“The great gift The College of New Rochelle gives its students is one-on-one attention. This positive and supportive attention is something students would never receive at most colleges or universities in America.” Rosann Santos-Elliott Director of Student Development The College of New Rochelle

Tell us a little about yourself, Rosann?

What is your position here at The College of New Rochelle?

I am starting my fourth year here at the College in the Student Development and Program Office.

What are your responsibilities?

I am responsible for residence life, orientation, commuter life and student activities. My office has also taken an active role in developing the First Year Experience for freshmen in the residence halls, and we are working to do the same for commuters. Student Development, on many levels, is partially responsible for the education of students outside the classroom. We create programs and activities that focus on their social and emotional health and development as well as managing the judicial process within the residential population.

What are some of the advantages for students going to CNR?

The great gift The College of New Rochelle gives its students is one-on-one attention. This positive and supportive attention is something students would never receive at most colleges or universities in America.

What are some of your programs for the undergraduates?

My office sponsors a variety of student programs. We have recently implemented a First Year Experience Program in the residence halls where all freshmen live with their cohort in either Brescia, Maura or Ursula Halls. It allows for freshman-specific programming that will help them better adjust to college life. In addition, Student Development, in partnership with Campus Ministry, sponsors LEEP, the Leadership Empowerment and Education Program to provide student leaders on campus with the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Student Development also hosts trips off campus and helps students within the Student Government Association with their programming on campus.

What are the main questions (or concerns) that students have when they come to apply to CNR?

Their greatest concern with regard to our office revolves around the quality of life issues on campus. What do the residence hall rooms look like? What if I don’t like my new roommate? What is there to do on campus? Is campus safe? Is New Rochelle safe? Will I ever be able to meet boys?

In what ways do you help students adjust to CNR?

Everything that Student Development does is mission-driven and student-centered. By providing students with programs and leadership development, we give them the tools to cope with and adjust to college life, while still having fun. My staff lives on campus and is available to students 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. We work closely with the other departments within the Division of Student Services to ensure that students can always access the necessary resources both on and off campus. From the time they attend Orientation in the summer to the final weeks of their senior year, CNR students are receiving guidance, mentoring and positive feedback from our office.

What do you like best about your job?

I would say it is the constant interaction with students. My office is always busy helping students. My staff and I wear so many hats. I am also in a unique position where I have the privilege of interacting and collaborating with colleagues across the campus.  While there are always challenges to be faced, Student Development always finds a way to make even the most demanding of requests positive for students and for ourselves. We are always looking for teachable moments. I have the greatest staff. They are available, flexible, open minded and forward thinking, while never losing sight of the everyday duties and deadlines.