The band on the steps of Bond Hall on a football Saturday.Saturday, May 31, 2008
Goodbye, Kevin White
I was a little surprised when, at about 1:00 this morning (hey, I haven't been out of college that long, and 1:00 AM isn't that late on a Friday!), a friend and fellow Notre Dame graduate called to exclaim, "Kevin White's going to Duke!"
It's not that my friends and I track every move of athletic directors, but it is a big news story when the head of an athletic department, especially Notre Dame's athletic department, leaves for another program.
The official response from Fr. Jenkins is found here, and if you have any other news or information about this story, I would appreciate it if you do not call me at 1:00 tonight!
It's not that my friends and I track every move of athletic directors, but it is a big news story when the head of an athletic department, especially Notre Dame's athletic department, leaves for another program.
The official response from Fr. Jenkins is found here, and if you have any other news or information about this story, I would appreciate it if you do not call me at 1:00 tonight!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Most parents want their kids to go to college
A report prepared by the Institute for Higher Education Policy shows that most (about 9 out of 10) parents want their kids to attend college. However, not all parents have the information or resources to make that dream a reality.
The report, while interesting, is quite long, and I would be lying to you if I said I read the entire thing (so far--I just started!). But, if you have some time and want to skim through it, I have uploaded a .pdf version for you to download/read.
The report, while interesting, is quite long, and I would be lying to you if I said I read the entire thing (so far--I just started!). But, if you have some time and want to skim through it, I have uploaded a .pdf version for you to download/read.
Important Dates
As we shift to summer, here are some important dates to keep in the back of your mind in case you are asked by an incoming freshman:
June 2: First Year of Studies will send course selection information to incoming freshmen
June 23: Course selection forms are due
August 1: Advisor information sent and course schedule available online
August 22: First Year orientation begins
Students have already received instructions for activating their netID and obtaining an e-mail account (sound familiar? They have to do it, too!).
A bit more information is found on the First Year of Studies website here.
The First Year of Studies FAQ page (and some really old pictures) is here.
June 2: First Year of Studies will send course selection information to incoming freshmen
June 23: Course selection forms are due
August 1: Advisor information sent and course schedule available online
August 22: First Year orientation begins
Students have already received instructions for activating their netID and obtaining an e-mail account (sound familiar? They have to do it, too!).
A bit more information is found on the First Year of Studies website here.
The First Year of Studies FAQ page (and some really old pictures) is here.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Students paying their way
According to this article from the Chicago Tribune, more and more students are paying their way through college without the assistance of their parents.
This poses an interesting scenario, especially for a school, like Notre Dame, where all financial aid is need-based. The Office of Financial Aid requires financial information from a student's parents before a package is created, and usually, the parents are expected to reasonably contribute to their child's education.
But what about the students who "fall through the cracks"; that is, students who are told by their parents that they are "on their own"? As the article mentions, there are only a very small number of students in such a situation at this time, but what happens if the trend continues to grow?
This poses an interesting scenario, especially for a school, like Notre Dame, where all financial aid is need-based. The Office of Financial Aid requires financial information from a student's parents before a package is created, and usually, the parents are expected to reasonably contribute to their child's education.
But what about the students who "fall through the cracks"; that is, students who are told by their parents that they are "on their own"? As the article mentions, there are only a very small number of students in such a situation at this time, but what happens if the trend continues to grow?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Picture of the Day - May 27
They cause so much pain and yet we return year after year. And I'm not even talking about the football team yet!The philosophies of architecture
I've always thought that if I could turn back time, I would go back and study Architecture. But, because I can't (and because I was never the best student when it came to science), I choose to read and "study" architecture instead. I guess that's why I found this article so fascinating; it discusses the different philosophies and ideas Notre Dame students are using to design neighborhoods. Read and enjoy, but don't worry if architecture is not your thing--the Picture of the Day will follow shortly.
Monday, May 26, 2008
And I thought college rankings were bad...
We do not officially rank high schools; we know some schools have different things to offer than others, but there is no list in the Admissions Office that says "School X is better than School Z."
Newsweek, however, decided they were going to rank the best high schools in the United States. You can find the article here, and I am pointing you to it for some of the general conclusions they have drawn, not necessarily to look up schools in your area to see how they're doing (though I know doing that is likely inevitable--I looked up my high school).
Newsweek found that smaller schools tended to give students more individual attention and help them better grow as academics and individuals during their four years of high school. I do not think a smaller school is automatically better than a larger school, but I think there may be some truth to that conclusion.
