The Place to Get Your Questions About College Answered
Clues for College is your go-to source for understanding the college process—whether you're preparing to apply, already enrolled, or thinking about life after graduation. Our goal is simple: make the college journey easier, clearer, and more accessible for every student. We provide expert-developed resources online, grounded in evidence-based practices and over a decade of experience in higher education.
How Clues for College Began
The idea for Clues for College grew from the research and work of Dr. W., who has spent more than ten years supporting first-generation college students—those who are the first in their families to attend college.
What Dr. W. Discovered
Through her research and hands-on work with students, she consistently observed that first-generation students spent a significant amount of time trying to “figure college out,” including:
Understanding majors and academic pathways
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Searching for information about processes (e.g., how to register for classes, how to complete FAFSA)
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Learning how to study effectively for college-level classes
Why This is a Problem
Time spent trying to understand the system takes away from time needed to:
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Progress successfully in courses
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Spend meaningful time with family
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Network with potential employers
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Take necessary mental health breaks
The consequences can be serious:
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Higher levels of college debt
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Frustration and dissatisfaction with the college process
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Delays completing degrees and entering the workforce
Meet the Team
Dr. Lisa Wisniewski
Dr. Lisa Wisniewski is a professor of sociology with extensive expertise in teaching, research, and educational leadership.
Education
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Master of Science in Counseling, Central Connecticut State University (2013)
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Bachelor of Science in Communications and Sociology, University of Connecticut (2007)
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Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Hartford University, (2017)
Collaborative Work
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New Britain High School
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Central Connecticut State University
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University of Hartford
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McGraw Hill
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Polish American Business and Professional Association, Inc.
Research Focus Areas
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Immigrant student experiences
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Scholarship of teaching and learning
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and effective teaching practices
Professional Experience
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Presents regionally, nationally, and internationally
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Consultant on:
- Pedagogy
- Curriculum design
- Course design at the higher education level
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Former State Chair for the CT American Council on Education Women’s Network
Publications & Current Work
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Dr. Wisniewski’s scholarship includes:
- Publications
- Podcasts
- Blog posts about teaching, learning, and advocacy
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Her current community-focused work supports individuals resettled in Connecticut from Ukraine, helping them navigate available resources. This includes:
- Collaborating with Connecticut-based organizations
- Building partnerships with international scholars
- Spreading awareness on issues impacting resettled individuals
Dr. Sviatlana Kroitar
Dr. Kroitar is a research scientist with a Ph.D. in sociology, specializing in labor studies.
Key Research Areas
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Her interdisciplinary and international research explores:
- Social aspects of work
- Digital transformation of employment
- Labor market trends in a globalizing world
- Alternative employment forms
Professional Appointments
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Honored Visiting Research Fellow, University of Leicester School of Business (Beginning August 2024)
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Research Fellow, Polish Institute of Advanced Studies (PIASt), Warsaw (2021–2023)
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Fulbright Visiting Researcher, Quinnipiac University, Connecticut
Leadership Experience (2009–2020)
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At the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, she led:
- Department of Economic Sociology
- Department of Sociology of Innovations
- Sector of Methodology and Practice of Applied Sociological Research
Collaborative Work
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Dr. Kroitar has worked with:
- OSCE
- Generations and Gender Programme (GGP)
- Red Cross
- Various international and interdisciplinary research teams
Ask Us Anything
Have questions? Feel free to connect with us. We’re here to help.