Granite State College

The First Graduate Studies Reception on May 3, 2012 was a success!  Graduate students, faculty and staff increased their network five-fold. The Project Management Masters Program was well represented. The event started with a Welcome from President Leach, Dean of Academic Affairs Sheila Taylor-King, and Program Director- Michelle Capozzolli. The evening was MC’d by Dean of Graduate Studies Scott Stanley. Participants engaged in a speed interviewing exercise which involved interviewing five attendees they did not know prior to the event. This activity was followed by introductions to the group. There were several laughs by all participants throughout the night. The event was deemed a networking success by individuals engaging in conversation at the end of the night with their new colleagues.

Granite State College’s Graduate Studies Network just got a little bit bigger.

Mothers Day 2012, what a nice day it was.  Now that my children, all four of them, are all grown up and living on their own, mothers day seems very special to me.  They all called and sent texts my way. All nice thoughts of growing up and thanking me for being such a good mom.  They were happy days for me when the kids were young. All the challenges of raising kids, looks so different now that I have got to this stage in my life.  I called my daughter in law and wished her Happy Mother Day and then my daughter who will be a mother in late November of this year.  I am so fortunate to have four wonderful children, a lucky women I am.  Lucky in so many ways; they are all healthy and they are all happy.  I think every mom wishes that their kids are happy throughout their lives.  They live in four different states but we keep in touch through emails, text messages and phone calls.  I go see them whenever I get a chance and time allows.  Time allows, there is a statement.  I didn't think I had time to go to School years ago and then I found Granite State College.  School pretty much filled my nights with reading, writing and studying.  It was all very worth it as I did get my degree six years later.  My children were all very proud of me, proud that I stuck to it.  After raising four children on my own, school was a breeze.  So if you are thinking about going back to school or going to college for the first time, you can do it. I did and raised four kids. 

I just signed up for a class this Spring term to help me move closer in obtaining my undergraduate degree in psychology from Granite State College. I enrolled in ENG 508: Media and Its Messages. I was so pumped when I got the syllabus because of the type of learning I was about to delve into. This is not one of your old school monotone instructors who ask you to read 100 pages and write a response every week. No! This is another course where I get to be in control of my learning, to put things that are happening in everyday life and turn them into great learning experiences!  As a mother of a two year old I do not get to watch much TV, let alone find out what is going on in the world around me. If it doesn’t come from Elmo or Barney, then I don’t have a clue! I think most working mothers can relate to me here! Between running around doing errands, cooking for my family, and changing diapers, I admit (ashamedly so) that I do not pay attention to current events in the news. I don’t even know what the weather is going to be like until I step outside! I know it sounds awful, but it’s the life most of us busy mothers live. In this class I am not only using modern media decipher what is happening around me in a “buyer beware” sort of attitude. But I am also teaching myself to slow down and really take a look at what is going on around me in the world. Many of these things that are happening on the news are going to greatly affect my life, like current politics. I think this class is going to help me in more ways that just academics. I am going to become a more well-rounded and well-read person because I will not only know how to look and decipher what is being tossed my way in the media and news outlets, but I will also know how to take the time to give myself that opportunity. I think that is definitely something a book and tests cannot teach you.

There are some really cool things that Granite State College provides there students with to help them succeed. One huge helper is my WebROCK portal. I log into that and I have access to so much more! I can change my name and adress if I move or get married, I can check my grades, and my financial aid. This year I even get to take control over my financial aid package through WebROCK. The coolest thing for me to be able to do in WebROCK is too keep tabs on my degree! I can see what courses I have taken, what courses need to be taken and all of my course options all laid out in front of me!  I don't have to call and ask someone else what they think I should do. After all, this is my degree! If I am smart enough to get through the classes then I think I am smart enough to choose them. Besides, I have a specific mind of where I want to go. I want to be a child psychologist someday, so for my electives I want to choose classes that would make sense for my studies. I know when I am through with my undergraduate psychology degree I am going to be 100% satisfied because I chose the classes I wanted based on what interested me. I have to say that my favorite feature on WebROCK is the "What if Analysis". Let's say I get bored with psychology and want a BS Health Care Management. All I have to do is click a few buttons and the screen will show me what courses would transfer into the new degree program and what courses I would have left to take! Is that not the coolest thing ever? No more wasting money bouncing from program to prgram. I can try it out for free to see if it "fits"!

