Ask Dr. Ross

Flashing red sirens and police tape might cross your mind at the phrase "criminal justice" - but the field is much more diverse than just police work. 

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley continue their series highlighting inside stories and college prep practicalities from UT Tyler's Social Sciences department. Criminal Justice professor Dr. Rick Helfers and graduate Social Work major Aubrey Fagan join the discussion to share what's really happening in collegiate criminal justice classes. If you're choosing your degree, preparing for college life, or just curious about other experiences in higher ed, this s...

Learning a new language is hard.  For Spanish students new to speaking, finding a low stakes space to practice outside of class can sometimes feel like a challenge.  Even fluent speakers may sometimes struggle to find a casual setting where they can share their language.

Which is why the Spanish Club was created.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley spotlight a newly formed club on the UT Tyler campus which is dedicated to providing a fun, lively environment for speaking Spanish.  Club President Isabel Viloria and Vice President Ivan Paiz join the dis...

"Fun" probably isn't the first word that comes to mind when you think of math - unless you are, in fact, a "math person."  But is there such a thing as a "math person," anyway?  And can math be not just practical, but playful?

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley continue their series highlighting inside stories and college prep practicalities from UT Tyler's Mathematics department. Mathematics professor Dr. Joseph Vandehey and graduate Mathematics major Millie Jeske join the discussion to share what's really happening in collegiate math classes. If you're choosing your degree, preparing fo...

The stereotypical fraternity experience is well-known, negative, and (unsurprisingly) not true of every chapter.  Most people think they know what Greek life is like - but what do the insiders say? 

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley explore Greek life within UT Tyler's Kappa Sigma chapter.  Joining the discussion are Kappa Sigma's alumni advisor Jared Daniels and chapter member Erick Zamarron to share the impact of brotherhood on their college journeys.  Together, they dive into the history of fraternities, misconceptions of Greek life, and the personal growth opportunities they've encountered.  For curious students, the stori...

We've probably all heard the saying, "If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it."  But is that really true?  And besides preventing doom, how does studying history help students in their present-day lives?

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley continue their series highlighting inside stories and college prep practicalities from UT Tyler's History department. Department chair Dr. Colin Snider and senior History major Nixon Gorka join the discussion to share what's really happening in history classes. If you're choosing your degree, preparing for college life, or just curious about other experiences in...

The stereotypical sorority experience is well-known, negative, and (unsurprisingly) not true of every chapter.  Most people think they know what Greek life - but what do the insiders say?

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley explore Greek life within UT Tyler's Alpha Chi Omega chapter.  Joining the discussion are Alpha Chi's alumni advisor Michelle Gonzalez and chapter president Elizabeth Nixon to share the impact of sisterhood on their college journeys.  Together, they dive into their experiences with sorority culture, community outreach, and career prep opportunities.  For students curious about what Greek life is really like...

As one of the hard sciences, Biology tends to be more concrete in our imaginations.  White lab coats.  Microscopes.  The mitochondria (it's the powerhouse of the cell).  But what about snake-trapping?  Fishing?  Counting frog calls?

The field is a lot wider than we might think.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley continue their series highlighting inside stories and college prep practicalities from UT Tyler's Biology department. Department chair Dr. Lance Williams and Biology student MJ Baker join the discussion to share what's really happening in biology and chemistry classes, from fieldwork to lab re...

When we think of college sports, we imagine football scholarships and packed stadiums.  But what if you're a competitor who crushes it at Mario Kart or would rather watch Fortnite streams for fun?

We've got you covered.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley explore the realm of Esports with Kenna Rivers, UT Tyler's team captain for Rainbow Six Siege.  As an avid gamer and junior Nursing major, Kenna reveals the ways Esports can transform a student's college experience for the better, helping them develop teamwork, leadership, and practical career skills in a fu...

Maybe we think we know what a day in the life of an English major looks like: classic novels, writing, poetry, writing, presentations, and (you guessed it!) writing.  But what do English majors actually learn?  Where do they fit in the world outside of universities?

The variety of answers may surprise you.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley launch their new series highlighting inside stories and college prep practicalities from UT Tyler's English department.  Department chair Dr. Ann Beebe and English student Jim Clayton join the discussion to share what's really happening in...

