Meet Salem!
Breed: Black shorthair
Age: 11 months
Owner: Justin Borelli, Advertising major, College of Communication and Creative Arts
Lives in: Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County)
He’s very energetic and playful and loves napping in the sun.
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Story by:
Justin Borelli, advertising senior
Julia Lechner is a Journalism graduate of the 2009 class from Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County). She reported for the Courier Post while she was still an undergraduate along with DJing for Rowan Radio and being the school mascot, Whoo RU. She worked for E! News after she graduated and is currently a senior writer with CBS Interactive.
What did you like the most about Rowan?
“I really liked the community feel on campus. It felt like professors really knew me and cared to get to know their students. There was also always a lot of stuff to do on campus.”
What were some extracurricular activities that you did?
“Along with working for the Rowan Radio and being the mascot, I tried to attend the intern fairs that they held on campus, and that’s how I attained my first job at the Courier Post.”
How did attending Rowan impact your decisions about your future career?
“Rowan is really centrally located near a lot of work opportunities because you’re right near Philly and not too far from New York. Getting my job at the Courier Post really helped me find out what career I wanted to pursue, and I have Rowan to thank for connecting me with Courier.”
What got you interested in your field?
“I really enjoyed storytelling and that’s really the heart of journalism, I just love hearing others’ stories and what they are passionate about. I loved interviewing people who loved what they were doing.”
How did Rowan help you achieve your goals?
“I fully took advantage of all the things on campus — the career fairs, tutoring, working [with] my advisors to help me find the right workload for me. And because of that I was able to finish my degree in three years.”
How did Rowan help prepare you for your current job?
“I very much appreciate that Rowan helped me achieve my goals academically while I was still working for the Courier Post. Working and going to school taught me time management, being professional and other things that just classes won’t teach. Something that I remember from the Journalism program specifically was that all the professors were still active in the field and had insightful experience, and this was during the recession so they did not sugar coat the working world, which I appreciated. All the advisors and professors really wanted to help any way they could.”
Do you think you would have had the same career path if you attended a different university?
“No, I don’t think I would have. I would not have got my first job from the career fair at Rowan, and that job led to where I am now.”
Was there a specific mentor that you would turn to if you had a problem about anything?
“I had several, such as Kathryn Quigley, who I still keep contact with — she had extensive experience and knowledge about her field. She goes above and beyond for her students and still roots for them even after they graduate.”
What is your favorite accomplishment in your field?
“I really love seeing people sharing on social media something that I wrote (even if it’s negative), because something in it was something that they thought was worth sharing. Another accomplishment would have to have been meeting Richard Simmons and getting a hug from him!
What would be some advice for students who are on their way to graduating?
“Take advantage of all the resources on campus, have resumes and portfolios ready and don’t be afraid to ask someone to look over them. Also keep in touch with people — you never know what opportunities they might have for you!”
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Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Meet Jesse Panico, a junior Music Performance major with a specialization in Voice from Magnolia, NJ (Camden County). He is also the senior student technician for Rowan’s Theatre Arts Management.
Rowan offers many flexible job opportunities for its students. After meeting his (now) supervisors at Theatre Arts Management through other networking, Jesse asked them for a job, filled out some paperwork “and since then it’s been wonderful!” Jesse said.
Jesse helps runs events in both Pfleeger Concert Hall and Boyd Recital Hall.
“It greatly benefits me working there because I’m always there and the bookings are often from my own peers. Being able to work a recital (in Boyd Hall) and the person working it is someone you know and trust really takes the pressure off of the person performing,” he said. The work he does in Pfleeger Hall is little bit of everything, from ushering to lighting.
His behind-the-scenes knowledge with Theatre Arts has helped him with his own student work as well.
“Knowing everything off-hand helps me plan as a student. When I was planning my Junior Recital, I knew how far to plan in advance, what works and what doesn’t,” Jesse said.
