Major: Communications with a concentration in Public Relations

Email: emilyeoneil@aol.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? 

Classes at New Paltz were a lot like classes at Shen! Both major and general education courses had about 20-25 students in the class. This allowed for a lot of personal time with the professor, and they really got to know and care about you. I also took a few lecture classes, and while those are a little bigger, they usually cap out around 40-50 kids. There are classes for all different styles of learners. Some classes are more writing and note taking and others are listening and project based. The professors were always very helpful and there are lots of recourses on campus for academic help- including peer tutoring, office hours, and a writing center!

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

My academic experience at college was very positive. The professors give plenty of notice for tests or other deadlines. Sometimes I had the options to work ahead, which was great because I got to plan out how much work load I could handle in a certain week. I also took advantage of my professors office hours for help in a harder subject (Italian). I definitely felt like the general education classes were very good introduction classes for students unsure about their major. I didn’t think the work load was too much, and at the same time I feel like I got so much out of my classes. For example, I took “Medieval Europe” as a general education class for history and I was not excited about it at first. Before class even started I thought I wanted to drop it. But I’m glad I didn’t because even on the first day I knew it would be a positive experience. By the end of the semester, not only do I feel like I could explain in depth about the crusades, black plague, and religions, I made a life long connection to a professor that ended up writing me a letter of recommendation.

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

Online classes were definitely a transition. I‘m confident the New Paltz professors did the best they could with the situation. The experience differed from each professor. My Italian professor wanted to keep us all practicing our speaking, so we logged on to class during our normal times, but it was much more group based which gave us the opportunity to help each other out. The deadlines definitely were flexible and I had a professor change our final exam to optional. Another professor would give an outline for the week and we could do our work on our own time. It was easy to get in touch with them for a question or help. I’m sure that they will get better and better with remote learning.

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

When COVID first hit, New Paltz right away acknowledges how some students may not have the technology or support at home needed to continue their classes. Students had the option to remain on campus if that was the case. They took cleaning protocols very seriously right off the bat. And if a student reported they tested positive, the school contacted anyone who may have had a class with them to advise them to get tested. With that being said the school never gave out personal information of the person that got sick. New Paltz was pretty on top of communicating with us during the pandemic, for the most part. Sometimes it felt like we were anxious to hear from them. But, I now think it’s because they wanted to send us the facts in one cohesive and understanding email. They also would go live on social media platforms to offer students the opportunity to ask questions and give input.

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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?

My major is Public Relations and my minor will be Creative Writing. Something that I loved at Shen was writing for the school newspaper, the Shen Pen. I knew I wanted to join something similar in college. Right away I joined the New Paltz Oracle, and it has been the most amazing experience ever! We are a very tight group of writers who work hard each week to publish an issue of the newspaper. It’s hard work, but so rewarding. Especially when you see students in town and on campus reading your writing! There are many sections in the paper, so if you’re interested in anything between sports to arts and entertainment, there’s definitely a spot for you! I feel like we are honestly a family. I’m also a tour guide on campus, so if you have any other questions or are just looking for some fun facts about New Paltz you can email me :). Another extra circular that many people talk about is the New Paltz Ultimate Frisbee team, GUNKX. For people who love sports and competitiveness, this would be a great club to check out.

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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?

I’m not even exaggerating when I say there is a plethora of things to do on the weekends. New Paltz has a town that centers around their campus. It’s a short walk to town, you don’t need to drive or take a bus. The town itself feels like you’re walking into a different time. There’s so many niche shops, peace signs everywhere, and quaint restaurants. You won’t see any big brands in the town itself. The town prides itself on keeping the vibe strong. So if you love to eat, shop, or go see a movie (there cinema is so retro and cute) you’d love the town. As for campus, there’s always events going on to make students happy. In the fall we had fall fest where we got to paint pumpkins and go through mazes and things like that. Other popular events we had was a roller blade night in the student union building. Or a hypnotist came for a show one night. And, even though freshman can’t have their car on campus, sophomores can do this is worth mentioning. The area surrounding New Paltz is full of weekend activities! We are perfectly placed between home (Shen) and New York City! I took the train from Poughkeepsie to Yankee stadium a few times. And even just near by, there’s so many apple and strawberry fields, hiking and waterfalls, pumpkin patches. The hiking was very popular because we’re right by a mountain range. The last thing I’ll touch on about the weekends is the party scene. Like any college it’s there if you want it, but if you don’t, it wouldn’t make a difference!

