Concord NH College

Identify Technology that Improves YOUR Teaching and THEIR Learning!

Thursday, July 19, 2012 by Beth Hoyt-Flewelling

On August 10, teachers, school administrators, or anyone interested in educational technology will have an opportunity to attend a free educational symposium on the latest relevant and effective educational technologies. Take a look at the event here on the Granite State College website:

Granite State College, GovConnection, and MC Squared have partnered to offer a free, day-long event where educators will be presented with the learning technologies that interest them (as identified in a preconference survey). In addition, the most relevant and research-supported assistive technologies that meet the full range of special needs experienced by students (K-12) will be reviewed. What a great opportunity to learn about the latest educational technology (as well as learn about what other educators feel is important technology in improving your teaching and your students' learning)!

I was recently talking with someone who is both an educator and serves on a local school board. She was very excited to attend this symposium to research educational technology resources that her school district is interested in purchasing, as well as for the professional development opportunity (8 CEUs are available for attending).

The FREE symposium: Identify Technology that Improves YOUR Teaching and THEIR Learning, will be held August 10, 2012 from 8:30AM-4:30 PM (breakfast and lunch included) at Granite State College, 25 Hall St. Gateway Center, Concord, NH. If you cannot make it to Concord, you can participate online via live web conferencing at http://nhsymposium.org/.

To find out more or to register for the event, go to the website http://nhsymposium.org/. I look forward to seeing you there!

Ahhh...That New Class Smell

Friday, May 25, 2012 by Heather Carter

The thing about lifelong learning is, even after you've acquired the formal education you might need for your career, as an inquisitive human being your brain continuously craves more information. That's why the Internet is so powerful, right? It's driven by information. How do things work? What events in history led to where you are? How do you accomplish certain things? Who else has written about, discovered, or invented the subject matter that you find fascinating?

There's a reason that Granite State College used to be called the College for Lifelong Learning. And that former title was one of the major factors that drew me to the school. I am a lifelong learner. Ever since high school when I first became able to pick my own classes, I've always gotten so excited over the new course schedules. So many amazing choices with so many possibilities to learn something new!

Now, since Granite State College's website has become more advanced, it's easy for me to explore the new class offerings online. And it doesn't matter that I've already graduated because you don't have to be enrolled in a degree program to take a class here or there.

Here are some Concord, NH classes that look promising for the Spring term in 2012:

"Modern America and the Movies"

"Society and the Individual"

"Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"

"Vietnam War: An Historical Perspective"

And if I wanted to take college classes online in July and August, these look really interesting:

"Interpersonal Communication"

"American Popular Culture"

"History of New England"

"Survey of World Architecture"

Here's the link to the full summer course schedule:

http://www.granite.edu/courseschedule/summer2012.html

High School VS College

Saturday, April 2, 2011 by Maria Bauer

A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend from high school. A few days after that encounter, I ran into another friend from high school. It's always amazing how you feel when you run into old friends. There are some people you get very excited to see, and others you get this feeling in the pit of your stomach and in all honesty, you may try to dodge them from seeing you. For most people that I have met (post high school) it's a time in their life they want to forget. And seeing someone from your past can bring up some uneasy feelings that you thought you had buried.

The reason I bring this up is because seeing two of these people (one from each 'category'), I began to run through in my head what high school was like for me. I tried to remember my teachers, how they taught, the environment, etc. A lot of my high school teachers were very strict about assignments and due dates and making sure they made NO exceptions, because they were trying to prepare us for the "real world" and for college.

Because of how we were being "prepared", I didn't want to go to college anymore. Of course I had ambitions and I DID want to go to college, but I was expecting that it would not be the experience I had always dreamed it would be. Not after those experiences...

I may not be where I thought I would be when I was 16, but I'm happy to see where I am today. I'm in college, and in a short number of years I will have obtained two adult education diplomas. The exact same outcome as if I had gone off to college right after graduation.

The differences between high school and Granite State College are numerous! In high school you can become invisible. Very few people know your name, interests, etc. At this Concord, NH college campus, you walk in the front door and you are greeted by your first name! (Side note: I mention Granite State College's Concord, NH college campus because it's my "home base." I go there a great deal, even though I take classes sometimes at the Manchester, NH college campus).

In high school, no exceptions were made; here at GSC, teachers will work with you and they understand that life happens. Many students who I have taken classes with have demanding jobs and/or children.