We sit through classes, sit to study, sit on a couch to relax, and often sit at a desk to work.  It’s easier than ever as a busy college student to miss out on the basics: sunshine, fresh air, friends, and movement.  Sure, there’s the gym on campus – but what if you’ve never been before?  How do you break through the intimidation?  Will there even be an activity you like there?

Enter the Rec Sports team – and their director, Rick McGill.

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley discuss what you might not...

We all know freshman year is a big turning point. There's orientations, welcome celebrations, loads of "firsts" to experience - but with three more years of college, the changes and growth have only begun. 

What happens next? 

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley reconvene with two students who appeared on the podcast in their first week of freshman year: Mary Mooney and Dominick Robinette. Now approaching their sophomore year, they discuss the variety of developmental shifts and struggles they've encountered, like managing anxiety, building connections on campus, and navigating AI use in ho...

There's plenty of debate about whether or not college truly prepares you for a career. Between homework assignments and research projects, how can you build a resume that helps you succeed after graduation? 

Let's find out. 

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley explore the best resources and tips for college students/recent grads navigating the job market. Joining us to share her expertise is Dr. Rosemary Cooper, UT Tyler's Executive Director of Career Success, and Ebony Walker, a grad student juggling her new job as an adjunct English professor. Together, they share th...

There’s plenty of challenges to freshman year you might be prepared for – tackling the change in lifestyle or new levels of academic achievement, for instance.

But what about loneliness?

This week, Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley combine both a professor and a student’s experiences to create a list of ten things you can do to start making friends in college.  Each of their five tips breaks down the larger task – connecting with a community – into actionable steps that may surprise you with their simplicity.  The general good news: everyone in college is in the sa...

The days leading up to freshman year of college can feel like a flurry of activity.  There’s enrollment, buying textbooks, moving into dorms – but often, it’s the little things you wouldn’t expect that can impact your experience most.

Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley bring five tips each, combining both a professor and student’s perspectives on ten things you can do to prepare yourself for your first day of college.  The list covers simple, often-overlooked advice that may have fallen by the wayside for busy high school seniors in the college transition.  From learning...

The first day of college can be overwhelming for anyone.  Just navigating the campus is a common challenge - but what if you'd never even set foot on a high school campus before?  What if you'd never experienced traditional education until today?  This is what homeschoolers are faced with on their first day.

Or is it?

This week, Dr. Ross and (homeschooled) cohost Ashley Worley tackle some of the myths and misconceptions of becoming college-ready as a homeschooler.  Joining them are two formerly homeschooled students with vastly different experiences: senior Economics major Sara Maldonado and fres...

Veterans have some important decisions to make regarding their next steps after military service.  Whether it's entering the workforce in a new field, returning to a university, or attending college for the first time, there's lots to navigate during this pivotal transition.  

We're here to help.

This week, Dr. Ross and cohost Ashley Worley sit down with two veteran students to unpack the experience of going back to "the civilian world" after serving.  Benjamin Broyles, who served six years in the Air Force, and Cody Vasquez, an English major who served four years in the Mar...

It's official.

With student producers Nathan Witt and Michaela Murphy passing the torch, there's a new voice on the podcast: sophomore Mass Communications student, Ashley Worley!  Join Dr. Ross and her new co-host in an introductory sit-down chat.  

In typical ADR fashion, they find much more to discuss than your standard icebreakers.  The conversation ranges from get-to-know-you questions to discussions about media impact, transitioning from homeschool to college, and the evolving landscape of AI.  Whether you're a fellow homeschooler, passionate media student, or just curious about the world of higher ed, this episode is for you...

The first week of freshman year can be overwhelming - but what about week two? Or three? Or eight?  By the time you've reached mid-semester, it can feel like a sink or swim situation.

That's why Dr. Ross and producer Michaela Murphy are checking back in with their freshman guests from episode one.  In the thick of their first semester, Dominic Robinette and Mary Mooney share firsthand experiences with freshman year.  Whether it's switching majors, adapting to an independent lifestyle, or struggling with comparison, their stories offer concrete advice and encouragement for students approaching this challenging life tra...

