NH Colleges

Our students juggle.

70% are working full-time and 18% have part-time employment. For most students, having a steady and reliable job is the cornerstone of making everything work - but in today's economy, it's never easy.

This is why we are thrilled to invite our students to the New Hampshire College & University Council's (NHCUC) Job Fair!

This fair is *exclusively* presented to students in New Hampshire who attend an institution that is a member of NHCUC, like Granite State College!

If you're on the job hunt or looking for a new opportunity, this is an AWESOME place to start - there will be over 50 employers present and ready to hire!

Here are the details:

I was faltering while attending college at another school when I stumbled upon GSC via a web search. I decided to give it a shot and couldn't be happier with my choice! I have found a degree I LOVE! Knowing GSC is a part of the University System of NH makes me confident that this a credible school.The faculty here is amazing and so helpful! I had my entire class schedule planned out for my bachelor's degree program the first term I arrived. The online option has given me the flexability to work full time and continue to take care of my family while pursuing my education - I even made Deans list!! Thank you GSC!!!

- Anne

I was 36 years old and working in a manufacturing environment with really no idea what I wanted to do next in life. I had been in the US Navy for over 9 years, had built and sold my successful company that I owned for 7 years, and had relocated to NH to my wife's hometown. The Quality Manager that I worked for encouraged me to go to college and get my degree. My response was, "I will be 40 years old before I could finish my degree!" The Quality Manager looked me in the eye and said, "you can turn 40 with or without a degree, the choice is yours and no one is promised tomorrow." I began my college adventure at Granite State College and graduated at the age of 40 with a 3.98 GPA with a B.S. in Business Management.

At the age of 40 I applied for a Naval Officer program that would require me to go to Officer Candidate School (OCS). A couple months later, I received the call saying that I was selected as one of the eleven candidates out of 109 that had applied that month. I graduated from OCS at the age of 41 and, just barely making the maximum age limit. I have been back in the US Navy over three years now and have one of the best jobs you could hope for. At the ripe age now of 44 I have returned to Granite State College once again, this time to complete my M.S. in Project Management.

I have been fortunate enough to do some really neat things in life, like being stationed onboard a nuclear ballistic missile submarine, being a Navy Diver and locking out of submarines, building a successful company, and now the honor to be a Naval Officer. I would not be a Naval Officer today if it were't for Granite State College. I am grateful every day that I get up just to have the opportunity to still wear the uniform.

I am not sure where the master's degree will take me when it's all done, but what I do know is that I am ready for the adventure that it brings next. Thank you to the staff and to Granite State College for opening so many doors for Amy and me. Life isn't perfect, but Life is Good!

- Scottie

I fell in love with Granite State College almost immediatley. I was initially drawn to GSC for two reasons: the main reason being it was one of a few schools in NH that offered a Criminal Justice degree. Secondly, it is a part of the NH university system, so I knew a majority of my credits from UNH Manchester would transfer over. I entered into GSC a 'different' type of student than I did when I entered into UNH Manchester almost 5 years ago to obtain my associates degree. This time around, I was a full-time working mom with bills to pay and more determined then ever to complete my bachelor's degree. I needed a school that would not only work around my schedule and daughter, but consisted of other faculty and students that knew where I was coming from. From the day I started, I knew GSC was the right choice for me. I fell in love with my online classes, the teachers, faculty, and fellow students. Not only have I been truly impressed with my courses, but I have also had such a pleasant experience dealing with the staff, whether it be financial aid or my counselor. GSC has given me a confidence that I have never felt before and an unparalleled passion for learning. I have been very successful at GSC and I am proud to say that I am a GSC student.

- Stephanie

I have always been, and always will be a learner. I found myself faced with having to be creative with my education when my parents had the difficult conversation with me that my acceptance to Northeastern University was not something they could afford, even with the $3,000 a semester scholarship. A well respected and accomplished student all throughout my childhood education and suddenly I was faced with having to create my own method of continuing my growth as an adult. Little did I realize at the time - this was a good position for someone like me to be in.

