Do you remember your sophomore year at Caldwell College? For many it was a time of indecision and lack of direction. Did you perhaps realize that your major was not the right one for you; or maybe you had no idea what that major might be? Did you have friends who did not return for their second year? Were you beginning to be concerned about the financial implications of loans and the cost of a college education? Were you feeling pressure from your peers or even parents about career choices? Nationwide, these are some of the issues that second year students can face.
With the awarding of a Johnson and Johnson grant, Caldwell College’s Enrollment Management Committee decided to explore ways to foster improved persistence of second year students. Freshmen are usually provided with many services and programs (i.e. orientation, freshman seminars) to assist in their transition into college. Conversely, sophomores are not offered similar, intentional supports.
During the 2007-08 academic year, a Task Force Committee was created, comprised of administrators, faculty, Student Life staff and students, who worked collaboratively to develop a mission statement and specific goals. Our overarching objective was to develop a comprehensive program to address the needs of second year students. We reviewed the research and conducted our own student focus groups in an effort to identify the areas in which we wanted to concentrate our efforts. The three goals that evolved focused on: identifying an academic major; exploring and becoming aware of career opportunities; and engaging in campus life. Specific events will be planned for each goal with the expectation they will evolve into Caldwell College traditions.
During the week of October 27 in the Fall 2008 semester, we are planning a “Career Week” where second year students will be able to meet with alumni who will be able to speak about the job opportunities in various majors as well as the value of a liberal arts education. Our Second Year students want to know what they can “do” with their major and also are interested in the personal journeys our alumni have taken en route from Caldwell College to their present career.
The objectives of this experience is to have students be more motivated in their major, or perhaps even have a “reality check.” It will also afford students to be better informed about career options, keeping them “on track” for a successful college experience.
We would also like to follow up the fall experience with Shadowing opportunities in the Spring 2009 semester where Second Year students would be able to spend a day “on the job” with a Caldwell College alum. This would afford our students a motivational experience and an insight into a potential career which might then serve as a springboard for an internship or coop experience in their junior year.
The success of these retention initiatives really rests with you. We would love to have you consider participating in some aspect of these career oriented experiences. For Career Week, we would schedule a convenient time for alumni to speak with students, whether it is at noon, 4;30; 5; or 7 PM during that week. We are excited about these events and hope you will be too. Caldwell College made a difference in your life and we ask you if you might consider doing the same for one of our current Second Year students. Please contact Harriet Schenk, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for further information or to discuss a scheduled visit during the week of October 27th. She can be reached at hschenk@caldwell.edu or at 973-618-3253.