Live Chat With Tulane University President Scott Cowen
March 2nd, 2009
President Cowen: Welcome to the first live chat of 2009.
Many of you have already made the decision to attend Tulane, while others are now deciding whether Tulane is the right place for you. I urge you to visit our campus - students often tell me that they made up their minds after taking a tour. If you can't come to New Orleans this Spring, then I hope you will use this live chat to learn more about our great university. I hope to see all of you in August.
First question?
Kyungsoon Park: I haven't received my transfer credit, so I'm not sure about my status, sophomore or junior. When do I know my status? And then I could figure out I could live off campus.
President Cowen: You have to submit your course recommendations. Once our office has received them, our staff can determine what your status will be when entering Tulane. Housing is not guaranteed for transferring students, however.
NYjoey: How is the weather in NOLA now?
President Cowen: While you are experiencing a severe snowstorm in NY, we had a very pleasant sunny day today, but it was very cold, at 52 F. :-)
Kate: What types of scholarships are available after freshmen year?
President Cowen: After freshman year, Tulane offers need-based scholarships. Students must apply for these scholarships, and have a demonstrated need in order to be eligible.
celery: Which academic fields do you believe Tulane is most successful at preparing students in?
President Cowen: Tulane students are successful in all fields of study, however pre-med, pre-law, and applicants for graduate school have particularly high rates of admission into those schools.
Michael R: I am very interested in continuing cross-examination (a type of debate) as an extra-curricular in college. I have not seen a Tulane team anywhere, but was curious if I had overlooked one. If you don't have one, will I be allowed to debate with a partner from another school?
President Cowen: Tulane has a debate society, however students who want to create their own student organizations can easily do that and apply for funding. There is no reason you would not be able to participate with another school in this co-curricular activity.
Frank: President Cowen, with Tulane being in central New Orleans how important does the campus become in a student's day to day life. Is the campus 'like home' or do students feel lost in the city?
President Cowen: We have one of the most beautiful campuses in an urban area that you will see in America. The campus is an important part in each student's life. Of course the city is very accessible to us, and the students get to enjoy the wonderful benefits of being in New Orleans. None of our students ever feel lost here; just the opposite.
Colleen: Hi! I was wondering if housing on campus is guaranteed for students all four years on campus?
President Cowen: Housing is guaranteed for the first 2 years, and is usually available (but not guaranteed) your last 2 years. I should note that we have ample off-campus housing immediately adjacent to the University.
Diane: Following Katrina how has Tulane rebounded, e.g. 50%, etc?
President Cowen: Tulane has had a phenomenal recovery from Katrina, as witnessed by the fact that applications to the University are at an all-time high, as is the quality of the student body here. For the fall of '09 we have received 40,000 applications for 1400 slots.
Madeleine: How easy is it to fulfill the core requirements?
President Cowen: It's very easy. Outside of completing English, Mathematics, and your seminar TIDES, there are a wealth of courses that meet the core requirements of the curriculum. So there's always something for everybody to choose from.
Emily: I didn't get the Dean's Honor Scholarship, and money is a problem even though I don't qualify for financial aid. I have to pay for college myself, but I want to avoid taking out student loans at all costs. Are there any more ways I can get money? Scholarships? Grants? Anything? I really want to go to Tulane, but I need help financially.
President Cowen: You're encouraged to apply for financial aid, and allow Tulane to determine if you may qualify. Many students and parents are pleasantly surprised at the level of financial aid they may qualify for. You are encouraged to visit a non-profit website: http://www.finaid.org to use their scholarship search engine to uncover other scholarships and grants that you may be eligible to apply for.
Chris L: I saw that your FAFSA deadline was Feb. 15th, but I finished mine before March 1st (and after Feb. 15th). Will I still be considered for financial aid?
President Cowen: Yes, you will still be considered for Federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA, even after Feb. 15. To be considered for the Tulane aid, you also need to complete the College Board Profile Application. There is a link to the College Board website from the Tulane site.
RipTide Fan: How safe is it to live in New Orleans? What's happening with crime?
President Cowen: The crime rate in New Orleans has been steadily decreasing since its high point 2 years ago. The vast majority of the violent crime is criminal-on-criminal and occurring in parts of the city that are not currently occupied. If you look at the crime statistics for our campus and surrounding neighborhood, it is quite good compared to other institutions. Every university is required to publish its crime statistics, and you can find ours by going to the Public Safety link.
Emily: What engineering majors does Tulane offer?
President Cowen: Tulane has Engineering Physics, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. We have cooperative agreements with Johns-Hopkins and Vanderbilt that allow students to major in other Engineering disciplines by completing 3 years at Tulane and their final 2 years at these other institutions. Students receive dual degrees with the completion of these 3/2 programs.
Ellen: When will financial aid packets be sent out?