“Rowan best prepared me by giving me to opportunity work with the technical side of what I want to do. I love to perform. It is very near and dear to my heart. It gives me insight on how to do certain things on stage — such as, many people think to stand right in the middle of the spotlight. But you actually should stand in front of the spotlight so you don’t have the lower half of your body cut off,” he said.
Jesse noted that Theatre Arts Management tries to emphasize working all parts of the theatre so you get a better understanding of what goes into everything.
“I have developed a lot of people skills from starting as a house manager, which deals with the public saying ‘No ma’am, you can’t bring food in.’ A lot of the training was learning as I go. The high-stress environment helped me to learn quickly. I’ve learned everything from lights and rigging to building the sets.
“I feel at home in Pfleeger Concert Hall,” Jesse said.
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Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Today we are speaking with Lauren O’Donnell, a Psychology alumna from the 2000 class. Originally from Chatham (Morris County), O’Donnell now lives in South Jersey and works as a Reward and Recognition Program Lead for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“What really caught me when I first visited Rowan was how beautiful and comfortable the campus is, it just felt right.
“Rowan really gave me a strong foundation — one class in particular was Organizational Behavior. It really was not at all what I expected it to be, but it was the best class and really confirmed that I wanted to pursue the business world instead of the clinical side of my degree (Psychology).”
How did Rowan help you achieve your goals?
“Rowan always had amazing opportunities to get involved with the university, lots of clubs, events, there was always something going on. I was involved in Greek Life and because of that I met a lot of great friends, who helped me a lot. I also learned a lot of leadership skills and how to work well in group settings.”
How did Rowan help you with any job opportunities?
“The Career Advancement Center was great and helped me set up some of my first interviews. Not only did they help but all of the other connections I made through networking, my World Religion professor wrote me a letter of recommendation.”
What is your favorite accomplishment at your current job?
“I currently am working my dream job and absolutely love it, but my biggest accomplishment would be the event we held at the Philadelphia Zoo and over 11,000 employees were in attendance.”
What is some advice you would give to future graduates?
“Be proactive, ask questions and don’t be uncomfortable with making the initial contact with the job you want.”
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Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
My daughter and I decided to eat a vegetarian diet about four years ago. It’s not always easy finding a variety of options when go out to eat, so we wondered what she would eat her freshman year at Rowan. I interviewed her for this blog, and her number one tip is customization! Hopefully, these places and tips will help your vegetarian or vegan student.
🥬 Glassworks in Holly Pointe Commons (HPC): the pizza and salad bars are always available. Students can also make their own omelets or paninis. Don’t forget to visit the many stations for add-ins or condiments to spice up any meal.
🥬 The Starbucks in HPC: accepts the dining card as a meal swipe and there are vegetarian/vegan options (i.e., a beverage and food option counts as one swipe).
🥬 The student Rec Center: SHAKE’D UP is a hidden gem that offers customizable fresh fruit smoothies available for a meal swipe.
🥬 The Student Center: students use an app called Tapingo to place several orders at several kiosks so everything is made to order. About once a month, there is a pop-up kiosk voted in by students. For example, last year there were kiosks devoted to salads, soups, sandwiches and pasta. Check out the bean and cheese quesadillas at Sono; Freshens for a kale Caesar flatbread wrap; Jersey Mike’s for a veggie sub that comes with chips, cookies or fruit; and Bowl Life for vegans specializing in beans, grains and veggies in a bowl, of course!
🥬 Downtown: several local restaurants with vegetarian options accept the Rowan dining card. On Saturdays and Sundays, Ry’s Bagels accepts meal swipes for breakfast. Newly opened Monarch Diner has an entire menu page full of vegetarian options!
Feel free to talk to our head dietician, Melissa (Hudock) Eaton at Dining Services, about individual dietary needs and preferences.
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Story by:
Dr. Heidi L. Newell, parent of a Rowan sophomore
Edited by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” says Kyleigh Bell (pictured at right), a freshman Athletic Training major and Pre-College Institute (PCI) student from Waretown, NJ (Ocean County). Kyleigh will live in Holly Pointe Commons her freshman year and is a first generation college student.
