The Graduate Admissions team works to help students navigate the admissions process to more than 40 graduate and advanced certificate degrees. Assistant Director Alicia Audino helps aspiring graduate students with the application process, recruits students from colleges throughout the Northeast, manages the graduate assistantship program and monitors the department’s social media webpages.

Audino, originally from Ilion, New York, earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in May 2008 from Saint Rose. While working as the administrative assistant in the Office of Student Affairs here, she earned her master’s in College Student Services Administration. Audino received her master’s degree in May 2011 and currently serves as an Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions.

Tell us about your typical day as Assistant Director. What are your responsibilities?

My duties really vary depending on the time of year.  In the Fall semester, we spend a lot of time traveling to promote our programs at colleges and universities around the Northeast.

Early in the Spring semester, I work closely with the Counseling and School Psychology departments to conduct their admission cycle for the following Fall.  This includes a great deal of contact with the prospective students and helping with the admission interviews and workshops. 

Another large part of the Spring semester is dedicated to managing the graduate assistantship program.  We have recently opened all of the available positions for the 2012-2013 academic year on eCareerCenter and are beginning to receive applications and hire students.

I also work closely with our website, social media and communication plan.  This is a fairly new duty of mine and I am still learning the ropes, but am really excited about the opportunities that it presents.

One of my favorite job responsibilities is meeting with prospective students.  Each day I speak with students in my office, over the phone, through email, and at various events.  Some students know exactly what they want, while others are looking for a little more direction.  You never know what to expect when a student walks through your door and that really makes my day exciting!

What do you enjoy the most in your role as Assistant Director?

I love that I have the opportunity to work with the Counseling Department, which I graduated from.  Talking with students about the College Student Services Administration program and seeing their excitement about it really renews my own excitement and keeps me motivated. 

What are some of the most common questions you receive from graduate students?

I get a lot of questions related to the statement of purpose portion of the application.  This seems to be the part of the application that everyone gets stuck on!  I tell students to think about where they are personally and professionally, where they want to be, and how the degree they are applying will help them get there.  Also, if the student has a GPA bordering our 3.0 minimum, the statement is a good opportunity to discuss how you have grown since your undergraduate experience. 

I also receive a lot of questions surrounding cost of attendance.  Graduate school is a significant financial undertaking, and our institution is very aware of the sacrifice our students are making.  I always encourage students to apply for all opportunities available to them.  Our office offers graduate assistantships, which can cover $6,400 a year, and scholarships, which can cover as much as six credits per semester.  The Financial Aid Office can also be a great resource.

What advice do you have for students who are applying for graduate admission at Saint Rose?

Make an appointment to come to campus and meet with one of us!  The application process can seem very daunting, but we are here to make it easier for you.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions.  I have applicants apologize for asking too many questions, but we enjoy clarifying everything and making applicants feel comfortable during a stressful time.

If you have any questions about graduate school or the admissions process, please call Graduate Admissions at 518-454-5143 or email grad@strose.edu.