Fall 2002

A First for Fairfield
For Students Under Stress Support Services Can Help
E-Tuition Payments
Parents' Handbook on the Web
Focus on Faculty
Junior Class Ring Ceremony
2002 Football Schedule
Football at Parents' Weekend
Parents' Committee
Parents' Program Associate Director
Parents' Fund Donations
Parents' Weekend
New Smoking Policy
Parent to Parent

Student Spotlight
A First for Fairfield

by Lisa Roberts

In the 32 years that Fairfield University has been a co-educational institution, this is the first time the Fairfield University Student Association will be led by a woman.

"I'm glad it happened because it needed to happen," says Karen Donoghue, a communications and management major who so enjoys empowering students and making a difference in their lives that she aspires to a career in higher administration. "But in a year from now nobody's going to care if I'm a female or not - they're going to care if I did a good job or not."

Karen's mom, Gloria, feels she's up to the task. At Coyle & Cassidy, a Catholic high school in West Bridgewater, Mass., Karen was class president and in her senior year was picked "Woman of the Year." Gloria describes her daughter as hard-working and "very much a people person."

Fairfield University was Karen's first choice in colleges. Recalls her mom, "She was thrilled when she was accepted. I think it's very important that a student and college fit with each other. For her, it's been a terrific fit." Confirms Karen, "Choosing Fairfield was the first major decision I ever made on my own. And it's clearly been the right decision."

On the top of Karen's goals as president of FUSA is to break down the imaginary walls of communication students might have and empower them to live the best college life they can live at Fairfield. In keeping with the Jesuit mission of educating "the whole student," Karen implores parents to encourage their children to join activities outside their academic agenda.

"Students are not going to learn how to communicate and work with others with their heads in computers and books. They'll learn by getting involved - and there's so many ways to get involved here."

For a list of clubs and organizations, go to: www.fairfield.edu/sl_clubs.html

Will Karen use this victory to break down barriers in her future professional life? She's not sure what the future will bring, but, she adds, "My election just proves that you really don't know how something is going to turn out unless you just try. Sometimes things can really happen just the way you want it to happen!"

Student Life
For Students Under Stress Support Services Can Help

by Susan Birge, assistant vice president of Student Services

Are college days carefree? Not exactly. From academic pressures to emotional distress, university life can stir up a heap of anxiety for even the most well-adjusted students. When troubles hit, your son or daughter can turn to a host of people and resources at Fairfield. Just take a look:

Academic Skills Development

The Office of Student Support Services provides information and support to all students in need of academic skills assistance. Students can meet individually or in groups with a graduate assistant or the assistant director to work on their academic skills. These sessions may include help with the following and more:

Preparing for exams (multiple choice, essay, short answer)
Reading strategies
Effective note-taking
Time management and organization skills

Peer Tutorial Program

Peer tutoring is a process whereby students who are strong in a particular subject tutor students who are having difficulty in that subject. Undergrads proficient in particular subjects are recruited and trained to function as peer tutors. The Peer Tutorial Program provides free tutorial assistance to all of our undergraduate students.

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Connecticut state laws, reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified students to reduce the impact of disabilities on academic functioning or upon other major life activities. Students should understand that identifying themselves as having a disability is done voluntarily, and it's their option to request and access accommodations to which they may be entitled. Requests for accommodations or for more information should be directed to David Ryan-Soderlund, assistant director of student support services, ext. 2445.

Mental Health Care

Every year students with diverse issues and needs walk through the Dolan arches to meet with a counselor. The professional staff of Counseling Services works with students individually or in groups to help them gain a deeper understanding of the problem, explore options, and develop strategies for change and coping.

In addition to counseling, Fairfield offers:

Management of psychological emergencies. Counselors are on call 24 hours a day to respond to a student in acute emotional distress.

On-site psychiatric care. Dr. Robert Daly and Dr. Charles Morgan (psychiatrists from Bridgeport Hospital) are on campus to evaluate students as well as to monitor students' medication approximately 10 hours per month.

