Embedded Files
JUNE 2022
JUNE 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Colleagues,
It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of the fiscal year. I cannot say thank you enough to the entire faculty and staff for your steadfast hard work. Your efforts in committing to the health of the College and the success of our students is crucial in ensuring we close out the year sure-footed and are ready to tackle the challenges of next year.
The summer months remain busy and productive.
The Admissions team is hard at work making strides in increasing fall enrollment numbers; the work never stops! Part of this effort includes recruiting more students and ensuring that students who have deposited do enroll in the fall. Blazer Days were part of this effort. It was great to see the excited, smiling faces of our first-year students and their families. As I mentioned in previous communication, a cross-campus team worked together, tirelessly, over weeks to plan the orientation. Thank you to everyone who participated either behind the scenes or on the front line.
The search continues for the next Vice President of Student Affairs. Many of you had the opportunity to meet Nancy Crimmin of Academic Search who is assisting the Search Committee in vetting candidates. Thank you to all who attended and participated in the open faculty and staff session as your input and feedback are critical in finding the right person to fill this important role.
The Finance Office is working on closing Fiscal Year 2022. All indications are that we will close the year on target, if not better. Stay tuned for more information about the close of FY22. At the same time, Finance continues to work with Budget Managers to explore options for closing the remaining gap for FY23. We knew that FY23 would be a challenge, just as it is shaping to be for the entire higher education sector. Finance, the President’s Cabinet, and Budget Managers are working collaboratively and in all transparency to ensure that we allocate our resources in the best way possible to serve our students, support one another, and achieve our educational objectives. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the brainstorming on areas in which we can further tighten our collective belt. Those conversations and the work continue. Rest assured that we will communicate decisions to Budget Managers and the community, when they are made.
We're closing the fiscal year with some exciting fundraising news, including a seven-figure commitment from an alumna and trustee of the College (more information to come) and a notification from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation that they have approved our $1.1 million proposal for the continuation of the Haiti Nursing Continuing Education program. As you know, this is a win-win initiative through which Elms College contributes to the healthcare system in Haiti and we recruit up to 36 new students each year to Elms College over the next couple of years. Thank you to the team who worked on the proposal and followed up with the Foundation, especially the faculty of the School of Nursing.
The President’s Cabinet and the Deans will convene for the annual summer Cabinet Retreat on July 20. Discussion and exercises will consist of many topics including self-assessments, reinvigorating and engaging our teams, and ourselves, and advancing the United for Elms’ Future Action Plan and the second year of the Strategic Plan. We will take opportunity of the retreat to begin sketching organizational priorities for the next year.
Before we know it, students will be coming back to campus and the next academic year will be underway! I hope everyone takes ample time away from the office to relax, recharge, and reflect on your accomplishments this past year.
I am grateful to work alongside all of you. Thank you for all that you do for Elms College. Happy 4th of July!
Harry E. Dumay, Ph.D., MBA
President
BLAZER DAYS
The past weekend marked a very special time for the Elms College community: Blazer Days! Blazer Days is the first official event welcoming our incoming, first-year students and their families. Both days were filled with activities and informational sessions where students and their families met with various departments including Academic Affairs, Campus Ministry, Residence Life, Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, Academic Advising, Athletics, and Financial Aid to name a few!
Future ElmsNews submission pieces can be shared with the following department contacts:
Academic Affairs - Deb Methe
Admissions - Jenna Stolarik
Athletics - Sean Milbier
Finance - Katie Longley
HR - Cheryl Smith
Marketing - Megan Eischen
Student Affairs - Liz Newland
Institutional Advancement - Lynn Korza
The deadline for submissions is the third Friday of each month.
FINANCE
The budget office has been meeting with each budget manager to gain a better understanding of submitted budget packets. As a reminder, increases requested through the budget packet or during the budget meetings have not been approved (or denied). At this time, we still have a gap that cabinet is brainstorming ways to fill. Any necessary changes will be facilitated and communicated by the Vice President of each division.
As a reminder, the fiscal year ends on 6/30. Please have all expense requests and invoices for any services rendered to the Business Office no later than 7/8.
So that you may issue purchase orders for FY23, temporary funding will be added to your FY23 budget. When the budget is finalized, it will be updated. If you have purchase orders that exceed the level of funding provided, please reach out Jeannean Terlik - terlikj@elms.edu.
