NewsletterGuideSummerFall2015

Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 , Vo l u m e 2 , I s s u e 2
Flipping Over
Chem
NOW
See
Pa g e 3
See Back
Cove r
Rowan University
See
Pa g e 4
Internship
Women’s
See
Pa g e 7
Volleyball
Open
See
Back Cover
House
ENROL
NOW L
See Ba
ck Cove
Al ex a M a r t i n e l l i , Ch e m i s t r y : Pre - Ph a r m . D. M a j o r
J i l l Ad a m s, B i o l o g y M a j o r
r
Pre s id ent 's M e s s a g e
A
s the Gloucester County community
and residents of surrounding
neighborhoods become accustomed
to the name change of Rowan College
at Gloucester County (RCGC), students
are poised to reap the benefits of the new
revamped college. Exciting changes are
taking place redefining higher education.
Rowan College is completely transforming its structure
and programming, offering all interested students
endless possibilities for degree completion and ultimately,
a prosperous career.
University. Students selecting this one-year option save
significantly on tuition their freshman year by living at
Rowan University and taking classes with Rowan College.
These changes consist of a student-focused effort to prepare
high school juniors and seniors for their college experience.
Whether choosing to attend Rowan College, Rowan
University or any other higher education institution, Rowan
College’s new Center for College and Career Readiness
is a vital resource for students to use in order to “get ready”
for college. Parents with questions or concerns are always
invited to call or make an appointment with any of our
financial aid or program advisors.
Rowan College is also enhancing course offerings. Degree
completion for working adults is easily attainable, as
additional online and evening classes are made available.
Once students graduate from high school, they may be
eligible to receive one or more of the $237,000 in Foundation
scholarships awarded annually. Rowan College works
tirelessly to offer and promote the numerous scholarships
available to reduce the cost of tuition, fees and books
for students.
Rowan Choice, a unique, new option for college-bound
students, teams up both Rowan College and Rowan
Students may also choose to complete their first two years
of college for less than $4,000 a year at Rowan College,
then transfer for a bachelor’s degree. Other programs
of study are available for students to earn a four-year
degree without ever leaving the Rowan College campus.
Students continue to benefit by attending Rowan College
as many four-year universities now offer graduates transfer
scholarships based on GPA.
The exciting changes are in place and numerous students
are taking advantage of the endless possibilities; however,
I am pleased to announce that not all has changed. Rowan
College can still boast of affordable tuition, free and ample
parking, an active student life with more than 25 clubs and
organizations, nationally acclaimed professors, award-winning
athletes, and more than 40 years of experience producing
student and career success stories.
Sincerely,
Frederick Keating, Ed.D.
President
Register NOW for Summer and Fall classes!
For the most current course offerings, visit
RCGC.edu/courses
Legal s, B o a rds a nd D is cla imer s
The Board of Trustees is committed to providing a work
and academic environment that maintains and promotes
affirmative action and equal opportunity in all categories
of employment and education. The Board will continually
attempt to carry out its responsibilities to provide all persons
with equal access and fair treatment regardless of race, creed,
color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, affectional or sexual
orientation, marital status, familial status, religion, liability
for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, atypical
heredity cellular or blood trait of any individual, nonapplicable
disability or because of genetic information or refusal to
submit or make available the results of a genetic test. For
questions concerning discrimination or Title IX issues, call
Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer, Almarie J. Jones, Executive
Director, Diversity and Equity, at 856-415-2154. For disability
issues, contact ADA/504 Officer, Dennis M. Cook, Director,
Department of Special Services, at 856-415-2265.
©RCGC Publications/0215
2 • RCGC.edu • 856-468-5000
Gloucester County Board of Chosen
Freeholders
Robert M. Damminger, Director
Giuseppe (Joe) Chila, Deputy Director
Lyman Barnes, Education Liaison
Daniel Christy
Frank DiMarco
Heather Simmons
Adam J. Taliaferro
Rowan College at Gloucester County
Administration
Frederick Keating, Ed.D., President
Linda Martin, Ed.D., VP Academic Services
Dominick J. Burzichelli, VP and Chief Operating Officer
Judith Atkinson, VP Student Services
Rowan College at Gloucester County
Board of Trustees
Gene J. Concordia, Chairperson
Yolette C. Ross, Vice Chairperson
Douglas J. Wills, Esq., Treasurer
Jean L. DuBois, Secretary
Len Daws
Benjamin Griffith
Dr. James J. Lavender
Ruby Love
Peggy Nicolosi
Dr. George J. Scott
Virginia N. Scott
Dr. Frederick Keating, ex officio
Information in this Guide is accurate as of date
of publication in February 2015 and is subject to change.
