Macaulay Parents: Behind the Scenes

The latest content provided by Dynamic Vision Media NYC to Macaulay Honors College:

Joseph Ugoretz Associate Dean of Teaching, Learning and Technology

Of all the resources that become available to a  scholar entering Macaulay Honors College,

the most important are not the databases, libraries, lounges or lecture halls, but the people.  The professors, students, administrators and staff who come into a young person’s life are the most influential part of the college experience.  Together, the student body makes new connections that spark ideas that will form lasting impressions and lifelong connections that will elevate the individual into a higher state of ability and creativity.

One of the inspirational figures that come into a young collegian’s life is Joseph Ugoretz, Associate Dean of Teaching, Learning and Technology at Macaulay.  Students first encounter Ugoretz at the three-day orientation program.  Not only will he meet  many incoming freshmen in person, but he also coordinates the Tech Day portion of orientation, where students receive their free laptops.

Utilizing Macaulay’s team of Instructional Technology Fellows (ITFs), Ugoretz oversees Tech Day workshops where students learn to use their new laptops, utilize resources through their devices, open their Macaulay e-mail accounts and e-portfolios, and develop their own digital identities. “The Instructional Technology Fellows are a critical ingredient allowing our students and faculty to push the boundaries of innovation in teaching and learning with technology. They focus on instructional goals and learning objectives, choosing the right tools for the right purposes and helping students and professors alike make the best use of those tools.”

The ITFs are a team of 30 doctoral students who report to and work closely with Ugoretz, on all matters related to teaching and tech, such as integrating technology into the curricula, mentoring students on usage, and being available to students with technology issues or multimedia projects.  The ITFs run the Tech Day and other workshops and work closely with new students on a one-to-one basis in understanding and getting the most out of their technology.

The finale of orientation is A Night at the Museum, where newly-inducted Macaulay scholars spend an evening at a museum to discuss the artwork and develop their social media skills in discussing the work.  Students from all Macaulay campuses take over a museum, such as The Brooklyn Museum, to create their first media projects, some of which can be seen on the Media Arts webpage.

Ugoretz also teaches Macaulay Seminar 1, The Arts in New York City, at Brooklyn College, which introduces students to the rich tapestry of  culture in the metropolis.  The students visit museums and visual arts exhibits and attend theater, opera and musicals, developing a greater understanding of the arts by immersing themselves through experience, critique, discussion — ultimately curating their own “Snapshot of New York” multimedia exhibit.

What is Ugoretz’ approach to learning? “When you’re working with honors students,” he says, “the best approach is to let them be active in their education.  We ask them questions and let them be involved in designing the course, developing the connections to other courses and to the world outside the classroom.”

Macaulay Parents Profile: Douglas & Maura Newman, P’17, ’18

Macaulay Parents Profile: Douglas & Maura Newman, P’17, ’18

Parents of William ’17 (City College) and Thomas ’18 (Hunter College)

Douglas, William & Maura Newman, P’17, ’18

Interview by Edward Gregory, P’17 (College of Staten Island)

The Newman family has deep roots in higher education dating back to when Douglas Newman, a student at Columbia University, met Maura Milligan of Barnard College at the Columbia library. Four sons later, they find themselves with two scholars in Macaulay Honors College. William attends Macaulay at City College and younger brother, Thomas, recently accepted Macaulay at Hunter. Upon their recent Dean’s Circle gift of $10,000, the parents reflect on what Macaulay means to their family.

Macaulay: How did you become a Macaulay family?

Douglas: Our son, William, originally applied to Wesleyan. He lasted about nine days and decided it wasn’t for him. He took a year to consider his options while he worked in a bakery in Dobbs Ferry, experimented in electronic music, and ultimately applied to Macaulay.

Maura: William felt that he wanted to be in the city. Macaulay seemed it had the best of both worlds. It’s a small environment within a larger learning environment. He has the personal attention of being in a small school, but with the resources of City College and the whole CUNY system.

Douglas: The experience for him has been good. He’s happy as a clam at Macaulay. He stays in the Towers residence and is close enough to come home when he wants to.

Macaulay: What is William’s favorite class or activities?

Maura: He’s really enjoying Writing for Science. He wasn’t sure he’d enjoy it, but he really likes it.  He’s been working hard and hasn’t had much time for the activities except for skateboarding with friends there.

Macaulay: … and Thomas?

Maura: Thomas has accepted Macaulay at Hunter. He’s going to study liberal arts. He’s creative; he’d like to study film.

Macaulay: What is it like to be a Macaulay parent?

Douglas: We feel lucky to have our son in a place where he is getting a good education. We feel that Macaulay has embraced us.

Macaulay: What is your parenting style?

Maura: With four sons, it’s hard to stay on top of them, so we give broad outlines. We monitor what he’s doing, but we want him to own the experience. We take a light hand with William. And it’s like that with all our children. We expect them to work hard. And if they have issues or if we see something developing we talk about it. We try to be a guiding force.

Macaulay: How do you see your role in Macaulay?

Douglas: We wanted to express our thanks by making a gift to help the college. We respect and appreciate what Macaulay is doing and their clear enthusiasm.

Macaulay: Any other thoughts?

Douglas: Macaulay makes an effort to reach out to the business community for their scholars. These students have a reputation for being inspired, aspirational, and are valued in the work place.  As to William, he’s happy. He feels at home at Macaulay.