New Hampshire University System

Like any other chemical, mechanical or technological change that has ever been discovered, the internet can be used for well or for ill. Naturally, the misuses of the internet make more headlines, and the good things fade to the background. For this reason, bullying-induced suicide, breaking news stories about poorly updated sex offender registires, and $50 gift cards to Olive Garden just for you! are more likely to occupy the collective attention than credible reference material, banking and bill-pay features, or a college with online classes ever could.

As I mentioned before, there are several websites that I visit regularly, almost daily, and I get excellent and reliable information from them that is either just for my own geeky benefit or for a very practical purpose, or both.

For my unabashed love of maps, I rely heavily on Google maps at maps.google.com/maps . That maps will show any square mile of the Earth's surface that you want, and I have on several occasions used it in real time, as recently as yesterday, to guide a lost or uncertain friend or student to a particular destination.

In fifth grade, I was accused of reading the dictionary for fun. Although it started out as a joke (I think?), it was also persistent interest to know what particular big words meant, so that I eventually did flip to random pages of a nearby dictionary just to see what was there. For several years now, I have regularly visited dictionary.com to check on spelling, definition, and etymology of all kinds of words. It even has a Translator on there, which although imperfect can still give you a pretty good idea of what is written in another language.

I have something of a love-hate relationship with wikipedia.org. While I am in it all the time, I am bummed that it suffers from such a bad reputation in higher education. It seems pretty clear now that it's not a good idea to rely on wikipedia for research papers, but it can still point one in the direction of scholarly research, indisputable information and trivia, and for conventional wisdom, too.

Other things I have been into lately are:

ted.com/talks - Interesting lectures on a variety of topics

www.aldaily.com - Recent articles, criticism and essays in all kinds of scholarly subjects.

This where we bring it back to Granite State College. Much like going online to figure out the difference between a frittata and quiche, and what's the temperature going to be like tomorrow, an online school for adults can be the answer that you didn't know where to find, or that you didn't know you were looking for at all. As part of the New Hampshire University System, we make sure to have our stuff together and the our credits are as reliable as looking up a word in the dictionary.

One last thing - I am not a salesman. If GSC doesn't have quite the right program or degree you're looking for, I and any advisor here could point you in the direction of a school that does. As I tend to say in emails to my students: Let me know what you think. Thanks.

There's nothing like telling someone that something is "good for you" to suck the enjoyment right out of it.  Silly really, but true.  One of my favorite breakfast cereals is "Quaker Crunchy Corn Bran" --yes, I am under the age of 73--it just plain tastes good.  That is, it did until I discovered that it has been "certified" by many nutritionists and personal trainers as one of the healthiest cereals.  Suddenly it has lost some of it's appeal for me. 

And as a confirmed and proud-of-it chocoholic, I initially rejoiced when "experts" determined that dark chocolate has health benefits.  That is, until I realized that really, when you come down to it, I prefer milk chocolate.  Suddenly.

Jumping rope was one of my favorite things to do outside as a kid.  Now, I know it is a great form of excercise.  (Strangely I no longer own a jump rope.)  

My 6-year-old and 4-year-old sons actually love broccoli.  Last night, Nicholas did not want any of his chicken or rice for dinner, but asked for more broccoli.  I hope he will never find out it is good for him.  Lock that information in the childhood vault of secrets right beside Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy--only to be released in dire circumstances.  
                                     
                                                                                                              

Of course, we all need to do things that ARE good for us, even if they are not particularly enjoyable.  This brings me to tell you about radical action we took in our house--we cancelled our cable.  (Insert gasp here.)  No, it wasn't any statement we were making to the cable company, or protest we were staging--it was something we simply felt would benefit us--and were willing to try.  After noticing how much time "evaporated" as we fell into a habit of watching TV pretty often, and at the same time jumping for the remote as a commercial began to air that was decidedly inappropriate for the kids to see, it was easy to see this as a great way to save money and mental health each month.  Easy to see, a little harder to make the call and pull the plug.  Especially once we decided it would be a good thing for us to do.  But call we did, and cancel they did--and we prepared for the misery of our good decision.  



The results?  Living more deliberately.  Hey, we're not martyrs--we "upped" our membership in Netflix, and have bought a few more movies, but now we consciously choose when and what we view, and have had some great family times together watching new movies and revisiting old favorites.  Anyone remember The Waltons? 
                                                                                                      
I spend more time reading to the kids, talking with my husband, and it just seems like I get more done without the distraction.   Do I miss TV?  Truly there have only been a handful of times that I really wished we had it:  for the olympics, sometimes for the news (although I can get most of it online), and I was an "American Greed" junkie.  Otherwise, I am enjoying the benefits of this "good for you" decision.  