A newly-forged alliance with the Renfrew Center, a nationally recognized and highly respected eating disorders treatment program. A therapist and nutritionist will be on campus 8 hours a week for individual and group counseling.

Two clinical interns from Columbia University School of Social Work, hosted by Fairfield Counseling Services, which has become known for its excellent training center for social work interns.

Mental health screenings for eating disorders and substance abuse, which are available to students on the Counseling Services Web page.

Mental health screenings for anxiety and depression, which will be held in November and March on campus.

Floor programs on topics such as academic stress, alcohol and drugs, anxiety, depression, healthy eating, abuse, and anger are presented throughout the year by the Counseling Services staff.

The Fairfield Counseling Services staff consists of two part-time psychiatrists, one psychologist, one social worker, three licensed professional counselors, and two interns from Columbia University School of Social Work.

Our counselors have the professional expertise to help your children better understand the personal issues they wish to discuss, all within a comfortable and confidential environment.

Call ext. 2146 or e-mail counseling@mail.fairfield.edu for an appointment.

Tech Time
E-Tuition Payments

Do you do your banking online? Then you'll appreciate Fairfield's new tuition payment option. The Office of the Bursar went live with online student payments in Spring 2002, making Fall 2002 the first full semester parents and students can pay tuition via the Internet. This new option provides the convenience of 24-hour service. In addition, paying tuition online saves parents and students time, eliminating the need for writing checks and mailing them out. Just have your checkbook in hand and the payment process will only take a few minutes. Plus making an electronic check payment is a secure transaction. All information sent over the Internet is encrypted to protect your information and your privacy. The University does not sell, distribute, or provide information to any third parties.

Tech Time
Parents' Handbook on the Web

Starting in late August, 2002, the Parents' Handbook will be available.

This guide provides in-depth information for parents on Fairfield University policies and outlines the wide variety of resources available to you and your son or daughter. Contact Claudia Nielsen, Associate Director of Annual Giving, Parents' Program at (203) 254-4004 for more information on the Parents' Handbook.

Focus on Faculty
Internships, Grants & Name Change

From the Charles F. Dolan School of Business:

Internship Program On a Roll...
Internship opportunities at Fairfield are enjoying a growth spurt under the leadership of Michael Anderson, director of internships. Twenty new sponsors, including Pitney Bowes and AIG Trading, have been added to the program's roster, and 100 students went through the program in the past year. "The demand looks exceptionally strong for this coming academic year, too," predicts Anderson.

Faculty Update:
Dr. Nikiforos T. Laopodis, associate professor of finance who teaches Principles of Investments, Investment Analysis, and Fixed Income Securities, has joined Fairfield from Villa Julie College in Md. Notes Laopodis, "I'm looking forward to enhancing the department of finance's reputation both domestically and internationally."

From the School of Nursing:

New Grants:
Dr. Jean W. Lange, RN, Ph.D., was recently awarded a $90,000 grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation Geriatric Nursing Education Project, with co-author Dr. Joan Fleitas, RN, Ed.D., to enhance geriatric nursing education in undergraduate baccalaureate nursing programs.
Suzanne Hetzel Campbell, Ph.D., APRN, WHNP, was recently awarded the 2002 International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) Research Grant Award of $6,000 along with co-investigator, Dr. Christina Smillie, to fund a study entitled Recurrent plugged ducts: The effect of traditional therapy versus ultrasound therapy.

Faculty Update:
Dr. Meredith Wallace, assistant professor of nursing, has joined Fairfield as a former fellow of the Hartford Gerontological Nursing Institute. Notes Wallace, "I hope to continue to work to promote gerontological education in the baccalaureate, masters, and post-baccalaureate areas of nursing education."

From the School of Continuing Education:

Name Change:
Fairfield University's School of Continuing Education has taken on a new name: University College at Fairfield University.

The new University College will:

Create closer links with the other academic units.

Broaden the benefits and resources of a distinguished educational institution.