Take, for example, the First Year of Studies at Notre Dame. Instead of "throwing" students into a large college environment with little direction, first-year students are instead placed in a program with other incoming students. They are then "divided" into even smaller groups and assigned to a specific counselor who helps students make a quick adjustment to college while also choosing a major, a career path, classes, etc.
Smaller high schools may not automatically equal a better education, but I think, if you look at the situation in general, the personal and individual attention given to students--at least here at Notre Dame--is a benefit.
Newsweek, however, decided they were going to rank the best high schools in the United States. You can find the article here, and I am pointing you to it for some of the general conclusions they have drawn, not necessarily to look up schools in your area to see how they're doing (though I know doing that is likely inevitable--I looked up my high school).
Newsweek found that smaller schools tended to give students more individual attention and help them better grow as academics and individuals during their four years of high school. I do not think a smaller school is automatically better than a larger school, but I think there may be some truth to that conclusion.
Take, for example, the First Year of Studies at Notre Dame. Instead of "throwing" students into a large college environment with little direction, first-year students are instead placed in a program with other incoming students. They are then "divided" into even smaller groups and assigned to a specific counselor who helps students make a quick adjustment to college while also choosing a major, a career path, classes, etc.
Smaller high schools may not automatically equal a better education, but I think, if you look at the situation in general, the personal and individual attention given to students--at least here at Notre Dame--is a benefit.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Doing the right thing
It is not uncommon to find current or former Notre Dame students working hard to improve the lives of others. Thus, it is not surprising that the Notre Dame Concert Band's spring tour through China will raise money for those impacted by the earthquake in China last week.
Also of note is this story of some Notre Dame students who raised over $35,000 for a school in Uganda.
It is quite humbling when you realize that these are only two examples of what thousands of Notre Dame students are doing to help make the world a better place.
Also of note is this story of some Notre Dame students who raised over $35,000 for a school in Uganda.
It is quite humbling when you realize that these are only two examples of what thousands of Notre Dame students are doing to help make the world a better place.
It's been a few days....
I apologize for the lack of new posts the past few days; with graduation last Sunday and all the students gone, this may be one of the quietest weeks of the year on campus.
I have another update on the Eddy Street Commons, which can be found here. I know the article repeats much of what was already said, but I'm excited to see the project get started, so I thought I'd pass along the link.
Happy Friday! Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!
I have another update on the Eddy Street Commons, which can be found here. I know the article repeats much of what was already said, but I'm excited to see the project get started, so I thought I'd pass along the link.
Happy Friday! Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
More Wait List
Although it's well known by now, today's edition of the Wall Street Journal has an article about elite colleges admitting students from the wait list more than ever. Because of the huge number of students being admitted from wait lists across the country, we expect this process to last through June.
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Executive Education donation
Ralph C. Stayer, a Notre Dame graduate and current CEO of Johnsonville Sausage, recently donated $20 million to the University for a new building for Executive Education in the Mendoza College of Business. You can read more about the donation and executive facility here.
I don't know about you, but I would love the new building to have a bratwurst stand in each hallway--just like a baseball stadium. It would seem fitting, wouldn't it? Maybe that's just me...
I don't know about you, but I would love the new building to have a bratwurst stand in each hallway--just like a baseball stadium. It would seem fitting, wouldn't it? Maybe that's just me...
Monday, May 19, 2008
Graduation
Some of you may have been lucky enough to attend graduation this past weekend. My family did not have a ticket for me, so while I was home, cleaning and anxiously awaiting their arrival, Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick spoke to the over 2,900 graduates. Details of Cardinal McCarrick's speech can be found here.
Actor Martin Sheen (who, as President Bartlet on "The West Wing", played a Notre Dame grad), received the Laetare Medal for his humanitarian work during the ceremony.
According to my sources inside the ceremony, both speeches were entertaining, insightful and not sleep-inducing.
Actor Martin Sheen (who, as President Bartlet on "The West Wing", played a Notre Dame grad), received the Laetare Medal for his humanitarian work during the ceremony.
According to my sources inside the ceremony, both speeches were entertaining, insightful and not sleep-inducing.
Friday, May 16, 2008
New Deans
On July 1, the College of Arts and Letters and College of Science will welcome new deans to their programs.
John T. McGreevy, the current chair of the history department, has been appointed the I.A. O'Shaughnessy Dean of the College and Arts and Letters.
Gregory P. Crawford, the current dean of engineering and professor of physics and engineering at Brown University, was appointed dean of the College of Science.