These adult accelerated degree programs are very different from high school. Of course there are always exceptions, but my guess is that these programs work because everyone there has the same goal: to make life better for us. That includes fellow students, and it also includes the faculty. Hazing and bullying don't go on at college (or at least this one). This is the one place you will always look back on as a positive experience. It's a second chance for people (or third, or fourth...).

In many years down the road you run into someone who you went to college with, there will be no uneasy feelings; you'll finally have an educational experience you are more than happy to revisit.

The moral of this story: don't let your past experiences hold you back from really living your life. It's always the time to create some new experiences, and you know you'll be better off for it.

Computer Issues

Monday, March 28, 2011 by Maria Bauer

There's nothing more frustrating and nerve-wracking then your computer Internet connections giving you problems when you are trying to make a deadline for your online adult education classes. It can never be the days when you know you have a few days to submit an assignment: no, no... it's always on Sunday starting at 6pm, and it's the end of the module (which means nothing can be submitted after Sunday midnight), and you can spend HOURS trying to get your computer working and when it does, it is now Monday morning.

So what can you do about this? Fortunately, everyone in the Granite State College system are very understanding, and will help you in any way they can. Whether that means going to the college and using their computers, or working with your teacher(s) explaining the situation. My experience has shown me time and time again that the teachers don't want to see you fail: they genuinely want you to do your best and pass the class. And for those who participate and put in the effort, they will help you in any way they can.

In some respect, high school was harder than college.

I recently had some *very* annoying Internet issues, and I was very touched at how the faculty helped me. Which got me thinking about other technical issues I have had in the past. Any time I had a question about a form that adult Financial Aid sent me, or any letter about my schooling, I can call them up, or stop over at my home base (the Concord NH college campus), and they will take the time to answer any questions that I have. They are there to help make this process easier for us; including helping us with forms and/or submitting grant requests, etc. It's a true example of adult education services.

Everyone needs help at one time or another, and I will never forget all of the hands that have been and are reaching out to help. As corny as it sounds: Granite State College is a family. No one is excluded. Everyone knows your name, and it has that true feeling of "home" away from home.

3 weeks left!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by Maria Bauer

The end of the term is approaching fast. I have taken my first 5 week intensive online class. This (of course) is held the last 5 weeks of the term: which is the same time I have major research papers due in my other classes. It's a different type of experience. What's great is that adult education classes have the correct forum to try new things. Everything you do, every class you take will help you in your future endeavors. And everyone is traveling down the same road you are.

I am currently in this place where even though there are only 3 more weeks of classes, I know that time is going to fly by, however it feels like the days are never ending. This is the time when papers are due, quizzes are there to finish, etc. Outside of school, things have seemed to pile up and everything has now been officially moved to "#1 priority" which need to be done yesterday.

Life does this to you. These moments help define who you are as a person. I cannot even begin to tell you how many strong people I have met that will repeatedly stand up to the challenge. It's at these home stretches where you either "break" or walk against the wind "fight or flight."

I am a person who reflects...a lot! I was thinking about my first weekend intensive class I had at the Concord NH college campus here at Granite State College; not so much about the class itself but the atmosphere of it all. It was a very comfortable place for me. Not only was the class itself filled with information, but what was happening around us. Our class was constantly laughing - so much we had to shut the doors. The best part about it: we weren't the only ones! There were Foster Parent Classes right down the hall. Whatever you were there for, everyone seemed to have a glowing aura.

Career College Training is a resource that has become more easily accessible. From 4 year colleges, to strictly online classes, to adult accelerated degree programs (or even adult education certificates) which can be completed during day and/or night classes: there is something for you out there!

How does this relate with this being the end of the term for me? It's because I have been put in a position where I need to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and get ready to fight for the next 3 weeks. These 3 weeks will be a test and I can guarantee you I will learn more about who I am as a person. Every experience, new or repeated, will help push us to where we would like to see ourselves. Hard work pays off: although I wouldn't mind having a personal genie at times :)

The gift of a scholarship through the generosity of others

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by Deidre Romeo

It is that time of year again, the time for the ALA Board members, friends, family and staff of Granite State College to participate in several fundraising events to raise money to enable the offering of $1,000 scholarships to up to ten students working towards their adult college degree at our unique NH State College.

