Delaware State University Parent Newsletter Spring 2024

ROADS TO STUDENT SUCCESS:

Dr. Cassandra C. Green - Assistant Vice President (AVP)

Greetings, Hornet Parents and Families! As the academic year came to a close, we had many exciting news and happenings in the Office of Student Success (OSS).

In the semester’s final days, our Hornets were hard at work preparing for exams, final projects, and the realization of what is coming up next. Hornets finishing their first year realized that college is not high school, and these “professors” are not teachers! Sophomores began to realize the light at the

end of the tunnel as they registered for courses for their junior year Juniors progressed fast toward becoming seniors and acquiring summer internships that will result in career momentum and job placement Lastly, our seniors progressed forward with a sense of pride and accomplishment having “walked across the stage ”

In those final weeks of anticipated hopes, our dedicated OSS staff were busy keeping everything running to make sure student success happens In this edition, you will hear from DSU students, from OSS personnel, and read highlights of academic programs and workshops aimed to destress, motivate, and empower all students to “finish strong ” Please be sure to catch up on the many exciting events in the Office of Student Success in this month’s newsletter

In closing, the OSS would like to congratulate our former Associate Vice President | OSS and founder of this newsletter, Dr. Jarso Jallah, who in February 2024 returned to her homeland, Liberia, to be its Minister of Education! Although we miss her fondly, we wish her all the best and continued success in her new purpose in life.

Dr. Cassandra Green

Assistant Vice President OSS | Click here to read Dr. Cassandra Green’s bio with DSU and OSS

Delaware State University Office of Student Success Parent Newsletter

Learning From The Leaders

Previously titled the “Director’s Corner,” we wanted to expand on our pool of knowledge and invite other leaders to bestow their knowledge upon our parents and students

The Learning From The Leaders section recognizes DSU Directors, Staff, and Faculty in leadership, their experiences, and their contributions to the University Read all about their commitment to student success and how they share their talents with others here at DSU

Dr. Tiffany Alexander - Coordinator of Student Transition - OSS

Dr. Tiffany E. Alexander was raised by her mother and older brother in North Philadelphia. Over the past 16 years, she has worked to empower and graduate underserved college students. She provides vision, strategic direction, and accountability for programs and services that support the holistic success of firstand second-year college students as the Coordinator of Student Transition Programs for the Office of Student Success

Dr. Alexander graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies

and a Master of Science in Counseling Higher Education and Student Affairs She earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Higher Education from Delaware State University Dr Alexander's research interests include first-year experience, career sponsorship, and Black women college administrators.

When asked what was one thing she wishes she learned sooner in her college experience, Dr. Alexander shared “I wish I had learned how to better network and maintain friendships in college ”

$5,000 URELAH Scholarship Recipients

The Office of Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning and Honors Program (URELAH) in collaboration with JPMorgan Chase & Co. can provide five (5) eligible students with $5,000 scholarships After careful consideration, the following students were awarded the scholarships “Each of these remarkable individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact within our community and beyond ... We extend our heartfelt gratitude to JPMorgan Chase for their continued support in empowering our students to excel both academically and as leaders in their respective fields,” said Dr Shonda L Poe, Executive Director of URELAH

Aalia Bello, Dallas Speicher-Ramirez, Jonte Simmons, and Yasmeen Olass. Not pictured: recipient Kayla Howell

(From Left to Right)

Aalia Bello, Sophomore Computer Science major from Middletown, DE – The Hornet Leadership and Service Award

Dallas Speicher-Ramirez, Junior Sport Management major from Mechanicsburg, PA –Academic Excellence Award for Higher GPA

Kayla Howell, Senior Physics major from East Orange, N J – URELAH Research Award

Yasmeen Olass, Sophomore Bio-Chemistry major from Hiram, GA

Jonte Simmons, Graduate MBA student from Reading, PA

Hornet Highlight

The Hornet Highlight recognizes current DSU students, their experiences, and contributions to the University Read all about their commitment to student success and how they share their talents with others to make DSU an exceptional place to learn and grow

Lauren Smith - Senior, Natural Resources Major with a concentration in Environmental Science | Aurora, CO

We are happy to acknowledge Lauren Smith, who joined Delaware after spending most of her life in Colorado where she was born and raised. A senior, Lauren most looked forward to walking across the stage in May for her Natural Resources degree with a concentration in Environmental Science and a minor in Mathematics

When asked why she chose DSU as her school, Lauren shared that, “I was always good in school and stayed busy with extracurricular activities

and sports I developed an interest in so many different things One of them is the environmental change This gave me a possible career in solving today’s environmental issues And DSU was a school that could support my academic goals and achieve my dreams.”

