006-2007 school year, Recreational Services provided
sixteen events and activities that were utilized by over 600 students,
faculty, staff and alumni, along with seven club sports that involved
more than 140 participants. During each semester, Recreational Services
conducted six eight-week, non-credit activity classes. These classes
included Yoga, Karate, Aerobics, Kung-fu, Pilates, and Tai Chi and
collectively averaged thirty-forty participants throughout the year.
Many at-large community groups availed themselves of the indoor
and outdoor facilities managed by Recreational Services. Highlights
included hosting the Al Carino All-Star Basketball Game, the South
Jersey High School Soccer Championship, and the Camden County-All
Star Softball Game sponsored by the Camden County Clerks’
office. More than thirty organizations utilized the indoor and outdoor
facilities for events and activity, bringing more than 5,000 visitors
to the Camden campus.
Academic Tracking services have been designed to assist our student
athletes in their academic pursuit. All first-year student athletes,
as well as any student athlete with a GPA of 2.5 or lower, are required
to attend two study hall sessions per week.
Additions for the Academic Services offerings include the NCAA
CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. This program serves as a mentoring program
and help development initiatives within our institution to enhance
the quality of the student athlete experience. We have also developed
a peer-tutoring program that allows student athletes to help each
other and share academic experiences.
The Rutgers University Camden Sports Medicine Program continued
to grow in 2006-2007. The current Team Physician Group of Dr. Paul
Marchetto and Dr. Peter DeLuca are affiliated with the Rothman Institute
of Philadelphia. We are now able to provide our student athletes
with a more comprehensive Sports Medicine Team. Our student athletes
have 24 hour per day access to the Sports Medicine Physicians as
well as priority status for needed evaluations or rehabilitation.
A Team Nutritionist is available to our athletes on an as needed
basis, as well as seminars on nutrition and athletics and the effects
on performance. All of these services are coordinated by the Rutgers
University-Camden Head Athletic Trainer.
The Office of Athletics and Recreational Services has also extended
management services into the surrounding counties. The new Camden
County Boathouse at Cooper River is managed by Rutgers University
Camden Athletics. Coordinating regattas, banquets, weddings, and
many club and community rowing programs are among the management
responsibilities.
Campus Center, Conference Services and Dining/Catering/Starbucks
Operations
Thomas DiValerio, Associate Dean/Director
CAMPUS CENTER RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS
The Campus Center began three renovation projects in 2006 –
07. The $5 million dining hall renovation began in early May at
the close of final exams and will reopen before August 31st, 2007.
An area in the lower level of the Campus Center was renovated for
use by undergraduate student clubs and organizations and will open
in September 2007.
The third floor of the Campus Center was renovated for use by Campus
Center staff and Housing and Residence Life staff. This renovation
will open in September 2007. This renovation coordinates a significant
number of student services in one area: student center operations,
reservations, Student Fund, Student Activities, Housing and Residence
Life.
Design documents were created for an additional renovation project.
The multi-purpose room, student lounge, and lobby will be renovated
beginning November 2007. Plans are to complete this renovation in
phases to minimize the impact on building services.
CAMPUS CENTER REORGANIZATION AND DINING SERVICES TRANSITION
The Campus Center reorganized departmental staff due to the retirement
of two long time university employees and the impending dining transition.
The department is organized around an assistant director for operations
and the hiring and training of all student staff, an events services
assistant manager for coordination of services for events outside
the academic classroom, a business specialist, and a senior administrative
assistant.
Dining Services-NB will operate the Camden dining facility beginning
August 2007. Plans and preparations began in January 2007 in an
effort to make the transition as seamless as possible. A new dining
manager with catering experience will manage the facility. Dining
Services-NB will operate the dining hall, Starbucks, Armitage Snacks,
Deliberations Snacks, and campus catering.
The Campus Center will manage the operations of the student center,
campus-wide ID services, student activities, student fund, event
reservations and planning, information desk services, student ticketing
plans and programs and building retail operations including the
convenience store and future retail projects that benefit the student
population and act as liaison to dining services.