HAITI NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMENCEMENT
The partnership between Elms College and the Episcopalian University of Haiti, FSIL, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation reached a milestone on Saturday, May 28 with the graduation of their first two cohorts. Plagued by COVID, natural disasters, and civil unrest, these remarkable nurse educators put forth the effort needed to complete this certificate program at the baccalaureate and master's levels. Their unwavering focus and commitment to nursing and the improvement of healthcare in Haiti resulted in both personal and professional growth. Students from both the first and second cohorts from this program gathered in Cap-Haitien for the ceremony. They were extremely thankful to the faculty of the Elms College School of Nursing who conceived and delivered the program. You may view the graduation ceremony by CLICKING HERE.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 29-31, 2022 The Elms will be hosting the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Devine
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Andrew Mercado, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry presented on a panel at the Latine & Catholic: Charisms and the Future of the Church Pre-Conference and participated in the Called22 hosted in San Antonio, Texas Conference for Catholic Campus Ministers in the U.S.
Andrew Mercado, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, participated in an immersion experience at a migrant shelter in El Paso, Texas. Andrew was exploring future opportunities for Elms students to both serve along the U.S.- Mexico Border and learn more about the humanitarian situation around global migration. Andrew also met with Sister Deirdre Griffin, SSJ, former director of International Programs, while she currently serves in multiple ministries with migrants in El Paso, Texas as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Sr. Deirdre spends much of her time at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center engaging in legal work with asylum seekers.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Members of the Elms Leadership Academy met with Sr. Maxyne Schneider and trustee Nancy MacPherson to learn about leadership in their roles as a Sister of St. Joseph and as a trustee. Members learned more about the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the challenges they faced and overcame to establish the College we all know and love today, as well as some great tips on leading during challenging times. They also spent some time team building at an escape room.
Welcome to new employees:
Sally Lynne Brewster - Financial Aid Counselor
Jillian Perry - Alumni Engagement Specialist in Institutional Advancement
Jeffrey Dupaul - Director of Facilities Management and Operations
Congratulations to employees on their recent title changes:
Jennifer Shoaff - New Title: Interim Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Previous Title: Director of Diversity & Inclusion
Best wishes to departing employees:
Mariann Ingraham - Retirement
Liam Medina - Resignation
REMINDER: New Training Program for Elms College - Training must be completed by August 1, 2022.
All faculty and staff are asked to complete the following online training course(s):
Prevent Discrimination and Harassment: Faculty & Staff
Prevent Sexual Violence Together
To begin training, follow these steps:
Complete the registration form.
Enter your first name, last name, and email address and click Register.
You will receive a welcome email with your username and a temporary password.
Follow the link in the email to sign on.
You will be prompted to:
Enter your temporary password
Create a new password
Create and answer a security question
Once you are logged in, be sure to complete all courses assigned to you.
A history of your completed courses is available in “My Completions.” You will also receive an email containing a link to your completion certificate, upon successful completion of the course.
Need Help?
If you have any issues with sign-in or accessing the courses, or if you did not receive your welcome email, visit the Support Portal at portalhelp.ue.org. Or click any Support Portal link on the site. All other questions should be directed to Brianna Woodard at woodardb@elms.edu.
FACILITIES
Welcome Jeff Dupaul to the Elms team. Jeff will oversee the transition of facilities to an in-house operation. Until further notice, please continue to submit all work orders through our work order system: https://system.netfacilities.com.
The renovation of Rose William kitchenette and lobby renovation is underway. Demolition is complete, and the contractors are working on the renovations necessary to add cooling to the lobby. The project is scheduled to be completed in early August before the students return.
The parking lot and loading dock project behind the Dooley Center is also underway, which provides a safer walking area for students and a safer place for truck deliveries. The new loading dock has been poured and the sidewalks are in process. This project is scheduled for completion in early August.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Berchmans 216 project will not receive as extensive of a renovation as we planned. While the renovation is still planned (most likely next summer) the work this summer will include aesthetic improvements and new furniture.
ATHLETICS
Baseball qualified for the postseason, finishing in fifth. They defeated Lasell University in a play-in game and went on to beat #1 seeded Saint Joseph’s (ME) in the first round of the conference tournament before falling in the semi-finals. Tyler Galenski, and CJ Kuentzel were both named to the GNAC All-Conference 2nd Team. George Chaya was named to the All-Conference 3rd Team. Kuentzel, Chaya and Alex DelCampo were also named to the All-Rookie Team.
Women’s Lacrosse qualified for the postseason, finishing eighth. Taylor Borla was selected to the All-Conference Sportsmanship Team.
Softball narrowly missed the postseason finishing in sixth place in the South Division. Courtney Schwark was named to the All-Rookie Team. Sofie Oliveira was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team and the Blazers were picked for the Team Sportsmanship Award.
