New Hampshire State University

The "Public Good" of higher education can only truly be achieved when it is accessible to the masses. As tuition increases across the country continue to outpace inflation and public funding (including financial aid) decreases, higher education begins to become unobtainable for more and more Americans. In fact, the U.S. has slipped dramatically relative to higher education trends around the globe and it is only logical that this will ultimately translate into a loss in comparative advantage and competitiveness. However, non-traditional pathways do exist that strive to keep tuition affordable and access to a quality education achievable for students who are able to find them. As a public institution with the University System of New Hampshire, it is important that Granite State College provide affordable access to the residents of New Hampshire and the region.

Granite State College was recently identified as a "Best Buy" through GetEducated.com for having the lowest bachelor tuition rate in New Hampshire and one of the twenty lowest accredited bachelor tuition rates in the nation. Granite State accomplishes this efficiency by focusing on teaching and learning rather than research or a residential experience. Our classes are taught largely by practicing professionals who can put theory to practice, and more than half our students attend classes online for adults. By offering every program online, including our graduate program, we minimize infrastructure costs and reach more students.

Granite State also maximizes affordability by being transfer friendly and by having a sophisticated system of prior learning assessment. In addition, accessing what financial aid is available is paramount to the ability of many students to attend. Granite State College is unique in our scheduling and calendar in that it is possible for a student to take one course at a time (using our 6-week hybrid model) and be eligible for full-time financial aid! Students may also be eligible for full-time financial aid in any one of our Fast Track programs. 

So while the cost of higher education continues to outpace the ability of many students to pay, it is important that colleges such as Granite State College, remain committed to access to quality higher education through diligent cost containment; delivery and schedule innovation; online technology; and by focusing on our core mission of teaching and learning. 

Hello! Let me start with a bit about me. My name is Nicole Horne and I currently advise students out of our new Littleton NH college campus. My job here is to guide students in identifying and achieving their academic and career goals. My background in higher education includes academic counseling, mentoring, and teaching.

I grew up in North Haverhill, NH, and completed my undergraduate degree in English from the University of New Hampshire and my Master's of Education degree from Plymouth State University. As a native of northern NH, I enjoy working with the students in the northern pockets of our state. For many of our students (65% to be exact!), they are the first ever in their family to attend college. I take tremendous pride in watching those students reach their goal of a college degree, knowing they have made a positive impact not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of their children. 

When I'm not at Granite State College, I can be found cheering on my two children in one of their many activities, chasing down one of our six animals or working on the small "hobby" farm I share with my husband.

Since December 2010 when I graduated from Granite State College, I have been considering the possibilities of what I might do next.  As a result of achieving my Bachelor's Degree in Language Arts, I have gotten involved in a writing project that is very important to me.

As a  way to learn more about the book-writing process, I attended a Writer's Workshop at the University of Southern New Hampshire that was facilitated by Mary Carroll Moore, a published author.

Since the termination of my adults college classes at the Rochester NH and Portsmouth NH college campuses, I have missed the collaboration with my peers very much.  I am transitioning to the next level of my educational journey. During my weekend workshop I once again felt the connection of being with like-minded individuals who were sharing my path.  I think this is an important issue to address sooner than later, once the initial cessation of college classes sets in.

I recently attended the 2011 College Access Showcase sponsored by Campus Compact for NH and NHCUC. One of the workshops I attended was with John T. Kirkpatrick, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts, UNH. A dynamic and engaging speaker, John spoke about his experience as Dean and the challenges that new college students encounter. While his focus was on the traditional aged student in the New Hampshire university system, he made some great points that are appropriate for all of us.

The purpose of higher education is more than just filling students with information. It should not only develop the intellect but also the heart, character, integrity and judgment and how to use all of this wisely.  We want students to become productive and useful citizens contributing to society in a meaningful way. Intellect needs to be balanced with innovation and creativity. 

Look at any job search website and you will find lists of qualities that employees are looking for. Apart from skills in the profession, employers want people who have reasoning skills and the ability to problem solve. Communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial.  Understanding of human behavior is important to be able to work well with others. Having an historical consciousness to have that understanding of how we got where we are today.

As I listened to John talk I realized this makes a good argument to the complaint "Do I have to take these gen eds?" Yes, you do! Those classes help to develop skills apart from those specific to your field of study. They help you to learn about yourself, others and the world around you. 

Granite State College offers a great variety of general education electives that I encourage students to take advantage of. Whether students are looking for online classes for adults or evening college classes there are plenty of classes to choose from that will help develop their creativity, intellect, and compassion.

