PURCHASE COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2010

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

The Purchase College Office of Admissions is well into the peak period of the admissions cycle. Although we have moved into the 21st century and have implemented document imaging, we still find ourselves inundated with paper and challenged to process all of the application materials submitted to our office. In addition, as in recent years, we are seeing more applications than the year before. This year applications are up nearly 10%! And, as if volume is not enough, the quality of the applicant pool continues to rise. As we seek to maintain the same entering class size each year, this shift in the applicant pool forces us to be even more selective in our application review.  While all of this leads to the proverbial “good problem,” our Admissions Counselors and Application Coordinators are very busy!

While surely some of this shift can be attributed to the economy, given that we began seeing this positive trend three years ago, we are confident that you, your students, and their families are increasingly recognizing the quality education that Purchase College offers. I am pleased to tell you that as per our college President, Thomas J. Schwarz, regardless of the looming fiscal crisis in our state we remain committed to academic excellence and “will not compromise our positive momentum” in academic programs, retention and graduation rates and overall student satisfaction.

Purchase College continues to be dedicated to assuring access, opportunity and affordability for our students. To that end, in addition to this edition of our newsletter being dedicated to “money matters”, the college was recently a host campus for SUNY Financial Aid day on Saturday, February 27th. The day was offered as a service to all prospective college students and their families to answer questions and provide assistance regarding the financial aid application, types of aid available, and the award process. Please be on the lookout for any future SUNY Financial Aid days we will be hosting here on campus.

We hope that your students will be able to visit Purchase College this summer to take advantage of our Campus Tours and see our beautiful campus.  On behalf of the undergraduate admissions staff, we wish you much success with the remainder of the school year and look forward to working with you in the fall for the class of 2015!

-Stephanie McCaine, Director of Admissions, Purchase College         

INTERACTIVE ONLINE COMMUNICATION

It’s all about connections and relationships!

Coming soon: New Frontiers in New Media! For a college with a first rate New Media program, it makes sense for Purchase to be in the forefront when it comes to helping our students connect with us via new media. With this in mind, Purchase is beginning a number of new initiatives with a variety of social networking platforms for you and your students to stay informed and get social with Purchase. Here’s what is already happening and what is COMING SOON:

Video:  We’ve got a new dedicated YouTube channel currently hosting several informative and entertaining videos about Purchase and our programs and we’ll soon be adding more content from students and various campus offices and programs. We’re also in the process of creating a user-friendly microsite that will host a wide variety of high definition videos allowing you and your students to explore everything from student life, academic programs and the campus itself – all from the comfort of your chair.

Blogs:  With blogs becoming a key way for students and counselors to follow what is happening at colleges, Purchase will be adding a new blog platform to our website soon. This platform will feature over 20 blogs authored by students, alumni, faculty and Admissions staff, including our current Admissions Blog which continues on, with new posts each month. Remember, this blog can keep you and your students updated about ongoing issues surrounding the college admissions process, as well as what’s new and exciting at Purchase. There are many links to blogs by current Purchase students there as well. Visit the Purchase Admissions Blog at www.admissions.blogs.purchase.edu, and don’t forget to tell your students too!

Social Media:

 Our number of followers on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PurchaseSUNY continues to grow and we continue to tweet Purchase Admissions news and information regularly. There are also many other Purchase offices with their own Twitter presences which you can check out at http://twitter.com/PurchaseSUNY/other-purchase-tweets. Follow everyone from the School of Art+Design to the Performing Arts Center to Purchase Alumni.

  Want to connect your students with Admissions staff? Now several staff members have their professional personas on Facebook for you and your students to friend. For instance, search for “Garrett N. Marino” on Facebook and you should find our Assistant Director’s professional page. Go ahead and shoot him a friend request. Once you friend him you’ll see lots of other Purchase staff and students to friend in his friend’s list, and Voila!, you  will be social networking with Purchase.  There is also now a Purchase fan page that you can follow too. And don’t forget all these Purchase Facebook favorites: Art+Design Events Hooplah, The Stood, Purchase College Softball Fan Club, Economics Club @ Purchase College,  Purchase College Career Development Center, Performing Arts Center @ Purchase College, Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College Library, Wellness @ Purchase, Conservatory of Theatre Arts & Film. The latest is the general SUNY Purchase Facebook page.  

