With high school graduation a recent memory, incoming freshmen are hanging tassels from their rearview mirrors and gearing up for their new college experience. Getting off on the right foot is the best way to set your future in motion. Whether you’re staying local or going away, the next four years will be what you make of them. So, take a deep breath and read on for the top tips to getting the most out of your freshman year.
1. Choose a major—You’re probably asking yourself, “How do I know what I want to be? Isn’t that why I’m going to college?” The answer is?you can always change your mind, as more than 80 percent of students do. Just think about your strengths and interests and go from there. Choosing a preliminary major can set you on the right track so you’re not taking classes that you won’t need down the road.
2. Attend and participate at orientation—Think of orientation as your first networking experience. It’s an event packed with valuable information and where you’ll hear firsthand about college resources and how to navigate through your new campus environment. Everyone is in the same boat and trying to fit in, so put your smile on and let your personality shine. It’s a great place to start building friendships and asking questions.
3. Get your dorm supplies—If you are planning to move away, leaving the nest and setting up your own room can be an exciting time. Be sure to review the recommended dorm supply checklist from your school and check with roommates to determine who is bringing what. Don’t forget to pack your favorite pillow, pictures or anything that will make your new space feel like home.
4. Meet with your adviser—By now, you should have your fall schedule in place, but it’s a good idea to set an appointment with your adviser once classes have started to get a handle on prerequisite and required courses. An adviser is your best resource to help you plan and balance future schedules so you’re not overloading yourself.
5. Contact professors early-on—Now is the time when being a “teacher’s pet” can be a good thing. Building strong relationships with your professors early-on shows that you’re serious about your studies and gives them a glimpse into your personality. Try emailing your professors to arrange a time to meet at orientation so you can introduce yourself in person. Put your best foot forward and be respectful.
6. Buy the book and show up to class?Believe it or not, these are two things that you can skip but shouldn’t. Yes, textbooks can be expensive, but you can often find them used, and they are worth the money. Professors mostly teach from the book and you’ll need to read assigned material if you want to do well in the class. At some colleges, professors leave attendance up to the student. This can be a liberating?yet dangerous?option since professors cover valuable material in class, as well as what is in the textbook.
7. Manage your time?So, there’s a mixer you want to attend but you have a ton of studying to do. What gives? Balancing your time can be your best asset at college. Your grades are important, but so is your sanity. If you know there’s a social event you want to attend, then be sure to get your studying in early or double-time it days before so you’ll be prepared for your next class and have a clear conscience about blowing off some steam.
8. Sharpen your social skills?Most freshmen start off knowing only a handful of people, if anyone at all. Polishing your social skills and coming out of your shell just might be the best thing you can do for yourself. After all, most freshmen are reinventing themselves, so now is the best time to get out there to meet people. It’s a level playing field. Keep an open mind, put yourself out there and make some new friends.
9. Get involved?Don’t wait to explore the many opportunities college campuses have to offer. Clubs and teams go way beyond sports, so take the time to explore what interests you and give it a try. Don’t see a club or team that matches your interests? Many colleges are open to hearing new ideas, so don’t hesitate to put a proposal together to start your own club. Getting involved with on-campus activities is a great way to stay engaged and connected with your school while building new friendships and nurturing new or untapped talents.
10. Refresh your technical skills?You’re now in the big leagues, so knowing how to comfortably navigate technology is a must when it comes to researching content and completing assignments and projects. It’s a good idea to do your homework ahead of time and know the requirements before you get to college. For example, does your college prefer a special laptop? Do you need to purchase it ahead of time or will you be able to buy it from the college? And be sure to polish your skills for the different programs your courses might use like Excel and PowerPoint. It’s time well spent.
11. Ask for help?It’s O.K. to ask for help. In fact, it’s expected and shows professors and faculty that you’re genuinely concerned and dedicated to earning the best grades possible. After all, you’re there to learn, and they are there to teach you.
12. Safety first?Staying vigilant is part of everyday life and being on a college campus isn’t any different. Having a sense of security is a priority for both students and parents, so it’s important to make yourself aware of all safety measures that are in place on your campus. Bottom line—use common sense and avoid less-than-desirable or dangerous situations. Prevention is your best defense. Be smart.
13. Get a job?College is expensive. Consider getting a part-time job freshman year to earn extra money. Not only will you be able to afford an occasional night out, but working also expands your circle and builds confidence and character.