CAMPUS CENTER INITIATIVES
The Campus Center launched two marketing initiatives with the intent
of assisting the campus with undergraduate recruitment efforts.
The first initiative was a dimensional marketing piece designed
as a Rutgers – Camden lunchbox that was mailed to approximately
1000 admitted students. It was a brightly designed piece that included
the lunchbox, full color brochure (focusing on student life and
activities), and community discount card. Follow up efforts included
mailings from the associate provost for student affairs and invitations
to special programs and activities.
The second project focused on the spring undergraduate open house
program. The Campus Center adopted “You always get the Red
Carpet treatment at Rutgers – Camden” as our open house
theme. With this theme in mind, student and departmental staff physically
rolled out red carpets leading to the primary student life facilities
on campus (Campus Center, Residence Hall, Gymnasium and Rec Center)
to welcome students and their families and to treat them as stars.
Life size cutouts of famous celebrities and stars from Paul Robeson
and Albert Einstein to Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie were prominently
displayed around the buildings while a larger than life Oscar and
huge bag of popcorn greeted our guests as they entered the Campus
Center. Student photographers roamed the campus, taking candid shots
and family portraits. Student “celebrities” dressed
as Mr. T, Elvis, and others mingled, entertained, and posed with
our prospective students and guests. Our roving student photographers
took their shots, filled their memory cards, and then rushed the
cards to awaiting mini – print stations manned by students
and staff members. Photos were printed, framed and displayed –
and available for all guests to take home as an Open House souvenir
and reminder of their welcome at Rutgers – Camden.
CAMPUS CENTER PROGRAMMING
The Campus Center sponsored its second annual Scarlet Sleepover
to commemorate Rutgers’ 240th birthday. This night of fun,
food, and giveaways was highlighted by the Scarlet Knights come-from-behind
victory over Louisville.
The Campus Center also continued to sponsor the “student
fan of the game” at undergraduate sporting events. Tickets
to local sporting events, concerts, meal cards and gift certificates
were provided as well as University clothing and apparel.
The Campus Center designed and produced a campus flag to commemorate
the Scarlet Raptors 2006 Division III National Softball Title. Flags
were distributed to the Athletic Department, Associate Provost for
Student Affairs, and the Campus Center.
CUSTOMER SERVICE INITIATIVE
The Campus Center and all retail areas in the center completed
the second full year of secret shops. There were 86 shops in all.
Thirty-two shops received a 100% mark. Every area but one had at
least one 100% score. Several areas received two or more 100% marks.
The eight areas shopped (Food Court, Courtyard Restaurant, Sandellas,
Armitage Snacks, Deliberations Snacks, Starbucks, Corner C-Store,
and IMPACT Booth) averaged 80.70% during the shop period July 2006
to June 2007. Starbucks, Food Court, and the Impact Booth averaged
90% or above for 2006 - 07
CAMPUS CENTER CONFERENCE SERVICES AND OPERATIONS
Read access to the Campus Center’s EMS event planning software
was extended to the Boathouse, Financial Services Office, and the
Provost’s Office. Access to EMS allows these departments to
see event bookings and activities almost instantaneously as they
are entered into the campus wide system.
There were 6,291 bookings processed during 2006 – 2007. Administrative
/ faculty and department bookings accounted for 52.4% of the total
and student bookings accounted for 25.3% of all bookings. Campus
Center operations provided service for 56.3% or 3544 events booked
within the Campus Center this fiscal year. Campus Center operations
fulfilled 1,921 equipment requests for the 3,544 events booked in
the facility and an additional 52 requests were made for equipment
deliveries outside of the Campus Center. There were 138 requests
for use of the Campus Center beyond normal operating hours. Campus
Center operations managed a seven days-a-week facility open 102
standard hours with one professional and eight to ten paraprofessional
(student) staff members.
Detailed report information for 2006 – 2007 on bookings by
customer type, by category, by event type, by building, etc., is
on file in the staff offices.
The Campus Center tracked the following patron counts at its retail
operations for 2006 – 07.