Here it is, Saturday morning and I have been up since 6am, waiting for the Realtor to come and tell me what my house/home is worth.  If any of you have moved, you know the hassle it can be. The trashing of stuff you have toted from one residence to another that you never even unpacked after four or five years. That is what I am finding to be true in my case. There are boxes that left Michigan twenty-three years ago. I trashed a few when I left Tennessee seven years ago and I have taken some of them to New Hampshire, South Carolina and now wondering if I need to take them back Michigan once again.  Why? Why do we save these trinkets and trash? I even move the rocks that lined the street my grandparents cottage was on. I think it is just the sentimental part of us, or at least me. I take them as they were happy memories, the past and somewhere deep inside, I care about them and what they represent. Therefore, I have trashed some and others will get loaded on the truck and taken to Michigan and who knows where else they may travel too. 

I went through my school papers and books from Granite State College while in the attic the other day. I got rid of some of the papers I had written but, some I saved. I saved them because I remember the hard work I put into my adult college classes. The research the study groups I was part of and the endless hours I spent figuring out my math problems for business statistics.  So, I kept them so some day I will show them to my grand-kids what their Grammy did in life and how they can do it too. Distance learning universities are out there, Granite State College was my salvation since I moved so much. I just kept on going doing on-line classes either from home, the book store or sitting at Panara Bread having a bagel on Sunday Afternoon. 

I am rambling and I really need to run the vacuum.  I will let you know how it all pans out..Guess I will have to buy a shovel this next winter.  YUK!!

A recent note from the US Department of Labor finds that employment for medical and health care managers is expected to rise faster than average.  Looking around the landscape of New Hampshire and other states, the outlook for jobs is very promising in this area.  But what about preparation for those individuals seeking to work in the field of health care management?  Good news now that Granite State College, the institution within the University System of New Hampshire that focuses on adult students, has launched our B.S. degree in Health Care Management.   

I'm particularly excited for students enrolling in the Health Care Management degree because of the fantastic faculty that will be teaching in the program.  For example, Catherine DiPentima who holds both an M.B.A. and a Nursing degree, offers practical and applied knowledge that is so well suited for adult students.   

Since arriving at Granite State College, I have met with students at our Concord, Claremont, Conway, and Rochester regional campuses and hosted an online chat for our distance learning students. The message has been consistently positive when it comes to the quality of education and services students feel they are receiving from GSC. I have also spent enough time with staff throughout the college to know that there is a very high level of student caring that exists throughout the college. The Granite State College mission of access and opportunity is one staff embrace and students appreciate.

At the same time, colleges and universities must learn to go beyond caring about students and ensure that their practices, systems, and policies are "student-centered." Which means that we anticipate student needs and align our practices, systems and policies in a way that enhances student success and minimizes student frustration.

Over the past several months we have taken steps at Granite State College to better align our practices, systems and policies with student needs and goals. For example, more than half of our students are now enrolled in online courses, so in order to better support our distance learning students we have recently added new online tutoring services. We are also introducing new self-service capabilities that allow students to better plan their programs of study. And we are focusing attention on course scheduling to ensure more rapid tracks to degree obtainment.

This student-centered focus will be core to Granite State College as we engage in a process of continuous improvement moving forward, and find new ways to serve the evolving needs of adult students throughout the state of New Hampshire and the region. 

Hi.

I thought I would write a bit about the degree that I'm pursuing.  I'll be receiving my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in June of next year (2011).  What got me interested in Behavioral Science was the community service work I had started while at Nashua Community College.  Some of the community service was helping at the local soup kitchen or helping homeless vets with creating resumes and checking online jobs boards.  I am a volunteer advocate for victims of violence and have also helped with Habitat for Humanity.  I get such good feelings from volunteering in these groups, it's amazing. 

I wasn't sure if I wanted to focus on psychology, sociology, and social work, but the Behavioral Science degree offered at Granite State College was perfect to sample a bit of each of those areas.  What was interesting too was after taking a quick look at other local colleges, Granite State College appeared to be the only one that offered a Behavioral Science degree.  So far I've taken Counseling, Human Development, and Victim Rights and Advocacy.  Exactly the topics I'm interested in.  Next semester I'll be taking Intro. to Behavioral Science Methods, Social Psychology, and The Human Brain.  Cool courses!  I can't wait.  Which reminds me, don't forget to sign up for courses starting Nov. 22!

It's hard to believe that I'll have my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in less than a year.  Granite State College is helping me obtain my dream of having a bachelor's degree and maybe even move on to another University System of New Hampshire University's to pursue my Master's.  It is soooo exciting!

Today I was voted into the Granite State College Alumni Board Association (“ALA”).  President Todd Leach was kind enough to attend today’s board meeting and bring us all up to speed with the direction he is moving the college towards.  He shared his observations, initiatives and strategies to continue the growth of our great institution.  His focus is clearly to transform GSC into a “student centered” adult education school.  