     To be considered for an Alumni Merit Scholarship, GSC students:

•   Must be an undergraduate enrolled in a degree program, or a student enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher
     Certification Program.
•   Must have completed a minimum of twenty-four credits at Granite State College.
•   Must have completed a minimum of four terms at Granite State College.
•   Must have a 3.5 grade-point average or better.

I was one of the lucky ten who received this scholarship in 2009. It enabled me to be able to take an extra course that year and graduate the following June with my classmates. Last year I participated in the fund raising phone-a-thon as a way to “pay-it-forward” to the next generation of scholarship recipients. This past weekend I once again spent my Sunday afternoon at the Granite State College Concord NH college campus to reach out and call past donors and alumni to ask for their contribution to this great cause. This year was no different than last; the generosity of the alumni, staff and faculty of Granite State College is heartwarming to say the least. Many of those currently experiencing difficult times still offered to donate $10.00 and those in better circumstances asked to increase their donation amount from last year.

Thank you to all of those I spoke with this past weekend. Your generosity, commitment and well wishes to the current students of GSC working towards their own adult college degree are well received and appreciated.

Exploring Ashville, NC

Thursday, February 10, 2011 by Gail Gifford

It was my birthday on Monday and with no one around, I thought I would treat myself to some Chocolate up at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in Ashville, NC. Ashville is about an hour away from Greenville and a beautiful drive through the mountains. So, I grabbed my coffee and headed up the road. I stopped and browsed a bit in Hendersonville. It is a wee town just south of Ashville, and is just the nicest town to walk around in. Lovely shops line the streets and like Ashville, it is a very Artsy town. Hendersonville kind of reminds me of Concord, NH where the Concord New Hampshire College is located just short of being downtown. There is no college in Hendersonville but the quaintness embraces the small shop lined streets. After browsing through stores, I headed north. It was about lunch time when I got there and really didn't feel like lunch but I did feel like Chocolate Cream Brulee..yum. OMG, it is the best. I bought a few truffles to take to my daughter to taste. She is getting married in April and wants truffles on the tables. So, hey, we needed to try them first!! Chocolate is my weakness, love it, just love it. I have a few more Chocolate shops to check out before the wedding but I am going to take notes along the journey. We all have journeys in life. Some are for family matters, some are for ourselves and yet, some are for career advancement programs. Whatever the journey may be, I would suggest to give it your all. It is worth it in the end result.

Franklin, NH Partnership with Granite State College

Thursday, January 6, 2011 by Betsy Gemmecke

I am really excited about the expanding partnership that the City of Franklin has with Granite State College. A very energetic committee of Franklin agencies and citizens have partnered with us to increase the visibility and access of our college to its residents.

The second Tuesday of the every month I will be at the second floor of the Franklin Public Library to encourage people to consider further education and career advancement. Many people do not realize that affordable college study is within their reach. Students can take college evening classes in Concord and elsewhere in the state; and also can benefit from online adult degrees.

On Tuesday January 11, I will be running a free workshop for anyone unsure of their future direction. We will discuss non-traditional paths of learning and strategies to move ahead. Many people I have met don't believe they have the skills to go to college and feel "rusty" since they have been out of school for a while. Actually they will find the process is easier than they think and there is extensive adult financial aid available for people returning to school. The first step is really to take a risk and meet with someone to begin to explore future options. I will be in Franklin once a month and I hope people will feel comfortable to meet me at the Library for an informal chat when I am there, perhaps over coffee.

"Make life happen for you instead of letting it happen to you!"

Thanksgiving...

Friday, November 12, 2010 by Mary Clouter

Time is flying by and in another couple of weeks we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving day. Amazing, isn't it? The seasons seem to go so quickly and before you know it, another year has gone by. When I was in my 20's... well... let's be honest... I wanted money, a lot of it, and the sooner the better! But college seemed like it would take "forever" and I wasn't ready to put in the time. I wanted everything now. I worked hard, very hard, and I was able to accomplish and experience some terrific things... good pay, travel, my own house. But it took so many more years to get there and, at times, I had to prove myself to others more than my peers

who did have college degrees. I don't regret it, but where would I have been if I had started off with a college degree. Who knows, but it certainly wouldn't have hurt, I know that.

