College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture Announces Janice Girouard Retirement
Janice Girouard, former manager of student services and evaluation in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), is retiring after 31 years with the University of Hartford.
Girouard joined the University of Hartford as a student in 1976, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine and Studio Arts & Education. She then returned to the University in 1990 as a part time secretary in the Dean’s Office in Ward College, which would eventually merge with the College of Engineering nearly a decade later. In 1998, Girouard transitioned to full-time status serving in the role she is retiring from. She would eventually continue her education at the University, where she earned her Master of Education in Education Administration & Technology in 2004.
“Janice is welcoming, enthusiastic, helpful, and, most importantly, is a professional person. I have always trusted her judgment when addressing questions from students, staff, and faculty,” says Hisham Alnajjar, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. “In addition, she was the go-to person to get accurate information about degree audits. With over 30 years at UHart she had a wealth of knowledge and will be missed.”
Girouard was considered a great individual to shadow, as she was very knowledgeable with the history of CETA and UHart. If she did know the answer to a question, she knew just where to find it.
“Her detailed oriented style also had a wonderful impact on CETA from accreditation documents to degree audits,” says Julie Spring, former colleague of Girouard’s. “She took pride in all information gathering and more to ensure the best light was shown on CETA as a whole.”
Girouard also had a unique opportunity to conduct research on curriculum development and retention strategies with fellow CETA faculty Ivana Milanovic, Thomas Eppes, Lee Townsend, and Natalie Segal. “We devised successful strategies to engage students in programs with small cohorts,” says Ivana Milanovic, professor of mechanical engineering. “In collaboration with Janice, I initiated first-year retention efforts during the 2003-2004 academic year that I still use to this day.”
Girouard's work was published in three professional papers:
- Milanovic, I., Eppes, T. A., Girouard, J., & Townsend, L. (2010). Retention-Oriented Curricular Design. J. Coll. Teach. Learn. (TLC), 7(11), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.19030/tlc.v7i11.250
- Girouard, J., Milanovic, I. M., & Eppes, T. A. (2007, June). Creating Flexible and Distinct Engineering Technology Programs. ASEE Annual Conference. Paper ASEE-2007-81. Oahu, HI. https://peer.asee.org/1503
- Girouard, J., Milanovic, I. M., Segal, N., & Townsend, L. (2006, June). Retention Strategies in Smaller Technology Majors. ASEE Annual Conference. Paper ASEE-2006-581. Chicago, IL. https://peer.asee.org/327
Girouard enjoyed her morning coffee walks with her colleagues in CETA where she had a chance to see others on campus. Many also attest to Girouard’s dedication to student success. She enjoyed seeing the success of a student as they completed their degree audit and watched all their hard work listed and the joy as Commencement became one of the final steps in their journey. She will be very missed in the College.
In her retirement, Girouard plans to spend time with family, friends, and travel.