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Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, advertising senior
Today we speak with Casey Pregartner, a junior Construction Management major at Rowan Global. She is a transfer student from Rowan College of South Jersey.
Name: Casey Pregartner
Year: Junior
Major: Construction Management (Rowan Global)
Hometown: Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)
Transfer student? Yes
Where do you live? Off-campus
What gets you out of the bed in the morning?
“As an adult I realized that I want to do better than what everyone guessed my odds would be. I am motivated by the idea that I have made it into a college that I never expected to be at. I am passionate about being in a career that will lead me into a direction where I can support myself and my future family.”
Were you nervous starting at Rowan? How did you overcome it?
“When I first got to Rowan I was nervous because it was such an unknown experience. When I was in the middle of my [first] semester I started to struggle in all my classes. I had a few of my professors reach out to me expressing that they really wanted to see me succeed. That was the first experience I had that I felt like a professor really cared, and I realized how personable Rowan is and that I chose the right school.”
And lastly, why did you choose Rowan?
“I picked Rowan because it was very close to my home, it allowed me to have the experience of being at college and still having a close relationship with my family. After a few semesters I realized I would not have wanted it any other way. Rowan is a great university, and it gave me a lot of experiences I wouldn’t been able to have if I had [gone] to a different school.”
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VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
“I’ve always loved school and learning new things. Teachers always gave me hope throughout school.” — Natalie Rojas, an Early Childhood Education major from Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County)
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Story by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Meet Dr. Erik Hoy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry within the College of Science & Mathematics and the School of Health Professions.
Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field.
As a theoretical scientist, one of the most exciting moments for me is when a new theory or method is “born.” Developing a new computational or theoretical method can take weeks or months of work and study, but I find that there is often an “aha” moment right at the end where the ideas and equations finally come together.
I will never forget when, as a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University, I created the new theoretical approach for studying electron transport that is the basis for much of my research today. The “aha” moment came when I finally figured out the final form of the transport equations. The excitement of bringing a new idea into the world that I could call my own was a moment that validated all of the hard work and study required to get to that point.
Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field.
Although I’ve been at Rowan for less than a year, I didn’t have wait long to meet an impressive student. After my very first day of teaching, a student came up to me asking to join my research group. He had a strong interest in nanoscale and materials science problems, so my group was a perfect fit. I was deeply impressed by the level of self-motivation that the student had. He has since become one of my top research students and is currently writing his own research software.
What’s your favorite thing about being on campus on a typical Tuesday?
On a typical Tuesday I often find myself walking around the third floor of Science Hall, and I often find students from my classes. Students usually sit in the central area of the floor and will often stop me to ask questions or just chat. This kind of organic interaction with students is one of my favorite things about Rowan. It brightens my day when I’m able to see how they are doing and answer their questions promptly.
What is your area of expertise?
My general area of expertise is theoretical and computational quantum chemistry. Basically, I focus on developing new theories within the field of quantum mechanics and then build computer models to study problems in chemistry. I’m particularly interested in problems that involve the transport of electrons at the quantum level. One major area of interest for me are electronic components (such as the transistors, resistors or switches) based on common organic molecules for use. These devices can replace the current generation of silicon-based components, yielding faster and more efficient consumer electronics like phones or laptops.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus?
As my area of research is a fairly technical field, many people have the impression that you need special skills or talents to do undergraduate research in quantum chemistry, especially since some of what we do is not covered by any course.
You don’t need any previous experience or skills to start research researching in quantum chemistry. I currently have students in my group ranging from freshmen to juniors all with varying levels of prior knowledge. In fact, those same technical skills, such as programming or working with supercomputers, can be seen as an advantage rather than a barrier. Computer skills in particular are always valued.
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Story By:
Dr. Erik Hoy, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Edited By:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
“I’m so excited to meet new people here at Rowan!” —Sye’arra Dewey, Communications Studies major, Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County).