As summer winds down, it’s almost time to start the new chapter in your life. Take a deep breath and embrace your future. You’ve got this.
At 23 years old, Vaughn College graduate Terry Cetoute (’16) says his degree in mechatronic engineering and experience at the College helped him blend his passions to land the job he has today.
Growing up in Miami, Fla., Cetoute recalls working closely with his father, from whom he learned carpentry and discovered how things were built, and explained how he always had an interest in engineering. It wasn’t until one of his high school teachers encouraged him, however, to pursue either the fields of engineering or aviation that he seriously considered pursuing a degree.
“I’ve always been adventurous and up for a challenge. That’s when I began searching for the perfect college to fit my needs and personality,” Cetoute explained. He discovered Vaughn and said he knew the College would be the launching pad to his future. He started in mechanical engineering but soon turned his sights to mechatronic engineering.
“I joined the robotics team in my freshman year and was hooked,” said Cetoute. He was elected vice president of the team and remained in that position for the next two years—and that team ultimately won the world championship title at the 2016 VEX Worlds Competition. He went on to explain how the mechatronic engineering program molded his interests and gave him a foundation to build on. “The computer programming aspect to the mechatronic engineering program was instrumental in positioning me as a strong candidate for a job,” Cetoute said. “Since mechatronic engineering involves mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, I received a well-rounded education to put me ahead of other job candidates.”
Student life at Vaughn played a major role in his time there. “My love for sports and the outdoors gave me an outlet to explore the extracurricular activities offered at Vaughn,” Cetoute said. He joined the tennis and cross-country teams to nurture his athletic side and says the athletics department at Vaughn was welcoming and helped him keep sports in his life while he earned his degree. “I definitely made the most of my experience living on campus.”
Regarding the professors, Cetoute claims the faculty was the core of his success at Vaughn. “The professors were great at balancing education and being mentors to the students,” he says. “They were always ready to make time for us and made the material relatable so we could understand how it applies to the field.” He explored other resources at the College and visited the career services department for help with his resume. “I began researching jobs prior to graduation and needed to build a strong resume,” Cetoute said. “They did a great job helping me outline my information and putting it all together.” Prior to graduation, he put his resume to work and applied for a job at JTEKT Toyoda Americas Corporation, a top machine tool service and supplier for the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South America and Latin America.
Cetoute currently works as a field service technician for Toyoda in Wixom, MI. “We provide the programming and machine tools used mainly for the automotive industry,” he proudly states. His passions for the outdoors, exploration and travel have come full circle with his new position. “It takes me to new places, where I put my knowledge to work in the field,” he says. “I couldn’t ask for a more perfect job.”
Learn more about Vaughn College’s Mechatronic Engineering Degree.
College students are taking a break from the traditional concept of summer vacation to obtain a brighter future. Instead of lying on a beach or traveling, the new trend is for students to forfeit their time off for resume boosting summer internships and activities.
Summer internships
A summer internship is a valuable way to gain hands-on experience in your field of study. And internships aren’t just for juniors and seniors anymore. Getting involved at the freshmen and sophomore levels keeps students engaged. It not only looks great on their resume, but offers students an opportunity to explore their field of study outside of the classroom. Remember, it’s important to apply early since there may be limited positions available.
“Don’t be discouraged if the internship isn’t paid,” said Jessica Caron, director of career services at Vaughn College. “The hands-on experience can be just as valuable as a paid internship—if not more.” No one is saying not to enjoy some fun in the sun this summer, but keeping the momentum going during this time off can give you the edge you’ll need to land a job after graduation. “Employers expect students to have experience when they graduate,” said Caron. “They will hire a candidate with a strong resume with no time gaps over someone who looks like they didn’t make the best use of their time.”
Volunteer jobs
Caron explained how Vaughn students are landing summer volunteer positions at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Arrivals―Terminal 4. “The program at JFK is perfect for students who were unable to find an internship or may be working other jobs but are still looking for the hands-on experience,” Caron said. “The program offers a flexible schedule and is open to all students of all majors.”
Any volunteer work, even if it’s not related to your field, can boost your resume. “We encourage our students to visit our office and use the resources we have available to find job opportunities,” Caron said. “It’s important for students to keep busy over the summer.”
