MEDIA ADVISORY
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Johnson & Wales University Faculty Experts are available to discuss the following topics related to the holiday season:
Consumer Spending; Maximizing Deals; Tariffs Affecting Prices? Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday; Return Policies
With consumer confidence near an all-time high, United States consumers are projected to spend an average of $1,007.24 during the 2018 holiday season. How can shoppers get the most for their money? Has Black Friday been surpassed by Cyber Monday? Will tariffs on consumer goods from China result in higher prices? How can you make returns without ending up on the naughty list of your favorite store?
- Expert: Kristen Regine, professor, College of Business
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
Cybersecurity Travel Tips for the Holidays
How can the millions traveling home for the holidays ensure a data breach-free trip? What can travelers do proactively to prevent cybersecurity threats during their travels? Are threats more likely outside familiar protected environments like the office or home? What should you do if your personal information is compromised during travel?
- Expert: Nicholas Tella, director of information security, adjunct, College of Engineering & Design
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
Dodging Holiday Debt; Tips to Save on Holiday Travel
When is the best time to book your holiday travel? Which airlines offer better prices to fly home for the holidays? Are there travel deals this time of year? How can you set a budget before holiday shopping? What are the best way to ensure a debt-free conclusion to the holiday season?
- Expert: Tim Howes, associate professor, College of Business
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
Holiday anxiety; First Holiday without a Loved One
While the holiday season may be a joyous occasion for some, it can be full of anxiety and a source of pain for others. What causes holiday anxiety? How can you manage holiday anxiety? What coping mechanisms exist to help those feeling overwhelmed by the financial, social and family obligations of the holidays? Is it normal to dread the holiday season after the loss of a loved one? How can individuals and families celebrate the season without guilt?
- Expert: Mari Dias, professor, John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
Tech to Combat Porch Pirates; 2018’s Holiday Tech Trends
What are 2018’s most sought-after gadgets and devices? Are deals TV’s and computers still a large incentive for consumers to buy, or are other items such as cell phones and tablets now most popular? What new technology is gaining popularity this holiday shopping season?
As online shopping grows in popularity, the risk of package theft increases. Thousands of home deliveries will be made and some will be stolen. What technologies can help you prevent porch pirates from stealing your items? How can these devices be used to help police identify and catch thieves who pluck your packages?
- Expert: Diane Santurri, associate professor, College of Engineering & Design
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, ryan.crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
Politics at the Party?
Politics can be a polarizing discussion, especially at family and social gathers during the holiday season. Should politics stay away from the dinner table and holiday parties? Is it healthy to have conversations about politics with family members who disagree? How can friends and family respectfully discuss different political viewpoints without leading to holiday havoc?
- Expert: Emily Lynch, assistant professor, John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
Holiday Movies Address Bullying
How did Rudolph feel when all of the other reindeer laughed and called him names? Did the Grinch’s heart shrink when the other kids in Whoville tormented him for looking different? The holidays offer a valuable chance to discuss the sensitive topic of bullying and provide examples of how bullying can be overcome with kindness.
- Expert: Stacey Kite, professor, John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences
- Media Contact: Ryan Crowley, communications & media relations, crowley@jwu.edu, (401) 598-2752
It's My Party and I Won't Cry 'Cause I don't Want to
Whether it's a houseful of family or a corporate setting, the planning and preparation for the annual holiday party can be a stressful assignment. A few basic elements can lead to a successful event. What foods and beverages to prepare? What innovation to add from music to décor? And above all, how do cooler heads prevail?
- Expert: Elizabeth Van Patten, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Hospitality Management
- Media Contact: Miriam Weinstein, communications & media relations, weinstein@jwu.edu, (401) 598-1157
Go Old School: Cook Like a Pilgrim
Turkey was not served at the original Thanksgiving. Make authenticity your main ingredient this year. – a meal without the bird will not leave you hungry and may bring the thanks back to the giving. From corn to grains, root vegetables to nuts, learn to eat like a pilgrim this year.
- Expert: Chef Matthew Britt, instructor, College of Culinary Arts
- Media Contact: Miriam Weinstein, communications & media relations, weinstein@jwu.edu, (401) 598-1157
About JWU
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 14,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its four campuses in Providence, Rhode Island; North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers degree programs in arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, design and engineering, education, health and wellness, hospitality, nutrition and physician assistant studies. Its unique model integrates arts and sciences and industry-focused education with work experience and leadership opportunities, inspiring students to achieve professional success and lifelong personal and intellectual growth. The university’s impact is global, with alumni from 124 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.