 APPLICATION CORNER

This past year we began our first run with the Common Application, accepting it from freshman students applying to our Liberal Arts and Science programs and our visual arts program in the School of Art+Design. While the Common Application presented us with some unique challenges, we rode out the minor bumps here and there and worked it out. Next year, we expect to accept the Common Application for all of our major programs, making it easy for any student to apply.

We are continuing our very successful partnership with the digital portfolio submission site www.Slideroom.com. Our Film and Art+Design applicants found slideroom easy to use and even helpful in organizing their work. However, if you have students having trouble with their Slideroom accounts, they can contact Slideroom technical support at support@slideroom.com for assistance.  They can also consult the Slideroom Helpdesk and FAQ at https://slideroom.zendesk.com/home.

In the coming years we will be looking to accept work from other students, particularly Music students, through services like slideroom, so look for that in our future application instructions.

MYPURCHASE

If your students are endlessly asking you about their application status, remind them that they should check their MyPurchase account at  www.purchase.edu/myPurchase.   In addition to monitoring the progress of their application, students can use MyPurchase to find out about campus events, register for a campus visit, view their degree progress report and estimate financial aid. Most importantly, all applicants to Dance, Acting, and Art+Design are using MyPurchase to schedule auditions and/or in-person portfolio reviews online for the February Portfolio Review Day. For some of our programs, within 5 to 10 business days of applying to Purchase, a student’s MyPurchase portal will provide him/her with a link to submit their audition or portfolio review request. MyPurchase is a very useful tool, and everyone interested in applying to Purchase is encouraged to create an account.

 MONEY MATTERS

In the midst of what may be more forms and applications than your students have ever filled out in their entire lives, comes the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  The first financial aid application your students should complete is the FAFSA, which determines their eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs, and also alerts their schools of choice as to their eligibility for school-based sources of financial aid.  Purchase College’s Office of Admissions automatically considers applicants for scholarships, based on academic merit, to programs in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.  In order to be eligible for these scholarships, a student must have a competitive high school curriculum with a grade point average of at least an 86, and a combined SAT (Critical Reading plus Math) test score of at least 1100.  Scholarships range from about $2,000 to $4,000.  Although all students are automatically considered, it also depends on the time of their acceptance and the availability of funds.  Students accepted into visual and performing arts programs may be eligible for a talent-based scholarship.  These scholarships are determined by the specific arts programs.  A total of $ 1.5 million was awarded for the 2009/2010 academic year.  We also offered financial aid to nearly 80% of the incoming freshman class.

Getting Help with the Financial Aid Process:  A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early.  The earliest students can complete the FAFSA is January 1st of the year that they are applying for financial aid.   Every year, a new FAFSA must be completed for students to receive financial aid for the next upcoming year.

2. Students and parents can estimate, as accurately as possible, their family’s income so that the FAFSA may be completed earlier.  It is a good idea to do this because the FAFSA application will be processed faster and students will have a better chance of receiving certain awards that are limited in funding.

3. If a family’s financial situation changes, such as a parent losing a job or having significant medical expenses, the Financial Aid Office can take that into consideration when they evaluate what kind of financial aid package the students are eligible for.  If the family’s situation does change, students can contact the Financial Aid Office for any necessary paperwork.

4. Students and their parents should be aware of the terms and conditions of their loans such as interest rates and when repayment begins.  This information is often found online on the website of the individual college that the student is applying to.

5. Students who are residents of New York State can complete the application for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) at the very end of completing your FAFSA application.  Watch for a link on the “Submission Confirmation” page under NY residents.

