Ask Dr. Ross

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 Mc...

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 approa...

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 ...

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 – connectin...

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 ...

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 ...

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 &q...

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,...

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.  Wheth...

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 ...

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 journe...

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...

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 indispens...

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 parent...

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 coll...