Major: Politics/Pre Law

Minor: Social Work and Spanish

Email: moultonzoriana@gmail.com

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

Coming from AP and honors course at Shenendehowa, the transition to college was not extremely difficult. Most classes were introductory courses that is intended to set students up for a successful time at the university. These classes include major and minor specific introductory courses and liberal arts courses. One of the amazing academic programs they have at CUA is their first year experience programs. These four courses, spilt between a first year’s academic year, includes classical and modern philosophy as well as theology and an english course. These all are intended to broaden your horizons and give everyone a fair playing field while transitioning into college. I cannot speak more highly about these classes and the impact they have had on my thinking, rhetoric and writing.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

At CUA we have the normal semester system, which works well with our programs. There are many opportunities to study abroad through the school, however, the process leave you on your own to figure out, something that the Student Government Association is working hard to fix. The advising program at CUA is understaffed and does not do a good job of reaching out. Nonetheless, the professors are extraordinary. I have felt absolutely comfortable with every one of my professors as they have encouraged, challenged and assisted me in every way possible. The professors have been one of the best things about this already wonderful school. There are many liberal arts classes that must be taken in order to graduate from CUA, but i do not know how that compares to other schools!

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

From my understanding, the online learning was different based on professor, course level and academic school. The school of arts and sciences was very understanding of the circumstances during the last few weeks of classes. All of my classes were conducted at the same time that they were conducted on campus. Many deadlines were changed and fixed, some finals became open book and the office hours were extended and added to! They did an amazing job being there for us, understanding and providing us with resources we did not have.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

Honestly, the school did an amazing job with communication and transparency. Many higher ups took pay cuts, money was given back for room and board and dinning plans. I do realize that I was lucky enough to go home and have a place to stay. However, students that lacked that stability stayed on campus for the time after the pandemic hit. I know for a fact that our campus ministry was giving these students food after dinning shut down. I also know that they gave out extra aid to some students that needed it. Workers went home and were brought back mid- June, however, I cannot speak on their working conditions, pay or treatment.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

I am involved in our Student Government Association, Orientation Team, Dance Company, College Dems and lead a volunteer program named So Others Might Eat. A lot of student leaders flock to the same clubs, ones which I am a part of. There are many different clubs and they are all very welcoming and a great way to make friends.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

It’s a beautiful green campus in the middle if Washington, D.C. There is never nothing to do. There are so many free events, museums, monuments, festivals, etc. Not many students commute home on the weekends! The lawns are filled with people studying and hanging out on lawns of the school.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

I am in the Dance Company at CUA. This is a low stakes dance group that is here to have fun and enjoy our love of dance. They are very understanding of school and other activities.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

I work in the Office of Campus Activities at CUA. It’s an amazing job full of student leaders and groups of people looking for fun and happiness within the events and clubs at CUA. I would say about half the students have jobs at CUA.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Truly understand what you want in a school. Do you want big parties? Do you want a small campus? Do you want to be in a city or a college town? Do you want to be close or far from home? It’s important to know what you want going into it!

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What makes your college special to you?

The community. The community at Catholic U is like no other. You tend to get to know people and become a family! I cannot walk through out Pryzbola Center without talking to at least 3 people!

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

First years live in double style dorms with random roommates. However, your roommates do not have to be random, as you can choose, but that’s how it usually ends up. Saying that, the random roommate was the best choice of my life.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

They give amazing merit scholarships! However, they are no help with financial aid.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

It is an amazing school, and I implore you to look into it! It is the best decision I have made in my life. It’s nothing like Clifton Park, but it’s absolutely amazing:) Best of luck!