Rodika Zaika
Director of Admissions
Office: Office of Admissions
Campus: Old Westbury

Member of NYIT Since: 1985

From NYIT's Weekly Update:

In her “early years,” Rodika Zaika translated documents for immigration applications. In 1985, she arrived at NYIT as an intern in the then-called Office of Counseling and Career Development as part of the requirements for a master’s degree in counseling—and never left. Upon graduation, she joined the Office of Admissions and has worked with the undergraduate, graduate, professional, and international populations, as well as alumni. Today, as NYCOM’s director of admissions, Rodika's responsibilities range from overseeing database upgrades to award-winning multimedia recruitment products to office aesthetics, as well as cultivating relationships with key outside organizations. Her role is particularly challenging in view of stringent accrediting agency requirements for a prescribed class size each year. Rodika’s efforts have been instrumental in raising NYCOM's visibility, while increasing the pool of qualified and diversified applicants, and—most importantly—helping students interested in medical and health careers realize their dreams.

What are some of the programs/initiatives you've developed at NYIT?
I’m especially proud of my work in restructuring the admissions process for the émigré physicians program, which provides an opportunity for internationally trained physicians to re-train as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. It was also a lot of fun to work with my admissions and publications and advertising colleagues, as well as NYCOM students and affiliates, on the NYCOM Viewbook. We earned first-place honors from AACOM and DAVEY in the best student recruitment piece and interactive multimedia categories, respectively.

Will you be involved in the new $1 million Health Careers Opportunity Program grant?
Yes, I’m looking forward to developing an on- and off-campus recruitment program for this three-year grant, which will focus on assisting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. NYCOM will offer them enrichment and skill-building activities and assist with financial aid applications to facilitate their entrance into NYCOM.

Do you keep in touch with graduates you helped enroll in NYCOM?
I met Suzana Bogdanovaska, D.O., in 2001 and have kept in touch with her over the years. She is now an emergency room physician at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, N.Y. Many of our alumni—successful and dedicated osteopathic physicians—return to campus each year to interview our applicants. Their contribution is invaluable to NYCOM's admissions process.

What are some of your favorite annual events?
NYCOM’s White Coat ceremony and the graduation/hooding ceremony, of course!

BlackBerry or iPhone? PC or Mac? Google or Bing? 
iPhone, PC, Yahoo.