In the past year, Granite State College has launched Graduate Studies and celebrated the newly formed School of Education. With these two exciting initiatives, GSC needed two exciting sets of promotional material for prospective students!

Where to begin? Like many other journeys GSC has taken, the process always starts with the students.

In our Graduate Studies brochure, you'll find two students from the Project Management Master's Program and you may even recognize their classroom at the Rochester campus! They are joined by the Dean of Graduate Studies and several other staff members from Granite State College that prospective students will actually see and interact with when they enroll.

Our School of Education photo shoot featured students from the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program. We had a dynamic venue filled with energetic 3-7 year old children who are the same age as the students these future educators will teach!

It means so much to us to have real live members of the GSC community in these photos and we had a blast spending the day with the students.

Special thanks to Leslie Bowering, '10 ,B.A. Liberal Studies: Self-Design in Language Arts. She opened the doors of her business, The Reading Room for Kids, in Rye, NH, for our School of Education photo shoot.
 

I recently had the audacity to make claim that Granite State College was my baby, and that I would never do anything to hurt it. But in all honesty, Granite State College gave birth to me. To the strong, independent, and intelligent person I have become. Before attending to get my undergraduate degree in psychology I was very timid. I was shy and did not voice my opinions much because I had no confidence in myself and my abilities. I never thought in a million years I would be able to jungle the life that I have now: full time worker, full time student, and full time mother. Granite State College ignited the spark inside me that was always there, waiting for it to be proven worthy. The feelings I went through I can only describe as when someone is so exhausted and freezing cold water is splashed on their face. The excitement you get when you are confident enough to voice your opinions and know that you are worthy. To stand up and declare for all that it is my time! The best thing about it is that no one ever held my hand. I did not take baby steps throughout my journey here. I was able to take control of my own college career. I chose the classes that interested me and fit my degree of my choosing. I chose whether I took them online or face to face. Not only can I say “I did it!” when I hold my degree in my hand, but I can also say proudly, “I made it happen!”. This has to be the best college for a psychology major, and all other majors because you are in control of your destiny- you are given the power to make it happen!

In order to get one step closer to my undergraduate psychology degree I recently took the Intro to Ethics course online, and man, what an excellent course! I originally took it because I am a very passionate and opinionated person and thought I would do well in the course. Little did I know I was going to walk away from the class with an even broader span of understanding of humanity.  The things I learned throughout the course were not only interesting, but relatable to real life events. To see politics in a different light and to see why other people think the way they do. The instructor was super nice and very effective at teaching. He really took a different approach, and that is what I love most about Granite State College. They do not hire instructors who “preach” to you. That say read chapters so and so and take a test. They really get you to think, to associate your life with the materials. You become more of an educated person intellect and character becomes more three dimensional. I think the most eye opening resource you can look at is the Horace Miner’s “Body Ritual among the Nacirema Tribe” here- http://www.ohio.edu/people/thompsoc/Body.html. While you read the story, keep in the forethought of your mind all of the judgment’s you may be passing on this tribe’s people and their rituals. If you find this interesting, then you should really check out the intro to ethics course! And this course is not just limited to fullfilling requirements for just the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, but also in many other degree programs here as well, both online and in class! Take a look at the most recent course offerings and I promise you, you will not be disappointed!!

If you are a skier and want to go someplace with awesome skiing, then Banff and Lake Louise should be on your bucket list. Yes, the skiing was wonderful and the views high in the mountains were breathtaking.  I know this because I just got back from Banff a couple weeks ago. Yes, I was sore from skiing but that is only because I hadn't skied in about four years.  We spent a week there and got to enjoy many days at both resorts and also got to go on a sleigh ride and evebn did a little dog sledding. 

