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"I love being able to support students in their
endeavors and doing
everything in my willpower to make sure they are happy, motivated and
to ensure all of their needs are being met.
Tiffani Blake
Assistant Director
of Student Development
The College of New Rochelle
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Tiffani, tell us a little
about your academic background and your current research interests.
I received my BA in Psychology (business minor) from CNR
and my MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Baruch College,
CUNY. My original career goal was to become a human resource management
consultant for companies and assist them in training their managers on
effective supervising, staff motivation, reducing turnover. Experiences
in the classroom, internships and my work study positions here at CNR
changed what I thought would be my life’s path. I would now like to
pursue a career in higher education specifically in the area of Student
Services. I look forward to continuing my education and seeking a Ph.D.
in higher education administration.
What is your position here
at The College of New Rochelle?
I am the Assistant Director
of Student Development. I am responsible for the coordination of
educational and social activities for resident and commuter students
within SAS and SON and New Student Orientation. I advise the Student
Government Association, the advisors of the Student Government
Association’s clubs, the Annales staff (yearbook) and also have
residence life responsibilities.
Why do you think that CNR
is a good college for young women?
I believe that CNR fosters the overall development of
women into strong
individuals who are capable of achieving success. As a result of its
small population and close-knit community, young women are encouraged
to take leadership roles within the College and beyond and to take
advantage of opportunities that allow them to hone their communication,
organizational and technical skills. The College has a supportive
environment for young women and offers them the chance to develop
relationships with staff and faculty members who can serve as their
mentors throughout this challenging yet meaningful life
experience. Ultimately, the College does an excellent job with
recognizing the issues that surround women in today’s society. The
institution works to address these issues with the students by offering
courses, interactive programs and resources geared towards ensuring
that women are educated not only in their fields, but in the matters of
the world. Whether it’s a classroom experience, community service
activity or simply a movie night, young women are shown the importance
of being a well-rounded, enlightened, and success-driven individuals
What are some of your
programs in the Student Development Office?
Student Development sponsors
many programs for the resident and commuter student population. Over
the course of the academic year, the office works to implement
educational and social activities that allow students to interact with
one another, gain valuable health, financial, and technological
information and lastly, to have some fun in the midst of classes. On
campus activities have included an ice cream social, game night,
drive-in movie on Maura Lawn, a salsa dance class, information tables
about Hispanic Heritage Month and breast cancer. Student
Development has sponsored trips to Broadway and off-Broadway shows, NYC
museums, ice skating in Central Park, NY Yankees and Knicks games and
Great Adventure.
What are some of the major concerns that students have when she arrive
on campus?
Most new students struggle with homesickness, forming
the right class schedules, developing good study habits, and eating
healthy. They also are concerned with how to balance their course load,
work, and social lives.
In what ways do you help
these students adjust to college life?
A large part of helping new
students deal with their problems and concerns is the presence and
support of their peers. Student Orientation Staff Leaders (SOS Leaders)
and Resident Assistants are student leaders who are trained to assist
incoming students with making a smooth transition into our College
Community. SOS Leaders present programs such as the SOS Expo which are
skits that address various academic, social and financial topics that
are important to today’s college students. They also implement team
building activities to foster friendships among the students and are
available to students for advice and support throughout the academic
year. Resident Assistants live in the residence halls and offer
programs to address the needs of the college’s resident population.
Student Development also works to help students deal with their
concerns by sponsoring Monster.com, Money Management and Study Skills
programs, co-sponsoring programs with other college departments such as
Health Services, Career & Counseling Services and Inter-collegiate
Athletics and working with outside resources to host programs regarding
domestic violence, financial advice and musical entertainment.
Do you have special
programs for commuter students?
The Office of Student
Development has various amenities for commuter students. We host a
Commuter Coffee House on the first Tuesday of the month that provides
students the opportunity to enjoy a continental breakfast in the
morning before classes. The Student Government Association sponsors a
Commuter Cookie Corner that is held on the last Wednesday of the month.
Sweet treats are offered with the hope of providing commuters with a
boost of energy before afternoon classes.
How many students live on
campus?
There are approximately 400
students that reside on campus.
Do any graduate students
live on campus?
We do not provide housing for
graduate students. If graduate students request housing facilities and
the space is available, their request may be considered. We have a
listing of off-campus housing accommodations in the Student Development
Office that students are most welcome to view during their housing
search.
What do you like best
about your job?
As an individual who loves helping others and sharing
what I have learned both in and outside of the classroom, working in
this position is very fulfilling! The College is an environment that
allows me to work with individuals that are on the path towards
personal and educational growth. I love being able to support students
in their endeavors and doing everything in my willpower to make sure
they are happy, motivated and to ensure all of their needs are being
met. Since I am mainly responsible for planning and implementing
activities for the students which can be rather hectic, I can never
predict the events in my day, but that keeps my job interesting!
Ultimately, fostering relationships with students and being influential
in their growth into leaders is what I love most! Having a genuinely
positive attitude and demeanor allows them to trust you as you motivate
and help them develop to their full potential.