Patron Counts (July 1st, 2006 to June 30th, 2007)
Food Court 166,376
Courtyard Restaurant 5,354
Sandellas 12,873
Starbucks 129,925
Corner C-Store 56,336
Armitage & Law 125,813
IMPACT Booth 2,246
Total 498,923
The IMPACT Booth (Informational Services and University IDs) continued
to be a hub of Campus Center activity. In addition to providing
information and ID services, the student staff processed 4,566 transactions
that accounted for a multitude of campus programs and local sporting
events, concerts, and trips.
CAMPUS CENTER RETAIL OPERATIONS / DINING SERVICES / STARBUCKS /
C - STORE
While experiencing a second consecutive year of declining student
enrollment, the retail operation reduced labor costs while maintaining
retail sales and was able to again post a revenue return to the
campus for fiscal year 06/07. The revenue return was somewhat lower
than past years, which was expected due to the dining transition
and the dining facility renovation that began during the fourth
quarter of the year. Catering and retail sales were significantly
down in the 4th quarter as dining services was closed on May 8th
to accommodate the demolition of the current facility. Even so,
revenues (sales and catering) were only down 2% overall from FY
2005 – 06. Profit margins, food, and paper costs were nearly
the same as last year while labor was up in some areas but down
overall within the entire retail operation.
Late night take-out and delivery service was available during the
fall and spring semesters. Overall, campus retail operations returned
$65,000.00 to the campus administration for FY 06 / 07.
Office of Campus Involvement – Student Activities and Residence
Life/Housing
Allison Wisniewski, Assistant Dean of Students
The Office of Campus Involvement & Residence Life promotes
educational opportunities and self-expression through various workshops,
lectures, films, and concerts for both residents and commuter students.
The goal of the office is to provide an enriched collegiate experience
through entertainment and recreational opportunities, to develop
independent thought through creative means, and assist in providing
a safe environment for a diverse community. OCI & RL staff members
represent mentors, advisors, counselors, friends, referral agents,
and disciplinarians. All of these roles exist for one purpose –
the growth and development of each individual. A major task of the
staff is to promote development of a community atmosphere in each
room, on each floor, within each building and throughout the campus
in general. With hopes of staying true to the mission statement
of the OCI & RL, the past few years have seen programs as varied
as a film series to trips to Broadway plays in New York City to
an evening with renowned author/filmmaker Michael Moore, to the
first annual Riverfest concert at Wiggins Park in Camden.
After the success of last year’s “Cinema at the Center”
film series, the office continued to provide the opportunity for
our students, faculty, and staff to view movies before they were
released on home video.
The office has also worked closely with the Student Governing Association
(SGA) and the Cooper Grant Neighborhood Association (CGNA) to sponsor
several “Moonlight Movies,” where the movies are shown
on a big screen on the lawn of the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center
and are open to all University students, faculty, staff, and surrounding
community. One of the most successful collaborations was when the
OCI, SGA, and CGNA joined together to host a Halloween Festival
for the local community. Another very successful “series”
of events was the trips to see Broadway plays in New York City,
which truly is a unique experience. All plays were “sold out”
within minutes of going on sale. Plays included: Avenue Q, Dracula,
La Cage Aux Folles, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and Dirty Rotten
Scoundrels.
Along with sponsoring recreational activities, the OCI is also
dedicated to offering an array of educational and diverse activities.
Our on-campus lecture series was very successful, covering such
varied topics as health and wellness, white privilege, and the United
States and its foreign policy affairs. Our most popular lecture
this past year brought in the author of Postsecret, Frank Warren,
to do a lecture about the thousands of secrets he has received via
postcards over the last few years.
Other fun events included a performance by the “Flying Cat
Circus,” a “Taste of Philly” day, a trip to a
taping of Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, and
a local ghost tour of Old City Philadelphia.
Several leadership training sessions were also held throughout
the semester: the annual “Nuts and Bolts” student leadership
training program for the fall semester, and the “Mini Nuts
and Bolts” refresher course for the spring semester. The “Nut
and Bolts” training will be expanded even more next year to
include breakout sessions for specific executive board positions.
