Diep Luu, (2010)

HESA will keep you busy but at the end of the day you know that you will get through the program fine because of all the support you will receive from the cohort members, faculty, and supervisors.

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Lindsay Blair, (2008)

I came to UConn to see a new part of the country, to be at an institution that differs from my undergrad, and for the practical, hands-on experiences available. I wanted to practice what we were being preached, and this is the place to do it! When I came to campus, it just felt like a place I knew I would be challenged and could grow professionally.

The practicum experiences are incredible - we have an abundance of choices and I loved all of my experiences. It gave me an opportunity to see another part of campus, develop skills outside my assistantship, find professional mentors, and to be inspired by students in a whole new way. My practicum in the Women’s Center changed me as a professional and as a person, it was amazing.

The cohort experience is one of the greatest parts of the program. It is very intentionally a smaller group, each person with diverse perspectives and experiences entering into the program. Everyone on campus knows we are a part of the HESA program and are excited to provide opportunities for us – HESA is an integral part of the Division of Student Affairs and that is a really unique perspective, especially at a campus this size.

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Chelsea Rayome, (2009)

I came to UConn for the unique hands-on experiences. I am able to practice what I learn in the classroom everyday in my assistantship site, at my practicum and through interactions with students and professionals.

I’m pleasantly surprised by the amount of responsibility I have with my assistantship. I'm not just sitting at a desk entering data or answering the phone. I am planning programs, instructing a class, advising students, and brainstorming new ideas.

Our courses have given me the tools to work with many different types of students who are at several stages in their development.

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Adam Frank, (2009)

I chose UConn HESA because I very much enjoyed the emphasis on practical application of theory. I find myself constantly challenged to apply what I have learned in the classroom to my work and experiences in the Division of Student Affairs at UConn.

I love how I am treated as a professional staff member in my assistantship, but there is also the understanding that I am a student, here to both work and learn. My assistantship has afforded me the opportunity to be immersed in an environment where I feel respected by my colleagues, free to take risks, and able to reflect and learn from my work experience.

I am such a fan of the small class size. This allows for lively discussion and an opportunity to get highly involved in the classroom. You make great connections with your classmates and faculty in HESA. You can not get lost in our classes, but you can't hide either!

It truly is the people who make this program special. From my cohort, to the faculty, to the professionals in the division who support HESA - everyone shares the same commitment to supporting students and providing a well rounded educational experience for undergraduates.

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Stefanie Landsman, (2008)

I really appreciate the hands-on practical approach taken in class. From assessment projects, to resource management case studies, we are truly discussing issues student affairs professionals are currently facing and applying our knowledge in a very practical way.

The cohort-based model and required assistantship were a big draw for me. It was apparent during Interview Days how invested the faculty and the Division of Student Affairs are in the program, which set it apart from a lot of the other programs I was looking at.

I came in unsure of which functional area I wanted to pursue. The assistantship and two practicum experiences allowed me to gain a lot of practical knowledge and skills and really help me gain clarity on what I want to pursue within higher education.

We are constantly drawing in examples from our assistantships, practica, and summer internships to enrich the discussion and offer additional perspectives on issues. The shared experiences contributed a lot to classes and allowed for increased learning to take place. The abundance of opportunities and experiencing everything with a cohort really made this program stand out.

The high level of involvement from the faculty is remarkable. If you have a question or concern Sue is always willing to sit and talk with you. If we have suggestions about improvements to the courses, faculty wants to know. When the second years began thinking about the job search, the faculty offered to hold mock interviews to help us prepare. Although they are busy student affairs professionals, they constantly go above and beyond to make themselves accessible.

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Pat Duffy, (2009)

Our classes really promote discussion between the students, not just the professor at the students. We are encouraged to discuss statements classmates say and offer our own thoughts/criticism/support of what they say/think.

I chose UConn based on the school itself, the size of the program, the energy and attitudes of current students, the ease of contacting current faculty and staff before and during the application process, the types of assistantships that are offered, and the compensation package.

I’m constantly surprised by how much I have connected to the campus. I assumed that since I would really only be working and going to class, I would not have the opportunity to connect and feel like I was apart of the campus. But, after just two semesters, I have as much pride, respect, and love for this campus as I do for my undergrad institution.

On a regular basis, we use current situations as a basis for our class discussions. So, we are really able to troubleshoot, for the most part, problems or concerns we are experiencing in our day-to-day jobs and put the solutions we discuss in class right back into practice.