Lauren is also known to share encouragement with her peers at Delaware State, expressing to them that they should not be afraid to try something new or join an organization out of their comfort zone because it may give a whole new insight and hope for the future just by putting themselves out there Lauren herself stayed busy with her studies, membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc , and as a QRC-Math Tutor with Integrated Academic Support Services

One piece of advice that Lauren wishes she could share with all future Hornets is, “Remember that there are people who are not granted the opportunity to seek higher education. You made it all the way here, so why not keep up the momentum and get that degree? I know I will be crying on graduation day because while it is the end of an era, it is the beginning of a new chapter ”

Staff Spotlight

Please join the OSS team in celebrating our recent staff accomplishments

Taking the Commencement Stage

OSS celebrates Dr. Tiffany Alexander, who received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She completed her dissertation defense titled “Access to Opportunity: A Phenomenological Study of the Career Sponsorship Experiences of Black Women Administrators ”

OSS celebrates Dr. Shonda L. Poe, a proud DSU alumna who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research Experiential Learning and Honors (URELAH), who also received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Shonda Poe completed her dissertation defense titled "Experiences of High Achieving African American College Students in Honors Programs at Mid-Atlantic Historically Black Colleges and Universities: A Phenomenological Study.”

Dr. Tiffany Alexander

Dr. Shonda L. Poe

Staff Spotlight (cont.)

Please join the OSS team in celebrating our recent staff accomplishments. Anna Cortese - “How to Navigate a Tutorial Session: The Beginning, the Middle, the End, … and Beyond” Conference Presentation

Ms. Anna Cortese, Director of Integrated Academic Support Services, had the opportunity this past March to travel and present for a conference hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, by the Association for the Coaching & Tutoring Profession The topic focused on “How to Navigate a Tutorial Session: The Beginning, the Middle, the End, and Beyond ” This presentation shared important details on how to develop a paper or digital-based appointment summary report to support tutors in structuring a successful tutorial session. Ms. Cortese found this topic of choice and experience to be very rewarding as she has spent the last several years developing and transitioning the appointment summary system that is currently being used at the University

March Great Customer Service Recognition Winners

Academic Services for Student Athletes (Kyle Graves, Kendall Harris, Arnise King, Eulonda Pfister, and Tim Zinzel) were recognized this past March by the DSU Center of Customer Service Excellence for their outstanding work and customer service with our student-athletes.

Mr Graves and his team serve as key members for both the Department of Athletics and the Office of Student Success. Within their role, the team provides our student-athletes with advisement in courses, engagement with academic resources, guidance to offices across the entire University, and acts as major supporters in their students' pursuit to excel in their sport at the highest level

Mr. Kyle Graves

Ms. Arnise King

Mr. Kendall Harris

Mr Tim Zinzel

Ms Eulonda L Pfister

OSS Staff Changes!

Help Us Welcome!

Please help us welcome our newest additions to the team:

Ms Tiyanna S GibbsAcademic Advisor, WCHBS

Advising

Ms. Latasha N. PerkinsAcademic Advisor, WCHBS

Advising

Ms. Arnise King - Athletic Academic Advisor, ASSA

Wishing Them Farewell

On the same accord, farewell to: Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, our former Associate Vice President of the Office of Student Success. She now serves her homeland as Liberia’s Minister of Education

Ms. Taylor McIntosh, a former Academic Advisor for WCHBS. She has transitioned to a new role at DSU with the School of Graduate, Adult, and Extended Studies.

Ms. Danielle K. Craig, our former Associate Director of Experiential Learning & Data Analysis under the Office of Undergraduate Research Experiential Learning and Honors (URELAH) division of OSS is also transitioning to a new role.

End of Year Celebrations & R i i

The Office of Student Success celebrat

One of the most exciting parts of the concluding academic year comes in the form of celebrating all that has been accomplished. This year the Office of Student Success hosted an End of Year Event that celebrated all the paraprofessional students who support the office within the units of Integrated Academic Support Services, Student Transition, and Intervention Programs. The event began with a welcome message from Dr. Cassandra Green, Assistant Vice President of the Office of Student Success. This was followed by unit leaders sharing highlights of success for each team from the academic year Student workers were then offered a catered meal which was then proceeded by recognition of seniors, presentation of earned CRLA certifications, and acknowledgment of Auxiliary Award winners.

Jallah

Ms Taylor McIntosh Ms Danielle K Craig

. Arnise King

Ms Latasha N. Perkins

Library Services Corner

Semester Updates

Parker Library Main Entrance

Have you visited our Downtown Library location yet?