Good news (terrific news, actually) is that it's never too late! I can't believe all of the amazing experiences I've had since leaving my job of 20+ years a few years back and going in a completely different direction in my career. I grabbed hold of all of the possibilities of college life and ran with it. Heck, I even played the college mascot at one of Nashua Community College's basketball games. Yup! That's me at 47! What a kick!

So, is it ever too late to go to college? I don't think so! Granite State College has many degrees to suit your interest or, perhaps, working with a Granite State College advisor, create your own! I chose Behavioral Science and I'm psyched about being able to complete my courses via GSC's online courses and by attending both the Manchester NH college campus and the Concord NH college campus. I can't wait to walk in June with my bachelor's in Behavioral Science. How cool!

What am I grateful for at this yearly time of giving thanks?

Thursday, November 11, 2010 by Deidre Romeo

I am grateful for many things. I am most grateful for my personal health and happiness; for the health and happiness of my friends and family, for my adult college degree, my job, my home and my almost daily sanity!

A part of the gratitude I hold for my personal health is in the fact that I have yet been afflicted with the disability of arthritis which has afflicted many of my family members. Both my mother and deceased grandmother suffered greatly living with arthritis. Their fingers were bent and twisted and their joints ached and throbbed on a daily basis.

I have committed to running in my second Jingle Bell 5k on December 4th in Concord, NH. If you are interested in supporting this great cause please visit my web page and donate to the Arthritis Foundation at the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Concord, NH.

Fall semester

Friday, October 22, 2010 by Mary Clouter

It's hard to believe that it's fall. One of my friends on Facebook was saying that they thought they saw some snowflakes early this morning! Winter is coming much too fast, but when I pause to check out the fall colors, it really is a beautiful time of year.

Soooo, this semester is in full swing and we're about halfway through it. I signed up for three courses this semester: "Counseling," "Human Development," and "Human Biology." I'm taking the Counseling class at GSC's Concord NH college campus and taking the other two courses online.

I really wanted to take the Counseling class (an elective) even though it was in Concord and could be a long commute from Southern NH, about 15 minutes from the Mass border. I have found so far though, that it is a much easier and faster commute than I expected. It's convenient that the Concord campus is close to the highway too.

The classes are going well, though I have to admit that Biology is not one of my favorites. Just in general, science has never been one of my strongest subjects. Actually, it finishes dead last on any scale in my life. Though I have to say that even as an online class, Human Biology is going much better for me than I expected. It's a tough subject for me, but the format of Blackboard, the online learning environment, and the instructor's involvement and motivation in the class has helped me to, so far, to have a B average. The instructor deserves a medal!

Blackboard has a number of ways to help a person learn. There are the discussion board questions and topics that instructors post that help to look at something in different ways, there is the text book reading that provides a great source of information, weekly quizzes, and also a semester research project. I thought I might miss face-to-face conversations, but Blackboard and instructors who provide direction and support has made it so that there's almost always an online conversation going on at any time of day.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 by Heather Carter

After the idea started percolating in my head that Granite State College (formally College for Lifelong Learning, or CLL) just might be the perfect route to my long-desired college degree, I still hesitated. After all, it was really scary. The notion of going to college at all made me nervous. The notion of going to college as an adult, years after most people with whom I'd attended high school had already graduated from higher education institutions, was really daunting. Going to college while working full-time and raising a child as a single mother, seemed utterly terrifying.

I calculated how long it would take me to graduate with a Bachelor degree if I only took one 4-credit class a term. 38-years-old?!? That idea floored me. Then I thought, well, I'm going to be 38-years-old eventually anyway. I might as well be 38-years-old with a degree! However, I still couldn't bring myself to make the call to the school to start the process.

Then mysterious things started happening to me! Suddenly, it seemed that I was constantly reminded about the college, after never having heard of it before. I'd be listening to the radio while I worked and I'd hear an ad talking about the college and how it offered classes at the Concord, NH college campus (perfect for me, since I worked in Concord at the time). I'd be in line at the bank and would overhear people discussing the school and how they offer online college English classes (I'd longed to study English and literature). Suddenly, a friend that I'd known for years happened to mention that she was attending CLL's graduation ceremony where her sister was celebrating her newly-acquired adult education certificate.

It was so strange! This kind of thing seemed to happen over and over again. And, as if the universe's message couldn't pummel me any harder, everywhere I went I'd see the initials C.L.L.-- especially on license plates!

