Uncategorized | EngageU by NSLC

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February 2025

Uncategorized

Hello world!

Feb, 04, 2025

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Kristina Duffy Hochman

Executive Director

Kristina joined our team after years in Global Product Marketing at beauty giants Estée Lauder Companies and Coty Luxury. After 2 years of overseeing the growth of our digital marketing strategy, Kristina stepped into the Executive Director role. Kristina has a B.A. in Psychology from Vassar College and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business. She is passionate about helping students grow, discover their professional passions, and build their confidence to create the change they want to see in the world.

Susan Lowitz

Director of Operations & Strategy

Susan has been a dedicated team member for over 25 years, driven by a passion for academics and experiential learning. Before stepping into her current role, she spent years as a Site Director creating meaningful learning experiences for thousands of students. With expertise in operations and education, she ensures on-campus programming is carefully managed to provide a well-structured and engaging summer experience. Susan holds a B.A. in International Relations and a Master’s in Public Policy from American University, as well as an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

Kelsey Pearson

Associate Director of Operations & Strategy

Kelsey brings a background in school counseling and experience in program leadership to our team. As a long-standing Site Director, she has overseen programs in New York, D.C., Texas, and North Carolina, providing continuous support for both staff and students. With her understanding of on-site operations, she plays a key role in staff development and academic programming. Kelsey holds a B.A. in Human Services from the University of Delaware, an M.A. in School Counseling from The George Washington University, and a certificate in Administration and Educational Leadership from George Mason University.

James Rode

Director of Development

James began his journey with our team in 2006 as a summer Office Manager before stepping into a Site Director role. Now serving as our Director of Development, he has overseen operations on campuses across Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, New York, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. A former high school music teacher, James has a strong background in artistic direction and choral conducting. He holds a B.M.E. and a B.A. in Piano from the University of Central Florida, as well as an M.M. in Choral Conducting and a Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy from the University of Kentucky.

David Lowitz

Director of Marketing & Outreach

David originally joined our team as a summer counselor, becoming a long-time Site Director and managing programs on university campuses in New York, D.C., Texas, California, and Illinois. As our Director of Marketing & Outreach, he leads strategic initiatives across print and digital channels to enhance program visibility and engagement. Through data-driven outreach and customer acquisition strategies, he connects students worldwide with their ideal summer experiences. David holds a B.A. in International Relations from The George Washington University.

Residential Life & Student Experience

24/7 Student Supervision & Support

We ensure a safe and structured living environment with dedicated residential staff providing around-the-clock supervision.

Housing & Room Assignments

We coordinate dorm arrangements, ensuring appropriate student placements and accommodations for special needs.

Curfew & Safety Protocols

We implement curfew policies, conduct nightly room checks, and provide after-hours support through resident advisors.

Community Building & Engagement

We foster a welcoming residential environment through structured small-group activities and opportunities for peer connection.

Social & Recreational Activities

We plan engaging evening and weekend events, including off-campus excursions, team-building exercises, and on-campus games and entertainment.

Conflict Resolution & Behavioral Management

We uphold a student code of conduct, handling disciplinary matters professionally and involving parents or university representatives as needed.

Wellness Support & Emergency Response

We respond to medical, emotional, and emergency situations and ensure the well-being of your students.

Residential Life Staff Training & Oversight

We cultivate a team of trained residential counselors who foster leadership, connection, and a safe living environment for students.

Logistics

University Department Collaboration

We work closely with key campus departments, including legal, financial, and summer events teams, to ensure seamless program integrations.

Housing & Meeting Space Management

We coordinate with campus services to reserve dorms, assign rooms, and arrange meeting spaces with proper AV and classroom setups.

Dining & Meal Coordination

We work with campus dining services to schedule meals, accommodate dietary needs, and arrange box lunches for off-campus activities.

Transportation & Travel Logistics

We manage all travel coordination, from airport pick-ups and shuttle services to bus transportation for field trips and excursions.

Financial & Contract Management

We navigate university contracts, securing necessary approvals, and aligning budgets with institutional financial policies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

We provide regular updates and structured reporting to ensure all stakeholders remain informed and aligned throughout the program.

Summer Operations

Real-Time Operational Support

We provide hands-on assistance, quickly troubleshooting issues and ensuring every logistical detail is executed efficiently.

Program Registration & Check-In

We facilitate student arrival and departure, overseeing dorm move-ins, registration, welcome ceremonies, and check-out procedures.