Located on the campus of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Parker Library offers the same hours and many of the same resources as the W C Jason Library on the main campus During the last week of classes, IASS tutors used Parker Library spaces to help our Downtown WCHBS students prepare for their finals with tutors available every day in the library.

Student Workers Accepted into the REACH Program

The library team is thrilled to have some of our awesome student workers accepted into the Research, Equity, Archives, Curation, and History program (REACH) hosted by Princeton University this summer! Following an intensive application process, these DSU scholars will spend two weeks staying and working at Princeton and diving deep into the processes of research and archival work with the library and museum staff at Princeton University Great work Meiyah Harmon, Talitha Ryle, and Kormasa Saygbe!

Summer Hours

Summer Hours – W C Jason Library and R H Parker Library (Downtown) Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 6 PM and Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. See the library website for summer holiday closures.

General Contacts

Library Services Directory

Mr.

Mr.

Left: Kormasa Saygbe; Right: Talitha Ryle; Not shown: Meiyah Harmon

Frequently Asked Questions: Parent/Families

The Office of Student Success strongly encouraged students to have their schedules intact before leaving campus for the summer Students who were not able to or need to reevaluate their academic goals are more than welcome to meet with advisors and OSS Staff

Who’s my Academic Advisor?

Students are assigned academic advisors by college, major, and last name. Assignments can be viewed on the OSS website under the advisor directory. Students can schedule advising appointments via the Navigate Student app with their Success Team Alternatively, appointments can also be accessed through the DSU Hub app under the Navigate section

How does my student get tutoring?

Free academic support, including tutoring, are available at no charge for all DSU students through Integrated Academic Support Services (IASS). Students can schedule an appointment for any IASS service, including the Quantitative Reasoning Center (math tutoring), Writing Studio (support for writers), or Tutorial Center (any subject except math and writing) using EAB’s Navigate. Tutoring is offered in person and online. You can find more info about IASS and its services here: https://www.desu.edu/academics/studentsuccess/integrated-academic-support-services.

What can my student do to prepare for the Fall 2024 semester?

We cannot stress enough the importance of your student registering for classes and securing their housing for the next semester. We hope our returning students have registered for the upcoming semester. If they haven’t, they will need to make sure to clear all holds off their account, fill out their course request form (CRF), and then contact their advisor for approval to either get registered or receive an alt PIN to register themselves. While most advisors will be in during the summer to be able to assist students, appointments are preferred.

Important

Dates to Know - Summer 2024

2024 Summer Sessions

Pre-Registration Payment Due Date

Residence Halls Open for Validated Students

Classes Begin

Last Day to Add Classes

Documentation for Non-Attendance

Memorial Day (No Classes)

Last day to Drop/Withdraw from the University Classes End 2 Hour - Final Exams

Residence Halls Close Grades Due in Registrar's Office

April 1

Thursday, May 2

Sunday, May 19

Monday, May 20

Wed , May 22

Thursday, May 23

Monday, May 27

Friday, June 7

Friday, June 21

Last class meeting

Friday, June 21

Tuesday, June 25

April 1

Thursday, May 2

Sunday, May 19

Monday, May 20

Wed , May 22

Thursday, May 23

Monday, May 27

Tuesday, July 2

Friday, July 26

Last class meeting

Friday, July 26

Tuesday, July 30

April 1

Thursday, May 2

Sunday, June 23

Monday, June 24

Wed , June 26

Thursday, June 27 --

Friday, July 12

Friday, July 26

Last class meeting

Friday, July 26

Tuesday, July 30

Important Dates to Know | Fall 2024

AUGUST 8 (THURSDAY) …....……..……………………...…..…………………… FALL PAYMENT DUE DATE

AUGUST 19 - 24 (MONDAY - SATURDAY) .. RESIDENCE HALLS OPEN FOR ALL STUDENTS

AUGUST 22 - 25 (THURSDAY - SUNDAY) …..………………………......……….……..… WELCOME DAYS

AUGUST 25 - 31 (SUNDAY - SATURDAY) I LOVE DSU WEEK

AUGUST 26 (MONDAY) ...................................................................... CLASSES BEGIN @ 8:00AM

AUGUST 26 (MONDAY) ………………………………….…….……………….. LATE REGISTRATION BEGINS

SEPTEMBER 2 (MONDAY) ………………………............………… LABOR DAY (UNIVERSITY CLOSED)