I was fortunate to get a contracted job with full benefits at the University of New Hampshire right out of high school Fall of 2001. It is the University System of New Hampshire I have to thank for my education – both professionally and academically. While working full-time at UNH, I attended classes part-time, receiving a free class each semester as long as I kept my GPA up. Some semesters I took on multiple classes; a couple I even attended full-time while continuing to work full-time as well. It took five years, but I was able to receive my Associate of Applied Science in Community Leadership at the Thompson School without any debt whatsoever. This degree focused a lot on non-profit management and leadership development. It literally opened my eyes to options for a career I had never considered before. I began to research local non profits and seek out leadership positions. This search successfully led me to working for Strafford County Nursing Home as an Activity Aide, which then turned into the positions I have held since, working with elderly and in non-profit agencies.

For my bachelor's degree I was referred to Granite State College as my professor and advisor thought the self-design program was right for me. She was certainly correct in thinking so! The self-design program at GSC, along with their supportive staff assisted me to create a meaningful and fulfilling curriculum that I use today in my statewide job. Granite State College is a school that works alongside with you, and that is why I love it so much.

I am now working on my master's degree in Leadership at GSC so I can truly complete the journey I have started for myself through the University System of NH. I currently oversee a federal, statewide program for NH call the Senior Companion Program. We have 80 volunteers who visit with over 400 frail and homebound elders and adults with disabilities in their homes. We partner with 27 fellow senior care and non profit agencies in our program. To have a master's degree of this aptitude I will be able to continue to expand my leadership role within the program and beyond. I have aspirations to be the Director of Elder Services for my agency one day. My current director is looking at retirement in the near future and I would love to take on the challenge. If not with the current agency I am in, I am now also considering working for a federal or state program with a high level of responsibility. I have always said since realizing I loved working with seniors, I would like to one day be an administrator who oversees a community living facility for seniors or even work with the Attorney General’s Office.

- Nicole

I am only in my 3rd term at Granite State College, but already feel very at home. From the first day that I stepped foot into the offices in Manchester, I was welcomed with friendly faces and had all my questions answered. I was not even planning on enrolling in GSC when I went to speak with someone in Manchester, and when I left that day, I was all enrolled in a B.A. program. Everyone I have been in contact with from financial aid to scheduling classes, has made everything stress-free for me. I love that I can get my entire degree online if I want to also!

The #1 reason why I love GSC, is their affiliation with the school district where I work (Hudson, NH), and my district will pay for some of my classes! I thought I would never see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I plan to graduate from GSC with my bachelor's degree in the Spring of 2014! From there, I hope to get a job teaching Math, and once I am settled, I will continue my education at GSC and someday receive my Master's Degree.

- Rachel

This morning, instead of heading to Granite State College, GSC’s President paid a visit to a different kind of education institution:  Bow Elementary School!

Dr. Todd Leach, along with fellow college and university presidents across New Hampshire, joined young children in classrooms around the state for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, a world-record-breaking campaign in which adults and children nationwide will read the same book on the same day to establish the largest group of people ever to collectively read the same story on a single date.

This year Jumpstart’s featured book is the New York Times bestselling children’s book, Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad by David Soman and Jacky Davis.  

The purpose of this event is to shine a national spotlight on America's early education achievement gap and to highlight Jumpstart's programs as a way to address this crisis. It’s a goal that GSC certainly understands.

In our School of Education, the teacher preparation programs focus in on the critical shortage areas that exist in education, which includes our early childhood education major.

GSC is proud to support Jumpstart’s mission through Read for the Record and proud to contribute by empowering future educators in our undergraduate degree programs and post-baccalaureate programs for teacher education.

On a personal note...

As a Jumpstart alumni, I was excited to learn that the New Hampshire College and University Presidents were going to participate in 2012's Read for the Record and it was a pleasure to help coordinate on behalf of GSC! I did three terms of service while I was earning my bachelor's degree and even have some photos to prove it (note the "vintage" Jumpstart blue from 7 years ago!). 