Join the club
Joining clubs and various student chapters of professional organizations on campus early in the school year can open doors for summer internships. Caron said getting involved with professional organizations can lead to full-time jobs after graduation. “Being well-rounded keeps students engaged and increases their academic success,” Caron explained. “It’s a win-win for both sides. A strong resume represents the student’s hard work and dedication, and that information is equally valuable to the employer when looking to hire the right candidate for the position.”
Give me a break
It’s important to carve out some “me” time over the summer and enjoy special times with family and friends. Remember, whether you’re working as an intern or in a volunteer position, think of the time you’re spending as a stepping stone to your future. And most of these jobs won’t last the entire summer, so you’ll still have time for summer fun.
A message from the director
“It’s important for our students to get involved with career services at Vaughn,” Caron stated. “Even if they aren’t looking for a job at that time, we want them to know we are here to help them prepare for their future. Whether it’s learning how to write a powerful resume to enhancing their interviewing skills, our job is to help our students find the best career options for their future.”
Positive thinking may be more powerful than you realize. A positive outlook has many benefits. It can help you keep a clear mind, as well as staying energized and organized. Positive thinking can also impact others around you. If you’re happy and exuding confidence, your positivity can become contagious. You’ll start to see things fall into place.
As a student, it can be hard to keep a positive outlook, especially when you’re studying for exams and thinking about your grade point average or GPA. Learning the best ways to stay positive through it all can help keep you on the track for success and ensure you have an even more successful year when the fall semester begins.
Here are some of the effective ways students are using the power of positive thinking to reach their goals and enjoy the best college experience:
Grow where you’re planted—Having a positive attitude helps you make the most of where you are. Joining clubs, volunteering, and helping friends are great ways to build positive relationships and put down roots for the future.
Don’t get discouraged—To err is human, so don’t be so hard on yourself. Brush it off and try to find ways to do better next time. When you think positively, you’re more motivated to find different ways to improve as opposed to giving up or getting discouraged.
It’s OK to ask for help—It’s impossible to know everything. That’s why you’re in college. Reaching out to professors and peers can help you keep a positive attitude. Learning from others with different experiences and knowledge helps to give you a new perspective and offers a fresh way of looking at things.
Avoid unnecessary conflicts—At some point, it’s bound to happen. Roommate battles or disagreements are a part of the college experience, so you’re not alone. It’s important to remember that no two people are the same. Staying positive can help diffuse roommate or friend conflicts by openly communicating and accepting and respecting the opinions of others. Welcoming open discussions in a positive/non-judgmental way is a great way to keep the peace.
Don’t let your grades define you—Most students would agree that their grades are a direct reflection of who they are―which couldn’t be further from the truth. Every student, at one time or another, has received a grade they’re not happy with. But it doesn’t mean you give up. Staying positive can help improve your focus by not dwelling on negative or discouraging thoughts. Instead, it helps you to keep your eye on your goals and reminds you why you’re in college in the first place – to keep learning and growing.
Manage your time wisely —Time. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back, so it’s important to make the best of every minute. Of course, your studies are a priority but it’s also important to learn to balance your social and class schedules to succeed. Plan study schedules to keep yourself organized, but be sure to make time for yourself. Taking a mental health break can be the most important one of all. Plan for some “me” time.
Be patient—It may not be easy at times, but it’s important to be patient with yourself and others. Although your friends and classmates are all at the same college, everyone is in a different place (emotionally, academically, or just in general) so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of where others are in their own lives.
When it comes down to it, the power of positive thinking is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. So, take a deep breath and remember positive thoughts reap positive results. You’ve got this.
Vaughn College hosted its second annual International Drone Day event on May 6, where members of the College’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) club welcomed the public and shared their excitement and knowledge of unmanned aerial vehicles. It was a hands-on, high flying experience.
About International Drone Day
International Drone Day is a worldwide event where over 150 cities simultaneously celebrate drones and their uses. This global experience is a collaborative effort that was started three years ago to educate the public, media and local governments about the incredible ways drones are used for good in our society, such as in search and rescue, conservation, agriculture, sport, and film.
“We are excited to be hosting International Drone Day at Vaughn,” said Peter Kalaitzidis ’21, a member of the College’s UAV club and mechanical engineering technology student at Vaughn. “It’s an incredible opportunity for us to show off the many capabilities UAVs have to offer and enlighten enthusiasts and the younger generation on how to build and fly them.”
Drone technology takes off
Once thought of as an object only seen in sci-fi movies, UAV technology is on the fast track to becoming one of today’s hottest aviation trends. “Radio controlled technology has been around for years,” said Kalaitzidis, “but now it can be used for so much more than recreational use or photography. Today’s researchers are working toward developing UAV technology to help humanity. We’re already seeing applications in the medical field using UAVs as delivery systems for medical supplies, such as insulin and defibrillators.”
Unveiling of first passenger drone
A Chinese company may have changed the course of drone technology by taking the “unmanned” part out of UAV. Guangzhou-based EHang Inc. unveiled the world’s first drone capable of carrying a human passenger at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The EHang 184 is an electric-powered drone that can carry one person (weighing up to 220 pounds), and it can fly for 23 minutes at sea level. It is designed to fly from 1,000 to 1,650 feet off the ground, reach a maximum altitude of 11,500 feet, and fly at a top speed of 63 mph. The cabin has enough room to fit a small backpack and is equipped with air conditioning and a reading light. With its propellers folded, the EHang 184 can fit in a single parking spot. “The technology is growing at an exponential rate,” Kalaitzidis said. “The future may be here before we know it. This amazing technology of the EHang 184 has the possibility of eliminating traffic on the ground, as people will be able to use private drones instead of helicopters to get from one place to another.”
Future aviators
As a highly decorated retired staff sergeant of the United States Air Force, Kalaitzidis is an expert in his field. “Going back to school after my military career was the best decision to move my career forward,” Kalaitzidis stated. As a client liaison at DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, he said it was important to have his bachelor’s degree to climb to the next level. “I want to be a part of the excitement to design the next generation of UAVs,” said Kalaitzidis. “Vaughn gives us all the tools we need to apply our knowledge. International Drone Day is just another way I can share my passion and experience with young aviation enthusiasts to help fuel their dreams.”
What could be more exciting than defending a world championship title? The Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Robotics Team is going head-to-head this month with 62 college teams from around the world at the 2017 VEX Worlds Robotics Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. The incumbent world champions want to keep their standing and prove they have what it takes to earn the title for the second consecutive year.
This year’s theme
“VEX Starstruck” is the theme for this year’s robotics competition. The game is played on a 12′ x 12′ field where two alliances, consisting of two teams each, compete to attain the highest score. The goal is for the robot to launch the most stars and cubes over the fence. The opponent can throw the stars and cubes back over, and at the end, the team with the highest score advances to the next round.
Upping their game
The Vaughn robotics team knows what it takes to win. Maintaining their world championship title means keeping up with the latest trends in the robotics industry and knowing how to execute the ultimate delivery.
Here are some of the ways the 10-person team continues to excel this year to meet the fierce competition:
Building structurally sound robots—The team relies on the structural aspect of the game, so it’s important that the robot has the utmost structural integrity, and the experience the team brings to the table means a lot.
Building team motivation—With hundreds of hours invested in brainstorming, designing and building the robot for competition, it’s vital for the team to stay encouraged and motivated.
Preparing for competition
Being a part of the robotics team is both fun and challenging. Bilal Rashid ’18, president of the Vaughn robotics team and a sophomore at the College, knows first-hand how hard work and dedication can go a long way. Bilal was recognized for his leadership skills as a member of last year’s winning team and was elected president of this year’s team. He explains how his team has been preparing for the competition since last summer. “It’s definitely a team effort,” Bilal said. “It started off with all of us brainstorming ideas until we got it right.” Although it took one month to build their robot, the team invested over one hundred hours to get it ready for competition. With the big day only weeks away, Bilal said the team has been in overdrive by playing against each other to sharpen their skills. “We have been working day and night to ensure our robot is perfect,” said Bilal. “If we can beat ourselves, then we are confident we can beat other teams as well.”
Message from the team president
Bilal offers some words of encouragement to his fellow teammates before the big day: “I believe we are on the right track for winning the world championship competition again this year. We couldn’t have come this far without the support and guidance of Vaughn professors and faculty. We’re in it to win it and to make our college community proud.”
Results Update
It was a nail-biting three days at the 2017 VEX World Championship Competition in Louisville, Kentucky last month. Vaughn’s Robotics team went up against 10 teams, winning nine out of 10 matches placing them in third-place and qualifying them for the playoff round. At the quarter finals, Vaughn competed among the top eight teams and defeated a team from China advancing them to the semi-final playoff round against AURA (a team from the University of Auckland in New Zealand.) After an intense standoff during the third match of the semi-finals, AURA defeated Vaughn, winning the spot to advance to the finals.
“The Vaughn Robotics Team has done an incredible job placing as the third top robotics team in the world,” said Dr. Hossein Rahemi, professor and chair of the Vaughn engineering and technology department. “Congratulations to all the team members for keeping their standing as one of the top ranked competitors in the 2017 world championship for four years in a row.
College life is an exciting time to broaden your horizons and explore new possibilities. If you’re a student commuter, living off campus doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the excitement. In fact, most students who commute would agree that joining clubs and campus activities is a great way to stay connected with your college while maintaining your independence and having a well-rounded experience.
Get Involved and Stay Connected as a Commuter
College students have earned their rite of passage to live an independent lifestyle, even if they are living at home. With college costs continuing to soar, know that you’re not alone as more students are opting to commute.
If you’re a commuter student, you understand the challenge of maintaining the balance of studying and your home life. Here are some tips on how to maintain your independence while living at home:
Utilize the library and college resources —Ideal for quiet time and bonding with students and faculty.
Embrace a hobby by joining a club—You may have found that since some of your friends have gone away to college, your social life isn’t what it used to be. Joining a club is a great way to embrace an old hobby or establish a new one (such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), robotics, academics, music, art, theater – just to name a few). It’s a fun way to get out of the house and carve out some much needed “me” time to refuel and keep yourself focused.
Join a sports teams—Joining clubs isn’t the only way to stay connected on campus. Tap into your athletic side by joining a sports team or lend support to teams by attending games and cheering them on.
Respect for privacy—Although respect is a two-way street when living at home, making your needs known for quiet study time is crucial for your success as well as for living in a harmonious household.
Save your money—Living at home is saving you a considerable amount of money when compared to the costs of on-campus housing, so take advantage of the time and begin saving for your future while you’re in school.
What can you do at Vaughn College?
Vaughn offers a wide range of clubs and on-campus activities to make your college experience even better. With many on-campus clubs, some students find it hard to choose just one. And if you love participating in sports, then Vaughn’s athletics department is where you want to be. With programs for both men and women, you can find your niche and be a part of the action, even if you’re a commuter. For the spectator, attending games and cheering on your team is a fun way to stay connected on-campus as you support your team and classmates.
Our diverse student body is matched by our selection of clubs that are tailored for students’ specific interests. Vaughn encourages its students to join as many clubs as their time allows. And if your passion fuels you to start your own club, our door is always open to hear your thoughts and ideas.
We invite you to learn more about our on-campus clubs and activities. Most meet weekly during our “common hour” between 11 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check them out. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thinking about college is exciting for most students, but the uncertainty of choosing a major and the “right” college can be overwhelming.
The good news is no one expects you to know today what field you’ll be working in down the road. But weighing your options, knowing what to look for in a college, and how to successfully navigate the process are the first steps. Whether you are a parent contemplating your child’s future, a high school junior just starting to look at colleges, or looking to transfer―we’ve done some of the homework for you by suggesting our top 10 ways to help you choose the best college for you. So, sit back, take a deep breath and consider the following:
1. Think about what you love (and don’t love)
What lights you up inside? What areas of study have you enjoyed and excelled at? The best starting point when researching a college is to review its academic degrees and reputation in the field. Most freshmen are undecided on a major, but having a game plan to find the right fit for you can help take the stress out of the process.
2. Big or small―not all colleges and universities are the same
Think about your personality and if you would feel happier on a large campus surrounded by thousands of students, or on a smaller, more intimate campus.
It’s also important to consider your learning style. Larger universities tend to have hundreds of students taking their core classes in stadium-style classrooms, or even online. Some students thrive in a more autonomous environment. Other students may prefer smaller classes. It all depends on what makes you most comfortable.
3. Set your sights high
Education experts agree you should look outside your comfort zone when applying to college. When researching your options, familiarize yourself with the college’s GPA guidelines, SAT and ACT score requirements, as well as application deadlines. Don’t limit yourself to just the colleges you feel you can be accepted to. It’s advisable to apply to at least two or three colleges, with one of them being a “reach”. You never know unless you try, so go for the unexpected. You may be surprised at the results.
4. Location, location, location
Think about how close you want to be to home. Will you thrive if you have your family close by, or are you O.K. with being an airplane ride away?
Setting plays a big role. For example, students who have lived in a rural area their entire life might want to break away and attend a college in an urban location. Other considerations include the social climate of the town. Is it a “party college” with a bustling environment or is it located in a quiet, secluded area?