The new unified student government was working as a unified government
for the second year. This is the first time in over a decade that
our campus had a centralized voice of student concern, mainly due
to the division of the various undergraduate student governments.
The new government makes it easier for our student organizations
to navigate for questions, budgets, concerns, and finally have the
ability to focus on functioning as a student government, where as
before, the student government spent a lot of its time as a programming
board due to a lack of funding for our Campus Activities Board (CAB).
Specifically, our resident students enjoyed over 60 programs that
were coordinated for their enjoyment. We have taken trips to places
like museums, movie theatres, and amusement parks. A very successful
trip to the Pocono Mountains gave students the opportunity to learn
how to ski and snowboard. We have also sponsored students to attend
educational and cultural banquets. For example, the MLK and Lunar
banquets which allowed students to learn about the cultures of others.
The Wellness Program, which consists of many programs in itself,
has been a huge success this year. The workshop and activities were
educational as well as fun. Some examples of the programs include
self defense classes, resume writing, and dance lessons. We also
provided students with tutoring. Students loved the wing eating
contest that we had during spring week. Students were given the
opportunity to be educated, learn about new cultures, and also have
fun, which is an important aspect to add to their college experience.
Career Center
James Marino, Assistant Dean/Director
Five major events brought to the campus over 300 outside organizations
and over 2,000 candidates for employment and graduate school opportunities.
These included the Annual Fall Career Day, Graduate/Professional
Fair, Fall Internship Fair, Public Service Career Fair and the 1st
Annual Spring Day Job Fair. A Mock Interview Program with visiting
HR Professionals, and the Annual Dining Etiquette Program with consultant
Barbara Pachter, a Speed Networking Program with Rutgers alumni,
and International Careers Seminar were just a few of the special
programs sponsored by the Career Center.
Through the Arts & Sciences Internship Course, facilitated
by the Career Center, a broad spectrum of majors participated in
internships in Art, Business, Communications, Criminal Justice,
Education, Healthcare, Research, and Social Services. Selected internships
took place at the Camden County Prosecutors’ Office, Cooper
Hospital Emergency Division., Office of the Public Defender, The
Rachael Ray Show, and Marvel Entertainment. A pilot program where
students would receive credit in their major for the Arts &
Sciences Internship Course was facilitated successfully as two students
from Spanish and one from History completed internships for major
credit. This program will be continued with the hope that more departments
will participate.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’
(NACE) Job Outlook 2007 Report, the job outlook is positive for
the fourth consecutive year. Employers expect to hire 17 percent
more new college graduates in 2006-2007 than they hired in 2005-06.
Supporting this positive outlook projection, the Career Center
for the second year in a row posted over 2000 jobs and over 900
internships during the past school year, an increase of 20% over
the previous year. Over 6,000 students and alumni now have active
accounts with e-Recruiting, the Career Center’s on-line job
system.
Overall results for the College of Arts & Sciences (Class of
2006) showed: 67% were employed and 30% were enrolled in graduate
/ professional school. The average salary was $33,601. Seventy-five
percent were employed in New Jersey, 19% in Philadelphia and 6%
in other states (DC, DE, FL, NH, VA). Results showed a slight shift
in employment from non-profit sectors of education, social service,
and government to business environments and an increase in graduate/professional
school matriculations.
On the technology front, the Career added the Perfect Interview
web based training module to the website.
EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY
CLASS OF 2006 OUTCOMES REPORT
208 graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences responded
to surveys.