Expand programs and offerings to help students in their quest for learning.

University College provides courses for credit and non-credit; a variety of degree programs including the flexible Bachelor's of Professional Studies; accelerated course offerings, prior learning assessment to earn credit for life experience; courses for personal enrichment; certificate programs in computer graphic design, human resource management, personal financial planning, clinical research; and opportunities for study abroad for all undergraduate students at Fairfield University and students from other universities.

Junior Class Ring Ceremony

Students who ordered class rings during their sophomore class year will receive them at the junior class ring ceremony following Parents' Weekend mass on Saturday, Oct. 26. This year, Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. university president, will bless the rings during the mass starting at 4 p.m. in Alumni Hall. The ring ceremony, sponsored by the Fairfield University Alumni Association and Jostens Ring Company, will follow at 5 p.m. in the Oak Room at the Barone Campus Center. If you have questions about the ring ceremony, contact Steve Winkel '01 in the Office of Student activities at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2346 or swinkel@mail.fairfield.edu. For more information on the rings, Edith Tibbetts, the Jostens representative, can be reached at (781) 545-2452.

2002 Football Schedule

Football at Parents' Weekend

The Fairfield University varsity football team will be playing Canisius College on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Reserved tickets to the game will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at $7 per person for adults and students and $4 for children ages 2-12. Tickets must be purchased for adults, children, and students, otherwise students will only have access to the student section. Simply fill out the application form below and send it with your check to: Athletic Ticket Office, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824. You can also fax it with your credit card information to (203) 254-4270.

Applications will be handled in order of the date they are received. Tickets ordered prior to Oct. 14 will be mailed to your home. If ordering tickets after Oct. 14, they will be available for pick-up at "Will Call" prior to the start of the football game during Parents' Weekend. Any questions should be directed to Audrey Mesta, athletic ticket manager, at (203) 254-4103. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.fairfieldstags.com.

Parents' Committee

Building on a Strong Foundation

Any parent who has been a home owner knows the score. While the purchase of a house may take the bulk of one's real estate investment, the commitment to that home doesn't end there. Before long, there's maintenance issues, home improvements, renovation aspirations, and more.

edward and maureen carey p '03, co-chairs of the 2002-03 parents' committee, see the parents' fund in much the same way. ed compares the investment in a college education to buying a house. "you wouldn't buy a house and not make improvements over the years to make it an even better place to live, would you?"

That's why the Careys are excited about a new year heading up the Parents' Committee and supporting the Fairfield University Parents' Fund. "Tuition doesn't cover all the expenses of running a university," points out Ed. "I feel that those who are in a position to make a gift - at whatever level - enable the University to grow, acquire resources and maintain the improvements that ultimately benefit all students."

What is the Parents' Committee all about? It's about parents reaching out to other parents in an effort to unite in their commitment to Fairfield by offering gifts - large or small - to the Parents' Fund.

Volunteering on the Parents' Committee helps the Careys instill in their daughter the value of making a difference through community service. "Our daughter, Christine (International Relations '03), fell in love with Fairfield University from the beginning. We wanted to do something that would further her education while helping the organization that has made a difference in her life," explains her dad. Her mom, Maureen, echoes this sentiment, "When parents get involved, it sets a good example for the children."

Ed, a Fordham alumnus and Maureen, who attended Mount St. Vincent College, believe that Christine's Fairfield education will continue to instill in her a sense of values and ethics that will last throughout her life. "Everyone needs a path to follow," Ed explains. Maureen said she observed these values first-hand, through Christine broadening herself by volunteering with Campus Ministry in Ecuador, as well as interning in Brussels, Belgium and Washington, D.C.

Maureen also volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation together with their younger daughter, Caroline, who is 16 years old. "Volunteering with Caroline gives us a common ground," she says. Ed's volunteer interests lie in providing opportunities for people with physical disabilities to socialize and exercise. He is retired from Con Edison.