I remember the actual moment when I surrendered to the signs that bombarded me. I was sitting in my car noticing yet another car's license tags that contained the letters CLL. I threw my hands up in the air, laughed gleefully, and said out loud, "Okay, okay. I get it! I'll go!"

The next day I called the main number and, within minutes, had an appointment scheduled with an adviser. And my college career had begun!

Football season is hear again

Saturday, September 11, 2010 by Gail Gifford

It is Saturday evening, just got home from work and what a crazy day. I deal with Ohio dealerships and needless to say, when the football game started today on TV, there was not a deal come through for me to look at. It is an exciting time of year. Not many people are thinking about going to buy new cars the first day of football season. Lots of guys love to sit on the couch for the afternoon, watch the game, drink a few beers and have a few laughs. Some of my girlfriends love to do the same from time to time. I am not a huge football fan but do like the excitement of it and I love to watch the Super Bowl at the end of the year.

Fall is my favorite time of year, the wind is cool and we are all winding down from a busy summer. Whether that summer consisted of vacation, seeing family or taking a class at Granite State College in one of there many locations like Portsmouth NH College, Concord NH College, Claremont NH College, Manchester NH College or onine classes for college. Lets not forget about that unforgettable experience to take a class on the Isle of Shoals. We are all winding down and thinking about the fall, maybe fall classes or just what the next year may bring our way.

Football kind of starts that all off; friends, new beginnings, expectations and goals for the year to come. Go Team!! Whatever that team may be.

You Can't Handle the Truth!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 by Mary Gaetz

I attended a workshop last week held by the Department of Education in Concord. It addressed the difficulties for adult learners (adult high school, GED, etc.) transitioning to college, and how we (adult ed facilities and colleges) can make the transition less tangled. It was a great workshop and I learned a lot about adult learners. One of the activities we did was take the LASSI test, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory. It evaluates a student's current habits and thinking and is designed to bring to light areas in which he or she is likely to run into trouble. The one area I completely tanked was the Study Aids area--I hated to ask for help when I was a student. Thinking about this flaw in my character led me to another online test--the Jung Myers-Briggs personality test. Turns out I am ISFJ, which stands for introverted sensing feeling judging. I disagree with the experts that say this means I have a good memory and unexpected analytic ability (if only), though it is true that I have few close friends and like to serve others. Overall, I was not too excited about the test results. I was hoping for something more mystical and esoteric (which is completely normal for us ISFJs).

I am kinda glad that I didn't take these tests as an incoming student (some NH colleges and adult education programs have their students take LASSI). They would have made me cranky. When I started college I was trying to figure out the finals parts of who I was and how to meet the goals I had made. It would have been too much to also contemplate what I should do about my low score in information processing, or ponder the ramifications of my need to be needed. I think there is a point where the learning just has to come from doing. Most Granite State College students are already A+ students in learning by doing. They have been learning this way on their feet in the workplace for years. This is a skill very hard to learn at a traditional college, but one that is so necessary. Forget the online testing--we're all learning about who we are as we go along, and if we're smart (like GSC students!) we take the phrase "lifelong learner" literally, not only in terms of book smarts but in terms of self-smarts.

But in case you're curious . . . www.humanmetrics.com

The College Years in the Age of Technology

Monday, August 23, 2010 by Leslie Bowering

The college years of students--younger or older-- in the age of technology abound with opportunities to succeed at Granite State College. Websites are available--every baby step of the way-- to guide students along but only if they choose to investigate them.

I have attached a link about Career Advice that may be helpful to students who are undecided about which course or academic direction they may want to take, whether they are attending classes in Rochester NH college, Concord NH college, Claremont NH college, or Manchester NH college campuses.

It is necessary to have a sense of what direction to take. Perhaps the use of a website like this one could help students decide whether they have a better aptitude for the Behavioral Sciences offered through Granite State College or maybe they are more inclined to pursue Early Childhood Education Classes there. Either way, the technology abounds to provide information when college Advisors are not available at the end of a telephone line. At least this website gives students someplace to start.

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/Getting-Started/Try-This-4-Year-Career-Checklist/article.aspx

Adult Education is all about independently acquiring information, skills, and success. Technology is available to also help students form questions they need to ask of their Advisors.

Why not click on this website, dip your toes in and get yourself organized for the the Fall Semester. Granite State College empowers students to ask questions and achieve answers.