Employment Summary
• 67 % are employed (full-time and part-time)
• 75 % are employed in New Jersey
• 19 % in employed in Pennsylvania
• 6% employed in other states (DC, DE, FL, NC, NH, NY)
• Average salary for the class = $33,601
o 10%tile = $24,960; 50%tile = $40,000; 90%tile = $52,000
Graduate /Professional School Summary
• 30 % are enrolled in Graduate / Professional School
• 1 Assistantship, 5 fellowships, 1 grant
Camden Health Center
Paul Brown, Director
Rutgers-Camden Health Services remains a comprehensive, collaborative
outpatient clinic responding holistically to the health needs of
the campus community. Through an extensive team effort we achieved
national accreditation from AAAHC, recognizing our professional
proficiency and our long-standing dedication to quality college
health care. We remain the only health service at Rutgers University
to have our entire staff trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
During the past year, our patient surveys show greater than 90%
satisfaction with our services. We continue to commit our organization
to ongoing quality assurance studies that evaluates the effectiveness
of mental health care, medical care, and overall health service
staff performance.
Medical Services
Within medical services, we continue to provide comprehensive medical
and occupational health care. Also, we remain committed to providing
consultation to the mental health staff on medical issues to include
the prescribing of appropriate medications. As part of quality assurance,
we frequently conduct diagnostic chart reviews to evaluate our treatment
guidelines and to keep up with the latest strategies in medical
care. In addition our policies and procedures are reviewed with
revisions provided to insure effective organizational communication
and up-to-date college health care. Campus medical outreach includes
consultations with REHS and Facilities to assist with a safe working
environment, the coordination with the LEAP Academy and EOF to provide
important medical education, and collaboration with the Nursing
and Athletic Departments to provide for effective physical exam
screening programs. For the first time, our physician acted as preceptor
for a UMDNJ medical student during the past year.
Psychological Services
In addition to providing our basic set of mental health and drug/alcohol/nicotine
counseling services, we continued our attempts to meet expanding
campus demands for services. We expanded a successful psychology
predoctoral internship and practicum training programs to include
Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, Philadelphia
College of Osteopathic Medicine Psy.D. program, and Immaculatta
University. We entered into a formal arrangement with Immaculatta
University’s new internship consortium which has been accepted
as a member of APIC. Health promotion is provided to students through
mental health workshops/presentations conducted for EOF students,
Teaching Assistants, Learning Center tutors, and members of the
Greek community . This is also done through a viable and ongoing
Health Advocate training program. Students are trained to function
as teams to provide campus outreach focusing on sexually transmitted
infections, nutrition, stress management, mental health issues,
and available health resources. Professional consultations and targeted
interventions were also performed by mental health staff to 12 departments
during the past year including post-student death interventions.
We provided extensive orientation outreach to both law and undergraduate
incoming student groups as well as to parents and families, in addition
to alcohol/drug/nicotine related information to both students and
staff. We continued our collaboration with the English Writing Program
to: 1) conduct our yearly freshmen health survey to collect data
for future student health trends and educational intervention, and
2) train the instructors on mental health issues as well as the
referral process.
Student Services
Mary Beth Daisey, Associate Provost and Dean of Students
The Division of Student Affairs also provides general and special
student services, including coordinating orientation and Judicial
Affairs for the campus. These services include but are not limited
to life advising, international students, students with disabilities,
judicial affairs, campus emergency response and ombudsperson for
students.
Orientation for new spring admitted students was in January. Orientations
for fall new students took place in August. The objective of orientation
is to assist new students to become familiar and comfortable in
the campus community. It also provides the opportunity for students
to meet and interact with peers while learning about all aspects
of college. A variety of concurrent workshops, activities, and social
events are designed to enhance the transition of new students to
the campus community. The campus-wide orientation committee works
collaboratively to create a two-day program for all new students
that both introduces them to Rutgers Camden and teaches them about
the services and offices that will be able to assist and enrich
their college experience.
As an initiative to improve retention on campus, a peer mentoring
program was established in October 2006. This program matched new
transfer students with an upperclass student who received training
in communication, resources, and referral. These peer mentors regularly
contacted their new students via email and phone, and met with them
for social and educational activities to help students navigate
Rutgers-Camden and meet other new students. Initial evaluations
for the program were very positive and the program has been extensively
expanded in the summer of 2007 to include all new students, more
combined programming efforts, as well as online discussion boards
and biweekly communication prior to their arrival on campus in the
fall.
