A Monthly Faculty and Staff Newsletter | December 2023 | |
A Note from President Espy
Dear Colleagues,
As this year comes to a close, I reflect on what the last year of the calendar has meant for this institution.
Since December of last year, we have strengthened existing partnerships and created new ones. Most recently, we have established a new partnership with CAI Neurodiverse Solutions, a neurodiversity employment program which connects and supports neurodivergent individuals with great job and career opportunities.
New academic programs have come to fruition, flanked by the lifelong learning paths of dual enrollment, the Mitchell Hub, and the STAIRs program.
After coming away with three championship titles in the New England Collegiate Conference, we began the Fall 2023 season with the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, expanding opportunities for competition for our student athletes.
Our Alumni Association has been resurrected and re-imagined, and we are seeing more and more alumni returning to Mitchell events and social media.
We have found the voice and face of the College in new branding that captures our spirit and mission.
We welcomed the NECHE accrediting team to our campus in the spring, and happily welcomed the returned report of our continued accreditation status this fall.
Of course, as is the core of all we do, in the spring we witnessed a class of seniors graduate, and this fall we saw the seating of the new class. All of this has occurred in the last year thanks to the hard work and huge hearts of the Mitchell College faculty and staff, and I thank you for your dedication.
Please remember the importance of wellness. Take time for you and make time for the people and things you enjoy. I wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons and the best of everything in the new year.
Best,
TE
| |
|
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Submitted by Dr. Betsy Beaulieu, Vice President for Academic Affairs
| |
Open Education Network Participants
Katie Nazarian, director of library services, and Professor Jono Babbitt have been accepted into the 2024 cohort of the University of Minnesota's Certificate in Open Educational Resources (OER) program. The goal of their participation is greater familiarity with, and adoption of, OER by the Mitchell College faculty, thus reducing a significant barrier that our students face. We look forward to learning from Katie and Jono!
| |
Student Joins Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum Committee, a faculty committee charged with providing leadership for all curriculum development and revision, as well as oversight of the academic model, recently welcomed a student member. Matthew Dougherty, a sophomore, joined the committee as a non-voting member this fall. Matthew is a Psychology major and a Sociology minor who serves as a Compass Mentor in the FYE program, is an RA in Matteson, and has a leading role in one of this year's theater productions. We are excited to add a student voice to this important committee!
| |
Mitchell College and Fisher College Sign Criminal Justice Agreement
Mitchell College and Fisher College have signed a transfer articulation agreement allowing current Mitchell College students to begin their Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) graduate degree while in their senior year at Mitchell. Additionally, Fisher is offering seniors who matriculate into their online MSCJ program a 20% savings off tuition rates and the last course at no cost! Mitchell students can take up to four courses during their senior year that will count both towards their undergraduate degree with Mitchell and graduate degree with Fisher. Fisher’s MSCJ program is offered fully online and courses that run over eight weeks, allowing for maximum flexibility. For more information about this unique opportunity, contact Dr. Jenna Curren, and please help spread the word to those who may be interested!
| |
Degree Completion Program to Launch in January
Mitchell College has received substantive change approval from NECHE to launch an online degree completion program. The first courses will be offered in January 2024. We are excited to welcome adult learners—a new student demographic—into the Mitchell family. More information can be found on the Professional Studies page on our website under Academic Programs.
There are currently two pathways: Business and Health/Human Services. We hope Mitchell faculty, staff, students, and alumni will serve as ambassadors for this new program and help spread the word that we are now offering an amazing opportunity for learners who want to return to school to complete their undergraduate degree.
| |
Daty Presents on Academic Dishonesty
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Tim Daty presented at the American Society of Criminology's annual meeting in Philadelphia in November. His presentation was entitled "Does Major Matter? Cheating Behaviors Among Criminal Justice Students."
Are you curious about Dr. Daty's findings? Reach out to him, and he'll fill you in on his research.
| |
|
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Submitted by Dr. Alicia Martinez, Dean of Student Experience and Belonging
| |
Residence Life (Res Life)
-
Workshops: This month’s mandatory first-year workshop "Setting a Sail to Your Future" was presented by Student Affairs Fellow for Student Conduct and First-Year Experience Moses Griffith. The focus was on goals, organization, and time management. The Thames mandatory workshop "Keep Digging," which focused on stress, was presented by Residence Hall Director for Thames and Summer Housing Brandon Gennotti.
-
Winter Break: Residence halls will be closed on December 15 at 5:00 p.m.
-
MiniMester Break: The form to stay on campus during the Winter MiniMester has been sent to residents and can be found on the MiniMester webpage.
Health and Wellness (H&W)
The Health and Wellness Center features mental health awareness groups and guest events.
