Two "admissions people" posing for a picture together. Angel is the Director of Admissions at Pitzer College
Reunion!
It was a blast! Enough said.
Two "admissions people" posing for a picture together. Angel is the Director of Admissions at Pitzer College
Two "admissions people" posing for a picture together. Angel is the Director of Admissions at Pitzer College
NYSACAC conference
The New York State Association for Admissions Counseling annual conference was held last week at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. The conference is held every year at a different New York State college and is a great opportunity for admissions counselors and guidance counselors/college advisers to see one another, network and make new friends. The "NizzyACAC" conference is what I look forward to at the end of every year; kinda like the prom:) The conference keynote speaker was Jonathan Kozol, a highly regarded educator/author. I was very interested to hear about the work he is doing with the Barrack Obama regarding education policy.
One of my favorite aspects of the conference is the chance to see another college campus. I inevitably fall in love with the host institution every conference and Manhattanville was no exception. The student workers we met were incredible ( I bonded with the Hawaiian students), the facilities were impressive and the professors I met were very impressive. Conference participants also have the "luxury" of staying in the dorms!
A picture from inside the "castle" at Manhattanville
Most of the Skidmore crew inside our dorm room
Dalton Conley addressed the conference on Tuesday night. I asked him to sign my copy of his book, Honky.
One of my favorite aspects of the conference is the chance to see another college campus. I inevitably fall in love with the host institution every conference and Manhattanville was no exception. The student workers we met were incredible ( I bonded with the Hawaiian students), the facilities were impressive and the professors I met were very impressive. Conference participants also have the "luxury" of staying in the dorms!
A picture from inside the "castle" at Manhattanville
Most of the Skidmore crew inside our dorm room
Dalton Conley addressed the conference on Tuesday night. I asked him to sign my copy of his book, Honky.
IGR Workshop: One of the best professional workshops I've experienced
Summer for the "admission professional" entails a number of conferences and workshops. I was lucky enough to participate in an incredible workshop right here on the Skidmore campus. The IGR workshop was a very effective workshop to help professors, staff members and community members open up dialog surrounding race and identity. Thirty plus Skidmore staff members were admitted into the program run by the program directors, Monita and Charles (now retired). The three day workshop was challenging, rewarding and empowered participants with more knowledge, tools and experience to work with majority and diverse populations! I highly recommend the IGR workshop!
Here is a link to a short clip about IGR workshops/classes.
Skidmore is in the process of introducing more IGR type classes (there are a few offered already on campus) into the academic curriculum.
Here is a link to a short clip about IGR workshops/classes.
Skidmore is in the process of introducing more IGR type classes (there are a few offered already on campus) into the academic curriculum.
Graduation!
My spring travel (see post below) this year coincided with Senior Week. I didn't have a chance to say congratulations to many of the seniors I met during the admissions process more than four or five years ago. Congrats to everyone who graduated!
Spring Travel
Spring travel season has come and gone. Compared to the fall travel season, spring travel season is much shorter and not nearly as intense.
I spent a short time in New York City where I traveled with Jasmin Escobar, assistant director of admissions at Pitzer College. My good friend and Skidmore classmate, Angel Perez, is the Director of Admissions at Pitzer and I look forward to seeing him this weekend at our 10 year reunion.
I met so many great students in New York City and- ate so many great meals:) High Schools typically offer dinner before a night time fair. Some of the schools' PTA prepare a multi-ethnic feast fit for kings and the college reps dine before the college fair begins (like this one at one NYC high school)
I went to a handful of fairs and sat on one College Night Panel in the New York City Area. I traveled to Long Island for a big fair organized by guidance counselors in the Nassau County School district. I also attended some college fairs in the mid-Hudson region of the state. I enjoy being on the road but this year I felt very guilty because I missed out on some graduation events on campus. My Spring travel season ended appropriately at the high school I graduated from nearly 15 years ago. I sat on a panel along side colleagues from Bucknell, Hartwick, Tufts, Union, University of Connecticut, and Yale. We spoke about various topics surrounding the admissions process. I spoke briefly about Facebook and public domain. Dinner was (of course) provided with a neat little twist; students in a culinary arts class prepared dinner for us.
Kudos to the student chefs!
I spent a short time in New York City where I traveled with Jasmin Escobar, assistant director of admissions at Pitzer College. My good friend and Skidmore classmate, Angel Perez, is the Director of Admissions at Pitzer and I look forward to seeing him this weekend at our 10 year reunion.