I was most concerned about the possibility of GSC turning into one of the many distance learning universities; offering only online courses leaving those who require the availability of evening college classes, part time classes and weekend college classes without the flexibility and convenience of an affordable bachelor degree throughout New Hampshire.  My concerns were quickly addressed.  Growth and innovation are certainly at the top of President Leach’s strategy, but reducing or eliminating the availability of live course schedules throughout New Hampshire is not included in his plan.

I am excited and extremely hopeful at where Dr. Leach will lead GSC in the coming months and years.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to come along for the ride.  



From left to right:  Barbara Grant, Kathy Moulis, Dawn Corriveau, Ruth Tappin, Deidre Romeo, President Leach, Carrie Landry, Dee McClave, Steve Cotter

www.granite.edu/alumni-and-friends/alaboard.aspx

It takes a lot to garner the attention of US News & World Report, which makes the mention of our New Hampshire State College all the more noticeable.  It appears that work on the part of the New Hampshire University System to offer adult college courses and degrees has garnered the attention of this magazine.  Select this link - you'll find that Granite State College has the tenth highest percentage of students over the age of 25.  Whether it is our adult online degrees, our weekend college classes, or unique programming like our courses out on the Isles of Shoals, it is clear that individuals already working or raising families are seeking out our affordable Bachelor Degrees.    

Did You Know?

It's official! I am enrolled in my last two courses of my self-designed Granite State College Language Arts Degree. Because I chose to take my Linguistics course in a face to face traditional classroom, I received special permission to enroll in the introductory course being taught at the University of New Hampshire, the umbrella under which Granite State College resides.

What is Linguistics?
Well, if you don't know--then be sure and join me on my journey of discovery, as I write about my UNH experience of learning linguistics.

How is this course different from any other?
Although I am the only other older adult  in the classroom besides the Professor, I am not nearly as uncomfortable as I thought I would be. For the most part, the younger students walk past me or sit next to me without acknowledging me. That's different.  We sit in the classroom with the lights off.  That's different.  We sit in cramped little desks from my high school days. If I hadn't lost 50 lbs. recently, I would be extremely uncomfortable. That's different. 

Otherwise I'm good.  I sit quietly until I can join the conversation.  Linguistics is more of a scientific exploration of language which will be of the utmost challenge for me. My goal is to get the most out of this course as I possibly can.

What is the difference?
As an Adult Learner it would have been wonderful to do my last course at Granite State College, in the same adult environment I have enjoyed tremendously.  







  
   

Of all the reading I have done this semester in my Creative Writing course at Granite State College at the Rochester NH college campus, the book I most enjoyed was called A Little Book on the Human Shadow by Robert Bly.

My reading and writing life has grown extensively since taking two different courses with Professor Rick Agran, an esteemed published Poet as well as a faculty member at the University of New Hampshire.

The literature he chooses to use in his classes reflects his flexibility in nurturing the creative spirit in all of his students whether they are novices or seasoned writers.

A cumulative writing portfolio is the collective sum total of the entire course.  Students write and revise poetry, prose, and a multi-genre Essay, pieces that provide huge challenges while also inspiring writing confidence every step of the way.

Summer courses at Granite State College require commitment to excellence because the time passes quickly.  Though I can only speak for myself, I have learned so much about writing, about myself as a writer, as well as the huge inspiration other writers impart if I am a willing reader.

Robert Bly's book has given me a brand new perspective.  I have always considered my writing to be "too dark" and too personal.  There were times when I thought my writing was depressing to readers.  A Little Book on the Human Shadow has given me a new and different perspective on my own writing. Bly suggests that "dark" writing is necessary so that a writer can write his way through such darkness and move toward the light in the process.

This idea resonates with me.  I am very interested to learn more about Robert Bly's ideas on writing.  I am certain they will make a difference in the quality of my Final Portfolio.

A prospective student finished her accuplacer assessment and was anxious to know the results. The scores were not easily interpretable. At a quick glance, however, I noticed that the placement recommendation was for Contemporary College Math -- which is one of the required courses for a degree at Granite State College. I pointed this out to her and we both practically cheered because she was so pleased to discover that she knows more than she thought she knew! 

This particular student, let's call her Miranda, works in a local elementary school. While she enjoys her role as a para-educator, she really wants to pursue Teacher Training Education. As a former high school dropout, Miranda didn't think she was equipped to go to college, but once she attained her G.E.D., she realized that she was thirsty for more. She decided to apply to GSC, the New Hampshire State College that offers Affordable College Study, and she's eager to start her Childhood Education Courses this fall.

