Accelerated Undergraduate

The Concord Monitor recently ran a story entitled "Changing the way we Educate" that profiled Granite State College and the unique ways in which we serve undergraduate and graduate students. The focus of the article was largely on how Granite State College balances business and academics, and how we are addressing a 48% cut in state appropriations (the largest cut ever made to the USNH appropriations). While the cut certainly impacts us, Granite State College has been very innovative this past year, launching a new BS in Health Care Management and developing our first masters degree (an MS in Project Management). We also streamlined our admissions processes, eliminated some fees, and adopted a "student-centered" approach that led to schedule improvements and the creation of student success teams.

Granite State College's innovations are leading to record enrollment levels for the college in spite of budgetary cuts. It is our ability to be responsive to student and employer needs that is becoming the college's hallmark. GSC has long been a leader in online education and today every degree the College offers is available entirely online, including our new MS in Project Management. For GSC, having our degrees available online is not enough, we have gone beyond that by building a top instructional design team that includes a media-rich specialist and adding greater support for online students through services such as online tutoring. We also provide our faculty with more tools than just the learning management system, one of the latest tools available to faculty allows them to create animated simulations.

Even with this expansion of online offerings and support, GSC has also continued to invest in technology and innovation at our state-wide campus centers. Our recent campus centers in Rochester, Manchester, and Littleton all offer an array of classroom technology, including wireless connectivity. More importantly, our innovations around curriculum are making higher education more accessible to adults and working professionals. We are launching fast-track programs this year that offer an accelerated and streamlined path to completing a bachelor degree.

State appropriations are certainly key to our ability to offer the best higher education value possible, but equally important is our ability to innovate. While appropriations may be down, innovation at GSC has never been higher.

Hello again!

I realized that any time I end up talking about Granite State College, or any other Adult Education Degree Program, that I always relate it to my life. Granted, I tend to do this to get people excited/motivated through the knowledge that some random person gave herself a chance to change her life. But this one is for you, putting aside my life for comparison.

What got you to the point of reading these blogs? There is obviously something in you that wants to start, or continue with an accelerated undergraduate, or an accelerated degree program. There is something in you that has made you take those steps to search for these. Are you looking to start a program, or finish? Are you looking to improve your current job situation? Personal reasons? 

It's very easy for me to say "you won't regret it!" - (and I know you won't), however it's really time that you took that next step to commit! There are so many excuses out there, many that are more than valid, but there are 5 reasons to do it to every 1 excuse. Want to test that theory? :) 

I know I'm being very repetitive, but I'm curious: what is fueling your desire to be here? We all have something that inspires us to "take the plunge"; it's time for you to find your inner fire, and embrace it.

Although the purpose of this blog isn't to promote products - even if they ARE educational toys! - I can't resist writing about the ant farm we got for two of our grandchildren that may go down in history as the first thing to distract them from video games!  It actually lights up and has a gel that the ants appear to eat and dig their tunnels in as well.  Our daughter loves it so much she goes into the room where the farm is lit up, to read.  And she talked me into getting one for my office too.

Here it is, though this doesn't show how it lights up, which is especially cool!


What got my brain going was thinking how we've always compared hard workers to ants.  Remember the Aesop fable when you were a kid about "The Grasshopper and the Ant"?  The grasshopper has a "what, me worry?" attitude toward life (which Walt Disney made into a wonderful song in the 1934 cartoon that goes like this:  "Oh, the world owes me a living...").  He's disdainful of the ant who just keeps plodding along and works hard to get the job done of preparing for winter.  The climax of the story, of course, is that winter comes, and the grasshopper is in trouble because he's not prepared, so he learns a lesson from the ant.  (In the Disney version, the ant kindly helps the grasshopper.  I'll bet in Aesop's version though, that the grasshopper froze to death!)

Some of my students have told me that when they were in high school, they couldn't wait to graduate and "get out into the real world."  Alas, after a few years (or even decades) in the real world, they realized that a high school diploma wasn't going to get them where they wanted to go.  Sometimes they just wanted to feel more educated.  Sometimes they realized they needed further training to achieve a goal they'd decided was worthwhile.  But always, the lure of a diploma got them started.  Many of them sign up for regular classes at Granite State College, and some sign up for adult online courses.  We even have accelerated undergraduate courses, so you can complete some courses in as little as five weeks.  (This is hardly the easy way out, though, because you're taking a full college course in that short time!  But for some, it's a blessing to be able to squeeze in a course in less time than a regular college course.)

So I can't resist trying to make my readers decide whether they want to be a grasshopper or an ant...at least, metaphorically!

Meanwhile, I'll write again when my ants arrive in their heated package.  (I kid you not - that's how they can mail them in the winter!)  Now wouldn't the grasshopper have loved that?

