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First-year programming seeks to retain students

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A Hood banner hangs in Whitaker Campus Center. Photo by Logan Samuels.

By Logan Samuels
//The faculty and staff of Hood College share the mission of making first-year students feel comfortable and acclimated on campus through specialized freshmen programming.

As part of this programming, students gathered in Hodson Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 19 to hear a presentation from Paige Rawl, an activist who fights bullying and raises awareness about the Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome. She is also the author of the memoir “Positive: Surving My Bullies, Finding Hope and Living to Change the World”, which was this year’s selection for the first-year read program directed by Professor Martha Bari.

The program was implemented six years ago by Bari and requires all incoming freshmen to read an assigned novel the summer preceding their entry to the college. Beginning at orientation, students have opportunity to discuss the novel with facilitators.

Every October, the author is invited to speak and host events at the college.
“Meeting the author of the first-year read is the centerpiece of the program itself,” President Andrea Chapdelaine said.

Provost Deborah Ricker affirmed Chapdelaine’s thought and shared that having the opportunity to meet the authors frames the conversation and enriches the campus and its students.

Each year, a committee is constructed to sort through books to choose which titles showcase the best lessons and themes for the incoming students and which authors would be available to come to campus. This year’s winning selection came directly from a student’s suggestion.

Abbey McAllister, a sophomore, recommended “Positive” because it fit well with the transition from high school to college and she admittedly could not put the book down once she started reading.

McAllister said: “It was amazing to pick the first-year read. I was incredibly honored and had never had an experience like it before. I just felt like I had made a difference for the first time.”

McAllister explained that she cherishes the freshmen read because it brings students together even before they have met in person. McAllister felt it was vital to connect the students through a shared literary experience and both faculty and staff involved with the first-year programming would agree.

Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Life Olivia White pays special attention to students and the way that programming affects them. White is fixated on retention for students between their first and second year on campus.

The first-year read has been a requirement for six years, but last year was the first year where all students were also required to take a freshmen seminar. The first-year seminar program is now mandatory for students’ core curriculum and ensures that students have an academic class where they also learn basic college skills.

Since the implementation of the required seminar and the continuation of the first-year read program, retention has increased. From 2014 to 2015, there was a 75 percent retention rate between first and second year students, but 2015 to 2016 showed an 81 percent retention: a 6 percent increase.

White said, “We knew we had done a number of things well, but we didn’t know what sort of impact to expect. The significant increase was higher than we expected, but it was a very pleasant surprise.”

With the conclusion that specific programs geared towards first-year students were making an impact, Hood has begun innovating new ideas to keep retention on the rise.

Matthew Troutman, director of residence life, announced in 2015 that beginning with the class of 2020, Hood College would now house all freshmen living on campus in designated first-year dorms.

The first-year buildings have specially trained resident assistants and programming specifically for students who are new to the college experience.

Troutman said, “There’s been good attendance at programming and there’s been a natural transition from orientation into school. [We try] to get them to take the medicine with some sugar.”

Troutman’s remedies for first-years include tutoring in the lounges of the residence halls in collaboration with the school’s tutoring staff and life skill programs. Troutman shared that this was a new experience for both RAs and students but, he is beginning to hear that things have begun to get into a rhythm.

Troutman and White have heard reports that the class of 2020 has a positive attitude and is less apathetic and more engaged on campus.

Troutman said: “We’re putting a lot into what we hope is a great payoff for students to return this spring and next fall. The culture has changed and I’d bet that retention will be even higher next year.”

Libman professor prepares for the next adventure

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By Ellie Blaser//

For the last three years, Katherine Fulfer has served as the Sophia M. Libman NEH Professor of the Humanities, specializing in the Women’s Studies Program and Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies. The Sophia M. Libman NEH is a visiting professorship awarded to a professor at Hood for three years, during which time they work at Hood. Fulfer’s time as the professor will conclude at the end of this academic year.

“The contract is for three years, and it was designed to bring in a junior scholar to meet a teaching need that the college had: an area of interest that no one was able to teach,” Fulfer says regarding her positions. “One of the first Libman professors focused on classics, one focused on queer studies and Latin American studies, one focused on film.”

Libman professor Katy Fulfer.

Libman professor Katy Fulfer.