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VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
“I’m really looking forward to growing as a person and excited to succeed!” —Esteban Nieto, Biology major, Mine Hill, NJ (Morris County).
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VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
In the town over from Rowan University resides the small town of Pitman. Pitman has wonderful restaurants, shops and even a theatre, and now every Saturday from 8 a.m – 12 p.m. is Laurel Farmers Market. Enjoy all of what Laurel Market has to offer from flowers to fresh vegetables, crafts and live music. 
Last Saturday my friends and I took a trip to Laurel Market and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of merchants, along with the friendly atmosphere and great live music. We will definitely be making more trips there!
Pitman is only a five-minute drive from Rowan, and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys farmers markets!
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Heading into a new academic year brings new goals — including new ways to improve financial habits and invest in a better economic future. For most students, paying down debt and saving more money topped the list of resolutions.
Americans collectively were on pace to accrue about $4 trillion in consumer debt by the end of 2018, according to a LendingTree analysis of the latest Federal Reserve data.
Despite the staggering statistics, now is a great time to develop a healthy relationship with your finances. It is possible to pay down existing debt and set yourself up to save money at the same time. It just takes a clear plan of action, some commitment and a positive outlook.
1. Establish an accurate picture of your current financial landscape — down to the smallest detail.
2. Gather up every financial statement you can find, build a spreadsheet or document to record all income sources and create a list of all monthly expenses (including all debts and loans). From there, organize those expenses by category — everything from your rent payment down to the daily morning coffee you buy.
3. Determine which expenses are fixed (think: the same amount every month, like car payments, rent, and auto insurance) and which are variable (i.e., what fluctuates, like entertainment, groceries, discretionary spending, etc.). Total up all expenses and compare that to the total income you generate each month. If your expenses are higher than your income, look at your variable expenses and find opportunities to adjust or scale back.
4. Commit a specific dollar amount toward debt repayment and savings, and make each a “fixed expense.”
5. Aim to pay more than the minimum monthly loan repayment for credit cards, in particular. For example, if a credit card has a minimum payment of $25/month, commit to $50/month and stick to it. That way, you’ll cover the interest and start chipping away at the total balance.
6. As important as it is to pay down debt, it’s equally important to pay yourself. Even if it’s $50 a paycheck, figure out an amount that’s reasonable for you and your goals and sock it away in a savings account each month —preferably one that grows interest. Make it a non-negotiable payment, or set up an automatic transfer, so that money goes right into savings without a second thought. You’ll be surprised how much you’ve saved after one year.
7. Remember: you’re doing this for you. And you’re in control.
8. Try not to look at budgeting as restrictive or some sort of self-inflicted retribution for poor financial habits. Keep a positive mindset and remember to take it one day at a time. As your outstanding debts shrink and your savings account grows, you’ll gradually see the results of your steadfast commitment. Building a great relationship with money and designing a brighter financial future for yourself can help you reach your goals. Each small step forward is more motivating than the last. Just be clear about where you are, where you want to go and how you’ll get there.
Better budgeting and smarter savings are within reach. Check out more of Comenity’s financial resources for additional tips.
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Story By:
Brandi Blanton
Financial Literacy Specialist
Rowan University Financial Aid
Today we are talking with Enzo Ronchi, a senior Public Relations major who transferred from Atlantic Cape Community College. Enzo is a part of the band Transfer Post. Transfer Post was featured on a completion album produced by Rowan Music Group.
Enzo was always inspired by music and is a self-taught musician from an early age, being a part of music in anyway he could — from jazz band in high school to writing his own music. One of the major reasons he decided to join the Rowan family is because of the music scene around us, with Rowan Alternative Music club and the venue 4333 playing an enticing role. When Enzo arrived to Rowan he met his bandmates, who formed Transfer Post.
“Coming here gave me every resource I needed to start this band,” says Enzo. Besides having a great music industry and tech program, Rowan allowed him to meet many talented people. Enzo was able to network throughout the music scene on campus enough to meet the right people, who eventually asked his band to be a part of their album and produce their song.