6. One way that students living on campus can try to reduce their student loan debt is to look into on campus employment.  One great example of an on-campus job is a Resident Assistant (RA).  In most cases RA’s get reduced or free housing--which over several years can mean several thousand less to pay back in student loans.  These RA positions are competitive.

7. Purchase College offers two different payment plans for our students: (1) A 10-month payment plan which allows the remaining balance to be spread out over ten equal monthly payments during the academic year. (2) The second plan allows students to pay half of their semester balance at the beginning of the term and the other half at the middle of the semester.

In an effort to assist students and families with the financial aid process the STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK hosted a FINANCIAL AID DAY here at Purchase College on Saturday, February 27th.  Be on the lookout for any future SUNY Financial Aid days we will be hosting here on campus.  Also visit the SUNY website to look for other locations and financial aid events.  We look forward to helping you finance your education.

 ON THE ROAD

With the fall recruitment season behind us, Purchase College counselors are gearing up for the spring travel season. We are really looking forward to visiting with you, your students, and their families. Our counselors traveled across NYS and the East Coast, totaling approximately 175 visits this past fall, in an effort to connect with you and your students and inform them about Purchase College. Curious if we will be in your neighborhood?  Check out our On the Road Schedule at www.purchase.edu/ontheroad

Continuing with our service as an alternative to a traditional visit, we are once again offering our Menu of Presentations. Examples include: Tips & Tricks for Essay Writing, Social Networking Do’s and Dont’s, the Value of a Liberal Arts Education and more. If you are interested in a presentation please contact the Office of Admissions to arrange a visit.

In addition to traveling across the state, Purchase College is participating in the world’s biggest virtual college fair.  CollegeWeekLive is a FREE virtual college fair with hundreds of colleges and universities from around the world.  So for those of you who cannot visit with us face to face, SIGN UP NOW to visit us at our booth on March 24th and 25th!

 ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT

Happiness:  Examined through Film & Philosophy

Purchase College is extremely proud of our professors and the work they do both inside and outside the classroom.

Many Purchase professors are recipients of grants for the great work they do.  Read below about the exciting work of Professor Casey Haskins.    

This past summer, Professor Casey Haskins of the Philosophy Department received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop a course entitled “Questions of Happiness:  Philosophy, Film, and Literature.”  The course premiered this past semester to rave reviews as students explored the meaning and attainability of human happiness through philosophical work and film.  This interdisciplinary approach to education embodies the Purchase College classroom experience.  Cinema Studies Junior, Joshua Jezioro explains, “Being involved in interdisciplinary courses immerses me with a new set of students from a variety of majors, who bring fresh viewpoints to topics that I wouldn't have been able to explore in a regular majors course.”  Purchase students are regularly asked to look beyond the parameters of a single academic discipline and examine how seemingly separate academic and artistic domains weave and connect through the common human experience. 

For more information about Professor Casey Haskins and other influential members of the Purchase College community, visit this page:  /experiencepurchasefaculty/CaseyHaskins/default.aspx

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Samantha Jacksland
Senior Creative Writing Major

"It's always exciting to get that letter in the mail over the summer and see if, and how much money I've been awarded for the next year," states Samantha Jacksland.  "Because it's a merit scholarship, I know that my being on the Dean's list and having a high GPA is not only being noted, but someone is saying, 'hey, you've been working really hard, here's a few hundred dollars to help  you keep up the momentum.'  For me, a big part of doing well in college has to do with keeping myself motivated and excited about the things I'm working on.

Knowing that other people, strangers who are benefactors of the college, have noticed that I'm doing well and believe in me enough to give me free money...it's a good feeling.  One I don't want to have disappear because I slacked off for a semester. It keeps me going."

 Samantha grew up in a small town in upstate New York called Canajoharie, where the brown paper bag was invented in the 19th century and not much has happened since.  An only child, she was always finding ways to entertain herself through reading, writing, and listening to The Beatles.

 In high school, Samantha was very active in various clubs and organizations. She was the President of her class, the Chamber Choir, Drama Club, and National Honor Society among other things, because she felt that if she was going to be in the club, she might as well be leading it. She also performed in three plays a year until she graduated in June of 2006.