As an undergrad, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when considering the next phase of your education.  After all, what is graduate school like?  Why add more years of college?  And - most importantly - how do you know if it's right for you?

In this episode, Dr. Ross and producer Michaela Murphy team up with current grad students to tackle these, and other, important questions.  Join Psychology major Caitlyn Walker and English major Caroline Goodman in exploring the life of a grad student.  Whether you're curious about balancing school, work, and personal schedules or want to know about...

The transition from high school to college can be scary.  There's lots to navigate in your freshman year, from dorm life to academic advising - and we're here to unpack it all.

Join Dr. Ross and producer Michaela Murphy in discussing the freshman experience with four first-year UT Tyler students: Dylan Bennet, Paula Castellanos, Mary Mooney, and Dominic Robinette.  Together, they share stories of their freshman year journeys and the unfiltered realities high school grads face.  Whether it's moving from Ecuador to take classes in another country, building friendships with track teammates, or struggling to connect with pro...

How does sensationalist media shape our political outlook and contribute to a widespread sense of hopelessness? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kenneth Bryant, an associate professor of political science, as we dissect the impact of mass media on American politics. Inspired by the 1976 film "Network," Dr. Bryant shares his insights on the media's obsession with conflict and scandal, and we explore the cyclical nature of societal pessimism. Equip yourself with tools for critical media literacy to better navigate the barrage of negative news and regain control over your perspective.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the...

Experience a powerful exploration of economic resilience and hope within the college journey, as I, Dr. Katherine Ross, join forces with Professor Susan Doty. Together, we dissect the contemporary economic landscape faced by students, from inflation woes to job market competitiveness. We offer a dual perspective that acknowledges the challenges, yet shines a light on the opportunities that higher education still promises in today’s world. Our mission is not just to dissect the issues but to empower you with the insights to navigate them confidently.

In a time when the economic decisions of policymakers can feel like a...

Ever wondered if artificial intelligence could grade your college essays better than your professor, or do we risk losing the essence of critical thinking in the process? Hold on to your hats as we explore the fascinating world of AI, its ethical implications, and its far-reaching impact on higher education. Be prepared for a thrilling discussion on the good, the bad, and the ugly of using AI in higher education, and a verdict that might just leave you pondering!

As you journey with us, you'll uncover intriguing insights about the use of AI in classroom activities, both...

How well have you strategized your college journey? What are you doing to ensure you're not only surviving but thriving during these transformative years? Episode 11 of our podcast features an enlightening conversation with Professor Vanessa Joyner and student Elena Gonzalez, who share their wisdom and personal experiences on successfully navigating college life. From goal setting to effective time management and the indispensable role of good counseling – this episode promises a treasure trove of practical advice and tips.

Elena takes us on her college journey, where she entered with no specific goal in mind and the strategies she im...

It's a common misconception that some students are just "made" for online learning and some just aren't. Digital classes take a different skill set, but they are obtainable for any student. The number one skill is self-discipline. UT Tyler's Associate Provost for Online and Continuing Education, Dr. Poonam Kumar, Ph. D., sits down with us to talk about online education. 

UT Tyler professors Dr. Catherine Ross, Ph.D., and Dr. Belinda Deal, Ph.D. take a deep dive into what "Belonging" looks like for college students today with Associate Dean of Students and licensed professional counselor Kim Livingston-Cobb. Specifically, how mental health plays a role in a student's ability to fit in and how they can make realistic improvements in their lives.

The hosts of ADR sit down with Dr. Joe Berthiaume, PhD who has spent his entire career in campus housing and currently serves as UT Tyler's Executive Director of University Communities. 

There are a lot of important things to consider when it comes to your college living experience. First, make sure you pick a spot that you're going to be comfortable in. Take into account all the amenities. Lastly, for the parents, don't hover! 

Tuition can feel like a big scary number. Understanding all the "hidden gems" that are included in that cost can help make sense of the price. You're getting a lot more than classes!

Keep in mind, every college is different. If you want to know exactly what your school offers, we suggest visiting their website or contacting the admissions office. 

Here are some of the resources we found for our college, UT Tyler: