Admissions at Valpo

Derulo and Songfest!

2010-04-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

JASON DERULO IS COMING TO VALPO THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone is getting so excited and pumped for the upcoming Jason Derulo concert this Friday at 9pm in the Harre Union Ballroom. I unfortunately did not buy a ticket so I'm jealous of my assistant, but she promised to take lots of pictures for me! :)

This past Sunday a competition between the Greek Chapters on campus took place in the Chapel. Songfest is a competition where sororities compete with other sororities, and fraternities compete with other fraternities, for the best performance. This year, Kappa Delta won best choreography and 1st place among the women, and Phi Kappa Psi won most crowd-pleasing and 1st place among the men. Below are the links for both. Enjoy, because they're VERY entertaining!!!

Kappa Delta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5XgZTSPBsA

Phi Kappa Psi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAlmi-_XYAU

That's all for now!

~Jenn

5th graders at Valpo!

2010-04-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday, a class of 5th graders came to Valpo. Ms. Josie Werhowatz, a former admissions counselor at VU, is currently the guidance counselor for Longfellow Elementary in Gary, IN. Once a year, she brings the current 5th grade class to Valpo where the kids enjoy a campus tour, a student life panel (given by Caroline, Micah and Jake this year), have a sack lunch outside, and then head back to school. Below, you can see a picture of their journey as well as how eager and interested they were to learn about college for a VU student's standpoint. We hope their experience was a good one!

My Walk Around Campus/ "Valpo in April"

2010-04-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Jail on top of Neils?

2010-04-15T07:11:00.001-07:00

This week has been a crazy week for Phi Kappa Psi (one of the 9 fraternities on campus). This is the week of Phi Psi 500, a philanthropy event benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of America. All week (Monday through Friday) from 8am to 5pm, sororities are chasing the Phi Psi boys trying to tag them. Freshman Phi Psis are worth 5 points, Sophomores - 10 points, Juniors - 15 points, Seniors - 20 points, and the 2 Phi Psis of the Day (they switch each day)are worth 100 points. The sororities are competing against each other to win the most points. Also, if the Phi Psis get tagged, they either have to go to their "jail" (constructed out of 2x4s) or pay a dollar. Each night there is also an event. 1st place gets 300 points, Second 200, and 3rd 100 points. Last night's event was tug-of-war, and tonight's is a date auction. This morning, when walking outside, I noticed the Phi Psi jail was missing. Last year that happened as well, and it was found located on top of the VU Center for the Arts (VUCA), this year it was on top of Neils Science Center though, and the campus police were trying to figure out how to get it down. I'm wondering how it even got up their in the first place, seeing as the jail is not light. Getting it down is tough, but getting it up their is worse. Good luck girls on tagging and tackling more Phi Psis!

~Jenn

Valpo through the eyes of my student aid

2010-04-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Brenna Roy

Me (Jenn): So tell us a little bit about yourself.
Brenna: Alright. I'm a sophomore Public Relations major and Vocal Music minor. I'm involved in Chorale, J-Board, and Greek Life. Oh, and I also have an internship in the VU Career Center as well as working as a tour guide/Ambassador in Admissions (AIA) as well as an Office Assistant in the Admissions Office!
Me: Can you share a fun fact about yourself or something you are really looking forward to?
Brenna: When I was 15 I studied abroad for a month in Kumamoto, Japan, and for some reason while I was over there I became obsessed (for lack of a better word) with pineapples. I love the taste, shape, everything about them! When I graduated high school, my brother got me pillows shaped like pineapples! They're in my dorm room right now! As for something I'm really looking forward to...I'm studying abroad in Reutlingen, Germany this coming fall semester! I'm really excited about traveling everywhere, seeing new places, trying new things, and meeting people.
Me: That sounds exciting! What do you like most about Valpo?
Brenna: I love the layout, atmosphere, and people. I like being able to walk to class and see the green lawns, trees, and flowers planted everywhere! There's something about Valpo's atmosphere that's like no where else. It's rather hard to explain, but there's just so much to take in and all of the facilities are fabulous! My absolute favorite thing about Valpo would have to be the people. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, here is so friendly. I can't walk through the Union for a minute without passing at least five people I know. It's fabulous!
Me: So you give tours here. What's one of your favorite places to show the prospective students?
Brenna: I love showing the Chapel. It's still awe inspiring to me and I've been here two years already!
Me: Is there something you would like any students looking at Valpo to know?
Brenna: Well, I do have a couple of things I always like to say when I'm giving a tour. The first is that Valpo is not so big that you get lost in the crowd, but not so small that you know everyone and their business too. It's the perfect size! Also, this is something my parents told me when I was looking at schools but it's great advice, make sure you can see yourself at the school. That will determine if it really is a good fit for you. Finally, I make sure to tell students that getting involved on campus is not a problem, so grasp the opportunities available to you!
Me: So what does a typical day look like for you?
Brenna: Haha! Well it really depends on what day. I work every day in the morning, but I find it's a great way to wake up. I'm really lucky that I love my jobs so much! Then lunch, two or three classes depending on what day it is, Chorale, dinner, and then time to do homework, go out with some of my friends or sisters, or just relax in my room.
Me: What do you do on weekends?
Brenna: It varies per weekend. My friends and I will get together to play volleyball, go see a movie or watch a movie in one of our rooms, go bowling, once we went into Chicago and that was a ton of fun! There are sometimes philanthropic dance parties which are a blast to go to! There are lots of things to do and my weekends are always changing!
Me: Great! Well thanks so much for your time, Brenna!
Brenna: Haha! It's no problem. My pleasure, actually!
Me: Thanks for reading! Remember, feel free to email me if you have any questions! Or even a question for Brenna too! Jennifer.Smolnicky@valpo.edu

~Jenn

Happy April Fools Day, and Easter!

2010-04-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hello again! The weather just keeps getting more and more beautiful! The daffodils are in full bloom. Yesterday it was 75 degrees on campus and everyone was walking around in shorts and t-shirts. Many students were out playing frisbee and catch, or just enjoying the sun. I also know that many have plans to go to the beach.

The students don't have class tomorrow (on Good Friday)and we get a day off! Woo! This is the one weekend a year where many students do go home, to spend time with their family for Easter. For the students who are staying, they will be enjoying the fabulous weather, and also the services at the Chapel of the Resurrection this Holy Week are amazing!

On another note, Happy April Fools Day! We promise that anyone contacted or who contacts us today, or is on campus will receive 100% credible information and that we won't trick you in any way, shape, or form! Did you know that the main reason for April Fools Day (or All Fools' Day) is to embarrass the gullible? Haha! Those kind of jokes do happen all year round though.

Have a great weekend!

~Jenn

2010-03-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it is starting to warm up here! It is still rather deceivingly chilly, but with the sun shining and the flowers starting to bloom Valpo is beginning to look SO beautiful again now that it's spring! It is hard to believe that it is already the end of March. The students only have one more full month and half of May left. The Seniors are either really excited and looking forward to graduation or sad about leaving Valpo and all the friendships they have made here.

Lots of changes and fun things are happening around campus. We just found out that Jason Derulo will be coming to Valpo on April 30th! Also, there is a fundraiser going on called "President for a Day" where students can buy tickets and hope theirs gets drawn, because if it does, they switch places with President Heckler. So, the student becomes President of the university for a day, and President Heckler has to attend all of that student's classes and such. I know that if I was a student, I would be buy quite a few tickets!

Another amazing thing is that Valparaiso University students and faculty have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in community service and efforts to improve lives and solve social problems locally, across the nation and around the world. Valpo recently was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement, for the third time in four years.

Once again, feel free to contact me!

~Jenn

And We're Bach!

2010-03-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hooray! The students are finally back at Valpo! It was rather quiet without them here. Things are kicking back into gear again. Classes resumed yesterday and people are digging right back into work.

Over the student's spring break, Valpo hosted its first annual college fair! Over 1000 students and parents showed up, and 95 colleges and universities were present! It was quite the success, and I'm very pleased with how it went. Also, a lot of the other admissions counselors here have been hosting their prospective student receptions and those have been going great as well!

Coming up on Saturday, the Chorale and Bach Choir (forming the Bach Institute) will be performing the St. Matthew Passion under the director Hermann Max (guest conductor from Germany)! For more information go to: http://www.valpo.edu/bach/schedule/index.php. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for senior citizens/non-VU students, and free for VU students, faculty, and staff. Please contact the VU Box Office at 219-464-5162 or visit www.valpo.edu/vuca/ticket.php if you're interested in buying tickets! It will be a fantastic performance!

Well...that's all for now. I hope all is well with you! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jennifer.smolnicky@valpo.edu ! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

~Jenn

The Week Before Spring Break...

2010-02-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

So, it's the week before Spring Break for the students. They're very hyped up for their 2 weeks of rest and relaxation.

For students involved in the music program, their first week of Spring Break is spent touring. This year, our Kantorei is headed to Georgia, and the Carolina's, and Chorale is touring around Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.

The men's Basketball team is getting ready for the biggest game of the season on Friday (March 26th) at Valpo against Butler University. Even though Friday is when Spring Break starts, most students are planning on staying to watch the game that will be on ESPNU. The student section is always a sea of spirited Brown & Gold fans cheering on the Crusadors for one of the top spots in the conference tournament. Remember, we have Division 1 sports!

In other news, our Engineering building is being expanded upon. It's going to be a United States "Green" building, with the highest green standard possible.

I hope all is well for you!

~Jenn

quick reminders, and update on campus life

2010-02-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

Really quickly, I wanted to remind you that the FAFSA is due March 1oth but we recommend March 1st, so get it in if you already haven't! Here's the link: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Also, submit your housing/enrollment form (http://www.valpo.edu/admissions/admitted/index.php) as soon as you can!

As far as fun stuff on campus goes, there is a lot happening! This Saturday the 30th annual World Banquet is being held in the Harre Union Ballrooms. The food is native to all different countries, and our international students will be performing some native dances, music, and skits. You can learn more about the World Banquet at: http://www.valpo.edu/news/news.php?releaseId=4304.

Also, students are getting ready for their 2 week Spring Break (February 27th-March 14th). Right after Spring Break (on March 20th) the Valparaiso Chorale and Bach Choir will be performing the St. Matthew Passion in the Chapel of the Resurrection on campus (http://www.valpo.edu/news/news.php?releaseId=4334).

I hope all is well with you! If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jennifer.smolnicky@valpo.edu ! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Jennifer

2010-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while since I've done this. I've been very busy with going over applications and meeting with students coming to visit. Campus has been very busy this week, and will continue to be so for quite a while. The Career & Internship Fair took place this Wednesday (February 10th) and had over 40 different businesses and organizations attend who were looking for students to hire for internships and jobs. The VU Dance Ensemble will be performing jazz, ballet, modern and tap dance during its annual spring performances Feb. 12-14 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Their dances were choreographed by students and faculty alike.
The Social Action Leadership Team (SALT), along with the Valparaiso International Student Association, students of the Law School and other on campus organizations are leading a campus-wide effort called “Valpo has a Heart for Haiti” to raise funds for victims of the recent earthquake. Their goal is to raise $15,000 by Spring Break (February 26th). A monetary donation can be made at the following website: https://www.valpo.edu/haitirelief/. Of the money raised, 80 percent will be sent to Lutheran World Relief and the Red Cross. The remaining 20 percent will go to micro-philanthropic, grassroots efforts focused on relief.
Also, Owl City is performing tonight (Thursday, February 11th) in the Harre Union Ballrooms. The concert is sold out, and students have been looking forward to this all year.

Classes Start today!

2009-01-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

Today is the 1st day of the new school term here at Valpo - welcome Spring 2009! While it doesn't seem like Spring yet (there is snow on the ground) things have "sprouted" over the holiday season and the air has a buzz about it.

The new Harre Union (yes, pronounced hairy...ha ha that will never get old) opened on Monday for returning students and boy is it perty! Centralized dining and mailboxes are key features and they are staying quite busy! Even the bookstore looks more polished and of course, the offices that moved have gotten a serious upgrade in their looks as well....finally they have entered the modern age.

As a new student at Valpo, you will come to see that while the buildings are new, the sense of community and academics has not changed. I challenge you to come visit and not fall in love with our campus and all of our opportunities.

As always, if you need anything, you know where to find me in Kretzmann! Good luck in your studies this semester and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Jennifer

Where has the time gone?