-
Interns: Dr. Gizelle Tircuit has procured three interns for the upcoming semesters. The first intern will begin in Spring 2024 and the remaining two interns will be in Fall 2024.
-
Professor Kevin Booker's Mock Interviews: Dr. Tircuit participated in Professor Kevin Booker's Mitchell College Public Speaking class as a mock job interviewer. The students were provided with the experience of presenting themselves as if they were being interviewed, with feedback from the interviewer and their peers.
-
Sex Talk with Dr. T.: Dr. Tircuit and her community partner James Hodge, The Rose City Movement, discussed the importance of understanding basic sexual information: condoms, STIs, and resources with Saunders students.
-
Mental Health First Aid Training: Dr. Tircuit has started with December dates: December 4 and December 18.
-
Blossom: Antaya Lee, director of student engagement and orientation, and Dr. Tircuit held the Blossom Banquet Luncheon on December 6.
| |
ADVANCEMENT AND MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS | |
Day of Giving Breaks Record
On Day of Giving 2023 we did indeed made a difference, with gifts to the college totaling $253,436, making it the largest Day of Giving in the history of Mitchell College.
We are so grateful to our college community for all you do daily for our students. Your generosity in supporting our mission makes fundraising easier, and directly benefits those we are privileged to serve. Your impact and the impact of those before you inspires others to join us and add their support for even greater impact.
Sincere thanks!
|
Communications Intern
The Marketing and Communications department has hosted several interns over the past two years. Our latest intern is David Lawrence, a junior communication major, who has been completing hours for a micro-internship. His primary task has been to assist with the production of Mitchell On the Move in November and December. Thank you, David!
| |
|
ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Submitted by Dr. Cathy Hurd, Vice President of Enrollment Management
| |
|
By Matthew Guerrera
Our admissions representatives have wrapped up their busy travel season, except for a few remaining college fairs and high school visits. This travel season took our admissions team to 14 states, attending 53 college and career fairs and meeting with students and counselors at 310 high schools. The team had the chance to meet with many counselors from institutions we have visited in the past, while also meeting with counselors from new high schools not as familiar with Mitchell College. Our early action deadline for incoming students was November 15, and we have already reviewed and accepted many applications received prior to this deadline. Our team will continue to read and review applications as the Enrollment Management Team members have officially all returned to Henry Hall.
| |
Kristen Mercado Presents at NAACP Conference
Financial Aid Advisor Kristen Mercado presented and spoke on a panel at Foxwoods Resort as a part of the Connecticut NAACAP Annual Conference. The conference was held November 17–18 at Foxwoods Resort, and Kristen was part of a one-hour seminar that centered on federal student loan forgiveness. Kristen sat on the panel alongside the Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers, a professor at the University of Michigan, and a member of the Connecticut Chapter of the NAACP. The panel presented for about 30 minutes on several topics related to federal student loan forgiveness, including supporting loan forgiveness to underserved populations. The remaining time of the seminar was reserved for attendees to ask questions. This was an exciting opportunity for the Enrollment Management Team, and we are pleased that Kristen was asked to be a part of this seminar.
| |
Happy Holidays from Henry Hall
As we near the end of the year, we want to wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!
| |
|
FACILITIES
Submitted by Joe Pardee, Director of Facilities
| |
Campus Capital Projects – Fall/Winter
The following campus capital projects are underway:
Library
- New Carpet Top Floor
- Replace RTU DX HVAC Unit for Improved Heating and Cooling
Yarnall
- New Bleachers in Gym
- Create a Women's Staff Locker-room
Nathan Hale
- New Furniture for 4 Classrooms on First Floor
Campus Grounds
- Complete Designs for Parking/ Green Space Between Yarnall, Red Barn, and The Cove
| |
|
BUSINESS OFFICE
Submitted by Rob Peruzzotti, Vice President of Finance
| |
Auxiliary Updates
Michael's Dairy welcomed our local friends to our pre-Thanksgiving pop-up, selling pre-ordered pies, quarts, and pints of ice cream. The folks who stopped by gave a lot of great feedback for our 2023 season and look forward to what 2024 brings.
Over at The Red Barn, we've been working with our marketing team to create fresh content on our social media pages as we gear up for Wedding Engagement Season.