-Jacqui Lantagne
Marketing Specialist, Granite State College
Jumpstart Corps Member and Team Leader, 2004-2007
 

Hi, GSC Students!

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting the Granite State College Alumni Learner Association (ALA)! This is a group of wonderful people made up of both current Granite State College students and Granite State College alumni. I got to sit in on one of their meetings and listen in on some of the exciting new things the group is putting together for the GSC community.

For the first time since 1992, the ALA is offering a series of fun summer/fall events this year to provide a venue for current GSC students and alumni to make new friends, see old friends, and support our fantastic college! This is also a great opportunity to get out this summer and see some of the beautiful sights of New Hampshire:

August 18 (Saturday)

The first event is a NH Fisher Cats Baseball Game complete with VIP luxury seating and an all-you-can-eat cook-out buffet. The Buffet starts at 6:30pm, and the game starts at 7:05pm. Bring your family! Register by August 8th.

September 29 (Saturday)

The second event is a Conway Scenic Railroad trip on the Notch Train in the Hattie Evans Dinner Car. You'll get the opportunity to view the beautiful fall foliage in First Class seating with a 3-course dinner included. The train leaves at 11:30am. Register by September 19th.

October 14 (Sunday)

The third and final event of the series is a Mount Washington Dinner Sunset Cruise. Experience a beautiful fall sunset out on the water while enjoying a two-course dinner buffet. Check-in starts at 4:15pm with a 5pm depart time. Register by October 4th.

For more information on the Granite State College Alumni Learner Association and to find out ways in which you can be involved, please see their web page: http://www.granite.edu/students/alumni.php

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!

Granite State College's School of Education (and co-sponsor NHASEA) are pleased to present a presentation from internationally recognized expert on Embedded Formative Assessment, Dr. Dylan Wiliam, on July 18 from 9-3 at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua, NH. What a great opportunity to learn more about Dr. Wiliam's approach to formative assessment, talk with other educators, and earn 6 CEUs of professional development credit (with lunch included)!

I am excited to be attending this event, not just as a representative of Granite State College's School of Education, but as a teacher interested in learning more about formative assessment. in his new book, Embedded Formative Assessment, Dr. Wiliam writes about how formative assessment plays an important role in increasing teacher quality and student learning when it is viewed as a process rather than a tool. Be sure to also check out this interesting article on "Changing Classroom Practice" by Dr. Wiliam.

This is an exciting opportunity for paraeducators, teachers, principals, superintendents--anyone interested in improving teaching and student learning, to experience what embedded formative assessment is all about. Registration is easy!  You can order tickets online here. I hope to see you there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Special Education (K-12)

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

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

ESOL (K-12)

Mathematics (5-8)

Secondary Mathematics (7-12)

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

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

It's Christmastime, the decorations are out, the carolers are warming up, the shopping season is in full swing, and it's time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of the past year.  If I were making a list, the first item in both the Challenges column and the Accomplishments column would be the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Project Management.  

The challenge lies in the fact that I haven't been a college student in, oh, let's just say, a very long time.  Not only am I enrolled in the very first graduate degree program offered at Granite State College, I am in the very first cohort scheduled to graduate in 2013.  I am so proud and excited to be part of such an illustrious group of bright, dedicated and funny people...I really like this thing called adult higher education!  

In the accomplishment column I proudly include the completion of the first of ten terms in the project management masters program.  This term was made up of two six-week classes - PM 804 Project Management Seminar and PM 804 Leading Teams; both were excellent courses.  My preferred delivery method for instruction is face to face, on the ground at our Manchester NH campus.  Of course, for those of you who would rather operate completely in the digital world, you always have the option of taking any of our adult college courses online. 

It is interesting now that I am immersed in the world of project management...all that we do in life is a project in one way or another.  I see it all around me.  The applications, tools and techniques of project management can be applied to everything from planning a holiday party to putting a man on the moon. 

Now there's a thought...how might I apply what I've learned so far in my project management classes to make my holiday season just a little less stressful and a bit more organized? 

Project Scope:  Just what do I want to accomplish this holiday season?  I certainly don't want to bite off more than I can chew so I had better define exactly what I will and can commit to this year.

Project Team:  My family...who is responsible for what and can we accomplish everything we have identified in our project scope?

Project Planning:  Creating a task list (work breakdown structure in project management speak) that includes all of the typical activities (cards, gifts, parties, decorations, food, etc.) around the holiday would be helpful.

Project Risk:  Have you ever had your heart set on a particular gift for someone only to find the gift is not available, or that the cost exceeds your budget?  Contingency plans are always a good idea.

Project Close:  The holidays are over; now is the time to assess what worked and what didn't...lessons learned are a very valuable tool at the close of any project, but only if you use them.

So as you think about everything you have to do for the holidays, remember these four easy steps to help you along:  plan, execute, manage and close.  Wishing you a very merry and stress free holiday season!


GSC Factoid:  Granite State College offers the most affordable continuing education in the state and is the University System's leading online provider.

I recently attended the Business NH Health Care Summit in Manchester - an event and topic that interests me greatly, thanks to my role as program director of the Granite State College Bachelors degree in Health Care Management. The New England Director of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Christi Hager, delivered the keynote where she discussed what has transpired since Health Care Reform was introduced and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.  Many businesses and agencies were represented at the conference and all are grappling with the high cost of health care benefits. Small companies tend to pay 18% more in premiums than larger corporations resulting in them being a third less likely to offer insurance. The State Based Insurance Exchange will make coverage more affordable for small businesses and is slated to be available in 2014. 

We learned that New Hampshire has one of the highest quality health care delivery systems in the country and has the highest rate of private insurance coverage at 72%.

A panel consisting of HR representatives from a large corporation and a small business, a physician, the president of NH Hospital Association, a representative from AARP, and someone from Harvard Pilgrim N.E. answered questions and discussed emerging trends.   Health care costs have lead to a trend in companies and insurance agencies to promote wellness among their employees. These initiatives range from discounts on health club memberships, sport teams, onsite health professionals, onsite fitness centers, regular safety assessments, smoke-free workplaces, walking clubs, and preventative care, to free health coach consultations from insurance providers.   The bottom line is that to control health care costs, companies need to embrace wellness programs.

How do you get started? 

• Get connected with your HR department
• Form a wellness committee
• Connect with other business – find out what they’ve done and set benchmarks
• Create the infrastructure to support the initiative and promote cultural transformation
• Develop an action plan – get data- build collaboration
• Get to know your co-workers/employees
• Investigate what support your insurer may provide
• Develop partnership with local pharmacist to assist with education in the workplace
• Go to: http://healthaffairs.org/

For the past several months I have been touring New Hampshire with a colleague promoting Granite State College’s new Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management. This degree program offers courses in health care administration, policy, emerging trends, fiscal management, and health information systems.

The specialized skills you will acquire from this degree will prepare you to coordinate technology, people and resources. Job opportunities exist in a number of health related settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, health care agencies, non-profits, non-governmental agencies such as the Red Cross, and medical practices. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, ten of the 20 fastest growing occupations are health care related. Health care will also generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs before 2018, more than any other industry, largely in response to rapid growth in the elderly population. http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm

We have visited Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Catholic Medical Center, New London Hospital, The VT/NH annual conferences for Physical Therapists, Respiratory Therapists and Occupational Therapists and several of the NH Community Colleges. It’s great to be able to go where potential students are and answer their questions, provide materials, and arrange appointments. In addition, at every event, we’ve had GSC alumni stop by to say hello and let us know how their degree has impacted their lives and career opportunities.

If you already have college credit, let us evaluate your transcripts as you may qualify for the “Fast Track” degree completion option and earn your bachelor’s degree online in as little as 18 months! Visit us online at www.granite.edu or call us toll free at 1-888-228-3000 for more information or to get started today!