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Disney Internship a Dream Come True

Zhane Adams is spending the spring semester of her junior year living a lifelong dream. She is participating in the Disney College Program, working at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

“I have always loved Disney, from the movies to the music and, of course, the parks, so I had a dream to be a Disney cast member for a long time. It was the reason I applied to Mitchell College in the first place. The Disney College Program requires at least one completed semester of college, and I had heard amazing things about Mitchell’s Hospitality and Tourism program. The classes set students up to learn about different areas of the hospitality field to find out what does and doesn’t interest them,” Zhane said.

While her quest to experience working for Disney landed her at Mitchell College, her Mitchell coursework has set her up for success as she works in her Disney internship.

“One class that I apply every single day is Quality Service. Especially at Disney, you learn from Day 1 that you are part of a show. Every single cast member, whether on stage or behind the scenes, helps the show go on. Guests come to Disney for the experience and to have some magic brought into their lives. Our motto at Disney is ‘We create happiness!’ I was already familiar with creating experiences for guest because we learned about it in my class – often using Disney as an example because they do it best!”

Zhane typically works 40 hours per week as a houseperson, supporting the housekeeping process and making sure it’s “in tip-top shape to ensure safety to all of our Walt Disney World guests and cast members.” She also works as a runner, doing pick-ups and deliveries of items like towels, cribs and luggage racks for housekeepers and guests. Occasionally she is “deployed,” or assigned to other locations around Walt Disney World to work.

“Deployments can be a challenge and nerve-wracking because you feel like you are starting over again,” she said. “I have been sent out on two deployments so far, but if you go in with an open mind, every deployment is a learning experience and a great opportunity to see more of Disney and the way other resorts run.”

Another challenge for Zhane, who is a commuter student at Mitchell, has been getting used to doing an internship so far from home.

“Connecticut is definitely not in Florida’s backyard, but nobody does hospitality like Disney does, and I knew when I started Mitchell that this is where I wanted to do my internship. I love getting the opportunity to meet and network with new people and gain knowledge in resort life at a beautiful place like the Wilderness Lodge. I have met a lot of great friends at my home resort, and I enjoy going to work.”

“Of course,” she added, “working for Disney comes great employee perks, like getting into the parks for free! So, on days off being able to explore the parks is an amazing opportunity. There are some days I can work in the morning, and as soon as I clock out I can be in the park 30 minutes later. It’s the definition of ‘Work hard, play harder’.”

Zhane said that she has found parallels between some of the Mitchell Abilities that she has practiced in her Mitchell coursework and The Five Keys that Disney cast members follow: Safety, Efficiency, Show, Inclusion and Courtesy.

“Courtesy and Inclusion are the two Disney keys that remind me the most of the Mitchell Abilities. Working for Disney is an endless opportunity to work with people from all over the world of different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, ages and abilities. Problem Solving, Diversity/Global Perspectives and Social Interactions are Mitchell Abilities that I use every day, whether I am interacting with guests, making a plan to answer five runner calls at once or dealing with other last-minute changes in my job.”

Zhane is grateful for the combination of the small class sizes at Mitchell that helped her focus on her goals and the relationships she made with professors and advisors who encouraged her to pursue her internship dream.

“This internship has made clear that I am in the right field and has opened my eyes to how many options there are for a career in hospitality. Mitchell is an amazing stepping stone in a student’s journey to the rest of their life. It’s somewhere you can find your passions, while building professional relationships along with friendships that can last you a lifetime! “

Community Invited to Join Walk for Suicide Prevention

The Mitchell College Mental Health Club is hosting its second annual Out of the Darkness Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on Saturday, April 1, 2023, and invites the community to participate.

Sponsored by the AFSP, the Mitchell College Out of the Darkness Campus Walk 2023 will begin at the Mitchell College Green. Registration starts at 11:30am; the walk begins at 1pm.

Register ahead of time online or on the day of the walk and join an existing team, create your own team or register as an individual. Participation is free, but it is a fundraiser, and the day’s overall goal is $5,000. If you create your own team, you can set your own unique fundraising goal. The funds raised help to support the AFSP.

All are welcome to join us on our campus as we remember loved ones lost to suicide and support suicide prevention. Together we can change the conversation and end the stigma behind suicide and mental health.

“In our Community, Campus and Overnight Walks, those affected by suicide – and those who support them – raise awareness and much-needed funds, strongly sending the message that suicide can be preventable, and that no one is alone.” (afsp.org)

For questions, please contact:
Kayla Vargas-Estevez, Walk Coordinator
Kayla.vargasestevez@my.mitchell.edu

Antaya Lee, Director of Student Engagement and Orientation
Lee_A@mitchell.edu

For more information and to register online, click here.