                                                                                            

Kind of like pursuing adult education and training at Granite State College.  The University of New Hampshire system provides the vehicle for completing my degree--which is good for me; good for my future, and good for my kids to see that learning never stops--even when you're "way old" like me.  But the students and faculty provide added benefits which make the process enjoyable.  I get additional social interaction, intellectual challenge, and to hear of great experiences from people I probably wouldn't have run into otherwise.   Am I missing out on something while I am at school?  Ehhh- there's not much on TV now anyway.    

I just finished my capstone course last semester and needed only one more elective credit to complete my adult education degree in Business Management from Granite State College (GSC).  Because GSC is part of the University of New Hampshire System we are eligible to attend classes at Keene State College, Plymouth State University or the Univerity of New Hampshire for direct credit.  These are not treated as transfer credits but instead the grades are calculated into our GPA’s just as if they were earned from a GSC course.  In this particular situation not only does the credit and grade from this PSU course count towards my affordable Bachelor degree at GSC but it also satisfies one required elective course in the MBA program at PSU which I am pursuing after graduation.  I took a graduate course through PSU in the fall as well.  I will graduate from GSC with my Bachelors degree and already have two required graduate courses for my MBA accomplished.  This is referred to as double dipping.  I get the credit for having taken four courses at the investment cost and time of only two classes!  

The course at PSU which I chose to take was “Women as Leaders.”  The class met for a long weekend at a charming Inn in Waterville Valley.  The class utilized four seasoned educators who possessed incredible synergy with one another.  My classmates were a diverse group of strong, accomplished and enthusiastic women who empowered one another through the bonding experience.   I gained valuable knowledge, insight and networking contacts from this weekend.  I also gained some weight as the owner of the Inn is an accomplished chef who presented us unbelievable meals three times a day!  Did I forget to mention that this course included a room and board fee?  I had a room to myself and ate better than I ever could have at home.

This was my second experience with the weekend college classes format which includes room and board and incorporates a 24 hour learning experience.  I cannot adequately express everything that is gained from such an arrangement.  If flexibility and opportunities are what you are looking for, stop right here; you have found them.



 

I first heard about top-flight college and universities topping the $50,000 per year mark a couple of weeks ago. The first one to announce corssing this threshold was Boston University (I think), followed quickly by Dartmouth (unique among NH colleges & universities to cross this benchmark), Mount Holyoke, and Tufts, among others.

Most folks that mention this on talk radio and other media do so with overt disgust and contempt.  The cost of higher education is portrayed as an extortion with impunity by unscrupulous professors and bloated administrations. One could even argue that the announcements of astronomical cost to attend the aforementioned institutions and their ilk is to some extent fashionable; certainly, if I were running Brandeis University and neighboring Wllesley College announced that they cost more than $50k, what would it say about Brandeis if we don't cost more than fifty? 

Expressions of pity for the parents of high school graduates usually follow, but I feel there are two important points that commentators miss, whether acciedntally or deliberately. First - the very parents for whom they express their spendthrift sympathies are likely to be the ones demanding the state-of-the-art facilities and accommodations that have contributed heavily to the steady rise in these tuition and room-and-board totals. That top-flight schools and even some state schools have sushi bars and world-class fitness centers is demanded by the marketplace, rather than artificially dreamed up and foisted upon the higher education public.

The second point that commentators seem to regularly pass over is that there are still far more ways to obtain an affordable bachelor degree than an inaffordable one. It reminds me of the joke where a guy goes to his doctor and says, "Doctor - it hurts when I do this," and the doctor replies "Well, don't do that." If attending Holy Cross and staying on campus and having a meal plan costs more than you can afford, then don't go there. The idea that if you don't go to Holy Cross or Amherst that you won't get a decent education, or worse, that if you can't afford to send your child to one of those places that you are somehow inadequate or a failure, is stupid at best and destructive at worst.

Maybe this kind of discussion gets my hackles to stand up because I attended a public college myself - not a New Hampshire state university, mind you - but the flagship of a nearby system. I wouldn't trade my undergraduate education and experience for anything, and it would be a shame if folks, whether straight out of high school, or looking for Adult college classes, didn't consider public schools, i.e. Granite State College, which are particularly designed to be affordable, accessible, etc.

Fifty thousand a year? Really? Even when a students comes into my office starting from scratch, we can work out a  plan that can finish off the degree for less than $35,000 total.

If that works better for your budget and prevents you from having to take out a second mortgage, drop me an email, and we can talk about that some more.

What a weekend to be outside!  

It was quite the treat this Saturday - I was able to join a field trip with our Enviromental Heritage class in Maine.  The course is offered out of our Rochester NH College, but it also includes some time outdoors.  

The course is being taught by Dan Gardoqui, and it is safe to say that he is truly a Master-Teacher.  As Executive Director of White Pine Programs based in Cape Neddick Maine, Dan supplies a tremendous amount of passion, knowledge and experience in his teaching with Granite State students.  He is well-known for field components in his courses - frankly, it is an aspect sought out by students.  For adult college students, or students of any age, learning doesn't get any better than being outside, being active, and having a Master like Dan making science accessible.  

We started our day atop Mt. Agamenticus, and ended up at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.  It seems clear that potentially abstract notions about conservation, our environment, and public policy, are transformed during class time spent in this manner.  As I have written before, the New Hampshire University System through Granite State, offers such a wealth of experienes for students.  Be they online classes, weekend college classes, or classes that get students outdoors, it is thrilling to offer such a range of educational experiences.  

Pics below!       

View from atop Mt. Agamenticus (York, ME):





Inside the Wells National Esturaine Research Reserve (Wells, ME):

I continue to be amazed by the individuals that teach here at Granite State College.  I'm pleased that this blog has provided an opportunity to trumpet news about so many of the unique people that contribute to learning at this wonderful New Hampshire State College. 

Just the other day, Dr. William "Bill" Cuff popped by my office.  To say Bill is interesting would be a true understatement.  In addition to teaching behavioral science classes here at Granite State College, Bill teaches at UNH, and is also heavily involved with service projects, through groups like Danny's Team.  

Bill was chatting with me about his upcoming class this Spring at our Portsmouth NH College - PSY 602, Theories of Personality.  The structure of this class exemplifies the Granite State perspective on adult college education: it is a weekend-intensive that takes place over five Saturdays.  Yes, Granite State offers affordable Bachelor degree programs, but weekend college classes also work for students with other obligations.  

Bill is off to New Orleans and Mississipi next week for more service.  As part of this trip he mentioned an opportunity to visit the hometown of Medgar Evers.  His eyes were lit-up and intense, and I thought - right, so this is quite a person to have teaching here in our corner of the New Hampshire University System.       

I didn't wake up one morning and shout "I want to be an insurance clerk!"  Nor did I dress as a customer service rep for career day in elementary school.  It was not my lifelong dream to become a property manager.  Yet, I have held all of these jobs, among others.  No, when I was 10 years old, my usual response to the question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" was "a writer," or sometimes, "a pilot."  Ok, yeah....I had my time when I wanted to be a celebrity too.....



So what happened?  How did I get here, and what happened to the dream?  Well, life happened, bills needed to be paid, and somehow in my "younger years" I got distracted from the goal of finishing my degree.  Of course, it hasn't been all drudgery...life can be as fulfilling as we choose to make it, but I found myself wondering just when I gave up on what I wanted for a career.  

I find it liberating to be able to still ask myself what I want to do for the next several years, and realize that it's not too late to achieve my goals---namely completing an affordable bachelor degree, and pursuing a career that incorporates writing.  That desire to finish what had begun as an idea so many years ago, combined with practical considerations like......life won't "stop" while I am a student....are some of the things which brought me to Granite State College.  I love that we are part of the University of New Hampshire System, and that I can enjoy the benefit of studying alongside other adults with complex lives as well.  Here I am able to learn, and at the same time still keep up with my life as a mother, wife, and employee. 

Not only am I looking forward to the choices that will open up to me once I have my degree in journalism/marketing, but I cannot wait to fill out one of those annoying employment applications and be able to put something down in the degree section.  I confess that each time I have to bypass that section on the form I wince.   I am 42 years old, and I am really tired of wincing!  (Plus, not great for the "crow's feet" lines around my eyes!)  

So, that's the rest of my school story...my reasons for finishing.  How about you?  What do you want to be?  

If you work for the NH Department of Environmental Services I will be attending your Wellness Fair on February 2nd...come and learn more about Granite State College's continuing education degrees.

Students currently in the CCSNH come out and see Outreach Coordinators at your respective campuses the first week in February.  The University of New Hampshire System is holding Transfer Fairs at each campus.  On Friday, February 5th I will be at Great Bay Community College for Rochester NH college and Portsmouth NH college students.   Check out www.nhtransfer.net to look at transfer options. 

Students currently at York County Community College, I will be visiting your campus on February 10th.  Stop by and learn more about taking classes online, night college classes or
teacher training education. 

Hope to see you on the road!

"Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it.  Action has magic, grace and power in it."   German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goeth

I thought I could earn a college degree and the action of applying to Granite State College, intermingled with wonderfully helpful people I met at the college, brought the magic of so many learning experiences.  These experiences, in turn, graced me with the power to reach for even higher goals.

As an adult learner enrolling in adult school programs, especially at Granite State College (once known as College for Lifelong Learning), you have a bit of an edge over the traditional college student.  You come with  more "life experience" which is a huge advantage because college, after all, is more than just book learning - it is life learning and functions as a window into the way the world outside college works.  Adult learners of a certain age more than likely have years of workplace experience, not to mention parental experience.  They know how to multitask, and have been exposed to a wider variety of social situations.  Basically, the older adult learner comes with a bit of a foundation.  All that the adult learner needs is a healthy dose of self confidence.

On that foundation, the "magic of the possible" blossoms, opening up unlimited opportunities for life-enriching experiences.  At Granite State College where there is considerable latitude regarding independent learning contracts, taking courses from other University of New Hampshire System institutions as well as earning credits for one's life experiences, I found myself enjoying a wide variety of experiences.

Through an independent learning contract, I worked as an intern at NHPR's The Exchange hosted by Laura Knoy, immersing myself in the behind-the-scenes mechanics of how a radio program is crafted.  The capstone of this experience was assisting with the production of a segment on children's poet Shel Silverstein, author of  Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light In the Attic, who died shortly before my intership ended.  My meager contribution to the production of that segment earned me a brief mention at the end of the program.  No "A" could match the feeling of accomplishment I experienced listening to that segment of the show.

Through my years of study, the magic continued.  The professor of a UNH-M  film class I took encouraged me to submit one of my papers, The Simpsons:  A Fairy Tale,  to DePauw University's undergraduate Honors Conference for consideration.   The delight, the thrill of finding the fat acceptance envelope in the mailbox one February afternoon was like nothing like I had felt before.   

Attending the DePauw conference introduced me to another world - that of academics from the teacher's side of the educational equation.  Mentors were assigned to shepherd us through the weekend's activities.   Well known guest speakers - Tony Kushner, author of the play Angels in America and Dr. George Gerbner, professor at the Annenberg School for Communication, lectured.  Best of all was meeting like minded students who shared similar hopes and dreams for their futures.  As if I needed a sign that I was headed in the right direction, I came upon this street sign while wandering around DePauw's campus -



The magic, apparently, wasn't going to stop.

It's hard starting over.  I do work study at Granite State College's Rochester Regional Center, where I answer phones, do filing and assist in the office in a variety of different tasks.   But the most important task I do is to greet the students.  Each student who comes through the door has a story to tell -- who they are; what they do; why they came back to school; how hard it is; what it costs for the babysitter; the support they receive; the obstacles they face.  Each story is important because to the person who is telling it -- it is their everything. 

A woman who walked into the office on the first night of classes this semester smiled at me as she waited for her turn to ask a question.  I smiled back as I directed the nice fellow in front of me to the room down the hall.  She was a middle aged woman, a little older than me, I guessed.  Everything about her said she was practical, and purposeful.  Her hair, her glasses.  Even the way she had her purse on her shoulder, and the way she carried a notebook in the crook of her elbow and held it  tight against her chest.   When the young man left the office area she stepped forward and said, rather succinctly, "I'm here to take Adult Education Math classes, could you tell where the Technology Center is?"

I paused momentarily thinking of the room assignments, and I must have had a confused look on my face because the woman began to speak again,

"Oh, I think I made a mistake, I am supposed to be at the Spaulding High School." she said smiling again.   Smiling myself, I remember the first time I walked into a University of New Hampshire System college, desperately trying to find my Freshman English class.  

"Well, we all have been there," I said to the woman who was still smiling. 

" I know exactly what I did; my daughter wanted to look at going here,"  she laughed.  "But my class is at the high school on the third floor."  

"You know, I 've done the very same thing...more times than I can count.  So once you get done with your class at Spaulding, you can come over to GSC."

"That's my plan.  First my daughter, then me,"  said the smiling woman.  As she started to turn toward the door I realized how much I appreciated her at that moment.  She told me very little with her words yet enough for me to know her story. 

"Wait," I said as I handed her our catalog.  "Take this with you.  You're gonna need it when you come back."