I met so many great students in New York City and- ate so many great meals:) High Schools typically offer dinner before a night time fair. Some of the schools' PTA prepare a multi-ethnic feast fit for kings and the college reps dine before the college fair begins (like this one at one NYC high school)
I went to a handful of fairs and sat on one College Night Panel in the New York City Area. I traveled to Long Island for a big fair organized by guidance counselors in the Nassau County School district. I also attended some college fairs in the mid-Hudson region of the state. I enjoy being on the road but this year I felt very guilty because I missed out on some graduation events on campus. My Spring travel season ended appropriately at the high school I graduated from nearly 15 years ago. I sat on a panel along side colleagues from Bucknell, Hartwick, Tufts, Union, University of Connecticut, and Yale. We spoke about various topics surrounding the admissions process. I spoke briefly about Facebook and public domain. Dinner was (of course) provided with a neat little twist; students in a culinary arts class prepared dinner for us.
Kudos to the student chefs!
Adirondack Scholars
About five months ago, I wrote about a project to serve rural, first-generation students. Well, we pulled it off and it was a great success! A big thanks to the Skidmore Women’s tennis team, and the other Skidmore students who acted as mentors for the day (Hillary Ekwall, Megan Labbate, and Saundra). We had about eighty five students visit campus on Tuesday, participate in a scavenger hunt, and have lunch in the dining hall. The day was designed to help the Adirondack scholars become acquainted with a college campus and college life so they will think about going to college in the future! 
Dani Fancher, a member of the women's tennis team, poses for a picture in order to get points in the scavenger hunt
One of the groups poses on the stage of JKB theater
Some of the Adirondack Scholars talk to a group of Skidmore students studying in the library
Some of the Adirondack Scholars listening to their Skidmore mentors speak
Adirondack Scholars find a first-year student at Skidmore in line waiting for food
Here is a rough copy of the scavenger hunt. We hope other campuses take the lead in promoting early college awareness to under served populations.
THE SKIDMORE SNAPSHOT with
Find or take a picture of the following items on the below list!
Extra points given for being in the picture with the “subject.”
Someone younger than 10 years old on campus! 5pts
Skidmore student, class of 2011. 2pts
Skidmore Student in the library studying science! 4pts
Skidmore student wearing shorts and flip flops 5pts
Skidmore Professor 2pts
The President of Skidmore (outside of his office) 9pts
Skidmore student exercising in the gym 5pts
Skidmore student in an art studio 2pts
Skidmore student in the science lab 4pts
Skidmore student practicing an instrument 4pts
Skidmore students in the library studying together 4pts
Skidmore Student Government Officer (SGA officer) 5pts
A poster for an upcoming event 2pts
“ICE AGE” (the movie) 4pts
Inside a Skidmore dorm room 5pts
On the Skidmore basketball court 5pts
On stage of the Skidmore Theatre 5pts
In an art gallery 4pts
A fireplace 5pts
The Skidmore Seal 4pts
Skidmore sweatshirt 4pts
Skidmore Post Office 4pts
Wachenheim Field 3pts
Display of student research 6pts
A copy of the Skidmore News 2pts
Here are some pictures from the scavenger hunt!
Dani Fancher, a member of the women's tennis team, poses for a picture in order to get points in the scavenger hunt
One of the groups poses on the stage of JKB theater
Some of the Adirondack Scholars talk to a group of Skidmore students studying in the library
Some of the Adirondack Scholars listening to their Skidmore mentors speak
Adirondack Scholars find a first-year student at Skidmore in line waiting for foodDiscovery Weekend
This past weekend was Discovery Weekend at Skidmore, a program designed for (but not exclusively for) accepted students of color to become more familiar with Skidmore.
Skidmore has made incredible strides in diversity over the last few years. When I returned to work for Skidmore in 2003, the student of color population was about 13% of the student body. The class of 2011 has nearly 24% students of color, and I expect the class o 2012 to be even larger.
Prospective students should not judge a school's "diversity" by looking at percentages. Skidmore may have had only 13% students of color in 2003, but we were recognized in a national study as a model for success in regard to graduation and retention rates for students of color. We have a much larger percentage of under represented students now, but we have not compromised the retention and graduation we were applauded for in 2003. Here is another article about what is being called, "The Skidmore Model."