Commuter Management

We coordinate logistics for commuter students, managing daily arrivals and departures, parent interactions, and scheduling needs.

Onsite Office

We operate as the central hub for all on-campus activities, providing students, parents, and staff with timely support and communication.

Summer App

We deliver a custom app that displays real-time schedules, travel instructions, academic resources, and staff tools for seamless program coordination.

Program Content & Academics

Program Goals & Priorities

We work with your team to define program goals, from setting enrollment targets to selecting programs that showcase your school’s strengths.

Planning Timeline & Structure

We collaborate on a strategic timeline for development, keeping each stage organized, aligned with priorities, and on schedule.

Faculty Coordination & Support

We help coordinate faculty, PhD candidates, and teaching assistants to build a strong instructional team and ensure high-quality academic experiences.

Academic Structure & Scheduling

We assist in curating program schedules, incorporating a balance of lectures, active learning components, guest speakers, and field experiences.

Curriculum Development

We support the creation of thoughtful lesson plans and hands-on experiences that foster critical thinking and academic growth.

Student Engagement & Enrichment

We enhance student experiences with leadership programming, social activities, and supplemental learning opportunities after academic classes and over weekends.

Field Trips & Experiential Learning

We coordinate logistics and transportation for off-campus excursions, providing real world context that complements program academics.

Program Evaluation & Improvement

We gather student feedback, conduct faculty debriefs, and provide structured program evaluations to refine and enhance future offerings.

Staffing & Training

Comprehensive Hiring & Recruitment

We identify, interview, and hire qualified staff members, building a team of counselors, teaching assistants, residential life coordinators, and administrative support.

Background Checks & Compliance

We ensure all staff meet university and government requirements, including background checks and mandatory minor protection training.

Pre-Summer Staff Preparation

We equip staff with essential resources through a personal online portal, providing housing details, training materials, travel logistics, and contract documentation.

On-Site Staff Training

We conduct an intensive multi-day training before student arrival, covering leadership development, youth mentorship, conflict resolution, emergency procedures, university protocols, and facilitation techniques.

Leadership & Supervision Structure

We appoint experienced Residential Directors and Coordinators to oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure program quality.

Residential & Academic Support Roles

We recruit and train counselors to serve as mentors, resident advisors, and teaching assistants, ensuring student engagement and well-being.

Office & Administrative Staffing

We provide an on-campus office team to handle parent communications, student wellness, room setups, arrival and departure logistics, and ongoing support.

Performance Monitoring & Staff Evaluations

We conduct regular staff assessments, providing mentorship throughout the program and structured feedback for continuous improvement.

Risk Management & Compliance

Minor Protection & Youth Safety Compliance

We ensure all staff complete mandated background checks, minor protection training, and adhere to university and government regulations.

Legal & Policy Coordination

We work closely with university legal teams to align program operations with institutional policies and liability standards.

Emergency Response Planning

We collaborate with your university to train staff on emergency protocols, including medical response, evacuation procedures, and crisis management strategies.

Student Conduct & Behavioral Policies

We set clear behavioral expectations, enforce student conduct policies, and manage disciplinary matters in collaboration with parents and university representatives.

Health & Medical Oversight

We collect and manage student medical forms, dietary needs, and special accommodations while ensuring on-site medical preparedness.

Staff Compliance & Training

We prioritize accountability, ensuring every team member adheres to policies on safety, conflict resolution, and working with minors.

Waiver & Documentation Management

We streamline the collection and processing of required waivers, consent forms, and compliance documents through secure digital platforms.

Enrollment & Marketing

Marketing Strategy & Outreach

We develop a tailored marketing plan to engage students, parents, and educators, ensuring strong program awareness.

Website & Print Media

We assist with content creation, photography, and design for program websites, brochures, and direct mail campaigns.

Digital & Social Media

We craft a digital strategy to promote your program through social media engagement and summer content capture.

CRM & Registration Management

We offer a custom CRM system for student enrollment, allowing for easy data collection, automated communications, and document management.

Tuition Processing & Payment Plans

We manage tuition payments, offering in-full payments or installment plans, or integrating with your existing registration system.

Customer Support & Communications

We handle parent inquiries, process required waivers, and oversee automated email communications to ensure a seamless enrollment experience.

Student Portal & Pre-Program Info

We offer a secure portal where parents can access travel details, campus maps, packing lists, and submit medical and accommodation needs.