Building Local Partnerships to Benefit Students, Employers

Mitchell College recently hosted a Community Partner Breakfast that included representatives from 28 organizations in Southeastern Connecticut who joined Mitchell staff and faculty to explore partnerships to provide student learning opportunities and meet employer needs. The organizations represented both current and potential partners in behavioral health, culture and tourism, disability services, education, healthcare, immigration support services, mental health services, and suicide prevention and awareness.

In addition to looking at the value of long- and short-term partnerships as pathways for students to be service learners, interns and potential employees, participants discussed how Mitchell College could provide other resources to help their organizations advance their own missions and also assist in solving local community challenges.

Mitchell College strives to continue to form and strengthen a symbiotic relationship with community partners that can offer students work experience, industry insights, skills development, mentorships and professional contacts, while giving community organizations access to a talent pipeline. Benefiting the local and regional community, these relationships can also lead to higher rates of civic engagement, increased awareness of relevant issues, a healthier community, enhanced reputation and culture and problem solving.

Participating organizations (alpha order):

  • Brian’s Healing Hearts Center for Hope and Healing
  • Caramia Wellness
  • Child & Family Agency
  • Fellowship House
  • Girls on the Run
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • High Hope Therapeutic Riding
  • Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern CT
  • Homeless Hospitality Center
  • Immigration Advocacy Support Center
  • Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
  • Mystic Seaport
  • New England Science & Sailing Foundation
  • New London County Historical Society
  • New London Public Schools
  • Project LEARN
  • Reliance Health
  • Riverfront Children’s Center
  • Safe Futures
  • SARAH, Inc.
  • Salvation Army
  • Sound Community Services
  • The Arc Eastern Connecticut
  • The Light House
  • United Community & Family Services
  • United Way of Southeastern CT
  • Waterford Country School
  • Waterford Public Schools

Mitchell College Undergoes Evaluation for Re-Accreditation

Mitchell College is currently engaged in a re-accreditation process with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), with whom the College has been accredited since 1956. The College was last reviewed in 2013.

NECHE is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NECHE accredits approximately 220 institutions in the six-state New England region as well as several American-style institutions overseas.

Mitchell College recently completed an 18-month self-study, “Building Forward for a Kaleidoscope of Learners,” focused on NECHE’s Standards for Accreditation. Faculty and staff from across the College comprised nine Standard Work Groups (SWGs) that were formed across functional areas to emphasize collaboration, maximize access to campus knowledge and optimize effectiveness.

“Mitchell College’s self-study process has been an opportunity for institutional self-reflection with community engagement, communication and transparency,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Elizabeth A. Beaulieu, Ph.D.

The SWGs compiled materials and led institution-wide engagement around Mitchell College’s accomplishments and goals aligning with NECHE’s Standards:
• Mission and Purposes
• Planning and Evaluation
• Organization and Governance
• The Academic Program
• Students
• Teaching, Learning and Scholarship
• Institutional Resources
• Educational Effectiveness
• Integrity, Transparency and Public Disclosure

As part of the re-accreditation process, an evaluation team will visit Mitchell College April 16-19, 2023 to confirm the accuracy of the self-study. Following their visit, the team will make a recommendation for continuing NECHE accreditation status for the College.

Also part of the process, the public is invited to submit comments to NECHE about the College, addressing substantive matters related to its quality. Submit comments to:

Public Comment on Mitchell College
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880
E-mail: info@neche.org

Comments must be received by April 15, 2023.

Academic Honors Recipients Announced for Fall 2022

Congratulations to the following Mitchell College students named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List (3.50+ GPA) or Commendable Scholar List (3.0-3.49 GPA).

 

Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

1. Must be a matriculated student.
2. Part-time students are eligible for commendable scholar status for every 12 calculable credits completed.
3. Must have a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49 for the given semester (Commendable Scholar) or 3.50 and 4.00 for the given semester (Dean’s List).
4. May not have any Incomplete, Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U), Withdrawal or Failing grades for the given semester.

