Syracuse University, School of Education
Higher Education
August Newsletter
Some Friendly Advice from HED’s
Own Graduate Assistants – Gaelle
and Lynn
Can you please tell us about your role in the office?
I suppose I am the “gate keeper.” I can help you with
myslice, blackboard, paperwork, and appointments with
Cathy & Dawn (Tim keeps his own calendar.)
How long have you worked at SU?
I have worked at the university for 9 years and all in the
School of Education.
How do you spend your free time?
When I’m not shucking my kids to sports practices and
games, I am an author. I write teen fiction and adult
mysteries. That is my true passion. With two teen boys
and a pre-teen daughter, I’ve got plenty of material!!
What advice can you give to folks new in town about
getting through a Syracuse winter?
I am a native New Yorker. Syracuse gets a bad rap all
the time for the snow. Boots with a good tread, scarf,
hat, and hood are a requirement. Oh, and a sense of
humor helps, too!
What should our students know about you that really
irks you at work?
HaHa. This is funny. I do not get irked.
Seriously, I’m super easy going. If I have to
say something it would be to keep your
contact information updated. We use
listservs A LOT. If you change email
addresses or have a preferred email, let me
know.
Mark your calendar
You have met many students, any advice
for our incoming student as they start their
graduate work?
From my experience, faculty give plenty of
time for their assignments. Turn them in on
time. It makes everyone’s life a lot easier. I
know there are times when circumstances
will apply, but communication is key. If you
are having problems with blackboard and
something is due…when in doubt email it to
me. I will make sure it gets to the instructor.
You do not want to be known as the student
who is consistently late. That goes for your
appointments, too. No one’s time is more
important than anyone else’s. Again, when
Get to know your
classmates!
Classmates, cont.
Allison Forbes said, “I was born and raised in
Syracuse, NY and completed my undergrad at SU.
Amanda DeCosta wrote, “I'm from Dartmouth,
I will be the incoming GA at the Office of
Massachusetts. I just recently received my BA in PoliticalEngagement Programs. Outside of my studies, I
Science from Western New England University. I'm a fan
like to be outdoors hiking and playing sports,
of all kinds of music and I really enjoy cooking watching documentaries, going to the local
especially for other people!”
Farmer's Market and Real Food Co-op, and
attending events both on-campus and off.”
Liz Goldschein said, “Hey! I just graduated from
Western New England University in Springfield, MA. I Lauren McPhillips wrote, “I am a part-time
am from Long Island and spending the summer there with my
student and work full-time in the School of
family. I will be working as a Residence Hall Director at OCC in the
Information Studies. I am from Syracuse, NY and
fall.”
earned my undergraduate in Political
Science/Legal Studies from SUNY Geneseo. I
Lindsay Ferguson is from Louisville, KY and recently graduating from the University of Louisville.
look forward to staying long-term at Syracuse
During her time there, she received a B.S. in Women’s and Gender Studies, while focusing her interests
University.”
 Visit Bird Library in person or on-line at:
on sociology and queer issues. Lindsay will be the graduate assistant for the Office of Judicial Affairs
Peter Harding said, “I was born in Trinidad and
http://library.syr.edu/
during
her time at SU.
moved to NYC in 2nd grade. This summer, I
worked as a Summer Camp Teacher and cashier
Ashley
Update
your was
localborn
address
phone
numberIllinois. She
Smith
and and
raised
in Chicago,
is 2012 graduate of DePaul University as a
for Insomnia Cookies. I enjoy Higher Education
via
MySlice
and
with
Barb
Witek.
Business Management Major with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. She was very involved in her
because I was involved in my undergraduate and
undergraduate career as she led groups such as the Black Student Union and Delta Sigma Theta
believe I could be a good mentor. My career goal
 Get your student ID.
is to become a Dean.”
Sorority, Inc. Ashley was recently recognized as a Senior Leader in Multicultural Student Affairs and
awarded
Make sure
SU e-mail
accountLeadership
works.
Theyour
Barbara
A. Sizemore
Award at DePaul University for her outstanding
Catherine Miller wrote, “I enjoy horseback riding,
leadership and commitment to education.
golfing, and being with family and friends! I
 Sign-up for classes, http://registrar.syr.edu/ and
graduated from Nazareth College in Rochester
MySlice starting August 1, 2012!
with my bachelors in Economics and Political
Kristina Donzella wrote, “I’m originally from Nyack, NY and currently living in Camillus. I work in the
Science! I am excited to start SU in the fall because
School
asaaparking
Studentpermit.
Coordinator and will be taking classes part-time in the Fall. I received my
Maxwell
If necessary,
buy
I am a huge basketball and football fan and can't
Bachelor’s degree in Communications from LeMoyne College and have a big interest in Sports and
wait to go!”
Fact:
I’m a http://
huge New York Yankees fan…Lets Go Yanks!”
First-Year
See what students.
books youFun
need
for class:
bookstore.syr.edu/textbooks/textbooks.php
Michelle Lee said, “I have worked as the Assistant
Check list cont.
Director of Financial Aid at Syracuse University
 Buy your school books at the University
Bookstore in Schine or on-line. Sites like
Amazon.com can save you money. Course
readers are available at the Copy Center in
 Activate your SU ID,
Marshall Square. (Your mentor may also have
http://its.syr.edu/sucomputing/
course readers and/or books you can borrow!)
Check list for grad school
 Submit documentation of your immunizations to
 If you have a Graduate Assistantship position
Health Services (111 Waverly Avenue),
on campus, you are eligible to receive a 10%
http://gradsch.syr.edu/pdfs/healthform.pdf
discount card for use at the University
Bookstore. Visit customer service on the 2nd  Plan which Graduate Student Orientation Events
floor for more details—bring your appointment you will attend. This is important for students using
letter and SU ID.
SU’s Health Care.
2
Classmates cont.
College of Law for about 2 ½ years and absolutely love it! I look forward to strengthening my knowledge
base with regard to Higher Education and meeting all of my classmates.”
"Hi my name is Ivanna Abreu and I am originally
from the Bronx, NY (Go Yankees!), but I
absolutely love Syracuse. I did my undergrad at
Le Moyne College and I will be the GA for the
Wellslink Program. In the future I hope to work
either in a multicultural office or in student
activities."
Nerisa Arias wrote, “Hey guys, I went to SU and
studied English & Textual Studies and Magazine. I
MENTEE/ MENTOR MATCH-UP!
Amanda DeCosta with Rob DiGangi
Devron Graham with Matt Shaler
Crystal DeRiggs with Sam Adams
Ashley White with Joe Goings
Kristina Donzella with Dana Nowakowski
Ashley Smith with Henoc Preciado
Lindsay Ferguson with Danielle Sutton
Michelle Lee with Jessica Pitcher
Tuo Wu with Ari Enkhtur
Lauren McPhillips with Wendy Viggiano
Ryan Gavigan with Jawad Cipriani
Lavar Lobdell with Courtney Witherspoon
Elizabeth Goldschein with Rachel Kotlove
Daniel Minchoff with Matt Scherr
Tessa Cassidy with Adam Parent
Allison Forbes & Catherine Miller with Shannon Dobrovolny
Nerisa Arias & Lauren Polak with Michele Kaplan
Justin Sullivan & Peter Harding with Stephen Jackson
Ivanna Abreu & Jessica Mohr with Irma Canseco