Our two Auxiliary interns have spent all semester helping with every piece of the auxiliary businesses, and they've been fantastic to work with.
| |
Children's Learning Center
We are thrilled to share the joyous moments from our Children's Learning Center Thanksgiving Potluck held at the Red Barn. It was a heartwarming celebration filled with laughter, delicious food, and a sense of community. Our amazing parents came together, showcasing their culinary talents and creating a feast that reflected the diverse and vibrant spirit of our CLC family. The Red Barn echoed with the sounds of children's laughter and the aroma of home-cooked dishes, making it a memorable occasion that truly embodied the spirit of gratitude. We are grateful for the strong sense of community that binds us together and for the wonderful memories created at this special Thanksgiving gathering.
| |
|
ATHLETICS
Submitted by Matt Finlayson, Director of Athletics
| |
By Mike Brunetti, Sports Information Director | |
Fall Student-Athlete Accolades
November was a month of transition in the Athletic Department at Mitchell, as the book closed on fall sports and winter season began anew. Fall officially wrapped up with news of student-athletes who were named All-Conference by the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).
Women's Soccer
Headlining the postseason honorees was sophomore Gemma Landry (Lewiston, ME), who was named Goalkeeper of the Year, while freshman Morgan Fontaine (Cheshire, Conn.) was named to the GNAC All-Rookie Team. Landry, who finished in the top 20 in the country at the Division III level in total saves, was also one of 11 players to earn All-Conference First Team honors, while Fontaine represented the Mariners on the All-Rookie Team after producing eight goals and two assists for 18 points, both team-high figures. Joining Landry and Fontaine was senior Isabel Foley (Framingham, Mass.) who was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
| |
|
Men's Soccer
On the men’s side, junior Dylan Lucey (Lebanon, Conn.) was one of 11 players to be named to the GNAC Men's Soccer All-Conference Third Team. Lucey, who was one of just nine forwards to be selected to an All-Conference team, started and played in 15 games for the Mariners this past season and paced the Mitchell offensive attack by logging a team-high six goals, five of which came during conference play. Lucey also added one assist in league play and finished the fall with 13 total points, 11 of which came against GNAC opponents. Also representing the Mariners was sophomore Flavio Alvarado (New London, Conn.), who was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
| |
|
Volleyball
Meanwhile, volleyball concluded with the news that junior Bliss Brown (Rainbow City, Ala.) was named to the GNAC All-Conference Second Team. Brown, who was one of just 25 players to land on one of the three All-Conference teams, produced an historic season during her first fall in New London, finishing the regular season with 246 kills in GNAC play, best in the league. Her 4.39 kills per set in conference action was good for second overall, and she also placed second across 15 GNAC matches in points per set (4.8) and total points (266.5), while notching the most total attacks with 883, 293 more than the player in second place. Throughout the season, Brown rewrote the Mitchell record book, shattering the Division III era record for kills in a season by 110. Her 3.75 kills per set average also set a program record, topping Amanda Garcia, who averaged 3.08 kills per set during the 2013 season. With 328 digs, Brown moves into the top 10 in the history of the program for an individual season. Also representing the Mariners was junior Allison Blum (Garden Grove, Cali.), who was selected to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
| |
Basketball Season Tips Off
The basketball season officially tipped off on Wednesday, November 8, when the Mitchell women hosted Mount Holyoke College at the Yarnall Athletic Center. Playing under first year head coach Ashley Wilson, the Mariners came out of the gate on fire, rolling over the Lyons 77-34 in the non-conference showdown, making it the most points scored by the program in a season opener since 2019. Three days later, the Mitchell men’s basketball team welcomed in cross-town rival Connecticut College to begin their season.
| |
|
Cadet-Mariner Classic
The following week, Mitchell and Coast Guard hosted their two-day tournament, the Cadet-Mariner Classic, with two games at Yarnall on Friday, November 17, and two more games at the Academy the following day. The tournament was held in honor of Harrison “Honey” Fitch, a UConn athlete who faced discrimination at the Academy in the 1930s. Part of the tournament was a breakfast focused on leadership and how athletics allows athletes and coaches to grow both individually and as a team. Senior Dontae Pollard (Fort Walton Beach, Fla.) was awarded the LIFT Leadership Award from the Fitch Foundation.
| |
Heading into the Thanksgiving break, the Mitchell women made history, defeating Western Connecticut State University for the first time in program history behind 28 points and 22 rebounds by senior Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.). As a result of her performance, Santos was named GNAC Player of the Week for the sports of women’s basketball and earned a spot on the New England Women's Basketball Association's (NEWBA) Weekly First-Team. She is the first Mitchell player to land on either the first or second team in the weekly selections by NEWBA this season. Each week during the regular season, the organization honors a player and rookie of the week from the region and selects a five-player first team along with a five-player second team. | |
|
Over the Thanksgiving break, head coach Todd Peretz of the men’s basketball team hosted the program’s annual alumni game, welcoming back players from the four-year Division III era.
The Mitchell women close out November with an overall record of 2–3 and the Mitchell men with an 0–4 record.
| | | | |