Ed u c at io n
“Flipping” Over Organic Chemistry
An Innovative Approach to Teaching
I
n a good experiment, results
determine a successful outcome.
Well, the data is in — students are
flipping over Dr. Robert Rossi’s
Organic Chemistry courses.
Rossi is the first instructor at Rowan
College to “flip” his traditional
teaching style for a more innovative
approach, a decision made after
considerable research and investment
of time. Unlike the typical learning
environment with lectures held in front
of the classroom and questions solved
at home, Rossi’s organic chem students
watch instructional videos at their
convenience and work on problems
in the lab.
“In today’s society, where everything
is so technology based, this is the
future of learning,” said Rossi. “This
is how learning will manifest itself.”
When Rossi decided to flip his Organic
Chemistry 201 and 202 classes, it
transformed the way he teaches his
students. It also made a big change to
his lesson plans. Preparing for these
web-enhanced courses required a
personal investment on the part of the
associate professor. During summer
break, Rossi spent a total of 96 hours
creating 350, 15-minute videos. Each
chapter contains 15 to 20 recordings.
The new format allows students the
flexibility to watch the videos at their
leisure, with the option to pause and
restart if more study is required.
Class time is now reserved for solving
the more advanced problems and
practicing what is being learned.
Students also have access to videos
from both chemistry courses so they
can review past and future information.
“As a student, I feel lucky to have
the opportunity to be part of such
an innovative approach to learning
organic chemistry,” said Jill Adams,
a second-year biology major and
vice president of the College’s Science
Club. “The flipped classroom setting
allows me to take accountability for my
own education and helps to empower
self-confidence in such a tough subject.
With the use of video lectures in place
of traditional lectures, I have the option
to learn organic chemistry when it is
convenient for me.”
At the start of class, Rossi always asks
his students the same question, “What is
your muddiest point about this lesson?”
More of a coach than a lecturer, he
wanders the classroom assisting small
groups of three and four students writing
chemical formulas on large, white
erasable panels called “huddle boards.”
“Class time provides us with
one-on-one time with an expert in the
field and encourages group learning,”
noted Alexa Martinelli, a second-year
pre-pharmacy major who works part
time at Inspira Medical Center in
In the last five years,
enrollment in STEM classes
has increased
12.2%
Woodbury. “This changes the way
we learn organic chemistry. Everyone
anticipates it to be the ‘dreaded’ class,
but for me it is fun and engaging. I
look forward to coming to class.”
Apparently Martinelli isn’t the only
organic chemistry student pleased
with the change. Since Rossi made
the flip in fall 2012, there has been
a 15 to 19 percent increase in examscore averages. Before the switch, there
was a steady decline in grades as the
courses progressed. Rossi attributes this
to students not being engaged, getting
stuck on difficult homework problems
and giving up.
“Flipping organic chemistry promotes
learning through collaboration, actively
involving students in the material. It’s
pure learning,” said Rossi.
Students Jill Adams and Alexa Martinelli use a “huddle board” to problem solve in
Dr. Robert Rossi’s Organic Chemistry course. Rossi, the first instructor at the College
to “flip” his classroom, has become so knowledgeable about the subject, he was
asked to lead a National Science Foundation grant funded workshop in Denver last
summer and again this coming summer in Washington, D.C.
Rowan College at Gloucester County • 3
Prem ie r Par tne r
Rowan Engineering Internship
Heats Up Solar Research
A
ray of sunshine can produce
a smile, offer hope or provide
solar heat. For two Rowan College at
Gloucester County (RCGC) students
this summer, the sun did all three.
MaryJane Hammel and Matthew
Delengowski spent three days a week
for 10 weeks learning alongside two
Rowan University chemical engineering
seniors, researching and developing
a new type of panel for solar thermal
heating. The part-time summer
internship proved to be a valuable
experience for the second-year RCGC
students, providing networking and
friendship opportunities, future
career prospects and educational
hands-on study.