I never want you to feel nervous or scared to start a fresh new life. That's the person I was until a friend brought me to Granite State College. Since I have begun my education by taking many behavioral science classes, I have become a whole new person. I am a go-getter now! I am happy and excited by things and I know I am headed to a great place. If you have any thoughts about starting your education, stop on by! We have so many things for you to take a look at, see what interests you. Maybe you are looking for online classes for criminal justice! Maybe you are looking for foster parent classes or an accelerated undergraduate courses! We have a wide range of things to offer you, and with convenient nights, weekend, and online courses, you can still work while you get your adult education diploma. Whatever you decide to do, I want you to know that I am here for you! You can stop by any time and we can talk about getting you a fresh start too! So come on by to the Manchester Campus and ask to speak with me, Danielle, and become the best that you can be!

P.S. Registration for our Winter term begins today!!

I have been vacationing in Scottsdale, Arizona for the past five days. I have a friend out here that I have known for years and suggested I come out for a visit.  I was pleased to have the opportunity to rest, stitch, write, hike and exercise in such beautiful surroundings.

I have done some hiking up Pinnacle Peak and what beautiful views. I went online and found a pool/gym I could go to while I was here to stay in shape and get some exercise.  I love to swim and even though it has dropped down to the 40's in the evening, it gets up to the 70's during the day anyways, the pool is heated so it feels great!! Finding the pool was just as easy as finding online adult learning classes, weekend college classes or accelerated undergraduate classes. You just put into your search engine on either Google, Bing or yahoo and the list comes up. Click on them and see which one has the best information you are looking for.  It is the same with the adventure of finding a college that suits your personal needs. Granite State College worked for me even when I had to move out of state. Online learning classes where there and so were the advisers to help me fulfill this dream of mine. Here are a few pictures of my trip.
This was taken down in Fountain Hills which is just south of Scottsdale. The views of the mountains, cactus, adobe type homes were just beautiful, some sites I will never forget. There is a huge fountain there, I think the highest fountain in the world, guess I need to Google that. If any of my blog followers get the chance, go to AZ, simply beautiful.

So I returned to GSC with a renewed spirit.  As far as distance learning universities went, Granite State College was offering everything I needed to get my degree.  I started back up in the winter of 2008 with critical thinking.  The blackboard tutorial walked me through everything I needed t know to make it in this new electronic blackboard jungle!

I found the level of instruction and interaction more fulfilling than before in my face to face classes.  It was exciting to not only be back in school but using new tools and techniques to achieve my goals.  The on-line college opportunity that GSC was providing me was really making a difference.  I began to rack up the credits and get closer to my goals, feeling like I was on an accelerated undergraduate degree path.  I knew I was going to seal the deal this time!

One resource that I tapped with GSC was the ability to do CLEP and DANTES test-outs.  These college level aptitude tests evaluate whether you possess college level knowledge in a number of subject matter.  Although I did study to prepare for each test, you can really take advantage of prior learning with this adult education service the college provides.  In one summer I was able to CLEP out of three subjects, which gave me 12 credits towards my degree.  This also saved me 9 months and about $3,000 bucks too!  This is a perfect way for adults learners to qualify the knowledge and skill they already possess and really race towards a college degree.

Well after 18 short months from my second go-round, the impossible became the possible and I walked with the class of 2009 receiving my Associates degree in Business.  This was a great feeling, well worth the wait, and a milestone that no one can take away from me.  I described it as a half way victory because getting that degree let me know, I had what it took to go all the way.  I was going to continue on for my Bachelors in Criminal Justice Administration.  Now I knew, getting a degree wouldn't be a matter of if I could do it, but WHEN!

Next up: More classes and a trip to Validation Nation!    

I had put my dreams of a college degree away and carried on with my life.  I was busy, and happy in my career, but really never thought I would "close the book" on an adult education diploma.  I was enjoying some success in my career and as luck would have it, I was promoted to Lieutenant of the Conway Police Department.  This was a happy time for me but a crossroads as well.  Now that I was an administrator, would I have the credibility dealing with budgets, Boards and Committees?  I new I had to take another look at finishing my educational journey.

In December of 2007, I went down to the local Granite State College office and met the greatest people.  From my academic advisor Nancee Caughey to the office staff, Cindy, Patti, Julie and Molly, they were all clearly pulling for me to get back in the game!  They could tell that I was nervous about returning to classes after 15 years, especially the online classes for criminal justice.  I wasn't the most computer savvy guy and I was more than a little intimidated.  They explained the process of re-enrollment, accuplacer testing and the many new programs available to help me obtain an accelerated undergraduate degree. 

The thing that caught my attention first was the huge variety of degree choices.  I had choices like Associate in Science in Business, Criminal Justice or even General Studies.  All of these choices were now available online too.  No traveling to the Berlin NH College or to any Concord NH Classes for credit.  I settled on continuing with a Business Degree, now at the Associate level, and realized I was actually more than half way there!  My fear was replaced with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose.  I thought, "This is really going to happen!"

Next:  Online classes, test outs and the impossible becomes possible!    

