Pictured in the right-hand corner of the flyer is QR code to sign up for a spot in the Manhattan University Webinar Series.
@JASPERFAMILIES_MANHATTAN / INSTAGRAM
Laili Shahrestani, Features Editor
Manhattan University has officially released a new webinar series that is designed to inform incoming Jaspers and their families about various student resources available to them. Some of these resources consist of financial aid, career services, on-campus housing, academic support services and how to navigate choosing your major.
The program made its debut on Feb. 6, where individuals were able to tune in virtually to discuss the first topic of the series – financial aid. More meeting dates and future webinars are scheduled to be held within the upcoming months.
Stephen Pugliese, Ph.D, is the vice president of enrollment at MU and served as an important figure in the creation of the new series. He spoke about his motive behind the development of this program, and how he hopes it can benefit incoming students.
“When I took over a position in enrollment management last fall, one of the things that I wanted to do is provide more opportunities for prospective students and their families that will help them in learning about the programs and services that our university has to offer,” Pugliese said. “Looking at the webinar series, it is just another avenue to reach a larger audience, and the topics that we will be discussing, they’re the critical things that help make a student’s decision about whether or not to attend an institution.”
Pugliese’s main goal with the creation of this series was to spread informative messages about the resources MU has to offer, and why individuals should consider enrolling at the university. In addition, Pugliese advocated for the information to be spread through a virtual platform such as a webinar, rather than an in-person event, hoping to cater to a larger audience. Pugliese discussed how MU is hoping to maintain the enrollment trends that are moving outside of the tri-state area, and how an online platform to discuss campus resources can be beneficial to those who reside further away.
“We decided to create a virtual platform because we know that students may not always be able to come to campus, maybe their families can’t or maybe they live somewhere not as close to the university,” Pugliese said.
Michael Mulrooney is the executive director of Jasper Central and a keynote speaker for the first financial aid portion of the webinar, which took place last Thursday. Mulrooney discussed how prospective students can fill out their FAFSA, how scholarships are awarded and a multitude of other resources in relation to financial aid. Within the webinar, Mulrooney mentioned how MU is on the lookout for more talented students who would be deserving of renewable merit and institutional scholarships offered by the university.
“The merit and institutional scholarships we have here range from $12,500 to $35,000 annually,” Mulrooney said. “Again, we are looking for very talented students. We’re looking for great opportunities to be able to help pay for your education and come join us at Manhattan University. Most scholarships are renewable for four years, as long as you stay in good standing and you progress toward graduation.”
The next topic within the webinar series will be regarding student life resources, which will take place on Feb. 13, and cover topics such as the residence halls, dining options, health services, the counseling center, on-campus clubs, athletic events and much more.
According to the event page, this webinar will allow for incoming students and their families to “learn more about life outside of the classroom at Manhattan University.”
Student life is hoping to use the webinar as a space where individuals can easily get informed on what will be accessible to them once enrolled at the university.
On manhattan.edu, student life claims that they are ultimately, “dedicated to delivering an exciting on-campus experience for all Jaspers, residents and commuters alike.”
With several other webinar events scheduled in the near future, faculty and administration are hopeful for the outcomes of this new program. Mulrooney expressed that he is looking forward to the future of the new series, considering that it will allow for a much more efficient way for students to prepare themselves for becoming a new Jasper.
“Whether someone is a transfer or first time student, the goal of this webinar is to prepare them for the next steps that they will need to come and join us at Manhattan,” Mulrooney said. “Again, we want to get as much information in their hands, make the process as easy as possible for them and hopefully, again, answer as many questions as they have before they step on campus, so that they can fully enjoy their experience.”