Since 2007, the solar thermal collector
project, sponsored by Helios Products,
LLC of Medford, has been a part
of Rowan University’s College of
Engineering curriculum. Although
much of the research is done through
the Junior/Senior Engineering Clinic
course during the academic year,
summer internships are also offered.
Last spring, Rowan engineering
professor Dr. Kevin Dahm decided
to extend an invitation to its
soon-to-be new partner as a way
to share knowledge.
“My hope is that the students gained
some valuable experience and
also got a closer look at Rowan’s
College of Engineering. Both were
considering applying here after they
finished at RCGC,” said Dahm.
“It was awesome, a neat way to
interact with people in research,”
noted Hammel, a chemistry major who
will graduate in May and is applying
for transfer to Rowan University in
September as a chemical engineering
student. “It was nice to become
familiar with the process of research,
from planning your approach to
collecting and organizing the data.”
Under the guidance of Dahm
and fellow engineering colleague
Dr. William Riddell, the Helios
project focuses on designing solar
thermal panels that efficiently absorb
heat while meeting strength
requirements. The long-term
objective is to develop a commercially
viable product using the renewable
energy technology. Unlike the more
commonly recognized solar panels
that generate electricity, the solar
thermal panels are designed to
produce hot water and space heating.
“We had the opportunity to actually
build some of the solar panels,” said
Delengowski. The mathematics major,
who never took an engineering class
at RCGC, graduated in December
and is now planning to pursue
electrical computer engineering
at Rowan. “We measured the
efficiency of different colored plastic
panels for heat absorption and tensile
strength, which required placing
samples in an oven with constant
heat over a period of time and
using a universal testing machine
to determine force.”
Solar Thermal Exposure
Rowan College mathematics major
Matthew Delengowski participated in
a Rowan University summer internship
researching solar thermal panels.
According to Dahm, specific tasks
involved testing small prototype
panels to quantify their efficiency
and determine which of the prototype
panels worked best. To gauge the
compatibility of the “novel materials
of construction Helios wishes to use,”
students conducted tensile tests
immersing samples in hot water
for prolonged periods of time to see
if exposure produced a change in
strength. The prototype research
panels are stored in the Henry M.
Rowan College of Engineering
building on a rolling platform that
students can wheel outside when
performing experiments.
“It was great getting a taste of what
research is like, although it can
be frustrating at times,” admitted
Delengowski.
“So far, there are eight prototype
panels, all constructed by Rowan
engineering students as part of
various projects,” Dahm said.
Register NOW for Summer and Fall classes!
For the most current course offerings, visit
4 • RCGC.edu • 856-468-5000
RCGC.edu/courses
St ud e nt Succe s s
Looking to the Future
With Imagination and Creativity
W
hile most college students
simply focus on getting
through the semester, Rowan College
at Gloucester County (RCGC)
sophomore Gianna Rose Ritz looks to
the future. As an artist, she has already
started making a name for herself.
“I want to prove that young artists
can go places when they truly believe
in their work,” said Ritz.
She has already made an impression
with journalist and talk show host
Meredith Vieira. Ritz painted
a picture of Vieira’s dog, Jasper,
and brought it to the Meredith
Vieira Show in October as a gift
for the television personality.
Vieira has the painting hanging
in her dressing room.
Most recently Ritz’s artwork, which
varies in style, was featured in the
RCGC Student Art Show from
December through January. One of
her prints, “Zebra,” was purchased for
the owners of the Plumpton Park Zoo
in Maryland. Another piece, “Leaf,”
embodies Ritz’s belief that “with
a little imagination, anything can
become a canvas.” In the re-creation
of her favorite artist Vincent Van
Gogh’s “Starry, Starry Night,” Ritz
captures his style, but gives it a
modern twist by displaying her
art on skateboards.
“Having an artistic talent should
be about exploring new things and
discovering new techniques,” said
the Triton Regional High School
alumna. Ritz has also taken to social
media creating #ArtByGiannaRitz
on Instagram, which has helped to
promote her artwork. With every
purchase, 20 percent of the proceeds
go to “Hats for the Homeless,” a
charity Ritz founded at 10 years old.
