Parent Newsletter

Advising Matters: Thrive in the Hive

In March 2022, the Office of Student Success (OSS) released its Inaugural Parent E-Newsletter. The purpose of this e-newsletter is to connect Hornet families with OSS and bring a greater awareness of Student Success endeavors at Delaware State University. This publication will keep Hornet families up-to-date on the latest efforts at the University in support of student success, with a specific focus on academic advising and student support services.

The content will include important dates and deadlines, tips for student success, answers to frequently asked questions, Hornet Highlights, success stories, and the opportunity to connect with Student Success staff via our email helpline at Thrive [at] desu.edu. We anticipate that this level of engagement with Hornet families will serve as a proactive solution to advisement-related issues or concerns.

Thank you for choosing Delaware State University, where It All Matters, and we hope this is useful to you all!

Editorial Staff

Dr. Danielle L. Archambault | Editor-In-Chief
Mr. Jeffrey Attakorah | Deputy & Copy Editor
Mr. Justin J. Blank | Managing Editor
Ms. Marjorie K. Ramsey | Proofing Editor

Past releases:

View past releases below:

Spring 2025 - Supporting students through various academic resources

In this release, amidst the Spring Semester, which is always a highlight, our students have focused on their coursework with dedication. Faculty and staff continue to support students through various academic resources. Please encourage your student to take full advantage of the available resources and be aware of the key dates during each semester, such as midterms, registration, and finals.

We had the pleasure of highlighting Leah D. Brown, a Sport Management Major from Atlanta, Georgia, for our Hornet Highlight. (pg 6) We also had the pleasure of learning from Mr. Tim Zinzel, one of our Athletic Academic Advisors from our Academic Support for Student Athletes (ASSA) Team. (pg 7) With so much happening on our campus, we had the chance of highlighting a handful under our ‘OSS Milestones, Celebrations, and Kudos’ section (pg 8 - 9). From our IASS Team collaboration with an Advanced Painting Class on a Mural Project to the Super Bowl of Leadership Conference, and many more. We also got a chance to spotlight some of our Library Staff (pg 10) and offered some updates from our Library Services team. (pg 11 - 12). As always, we have updates on our official Directory with updated Academic Directory for current and incoming students, as well as new Advisors for Pre-Education majors. Least not forget, we added an appendix that included Financial Aid Facts Sheets and details on how to apply for Parent Plus Loans. (pg 20-22)

All this and more are included in this release!

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Winter 2024 - Holiday Season Well Wishes, Gratitude, and Reflections

In this release, while the year was coming to an end, this release was filled with gratitude and reflection, while still offering the readers resources and an introduction to new and old tools and opportunities they may not be privy to or know existed. At the same time, highlighting various staff and students.

Readers can dive into ‘Mindfulness Practice for College Students’ in the Associate Vice President (AVP) Corner (pg. 2). Alongside those articles, the release highlights and DSU Professional Readiness Opportunities (P.R.O) (pg. 2-3).to let students know about these opportunities they can take on while exploring their career choices. We also discussed the Center for Disability Resources finding a new home on campus and gave them a Financial checklist to make sure students are good to return in the spring semester (pg. 4).

We also highlight Ke’Ajah Holman, a sophomore, Marketing Major with an Accounting Interest as well as Dr. Shonda L. Poe, our Executive Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning and Honors (URELAH) in our Hornet Highlight (pg. 5) and Learning from the Leaders (pg. 6) sections, respectively.

Additionally, we spotlighted Honors Alumnus, Jelani Bryant on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) (pg. 7), as well as OSS Spotlight which covers Conferences the OSS staff attended. Our Library Services Corner covered articles on their ‘Into Light’ exhibit and to let readers know about their newly updated website (pg. 12). Lastly, as always, we’ve included updated directories (pg. 14-19), and we added an appendix that included Financial Aid Facts Sheets and details on how to apply for Parent Plus Loans. (pg. 20-22)

All this and more are included in this release!

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Fall 2024 - Welcoming our new Associate Vice President (AVP) of Student Success.

In this release, we welcome our new Associate Vice President, Dr. Danielle L. Archambault, Ed.D., ACUE. We check in with our OSS staff for summer updates, share some tips from our advising teams, and introduce the Associate Vice President (AVP) Corner to the newsletter.