Communication

Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Deidre Romeo

We have all been communicating since we were toddlers, what more can we possibly learn about communication after forty plus years of practical experience? A lot! One of the core courses required for an adult college degree is a Communication class. I decided to take the Small Group Communication course which was being offered as one of the weekend college classes at Granite State College during the summer semester of my freshman year. My plan was to get all of my core classes out of the way as soon as possible so that I could concentrate on the business and elective classes I was actually passionate about. I had no idea communication would become one of my passions. I had been running PTO meetings during the previous academic year for my daughter’s charter high school. I thought I was doing fine as the facilitator of these meetings but after taking the small group communications class at GSC I realized I had been less than effective in this role.

When our PTO meetings resumed in the fall I utilized the use of “ice breakers” to help create a sense of comfort, ease and familiarity between the group members. I was also able to identify and draw out participation from the members that were less than enthusiastic in playing an active role in the group. Through my learning and understanding of the group dynamics of our PTO I was able to become a more effective leader in this group and therefore elicit more active participation and positive results from our meetings.

After I found the real life advantages achieved through the knowledge attained from my first communication course I immediately decided to take another as an elective in my adult college program. The next available Concord NH Classes offered included Presentational Communication. I had hoped to gain the knowledge and expertise to adequately present power point reports in my other adult college classes. Much to my surprise the course was really more about public speaking without the aid of visual presentations but instead being able to simply speak to an audience without the distraction of any other medium. This course made me the most uncomfortable of any course I took over my undergraduate career but I gained the most useful knowledge, experience and confidence than I did any other class. Since completing this course I have spoken at press conferences, to the House of Representatives, to the University New Hampshire System Board of Trustees and to the audience of the GSC 2010 commencement ceremony.

The next and most relevant communication course I enrolled in at GSC was Interpersonal Communications. In this class I learned about many aspects of communication which I was not currently utilizing in my daily interactions with others. I learned how to identify and communicate with different personality types. I learned how my own personal communication style was perceived by others. Most importantly, I learned how to LISTEN, not just hear what others were communicating to me. During the difficult years of trying to communicate with my teenage daughters I had read numerous books and attended countless workshops to assist me in this impossible task.

It was not until this Granite State College communication course that I actually understood what the authors and social workers were trying to explain to me during those years. This was a huge breakthrough in my life, both personally and professionally. I now understand how to “hear” what others are trying to tell me and how to assure that others “hear” what I am saying. My relationships, learning and daily life have all been enhanced by this new-found understanding of effective communication and its positive effect on my life.

The most profound lesson I learned from my Communications Professor, Dr. Stenho, is that I am lifelong learner. I knew I would learn about new business strategies and concepts, I had hoped to learn to become a better writer and understand the science behind today’s environmental crisis by attending adult college courses but I never thought I would learn anything new or useful about communication. The knowledge and experience I have attained from the numerous communication classes I took at GSC has prompted me to attain my MBA in Organizational Communication. The lack of an effective communication channel by many of my past employers has always been a concern of mine and I now believe I can make a difference in this respect at any organization I may become involved with.

Are you a lifelong learner? Do you enjoy attaining knowledge which enriches both your professional and personal life? If so, stop hesitating and contact an academic advisor at Granite State College today. This is the first step in the rest of your life. After all, it is your turn!

Second Chances: An All New GSC!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 by Chris Perley

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!

Benefits of Work Study

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by Ellen Gagnon

     As I mentioned in my previous posts I do work-study at Granite State College. I am usually in the Portsmouth, NH college or at the Rochester Regional Center. Now, I already have a full-time job, so doing work-study is sort of my second job -- but not really -- it helps support my college habit. It is a means by which I can go to school and still make some money. Regardless of the type duties a work-study candidate may encounter the big pay-off is not the money. I hope that doesn’t hurt when we say it out loud.

     Other institutions within the University of New Hampshire System provide work-study opportunities to their students. A student may find themselves in the dining hall, washing dishes for the 2000 students who come in. One of my personal favorites is cleaning the horse barn; a twice daily ritual reserved for the lucky few work-study candidates who desire a truly hands on approach to learning.