“A friend of mine who recently graduated was a part of Rowan Music Group and asked if we wanted to be a part of an album compilation and at that time we finished recording the song shortly prior but we didn’t have anyone to produce it, so everything sort of fell into place.” Rowan Music 
Group opened the door of opportunity for Transfer Post to become more known and get their name out there with other popular local bands. Here’s a story of how a talented self-taught musician, was provided with every opportunity and made his aspirations a reality.
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Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
An Essential Feminist Collaboration
One of the extravagant exhibits featured at the Rowan Art Gallery is the Sister Chapel. The Sister Chapel premiered in January 1978 at P.S.1, an experimental exhibition space in Long Island City, New York by Ilise Greenstein. She envisioned a tribute or as she puts it a “Hall of Fame” for the achievements of women, presented by women. The beautiful gallery exhibits over 13 different female artists. Each painting shows a standing woman to be presented as a role model. Everything about the exhibit is done on purpose from how the paintings are positioned to the mirror in the center of the ceiling panel that represents “There is no limit on what women can do.” Rowan University is grateful to have such a historic exhibit with a positive message to empower and inspire the female students!
“We gratefully acknowledge RYAN LEE Gallery, Anne and Vincent Mai, and the anonymous private collectors who have generously loaned works of art for this exhibition. Special thanks to Jim Greenwell and Patrick Ahearn for their invaluable contributions to the design, fabrication, and installation of this project.”
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Story by: Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Photography by: Lauren Bitzer, new graduate, B.S. in marketing
At the end of the spring semester, Rowan Music Industry students created their very own touring and booking company and put on one of the last shows at the legendary Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia.
The students of Rowan’s Music Industry program must take a “Touring and Concert Promotion” class. In this class, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with choosing/booking venues for music artists and handling all of the financials, marketing, merchandise and production of the show. This past year, the students were able to get their show at the Trocadero Theatre right before its final days as the venue is closing down for good. They decided to call their booking company “856 Touring” named after the local area code.
The show was named “Summer Kickoff” as it was toward the end of the school year and summer was fast approaching. The show consisted of four acts, which were all local.
The acts were Rec Philly acoustic soul artist Scarlet Cimillo, local rappers MCtheRockstar and OnlyJahmez, and New Jersey based band Ocean Heights as the headliner for the night.
Overall, the fun-filled night was full of different styles of music, people, and overall a fantastic turnout for the Touring and Concert promotion class!
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Story and photography by:
Bianca Torres, sophomore music industry major
Today we speak with Christian Pineda, a junior English and education dual major. He transferred to Rowan University last fall semester after two semesters at Rowan College at Gloucester County.
Name: Christian Pineda
Year: Senior
Major: English & Education
Hometown: Franklinville, NJ (Gloucester County)
Transfer student? Yes
Where do you live? Off-campus
“What gets me out of bed in the morning is my writing,” said Christian. He is currently in the process of writing a book, having always had a passion for creative writing he is finally able to make his own creation.
“I would tell someone interested in English or education that either field is full of opportunity but they are also fields that you have to love what you do!’
“Something that inspired me and made me know that I was in the right field was after I started class for my programs specifically. A common response from many students, most say after their second year at college they really started enjoying learning about their future field,” Christian shared.
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Story and Photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
MYTH! There is no income cut off, so eligible students will qualify for something, including low-interest loans that do not require a credit check or co-signer.
Prof tip: Don’t make assumptions on what you may receive. Fill out the FAFSA and decide if you want to use the aid or not. You have to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for many state aid programs such as the NJ Tuition Aid Grant.
MYTH! The FAFSA application now opens on Oct. 1 of every year. Financial aid is first-come, first-served. So it could pay off (literally) to get your application in quickly.
Prof tip: You don’t need to wait for you or your parents to file their taxes to submit.
MYTH! The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Applying will help students access money for college like grants, scholarships and federal work-study, as well as provide access to federal student loans. There is only one official FAFSA form online, and you should complete it at fafsa.ed.gov or the myStudentAid mobile app.