Another important factor to consider is your field of study and related jobs in the area. Vaughn College aviation students, for example, have the best of both worlds. Not only can they study a wide range of fields including aviation, aviation maintenance, aeronautics, engineering and avionics at one of the top colleges in the nation, but the campus is located steps away from New York’s La Guardia Airport and major employers in the New York metro (learn more about our history with these airports here) area looking to hire recent graduates in related fields.
5. Go on college tours
Seeing is believing. Researching colleges and universities online or reading about them in fancy brochures is one thing, but experiencing the campus firsthand and meeting faculty one-on-one through campus tours is the best way to get a real feel for the college (most colleges, like Vaughn College, have Open Houses or one-on-one visits). It’s also an important step in the process for your family, as it is a great way for them to see where you’ll be living for the next four years.
6. Affording it all
The thought of paying for a college education may seem out of reach, but the good news is there’s money out there to help you pay for the costs. There are government grants and scholarships, which is money you don’t have to pay back. There is also the option of government-funded student loans offered at lower-interest rates. Even better news to consider is knowing that many private colleges offer generous financial aid packages to qualifying students as a means to offset the costs.
So, don’t let the price factor deter you from applying to your dream college. At Vaughn College, for example, 90 percent of the students qualify for some form of financial aid.
7. Check out the application process
You may have heard stories from friends about the acceptance or rejection letters they received. The truth of the matter, however, is that most colleges and universities have a higher admittance rate than rejection rate. That’s not to say that some colleges are more selective than others, but knowing this fact going in can help you prepare ahead of time by not putting all of your eggs in one basket. By having other options, you may end up being finding a college that is a better fit.
Vaughn College offers the convenience of “on-the-spot application decision” to students with all the required materials. Students are encouraged to schedule a one-on-one appointment where an admissions officer will review their transcript and offer them a decision on the very day of their visit.
8. It’s never too late to learn
There’s no handbook saying you must attend college straight out of high school. Some students decide to take time off to travel or for personal reasons. Admissions officers will embrace the opportunity to hear about your experiences, so don’t fear that you’re too old or that it’s too late to apply. The truth is it’s never too late to learn.
9. Reputation
Be sure to check out a college’s academic, campus and student life. Important factors to research include the strength and experience of the faculty, easy access to resources, social clubs, sports programs, Greek life, and campus amenities such as on-campus housing and meal plans. These are an essential part of college experience and can make or break your time. Doing your research today can save you time and money down the road. As mentioned earlier, it’s all about finding the best fit for you.
10. Talk to Alumni
Did you ever say to yourself, “Wow, he or she has the best job. I wish I could do that.”? Well, just know that your dream may be closer than you think. They started out just like you―with the same questions, uncertainty and maybe even fears. The good news is they did it and so can you.
Let us introduce you to just a few Vaughn graduates who are living their dreams―dreams which may be just like yours:
Erika Barcenes – Class of ’13 – Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Operations
Jefferson Maldonado– Class of ’16 – Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering
The Vaughn College men’s basketball team has been at the top of their game when it comes to performance and teamwork. This year, the Vaughn Warriors are looking to take home the championship, having made it into the playoffs every year, as well as reaching the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) Championship game for the past two years.
This season, the team has eight new promising players that Ricky McCollum, coach and director of athletics, fitness and wellness at Vaughn, says has rounded out the team for what he believes is going to be their best year yet.
Training to Compete at a Higher Level
McCollum and his assistant coaches have established a winning combination of recruiting star players by scouting local high schools and holding open tryouts and summer camps.
With passion and knowledge of the game, McCollum has spearheaded a structured and well-rounded fitness program to help his players build their confidence and compete at a higher level. Players can expect to undergo a comprehensive program of strength, speed and resistance training?as well as agility skills training?to fine-tune their conditioning and prepare them for playing at the top of their game.
Keeping players in the game requires them to stay academically focused. McCollum says he encourages his players to take advantage of “academic study halls” to learn the importance of time management and to master the balance between their studies and sports.
Last season, one of the team’s star players, Michael Pena, won Player-of-the-Year, and three all-conference players were recognized. McCollum also won Coach-of-the-Year in a unanimous vote by his peers.
Choosing to Play for Vaughn
Vaughn athletes receive incentives that exceed skills training. Vaughn proudly supports its athletics program and has a stellar reputation of having one of the highest graduation placement rates of any college in its class. McCollum explains how he and his staff go above and beyond to create an environment for success to help students further their careers by offering mentorship to guide them every step of the way.