2008-10-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

All,

As you can see, it has been over a month since I have written so we have some things to catch up on. The campus has been busy with our new President's Inaguration - that was truly a once in a lifetime event to witness and kudos to those who planned the reception - I especially enjoyed the German band that played and the root beer :) Students are preparing to head home for Fall Break or just prepare for mid-terms...good luck if you are taking some right now yourself!

Currently, I am in the process of working to get all of you Spring start (January) students ready to enroll. If you haven't already filled out your Housing/Enrollment form, now is the time to do it!

Spring Orientation is Monday, January 5th - classes start on Wed the 7th....

For those of you that will be starting next fall, please know that we are working hard to get those decisions out to you ASAP...don't forget that priority deadlilne for academic scholarship is Nov 1 - that's a week from tomorrow!

As always, if you have any questions, please email me at jennifer.smolnicky@valpo.edu

Can't wait to meet you on campus!

Guest of the week: Zanele

2008-09-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to showcase Valpo to you, I have decided to ask current international and transfer students to "guest" on my blog. My hope is that their stories and experiences will help you decide if Valpo is the fit for you!

My first guest blogger is Zanele who is our full tuition transfer scholarship awardee for Fall 2008. Zanele is an impressive student and I am sure if you get to know Zanele, you will quickly see why she was given this tremendous award! And now, I offer you Zanele:

About Me
I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. I have been in the United States for a little over five years, and lived in Indiana the whole time. I just graduated from Ivy Tech Community College this past May with an Associate degree in Computer Information System-Database Administration, and now my major is Computer Science and Mathematics. I enjoy volunteering, helping others especially those who are less fortunate. I am very excited and looking forward to my years at Valpo!

My first two weeks at Valparaiso University have been overwhelming with enthusiastic students and helpful faculty. Ever since I got here, I have never felt out of place or as if I did not belong.

I love all my classes because I have a good communication link with my professors. They take time to help and to get to know me. The professors’ also have after-hours sessions and assistant teachers for us to ask questions or furthermore explain what they taught.

There are a variety of student organizations to get engaged and to be connected with, in the university. I would like to admit that I have a few in my list and some of them include the international student organization, the student senator, Ballroom dance and the worship team. At the moment I have not joined any of them because I am still becoming acquainted with the campus buildings and the locations of everything. I have met new friends from Macedonia, China, Mexico, Liberia, Ukraine, Chicago, and many more from other countries.

There is always something for everyone to do such as volunteering, sports, special lectures, panels, speeches, plays and/or concerts, bible classes, and also ballroom dancing which is one of my favoriteJ

I am very proud to be a Valparaiso University Student!

Are you on facebook?

2008-09-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

Did you have trouble waking up this morning? I sure did; the change in the weather really makes me want to curl up in front of a fire and just relax! I think I am getting my first cold of the season (yah!)...I can't seem to get warm...

I want to hear from you - what is the first thing you did this morning at school to get ready for the week? I will share with you what I did - walked around the office asking all the staff what they did this weekend :) I got to witness the creativity of our counselors as a couple of them turned the furniture around in Nikki's office - watch out, I am sure she will get you back! :)

Now that I am caught up on everyone's social life, I am making some headway on a list of perspective international student names...and getting ready to start a facebook group for those of you who are interested - it is Wanted: more international students at Valpo!

For those of you that are transfer students - don't worry - I have not forgotten about you - your new group is I am transferring to Valpo! I look forward to hearing from you all anytime!

Later....

In the beginning...

2008-09-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hello from Valpo!

My name is Jennifer Smolnicky and I work with all of the transfer and international students here in Admissions. One of our counselors (okay, her name is Megan and she always has great, new ideas) suggested that we try this blogging concept as another way to stay in touch with you all. This has the potential to be great but only if you read it and comment!

Here's my promise to you - I will write at least once a week and give you an idea of what is going on here in the office, where I am traveling (mostly local, but a trip to China is planned for October) and more importantly, give you further reasons to consider attending Valpo.

So, stay tuned as I learn to do this (you should probably know that I am a bit challenged with new technologies, I just got a cell phone 2 years ago :) and I hope to hear from you or meet you soon on campus!

Until then...

Jennifer