Disabled Student Services: The Associate Dean of the School of
Business, Nathan Levinson, acts as the Campus Disabled Student Advisor.
He meets with students with learning, physical, and mental disabilities,
assists them with preparing documentation needed to receive accommodations,
explains the confidentiality of the services provided, and answers
any questions that students may have. The disabled student advisor
services between 40 - 50 students with disabilities every semester.
He also works with university-wide committees and the University
Office of Disabled Student Services to have accommodation requests
and documentation evaluated and determine what accommodations the
university can provide.
International Student Services: Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences
Danyelle Thurman acts as the campus International Student Advisor.
New international students were welcomed to the campus by an orientation
program held on campus in the early fall. During the program students
were introduced to the campus and the services available to them
such as Student Affairs, Health Services, Financial Aid, Computing
Services, and Student Billing. Dean Thurman also discussed relevant
international issues required for F-1 visa holders to maintain their
status and adhere to immigration regulations. International student
data for the Camden campus was tracked and maintained through the
SEVIS and FSA-ATLAS computer software systems. Dean Thurman has
also completed the necessary training of the SEVIS Bath Interface
System Enhancements through version 5.0. Throughout the year there
were several Optional Practical Training Workshops (OPT) to assist
international students with their employment authorization applications.
In addition, Curricular Practical Training Workshops were held to
assist students with applications for paid internships.
During the year international students received personal and individual
assistance with changing their visa status and renewal, traveling,
banking, academic planning, and personal counseling. There were
approximately 69 students engaged in undergraduate and graduate
study and research on campus.
Judicial Affairs: The adjudication process for students with academic
integrity violations was reorganized in the summer of 2006. The
associate deans of Arts and Sciences act as the initial judicial
officers to review and handle the majority of academic integrity
cases for undergraduate and graduate Arts and Sciences students.
All non-academic discipline matters, as well as appeals or cases
that involve conflicts of interest were handled by the Associate
Provost for Student Affairs. The two offices often consulted on
cases and strove for consistency and fairness in the adjudication
of cases and the awarding of sanctions. The Office of Judicial Affairs
in New Brunswick provided training for new judicial officers as
well as a workshop presentation to be used with students and faculty
on campus to help to promote academic integrity and an understanding
of the code of student conduct.
Dean of Students and Emergency Response: As the campus dean of students,
the Division of Student Affairs acts as the Dean on duty to handle
emergency concerns with students at all times. The Associate Provost
and her Associate and Assistant Dean of Students also act as the
liaison for students with emergencies and concerns, explaining how
procedures work, advocating on their behalf where appropriate, and
referring students to the resources on campus as needed. In addition,
the Associate Provost chairs the campus emergency response committee,
working on a campus emergency response manual, calling together
a committee to handle emergencies as they occur, and works with
the campus community to address communication, training and technology
issues as they relate to emergency management on campus and at the
university.
ADMISSIONS
Deborah E. Bowles, Director/Associate Provost for Enrollment Management
During this past year the Office of Admissions continued recruitment
efforts, with an increased emphasis on prospective and admitted
students from our major demographic markets. We have involved more
offices in the enrollment process so that we can connect with students
earlier and with greater frequency. We have developed recruitment
and enrollment strategies that have resulted in enhanced communication
and better service to students. We have also increased our efforts
in the areas of student outreach, web enhancement, and the use of
new technology tools to reach prospective, admitted, and enrolled
students. The offices involved in enrollment management have identified
opportunities through which we have redesigned our marketing strategies,
enhanced the transparency of process among our offices, and cultivated
our relationships with currently enrolled students.
In the registrar’s area we engineered the transition from
a paper class and hour schedule to an online version; a change which
students said facilitated their registration process. In the area
of IT, we designed, created, and implemented a website for enrollment
management services, so that students now visit one website and
access information and services for our offices at one site.
The admissions office assumed responsibility for placement testing
and transfer credit evaluations, and made enhancements for students
in both areas.