The Parents' Committee creates for the Careys a continued connection with Christine during her college years. Their hope is that you will join them - alongside your children - in continuing to build Fairfield's strong reputation.

Who's New at Fairfield U?
Parents' Program Associate Director

Here at the Development Office we're pleased to welcome Claudia B. Nielsen, who recently joined the Fairfield University staff as associate director of annual giving for the Parents' Fund Program.

A seasoned academic professional, Nielsen previously oversaw marketing, advertising, and recruitment for the continuing education division at Teikyo Post University in Waterbury, Conn. She will coordinate the efforts of a dynamic team of Fairfield parents who will be approaching fellow parents to ask for gifts for the parents' portion of the Annual Fund.

"We have a terrific group of parents who want to invest in Fairfield's future," shares Nielsen. "Participation on the Parents' Fund committee links parents together. Through parent events and fundraising, the fathers and mothers of Fairfield students will make connections with other parents that will last a lifetime."

Parents' Fund Donations

Our 2001-2002 Parents' Fund donors contributed $242,735 to Fairfield University. With your support, we can reach or exceed that goal again. Each and every gift helps to enhance your child's current education and future career aspirations, by building on your family's commitment to Fairfield. To learn more about how your donation can help, call Claudia Nielsen at (203) 254-4004.

or

send your gift today to:
The Fairfield University Parents' Fund
Bellarmine Hall 327
Fairfield, CT 06824
or donate online at:

Thank You

Parents' Weekend
October 26 & 27, 2002

Join us for a fun-filled weekend of events.
Look for your invitation to Parents' Weekend in the mail shortly. Meantime, mark your calendars: October 26 & 27, 2002

Parents' Weekend Event Schedule At-A-Glance:

Registration in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts lobby, 9:00 a.m.

President's Welcome: Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., Fairfield University President, will provide a warm welcome to all parents and families.

Program Sessions

Buffet Lunch at the Barone Campus Center

Football Game - Stags vs. Canisius College (see application inside to reserve your tickets)

Parents' Weekend Mass

Junior Ring Ceremony (following Mass)

Dinner (look for a list of local restaurants with your invitation)

Evening Entertainment

Sunday Brunch

Glee Club Parents' Weekend Concert

Alpha Sigma Nu Induction Ceremony

And more!!

Click here to view local accommodations

Residential Life
New Smoking Policy

Beginning with the 2002-03 academic year, smoking will be prohibited in all areas of the University's eight residence halls. Previously, smoking was prohibited in all common areas of these buildings but permitted in student rooms. This change in policy comes with the endorsement of the University Council and student Health Center.

While this decision was made after an internal study, this change comes at a time when the state of Connecticut passed legislation banning smoking in the residence halls at all public colleges and universities. Last year, the University Bookstore stopped selling cigarettes on campus, and there are no vending machines that carry tobacco products.

Students who violate the smoking policy will receive a $100 fine and 10 hours of University service. Additional violations will result in a housing reassignment or loss of other housing privileges.

While some students may be disappointed in this new policy, a no-smoking practice serves the best interests of the student body and the University overall.

Parent to Parent Q&A:

Whether a student is having a happy or stressful, active or mellow, up or down day... what gesture of support works every time? A package from home!

Help your fellow Fairfield parents assemble the perfect student survival kit for their child-in-perpetual-need... We're working on a story about student survival kits for our next issue of Parent Ties and we would love to hear from you. Send your "Best Survival Kit" story to:

Want to stay in the loop? E-mail us so we can keep you updated with news at Fairfield.

Just send a quick hello to:

The Advancement Division of Fairfield University publishes Parent Ties three times a year for parents of undergraduate students. Letters to the editor, address changes, and correspondence should be sent to:

Parent Ties
Bellarmine Hall Room 318
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
e-mail: parentties@mail.fairfield.edu

Editor
Lisa M. Roberts

Editorial Committee
Claudia B. Nielsen
Eileen Bossone
Edward and Maureen Carey P'03
Clare Schimpf '76