School of Graduate and Professional Studies newsletter, Spring 2024

The Hoot Spring 2024

Meet the SGPS Staff

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies’ (SGPS) mission is to promote excellence in all aspects of graduate education. Whether you have questions on programs, thesis/ dissertations, Graduate Commencement, etc., our staff is here to help! With assistance from our student employees, SGPS strives to provide Southern students with ample resources and opportunities to support their graduate school journey. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

From left to right back row: Jennifer Sparano, Lisa Galvin, Stefanie Ortiz, Jonathan Wharton, and Amy Feest.

From left to right front row: Teneka Mills, Julia Irwin, and Dawn Grimes.

Student Employees (not pictured): Alexandria Simmons (UA), Peri Alexander (UA), Emma Hubbell (UA), Molly Aiudi (GA), Nick Crowley (GA), Darryl Brackeen (GA), Sharaban Tohura (GA), and Avry Sylvester (SW)

A Message from The Interim Dean

Dear SGPS community,

“There is nothing like a dream to create the future”

-

Victor Hugo

With the end of the semester in sight, today marks the beginning of a new chapter for many of us, and I continue to be honored to see the accomplishments of such a talented and motivated group of students, staff, and faculty.

As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of new beginnings with open hearts and open minds. Change can be both invigorating and challenging, but it is through these challenges that we find our strength and resilience.

Here at Southern, our excellence stems from an environment where creativity flourishes, ideas are celebrated, and collaboration thrives. Each of you brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table, and this diversity will propel us forward.

For those graduating and moving on from Southern, we hope you will look back fondly on your professional and

interpersonal experiences here and continue to see yourself as an owl.

Remember that success is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey itself. As we navigate uncharted territory, let us support one another, learn from our experiences, and celebrate our victories, no matter how small. With each step on our journey, we are forging a path towards success and fulfillment.

Here’s to new beginnings, to growth, and to the extraordinary potential that lies within each one of us. We are so proud of the work that has been and will continue to be done.

With warm regards

Julia Irwin, Ph.D.

Program Spotlight

Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

SCSU’s innovative Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is pioneering a curriculum approach that is uncommon, observed in only a handful of programs across the nation.

Traditional occupational therapy graduate programs hold individual courses about specific topics such as anatomy, neuroanatomy, conditions, and types of disabilities. Southern’s approach integrates all the curricular content with a focus on occupation.

“Integrated courses focused on our core concept of human occupation are better for the profession and students,” says Program Director Dr. Heather Kuhaneck.

The program plans to integrate mental health, pediatrics, adult, and geriatrics into coursework to encompass the whole lifespan. The integrated courses will also be focused on human occupations and the subareas students need to learn. An illustration of this is the absence of a distinct anatomy course; instead, anatomy will be seamlessly integrated into various courses across the curriculum.

Southern has also utilized evidence about how graduate students and adult learners learn best to develop the curriculum. Alternative, holistic grading approaches will focus on learning over grades. The program will use a flipped classroom as well.

The approach allows students to prepare outside of the classroom on their own time. In lieu of lectures, this preparation enables campus classes to be active and engaging, focusing on learning, laboratory experiences, group work, and the skills needed for the occupational therapy profession.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will also be integrated into the curriculum. The program will incorporate virtual reality case studies, including tasks like home assessments. “We are developing AI cases where [graduate students] will be able to interview the AI, and it will answer back as if it were a person,” Dr. Kuhaneck says. Unlike simulated cases or patient actors, which are scripted and can be contrived, the AI cases provide as close-to-human interaction as possible.

The program uses various strategies and methods throughout the curriculum to help students study and pass the required national certification exam to become registered occupational therapists (OTRs).

While numerous Occupational Therapy programs are transitioning to doctoral levels due to escalating credit requirements, Southern is diverging from this trend. The university actively maintains minimal credit numbers to alleviate financial burdens on students, enabling them to enter the workforce more quickly upon graduation.

MSOT’s mission is to promote diversity in the Occupational Therapy profession. In doing so, Southern has made it a top priority to bring in a diverse cohort of students. “It’s our mission to make sure we promote student belonging, that everyone feels they belong in our cohort and that they belong in our profession,” Dr. Kuhaneck says.

Southern’s Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program will enter its first class of 40 students in the summer of 2025. The application process is set to open on July 1, 2024. To learn more about the MSOT program, please visit southernct.edu/occupational-therapy

Resources and Information

Graduate Student Events

Grad Chats

Balancing Relationships During Grad School:

Women ConnectOvercoming Imposter Syndrome

On Wednesday, February 14, MFT Chair Paul Levatino and Dr. Allyson Regis from the Wellbeing Center, discussed tips and strategies to maintaining healthy relationships.