The snow was deep and just perfect for skiing.  In Lake Louise they had people called "Friends" that would take you around and show you the runs.  I pretty much stayed on the green runs most of the time. Of course their green runs were like Michigans blue runs.  These friends were very helpful, they would gage how you skied and show you the runs that best suited your expertise.  

So I learned which runs were the best for me and which ones I would gradually advance too. I had so much fun and if you have never been there, go.  But in saying that, it is all part of living and learning as we go through life. I learned the level and type of runs I should ski on and when you are in school, you learn how to study. At Granite State College, I learned that I needed a study group when I was attending my adult education classes. I realized this even more when I was taking accelerated studies classes on weekends.  You only had a short time to retain a lot of information. Study groups just worked for me. I had them when I started college in Tennessee and I kind of put a group together when I got into my classes in New Hampshire.  Anyways, learning new things is good, perfecting skills in skiing is a good thing also. I don't think I will ski anymore this year, but next year, watch out. I will be headed for the slopes once again!!

Granite State College recently hosted a Career Information Workshop at the Portsmouth campus. It was a big success and attendees received valuable tips on job searching and career possibilities. There was a panel of faculty members who work in various professions in addition to teaching college evening classes. They are dedicated to facilitating the students taking adult college classes to excel in their coursework as well as explore potential new careers once they graduate. 

Here are some brief tips they recommended when starting the job search process:

1. Self-evaluation: Who are  you? What are your interests? If you could have any job what would that be and where? What are your best skills? What skills need work? What would your current coworkers say about you if asked these same questions? This exercise may take you beyond your comfort zone but is invaluable in highlighting the path you take after college.
2. Resume with Impact: The panel all agreed that crafting a powerful resume is very important. Employers receive a multitude of resumes every day so yours needs to set you apart in the first 30 seconds of being viewed. As you pursue your undergraduate education you may not be able to list a degree you have completed. Instead add specific courses to your resume: Communications, Critical Thinking, a Health Care Management course, a Leadership course in Management,or a Human Resource class. All of these show vital skills that can be put to use in a work environment. Highlight your skill set early in the resume and in a way that will show your distinction above other applicants.
3. Informational Interview: Are you unsure if a particular job or company is right for you? Are you exploring career options and are undecided which direction to go?  Set up an informational interview with a potential employer to gain insight into the type of careers they would offer. In this format, you are the interviewer asking the questions rather than the other way around. It not only gives you information but it may help get yourself recognized should you apply for a job at a later date.
4. Internships: Do you need an elective in your major? Are you interested in earning college course credit for exploring career options? Do you want to learn more about a job and how your classroom learning can apply?  Set up an  internship during one of the terms and gain valuable experience as well as credits towards your degree. Talk with your Academic Coach about the details of this option.
5. What all companies need: Business Management gives you broad professional capabilities. All areas of  business need managers, whether Health Care, sales or marketing, government or public services. Every company and organization has a Human Resource department. Every department in a company or organization has a manager. At your informational interview, find out what that company needs.
6. Job Fairs: Once you have a polished resume attend job fairs, dressing as though you were going to an interview.  A job fair gives you the opportunity to distribute your resume, explore the companies that anticipate growth and therefore new jobs, network with others in your field, and practice communication skills. It also will help you to educate yourself on specific companies that you may have considered applying to. Knowing as much as possible about a potential employer before your interview if vital.
7. Top industries with expected growth: Health Care is a growing industry and one that will remain vital to all communities. Management, marketing, human resources, social work, and case management were also discussed as occupations on the rise. Education related careers are prevelent. Find out what is available for someone with your degree and determine what areas interest you the most.
8. Be open to all possibilities and to further education: As an adult college student you may think completing your bachelor's degree is the ultimate goal. You may also think that landing the perfect job is an important goal. However, in the job market today you must be open to all possibilities and even decide if continuing your education is going to be beneficial to obtaining that perfect job.

There is so much more on this topic and I encourage you to research, network, ask questions and get the help you need to make your job search successful.