Dean’s List

Jocelynn Allen | Clinton, CT

Josefina Alvarez | New London, CT

Nicholas Anderson | Madison, CT

David Arbuckle | Gales Ferry, CT

Isabella Avalos | Chino, CA

Sarah Aviles | Griswold, CT

Catherine Ayer | Weston, MA

Cristian Barrales | Bridgeport, CT

Samuel Bellos | Waterford, CT

Jenna Bennett | Shelton, CT

Claire Binfield | Las Vegas, NV

Jenna Blankenship | Virden, IL

Sabrina Bloise | New London, CT

Allison Blum | Garden Grove, CA

Ahmani Browne | Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

Edwin Burnam | New York, NY

Catherine Burnett | Fort Lee, NJ

Erika Byrnes | Wilmington, MA

Aaron Calouro | Westerly, RI

Ryan Camp | Cheshire, CT

Alexander Caramagno | Westfield, NJ

Victoria Carolan | Bernardsville, NJ

Shey Carrion | New London, CT

Andrew Champagne | Pawcatuck, CT

Nolan Clack | Hanson, MA

Jessica Cochran | Waterford, CT

Mya Colon | West Hartford, CT

Kevin Connelly | Scarsdale, NY

Ryan Cooper | Stratford, CT

Tyler Daly | Clinton, CT

Anna Damsky | Lexington, MA

Olivia DeCicco | Haverhill, MA

Robert DelaCruz | Uncasville, CT

Elias Deleon | Cromwell, CT

Olivia DeLoach | Spring Hill, FL

Joseph DeLoria | Ringoes, NJ

Katherine Donahue | Portland, CT

William Dreier | Barrington, RI

Noah Ellis | Londonderry, NH

Sa’Mya Epps | Poughkeepsie, NY

Jacob Faigel | Natick, MA

Matthew Fingal | Port Saint Lucie, FL

Gabriel Fish | Needham Heights, MA

Morgan Frost | Brunswick, ME

Tatyana Gales | Upper Marlboro, MD

Archie Gardner | North Charleston, SC

Jeremy Gibbs | Quaker Hill, CT

Jack Green | Niantic, CT

Sarah Grim | Reisterstown, MD

Nicholas Gyra | Wenham, MA

Abdullah Hadhood | New London, CT

Xavier Haney | Oakdale, CT

John Hayes | New Milford, CT

Robyn Higley | New London, CT

Hailey Hill | Jewett City, CT

Melanie Hintz | Bristol, CT

Daniella Holland | Pearl River, NY

Alyssa Hovey | Tolland, CT

Samuel Jackson | Port Saint Lucie, FL

Noah James | New London, CT

Sevda Kalican | Quaker Hill, CT

Ryan King | Norwich, CT

Sean Kresge | Waterford, CT

Jessica Krupnikoff | Unionville, CT

Grace Kyle | Chevy Chase, MD

Benjamin La Sala | Barrington, RI

Matthew Ladd | Griswold, CT

Angel Ladford | Baltic, CT

Anna Lambert | Lititz, PA

Gemma Landry | Lewiston, ME

Sarah Latch | Hampstead, NH

Justin-Corey Le | Norwich, CT

Julia Lent | Miller Place, NY

Thea Lewis | Hamden, CT

Alessio Liberti | Glen Rock, NJ

Katelyn Lipsky | Plantsville, CT

Allison Loverin | Groton, MA

Kyrsten Lucas | Manchester, MD

Alexis Mangual | Waterford, CT

Michael Marchetti | Waterbury, CT

Anthony Marini | Port Chester, NY

Bridget McHale | Natick, MA

Samantha McKenna | Millbrook, NY

Kayla McKinney | Groton, CT

Ivania Morales | Uncasville, CT

Sarah Morales | Ledyard, CT

Abigail Morris | Groton, CT

Alexander Moubayed | Swansea, MA

Kira Nowell | El Paso, TX

Hannah O’Brien | Riverside, RI

Timothy O’Hayre | Hull, MA

Kilian Okech | Derby, CT

Aliannys Ortiz | Groton, CT

Diamara Pagan | Norwich, CT

Sarah Parker | North Stonington, CT

Jonathan Parra-Tobey | New London, CT

Constantine Pavlou | Closter, NJ

Jennifer Peck | Glastonbury, CT

Hannah Penn | New Fairfield, CT

Robert Perry | Carver, MA

Austin Polak | Ambler, PA

Carly Potts | New London, CT

Thomas Progano | East Hampton, CT

Elisabeth Reid | Bedford, NY

Emily Reynolds | Somers, CT

Collin Rider | Norwich, CT

Cassandra Roman | New London, CT

Breana Rudolph | Glendale, AZ

Aicha Santos | New London, CT

Yasmine Santos | Pawtucket, RI

Tessa Seesock | Jacksonville, FL

Ashley Septelka | Niantic, CT

Thai-ler Sestokas | Danbury, CT

Arrianna Stark | Schenectady, NY

Anazya Taylor | East Lyme, CT

Micheal Thompson | Rio Rancho, NM

