» 2009 » March

Recently on March 28,2009, NCSU students participated in Service Raleigh, an annual citywide day of service started in 1998 by NC State’s Student Government and Park Scholars. This year, over 2,000 volunteers from the university and surrounding communities volunteered to lend a hand. Despite the wet and murky weather, students stuck it out and participated in projects that ranged from moving mulch, site restoration, and planting trees. Arriving early Saturday morning, students were greeted with warm donuts from Krispy Kreme, and fresh bagels from Brueggers Bagels Shop. Once full and energized, students joined their organizations and then broke into teams heading for their designated locations. This year I partnered with my sorors of the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  in efforts to clean up an area located on interstate 440 to correspond with our “Think Pink Live Green” program. Overall it was an experience that made me think twice about my carbon footprint on this earth. I was happy to say that I was “KOmited 2 the Cause” and persevered despite the soggy rain boots and questionable finds.

If you or someone you know is interested in the Service Raleigh Organization, log on to thier website at http://www.serviceraleigh.org/volunteer/volunteer_reg.html

Spring is the time of year that excites and inspires everyone involved in the college admissions process.  College admissions offices have made it through the winter with its blizzard of applications, transcripts and test scores.  In Raleigh, the flowers are starting to bloom and signs of new growth are everywhere.  Admissions decisions for the freshman class are complete, and we have tremendous hope for the future. 

College admissions offices are making the final selections for their freshman class.  Many applicants will be ecstatic being selected.  Others will be very disappointed that they were not admitted.   Was it my test score?  Were my mid-year grades not high enough?  Was my essay not strong enough?  Did I not take enough AP courses?

On the flipside, students are selecting their school for next fall.  NC State spends a lot of time and energy trying to encourage great students to enroll.  In our admissions office there is a lot of disappointment when a student that we have admitted chooses to go to another college.  We ask why?  Was it our brochure?  Was it our campus tour?  Was it our website?  Was it the scholarship at the other school?  How could a student ever choose to attend that “other” college instead of  NC State.  We know we are so much better. 

We want answers.  Unfortunately, there is never a simple answer. 

Just as many factors go into the selection of the freshmen class at NC State, the decisions of high school students on college attendance are influenced by many factors.  We try to get to know applicants by reading their applications, and pouring over their transcripts.  While we may have loved an applicant’s essay, the grades or test scores may not have made the applicant competitive.  Students try to get to know NC State by researching on-line, talking to people on campus and visiting.  A freshman applicant may have loved the campus tour, but does not want a large school.  We may be favorably impressed with an applicant’s test scores and extracurricular activities, but not impressed by their grades.  Maybe an admitted applicant was impressed by the research facilities and internship opportunities, but just likes another school slightly better. 

There are no simple answers for applicants or for colleges.  Applicants and colleges must each move forward with their plans for the summer and fall.

NC State has made admissions offers after reviewing over 18,000 freshmen applications.  We have selected a great group of freshmen!  Admitted students include students with wonderful academic qualifications and tremendous experiences in their background.  When summer arrives, we expect 4,700 freshmen to attend orientation in July and enroll this August.  They will be some of the best and brightest that the world has to offer.

Good Morning Folks!

I hope you are all enjoying your first day of Spring!  This will be my last blog entry within the Undergraduate Admissions Office.  I have been offered a wonderful opportunity on campus to work with students within Student Affairs and must leave the place that I have called my second home for over three years.

But I leave you all in great hands!  Dana Troutman, our staff world traveler, will serve as the staff blogger for our office.  Dana will be able to answer any and all of your questions, as well as showing you more of what NC State and Raleigh, NC has to offer you.

Passing the Torch!

For my students and parents that I have met or spoken with throughout this admissions cycle:  Thank you for your patience!  We know it is not easy playing the waiting game and we appreciate your patience of that.  In the next week or two, students will receive their final admissions decisions.  Our office has done its absolute best in building a strong and diverse freshman class.  Whether you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, I wish you all the best of luck!

To my fellow college representatives:  Keep it all the way classy!  Have fun on the next recruitment season but be safe!

To the Undergraduate Admissions Staff:  Thank you all for allowing me to work with such great people like yourself!  Remember to smile at the little things and laugh hysterically when you want to.  I appreciate all that you do!

The great people in my office are just a small glimpse of the awesome people (students, faculty and staff) that make NC State such a great place to be.  If you have not had the opportunity to come visit, we offer campus information sessions and tours everyday (excluding University holidays).  You can register for such events via your WolfPAW account.

Final Self-Portrait!

 

On Monday, August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. Five years later, the victims of the storm are still suffering. Shattered lives and destroyed homes still plague the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana. As our economic state worsens, those affected by the storm are further afflicted.

On Febuary 24,2008 the Kappa Omicron Chapter, of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.  hosted a program entitled Mardi Gras. The purpose of this event was to celebrate the traditions and history of Mardi Gras, while also providing a fundraiser to help support the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. In hopes of giving relief to  the victims who have still not received relief and support from FEMA since Hurricane Katrina stuck the gulf coast in 2005, the proceeds of this fundraisers went to The Network for Good, a foundation for victims of Hurricane Katrina.  The program was a great success that touched on the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras, and helped give back to those in need. With only a $1 admission participants received a decorative mask and entrance ticket into a New Orleans setting. With creole inspired cuisine (my favorite), and creative games ranging from charades to go fish (Mardi Gras style) it was a blast!  Despite the shopping for decorations,making the flyers and painting the masks, the program was a lot of fun and it paid off. I am very proud to be apart of such an organization that make others concerns such a serious matter. Skee Wee my sorors!

If  you have any questions about The Network For Good Organization,  Please visit their website for more information:  http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/animal_environ/hurricanes/.