RCGC Scott Hall STEM Center
Enrollment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
courses on the Rowan College at Gloucester County campus has increased
12.2 percent during the past five years. In May 2013, the College celebrated
the opening of an 18,272 square-foot expansion to Scott Hall, which added
four new science labs to help meet the growing popularity of students
interested in STEM-based careers.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, Rowan College officials, students, faculty, staff, county
dignitaries, representatives from Rowan University and local businesses joined
education advocate and longtime Board of Trustee Virginia Scott officially
dedicating the building as the Scott Hall STEM Center. The STEM Center will
become home base for all science, computer science/technology, engineering
and upper-level mathematics courses.
Rowan College at Gloucester County • 5
As k t he E xpe r t s
Paying for College
Financial Aid and Scholarships
M
aking the leap to college can often seem arduous. There are costs, dealing with financial aid and a litany of never-ending
questions. And while the move may seem daunting, the actual transition can be simplified. Rowan College at Gloucester
County staff members Michael Chando and Karen Lucas have made careers helping students with financial aid
and scholarships. Below, they share practical, memorable advice on both.
Michael Chando, Executive Director
Admissions and Financial Aid
856-415-2282
mchando@rcgc.edu
RCGC: What are the most common mistakes students make
when looking for financial aid?
Chando: Sometimes students apply to a non-government
website — which will actually cost money to apply. Students
need to be careful and make sure they go to the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website,
fafsa.gov. If they do mistakenly go to the wrong website
and it comes up asking for credit card information, close
the browser. Do not give out credit card information.
It is also important to be careful and fill in the correct
academic year. Be sure to apply before June 30.
RCGC: What is rule #1 when applying for financial aid?
Chando: Have all of your information ready and use the
IRS data retrieval. The data retrieval tool allows students
to download their information and their parents’ IRS tax
information directly into the FAFSA. This eliminates all
the confusion and simplifies the process. It also removes
the need for us to ask for tax documentation later.
RCGC: What are some quick, simple methods?
Chando: Take advantage of the College’s FAFSA workshops.
We will have workshops on campus and in high schools
throughout the next few months. Every Wednesday in
April, we will host on-campus sessions for students in
which we will guide them through the process in the
computer lab. If a roadblock arises, we are right there to help.
RCGC: What should people not worry about when managing
financial aid?
Chando: The actual time of the application. Students often
think they cannot submit the FAFSA until they get accepted
to an institution. Basically, schools keep a huge database of
students who apply to FAFSA and are kept in a cue until they
are accepted. Students really seem to worry about this. We
always tell them, “taxes first, then FAFSA.” Get your FAFSA
done. It drives everything.
For Financial Aid information, visit RCGC.edu/financial aid
6 • RCGC.edu • 856-468-5000
Karen Lucas, Administrator
Student Scholarships
856-415-2105
klucas@rcgc.edu
RCGC: What are the questions most asked by students?
Lucas: How do I apply for scholarships, what is the process
of actually getting the scholarship and can I apply for more
than one? Some scholarships have a GPA or residency
requirement. There are other scholarships that are for all
majors and do not necessarily have a GPA requirement
attached to them. Students can apply for more than one
scholarship — go to RCGC.edu/scholarships.
RCGC: What are a few common mistakes students sometime
make when looking for scholarships?
Lucas: The key is to read carefully the instructions on the
website as students may miss something. Students need
to submit an application for each scholarship. There are
approximately 200 scholarships available to students
through the Rowan College Foundation. There are all types
of scholarships with different criteria. I encourage students
to take the time to search through the many scholarship
offerings and apply. Scholarships are a great way to help
reduce the cost of a college education.
RCGC: What is a benefit that people tend to overlook?
Lucas: Students who transfer to a four-year university can
put their scholarship award on their application, as well
as on a resume when seeking a job.
$10.3 million
Financial Aid Granted Per Year
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
• 67% of students awarded federal or state grants
• $237,000 in scholarships awarded annually
• Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program
• NJ STARS program
• Presidential Start Smart Scholarship
For scholarship information, visit: RCGC.edu/scholarships
Cam p u s Ha ppe ning s
Exceptional
Programs
SEAN DRISCOLL
R
O
A
D
R
U
N
N
E
R
S
Paralegal
Career Appeal
S
ince 1998, Rowan College at
Gloucester County’s American
Bar Association-approved Paralegal
program has offered students a direct
pathway to working within various
law fields, in addition to transfer
options to many four-year universities.
3.507
U.S. News routinely ranks several
careers in the legal field among
the “Best 100 Jobs” in the country.
