Meet the Team

Packing all your prerequisites or courses of interest into one or years isn't easy. We understand that. And we give you as much attention outside of your classes as in them to help you stay on course, on schedule, and satisfied with the progress you’re making.

Dr. Scheidel meets individually with each post-baccalaureate student at least once per semester and works closely with students to develop a personalized course plan prior to the start of the program. She also designed and teaches a unique, year-long seminar exclusively for post-bacc students, which focuses on community building, self-reflection, and preparing key application materials for professional schools. Each cohort enjoys their own GroupMe chat, access to a dedicated study space for several hours each week, and opportunities to connect through optional social outings.

. Dr. Sarah Scheidel (she/her), Director, Pre-Professional AdvisingDr. Scheidel leads ongoing efforts to provide holistic and inclusive support to all UConn students and alumni interested in pursuing postgraduate study to enter the health and legal professions. A big part of her role is to serve as the leader and main advisor of the post-bacc program, with involvement in every single aspect of it.

Sarah is a proud first-generation college graduate, having earned a BA in Psychology from Bay Path University, an MS in Applied Educational Psychology (College Student Development and Counseling) from Northeastern University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford. Prior to serving as the PPA Director, Sarah led the First Year Experience (FYE) program at UConn; prior to FYE, Sarah served as an Academic Advisor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Before UConn, Sarah worked in TRiO Student Support Services at Springfield Technical Community College and in Residence Life and Housing at Emmanuel College. Sarah brings her experience of building peer mentorship programs, designing curriculum, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging authentically with students to the dynamic staff team in the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking or trying new restaurants with her partner, catching up on her favorite TV shows, rooting on the NY Rangers, and cuddling with her two cats, Ginger and Pepper.
Susan Ruggiero (she/her), Program Assistant, Enrichment Programs

Sue coordinates any and all of the administrative processes related to the application and admission of the post-bacc program, in addition to other responsibilities within EP.

Sue earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies at Mount Ida College, and an M.A. in Educational Technology from UConn. In addition to wearing many hats in her UConn role, Sue also enjoys working as a freelance events manager for pharmaceutical companies and other clients. In her free time, Sue enjoys travel, hiking and kayaking, cooking and baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Meet the rest of the Pre-Professional Advising team!

They are all available to anyone in the post-bacc program as additional support through advising appointments, drop-ins, events, or email.