SEPTEMBER 4 (WEDNESDAY) .……………………………………….. LAST DAY FOR ADDING CLASSES

SEPTEMBER 4 (WEDNESDAY) ……… LAST DAY TO CHANGE COURSE(S) TO AUDIT STATUS

SEPTEMBER 4 (WEDNESDAY) ………………………....………………………. LATE REGISTRATION ENDS

SEPTEMBER 5 (THUR ) DATE FOR RECEIVING A GRADE OF “W” FOR DROPPED COURSES

SEPTEMBER 5 - 9 (THURSDAY - MONDAY) DOCUMENTATION FOR NON-ATTENDANCE

SEPTEMBER 9 (MONDAY) ……………………….….………………… ACADEMIC EARLY ALERT PERIOD

SEPTEMBER 20 (FRIDAY) APPLICATION & AUDIT FOR DEC & MAY GRADUATES DUE

SEPTEMBER 24 (TUESDAY) CONVOCATION

OCTOBER 5 (SATURDAY) ……………………....…………….……….………………………………. HOMECOMING

OCTOBER 10 (THURSDAY) ……….……….............………… LAST DAY TO REMOVE INCOMPLETES

OCTOBER 14 (MONDAY) ………..……………………………………...……………… MID-TERM GRADES DUE

OCTOBER 14 - NOVEMBER 20 (MON. - WED.) .……....…… ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT PERIOD

OCTOBER 21 - 22 (MONDAY - TUESDAY) ..……...…….…………. PRIORITY PRE-REGISTRATION

OCTO. 23 - NOV. 20 (WED. - WED.) ............. PRE-REGISTRATION FOR SPRING & SUMMER

OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY) CENSUS DATE

NOVEMBER 2 (SATURDAY) ………..………………..………………………………….……………….. OPEN HOUSE

NOVEMBER 5 (TUESDAY) ELECTION DAY (UNIVERSITY CLOSED)

NOVEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 5 (MON - THURS ) FALL COURSE EVALUATIONS

NOVEMBER 15 (FRI.) …..........… LAST DAY TO DROP/WITHDRAW FROM THE UNIVERSITY

NOVEMBER 17 (SUNDAY) ……………………….. EXIT INTERVIEW FOR DECEMBER GRADUATES

NOVEMBER 27 (WEDNESDAY) …………………..…....…………… RESIDENCE HALLS CLOSE @ 5 PM

NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 1 (THURSDAY - SUNDAY) …………….. THANKSGIVING RECESS

DECEMBER 1 (SUNDAY) …..........................................................… RESIDENCE HALLS RE-OPEN

DECEMBER 5 (THURSDAY) ………………......................………………………….. LAST DAY OF CLASSES

DECEMBER 6 (FRIDAY) ..……………………..………………………………………………………….. READING DAY

DECEMBER 6 (FRIDAY) ..…………………………………......……….

STATUS FINAL AUDIT

DECEMBER 9 - 13 (MONDAY - FRIDAY) FINAL EXAMINATIONS

DECEMBER 13 (FRIDAY) …………..…………………………….. WINTER RECESS BEGINS (STUDENTS)

DECEMBER 13 (FRIDAY) ……………..….…… RESIDENCE HALLS CLOSE @ 5 PM FOR FALL 2024

DECEMBER 13 FRIDAY) .…………….……………...…….…...…………….. WINTER PAYMENT DUE DATE

DECEMBER 16 (MONDAY) ……………………………………………………………………….FINAL GRADES DUE

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 1 (MON. - WED.) ...... WINTER RECESS (UNIVERSITY CLOSED)

View full and current Academic Calendars here as they are subject to change

OSS Academic Advisor Directory (Returning Students)

College of Agriculture, Science & Technology (CAST)

Agriculture (Pre-vet; General Ag), Biology (General; Health Professional; Research; Forensic Biology; Biological SciencesMedical Lab), Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering/Physics (Electrical; Optical; Biomedical), Mathematics (Mathematical Education; Math & Data Analytics), Natural Science (Food Science; Textiles & Apparel Studies)

Dr. Leroy Hawkins

Mr. Franck Yehiri

Mrs. Lynae L. Walker

Dr. Marcel Poe

Last names: A - C

Last names: D - J

Last names: K - Q

Last names: R - Z

LHawkins@desu.edu

FYehiri@desu.edu

LWalker@desu.edu

MPoe@desu.edu

College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences (CHESS)

Art, Criminal Justice, Education, English, History, Law Studies, Liberal Studies, Mass Communications, Music (Music Education; Music Industry; Music Therapy), Political Science, Sociology

Ms. Angela Harper

Ms. Amy Kellen

Ms. Francine Fennell

Dr. Carole Kpota-Middleton

College of Business (COB)