And of course- the requisite pictures for each blog post!
Professor Joshua Woodfork (in the stripes) at breakfast with a few Discovery Weekend students
Hanging out at Galactic Bowling
In front of Case Center
Hanging out with some of the Hawaiians on Discovery Tour:)
Link to all of my pictures are here and here
Skidmore has made incredible strides in diversity over the last few years. When I returned to work for Skidmore in 2003, the student of color population was about 13% of the student body. The class of 2011 has nearly 24% students of color, and I expect the class o 2012 to be even larger.
Prospective students should not judge a school's "diversity" by looking at percentages. Skidmore may have had only 13% students of color in 2003, but we were recognized in a national study as a model for success in regard to graduation and retention rates for students of color. We have a much larger percentage of under represented students now, but we have not compromised the retention and graduation we were applauded for in 2003. Here is another article about what is being called, "The Skidmore Model."
And of course- the requisite pictures for each blog post!
Professor Joshua Woodfork (in the stripes) at breakfast with a few Discovery Weekend students
Hanging out at Galactic Bowling
In front of Case Center
Hanging out with some of the Hawaiians on Discovery Tour:)
Link to all of my pictures are here and here
Catching Up
It has been a crazy few weeks so I apologize for not blogging recently!
A couple weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College. We had a great discussion about the application review process!
A view from the back at HSAS' College night
A few days later, Stuyvesant High School brought eighty juniors to campus. I had a great time hanging out, answering questions, and eating in the dining hall!
Stuy students saying goodbye to Skidmore
The Filene Music Scholarship competition took place on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Congratulations to all of the finalists!
Two current students perform during a break in the competition!
Another current student performance
A couple weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College. We had a great discussion about the application review process!
A view from the back at HSAS' College nightA few days later, Stuyvesant High School brought eighty juniors to campus. I had a great time hanging out, answering questions, and eating in the dining hall!
Stuy students saying goodbye to SkidmoreThe Filene Music Scholarship competition took place on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Congratulations to all of the finalists!
Two current students perform during a break in the competition!
Another current student performance
John Ashcroft
I went to the John Ashcroft lecture on campus last night. I am proud of Skidmore for bringing a controversial speaker to campus. I may not agree with much of anything he said, but I'm appreciative of the discourse and debate he brought to campus (even before he arrived). Events like this makes a small learning community so rewarding; students are able to hear, share, defend, and oppose ideas in an academic forum.
I think his lecture would have been more appropriately tittled "Defending the Patriot Act," as opposed to, "Leadership in difficult times."
I watched from a simulcast of the lecture in Case Center.
I think his lecture would have been more appropriately tittled "Defending the Patriot Act," as opposed to, "Leadership in difficult times."
I watched from a simulcast of the lecture in Case Center.
Thank you
Now that you have received your decision letter, please take the time to do the following:
Thank your teachers (especially the ones who wrote recommendation letters for you)!
Thank your guidance counselor/college counselor. He/she was much busier than you might think!
Last but not least, thank your parents!
Students at Mid-Pac pose with the counseling staff and admission counselors from Agnes Scott, Colby and Kenyon.
Thank your teachers (especially the ones who wrote recommendation letters for you)!
Thank your guidance counselor/college counselor. He/she was much busier than you might think!
Last but not least, thank your parents!
Students at Mid-Pac pose with the counseling staff and admission counselors from Agnes Scott, Colby and Kenyon.
Letters are in the mail!
The wait is (almost) over!
On March 27th, decision letters will leave the Skidmore admissions office. Months and months of hard work culminate into one simple decision letter. Some applicants will be ecstatic when the mail arrives, most will be disappointed. This post is dedicated to all 7,400+ applicants this year, regardless of the decision letter you receive. We thank you for your patience through the entire application process. We hope all of you will find the right institution for you, and for some of you, we hope that institution is Skidmore.
Accepted students can sign up for an Accepted Candidates Day here.
Check out some of the Skidmore groups on facebook: Skidmore Class of 2012 (started by a Skidmore class of 2012 student) and Discovery Weekend at Skidmore (a page I maintain). You can also check out the video I posted on the Discovery Weekend page.
Podcast Tour?
This week is Spring break for Skidmore students. We still offer group information sessions for prospective students but we do not have student led tours this week (March 10th-March 15th). On that note, I notice a larger population of students visiting Skidmore during the weekend, when the admissions office is not necessarily open. This got me thinking about what we could do to service the self-guided tours better.