Miranda wants to work with children that have special needs. At GSC, she will pursue a B.S. in Individualized Studies: English Language Arts --  which will enable her to meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher requirement, and the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in General Special Education. The reason Miranda chose GSC, she told me, was because she could continue to work in her chosen field while taking Evening College Classes. I'm willing to bet that she will also find, as I have found, that taking classes with other adults of all ages provides a rich educational experience. GSC is the college in the University of New Hampshire System that specializes in Adult Higher Education. 

The excitement Miranda expressed -- when she saw evidence that her abilities are indeed college-level -- is one of the reasons I love working at Granite State College. It's such a great feeling to watch someone's face light up at the realization of their possibilities! Our students are so invested in their education, because many of them already have real-world experience, and they are incredibly motivated to do well in their studies. They want the most out of their education. And we at GSC are here to cheer them on!

In the summer I volunteer at the Therapeutic Riding Program at the University of New Hampshire system. It is a horseback riding program that serves children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges. It is a volunteer dependent program as it takes 3-4 handlers per student: one to lead the horse, 2 on each side of the horse, initially holding on to the student as she/he rides, and sometimes one additional spotter. (The program also depends on donations in case you are feeling generous.) As the summer progresses so do the students' abilities and some are allowed to become more and more independent riders.  I get a lump in my throat and feel so proud when we are able to let go of them or the lead line comes off and they are in control.  Believe me, nothing makes you feel more empowered than knowing that you have control of a 1000 lb animal with just a set of reins and a bit!  It is truly a fantastic experience for me to be a part of.

What does this have to do with my role as advisor at Granite State College at the Conway NH college campus, you ask? In June I attended the graduation ceremonies for the college and recently received the conferral list from the registrar.  The ceremony is a wonderful day of recognizing completion and independence. As I read the list of names again and again I felt so proud of each student who completed their degree program.  I feel like I am letting go of the lead line and watching them go out on their own to pursue other opportunities since they now have completed a continuing education degree program. I know each student is proud of them self as well and feels more in control of their lives, which can be much like a 1000 lb animal at times.

Congratulations to all graduates and I wish you all the best as you continue your life's adventure.

It was dance night last night for the Singles here in Greenville, SC. Yes, every week there is a dance to go to; it is actually quite a lot of fun.  Some of the regulars are always there and some new people show, at least that's how it has been each time I go. I love to dance and it gets me out, not that I am really looking, but it is always good to get yourself out there.  There were dances in NH too. I believe they were held in the Crown Plaza in Nashua.  Boy, those were great dances and I could not believe how many people would show up.  There had to be over 300 one time. 

Ok, where was I going with this?  Oh, yeah, there was a really handsome man asked me to dance and we talked a bit while we danced. He asked me where I worked and I did the same.  He asked where I went to school and I asked him.  Gosh, it ran through my head, what if I hadn't gotten my degree? How I might have felt that maybe I was judged because I didn't have one.  That did come to mind but I told him I finished my degree online with Granite State College. I told him the school was part of the University System of New Hampshire. He never took any classes online and I had told him that taking online college classes is great and so convenient with working a full time job. You don't have to be a full time student, you can be a part time student with part time classes.  

I am so excited as I have a date today, I am cooking/grilling dinner for him and I. I am just thrilled. Hope we have some great conversation again.  That is one thing I have noticed since I have gone back to school and have an Adult Education Degree,  I love a good conversation!!

 

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!

WOW!  WHO KNEW?
     
When I first heard the word EXPLICATION I felt that sense of panic you get when someone has blind-folded you and turned you around a couple of times, then tells you to walk straight... it will be fine.

I really wasn't fine...until I looked up the definition of the word.

Dr. Imbrascio has been wonderful about giving explicit directions with her expectations in our hybrid British Literature course this summer at Granite State College. She is a new Instructor for us who also teaches Shakespeare at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.  She is a British Literature enthusiast and we are extremely fortunate to have her. 

I had never experienced the task of pulling apart a literary paragraph, defining, explaining the meanings, and writing an entire essay about it.  These exercises stand on their own merit as to the quality of education I am so lucky to be experiencing at Granite State College in Rochester.


The focus of my paper was on Lady Bertilak, Lord Bertilak's wife.  I was mesmerized by her overt behavior toward Sir Gawain, a most interesting writing topic.  Bit by bit I chipped away at this newly acquired writing technique until I was able to hand in what I assessed as a fairly well-crafted paper.

Much to my surprise I received a raving review!

One sentence at a time, meeting each of these mighty challenges gets me closer to my college degree from Granite State College.  So much more spice is added when I am fortunate enough to work with interested, vested Professors who care about my success as well.  The Explication has been one of my favorite writing experiences so far, right up there with Dr. Quinn and Expository Writing!