It is an exciting time at Granite State College! The Office of Graduate Studies will launch in July the new Master of Science in Leadership. The Leadership Master’s Program is designed to develop student’s strategic leadership skills while guided by their ethical principles. The MIT Leadership Institute defines 4 capabilities Leadership Framework. The components are sense-making, relating, visioning, and inventing.[1]  In this new graduate program the curriculum embodies these components.  Students will focus on making sense of their capacity to function as a leader in today’s environment, relate organizational relationships to facilitate organizational effectiveness, conducting visionary exercises to facilitate organizational growth and opportunity, and invent new ways to respond to changes in the environment of the organization  and actualizing the organizational vision. This framework makes for a sound leadership education. The ten course program provides students with practical and theoretical foundations to develop a personalized leadership construct. The Master of Science in Leadership is one of Granite State College’s Online Graduate Degrees. Get more information on the new graduate program being offered at Granite State College at http://www.granite.edu/academics/degrees/masters/leadership.php.

I am teaching a Foundations in  Early Childhood Education course online at Granite State College this semester. It is a course that I have not taught before. Many of the people in the class are involved in the early childhood field, but need the coursework for their certification. Their first assignment was to introduce themselves and tell a little about their interest in the field of early childhood. It amazes me how many of the students talked about how much they love what they are doing. Almost every person in the class mentioned how much they love their job. Early Childhood education is not a high paying career field. It is also not an easy job, but it is one of the best jobs on the planet. Imagine working with young children who are excited about things such as butterflies in a garden, or clouds in the sky. Adults are usually too busy to notice the little things, but young children spend their time noticing these things. It is great to see so many people working in a field that they love and taking the time to improve their understanding of the field through online undergraduate education courses at Granite State that may lead them to an Associate Degree or a Bachelor's degree in early childhood, or even  special education teacher certification. 

Have you ever wondered if a college education was a good idea? Have you debated with yourself about going back to school, spending all that money to find out things you already know? Have friends told you there is no purpose in going to college?

Well, think for a minute about what you want to be doing 5, 10 even 20 years from now. Do you want to be doing the same thing you are doing now? Are you up to date with the latest technology for your field? Well a college education can help you to change careers or get up to date with the technological advances in your field. Recently I spoke to someone who started college right out of high school but then stopped. He works in the landscaping field. He wishes he knew something about running a business so he could work for himself. I suggested college courses and he said no way was he going to sit around in a classroom. Then I suggested on line courses. You can take them when your schedule allows it. You can take the courses you need for your career, or you can put together a program of classes for a particular degree. He is considering the idea and maybe you should too!

Did you know that Granite State College offers many different kinds of degree programs? They have on line and face to face  courses to meet your needs. Maybe you want Special Education Teacher certification after being a paraprofessional for many years.  Maybe you are thinking of an undergraduate psychology degree, or a health care management program. Consider the options and consider that things are changing so fast in our society, that without training, it will be hard for anyone to be prepared for a career, even 5 years from now. Don't be left behind. Think about your reason for a college education.

The effects of alcohol on the brain are always interesting, challenging, and worth studying, as well as sometimes scary, sad and aggravating.  And my students at Granite State College love examining the subject. Alcohol strongly impacts the lives of many, and for everyone, studying about it adds to their learning about something that ultimately affects most in some way.  And maybe it will have an impact on them in the future, so it's good to have that knowledge in your back pocket!

In our Introduction to Psychology courses at Granite State College, we examine alcohol's effects on consciousness.  It's always interesting for my students to learn about the effects on the brain of alcohol and other potentially addictive substances.  And of course, not everyone becomes addicted.  Yet there are still some effects to examine.

My students learn about how those "filters" of consciousness get erased...for example, how alcohol relaxes anxiety-based responses - like what happens if you're kind of nervous about going to a party so you think it's helpful for you to have a couple of beers or glasses of wine to "relax"?  Is it a good idea to do that?  How does it work?  And what about how you may say and or do things you're less likely to do if alcohol weren't a part of the picture, and how the brain's neurotransmitters respond?  

Ah, "neurotransmitters" sounds like such a technical word doesn't it? But we learn the basics of how those little guys work in that great Introduction to Psychology course, and it's more interesting than terrifying!  My students - both adults who are returning to college and all students who are just hoping to increase their knowledge - are always fascinated by this topic.