Brittney Tougas | Cranston, RI

Mariah Travisano | Putnam, CT

Joshua Tucker | Warwick, RI

Nathanael Votta | Avon, CT

Alexander Walker | New Canaan, CT

Kaylin White | Silver Spring, MD

Rylee Grace Wood | Lloydminster, Canada

Lola Worsdale | Stonington, CT

Jacob Yale | Cheshire, CT

Jacob Yoensky | Groton, CT

Commendable Scholars

Frank Aguanno | Syosset, NY

Julia Alves | Portsmouth, RI

Jakobe Anderson | Franklin Park, NJ

Kyle Anderson | Cromwell, CT

Noslin Antunez | Westbrook, CT

Avery Appiah | Old Saybrook, CT

Amanda Arnold | Groton, CT

Sophie Arseneau | Kankakee, IL

Amal Bahili-Elidrissi | Meriden, CT

Joshua Bar-Nadav | Narberth, PA

Anthony Bautista | Coram, NY

Isaiah Benson | New London, CT

Rajiah Betts-Smith | Windsor, CT

Taylor Bialowas | Jewett City, CT

Joseph Bielinski | Doylestown, PA

Nicholas Bracale | East Haven, CT

Christopher Bradley | Babylon, NY

Paige Broadbent | Binghamton, NY

Philip Burns | West Dennis, MA

Joseph Bynum | Groton, CT

Jade Cain | Danbury, CT

Robert Campbell | Glastonbury, CT

Jadon Canelli | Northford, CT

Marisa D’Agostino | Niantic, CT

Lyliana Daly | Teaneck, NJ

Giuseppe Del Prete | Bronxville, NY

Byron Dunn | Westerly, RI

Nathan Elder | Littleton, CO

Louis Fazio | White Plains, NY

Alicia Fitzgerald | Farmington, CT

Isabel Foley | Framingham, MA

Aidan Fontaine | Mystic, CT

Nicholas Forst | Ellington, CT

Grant Frieser | New London, CT

Angel Galindez | Hamden, CT

Anne Gallagher | Henrico, VA

Crystal Gangi | New Fairfield, CT

Camelia Garcia-Torres | New London, CT

Kenyada Gedeon | Irvington, NJ

Nia Gethers | Norwich, CT

Nicholas Ghirardi | Salem, CT

Aizhane Glenn | New Haven, CT

Keeano Gonzalez | New London, CT

Michael Grey | East Islip, NY

Alexys Hanes | Old Lyme, CT

Elizabeth Hennessy | Norwood, NJ

Valois Hernandez | Norwich, CT

Aidan Jacobson | Branford, CT

Mamadou Kaba | New London, CT

Edward Kaftan | Old Lyme, CT

Liam Kane | Waterford, CT

Anna Kochansky | Bronxville, NY

Emma LaBreck | Rollinsford, NH

Jason Landis | Summit, NJ

Brandon Lee | Stockton, CA

Benjamin Logel | Pawcatuck, CT

Armando Lopez | Maplewood, NJ

Edward Lugo | New London, CT

Logan Maneri | Canterbury, CT

Chelsea Marcano | Bronx, NY

Mckenzie Marshall | Wallingford, CT

Ana Matos Diaz | New London, CT

Antonio Mattucci | Huntington, NY

Daniel Melchreit | Old Lyme, CT

Tevin Merrill | New London, CT

Sara Milkowski | Manasquan, NJ

Keyara Miller | Panama City, FL

Isabel Montenegro | Alexandria, VA

Chloe Morrissey | Hingham, MA

Owen Murphy | Milton, MA

Alexander Nardone | Wellesley Hills, MA

James Nascimento | West Hartford, CT

William O’Toole | East Greenwich, RI

Dontae Pollard | Fort Walton Beach, FL

Maxwell Pomponi | Norwalk, CT

Emily Pratts | New London, CT

Duncan Quinn | Middletown, RI

Julianna Repaci | New Britain, CT

Rachel Ricciuti | East Northport, NY

Liam Robb | Westfield, NJ

Owen Robbins | Salem, CT

Charlotte Rowley | Bedford, NY

Emily Sargent | Westerly, RI

Andee Schaffran | Olympia, WA

Dominique Seignious | Norwich, CT

Kenny Sheehan-Heon | Uncasville, CT

Thomas Simmons | Holtsville, NY

Marcel Smith | New Britain, CT

Chadler Solomon | Los Angeles, CA

Izabela Souza | Medford, MA

Deasia Stevenson | Hartford, CT

Nicholas Strojny | Woonsocket, RI

Luke Sullivan | Shelton, CT

Bishop Taylor | Crestview, FL

Brooke Taylor | Uncasville, CT

Casey Tichy | Easton, CT

Jack Varley | Colonia, NJ

Camren Varney | Manchester, NH

Christian Villacci | Nesconset, NY

Joseph Volkerts | New London, CT

Alexia Watson | Stamford, CT

Brooke Whitmarsh | Portsmouth, RI

Tyelisa Wilson | Ledyard, CT

Bo Yaworski | Brooklyn, CT

Grace Yeung | Belle Mead, NJ