Prof tip: Stay away from spoof websites, especially if they request a payment.
MYTH! You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.
Prof tip: Apply early!
MYTH! You don’t need to wait! You can start as early as your senior year of high school. You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you’re considering even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. It doesn’t hurt your application to add more schools; colleges can’t see the other schools you’ve added. In fact, you don’t even have to remove schools if you later decide not to apply or attend. If you don’t end up applying or getting accepted to a school, the school can just disregard your FAFSA form.
MYTH! Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student by the federal government for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you’re independent, you won’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. If you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.
Prof tip: Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA people) asks a series of questions to determine a student’s dependency status.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/dependency
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/fafsa-dependency.pdf
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/dependency-status.png
MYTH! The FAFSA form asks for financial information, including information from tax forms and balances of savings and checking accounts. The 2019–20 FAFSA form, which became available Oct. 1, 2018, asks for 2017 tax information.
MYTH! Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula. It also takes into consideration your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year.
Your EFC is NOT the amount of money your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by your school to calculate the amount of federal student aid you are eligible to receive.
Prof tip: To understand your out of pocket financial obligation, subtract the financial aid awards from the tuition amount.
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Story by:
Brandi Blanton, Financial Literacy Expert
One of the hidden gems around Glassboro is the Rowan Art Gallery at 301 High Street, on the edge of campus. Full of amazing classic and modern art pieces, the beautiful gallery currently features an exhibit titled “Women Defining Themselves,” curated by Andrew D. Hottle, a Rowan professor in the art department, within the College of Communication & Creative Arts. The current exhibit is commemorating the 45th anniversary of SOHO 20, a tribute to the historically significant women’s cooperative art gallery, this exhibition features works by the founding artist-members. Most of the exhibited works were first shown at SOHO 20 in the 1970s. Rowan University Art Gallery has a history of programming that recognizes the achievements of women in the visual arts.
The gallery is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon looking at these historic pieces, filled with passion and culture. My friends and I love going to see the exhibits and we try to go to the opening nights along with the meet the artist nights!
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VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Learning to let go is no easy task. Today’s advice features Cindy Bitzer, mother of rising Rowan senior Josh (computer science) and recent Rowan graduate Lauren (marketing). Lauren interviewed her mother for this story.
The time has finally come, your student is transitioning from a high school senior to a freshman in college. They are transforming into adulthood and the time has come for them to be on their own and time for parents to learn to let go.
Parents and students need to set boundaries with one another. Parents, you will learn to treat your student as a new adult. Prevent yourself from indulging in mobile tracking apps and monitoring their every move. Failure to do so could potentially result in your student either rebelling or feel pushed under a micromanaging shadow. By constantly checking in, you’re only going to be alienating your student and depriving them from opportunities.
“When you’ve been parenting for eighteen years, you’re just so used to having your student around,” says Cindy Bitzer, mother of two Rowan Students; senior business major Lauren Bitzer and senior computer science major Josh Bitzer. “It’s okay to be concerned about your student’s grades, social life, and other aspects of the college experience, but I’ve learned to recognize that you can’t manage their whole life.”
It’s easy to want to help your students with registering for classes or attending advising appointments, but you need to allow them to make their own decisions.
“I currently reside in Cherry Hill, and with Rowan University being so close (thirty minutes away), it’s so tempting to drive down and surprise my son and daughter, but I also have to respect them and their space,” says Cindy. “During their time at Rowan, I had to resist the urge to come unannounced and learned to call and check in before making plans to visit.”
Cindy’s advice to other parents would be to let their students live their life and make their own decisions. Although it is much easier said than done, you have to learn to be okay with the decisions they make. Micromanaging your student will hamper their social development and stunt their growth into adulthood.
It’s important to remember that incoming students are adjusting to a new schedule with a new workload, new classes and new friends. Lastly, remember that your plans for your students may not be the same plans as theirs. Allow your students the freedom and creativity to design their own college experience.
