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.
So you are thinking about getting a degree on line? Well, as a professor of an on line course I have to ask you a few questions first. Are you motivated to get things done on your own? Are you comfortable manipulating your computer? Do you enjoy reading and writing on line? If you can answer positively to each of those questions then go for an online degree at Granite State College. There are so many on line courses to choose from, such as courses in Early Childhood Education or Project management college courses, or even courses in health care and psychology. But not just anyone can successfully manage on line courses. If you hate being on the computer then an on line course will frustrate you. If you have trouble motivating yourself to do your work without someone standing over you then the on line course is not a good idea. On line education can be an awesome experience if you are willing to take the responsibility. So be honest with yourself. We all have different learning styles. If your style is as an independent learner then you will love on line education. Check out the Granite State on line list of courses to find the perfect ones for you.
Yes, I am a Grammy once again. A little girl entered the world at 7:46pm weighing in at seven pounds even. She was embraced by her daddy and mommy at time of arrival. Oh what a joy, oh what a delight and blessing from above. My young son and his wife wanted to be surprised and never found out the sex of their baby. I have always thought it is the one thing in life that should be a surprise. After all, you don't put in an order for a Boy or Girl, you get what you are suppose to have and really folks, we are not sending them back!! I am glad they waited and I know that surprise was wonderful and one they will never forget.
I remember one surprise I got when I received an A on a Business Statistic test I took while attending Granite State College when I was attempting to get my adult education degree. It was such a nice surprise though as that class kicked my butt everyday I was in it. It was one of my hardest classes throughout my education but I did it, I made it through and live to tell about it.
So whether it be babies or grades, surprises are a nice part of life. I am seriously thinking about going back to school and getting my Master of Science Project Management degree. At work I see how project management is a huge part of big businesses these days and I enjoyed school so much, this just may be my next goal. My children will be surprised again if Mom goes back to school. Oh well, surprises are good!!
I remember one surprise I got when I received an A on a Business Statistic test I took while attending Granite State College when I was attempting to get my adult education degree. It was such a nice surprise though as that class kicked my butt everyday I was in it. It was one of my hardest classes throughout my education but I did it, I made it through and live to tell about it.
So whether it be babies or grades, surprises are a nice part of life. I am seriously thinking about going back to school and getting my Master of Science Project Management degree. At work I see how project management is a huge part of big businesses these days and I enjoyed school so much, this just may be my next goal. My children will be surprised again if Mom goes back to school. Oh well, surprises are good!!
In a recent class for the early childhood education major at GSC's Rochester NH college campus, we were talking about family strengths. One of those strengths revolved around encouragement and setting a good example. If parents are not only telling children that they care about how they do in school, but are also demonstrating the importance of school by taking a course they might need for work, or starting a new degree in an area that you have always been interested in is the prime way to set the example and encourage your children to value education. Consider taking courses in early childhood for your Early Childhood Certification, or maybe courses in project management, towards a Masters Degree in Project Management, or special education teacher certification. Try showing how much you value education, by getting involved yourself in either online adult education classes or face-to-face courses. Your children will learn from your example.
Good Morning fans and friends,
I just woke up and saw that Westland is going to be selling Rain Barrels with some of the proceeds going to the cancer foundation. My mum died of cancer so whenever I can give, help promote research, I am in for it. But, it is not just for the cancer research fund, it is for the rain barrel. I have always wanted one to water my flowers, garden and save the water that comes from the sky and recycle it. I think it is a good thing for our earth as well as a good example of conservation. My grandparents had two of them at their cottage in Canada and I can remember at a young age, putting a dipper in and getting out a bucket full of water. The Cottage didn't have running water, so we used it to wash our hair, water the garden and yes, even flush the toilet. I know I won't use mine for all those reasons but I do think it is a good way to reuse our water that comes from the sky.
I have to research it and see where the best down spout to put it under. But, that is no different than researching a subject for school. Learning again is what I am talking about, learning about something new, exciting, is all part of life. I just found out that Granite State College is offering a Masters of Science Degree in Project Management. I am so excited and want to get signed up as soon as I learn my new job better. I want to be proficient in this new position before I put other information in my brain. Taking these classes is a great education and career advancement opportunity. I am so excited about this new class, I have told other colleagues about the program and who knows, maybe a few of us will go to Granite State College and take these accelerated adult studies classes.