From start to finish, I am meeting people that I never would have had the chance to somewhere else, many of whom are people that I am very different from. I am learning, on a daily basis, just as much from them as I am in the classroom. As corny as it sounds, I know that I am going to walk away from this program with friendships that will truly last a lifetime.

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Stephanie Muehlethaler, (2009)

The classes are unique because each acts as a puzzle piece to forming a great foundation of student affairs knowledge. The classes are also largely held with all the same individuals therefore you truly gain an understanding of what it means to work in a group and you learn quite a bit about one another. I’m also surprised by how much the professors truly care for our development and well being.

I came to HESA because it was essential to have an assistantship and that says a lot about what type of program it really is. I really liked the idea of a cohort model and I had never been to Connecticut or to a large school so I thought it would be a great challenge for me. I must say the stipend was attractive as well.

I now have a better understanding of our students and the experiences they are going through. It has also helped me gain an understanding of the differences in higher education around the world and helped me slowly figure out what area of student affairs I would like to be in.

I love that we are being supported to really pursue our own interests within student affairs. I love the emails we get about specific articles, conferences and other opportunities.

To my knowledge, this program is truly one of a kind, everything is done for a specific reason from assessment projects to the cohort model. What's special to me is that a group of individuals who steer this program really thought out every single aspect and how it applies to the students within the program.

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Jane Duffy, (2008)

In a practitioner-based program, we are able to have the Dean of Students, the Director for the Center for Students with Disabilities, or the Vice President for Student Affairs come into class and talk to us about what is on their desk at the moment. It's very unique to have such a small classroom setting where everything we do is practical, and every assignment we have is one more hands-on way of learning. I'd argue that we have some of the most unique classes in the nation because so many are taught by practitioners.

I wanted to be in a geographical setting that was different from my undergraduate institution and had a different student population. I also loved the people I met at Interview Days, and sensed that Student Affairs at UConn was an exciting place to be. When we have time to explore on the weekend, I love being 90 minutes from Boston and a decent train ride to NYC, or 45 minutes to Northampton, MA.

I have gained some valuable experiences in both my assistantship and practicum sites, but the best surprise has been how much legitimate professional responsibility I've been given. I am coordinating programs, helping create new initiatives, assessing campus-wide issues, and making a difference here on campus. UConn won't be the same when we leave campus thanks to everyone in HESA and the work they are doing.

UConn HESA really does "teach what works" - many of the activities we've done, assignments we've had, and papers we've written have affected my work on a daily basis. I've been able to implement goal setting, strategic planning, assessment and evaluations and more into things I do each and every day at work. Being asked to reflect on learning has also increased my self-awareness and made me more complete and stronger professional in general.

Having real examples from work such as talking to a parent, working with an undecided student, leading a workshop for student organization leaders, or presenting an assessment project have led to some very interesting discussions in class. These discussions are always framed by our practice, and we have the opportunity to hear what the other members of our cohort are involved with on campus and how things work at UConn.

Interacting with a cohort can be rewarding at times, and stressful at others. However, I wouldn't give up the support that cohort members can bring for any other experience. We've had all the attention from faculty members and don't ever worry about not being able to talk to someone because the doctoral students take priority. Knowing how to navigate a cohort has also been helpful in learning how to work in a office setting where there are very similar group dynamics involved.

The focus on assessment is probably what makes the program special to me. From day one, we have been encouraged to learn more, think critically, and actually practice what we are taught in the classroom. Since the moment I began the assessment class, I have been requested to put this expertise to use in my assistantship and practicum sites.

During my job search right now, it has been very obvious that all the effort from the year-long assessment class is very important to future employers. I am very confident that I will bring that assessment knowledge with me wherever I go during my career as a student affairs professional.

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John Pepin, (2009)

The program offers a great emphasis on creativity and personal ownership of work in our classes, which allows HESA students to delve deeply into new and exciting issues in Student Affairs with each class we take.

UConn's program seemed to be the most comprehensively balanced between theory, practice and research. I wanted to find the most well-rounded Master's program in the Northeast, and UConn was the best fit for me.

I've been happily surprised by how supportive all my supervisors and advisers have been, from classes to my assistantship and practicum.

One of the most important elements that has impacted my practice this year was the study of ethical decision-making in Student Affairs. I feel more comfortable with making difficult decisions, especially regarding my assistantship in Residential Life. I also feel that I can offer concrete examples of what we study almost every day in the classroom, and that helps me tie my experiences to theory and research.