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Today we speak with Chad Wittman, a rising senior journalism major from Alloway, NJ (Salem County), who rents a house off-campus in Glassboro. This is Chad’s story and his #PROFspective on his experience as a Rowan student.
Name: Chad Wittman
Major: Journalism in the College of Communication and Creative Arts
Minors/concentrations: Media and Strategic Communication
Year: Senior
Hometown and County: Alloway, NJ (Salem County)
Off-Campus resident: Yes, I currently live in an apartment in Glassboro
Social clubs: Rowan Alternative Music Club
Do you work on campus? If so, where/what do you do? I’m currently a Digital Content Producer for Rowan’s Admissions office.
Being Welcomed To Rowan
The moment I felt like I made the right decision to come to Rowan was my sophomore year, when I joined the Rowan Alternative Music club. All of the club members were very inclusive and out going, I met my best friends there. The Rowan music scene is very new and fresh to Rowan, and is built on inclusivity and diversity. The shows that I have been to brought very welcoming people who would go out of there way to become your friend.
A Typical Monday
Mondays are my days off, I try every semester to get Mondays off and that allows me to catch up on everything and prepare myself for the week. I usually go to the student center or the coffee shop in pitman to relax and get my work done for the week.
Happy Surprises
Something that came as a happy surprise for me is that the two on-campus gym are free. The new facility on Victoria is so nice and is so convenient to go during the semester. All the machines are always spotless and everyone there is always friendly.
Caring Professors
A professor that I felt that truly cared about my well-being was Professor DiUlio. He would ask students how they are, not just out of making pleasantries. He was genuinely curious about how we were doing. He actually reached out to me when I fell behind in class asking if I needed an extension on any assignments. He assured me that he’d support whatever I needed to help get through the class. I have never had another professor engage with me like that and be so willing to help, and it really stuck with me. It truly shows that he cares about his students and his job.
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VISIT CAMPUS
Photography by: Justin Borelli, rising senior advertising major
Once the celebratory clapping has drifted away at the high school senior awards ceremony, you might be thinking, “How am I going to make up the difference once this freshman-year only scholarship from our community disappears?”
Once your son or daughter is a Rowan University student, they are eligible to apply for Rowan University Foundation and Continuing Student Scholarships.
Applications generally open in the beginning of the fall semester and close in mid-December, around final exam time.
Screech to a halt. Sear that in your brain. Yes — once you kiss your darling freshman goodbye as they head out the door to live on campus or commute, it’s around that time of year that you need to plan for the upcoming year of scholarships.
Mom and Dad, we know your student is an adult, but my advice is to be on top of this. New adults are still fine-tuning their time management skills — throw into the mix getting used to college, making new friends and having a whole new routine, and something is bound to slip through the cracks. Do NOT let it be your student’s scholarship opportunity.
More than 200 scholarships are available, all funded through private donations (not tuition). To get these scholarships, students need to … apply! You would be surprised at how many students do not! Last year over $2 million in support was awarded. Get a piece of that!
Check in with your student to make sure they are setting the time aside to complete the application. It requires three letters of recommendation and, yes, it can be super awkward to ask someone for a letter of recommendation — especially a new teacher or academic advisor who you recently met. Reassure your student that this happens all the time. Literally, all the time. Tell them they can’t push off asking for letters — the people they are approaching may not say it, but I will: “A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”
Encourage your student to develop a relationship with faculty and advisors. They are people too! Visit during scheduled office hours or schedule an appointment, stand out in class by participating in group discussions and … for many faculty and advisors, December is a busy month. It’s simply not possible to say yes to a scholarship applicant looking for a letter of recommendation with a deadline of tomorrow.
One last helpful hint: encourage your student to get involved on campus. Community service and school involvement weren’t just to bolster their chances at getting into college. In addition the social, emotional and health benefits, many scholarships consider campus leadership and participation in on-campus and community activities.