We are currently playing with the idea of having a podcast or mp3 audio file (available on the Skidmore web page) of a self-guided tour; visitors could visit buildings they were interested in and click play on their Ipod/mp3 player to listen to a student talk about that specific building. For those less technically inclined, we could also have a phone number to call (using a cell phone) with the same recorded description of the building.
We recorded audio for two of the buildings on campus, JKB Theater and Filene Music Hall. We selected two superstar seniors (Natasha Amendolara and Ryan Klein) to leave their legacy behind in the form of their recorded voice.
Natasha getting ready to record (my camera was accidentally in video mode)
Ryan on his way to class
We are currently playing with the idea of having a podcast or mp3 audio file (available on the Skidmore web page) of a self-guided tour; visitors could visit buildings they were interested in and click play on their Ipod/mp3 player to listen to a student talk about that specific building. For those less technically inclined, we could also have a phone number to call (using a cell phone) with the same recorded description of the building.
We recorded audio for two of the buildings on campus, JKB Theater and Filene Music Hall. We selected two superstar seniors (Natasha Amendolara and Ryan Klein) to leave their legacy behind in the form of their recorded voice.
Natasha getting ready to record (my camera was accidentally in video mode)
Ryan on his way to class
Faculty Basketball at Skidmore
Now that I work at Skidmore, I can play "noontime faculty/staff basketball". Games are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at, you guessed it, noon. You can always judge how good a college is by how competitive the faculty basketball is (uh....not really- but wouldn't that be neat to see in the guidebooks?).
Here are some pictures from the last outing.
Executing the triangle offense
Sometimes we play soccer too (click on photo)!
Some of the professors can really play:)
Here are some pictures from the last outing.
Executing the triangle offense
Sometimes we play soccer too (click on photo)!
Some of the professors can really play:)
Chowderfest!
Chowderfest 2008!
I have been busy reading applications and I haven't had time to blog as much as I want to. Here is a post about Chowderfest!
http://www.discoversaratoga.org/Chowderfest/
We brought our pugs along ( bundled up for the cold), a bottle of water, and a couple cans of soda to cleanse the palate and quench our thirst!
This Chowder won "Best Dog Chowder" as judged by the Mayor's dog.
Dookie dares Walter (in the Skidmore sweater) to try the dog chowder
The line outside at one of the chowder stops!
I actually had two bowls of this chowder. It was one of the winners of the day!
Our ballot for Chowderfest 2008!
Skidmore musicians
Congratulations to Julia Nunes '11, the winner of the Bushman World Ukelele Video Contest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-lt3vVA-4I
Skidmore has an incredible music community; here are some other Skiddies I enjoy listening to.
Amy Regan
"So in Love" is my favorite!
Lisa Bastoni
Can be seen performing all over Boston.
Sinem Saniye
"Boom Sheke Nana" won the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Lyle Divinsky
Also starred in Cabaret Troupe's production of "Fame" earlier this fall.
Nat Osborn
His group features a number of Skidmore classmates. "Yours alone" is awesome!
Dylan Connor
So versatile and talented.
Here is a brand new way to keep track of all your favorite Skidmore musicians:http://skidmore.magnify.net/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-lt3vVA-4I
Skidmore has an incredible music community; here are some other Skiddies I enjoy listening to.
Amy Regan
"So in Love" is my favorite!
Lisa Bastoni
Can be seen performing all over Boston.
Sinem Saniye
"Boom Sheke Nana" won the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Lyle Divinsky
Also starred in Cabaret Troupe's production of "Fame" earlier this fall.
Nat Osborn
His group features a number of Skidmore classmates. "Yours alone" is awesome!
Dylan Connor
So versatile and talented.
Here is a brand new way to keep track of all your favorite Skidmore musicians:http://skidmore.magnify.net/
Super Tuesday
Yesterday was a super Tuesday in many respects. Skidmore has enough voter participation in order be its own polling district so Skidmore students vote right on campus!
Skidmore students also vote in local elections (but we'll save that for another post).
I was also able to join many of the international students at an informal gathering at Scribner House, the home of President Glotzbach and his wife Marie.
Skidmore students also vote in local elections (but we'll save that for another post).
I was also able to join many of the international students at an informal gathering at Scribner House, the home of President Glotzbach and his wife Marie.
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