Students in this major will learn
the following:
SE AN
• Recognize ethical issues that arise
in a legal work environment and
apply rules of professional conduct
to resolve them
DR IS CO
LL
Major: Paralegal
High School: Glassboro
Current Position: EMT
GPA: 3.507
Goal: Attorney
Glassboro High School graduate Sean Driscoll
has the evidence to prove it is possible to
balance family, school and career. Working
two-full time EMT jobs while enrolled in Rowan
College’s Paralegal program, the married
Clementon resident maintains an impressive
3.5 GPA. With plans to move from medically
to legally helping people, the verdict is in that
Driscoll has what it takes.
The College’s Paralegal program provides
students with specialized legal training
preparing them to gather and analyze facts,
perform legal research, assist attorneys
in drafting legal documents, and organize
evidence during legal proceedings.
• Apply specialized legal training to
enable them to gather and analyze
facts relevant to legal disputes
• Demonstrate oral and written skills,
including drafting legal documents
for attorney review
• Apply basic principles of legal
research and analysis
• Use time-management skills,
including prioritizing various tasks,
to meet deadlines
• Demonstrate sensitivity in working
with diverse groups of people
Campus News
Women’s Volleyball — Volleyball joins the Roadrunner roster fall 2015, making it the seventh
women’s program to become part of the highly successful athletics at RCGC. Coach Anthony
“Tony” Carpenter was announced as the coach for the team’s inaugural season.
Rowan Choice — Premier partner Rowan University and RCGC have teamed up to offer
incoming University freshmen a way to save up to $10,000 while still enjoying campus life.
Visit RowanChoice.com
New Online Business Administration Program — Beginning September 2015, students
will have the option to earn an associate degree in business administration online. Students
accepted into the accelerated program will complete two years of full-time study taking online
courses part time. Visit RCGC.edu/OnlineBusiness
Women’s Volleyball Coach Tony Carpenter
Construction Update:
• Police Academy Expansion — to be completed by the end of February, with possible
summer classes
• ACT Center — to be completed by the end of April, with possible summer classes
• Nursing and Allied Health Center — to be completed end of July for September classes
• Student Services — to be completed December 2015
RCGC Experienced Record Enrollment for Spring 2015
Join the crowd and sign up now for a summer class!
Rowan College at Gloucester County • 7
Non-Profit Organization
ECRWSS
U.S. Postage PAID
Bellmawr, NJ
Permit No. 75
R owan Co l le g e at G louce s te r Count y
Summer and Fall
Registration Dates
February:
23 Registration Summer 2015
for currently-enrolled students
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
April:
27 Open Registration Fall 2015
May:
6 Summer Payment Deadline
18 First Day Summer Classes/
Late Registration Begins
S
LOCAL POSTAL
CUSTOMER
C HA N G E
G
IN
T
I
C
X
E
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, March 5
Rowan College
at Gloucester County
1400 Tanyard Road
Sewell, NJ 08080
March:
2 Open Registration Summer 2015
5 Spring Open House
16 Registration Fall 2015 for
currently-enrolled students
(No PIN)
23 Registration Fall 2015 for
currently-enrolled students
(With PIN)
5:30–8 pm, Physical Education Center
August:
12 Fall Payment Due Date
September:
1 All College Day
2 First Day Fall Classes/
Late Registration begins
All In-Person Registration
takes place in the
Student Services
Building Lobby
Photo ID Required
For information, call 856-681-6248
email future@rcgc.edu or visit the website at
RCGC.edu/OpenHouse
When registering for classes after the applicable
payment date, payment is due at time of registration.
For payment due dates,
please visit RCGC.edu/BusinessOffice
Register for
Summer and
Fall Classes
Summer sessions
starting
May, June, July
and August
For the most current
course offerings, visit
RCGC.edu/courses
1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 • #RowanCollege
Get Started in Five Easy Steps:
1
Apply online or in person
2
Schedule a placement
test or qualify for test
exemption
Visit RCGC.edu/future
and click “Apply Now”
Go to RCGC.edu/testing
3
View course listings
and prerequisites
RCGC.edu/courses (click
course name to view
prerequisites)
4
In-person registration
during open registration
5
Pay your bill by the
payment due date
(Photo ID Required)
or by mail-in/
fax registration
Visit RCGC.edu, log in
to the Portal, click the
“Academics” tab
and go to “Account
Summary by Term”
RCGC.edu •
856-415-2197