President Cowen: Tulane's official financial aid awards are scheduled to go out next week, the week of March 9.
Edward Ryan Woodruff: Hi Dr. Cowen, what are the major differences between Monroe and Sharp?
President Cowen: Monroe is the high rise residence hall, with wonderful views of the city, and was renovated about 4 years ago. Sharp is a low-rise facility that is very popular with first-year students, and it's right next door to Monroe. Sharp has a lot of character.
Brian: Hi, I was wondering how the AP Credits worked; if a 4 or a 5 is achieved on the AP Test, is a further placement test required? Also are there placement exams for subjects such as foreign languages, and when are they taken?
President Cowen: Students receive credit for AP scores of 4 of 5. The full list of which test score translates into which college credit can be found at http://www.advising.tulane.edu, under the Documents tab. Look at the Guide for Freshmen. There are no foreign language placement exams, however, students taking foreign language classes need to complete the language placement so they can be assigned the right level. Information about that process will be provided later in the summer, prior to orientation.
Matt: I am an out of state student from North Carolina who received the Presidential Scholarship. What other financial options are available for out of state students?
President Cowen: Congratulations for receiving one of Tulane's most prestigious merit awards. In addition you may qualify for a Tulane need-based scholarship and/or Federal funds. If you have not already applied for Federal or need-based aid, it is not too late to do so.
Richard Pasquarella-: Due to the economy, have the FASFA requirements changed to compensate for those who have lost their college savings?
President Cowen: The Federal regulations governing FAFSA have not currently changed, however we are fully aware of the economic downturn that has hit many students and their families. FAFSA and other financial aid applications require families to report the value of their assets as of the day they are completing the application. Subsequent changes in asset value can impact eligibility in future years.
Matthew: What is your vision for Tulane in the next ten years?
President Cowen: Tulane University is one of the most unique institutions in America. Our vision is to have an incredible, exemplary undergraduate program that is very student- and campus-centric, and integrally connected to the community. This undergraduate program would also be surrounded by a few highly selective graduate and research programs that build on our historic strengths and the community in which we live. Ultimately, Tulane should be known as the most influential major research University in the country, that is deeply involved in civic engagement, and in giving its students a unique educational experience as a result.
Mary: What is the best time to visit campus?
President Cowen: Any time is a good time to visit campus, but we invite all admitted students to Destination Tulane starting March 30-April 28, every day except Wednesday. Check the Admission website for further information about how to register.
Jacob: I was wondering if Orientation was assigned or we can choose it?
President Cowen: Orientation is not assigned, so you can choose to come at any one of the sessions that are run during June. Many students take advantage of this flexibility to attend an orientation with their roommate.
winikoff13: I was wondering about the music majors; does just a BA in music exist? Different sections of your website say yes, and some say no.
President Cowen: In the Fine Arts, students can elect for either the BA or BFA degree, as is the case in music. Music also has options in Bachelor of Science in Music, Science and Technology, and Bachelor of Science Fine Arts in Musical Composition, Musical Performance, or Musical Theater. Additionally there is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies.
Liz T: What is the status of the Engineering school and what are the future plans for the Engineering school?
President Cowen: After Hurricane Katrina, we created a new school of Science and Engineering. This school is doing very well in terms of student interest and faculty research. We currently offer 3 undergraduate degrees in Engineering, and over time there will be increases in that portfolio. We are pleased with the unique experience students are getting as a result of having Science and Engineering in the same school.
E Slater: Hello. I have heard that since Tulane and Loyola are so close to each other, they share many programs such as meal plans, transportation services, etc. Is this true? If so, what else do they share?
President Cowen: It is true that we are next door to each other, and we do allow cross-registration between the institutions. There are some services like the meal plan that we do share.
J Rech: What is the percentage of in-state and out of state students?
President Cowen: At the undergraduate level, approximately 85 percent of our students are from out of state.
NYjoey: Can you explain the Pre Med Track that gets you into Tulane Med School?
President Cowen: Sure. All pre-med students take a common science core involving chemistry, biology and physics. The creative pre-med scholars program is one option that allows superior students early acceptance into Tulane's medical school. However, students can major in any of the offerings at the University and apply to Tulane or any other medical school in the country, provided they have completed the common science core.
CenLA Aaron: What events does Tulane offer for freshmen to meet each other?
President Cowen: There are a lot of opportunities for students to meet one another. At TIDES classes, small seminars that provide a wealth of opportunities to meet one another. Before students arrive on campus in the fall, there are summer orientations which provide not only an orientation to the academic programs of the University, but also an opportunity to meet others in the incoming class. There is no shortage of opportunities for students to meet around their common interests. In August there are some admitted student receptions at major cities around the country, to which all incoming students are invited.
bew901: What attributes are associated with the typical Tulane Student?