Here's some information about how you can take this and other psychology courses at Granite State College  http://www.granite.edu/academics/degrees/bachelor/psychology.php

So here's a little about the study I described in the title of this article.  First a little background:  Alcohol is known to break down those little internal barriers...the ones that say, "Yikes!  I'd better not say or do  that!"  

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-03-racial-stereotyping-exposed-alcohol-related-images.html

So, if you were in my class, we'd discuss how alcohol was found to make people more likely to express any "racial bias" they'd been trying to cover up.  What does that say about what's really going on in peoples' brains?

 You can join us in an online class or for a regular classroom experience.  Let's see if we can figure this one out!

I have been teaching at Granite State for over 5 years and I marvel at the people who attend early childhood education classes. You do not have to be working in a day care center to take courses in Early Childhood. You might be a paraprofessional in a high school working with a special needs child. Maybe you work in a government office but are interested in children and are thinking of a career change. One student was a successful businessman who taught Sunday School and wanted to spend more time learning about children. Each person brings their own interests and experiences to the classroom. They offer each other support and ideas that are based on what they have done in the field, as parents, or in their hobbies and travels. If you are thinking of taking early childhood classes, or even starting an early childhood education degree at Granite State, but are worried that you do not have experience in the field, don't worry, you will learn from others and you will be amazed at all that you have to offer as well.

First and foremost…THANK YOU!  Thank you are  two little words that can be overused and sometimes diluted but I speak for myself and on behalf of Granite State College when we say, “THANK YOU” as we are proud of  all that have served and are still serving our country.~ 

Seems like just yesterday I was retiring from the military. Three years later and so much has been going on with my life since my last blog.  I have since finished up with my Baccalaureate Degree and now working with Granite State College as an Admission Coach and a Veteran Representative.  The latter of the two means a lot to me as I understand the importance of it, because without my Veteran Representative at my nearby base facility I would not have felt, "as ready” to move 'onward and upward' with the next phase of my life.  So, with that said, I want you to know if you are reading my blog and you are ready to move 'onward and upward' with Granite State College,  be it, one class or two or  looking to finish your degree  whether you have served or are serving on  Active Duty, Guard/Reserve, or Retired, I’m here to assist you in the best way possible.  I look  forward to hearing from you, again.....THANK YOU!

 “There are no secrets to success.  It is a result of preparation, hard work and learning from our failures”  -  Colin Powell

I was horrified to read that an annual Easter egg hunt in Colorado Springs has been canceled this year.  Was it because the kiddies misbehaved?  Was there some egg-throwing that got out of hand?  Well, not exactly.  Apparently, it's the parents whose behavior was out of hand.  

"Too many parents determined to see their children get an egg jumped a rope marking the boundaries of the children-only hunt at Bancroft Park last year. The hunt was over in seconds, to the consternation of eggless tots and the rules-abiding parents.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/53794462-68/parents-hunt-egg-easter.html.csp

Recently, the news has been filled with stories of "helicopter parents" - those parents who hover above their children and are a tad, shall we say, "overinvolved" in their kids' lives.  Those are the parents who demand that teachers recognize how special their child is.  (Aren't all children special?)  They argue with teachers if their child doesn't get the high grade they'd hoped for and make such a habit of speaking for their children that their children may get tongue-tied when expected to speak for themselves.  

Actually, the children sometimes become so unable to do anything for themselves that Mommy or Daddy may end up doing the homework, the science project, and even write college papers! Happily,  I haven't seen that at Granite State College, but I know it happens.

What I do wish is that these clueless parents would take a course in Child Psychology.  (We have them at Granite State College - both in the classroom and online...that's my plug for our wonderful college.)  Often, at the end of that course, my students say they wish their parents had had a course like that, and they might have been raised differently!  Many of our students are adult learners and people who have returned to school for a college degree.  But we do have a philosophy that the ideal target audience is a "lifelong learner."  So that should include everyone!