On Wednesday, March 7, Professor Jess Gregory from the EDL department facilitated a discussion on imposter syndrome and taking steps to build confidence and validate individual skills, strengths, and value!

Upcoming Grad Chats

DE-Stress & Refresh:

Join us on Wednesday, April 24 as we partner with the SCSU Wellbeing Center to identify signs of stress and burnout, learn proactive steps to lesson stress, and resources on and off campus that can help. The session will include a guided meditation session.

Meet The Deans

The Spring 2024 semester Meet The Deans was held on Tuesday, January 23, in ASC Ballroom. The event gave students the chance to speak with their deans in an informal setting.

Students were also able to connect with other graduate students to network and discuss any questions, concerns, or ideas about their degrees, programs, and internship opportunities.

Student Research Discussion

Southern’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) is committed to research integrity and the responsible conduct of research.

On Wednesday, March 6, Dr. Julia Irwin, Research Integrity Officer/Interim Dean, facilitated a discussion aimed at providing graduate students with basic understanding and information related to properly conducting research at the graduate level.

• Basic Information/Overview

• Professional Expectations

• Semester Expectations

• Collaborative Research

• Authorship

• Mentor/Mentee Responsibilities and Relationships

• Toxic Mentoring/Mentoring Malpractice

To watch the Student Research Discussion, please visit owlssouthernct-my.sharepoint. com/:v:/g/personal/ortizs27_southernct_edu/

Upcoming Events

Spring Graduate Open House

SGPS will be holding its Spring Graduate Open House on Thursday, April 18, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the ASC Ballroom. The event will provide information on Southern’s numerous master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs

The benefits of attending Graduate Open House

• Learn the benefits of having a graduate degree or certificate from Southern.

• Meet with our graduate program directors and faculty.

• Ask questions about the graduate programs.

• Meet potential classmates.

• Learn about the application process.

• Learn about scholarships, grants, and financial aid.

For more information and to register, please visit grad.southernct.edu/open-house/

Graduate Student Research and Creativity Conference

On Monday, April 29, Southern will be holding its annual Graduate Student Research and Creativity Conference from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the ASC Ballroom. This conference is a showcase of graduate student research, posters, papers, presentations, and more!

This conference was created to highlight graduate student research, help students gain professional development experience, and to form an interdisciplinary community among SCSU graduate students and faculty.

Can’t make it? Email us to schedule a graduate tour at gradadmissions@southernct.edu.

“SCSU’s Research and Scholarship Advisory Committee’s Graduate Research and Creativity Conference allows graduate students to showcase their research with the campus and beyond,” said Dr. Jonathan Wharton SGPS Associate Dean. “Students present and provide feedback on a variety of writing and poster projects and most importantly they work with one another and our faculty.”

For more information, please visit southernct.edu/creativeconference/graduate

Student Spotlight

A Conversation with Sharaban Tohura

Sharaban Tohura is a graduate assistant for the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning (OWLL) supported by the SCSU Innovation Hub.

Why did you choose Southern?

I reside in Hamden, CT, and when considering my MPH program, I conducted thorough research to select the most suitable university. Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) caught my attention, and I also received positive recommendations from family friends, some of whom are students or employees here.

The university’s reputation for a supportive environment, dedicated faculty, and international-friendly atmosphere influenced my decision. Given its proximity to my residence and the diverse community, I confidently chose to pursue my studies at SCSU.

Since starting at Southern, have there been any resources or individuals who have helped you?

As a mother of a 3-year-old daughter and being far from family support in Bangladesh, managing childcare while pursuing my studies was challenging.

Fortunately, I found the COMPASS Childcare Center on campus, which provides excellent childcare services, and I enrolled my daughter there. I am sending my daughter there while I attend classes and work as a graduate student, which has been an enormous relief. I am grateful to SCSU for providing such supportive facilities for student-parents like me.

As a current Graduate Assistant at Southern, what would you say is the benefit of working on campus?

As a current Graduate Assistant, working on campus has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in various research programs.

I got the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members who have been incredibly supportive and helped me grow personally and professionally. The on-campus work experience has enriched my academic and professional growth.

Any information you would like to add?

