“Every time a student graduates a part of me graduates with them. That’s a wonderful feeling.” Delphine Hill-Smith                            Assistant to the Director John Cardinal O’Connor Campus School of New Resources The College of New Rochelle

Tell us a little about yourself, Delphine.

I have been living in the Bronx all of my adult life, although I was born in Charleston, South Carolina. I graduated from The College of New Rochelle’s School of New Resources, John Cardinal O’Connor (JOC) campus in 1998 and the College’s Graduate School in 2005.

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

I have been working at the John Cardinal O’Connor campus for nearly 13 years. I am currently the Assistant to the Director with a strong concentration on admissions.

Why is the SNR Model good for the adult learner?

The College of New Rochelle School of New Resources' model is tailored to meet the needs and unique situations of the adult learner. We offer flexible class schedules, allowing students to take six-credit seminars in mornings, evenings, and/or weekends. In addition, we make available a prior learning portfolio process that permits students to pursue up to 30 credits for life experience.

We also include in our curricular process, independent studies, computerized video streaming courses and self-directed learning opportunities. The students, by participating in these accelerated processes, are able to complete their baccalaureate degree well within the four year standard and comprehend their life experiences as learning modules that can be expressed in an academic forum.

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

JOC recognizes that students can be educated in many ways. One of the things that makes JOC unique is that students are able to leave with amazing learning and leadership experiences, both from inside and outside the classroom.  It is especially gratifying to see the transformation of our students from admission to graduation.

What are some of the questions that students ask you when they think about attending the School of New Resources?

I guess there are five questions that I hear most often: Can I receive credits for life experience? Do you have morning and evening classes? What will happen if I don’t pass the entry placement exam? What can I do with a liberal arts degree? Do you provide child care services? And, of course, every year some new students comes up with a brand new question. Answering all of these questions, and more, is what keeps me on my toes.

In what ways do you help students adjust to college and life at CNR?

I offer support to adult students to relieve the inevitable stress and anxiety that comes with the difficult task of balancing college, career and family responsibilities. Accurate information, patience and tolerance, greatly reduce student stress and anxiety. Returning to school is a life changing experience. We must be committed to providing supportive assistance during the initial transition, as well as working with the students throughout their college career and see them graduate. Every time a student graduates a part of me graduates with them. That’s a wonderful feeling.

What are some of your responsibilities as the Director’s Assistant?

As the Assistant to the Director, I wear many hats. I provide assistance as requested in maintaining the day-to-day operations of the campus facility, including, but not limited to: interviewing prospective students, participating in on-campus and off-campus recruitment events and education fairs. Another primary responsibility is the coordination of the registration process for the campus. This includes the oversight of the processing of add/drops, running active student lists and related reports and rectifying student registration.  It is also my responsibility to work closely with staff assistants in the areas of immunization and attendance monitoring. I assist the director in the preparation of the schedule of classes and classroom assignments. In conjunction with the assistant director, I assist the director in assuring the smooth operation of the campus. I really like to think of myself as the Director, Dr. King’s, right hand.

What do you like best about your job?

My job provides me the opportunity to work with our students and watch them grow academically, and be involved with their transition from being reactive to being proactive. I relish the fact that I am able to earn a living and give back to my community at the same time. It’s a great career!