Accounting, Aviation (Aviation Management; Professional Pilot), Finance (Financial Economics; Finance & Banking), Hospitality & Tourism, Management (Business Analytics; General ManagementJR & SR; Human Resource Management; Marketing; MIS/ERP), Sport Management

Mrs. Tamekca Faria-Frisby

Mr. Charles Fowler

Ms. Michelle Hutzler

Dr. Cindy Seto-Friel

Last names: A - E

Last names: F, HJ, L - N

Last Names: O - R, T - W

Last names: G, K, S, X - Z

AHarper@desu.edu

AKellen@desu.edu

FFennell@desu.edu

CKpota@desu.edu

(302) 857-7726

(302) 857-6643 (302) 857-7349 (302) 857-7984

Last names: A - D

Last names: E - Mb

TFaria@desu.edu COBac@desu.edu

CFowler@desu.edu COBac@desu.edu

Last names: Mc - T

MHutlzer@desu.edu COBac@desu.edu

All Aviation & U – Z

CFriel@desu.edu COBac@desu.edu

Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences (WCHBS)

Mrs. Michele Rush

Dr. Veronicah Mokaya

Ms. Latasha N. Perkins

Ms. Tiyanna S. Gibbs

Last Names: A - C

Last Names: D - J

Last Names: K - R

Last Names: S - Z

(302) 857-6183

(302) 857-6181 (302) 857-7909

(302) 857-6837

857-6907

(302) 857-6958 (302) 857-6943 (302) 857-6904

OSS Program & Services Directory

Office of Student Success Administration

Dr. Cassandra Green

Ms. Taneisha Miner

Mr. Jeffrey Attakorah

and Technical Services

CGreen@desu.edu

TMiner@desu.edu

JAttakorah@desu.edu (302) 857-6388

Academic Services For Student Athletes (ASSA)

Mr. Kyle Graves

Mr. Kendal Harris

Mr. Timothy Zinzel

Ms. Arnise R. King

Ms. Eulonda L. Pfister

Director

Advisor

Advisor

Eligibility Certification Specialist/Athletic Advisor

Tutor

KGraves@desu.edu

KAHarris@desu.edu

TZinzel@desu.edu

AKing@desu.edu

EPfister@desu.edu

Office of Student Success - Programs & Services

Dr. Tiffany Alexander

Ms. Asia-Synai Holmes

Ms. Dianne Bogle

Ms. Anna Cortese

Dr. Laxmi Pathak

Mr. Justin J. Blank

Ms. Gloria Knowles

Ms. Tarra R. Jackson

Ms. Leah Brown

Library Services

Office

Coordinator of Student Transitions

Sophomore Year Experience Specialist

Intervention & Retention, Assistant Director

Director, Integrated Academic Support Services

Assistant Director, Writing Studio

Coordinator, Integrated Academic Support Services

Coordinator, Retention Programs & Services

College Success Coach-Instructor

College Success Coach-Instructor

Library Services & Circulation

TAlexander@desu.edu

ASHolmes@desu.edu

DBogle@desu.edu

ACortese@desu.edu

LPathak@desu.edu

JBlank@desu.edu

GKnowles@desu.edu

TJackson@desu.edu

LCBrown@desu.edu

LibCirc@desu.edu

(302) 857-6175 (302) 857-7201

(302) 857-7079 (302) 857-7263 (302) 857-7415 (302) 857-6198 (302) 857-6038

(302) 857-7646

(302) 857-7646

(302) 857-7252

(302) 857-6387

(302) 857-7539

(302) 736-2571

(302) 857-6334

(302) 857-6188

(302) 857-7012

(302) 857-6191

Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning & Honors (URELAH)

Dr. Shonda L. Poe

Mrs. Terry Pauls-Smith

Executive Director

Secretary / Program Assistant

SPoe@desu.edu

TPSmith@desu.edu

PARENT SATISFACTION SURVEY

Parents! Guardians! Families! We want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to fill out our parent satisfaction survey: Click here for the survey

Contact Information

Please share! Your newsletter comments and feedback are welcome and encouraged. Share your inspirational stories and DSU successes with us! Please send information to Thrive@desu edu

Editorial Staff

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We hope you found it informative and useful If you have any questions, concerns, or need to reach out to the Office of Student Success, please feel free to contact us via the information provided in this newsletter.

Dr. Cassandra Green | Editor-In-Chief

Mr. Jeffrey Attakorah | Deputy & Copy Editor

Mr. Justin J. Blank | Managing Editor

Ms. Marjorie K. Ramsey | Proofing Editor

Contacts: THRIVE@DESU.EDU | (302) 857-7527

Click here for the OSS brochure