Recently I've had a few opportunities to talk with some recent high school graduates about their plans for the summer and beyond....including continuing education.  I found it rather interesting listening to them talk about the pressures of attaining good grades to get into good schools to try and get good jobs (the typical parental mantra to motivate kids through the high school years - it didn't work on us when we were kids yet we try it on our kids and they will try it on theirs as well - maybe some things are genetically coded.....).

Anyway what struck me is the attitude of some of these young people.  They are not "buying in" to the college right after high school tradition.  As a matter of fact many of them are looking at ways to get involved in the global community for a year or two before going "back to school" to earn a degree.

Some are looking at AmericaCorp, Habitat for Humanity, and other global service opportunities.  They are seeking ways to expand their experiences as a world citizen, gain a better understanding of how the world works, meet some people with similar values and aspirations and concerns, and share their passion for giving back.  Some want to be able to use this time to get to know themselves better.  Many are considering smaller, less well known colleges or universities.  Some are pursuing their own interests distance learning universities and online classes.  And yes, the truth be told, some just don't know what they want to do, but they know that the traditional path just isn't the right thing for them now.

Some are looking at the experiences that their parents have had both in academics and in the business world.  Many think about deferring college to enlist in the military.  Some are considering adult education certificate programs or getting into an adult education diploma program that allows them to go to school while pursuing a job or their passion.  They've seen their parents working while getting their degrees (undergrad as well as post grad work).  They've seen their parents go back to get a second degree or certificate and start a new career.  They have learned that education is the key to their future, but it doesn't have to be down the traditional path.

For all of the caterwauling about today's generation (every generation past has complained about the one they created), there are a lot of bright kids (okay, parents, you can acknowledge that you did a great job with your kids....there, feel better?).  I came away from this conversation feeling pretty good about the next generation of learners.  They are taking charge of their own education.  They have challenged the system, the teachers, the parent, and even the business world.  They have options that we never heard about, they are courageous, they are afraid of the future, but not paralyzed by their fear.  It feeds their desire to get outside of their comfort zone.  They know that you can hit the reset button and recover if you make a mistake.  They are not afraid of doing something they haven't done before.  They create opportunities, they create their future, they create our future.

They will change the way education will be delivered in the years to come and they will complain and be overly concerned about the next generation.....and somewhere down the road, some one will have a conversation with a group of the next generation and find out that this new generation, like the ones before it, will create a world of new knowledge and opportunities for living, for working and even for learning.......

They are using online courses, accelerated undergraduate programs, and distance learning  in ways that create opportunities for those in academics to create the future of colleges and universities.  They are creating new careers and new technologies that are creating opportunities for colleges and universities to grow and evolve faster than ever before.

The adult learning community is listening and responding!  Never before has there been so many options for today's learning community to access education.  Never before has there been so many options and academic programs to purse so many unique and innovative degrees.  Never before has the academic world been more ready to serve and support the adult learning community.

So, graduates (high school, tech school, community college, college and university grad, and even you post-grad learners) when you get ready to turn to the college and university community to continue and support your education and career advancement goals, we will be there, ready to give you the education you need to continue your journey as a lifelong learner......

See you in class......

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Atlantic City, NJ to visit with a friend. To prepare for my trip, I did what most people do today--I googled a map from NH to NJ. A nice set of directions popped out and told me exactly how long it would take me, how much gas I would use and even had nice graphics of the road signs I should watch for. Delighted at the prospect of 6+ hours alone in the car listening to whatever music, news or silence I wanted, I set off. You probably know the drill, 93 south to 495 west to mass pike to 84 to blah, blah, blah. The trip was going along very smoothly, music was cranking (okay, Keb Mo, the Backstreet Boys and Garth Brooks if you must know), then I hit New York. The directions seemed simple enough...a few rights, a few lefts and take the "lower level" of the George Washington Bridge.

Holy smoksakoli....suddenly cars were coming at me a what seemed like a million miles per hour, changing lanes, braking and swerving. My pulse rate went up to about 1,000 beats per minute and I started to sweat. I had to turn the music off and really focus to see the signs, avoid an accident and make it over the bridge. Oh, did I mention it started to rain?

Good news is with focused attention I made it over the bridge, through the city and to my final destination. I even came back over the same bridge on the way home. In the daylight it was a much different experience.

Last night I picked up the new Reader's Digest to read and found out that this road I traveled was named one of America's most dangerous roads. I had several reactions. First, why would the mapping software send me on one of the most dangerous roads ever? Second, relief that I made it through unharmed. Third, note to self...call AAA for an old-fashioned trip ticket next time. That way I can get help planning my route. Actually talk with someone about the fact that I was traveling alone and wanted to be safe--even if it took a little longer.

This is what we do here at Granite State College. Students come for an accelerated undergraduate degree and find advisors that will walk them through their "map" to the best route for them. This may mean online classes, face to face classes or hybrids. It definitely means a clear path to the end--with cool roadside graphics along the way! So play it safe, avoid the impersonal online generic map and check out a school that will give you the personalized attention you deserve. Call us today!