Faculty and Administrators Connect with Parents during Annual Phone-A-Thon Apr 22, 2010 -- Parents of students enrolled in Yeshiva University’s S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program recently received calls from undergraduate faculty and administrative staff as part of the University’s third annual Faculty Phone-A-Thon. “We are reaching out to parents of students currently in Israel who may be on campus this coming fall,” explained Dr. John Fisher, director of enrollment management. “The purpose of the call is to make new students and their families feel welcome at YU. We just want to answer any of their questions and reinforce the idea that YU and the parents are partners in supporting their child’s education.” In total, more than 50 faculty members from various schools and departments gathered at both the Wilf and Beren campuses and placed close to 700 phone calls during the evenings of April 12 – 19. “The Phone-A-Thon connected me to families of our students studying in Israel in a way that no written communication could,” said Dr. Karen Bacon, The Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean at Stern College for Women. “I reveled in the excitement of some parents and understood the concerns of others. The class entering in 2010 is very real for me now.” Parents who indicated certain disciplines as their child’s major or area of interest were matched with faculty to answer any of their academic questions. Inquiries ranging from registration procedures and financial aid to academic advisement and student housing were handled by appropriate University professionals. “Participating in the Phone-A-Thon helps strengthen the bond between the faculty and YU,” said Joel Hochman, associate dean of undergraduate programs at Sy Syms School of Business. “The family of the incoming student always expresses appreciation for the time the University spends trying to insure their child’s transition is as smooth as possible. They also get the feeling that their child will be taken care of as they go through college.” After making her 20th call, Peninah Schram, professor of speech and drama at Stern College, asked for more. “Stern is my second home and has been so good to me. Of course I wanted to give back and participate in the Phone-A-Thon.” If you have questions about admissions, please contact Amy Rotheim Sullivan at rotheims@yu.edu or 212-960-5277. For questions about registration, contact Frances Fisher at woods@yu.edu or 212-960-5274. For questions about student finance, contact Robert Friedman at rfriedm2@yu.edu or 212-960-5399.