During her time at Hood, Dr. Fulfer has focused on women’s studies and feminism. Her education includes a B.A. from Freed-Hardeman University, a Masters philosophy from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Fulfer was granted her Hood Professorship immediately after earning her Ph.D.

“It’s an exciting opportunity because you get to do so much and it’s very inter-disciplinary, so I’m constantly learning all the time,” she says. “When I first got here, I felt like a spent a few months reinventing the wheel.” She says that it was thanks to another former Libman professor that she was able to find her footing at the school.

Dr. Fulfer teaches many classes regarding gender and feminism, including Global Perspective: Women, Power, and Politics. In this class, Fulfer encourages discussion among students while also giving information on the topic of the day (surrogacy in India) through video and images.

[Read more…]

German professor Pincikowski discovered language as a boy

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By Christie Wisniewski//

As a young boy, Dr. Scott Pincikowski never imagined he would be a German professor, speaking the language fluently and making annual trips to Germany.

“I originally wanted to be a chemist,” he said, laughing.

His fascination with the language occurred after his older brother Tim, introduced him to some high school German exchange students. One day, these exchange students began to speak German in front of him.

“It frustrated me,” Pincikowski admitted, cracking a smile.

This frustration motivated him to begin learning the language. In middle school, he took a “World of Languages” course that briefly introduced students to different languages. According to Pincikowski, when the German section was taught, he became hooked. The summer after his senior year in high school, he participated in an exchange program and visited Germany for the first time.

students in Germany

Scott Pincikowski (left) leads a trip to Germany.

Pincikowski has been employed as a professor at Hood College since 2001. In addition to teaching every level of the German language, he also teaches German literature and culture classes.

Hood College offers both a major and a minor in German, and beginner to advanced classes. Those students who have taken at least three levels of German can opt to live in the German house, where the students living there are expected to “live German,” according to Pincikowski.

“Hood College is fortunate that we have language houses,” Pincikowski said. “We’ve had language houses for 75 years. The German house, not as long, but probably 35 years.”

Frederik Hess is one of the German exchange students who lives in the German house.

“It’s interesting because I’m speaking English everywhere and when I’m in the German house I get to speak my native language,” Hess said. “It’s kind of like a piece of home in a foreign country and it’s nice.”

The German house, according to Hess, is a duplex with a shared kitchen, living room, and dining room. There are two bathrooms, one single bedroom, one double, and one triple.

“Living in a small house, you make close friends, friends for life,” Marie Schmitt, a French Language assistant at Hood said. “(Each) house has its own personality…”

[Read more…]

Hood language houses help students experience another world

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By Christian Woltz//

Hood College offers students the option to live in an off-campus language house in order to immerse them in their respective language.

Two houses are available including the French house and the Spanish house.  Students say that living in these houses gives them to opportunity to increase their ability to learn and speak a foreign language.

According to Hood’s website, the language houses have been an option for students for over 30 years.  While living in these houses, the students are encouraged to only communicate in that language.  In turn, they say that this will better enforce their speech skills.

The duplexes are equipped with six rooms including two singles, two doubles, and two triples, capable of housing a max of 12 students.

Hood College Spanish house.

Hood College Spanish house.

They have a very spacious living room and kitchen area, but most students say that they do not use them that much.  Similar to off campus apartments, each house gives students the opportunity experience life away from campus.

Lukline Jean-Baptiste, a Hood College junior, is currently living in the French house while pursuing her major in French.  She says that the experience has been amazing so far, and has drastically increased her ability to speak French.

“I grew up in a French-speaking home, but after speaking English with everyone else, it became somewhat of a struggle to get back into the groove,” Baptiste said.  “Now that I am in this environment, I am forced to speak French constantly, which has even helped me in my classes.”

Sammy Pierre, also a junior at Hood College, lives in the French house as well.  He says that he enjoys living in the house with all the others and the experience of living off campus.

“Living in the house with other people that speak my native language has been such a great experience,” Pierre said.  “I also enjoy being close to the school but far enough to have the space when I need it.”

Since the houses are leased by the school, the cost of living is simply added to the student’s tuition for that year. They also have to by their own food and other needs as well.