“We provide a wide variety of fitness and wellness programs across the board for all students, not just our athletes,” said McCollum. He explained how his department collaborates with the residence hall staff to create programs such as the “House of Wellness Program,” which is a six-week fitness challenge, as well as other programs that include yoga, Zumba and strength challenges, just to name a few.
A Word from Coach McCollum
“I don’t believe any dream is too big,” McCollum said. He thinks every player deserves the chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Each year, the athletics department brainstorms on a team slogan for the upcoming season, and McCollum said this year they decided on “We Are One.” “The entire Vaughn community comes together to support our team,” he said. “Things are looking promising this year. We are strong and ready to go to bring home the championship.”
Sponsored by Nike
In the athletics world, the Nike “swoosh” logo is synonymous with sports and quality reputation. The Vaughn Warriors are proudly sponsored by Nike, with the sporting giant supplying about half of the team’s apparel and equipment.
Other Varsity Sports at Vaughn
Vaughn believes on leveling the playing field by offering a wide-range of sports programs for students of varying athletic talents. Among the programs are men’s and women’s cross country, tennis, basketball and men’s baseball and soccer. McCollum states how players on all teams at Vaughn can expect to receive the same support and mentorship to make their athletic experience a positive one.
Investing in your education is money well spent, but for some students affording college seems out of reach and knowing how to apply for financial aid can be overwhelming. Vaughn College is committed to making their degree programs affordable to students from all walks of life by offering a range of financial aid options to help put them on their path to success. With 90% of its students receiving some form of financial aid, Vaughn is dedicated to working with every student to help them get the assistance they need to pursue their education.
How to get started
All student applications submitted for admission to Vaughn go through two processes to be considered for financial aid.
Merit Aid: All student applications are considered for an academic merit award based on a holistic evaluation of their academic profile. Student credentials that include grade point average (GPA), standardized test scores (SAT and ACT for incoming high school graduates), as well as other academic factors can qualify potential candidates for merit awards ranging from $2,000 to $18,000 per academic year.
Need-Based Aid: All students applying for admission are encouraged to complete the college aid form known as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form is filed with the US Department of Education and is used by aid providers to determine the amount of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—which is the amount the student’s family can expect to contribute toward their child’s college education.
The amount of aid is then determined by calculating the difference between the cost of the education and the family’s EFC. This gap is covered by offering qualifying students money through Pell grants, scholarships, work-study programs and low interest loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). For those qualifying for a Pell grant, Vaughn offers grants based on financial need, in addition to other forms of financial aid.
In New York State, students can also qualify to receive aid from TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) to help eligible residents pay their tuition at approved schools located in the state.
Another option is a Parent Plus Loan, where parents with established credit can borrow enough money to pay any educational cost (e.g., flight fees) not covered by other financial aid.
When to apply for financial aid
Last fall, the Obama Administration made changes to the FAFSA to allow students to apply for aid beginning October 1, 2016 for the 2017-2018 academic school year. This is three months earlier than in previous years. This new ruling, referred to as prior, prior, allows students to use their parents’ 2015 tax return, meaning their financial aid eligibility will now be based off of income from two years prior to enrolling in college instead of one-year prior—as was the rule up until now.
For transfer students or students enrolling for the spring 2017 semester, the 2016-2017 FAFSA application is still open to apply for need-based aid.
We are here to help
Vaughn’s financial aid advisers offer one-on-one consultations in both English and Spanish and are trained to guide students in making the best decisions on how to apply for financial aid. They are available Monday through Saturday and are also on hand to help students complete their FAFSA applications.
A word from the vice president of enrollment
“We are committed to helping each and every one of our students receive the education they deserve,” said Ernie Shepelsky, vice president of enrollment. “With one of the lowest tuition rates of any private, non-profit college in the country, Vaughn is a stellar choice to launching your career.”
McCollum and his assistant coaches have established a winning combination of recruiting star players by scouting local high schools and holding open tryouts and summer camps.
“I don’t believe any dream is too big,” McCollum said. He thinks every player deserves the chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Each year, the athletics department brainstorms on a team slogan for the upcoming season, and McCollum said this year they decided on “We Are One.” “The entire Vaughn community comes together to support our team,” he said. “Things are looking promising this year. We are strong and ready to go to bring home the championship.”