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Story By: Brandi Blanton, financial literacy expert
Live with roommates Some can be put off by the thought of living with multiple people, but from my own experience it has been very rewarding. My housemates and I had a few classes together before discussing the idea of living together. We were all a little nervous at first, but they became my best […]
It’s so easy to Amazon Prime your way into debt, especially as a new adult who may be living away from home for the first time, managing a credit card for the first time or spending to self-medicate to feel better about homesickness or a breakup.
Stop Priming, start planning. Make sure your freshman chooses wisely how to spend that hard-earned cash — namely, by teaching them to understand the difference between wants and needs.
Sit down with your Rowan student, ideally before they start their college career, and talk to them candidly about money. Grab a piece of paper — let’s do it old school, Mom and Dad — and create two columns: wants and needs.
Whether you’re funding your freshman’s living situation or they’re paying their own way, these conversations are important. At the top of the page, make a note of how much money your student has to spend each month, from savings, a current job or a gift from you. On the left side of the paper, write in big ol’ capital letters: NEEDS. On the right, WANTS.
You might want more paper…
That daily habit of a venti white chocolate mocha at Starbucks is over $30 a week. Everyone’s finances are different, so for your family this might be fine … or it might not be. Maybe your student’s budget is $50 per week and they’re perfectly happy to live in white chocolate mocha bliss and cut back in other ways (or maybe they think that you’re a softie and if they blow their budget on Starbucks you’ll bail them out).
Until it’s in black and white on that piece of paper and talked about with you, wants/needs and expectations may not truly be clear to your freshman.
Have the candid conversation. Are you expecting your student to contribute to their cell phone bill? Car insurance? Their own Amazon purchases on your account? Will you cover the cost of gas for your commuter? E-ZPass for your student who lives 2+ hours away? Let there be no surprises.
Now, back to NEEDS. Food. Shelter. Contact lenses and allergy pills. A laptop. Gas to go back-and-forth to school. Make your list that’s specific to your student.
WANTS. Emphasize to your freshman that a lot of new students bond over entertainment and food. There WILL be late night Chinese takeout and pizza delivery in your student’s future. Now, if they’re blowing all their cash on Starbucks, they’re going to have to say, “Nah, I’m cool” when everyone is walking to Wawa for slushies at 11 p.m. (because college).
On top of the regular WANTS in the wants column — coffeehouse drinks, movies, dorm decorations — emphasize to your student that they should set aside a part of their WANTS budget for those spontaneous, unplanned adventures with friends. Who wouldn’t want to jump in the car on a warm September Saturday with new friends and head down the shore?
Now back to the boring NEEDS. Outline your expectations. Will you cover emergencies, Mom and Dad? What exactly counts as an emergency? Do you expect that your student sets aside a part of their NEEDS budget every month for unexpected things, like replacing the car’s windshield wipers? New shoes for a job interview?
Again, nothing will be clear unless you make it clear, with your student, and have these candid discussions about WANTS and NEEDS. Mom and Dad, you do NOT want to be surprised with an Amazon Prime bill from your eager student who hit up Pinterest for dorm decorating ideas and expects you to foot the bill.
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Story By:
Brandi Blanton, financial literacy expert
“The best way I made friends was through my photography course,” says Kelsey Ross, a studio art major within the College of Communication & Creative Arts. Kelsey came to Rowan as a freshman, from Hillsborough, NJ (Somerset County.)
“Advice I would give my high school senior self would be to do your work, and do your best even when your best isn’t good enough,” she says.
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Story and photography by:
Dean Powers, rising sophomore, radio/TV/film major
‘”Faculty are very helpful with connecting you to internships and job opportunities.” says Alexander Belli, a dual major public relations and advertising graduate, who was a commuter from Voorhees, NJ (Camden County).
“The best advice I could give for new students on time management would be to look at your schedule every night and to be prepared,” says Alexander. “The advice I would give to my high school senior self would be don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
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Story and photography by :
Dean Powers, rising sophomore, radio/TV/film major.