In January, Peter Kilpatrick took over as dean of the College of Engineering after chairing chemical and biomedical engineering at North Carolina State University.
John T. McGreevy, the current chair of the history department, has been appointed the I.A. O'Shaughnessy Dean of the College and Arts and Letters.
Gregory P. Crawford, the current dean of engineering and professor of physics and engineering at Brown University, was appointed dean of the College of Science.
In January, Peter Kilpatrick took over as dean of the College of Engineering after chairing chemical and biomedical engineering at North Carolina State University.
iTunes U
Notre Dame is not part of a group of colleges that distribute lectures and class materials to the general public through iTunes U (iTunes serves many purposes: it is a music player; an online music store; a program to organize your iPod, iPhone; etc). We do, however, have our own program, Notre Dame OpenCourseWare, where anyone can access various class information and materials.
I know a number of prospective students are interested in the classes here at Notre Dame and this is a great way of giving them an inside look without visiting campus (though we still strongly encourage that visit!).
I know a number of prospective students are interested in the classes here at Notre Dame and this is a great way of giving them an inside look without visiting campus (though we still strongly encourage that visit!).
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships
1,980 students (my lovely sister included) will receive their diplomas from Notre Dame this weekend. And, while we like to advertise that "nearly 100% of our graduates are placed in a job, graduate school, service work or the military within six months of graduation", what we often overlook are those students who receive prestigious scholarships or fellowships to continue their studies after graduation. Fifteen members of the class of 2008 have received such awards for their future studies. And yes, we fully expect the other 99% or so to have something within the next six months!
Not that the rankings matter, but...
...the new rankings from the Center for College Affordability and Productivity just ranked Notre Dame number sixteen on the list of all national universities.
Obviously, we like to stress that Notre Dame is much more than rankings (like academics; dorms; student life; spirituality; family; and yes, even football), but it does not hurt to have this information in your back pocket at your next college fair!
Obviously, we like to stress that Notre Dame is much more than rankings (like academics; dorms; student life; spirituality; family; and yes, even football), but it does not hurt to have this information in your back pocket at your next college fair!
Research and "Doing Good"
I know many of you already receive the monthly "ND Today" e-mail, but as I went through mine this morning, I found some interesting articles that could be of benefit to you and prospective students. One was this article about using research to "do good"--a continuation of Father Sorin's dream of using an education to not only benefit ourselves, but others as well. This is just another example of how we are able to combine a first-class education with Catholic morals and values!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Picture of the Day - May 14
Sunset over St. Mary's Lake. Unfortunately, it's cloudy and rainy today, so we won't see anything like this!Reilly Center Reports
As explained in this News and Information article, the University's John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology and Values has started an online journal addressing relevant ethical and value-based topics in relation to science and technology.
Many prospective students are concerned that the opportunity to study certain sciences and technologies at the University may be limited because of the Catholic nature of Notre Dame. Referring these students to the "Reilly Center Reports" is a good way to show that science and ethics can easily coexist.
The "Reilly Center Reports" can be found here.
Many prospective students are concerned that the opportunity to study certain sciences and technologies at the University may be limited because of the Catholic nature of Notre Dame. Referring these students to the "Reilly Center Reports" is a good way to show that science and ethics can easily coexist.
The "Reilly Center Reports" can be found here.
Technology Park
While much has been made of Notre Dame's southern expansion across Edison/Angela Roads as part of the Eddy Street Commons, a somewhat overlooked project is Innovation Park, the technology park at Edison and State Road 23. The park just received a grant from the state and construction is scheduled to start this summer.
General information about Innovation Park can be found here.
General information about Innovation Park can be found here.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
First Year Mailings
On their website, the First Year of Studies has posted the letters they send to admitted students. While the letters you see right now are those from last year, they give you a good idea of what the confirmed students will receive in the mail over the next few months.
www.nd.edu/~fys/summer.html
Have a great day!
www.nd.edu/~fys/summer.html
Have a great day!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Financial Aid and FastWeb
Financial Aid is on everyone's mind as students apply to colleges and receive their acceptance letters. At Notre Dame, we encourage students to apply for outside scholarships as these funds will be used to lower a family's contribution to the total payment, not the school's contribution to the family. FastWeb is a popular source for many of these scholarships, but as this Newsweek article explains, it is not necessarily the best source.