[Read more…]

Men’s lacrosse team struggles with weather, opponents

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By Amir Abdelrady//The Hood College Men’s lacrosse team experienced a rough start to their 2016 season due to snow, but now enter the third week with one win and two losses.

“Working around the snow was difficult,” said Brad Barber, head coach of the team. “With limited field time, it’s hard to implement a full-field, game scenario during practices, and it’s even harder to work the players’ with such little space.”

Along with multiple practices being cancelled or rescheduled before the season had begun, Hood’s season opener against Southern Virginia was cancelled on February 13th, due to inclement weather.

Junior captain, Nick Masucci felt very strongly about the cancellation of the season opener against Southern Virginia.

“The snow at the beginning of the season was really frustrating because it caused us to miss a lot of practices on the field, and even our first game,” said Masucci. “We didn’t get a chance to practice what we planned to execute during the season.”

“Having an extra game to play during the beginning of the season is always a good thing,” Barber adds. “It gives the players a chance to get out any butterflies and really get a feel for the field as it was in fact some of the players first collegiate level game.”

Lacrosse team

Members of the Hood lacrosse team.

The following week, the Blazers faced off against Rosemont on February 21st, but lost in the last few seconds 10-9.

“We could have won that game, and we should have,” said senior defensive captain, Tucker Palmer.  “We were up five to two at the half, but we just couldn’t hold the lead. Everyone was too tense.”

The Blazers were able to overcome their rough start as they clenched their first victory over Immaculata University ten to six on February 25th.

“The guys didn’t fold at all after the half, they came out knowing what they wanted, and followed through with the game plan,” Barber said. Palmer would seem to agree as he said “, the team went in with more of a game plan. We got ourselves ahead early in the game, and we simply stayed up.”

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Hood housing changes will eliminate all-girls dorm in the fall

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By Taylor Yancey//It has been over 10 years since Hood College decided to allow males to attend the institution as full time students. Throughout those 10 years the staff at Hood has accommodated to both the male and female students.

Hood College students are now in the second semester of the 2015-2016 academic year, and there have been discussions regarding dorm changes. There was recently an open forum held on campus by the Student Government Association (SGA) that discussed the changes that will be implemented in the fall of 2016. This forum was held on February 26, 2016.

Some students were concerned with what these changes would consist of so the forum granted them an opportunity to gain some clarity.

Sarah Scott, a House Council representative for Shriner Hall said, “I heard that within the next 10 years Shriner will no longer be an all-girls dorm. I can’t imagine what that will be like.” Scott is a sophomore and will be graduating Hood in the winter of 2017.

At the beginning of the 2015-2016 semester, all of the students were asked to participate in an anonymous survey that featured questions about dorm life, both currently and in the future. The results of the survey were released and discussed at the open forum.

Matt Troutman, Director of Residence Life and Student Contact said, “These changes will take place this fall. I would say that there were some loud voices initially not supportive or seeking to learn more information.”

These changes were brought up in order to create a better living environment for the students. Troutman said “In addition, we will try to have full occupancy on campus to have a robust campus life.”

Some of the reported changes include, granting the option for girls and boys to room together, transforming the only all-girl dorm into a coed dorm, and reserving both Smith and Memorial Halls.

dorm sign

Sign in front of Memorial Hall.

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Students spring break travel includes Haiti and the Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon in the evening. Photo by Tony Hisgett

By Mary Milligan//

For college students, spring break is a week to take off and let off steam, which means something different for each student.

Some students, like juniors Molly Masterson and Emily Zeller decided to spend time with family, while others like junior Anne Lessard chose to use the time to volunteer.

Masterson is visiting her sister in Philadelphia for the first half of spring break, the second half she will be preparing for Easter with her family in western Pennsylvania. Friday is Match Day for her sister who attends Jefferson Medical College, where she will be matched with her residency hospital, which will follow with a celebration with friends and family.

She wanted to be present for the occasion as it is a milestone in her sister’s career, and she wanted to celebrate with her. They also plan on exploring the city, like seeing Love Park, City Hall, and hoping to enjoy walking in nice weather.

Masterson will then take the train to her family home in Indiana, Pennsylvania. “Easter is my holiday, I’m going to make a lamb cake and prepare all of the food for about 16 of my family members. I even have a Pinterest board so I’m ready before I go home,” said Masterson.