It's easy to express dismay over how "different things are now."  One thing that does give some strength to that argument is that parents are having fewer children than ever before.  Might that make a difference in how involved parents are?  Parents may have more time to be involved in their childrens' lives.  But there's another factor to consider:  Both parents are likely to be working now, so that cuts down on how much time both parents have to devote to "helicoptering" their children's lives.

These are the interesting kinds of things you can learn in a course on Child Growth and Development or Human Development at Granite State College.

   Last night was my last managment class for the semester YAYYYY!! What a great way to end such a hardworking semester than getting pizza and watching a funny movie that really helped wrap up the course. It's nice to know hard work pays off. Not only with getting a good grade, or credits, but with the little things like having our last class being so laid back. With the semester being so intense and stressful it's nice to end it on such a relaxed note. Makes the hard work worth it, and makes me encouraged for the next semester. I can't believe 12 weeks are already over, seemed to fly by. With a mini break I'm going to get ready for next semester make sure my books are ordered and I'm ready to start all over again! There's still time to sign up for classes don't keep waiting :)

That's right; What everybody ought to know about higher education.  You ought to know that it is possible and as easy as going to the grocery store for food.  You are just going to school for knowledge.  At Granite State College, they make it all possible.  They have so many diverse schedules that there is sure to be one that works for you and around your busy schedule.  I know this because I had one of those crazy life schedules. Working a full time job, raising children, paying bills and taking care of all the other stuff that you have to do to Live. I did it and so can you.  You just have to Want it bad enough. Bad enough that you will drive off to school or sit at the table behind the computor and say, " I am doing this for me!".  But maybe you are not just doing it for you, maybe you are doing it to advance in your career, be a good example for you kids, so in turn, you are doing it for you family and their welbeing.  Doesn't that sound nice!!  Going to school to help you family. It is know fact that children of parents who have a degree, are more likely to get a degree themselves. So, start today. Give Granite State College a call and get that adult education degree. Even if it is taking part time classes, do it. You will not be sorry you did, trust me on this.

I am interested in your opinion of online education. Granite State College offers many courses on line. They have many online education, early childhood certification, and elementary education degree courses now online. So I am wondering what you think of an online model in the field of education?

I  recently taught the same course in both a face to face and an online format at Granite State College. The course was for Early Childhood Education Majors. I have asked students in the class for their feedback on the course materials including books, videos, discussions and forums. Those students who took the course face to face seemed less interested in the book and more interested in the discussions. Those students who took the course online were very impressed with the book and the videos. They enjoyed the posts of classmates to forums, but rated the book more highly. So I am asking your opinion of the online education experience. Is it a good way to gain an education? Do you think you get the same overall experience? Are there things that are missing in one format or the other that we should build in to the face to face or online models? Stay tuned to see what people are saying about online education.

Today I am sitting at an educational conference for paraeducators. I am writing as I await their next break and my next opportunity to help someone learn how teaching certification can be within reach. With Granite State College's new undergraduate teaching certifications, as well as the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certifications we can now make teaching certification a reality for more individuals. Granite State College can also help Paraeducators achieve Paraeducator II Certification with the State of NH with a five class sequence or an Associate's Degree.

I am excited to be able to tell prospective students that we can now offer teaching certification with a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies in Social Studies, English Language Arts and Math Studies or a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. We are offering the same teaching certifications as at the Post Baccalaureate level:

General Special Education (K-12)

General Special Ed (K-12)/ Elementary Education (K-8)

Early Childhood Special Ed. (0-age 8)/Early Childhood (N-grade 3)

ESOL (K-12)

Mathematics (5-8)

Secondary Mathematics (7-12)

By specializing in the critcal shortage areas for teachers in NH, Granite State College is able to help individuals be more "employable" upon earning teaching certification. Para educators are so excited to hear that they do not have to stop working to take classes and earn certification. Both undergrad and PBTC programs are job embedded and field based, meaning that we want you working in a school or approved program during your time with us. Classes are available online, as field based or occasionally as face to face, so you can live anywhere in NH (and surrounding states) and complete your teaching certification.

Time to go and talk with some future teachers and tell them... how easy it is to get that teaching certification... that allows you to take that teaching position... increases your ability to positively impact the future of our children and schools... and furthers your career!