OK, I am off to get my rain barrel. I hope you all have a great weekend!!
I just woke up and saw that Westland is going to be selling Rain Barrels with some of the proceeds going to the cancer foundation. My mum died of cancer so whenever I can give, help promote research, I am in for it. But, it is not just for the cancer research fund, it is for the rain barrel. I have always wanted one to water my flowers, garden and save the water that comes from the sky and recycle it. I think it is a good thing for our earth as well as a good example of conservation. My grandparents had two of them at their cottage in Canada and I can remember at a young age, putting a dipper in and getting out a bucket full of water. The Cottage didn't have running water, so we used it to wash our hair, water the garden and yes, even flush the toilet. I know I won't use mine for all those reasons but I do think it is a good way to reuse our water that comes from the sky.
I have to research it and see where the best down spout to put it under. But, that is no different than researching a subject for school. Learning again is what I am talking about, learning about something new, exciting, is all part of life. I just found out that Granite State College is offering a Masters of Science Degree in Project Management. I am so excited and want to get signed up as soon as I learn my new job better. I want to be proficient in this new position before I put other information in my brain. Taking these classes is a great education and career advancement opportunity. I am so excited about this new class, I have told other colleagues about the program and who knows, maybe a few of us will go to Granite State College and take these accelerated adult studies classes.
OK, I am off to get my rain barrel. I hope you all have a great weekend!!
The Concord Monitor recently ran a story entitled "Changing the way we Educate" that profiled Granite State College and the unique ways in which we serve undergraduate and graduate students. The focus of the article was largely on how Granite State College balances business and academics, and how we are addressing a 48% cut in state appropriations (the largest cut ever made to the USNH appropriations). While the cut certainly impacts us, Granite State College has been very innovative this past year, launching a new BS in Health Care Management and developing our first masters degree (an MS in Project Management). We also streamlined our admissions processes, eliminated some fees, and adopted a "student-centered" approach that led to schedule improvements and the creation of student success teams.
Granite State College's innovations are leading to record enrollment levels for the college in spite of budgetary cuts. It is our ability to be responsive to student and employer needs that is becoming the college's hallmark. GSC has long been a leader in online education and today every degree the College offers is available entirely online, including our new MS in Project Management. For GSC, having our degrees available online is not enough, we have gone beyond that by building a top instructional design team that includes a media-rich specialist and adding greater support for online students through services such as online tutoring. We also provide our faculty with more tools than just the learning management system, one of the latest tools available to faculty allows them to create animated simulations.
Even with this expansion of online offerings and support, GSC has also continued to invest in technology and innovation at our state-wide campus centers. Our recent campus centers in Rochester, Manchester, and Littleton all offer an array of classroom technology, including wireless connectivity. More importantly, our innovations around curriculum are making higher education more accessible to adults and working professionals. We are launching fast-track programs this year that offer an accelerated and streamlined path to completing a bachelor degree.
State appropriations are certainly key to our ability to offer the best higher education value possible, but equally important is our ability to innovate. While appropriations may be down, innovation at GSC has never been higher.
Granite State College's innovations are leading to record enrollment levels for the college in spite of budgetary cuts. It is our ability to be responsive to student and employer needs that is becoming the college's hallmark. GSC has long been a leader in online education and today every degree the College offers is available entirely online, including our new MS in Project Management. For GSC, having our degrees available online is not enough, we have gone beyond that by building a top instructional design team that includes a media-rich specialist and adding greater support for online students through services such as online tutoring. We also provide our faculty with more tools than just the learning management system, one of the latest tools available to faculty allows them to create animated simulations.
Even with this expansion of online offerings and support, GSC has also continued to invest in technology and innovation at our state-wide campus centers. Our recent campus centers in Rochester, Manchester, and Littleton all offer an array of classroom technology, including wireless connectivity. More importantly, our innovations around curriculum are making higher education more accessible to adults and working professionals. We are launching fast-track programs this year that offer an accelerated and streamlined path to completing a bachelor degree.
State appropriations are certainly key to our ability to offer the best higher education value possible, but equally important is our ability to innovate. While appropriations may be down, innovation at GSC has never been higher.