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

Although I’m not on a sports team, I’m around so many people who are. (Since I’m in the athlete residence hall and I write in the sports section of the Oracle). Firstly, New Paltz is a D3 school and students do like to go the games. BUT New Paltz is not driven by their athletics. If you don’t want to be on a team, or go to the games, you wouldn’t be missing a huge social scene. The first time I went to a New Paltz basketball game I was surprised by how quiet it was compared to Shen. Of course during the playoff season it gets very rowdy and fun, so don’t worry. The athletes I’ve interviewed do have a lot on their plate when it comes to studying and practicing. The good news is that the athletes can pick their schedules first to make sure they have a good academic schedule that doesn’t interfere with practice time. I think like anything, it’s a learning process and you’ll get used to balancing and adjusting. But since it’s a D3 school, the athletes don’t have to stress as much as others would.

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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?

My job is being a tour guide! Lots of students have jobs on campus. There’s opportunities in the dining hall, bookstore, life guard, games, desk worker. There’s also a work study program you can apply for. It’s a nice experience to make some money on campus. (Pro tip: As a freshman, if you wanted to get a job off campus, you’re then allowed to have a car)

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Extra Questions

 

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

Hm, I guess the only advice I would give about applying is to try to take some pressure off of yourself. You can have an idea of what major you want to go in, but no one goes in officially declared. So if you’re unsure or still deciding, don’t be nervous. New Paltz has plenty of major options and intro classes. If you think it sounds like a good school I would definitely apply. You might not end up at New Paltz, but if you don’t apply you’ll never know if it was an option for you.

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What makes your college special to you?

Everyone wants to be here and is happy here. You can leave your door open and a random person will wave at you as you walk by. I feel like for the first time in my life I’m completely myself and surrounded by people who are just like me. I finally found my place at New Paltz. I didn’t really feel that way at Shen. (No slander, once a plainsmen always a plainsmen).

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

When I was considering New Paltz, a lot of peers and teachers were trying to detour me from it because they “heard” it was too “artsy” or they “heard” things about the students. It made me really nervous about wanting to go there. After a year, I still have no idea what they were talking about. New Paltz is not “artsy” unless you’re an art major! There are so many business students, engineering students, math students, education students, journalism students. New Paltz is a melting pot. And I’m so glad I didn’t listen to any of the negative things I was hearing. I couldn’t be happier at New Paltz. So I would advise students, when applying to any college, to listen to your gut...because guess what? Your gut is usually right.

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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?

Housing was mostly doubles, sometimes triples (but they’ve actually gotten rid of triples due to COVID so I wouldn’t worry about triples right now). There weren’t separate freshman buildings, but they tried to keep the freshman on one floor. And the floor was divided by gender. My dorm had shared bathrooms, but other dorms had private bathrooms split between your roommates. When you’re older you can apply for a suite with your friends. I love my dorm so much that I’m staying in it next year (Gage hall if anyone’s wondering). To me, housing was the best part because it’s the true college experience. My hall was so lively and fun. People were always laughing and playing music and up to other shenanigans. If you’re not into that, the other halls were quieter. New Paltz has a Facebook group chat that many freshman join. A lot of people find their roommates that way. I met mine at an accepted students day, and others meet at orientation. There’s also a find my roommate website. If you go in random, you fill out a survey and get paired with someone who fills out similar answers as you. To be honest, I would not stress about roommates or finding one. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure on students to know who they’re rooming with and pick their roommate, but looking back it seems pointless. If you don’t like your roommate you can change it within a week.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

Housing was mostly doubles, sometimes triples (but they’ve actually gotten rid of triples due to COVID so I wouldn’t worry about triples right now). There weren’t separate freshman buildings, but they tried to keep the freshman on one floor. And the floor was divided by gender. My dorm had shared bathrooms, but other dorms had private bathrooms split between your roommates. When you’re older you can apply for a suite with your friends. I love my dorm so much that I’m staying in it next year (Gage hall if anyone’s wondering). To me, housing was the best part because it’s the true college experience. My hall was so lively and fun. People were always laughing and playing music and up to other shenanigans. If you’re not into that, the other halls were quieter. New Paltz has a Facebook group chat that many freshman join. A lot of people find their roommates that way. I met mine at an accepted students day, and others meet at orientation. There’s also a find my roommate website. If you go in random, you fill out a survey and get paired with someone who fills out similar answers as you. To be honest, I would not stress about roommates or finding one. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure on students to know who they’re rooming with and pick their roommate, but looking back it seems pointless. If you don’t like your roommate you can change it within a week.

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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?

I just want to wish all the seniors good luck on your decisions! I know it’s stressful but don’t worry it’ll turn out fine! College will be exactly what you make of it. Try to enjoy the ride :)

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