I want to express my appreciation to Southern Connecticut State University for fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The university’s commitment to diversity and providing essential resources, such as the COMPASS Childcare Center, reflects its dedication to supporting its students’ academic and personal needs. It has been instrumental in helping me balance my academic pursuits with family responsibilities. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained at SCSU.

Resources and Scholarship

Meet Dr. Amy Beth SCSU’s New Director of Library Services

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies welcomes Dr. Amy Beth as the new Director of Library Services at Southern. Dr. Beth has held numerous directorial and library management positions, including her most recent position at City University of New York (CUNY).

Through these positions, Dr. Beth saw how vital the library’s role is in aiding with research and improving information literacy competence. Strong competencies in research at the graduate level necessitate that students know how to do a literature review.”

Dr. Beth provides an example of how the library can assist the research needs of graduate students in various programs, stating, “Depending on what program they’re in, graduate students may need to be able to efficiently search patent records.”

To provide research assistance, Dr. Beth emphasizes the necessity for graduate students to be acquainted with Buley Library’s online chat service (Ask a Librarian) or to consider configuring Google Scholar searches.

Recognizing the impact of today’s digital advances, Dr. Beth also emphasizes how necessary it is for graduate students to be informed about the rapid delivery of interlibrary loan. “Interlibrary loan is not the antiquated process it used to be. They’re likely to have desktop delivery within 24 to 48 hours,” she states. Graduate students can request books and articles through the online catalog without librarian mediation.

The Director’s top priority is to build an institutional repository for capstone projects and dissertations. “The benefits of an openly

accessible institutional repository are tremendous,” she states. The repository could provide international visibility for Southern, global access to culminating work, allow current students ready access to consult exemplary work, serve as a tool for competitive marketing for SCSU faculty hires, and for the first time in SGPS, multi-format projects can be captured and incorporated into the institutional archive and repository.

Southern students currently use ProQuest to publish and archive theses and dissertations. However, ProQuest has accessibility barriers such as cost, limits on full-text access, and the database only incorporates written theses and dissertations. Unlike ProQuest, an institutional repository would provide free access and easier navigation to the digital collection with interdisciplinary keywords and topics. The repository will also be scraped and discoverable through Google Scholar.

It’s crucial to note that among the 86 programs available at the master’s level, 64 include the special project option. Substantial reporting indicates that students overwhelmingly prefer the special project when completing their capstone.

Beyond her great plans for Buley Library, Dr. Beth has an open-door policy. As a scholar with three master’s degrees and a Ph.D., she is “empathetic” and “understanding” of the challenges of graduate school and wants to support Southern’s graduate faculty and students directly.

Dr. Beth’s office is on the fourth floor of Buley Library, room 400 the Library Administration Office, across from the Graduate Study Room

Amy Beth, Ph.D.

Ph.D. - Environmental Psychology

MA - Philosophy

MA - Environmental Psychology

MLIS - Library and Information Science

BA - Women’s Studies

and adjacent kitchen. The Director encourages students who frequent the campus to utilize the space for study and scholarship.

Regardless of students’ geographic location, Dr. Beth advises graduate students to find a library space for study and scholarship. The practice of this space allows graduate students to “discover that there’s additional support from the environment, creates a protected and dedicated environment for intellectual growth, and brings every student who establishes such a practice of space into a practice of holding up a commitment to completing their education,” Dr. Beth states.

The Director advises graduate students not to think of themselves as beneath their instructors or “prostrate to the higher mind.” Instead, Dr. Beth states, “At the graduate level, you’ve come to the table as a welcome scholar, and our intention is to explore those ideas together.”

New OWLL Offerings

The Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning (OWLL) has a variety of programming to meet all of your needs. Choose from credit-level undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, non-credit and workforce training, and a variety of free and low-cost professional development opportunities. For a complete list of training currently available, visit: southernct.edu/owll

Grow with Google

FREE Career Academy Certificate Training for current SCSU Students and Alumni

Southern has partnered with Google Career Academy to offer flexible online training programs designed to put you on the fast track to jobs in high-growth fields. Choose from nine certificates:

• UX Design

• Cybersecurity

• Data Analytics

• Digital Marketing and E-Commerce

• Project Management

• IT Support

• IT Automation

• Business Intelligence

• Advanced Data Analytics

Prepare for entry-level digital jobs by earning Google Professional Certificates. Make your resume more competitive with a credential from Google.

• Get professional-level training with Google Certificates

• No experience necessary

• Learn job-ready skills even with no relevant experience or a post-secondary degree.