     When I go online and look-up work-study, I often see lists of benefits that college-aged students reap when they participate in the program; earn money while going to college, develop time management skills, build work ethic, etc. But the funny thing is, those are not the benefits I need to reap as an adult learner. The benefits I need to have must be geared towards my goals, incorporate my experiences and enhance my learning. So as a budding student of teacher training education, I NEED to have a place where I can foster examples of new learning for young people; I NEED to practice the skills of implementing the theory I have encountered during my course work. So I was really curious about how Granite State College work-study could benefit me.

     In 2007, when I began looking into utilizing work-study funds as a means of decreasing my reliance on student loans I found that most if not all the jobs listed were in Concord and the surrounding areas. Being from the Seacoast this was a disappointing development. But as I read more I found out I could actually do meaningful work, that would also enhance my studies; utilizing work-study funds I could work in my community where I felt there was a need. This was new information for me. Did you know that work-study funds could be used in the community and not only at the college? A win-win solution.

     With the help of Cortney Henry at the Financial Aid office, and the support of my employer, we created an after-school mentoring program (a desperately needed component when working with at-risk youths).  Together the students and I created a concrete form for a garden bench and then went on to pour it. After the bench was finished, we then went on and created a garden area for our bench to be displayed in. It was meaningful work which fit in nicely with my degree program and it is a project which continues to grow today. It has created a lasting tribute to the students who participated in the program and they now have a tangible connection in their community.   When we make purposeful connections, between people and places in our community, we then share common values which enrich us all.

     Now that’s a benefit you can’t put in a pamphlet -- and after all isn’t that what learning should be about?

A Luncheon of Pride Sandwiches

Thursday, May 20, 2010 by Deidre Romeo

I was honored to be asked to speak at this year’s Granite State College induction ceremony of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society members over the weekend. I was thrilled to recognize so many faces of fellow classmates from Concord NH classes as well as seeing the faces for the first time of classmates from online classes for college amongst the inductees. It is one thing to have your parents share in such an honor but it is a totally different experience to have your parents, spouse and children share in the celebration of one’s accomplishments along the way of attaining their adult college degree. I became teary eyed as those I knew, and those I had never before met, accepted their pins and spoke of their gratitude and love for the family members that have supported them in their pursuit of academic excellence. Most everyone present had parents, siblings, grandparents, and children in attendance.

There was one classmate, or more adequately identified as a friend, who’s teenage son nearly knocked over a row of chairs in his quest to get pictures of the mom he was so proud of. Another friend’s adult sibling ran up to the stage unconcerned with blocking the view of the audience to assure he got the pictures he wanted of his sister in her proud moment of being pinned into the honor society. I could not help but notice the pride, love and admiration of the wife of a fellow online classmate and acquaintance of mine. This woman beamed as her wife accepted the honor and thanked God for the opportunity.

The 37 students inducted into the Honor Society this past weekend were all the “meat” in pride sandwiches. They had the love, support and pride from the generation above, their parents, and from the generation below, their children. There simply is not a better tasting sandwich than this!

Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees.

What's with all the changes?

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by Cortney Henry

Many of you may have noticed that there are quite a few changes happening in the Financial Aid world right now. A new legislature was passed stating that all schools are now required to switch their lending program to Direct Lending(meaning the government will now be providing Stafford loans as opposed to private lenders). Are you wondering how this will effect you?

The good news is that for the most part it will be seamless for students. You will be required to sign a New Master Promissory Note (MPN) with Direct Lending, but other than that, things will remain the same in terms of how and when the aid is disbursed.

The real change will happen behind the scenes at the Adult Financial Aid office here at Granite State College. We have been working feverishly to make sure we are ready for the July 1st deadline imposed by the government.

What was the reason behind the switch you ask? The intention is to provide increased funding for federal grant programs such as the Pell Grant. Now, rather than private lenders collecting origination fees from students and using them towards their own services, the Department of Education will now take the fees charged for the Stafford loan programs and funnel it back into the Federal Grant programs.

Also, over time, the Department of Education is planning to lower the Stafford Loan Interest rates, making educational loans more affordable for students.

In order to make the process of signing the new Direct Lending MPN easier for our students, the Office of Financial Aid will be making visits to the Rochester NH College, the Claremont NH College, the Conway NH College and the Manchester New Hampshire College to assist students and answer any questions. To find out the specific times of our visits, please contact the regional centers. Also, as always, students are welcome to stop in and see us at the Concord New Hampshire College at any time.