I love being able to interact on a professional level with the administrators and faculty members at such a large and diverse institution--I truly feel accepted as a practitioner in the field, and I can learn a lot from the experience and wisdom of so many professionals.

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Ravi Prasad, (2009)

I am glad our classes are taught by actual practitioners who have their minds in the field.

Assessment has had the biggest impact on my practice so far. I'm more comfortable doing assessments now and am becoming more deliberate in creating learning outcomes.

The program’s flexibility is definitely my favorite part of HESA. I feel like our class projects and my work in assistantship and practicums allow me to choose my path and the projects I want to focus on.

The people in this program are what truly make it special. I am always excited to see the other members of the HESA program and I am always pleasantly surprised by the accessibility of the staff and faculty.

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Christine Noonan, (2009)

The experiences I've had in my assistantship and practicum site have been the best part of our program by far. The hands-on learning experience and support this program provides is indescribable.

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Kenny Importante, (2009)

Our classes are special because you take them with your cohort, the majority of our instructors are also full time student affairs administrators who provide a form of mentorship for our student affairs practice.

I love the opportunity to be a part of different committees on the UConn campus and I’m thankful for the opportunity to facilitate a class. In my case, I had the opportunity to co-create an FYE class and discuss social justice issues which is my passion in life.

This program is so special because it provides opportunities to collaborate on unique projects that influence my growth as a student affairs professional.

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Andrew Toczydlowski, (2008)

HESA classes give you a chance to reflect not only on your past experiences but what you're doing right now in your assistantship.

When I came to UConn, I felt like I had found my new home. The professionals, the students, the campus...it was like I was being welcomed into a family!

The best surprise here is that I’m treated as a professional. My supervisor had the same expectations of me as he does for the rest of the staff in my office, but he still understands that, before anything else, I am a student and I’m here to learn.

The classes have caused me to be more conscious of what I'm doing and why. My work with students has become much more intentional in helping them to navigate through their time at the University.

Working while taking classes has given me the opportunity to use real-life examples and has allowed me to problem solve with members of my cohort as well as professionals working in the field.

My favorite part of the program has been the people I've met and the connections I've made. There are many people that have become my mentors and I will keep in touch with them long after I've graduated.

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Kevin Lobdell, (2009)

I have been extremely impressed at the wide array of administrators that play a supportive role in the program. Each and every administrator throughout the Division of Student Affairs are very open to reaching out and helping HESA students with questions or providing them with incredible professional experiences while in the program.

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Jeff Carter, (2009)

Our coursework has a lot to offer us and encompasses both theory and practice. We learn from seasoned professionals who possess a great deal of experience, and they recognize that our knowledge is of equal value and allow us to share it.

I chose UConn because I felt that it would prepare me best for a career in student affairs specifically because it places practice at the center of its curriculum.

What surprised me most was how warmly we were welcomed as learners and new professionals by the faculty and staff. Everyone is incredibly approachable and genuinely seem happy that we will soon be taking a leadership role in a profession they care deeply about.

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Kendra Darrigan, (2009)

Having one full year of assessment has truly benefited me. I was unaware of statistics and other components of creating an assessment tool and spending a year on this area has provided me with extensive knowledge and skills I can now provide in my work experiences. Our law course has provided me with practical knowledge on how to address situations and be aware of student's rights.

Learning about different student development theories has provided me with a clear understanding of effective ways to work with students.

I don’t have a favorite part of the program because everything together truly provides me with a well rounded experience. UConn's HESA program is the full package.

I’m so glad HESA provides me with perspective, respect, and a safe environment to learn. The amount of support and mentoring that the faculty and staff provide has really allowed me to challenge my boundaries.

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Greg Champion, (2008)

This program is special to me because of the support that the cohort-model provides. I have more than a dozen people who know EXACTLY what I am going through, and I find strength in those numbers.

My favorite part of the program has been picking the brains of our faculty members, who have been through a lot of diverse experiences. I used to wonder what it would like to be a fly on the wall when administrators were meeting and now I’m am sitting at the table with them!

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Conor O’Rourke, (2008)

Being on a first name basis with vice presidents and other department directors is not a privilege I ever held as an undergraduate student, and these professionals genuinely care for us. I am certain these will be lifelong mentors and colleagues.