Wait Lists galore
With so much uncertainty surrounding this year's pool of college applicants--especially considering the economy and the elimination of some Early Action/Early Decision programs--many schools were conservative with the number of students they admitted. As a result, a number of institutions, including Notre Dame, are turning to their wait lists for more students. Take a look at this New York Times article which explains the situation nicely.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Emergency alert system on campus
As much as we want to believe it will not happen here, Notre Dame has prepared itself to be ready for an emergency situation on campus. Instituted mainly as a response to previous incidents on college campuses, ND Alert is a communication notification system that uses e-mail, telephones, wireless phones and text messaging to inform members of the Notre Dame community of an emergency situation.
We have been asked about such a system with increasing frequency here on campus and I'm guessing it will be a big issue during the fall college fairs. Click here to get more information on ND Alert.
We have been asked about such a system with increasing frequency here on campus and I'm guessing it will be a big issue during the fall college fairs. Click here to get more information on ND Alert.
Internships
Many prospective students ask about internship opportunities--either those on campus during the school year or in a different location over the summer. The article below, from the Colombia Tribune, discusses the "internship market" as it stands and how these positions can often be valuable, even when they do not result in a paycheck. This information may be helpful when working with prospective students in the future.
Internships can pay off even without a paycheck
Internships can pay off even without a paycheck
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Picture of the Day
I thought I'd give something a try here. I'm a big fan of photography, and there really isn't a better place to snap pictures than on campus. I even go as far as to take a picture of the dome from the same exact spot everyday as I walk in from the parking lot. So, with that in mind, I thought it might be fun to share a "Picture of the Day" with you. Each (working) day, I plan on posting a picture from campus. Sometimes, it may be the picture I took that morning; other times, it may be completely random. But, by seeing a picture each day, maybe you'll feel a little closer to campus! And so, without further ado, here is today's picture of the day:
God Quad in full bloom
God Quad in full bloom
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Stinson Remick Hall--new engineering building
I guess I'm in a bit of a "new building mood" tonight! Another important construction project to keep in mind is that of Stinson Remick Hall, scheduled for completion by the end of 2010. As you can tell by following the above link, this state-of-the-art facility will provide our undergraduate engineering students a wonderful opportunity to work with some of the best resources in the nation. And, the great thing is just that: sure, professors and graduate students will have space in the building, but it is designed to give our undergraduate students the best educational and research experiences possible.
New Dorm!
Duncan Hall, the newest male dorm on campus, is set to open this fall. The Office of Residence Life and Housing (oh come now, we all know them affectionately as ResLife, right?) has put together a nice page about the dorm with some great renderings and virtual tours. Duncan Hall will be used to alleviate overcrowding in certain dorms on campus and provide some additional housing to transfer students.
And I know your next question already: don't worry, a new female dorm will be opening for the fall semester of 2009!
UPDATE: Click this link to view some FAQs about Duncan Hall and the process by which current students applied for a room.
And I know your next question already: don't worry, a new female dorm will be opening for the fall semester of 2009!
UPDATE: Click this link to view some FAQs about Duncan Hall and the process by which current students applied for a room.
nd.edu Videos
As you may have noticed by now, the new www.nd.edu features a number of videos about the people, places and events that make Notre Dame so special. A nice archive of all these videos can be found by clicking this link. It's a good site to look over as many of the videos cover subjects which are relevant to the prospective students you meet in your area.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
First time blog reader?
Is this the first blog you've ever read? (don't worry, it's the first blog I've ever authored!) Do you want an easier way of keeping up to date with every post without coming to this page every time? Use a RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Reader to keep track of your blogs and provide you with each new post.
The following link will take you to a short video that explains RSS Readers and how to get started with them. I use Google Reader and find it to be very simple and user-friendly.
Enjoy!
http://www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_english
The following link will take you to a short video that explains RSS Readers and how to get started with them. I use Google Reader and find it to be very simple and user-friendly.
Enjoy!
http://www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_english
Admitted Students Reception: DC Club
A few weeks ago, the Washington, DC Club held their admitted students reception. After the very successful event, Ann Rimkus, the Club's ASC, sent our office an e-mail with some of the event's details.
Feel free to read over Ann's e-mail and then contact her if you have any questions or comments.
Also, if you would like to share your club's ideas and events with other ASCs, please e-mail me your comments and I'll post them on this blog!
DC Admitted Student Reception
E-mail Ann: ARimkus@aarp.org
Feel free to read over Ann's e-mail and then contact her if you have any questions or comments.
Also, if you would like to share your club's ideas and events with other ASCs, please e-mail me your comments and I'll post them on this blog!
DC Admitted Student Reception
E-mail Ann: ARimkus@aarp.org
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