During the past year we have continued to work closely with the
Camden city high schools, and coordinated a summer internship program
for five Camden city high school students who were rising seniors.
FINANCIAL AID
Richard L. Woodland, Director
The Financial Aid Office provided financial assistance to 2,638
undergraduates in Arts and Sciences and University College in 2006-07.
Undergraduate students received over $27 million in assistance from
federal, state, and university sources. Undergraduate students financed
their education primarily through student loans, accounting for
59% of all aid received, up 3% from last year. Forty percent (40%)
of their financial aid was from grants and scholarships while almost
2% was from student employment. The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant
program (TAG) continues to be our largest source of grant funding,
providing over $4.8 million in direct tuition assistance. At the
federal level, the Pell Grant program provided over $2.7 million
in grants to students. Undergraduates received over $2.6 million
in scholarships and grants from private and university sources.
Our primary scholarship programs continue to be the Academic Excellence
Scholarships (208 students), Dean’s Merit Scholarships (74
students), and the Carr Scholars (28 students). This year saw the
introduction of the New Jersey Stars II program that offers free
tuition and fees to all county college students who participated
in the program at their prior school, received an AA degree, and
had a 3.0 GPA. Twenty-one students received this new award for 2006-07.
At the federal level, two new scholarship programs were enacted,
Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) for first- and second-year
students who graduated from a rigorous high school program and the
National SMART grant program for upper division students in selected
majors who had a 3.0 GPA. We had 108 students receive ACG grants
and 20 students receive the SMART grant.
In the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 199 students received
over $2.65 million in financial assistance. Student loans accounted
for 78% of the aid received, grants and scholarships 20%, and Federal
Work Study 2%. Various university and private scholarship programs
provided $572,732 to graduate students in 2006-07.
SUMMER SESSION 2006 AND WINTERIM 2007
Thomas J. Venables, Director
Once again the Summer Session Office during the 2006-2007 academic
year sponsored a series of exciting courses and special events.
The academic courses were complemented by extra-curricular activities
that peaked continuing students’ interests and encouraged
new students to make Rutgers-Camden their academic home. Proportionally,
the student summer population has been about 65% Rutgers-Camden
students, 21% other Rutgers students and 14% visiting students from
other colleges and universities around the country. This unique
classroom demographic results in an enthusiastic and creative classroom
mix that teachers and students find very rewarding. The Summer Session
'06 had 2,716 students in attendance.
We have increased our print-media advertising and find continued
success with the transit billboards posted in the commuter stations
on the PATCO line between Philadelphia and New Jersey, resulting
in an increase of exposure for our campus. A direct mail campaign
with colorful mail backs resulted in substantial inquiries for Summer
Session and Winterim courses. The cooperative cover theme and expanded
catalog website format have increased our advertising exposure statewide.
Our 19th Annual Summer Writers’ Conference and Summer Music
Festival provide an artistic dimension for students and faculty
alike. Local writers and performers are able to spend quality time
with artists visiting with us from across the country and around
the world. Battleship New Jersey tours, Riversharks baseball games,
trips to New York, local concerts, and lunchtime musical recitals
provided broad cultural venues in our summer session. A wide variety
of laboratory sciences were held this past summer including biology,
chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, giving science majors
and pre-med students a jump ahead of the competition while focusing
on the sciences in a concentrated course format.
Summer Session has continued our off-campus offerings at Atlantic
Cape Community College, Voorhees, and Mt Laurel corporate facilities
in the surrounding counties. Online courses and our off-campus locations
attract potential students to our colleges and programs offered
in Camden. Teacher workshops enable more service to the broader
educational community. The highly regarded Law, M.B.A., and Arts
and Sciences graduate courses continue to grow and attract highly
qualified students from all over the Delaware Valley.
The Rutgers-Camden Winterim 2007 session has maintained excellent
enrollments in its eighth successful year. Selected graduate and
undergraduate courses were offered by the Arts and Sciences faculty
and the School of Business faculty. This year 805 students were
in attendance with an overall revenue generation of $762,712. Our
campus gained $245,717 after all related expenses.
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