• Learn at your own pace

• Complete the online program on your own time and set your own schedule

Stand out to employers and compliment your degree. 82% of Google Certificate graduates report a positive career outcome like a new job, enhanced skills, promotion, or raise within six months.

Click here to register.

Diversity and Inclusion: D&I Training

Are you looking to enhance your professional skills and knowledge of diversity and inclusion in human resources? Consider our online, self-paced D&I training! Learn the latest research and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering you to be a leader in your workplace and beyond.

Southern offers the following online, self-paced D&I training:

• HRCI: Certificate in D&I in HR Management - Assessment, Inclusion, and Retention

• HRCI: Certificate in D&I in HR Management - Culture, Engagement, and Leadership

• HRCI: Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management

Training is self-paced and start once you sign up! Certificates start at $239

Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (T.H.E.M.)

A five module, self-paced, fully online training.

Prepare yourself to work in one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. These industries operate worldwide in exciting work environments and provide unique employment opportunities in Connecticut and across the globe.

The travel and tourism industry employs over 64,000 people in the state of Connecticut. In the program, students acquire the event planning, leadership, promotion and management skills necessary for an exciting career in the tourism, hospitality and event management industries. Training to launch this summer!

Amy Feest, senior director of the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning (right), and OWLL Graduate Assistant Sharaban Tohura (left)

Women’s Leadership and Resilience Training Workshop

Embark on a transformative journey to understand and overcome the specific challenges women face in leadership roles. Gain insights into power dynamics, managing roles, and societal expectations. Elevate your leadership skills and drive meaningful change in organizations.

Date: Thursday, May 2

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Southern CT State University

Cost: $190 per attendee

Open to women with 3 to 8 years of professional experience

Register: https://owll.southernct.edu

AWS: Certified Cloud Practitioner

Eight-week live online training

A certified cloud practitioner is a technical professional who is well-versed with cloud computing and has foundational knowledge of AWS to support cloud operations across various verticals and industries.

In this eight-week training, students will learn the fundamentals of Amazon Web Services (AWS) backgrounds, features, and the knowledge needed to pass the AWS CCP exam while having the ability to learn from a real life examples. Next training starts June 3.

Cost: $600

Class cost includes AWS CCP test.

Excel for the Workplace

Two full days of live online training

Date: Wednesdays, May 15 and 22

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: $320

From mastering basic spreadsheet operations to delving into advanced data analysis and reporting, Excel for the Workplace is structured to enhance practical skills that are tailored to your industry and directly applicable to the demands of your workplace.

Register: https://owll.southernct.edu

Live Online Python Training

Python has long been recognized as one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly programming languages.

Python 1

Python 2

This six-week course highlights the basic level of using Python and its essential aspects. Python 1 will allow the students to design, write, debug, and run Python scripts, and to understand the basic concepts of software development technology. Next training starts July 22.

Cost: $750

This course is designed to provide a solid intermediate knowledge level for Python programming and the skills associated with it! Python 2 will elevate the learning experience while working on intermediate projects highlighting exciting and useful case scenarios within the industry. Next training starts May 28.

Cost: $750

Our Graduating Student Employees

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies employs a number of student employees during the year which includes University Assistants and Graduate Assistants.

At SGPS, we prioritize creating a dynamic and supportive work environment for our student employees. Recognizing the demanding schedules of graduate students, we offer flexible working hours that accommodate their academic and life commitments.

SGPS University Assistant Alexandria Simmons states, “Working at SGPS has been one of the best parts of my graduate school experience. From the very beginning, this team has been warm and welcoming, allowing me the space to be creative and involved.”

Simmons emphasizes how her roles has impacted her. “This position has exposed me to so many great people, opportunities, and experiences, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Our student employees are integral members of our team, contributing fresh perspectives and ideas. Through this collaborative approach, we aim to not only provide valuable work experience, but also cultivate skills that extend beyond the workplace, preparing them for future endeavors.

“During my time at SGPS, I had the incredible opportunity to assist and support graduate students through their Southern journey, all while gaining relevant work experience in my field,” says SGPS University Assistant Emma Hubbell.

Hubbell goes on to state, “SGPS understands the diverse commitments

Are you a graduate student looking to work on campus? SGPS is currently seeking a proactive Graduate Assistant (GA) to take charge of our Graduate newsletter. This is a temporary, parttime position with a duration lasting the semester, subject to renewal at the discretion of the department.

For more information please email Stefanie Ortiz at ortizs27@southernct.edu

graduate students have, and has fully supported me throughout my studies at SCSU.”

