While retaining students at college is challenging for administrators, a new pilot program will help college officials identify students who are at risk in the hopes of getting the students the help they need before they drop out, increasing retention rates.

The program revolves around the “Retention Alert System,” a new computer software program from TrueOutcomes, a division of academic publishing giant Thomson Learning and combines information from the admissions process and student surveys to identify students early on that may need additional services.

With obesity on the rise in America, more and more people are becoming health conscious and Chartwells is trying to keep up with these societal changes with plans to start the the “balanced choices” menu after spring break with the motto of “better portions, smarter choices.”

This menu, imposed by the corporate mission, will attempt to cater to everyone, from the strict meat and potatoes students to vegans. Information on the food and its effect on one’s body will also be available, said Vernard Mathis the director of dining services.

There currently are vegan and vegetarian choices on campus including vegetarian soup, salad and a veggie burger choice, added Mathis. He also said a fish choice is available at both the fry station and the entrée station in the Siek Campus Center for Catholics following meatless Friday’s.

With graduation coming in a few months for some students, it is time to polish those resumes, down the dress code, do some research, network with representatives and “sell” oneself in an attempt to gain employment and start up the ladder of success.

For some, the thought of entering the workforce may seem daunting but with a game plan, students can network among hundreds of representatives in various fields at the job fair, being held March 11 in the McDonough Sports Complex, with ease.

To help students prepare for the job fair, the Center for Careers and Employment will be holding a series of events leading up to the job fair, including a fashion show being held today (Thursday, March 6) in the Starbucks Café, demonstrating proper attire for attending a job fair.

Built in 1797 and opened as a bar in the 1950’s, The Country Grove Inn has become a well known part of the landscape around Hudson Valley Community College.

Started by the parents of Mike Filluta, the current owner, not only does the restaurant serve as a landmark but a family legacy nearing its end. Dubbed the Old Farmhouse, the G-Building and most famously The Grove, residents should be prepared for its new name, RiteAid.

Over the years students new and old have come back to this hometown bar while local businesses have celebrated Christmas Parties behind its dark green doors. With their children grown and as they near retirement, Filluta and his wife are looking to enjoy their retirement.

Practically unchanged, Filluta, barman Danny Dalton and head chef John “Jim” Kochtosten, have been there for almost thirty years. The only changes made to The Grove have been an increased area to sit and eat and more electronics such as dart games and OTB televisions.

Five members of the HVCC Builders’ Club recently traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Residential Construction Competition, despite verbal financial commitments that fell through about two weeks before the trip.

Radu Moldovan, Joshua Loccicano, Mike Robertson, Pat O’Connor and Chris Webber had been working on their project since last October, supervised by advisor, Professor Timothy Dennis.

The Local Home Builders Institute had given $2,000 to the team, said Dennis, but other businesses were not able to help due to the downturn in the current housing market. When team leader Moldovan found out they did not have enough money, he said, “I was shocked. We’d been working for months, sometimes on Saturdays and Sundays. The project was big.”

Students had the chance to test their drunk driving skills last Wednesday when the Save a Life Tour came to campus, offering a sobering look at the influence drinking has on one’s ability to drive.

The “Save a Life Tour,” an idea brought to life by Recording Artists and Actors Against Drunk Driving, has traveled all over the east coast. “I saw it as a good opportunity to travel and show consequences of drunk driving,” said the machines technician who has been setting the machine up at about four different schools a week.

The program was brought to Hudson Valley by the Student Senate in order to educate students. Senate President Alyssa Cavosie claimed, “Giving people the information necessary to help make better decisions is definitely one reason to bring groups such as Save a Life Tour. I feel knowledge shapes our decisions.”

With 42 students being recognized nationally for their work in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges ceremony, one of those students would not have been able to achieve the dream of going to college if it was not for a move to New York.

“We came from California where there is more competition with the availability of school programs. The help here is extremely welcoming,” said Kara Gilmore, a member of the entrepreneur’s club and a representative at the Viking Child Care Center for CEO in Troy. Her husband added, “Years ago she never thought she’d get back to school and study. The great State of New York has given us this opportunity.”