Other students explore options that would give them a chance to give back. Hood offers students the ability to volunteer to help others in an alternative spring break. This includes staying in Frederick, going to North Carolina, and this year, some students are going to Haiti.

Anne Lessard, another junior, is choosing to partake in Hood’s alternative spring break, she will be going to Borgne, Haiti.

After a friend talking to her about it for years, Lessard said that this year she felt like she had the time to do so. Lessard felt that going to Haiti would be the best thing for her to do volunteering wise, saying “go big or go home.”

[Read more…]

Student art show brings life to bare walls of Tatem Hall

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By Katie Harmis//

The Hood College Annual Student Juried Exhibition was a relaxed evening admiring art and their artists. Art students from photojournalism, Photography two, and sculpting exhibited their photos and sculptures for people to enjoy and bring life to a blank white room. The open walls were lined with vibrant photos and sculptures that brought dimension to an otherwise flat space.

Bonnie Monnier, a photojournalist student, hung lovely portraits she had taken of her sister.

“I named the mirror portrait ‘Eunoia’, meaning beautiful mind, because that is what I want my photo to convey.” Bonnie says she loves to photograph nature and she always tries to challenge herself.

“I try to get inspired by everything,” she said.

Through the front doors of Tatum are many photographic pieces that make up Frederick County. From snowy barns and open fields to animals and city structures, the students did a wonderful job of capturing the natural beauty of Frederick.

But the photo that stood out from the rest stole the show. “Pomegranates and Cup”, by Justin Fox, is an elegant portrait that gained much attention and the prize for Best of Show.

“I chose pomegranate seeds because I liked the way the light shined on them.” Justin is an ambitious Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and studio art major with a photo concentration and plans to pursue marketing.

Student art in Tatem Hall.

Student art in Tatem Hall.

Professor and professional photographer, Tim Jacobsen is very keen on students sharing their work in the gallery.

“This is a great opportunity for students to debut their work and it gives them a chance to see what others are doing as well.” Tim says the gallery gives encouragement and competition to enhance the experience.

Chris Hamby, a photographer and graphic designer expressed absolute delight towards the students’ sculptures and photos.

“I’m here to support my friends,” he says, “their work is eye catching and modern… I’m just speechless; they are truly eye catching.”

Jenna Gianna, a graduate student, won first prize for her sculptures named “Shells”.  Jenna says she developed a love for sculpting after graduating college and returned to school to follow her newly found passion.

Lew Dean, undergraduate, won first place for “The Stag” painting. Second place was awarded to Leigh Anne Brader, undergraduate, for “Body Image, Inspired by Matisse.” Cameron Tate, undergraduate, came in third place with her print image “Omeri”. Janet Greer won the graduate student Best of Show prize for “Vase in Randi’d Red”.

The 2016 Student Art Exhibition is located in Tatum’s lobby until March 6th for everyone to enjoy.

Performance draws attention to sexual discrimination

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By Shanayah Braithwaite//

Hood College presented a benefit reading of V-Day’s, “Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and a Prayer: Writing to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls,” on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 in Hodson Auditorium.

The book is a collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Mollie Doyle and Eve Ensler, V-DAY founder.

Proceeds raised from the event went to the Heartly House, an organization that helps Frederick County residents who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

The benefit performance was presented as part of V-Day’s One Billion Rising for Justice campaign, a global call for women survivors of violence and those who love them to gather safely in places where they are entitled to justice and release their stories through art, dance, marches, ritual, song, spoken word, sit-ins and testimonies.

Ellie Blaser, a junior at Hood, performed, “The Aristocrats,” by Kate Clinton. “It’s basically just women telling their stories about sexism that they’ve faced – maybe on a personal level, maybe on a global level, and the different ways stuff like that can happen and have negative affect,” she said.

V-Day organizers have changed laws to protect women and girls, funded rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, educated their communities, and raised over $ 100 million for groups working towards ending violence and serving survivors and their families (V-DAY, 2014).

Members of Hood College’s Feminist Student Union (FSU) and the V-Team, Eve Ensler and part time and full time members of V-Day, teamed up to make the event possible by directing, managing backstage, and performing a variety of monologues.

[Read more…]

A class project of CMA 304.