Readers can dive into articles in the Associate Vice President (AVP) Corner (pg. 2-3), which features content on prepping for midterms, including Managing Major Exam Madness, and introduces Theodore “Teddy” Majors to Hornet Nation. We also highlight Dr. Laxmi Pathak, Assistant Director of the Writing Studio | Integrated Academic Support Services, and Julia Kneba, a junior in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising [Textiles & Apparel Studies], in our Learning from the Leaders (pg. 6) and Hornet Highlight (pg. 7) sections, respectively.

Additionally, we spotlight our Athletic Advising Team and welcome a few staff changes (pg. 8). Our Library Services Corner has expanded with [Library Services is] More Than Books!, providing updates on recent projects undertaken by the Library Services team. As always, we’ve included updated directories (pg. 15-20), which now feature Advising Directories for students who may not know their advisors and their contact information.

All this and more are included in this release!

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Spring 2024 - In the semester’s final days, our Hornets were hard at work

In this release, after an eventful semester, we wanted to acknowledge the busy end of the semester while sharing some awesome highlights within the Office.

Also, there have been some changes in staffing which he highlighted hence the newest team updates.

Readers also can dive into articles in our new section titled ‘Learning From The Leaders’ where we highlighted Dr. Tiffany Alexander, Coordinator of Student Transition here at OSS (pg. 2). We have also included celebratory articles about The Office of Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning and Honors Program (URELAH) $5000 scholarship Recipients (pg. 2), Recognition of our Academic Services for Student Athletes team as they are recognized as for their Great Customer Service in March (pg. 4), End of Year Celebrations & Recognition for our Paraprofessional Students (pg. 5), as well as our OSS Doctoral Graduates in our Staff Spotlight section (pg. 3). Last but not least, we highlighted Lauren Smith, a Senior, Natural Resources Major with a concentration in Environmental Science in our Hornet Highlight section (pg. 3), added updates from our Library Services (pg. 6) and important Dates (pg. 7 - 8) and Directory (pg. 9 - 10) for your request.

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Fall 2023 - Memorable and, at times, challenging year.

As we approach the end of the semester and eagerly anticipate the rest and respite of winter break, the Office of Student Success acknowledges and celebrates your dedication to supporting and guiding our scholars throughout the semester. It has been such a joy traveling together through this memorable and, at times, challenging year. We cannot thank you enough for your constant support of your students. We cannot be successful without you cheering them on, believing in them, and serving as advocates.

Additionally, we acknowledge the critical role our administration, faculty, and staff play in ensuring and providing high-quality instruction in a safe and nurturing environment, where our scholars can learn and thrive as they navigate their educational journey to becoming career-ready. This reflects a vibrant DSU community that is deeply committed to student success.

Readers also can dive into articles on “End of Semester Reminders” (pg. ), and ”Counseling Services and Information” (pg. 3) as well as view Important dates for our Winter and Spring academic Sessions. In the Hornet Highlight section (pg. 5), Celine Trombi - Sophomore, Hospitality, and Tourism Management Major was highlighted. We also dive into Staff Highlights as well as OSS Staff and Advisor changes (pg. 8). And we highlight our “Honors Induction & Graduation Ceremony” (pg. 9) and our IASS Tutors during their “Tutors Appreciation Week” (pg. 10). All that and more can be lead about in this release of the News Letter

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Summer 2023 - Just Like That, Summer is Almost Gone

Just like that, summer is almost gone. Another successful academic year has come and gone. Congratulations to our Hornet families. We celebrate our parents, caregivers, and families with graduating scholars. Bravo on a job WELL DONE. Your scholars’ success is a testament to your commitment and unwavering support; THANK YOU. Kudos also to our continuing scholars for completing the academic year. Our students continue to make us proud as they excel in academics, athletics, and other co-curricular activities.

The ADVISING MATTERS quarterly parent newsletter for family members of undergraduate students provides brief updates and curated content about the DSU - OSS experience. Each issue features campus resources relevant to upcoming events and deadlines. We have highlighted topics such as Gearing up for Fall 2023 (pg. 2), Exploring OSS Diversity (pg. 4), Student Employment Opportunities (pg. 10), the Academic Standing Appeal Process (pg. 2), Spring 2023 President & Dean’s List recipients(pg. 11), Hornet Highlight (pg. 6), Staff Accomplishments (pg. 8), Academic Advisor Directory (pg. 21), and Essential Dates and Deadlines (pg. 20) to keep you abreast of upcoming activities.