At SGPS, we value the unique contributions of each student employee and are committed to their success.

From left to right: Emma Hubbell, Nick Crowley, Alexandria Simmons, and Molly Aiudi.

Not pictured: Darryl Brackeen

Continuing your Education?

Southern offers a variety of programs including graduate certificates, doctoral programs, as well as online and hybrid programs.

Doctoral Programs

Southern offers four competitive doctoral programs in educational leadership, counseling education and supervision, nursing, and social work to help leaders build scholarship and advance in their fields.

Applicants to the doctoral program must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of at least 3.0.

Graduate Certificates

For more information and to apply please visit grad.southernct. edu/programs/doctoral/ Graduate certificates offer students a way to enhance their expertise, advance their careers, and stay competitive in their field, while also providing flexibility and opportunities for professional development.

SGPS offers numerous graduate certificate programs in education, human resources, counseling, data science, and more.

For more information and to apply please visit grad.southernct. edu/programs/certificates/

Online and Hybrid Programs

If you’re wondering how you can go back to school while balancing work, community, or family responsibilities, you’re not alone.

Many of our graduate students live dynamic, complex lives. Whether you’re ready to move into a leadership role, build your expertise, prepare for industry certifications, or further develop a passion—an online graduate degree from Southern can help you do it.

Our online and hybrid programs offer flexibility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, customization, technology integration, and career advancement opportunities.

For more information and to apply please visit grad.southernct. edu/programs/online/

We asked students what their plans are after graduation. Here’s what Manuel Fernandez said:

Manuel Iglesias Fernandez Master’s Library and Information Science

Upon completing my MLIS, my primary goal is to continue my career at the Hartford Public Library as a Teen and YA Services Librarian. I am enthusiastic about fostering a love for literature and learning among teens and young adults, providing them with a supportive environment to explore their interests and develop crucial skills.

My vision includes organizing engaging programs, book clubs, and interactive events catering to their unique needs and preferences. I aspire to continue creating a space that promotes literacy and encourages creativity, critical thinking, and community building.

Additionally, I aim to stay updated on emerging literature, technology, and education trends to ensure I can offer innovative and relevant resources to the population I serve. Overall, my postgraduate plans revolve around inspiring young minds and contributing positively to the educational and personal development of teens and young adults in the Hartford community.

Looking for a Job After Graduation?

Resources and Tips from SCSU’s Career Services

SCSU Career Services Resources

JOBSs

SCSU provides JOBSs, an online job board for students and alums looking for full-time or part-time work, internships, career fairs, and more. The online recruitment platform hosts close to 5,000 different employers looking to hire locally.

Career Coaching

Students can sign up through JOBSs to schedule an appointment with a Career Coach to get personalized

Resumes and Cover Letters

Your documents should be tailored to the job at hand. To do so, revise your resume and cover letter to the needs of the institution. Aim for authenticity in your documents, as everything included may be discussed during the interview.

Interviews

When preparing for an interview keep these tips in mind

• Stay true to yourself.

• Feel comfortable discussing your passions, skills, and strengths, drawing examples from your experiences.

• Conduct thorough research on the organization.

References

Selecting suitable references can pose a challenge. After assessing your network, opt for individuals who can effectively highlight your skills and achievements relevant to the position or field you’re applying for. It’s essential to reach out to your chosen references and secure their permission beforehand.

career guidance. The appointments can provide tailored job coaching to help students brand and market themselves for their chosen field.

Resume Assistance

Career Services offers online resources to assist students with constructing their resumes. The Career Peer team has been trained in resume writing and development to advise peers on early resume formatting and construction. Students can contact the Office of Career and Professional Development to make an appointment for resume assistance.

Mock Interviews

Big Interview is an online system that combines training and practice to help you improve your interview technique and build your confidence through:

• Challenging, virtual mock interviews for all experience levels and dozens of industries

• A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them

• The ability to rate and share your interview answers for feedback

• Comprehensive video training curriculum covering all aspects of landing a job

• Step-by-step interview Answer Builder for crafting answers to behavioral questions

Internship/Career Fairs

Southern also holds career-specific and internship fairs on campus. These events allow students to connect with employers and organizations about upcoming opportunities.

Workshops

SCSU Career Services offers various workshops and presentations to help students become career-ready, including resumes, interviews, professional email etiquette, and more.

The Hoot Spring 2024

Supervisors

Writer and Designer

Stefanie Ortiz & Dawn Grimes

Molly Aiudi