I find myself using knowledge gained from courses in my daily interactions, particularly through my assistantship site at First Year Programs. I recall Dr. Saunders' heavy emphasis on "theory to practice" during our orientation; little did I know at the time how prevalent this theme would actually be!

My favorite part of my experience has been the freedom given to me in my assistantship site to truly take ownership over an entire program. My supervisor not only encourages change, he expects it.

The small cohort truly does take on the shape of a family, warts and all. As I look around at the 14 other faces around the table, two years in, I realize that these are individuals who have truly shaped my experience here, and taught me so much, perhaps without even knowing they were doing so.

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Kate Daniel, (2009)

Our classes are small, interactive, adaptive, and promote student engagement.

I chose UConn for a variety of reasons: the small cohort, the great assistantship, the location, the practitioner based structure of the 2-year program, and the generous stipend.

The classes impart theories, general knowledge, and great discussion which prove to be beneficial when interacting with students in my assistantship. The assessment class has given me an understanding of program analysis, which I have already been able to apply in a project for my assistantship.

My experience at UConn has been enhanced tremendously by the support and challenge I receive in my assistantship.

I have found opportunities to explore other functional areas and have also made it a point to get involved in activities and organizations outside of HESA. Balancing HESA with other activities that I’m passionate about has greatly enhanced my UConn experience.

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Erin McClellan, (2008)

The classes are unique because I have the opportunity to interact with fifteen other people on a regular basis. Our cohort applies the information from our readings to work in our assistantship and practicum sites and we often work together to develop strategies that we can put into practice.

As a graduate from a small private college I felt the need to challenge myself, so I chose to attend this large public university. The campus, faculty, and reputation of the program made me confident that this would be a great fit for me as I embarked on a journey towards becoming a student affairs professional.

The one course I thought would be my least favorite has turned into one of the richest experiences I've had so far at UConn. Assessment is an area I dreaded, but I applied the information I learned in the course to compile an extremely useful survey for my practicum site. I used to say assessment was a foreign language, but I'm slowly surprising myself with how much I’ve actually learned!

Bringing situations we experience on a daily basis into our activities in class is a great learning opportunity and also provides suggestions and assistance to the person handling the issue. It is interesting to see how our real life situations directly relate to the material we are learning in the classroom.

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Billy Dunn, (2008)

This program excels at meeting students at any and every level of student affairs knowledge and skill. I know I never would have made it through my first semester, let alone my first month, without a staff of concerned professionals willing to work with us! My resume is jam packed now with amazing practical experiences, and I learned a lot in our classes that will help me translate these experiences into personal and professional development. I was comfortable coming from North Carolina to Connecticut because I knew I wouldn’t be the only one in the program who didn’t consider New England “home”. Working and learning with people from so many different backgrounds is one of the biggest strengths for this program. I’m thankful everyday that HESA has a spirit of community rather than competition. You don’t always see that in a graduate program, and I think it is one of the areas where we succeed most.

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Courtney Bazan (2006)

How did HESA and UConn prepare me? Not only did I gain incredible practical experiences, I was challenged to think beyond my own thoughts and perceptions and obtained knowledge on current issues, hot topics, and history in the field that has impacted our profession today.

When I'm up to my neck in work and still trying to learn what my job truly is, I think to myself, "Courtney -- you went to school full time, worked in residential life "part" time, and did two internships, on top of trying to have a life and maintain your sanity. You can do this." HESA was an action packed, extremely busy two years, but I can now say that it was worth it -- 100%.

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Melissa Berkey (2006)

The most valuable aspect of the HESA program, for me, was the opportunity to gain extensive hands-on experience through my assistantship to augment the program curriculum. Thank you Career Services for providing me with an amazing assistantship that helped me build my career counseling skills, gain experience in program management and resource development, and work side-by-side with dedicated career services professionals.

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Gudrun Haider (2006)

The HESA program deepened my passion for working with college students and provided me with a solid practical and intellectual basis to start my career. Through my assistantship in Residential Life, I was able to gain experiences in the various responsibilities of a Residence Hall Director. My practicum experiences allowed me to explore different areas that have been extremely helpful in my current position: Working with the Alcohol & Other Drug Education Services office is helping me now as I work on addressing alcohol concerns in my residential community. The experiences gained through teaching a Leadership First Year Experience class are providing me with an insight of how to better support the first-year students in my building.

The HESA classes helped me tie these practical experiences together, connect them with theory and deepen my understanding of what I can and should be doing to best support and educate students.