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Spring 2023 - Welcome to [the second half of the] Spring 2023

Welcome to the second half of the Spring 2023 academic term

The ADVISING MATTERS quarterly parent newsletter provides brief updates and curated content about the DSU-OSS experience. Each issue features campus resources relevant to family members and upcoming campus events and deadlines.

In this edition, we’ve highlighted our Office of Financial Aid (pg. 5), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal process (pg. 6), campus security and safety (pg. 17), Fall 2022 President & Dean’s List recipients (pg. 9), Hornet Highlight (pg. 4), OSS Staff accomplishments (pg. 9), academic advisor directory (pg. 21), tidbits on gearing up for the Summer and Fall 2023 advisement and registration period (pg. 2), and important dates and deadlines (pg. 20).

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Winter 2022 - Let the holidays begin!

Winter 2022 - Let the [2022] holidays begin!

In this edition, we’ve highlighted our Office of Integrated Academic Support Services (IASS) (pg. 3), Deans and Chairpersons (pg. 4 - 5), Ms. Bella Whitney as our Hornet Highlight (pg. 3), end-of-semester reminders (pg. 6), and more to help you prepare for the Spring 2023 semester or Winter 2022 semester if our students choose to pursue that option.

Readers also can dive into articles on “Money Matters” (pg. 9), which we will help students get financially cleared for the upcoming semester. Also read about ”Catch up or Spring Ahead? Try Winter Session” (pg. 8), an article for our students that want to catch up or spring ahead in their courses, as well as view dates and times for the Spring 2023 semester. In the Hornet Highlight section (pg. 3), Ms. Bella Whitney, a Rising Senior who majors in Middle Childhood Education was highlighted as she discussed how she represents the University in many forms.

Lastly, we re-released some of our previous articles on our 2022 Hornet Student GPS and DSU Hubb (pg. 11), and some Frequently Asked Questions for our Parents/Families (pg. 10).

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Fall 2022 - Welcome to the 2022-2023 Year

Fall 2022 - welcome back Release

In this release, the Office of Student Success (OSS) welcomed its students as we presented and introduced to its readers some new innovations and changes taking place on campus since our last update, as well as information and tips on how our family and stakeholders can have a successful time and journey here at DSU.

Articles on new innovations like “OSS Launches EAB’s Navigate” (pg. 2), ”DSU Launches A One Stop Shop App: DSU HUB” (pg. 4), and the “Hornet Student GPS” (pg. 7) are included in this reading. Also included are reads on tools of success such as “Best Practices - Parent Edition” (pg. 5), ”Tips For Students” (pg 5 - 7), and a FAQ section dedicated to our Parents and Families on page 8.

We also highlighted Ms. Ondrea Murphy of our Library Services under our Director’s Corner (pg. 3) and Ms. Kayla Eason, a First Year Kinesiology major for our Hornet Highlight (pg. 3 - 4). All this, as well as an updated Directory for our Advisors (pg. 9) and our Programs & Services (pg. 10), can be found in this reading.

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Spring 2022 - The Inaugural Edition

Spring 2022 - The Inaugural edition

In this release, the Office of Student Success (OSS) gave an overview of its department but gave the readers an inside look into its Mission and Framework (pg. 1), how the department is organized, as well as its Advisement Cycle (pg. 2). Readers also got a look into their Advisement Leadership Team (pg. 3), Program Directors & Coordinators, and introduced us to their newest employee and staff (pg. 4).

Readers also can dive into articles on “Managing Academic Difficulties” (pg. 3), and ”The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)” (pg. 2) as well as view dates and times for the Spring 2022 Virtual Pre-registration Workshops and Mobile Advisor. In the Hornet Highlight section (pg. 2), Ms. Timara Fortt - Senior, Criminal Justice major was highlighted as she discussed why she became a Peer Academic Coach.

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OSS SUCCESS STORIES

Thrive [at] desu.edu (subject: OSS%20Success%20Story%20Submission) ( Success Stories Graphic )Please share! Your newsletter comments and feedback are welcome and encouraged.
Share your inspirational stories and DSU successes with us!
Please send information to Thrive [at] desu.edu.

CONTACTS AND MORE INFORMATION:

Email: Thrive [at] desu.edu | Phone: 302.857.7527 | OSS Brochure

Last Updated: January 2025