 Samantha came to Purchase because she loved the overall atmosphere. She found both the students and faculty not only engaging and incredibly smart, but laid back and interested in what she had to say. During her four years at Purchase, she has served as the Vice President of the Film Society, and served two semesters as an Admissions Ambassador.  Since her second semester of freshman year, she has received various merit scholarships through Purchase College.

 In her free time, Samantha loves to read Tom Robbins, climb mountains and smell wildflowers. One day, she hopes to be either a true Bohemian of the next revolution, or a high school English teacher.

 BIG BELLY ARRIVES AT PURCHASE COLLEGE!

As a continuation of our sustainability efforts at Purchase College, we have added three solar-powered trash units on campus.  It’s quick and easy to deposit trash: Just pull the handle and place your trash right in. And, recycling receptacles are attached to two of these three units.

Using 100% solar power, the Big Belly trash or recycling unit takes up as much space as the “footprint” of one ordinary receptacle…but its capacity is five times greater. Increased capacity reduces collection trips and can cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80%.  The patented, self-powered Big Belly solar compactor has been installed in cities, parks, arenas, and college campuses in all climates across the country. Safe, easy to use, and designed to keep out bees and other pests, the Big Belly has proven itself to be environmentally and financially advantageous.  Purchase College is extremely proud to be the first SUNY with Big Belly units in operation!  

VISIT US!

Purchase College offers a variety of visit options including campus tours, information sessions, open houses, and school group visits. See below for information on some of our upcoming events.  For a complete listing check our website often at www.purchase.edu/visit.                      

COLLEGEWEEKLIVE – March 24 & 25, 2010

Purchase College is participating in CollegeWeekLive, the world’s biggest virtual college fair, with hundreds of colleges and universities from around the world.  Chat live with Admissions Counselors and current Purchase students, watch videos about Purchase College, and hear expert advice on application and essay preparation.  If you cannot visit our campus, stop by our booth at the fair.  We look forward to chatting with you!

ACCEPTED STUDENT OPEN HOUSE – March 26, 2010

Do you know of a student who has been accepted to Purchase College? 
Encourage them to discover the finer points of the Purchase College experience, and attend the Accepted Student Open House.

The goal of this day is to provide accepted students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as the School of Art+Design a strong focus on the Purchase College academic experience.  Students will have the opportunity to sit in on a class, meet with the academic and student service departments at the campus community fair, and chat with faculty.  Students will also have the opportunity to learn about leadership opportunities and experience our social atmosphere.  Parents will learn about the financial process and will have the opportunity to speak with deans and directors from various academic and student service departments.   Accepted students should keep an eye out for their online invitation.

TEST DRIVE PURCHASE – April 2010

Couldn’t make it to Accepted Student Day?  Encourage students to come experience the rich academic culture that Purchase College has to offer throughout the month of April.

Weekdays during the month of April 2010, we will be inviting accepted students to visit Purchase and sit in on a class. Accepted students should keep an eye out for their online invitation.

 JUNIOR OPEN HOUSE – May 2, 2010

Choosing the right college can be overwhelming.  This event offers high school juniors the opportunity to learn about the college selection and application process, choosing a major, student life and financing their education. Explore Purchase College, interact with current students, tour our campus, and get the college search off on the right foot.

 We value our relationship with you and look forward to maintaining that relationship well into the future. Let’s keep working together to make a difference in students’ lives. Keep a lookout for our next email coming soon and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

- The Purchase College Admissions Team

If you cannot see the above hyperlinks visit www.purchase.edu for more information.

E-mail providers impose restrictions on e-mail delivery, which may impact our ability to communicate with you and/or your ability to view images in HTML. To ensure you properly receive e-mail from Purchase College, please add our e-mail address to your e-mail address book.  If Purchase College is no longer on your list of interested schools, please respond to this email with the subject line NO LONGER INTERESTED and we will take you off the mailing list.