College
Meet the New Dean of Freshmen
Marcy Kraus, senior associate director of academic support in the College, was named the new dean of freshmen this fall, just in time to meet the Class of 2010.
What are the responsibilities of the dean of freshmen?
I work closely with all the advisors and the assistant dean of freshmen. My new position is broader and encompasses the whole freshman year. My charge includes areas like retention, the academic experience of our freshmen, as well as working with our freshmen advisors. Another area where I will have more responsibilities will be with freshmen parents.
What do you find most satisfying about the position?
The most satisfying part of the job is the chance to get to know students and then stand back and watch them grow and change throughout their freshman year. Students are not supposed to leave here the same as when they started.
The great thing about freshmen and their first year is that they have a lot of freedom. But with that freedom comes the need to transition, which brings challenges and rewards. I call it the three ‘I’s—Independence, Identity, and Intellect. Independence brings challenges of limits and time management. Students are rebuilding an identity, finding it for the first time and developing self-confidence. And they are faced with new academic expectations. They have to find new approaches to studying and education.
What should the incoming freshmen know about you?
In my free time, my husband and I like to visit the wineries in the Finger Lakes, enjoy RPO performances, and take advantage of the local arts.
What do you wish you knew when you were a freshman?
We all learn as we get older that you don’t have to have all your plans set when you are 18 years old. College happens just once and that experience is precious. As adults we look back at our college experience with fond memories but always wish we had more time.
When you go to college, try something new, take a risk, try a new course—just remember to follow your own passions.
—Enid Arbelo