President Cowen: There is no such thing as a typical Tulane student, however they all share at least 3 common characteristics. They are smart, devoted to civic engagement, and typically outgoing and social.
GJ: As a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, will I still be eligible for need-based scholarships if the PS is above my FASFA need basis?
President Cowen: If the Presidential Scholarship is meeting your financial needs, as determined not only by the FAFSA, but also by the College Board Profile Application, then you are correct that you would not be eligible for further need-based aid. You may however be eligible for certain Federal loan programs to supplement your merit award.
Christine: How is the Tulane biomedical/neuroscience program?
President Cowen: These are two different programs. Biomedical Engineering is one of the 3 on-campus Engineering programs that we offer, and attracts students interested in going into medical school or research. The Neuroscience program is also a route to medical schools for many students, and is one of the most popular fields in recent years. Both programs offer opportunities for research and independent study.
Rebecca: Hello from Virginia. In this tight economy, what is your recommendation for obtaining money for Tulane? I can not imagine attending college elsewhere.
President Cowen: Our recommendation is to apply for financial aid. The process is outlined on our website, including links for completing the FAFSA and the College Board Profile Application. It is not too late to apply, however we encourage you to do so immediately, if you have not already.
J Rech: Would you say that the daily classes are more discussion based, or individual study?
President Cowen: That really depends on what selection of courses you make. Science classes typically are more formal lectures, however courses such as political science are very much more discussion based.
Cady: is there a way to get a copy of this chat when it's finished?
President Cowen: Yes, it will be available online by Wednesday.
Candace: How big is school spirit on campus? Do students attend most athletic games?
President Cowen: I think school spirit is very good, but it's not necessarily built around athletics, even though students do attend the games.
Mr. Stinklebacher: My son is very involved in FBLA right now. Does Tulane have a PBL chapter (the college equivalent of FBLA)?
President Cowen: I don't know that we have a direct equivalent of the FBLA, but we have an active business school with student organizations and student government.
E Slater: Hi. I was wondering if freshmen are allowed to have cars.
President Cowen: No. The only exception are commuting students; those who are from New Orleans and the surrounding area.
bew901: Let's say I decide that I want to major in business, but down the road I discover it's not right for me. How difficult is it to change majors?
President Cowen: It's relatively easy to change majors at Tulane. Credits that you would have earned while taking business courses will work toward your degree in your new major. All students are in a single undergraduate college, which facilitates taking undergraduate course work and using it toward your degree.
Candace: How is the city's transportation system? Can a student easily get around without a car?
President Cowen: Yes, they can. We have the streetcars, which are unique to New Orleans, but also a convenient way to travel. We also have shuttle services from the campus to various parts of the city.
winikoff13: As Greek life is a major part of Tulane, are those who decide not to join a frat/sorority left out?
President Cowen: Not at all. Only about 25 percent of our students belong to the Greek system, and you don't have to be a member in order to have a good time at Tulane and in New Orleans.
E Slater: I know that the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity house burnt down recently, and am wondering what this group is doing to rebuild it and if it has an alternate headquarters.
President Cowen: Unfortunately I do not know the current status of the KA fraternity house.
Matthew: What is the student teacher ratio?
President Cowen: 9:1
Nathan: How many freshmen do you anticipate admitting to the Honors Program?
President Cowen: About the top 15 percent of our admitted students are invited to join the Honors program.
Hugh: The other school my son is considering has no graduate school and the college claims a better undergraduate experience as a result. Why would Tulane be better for my undergraduate?
President Cowen: We have all the advantages that an undergraduate school has, with none of the disadvantages. As well as all the advantages of being a major research university. By being a major research university we have so many more programs and courses to offer, as well as a faculty with renowned credentials in teaching and in scholarship.
Frank: I was recently accepted, and I was wondering if scholarships are awarded at the time of the decision or is it a separate process?
President Cowen: Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of the admission decision. However, need-based scholarship consideration is currently in process, and if you have not applied, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Edward Ryan Woodruff: I would eventually like to go to law school. How will the pre-law advising program help to get me there?
President Cowen: In the Advising Center we have a staff member who specializes in helping students design a curriculum that would allow them to go on to law school. This staff person knows the specific requirements of specific law schools, and I would encourage you to meet with her during the summer orientation session, or at any time once you arrive.
winikoff13: What exactly is the new interdisciplinary coordinate major in digital media production?
President Cowen: New Orleans is a unique city for digital media production, particularly music and film.
The program in digital media production offers an education focused on the technology of film, television, video, animation and sound production with the possibility of internships. If you go to the Admission website, and you will find a link to this major.
President Cowen: I want to thank everybody for joining us tonight for this live chat. Once again I want to recognize the superb work of LiveWorld, Inc. We couldn't do it without their assistance.
The next live chat will be April 6 at 5:30 Central Time.
A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.