January 2013 Newsletter

By Kailyn Jennings 

Class of 2015 

   At Saint Bonaventure University, the Dean’s List is one of the highest academic honors a student can receive. Any full-time undergraduate student who finishes the semester with a grade point average of 3.25 or better will be recognized.

   For freshmen who make the Dean’s List in their first semester, the University’s First-Year Experience program provides an additional honor. Abby Cohen, FYE director, said FYE hosts a reception for all first-semester freshmen who earn Dean’s List honors. The reception is designed to celebrate the success of students who get started well.

   This year, 206 freshmen were named to the Dean’s List. At the reception, Dr. Michael Fischer, provost and vice president for academic affairs, recognized the students’ achievements during his opening remarks. He encouraged them to strive to reach the same standard of excellence time and time again.

   The deans from each school also attended, giving out certificates of recognition to their students.

   Each school at Saint Bonaventure University also recognizes its students. For example, for students in the Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication, a dinner is provided to recognize those who are named to the Dean’s List. The dinner is for freshmen and upperclassmen alike, and it gives students a chance to mingle with one another and with their professors.

   Letters of recognition are also sent to the homes of all Dean’s List students. In addition, the University Relations office sends the names of the students to their local papers, where the students are again recognized.

   Gwen Furmanek, a freshman Journalism and Mass Communication major, was named to the Dean’s List last semester. She said the college workload is definitely different from high school and that it takes some time to get adjusted.

   Despite the tough transition, Furmanek put the necessary time into her studies to succeed. On average, each day she spends four hours or more on homework. While this can seem intimidating, it is all about time management. Her advice for freshmen is to “put studying first and get everything done before the deadline…put time aside for it.”

   Even students on the Dean’s List struggle in some classes, and Furmanek is the first to admit to facing challenging courses. However, when confronted with difficulty, she does not give up. She says, “sometimes you really have to step your game up to study, put the time in, and make flashcards. It’s a bit of a reality check.”

   Furmanek takes advantage of the Writing Lab in Doyle Hall, and she participates in study groups before exams.

   “These programs definitely work,” she said. “The explanations help, and they make you feel confident.”

   The opportunities that the school offers for extra help are extremely worthwhile. They aid in raising students up to the next level, a level where they can be recognized as hardworking and dedicated students by being named to the Dean’s List.

By Ariana Harvin-Mahiques 

Class of 2013 

   Leadership skills are important at St. Bonaventure University. One way a student can develop leadership skills is by applying to become a Resident Assistant 

   An RA (or resident assistant) is a student leader who works in the residence halls.

   “Their (RAs) overall goal is to make sure that there’s a healthy community. And the way that they do this is by hosting events and programs on the floor and  also being able to help students,” said Chris Brown, St. Bonaventure residential education coordinator.

   A student must have certain qualifications to apply as an RA.

  “We try to look at the candidate and see if they have these ten core competencies: approachability, communication, conflict resolution, creativity, diversity, leadership, motivation, professionalism, servant leadership and student success,” said Brown. 

   A student applying for the job must fill out the application and be interviewed. He or she must also write a statement and take part in a group workshop.

   Josh Maxey, an RA in Loughlen hall, enjoys the experience and is glad to help students.

  “This is my second year as being an RA,” Maxey said. “I reapplied to be an RA because I had such a wonderful time my first year. I love being involved with freshmen and helping their transition from high school to college life go a lot smoother.” 

 Becoming an RA will build great leadership skills but it is also a great resume builder.  

   “One of the hugest benefits is resume building and the amount of leadership you can say (you had) that an employer is looking for. Also, RAs get compensation,” said Brown.

   Jennifer Hassen, an RA in Devereaux hall, has also experienced the benefits of becoming an RA.

“I applied in the first place because I had heard it was a good way to meet people, good leadership and work experience. Plus one of the benefits is it looks great on resumes and you get paid,” Hassen said.

   Candidates will be notified of their acceptance or rejection in the end of March.