Seventy STUDENT athletes were selected to The GNAC All-Conference Academic Team in 2021-2022.
TECH TIPS
Reminder: Be cautious of phishing emails!
Phishing is a type of attack used to try to steal a user's personal data, login information, credit card numbers, etc.
One way hackers attempt this is by sending out emails from a spoofed account. The sender's email is similar to one that the college or another institution you interact with gives out, which means that a person may be more likely to mistake the email and open it without thinking twice. As a reference, Elms College only has emails that end in either: student.elms.edu or elms.edu. For example, if an email was sent from elmscollege@gmail.com, then you know it is not a trustworthy email.
One way to protect yourself from hackers is to look at the email address closely and if you are ever unsure about an email, contact the company directly to check the validity of the email. In addition, never click on any links or attachments that you did not expect to receive. These links or attachments could have malicious software that could be very harmful. Also, do not call any phone number listed within an email you suspect is malicious. The best course of action is to delete the email. If you clicked a link within one of those emails, then changing your password immediately is the best safeguard for your account.
For further questions please do not hesitate to email helpdesk@elms.edu
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Alumni Reunion
We were thrilled to welcome classes ending in 2s and 7s back to campus for Alumni Reunion! Dr. Dumay kicked off the day with a State of the College address and following his presentation, the Class of 1972 - the Jubilee Class, joined the ranks of the Golden Blazers during the induction ceremony and received the traditional Blazer scarf. Congratulations again to the Class of 1972!
During the Presidential luncheon, James Vassar '06 received the 2022 Sr. Margaret James McGrath Distinguished Alumni Award. James is a Lieutenant in the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections in the T.R.U.E. program for youthful offenders at the Cheshire Correctional Institution. Professors Laura McNeil and Damien Murray rounded out the day with an academic session on experiential learning and Daisy Hernandez '17 led a flower arranging workshop for our alumni.
Visit the Elms College Facebook page to see more photos.
Executive Leadership Breakfast
On Friday, June 3, Jay Ash, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, was the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Executive Leadership Breakfast. He presented on: The Public & Private Sectors: one observer’s (mis)takes on (mis)understandings, (mis)trust, & (missed) opportunities. The morning was enjoyed by many business and community leaders in western Mass. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Westfield Bank, Baystate Health, Collins Electric, Mercy Medical Center, Health New England, Eastern States Exposition, Keiter, Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, The O’Connell Companies, The Polish National Credit Union, and Freedom Credit Union.
MARKETING
The Marketing team has created a new billboard campaign, which will soon launch on our billboard on 91. This new campaign has been reviewed by the Marketing team, VPEMM, and the President, and we are excited to share it with you.
ELMS IN THE NEWS:
May 19, 2022: Zip06.com, a website in southeastern CT, published an article that an Elms College student from that area made the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.
May 27, 2022: masslive.com published an article that mentions Elms College is one of three colleges partnering with WellSpring Harvest to have hydroponically grown lettuce in its dining services.
June 3, 2022: westernmassnews.com aired a segment of events taking place on June 3 and one of the events they covered was the Executive Leadership Breakfast.
June 6, 2022: TheDay.com (via leportale.com) published an article that two students from the New London, CT area made the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.
June 7, 2022: The Athol Daily News published an article that three students from the Athol, MA area made the Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester.
June 9, 2022: BusinessWest.com published an article profiling Associate Professor of Accounting Amanda Garcia, who is a finalist for BusinessWest's "40 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award."
June 11, 2022: InDepthNH.org, a website published by the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism, published an article in which the writer mentions that her grandmother and aunts attended Elms College.
PUBLIC SAFETY
New Officer:
Elms Public Safety would like to introduce Public Safety Officer Fred Major who joined the Elms Public Safety Team this year in March. Officer Major brings over 20 years of experience in the field of Corrections. His experiences and communication abilities will contribute to the mission of the Elms.
CCTV Upgrades in 2022:
The Public Safety Department with the support of the Integrated Security Group (ISG contractor) completed the upgrade of all exterior CCTV monitoring equipment in 2022.
Fire Safety Expansion 2022:
Integrated Security Group (ISG contractor) also completed the expansion of Elms 24/7 Fire Safety monitoring of 10 on and off-campus facilities. The monitoring provides early notification to Public Safety of alarm activations and system trouble throughout the campus network. This new monitoring by ISG is secondary to the primary Radio Communications Alarm system that is monitored by the Chicopee Fire Department of on and off-campus facilities.
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