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Amber Ulmer (2006)

I'd say that HESA prepared me to be a full time professional by the incredible number of exciting experiences I was given the opportunity to take part of. Because HESA packs so much into your lives, and is overwhelming at points, it really does help to prepare you for the workload of being a new professional. Whenever I feel pushed to my tipping point I know that I can call any of my HESA-ites for advice or just vent from across the country! Finally, I feel prepared, working with other new professionals has really shown me that UConn is doing something right with the HESA program. I have been ready for every challenge that I have been given so far, and I feel that between my fellow OG cohort and other recent HESA alumni I am extremely well connected to people all over the country.

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Kara Acken (2005)

Throughout life we all have the opportunity to explore new horizons. In the course of studying student affairs, I did just that. I first grew passionate for the field through my undergraduate involvements in Orientation and athletics. From those experiences it became clear to me where I belonged. Since then, I have continued to experience a fulfilling journey of living, learning, and leadership in student affairs. The University of Connecticut has provided me with wonderful opportunities, and my involvements in residential life, athletics, and campus activities have all been educationally and personally rewarding. Now, with graduation in sight, I look forward to obtaining a job in the field of student affairs that fits my individual needs and utilizes my strengths. By being a motivational leader and friend, I plan to instill within each student, the confidence and initial drive they personally need to find their purpose, place, and direction in life.

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Carlos Monteiro (2005)

My Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration provided meaningful experiences that bolstered my interest in working with students. Through coursework, internships, assistantships, and conferences, I have gained expansive knowledge that has prepared me to be both a professional, and a researcher in the field. My experiences at UConn have left me eager to meet greater intellectual challenges.

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Jennifer Williams (2005)

The Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program has been a great experience. From meeting other professionals to learning the fundamentals of college student development, I feel prepared for the Student Affairs field. I have been able to get in depth perspectives from my practicum experiences within the Department of Career Services at Eastern Connecticut State University and the Individualized Major office here at UConn. Even though I am a huge Husky fan (I won the Husky Pride Award!), I look forward to experiences at other colleges and universities!

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Christine Morello (2005)

I was actually ready to start my graduate work in Audiology and it hit me that this was not where I wanted to be. I started to think about what I really wanted to do and all I kept coming back to was how college really was the time of my life (oh the clichés) and I loved being in the collegiate atmosphere. I started doing some research and was a bit dumbfounded that I actually could get a degree to become a college administrator (and then I would never, ever have to leave college). Working full- time while attending classes has been really challenging but also very rewarding because I am always able to tie my coursework in to the work I do daily with my students. This program has been really fulfilling and I have met some great people, with all kinds of experiences, and who all have different views on issues relevant to student affairs. I love the energy the students bring to campus each semester and I feel very lucky to be able to give back to the student population the support and knowledge I received from administrators when I was a student.

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Asheanti Dunn (2005)

I was first introduced to student affairs, as an undergraduate at Eastern Connecticut State University where I worked in Academic Advisement. I enjoyed having an impact on student’s personal, professional, and academic development. It was then that I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in student affairs. I’ve always known that I wanted to be in a field, which would afford me the opportunity to have a positive influence on the lives of individuals. Thus, I anticipate the challenges ahead, the educational experiences that I will obtain, as well as the people that I will meet as a journey up the ladder to eventually becoming a Dean, or Vice President of Student Affairs.

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Sarah Niles (2005)

After six great years at UConn, I am very excited to move on to the new challenges that lay ahead. My interests are in the academic advising field, especially at the undergraduate and entry level. I am passionate about helping students grow academically, socially and emotionally. I enjoy providing students with the tools to make informed decisions about their interests. I am looking forward to relocating to the Boston area and experience life in the city.

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Kristian Olsen (2005)

One of the great experiences of my life was the opportunity I had to serve the Student Body President at Southern Utah University [SUU]. It was amazing to work with the students, administrators, community, politicians, and other student leaders from around the state. It was this experience that helped me to know what I wanted to do and become. It helped me to know of the importance of a good advisor and the impact that a great Student Life Department can have on students and the university community in general. The HESA program at UConn has helped me develop and hone the skills that will help me to be the kind of administrator that makes a difference in the lives of the students and those with whom I will work with. Thanks to all my great professors for helping me to find that greatness that lies inside.

Margaret Mead once said something that is very applicable to those of us in the Student Affairs field, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

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