I graduated from Granite State College with my B.S. in Business Management degree one year ago this month. Where am I now? What have I been up to? What has changed for me as a result of attaining my adult college degree?
I am presently pursuing my MBA degree at Plymouth State College. Did you know that GSC now offers a Graduate degree in Project Management? Unfortunately it was not offered at the time I began my graduate program but it is available now for any current and future graduates.
Since my graduation one year ago I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel. I actually took two trips in the past year. One to Ireland with my eldest daughter and one to Kauai, HI with friends.
Today, as a direct result of my academic accomplishments, my company president announced my promotion from Legal/Executive Assistant to Global Communications Manager. I am very excited about this wonderful new professional challenge. This opportunity would not have been offered to me without the accomplishment of my adult college degree. What professional opportunities are you missing out on?
Do not take my path and wait 20+ years to enroll in your first adult college program. Do it now! If you are apprehensive, contact me and I will walk you through the process. As in any life pursuit, the hardest part is starting.
I am presently pursuing my MBA degree at Plymouth State College. Did you know that GSC now offers a Graduate degree in Project Management? Unfortunately it was not offered at the time I began my graduate program but it is available now for any current and future graduates.
Since my graduation one year ago I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel. I actually took two trips in the past year. One to Ireland with my eldest daughter and one to Kauai, HI with friends.
Today, as a direct result of my academic accomplishments, my company president announced my promotion from Legal/Executive Assistant to Global Communications Manager. I am very excited about this wonderful new professional challenge. This opportunity would not have been offered to me without the accomplishment of my adult college degree. What professional opportunities are you missing out on?
Do not take my path and wait 20+ years to enroll in your first adult college program. Do it now! If you are apprehensive, contact me and I will walk you through the process. As in any life pursuit, the hardest part is starting.
"Change" is a word that is often overused, but in the world of higher education "substantive change" has very specific meaning. An institution that goes through substantive change is one that embarks on new directions that require review by its regional accreditor. Granite State College has undertaken such a change by moving from an institution offering only undergraduate credit to one that will now offers its first masters degree.
The Master of Science in Project Management is intended to provide students with a highly transferable set of skills and competencies that are in high demand across a number of industries. GSC's first masters degree is designed to provide students with both pragmatic content and high level learning opportunities that can prepare students to advance in management and leadership level positions. A cursory search of job postings lists many positions in which project management skills are specifically identified. In addition, managers in general can gain a competitive advantage in the job market by gaining project management competencies.
Granite State College worked closely with industry experts to develop its first masters program in order to ensure our graduates will be well prepared to compete and advance in their chosen careers. At this point, the Granite State College masters degree is the only MS in Project Management offered by a New Hampshire institution.
We are confident that our new masters degree will meet the advanced education needs of working adults and professionals across the state and beyond. The new program will be offered entirely online as well as at select Granite State College locations.
The Master of Science in Project Management is intended to provide students with a highly transferable set of skills and competencies that are in high demand across a number of industries. GSC's first masters degree is designed to provide students with both pragmatic content and high level learning opportunities that can prepare students to advance in management and leadership level positions. A cursory search of job postings lists many positions in which project management skills are specifically identified. In addition, managers in general can gain a competitive advantage in the job market by gaining project management competencies.
Granite State College worked closely with industry experts to develop its first masters program in order to ensure our graduates will be well prepared to compete and advance in their chosen careers. At this point, the Granite State College masters degree is the only MS in Project Management offered by a New Hampshire institution.
We are confident that our new masters degree will meet the advanced education needs of working adults and professionals across the state and beyond. The new program will be offered entirely online as well as at select Granite State College locations.
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?
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?
I completed my business major capstone last semester at Granite State College and loved it. The course required us to work in teams, one of my worst fears in a school project! As teammates we worked together as co-managers of a camera company competing with the other teams for market share within the simulated camera industry. What made this experience unique was that the decisions each team made changed the market and affected business decisions and strategy initiatives we all made. This class was certainly a true career opportunities education course. This was a great exercise in working together as a team to accomplish the goal at hand. I have always loved playing games, but this was a game that enabled me to utilize all of the business skills I had attained in my adult education courses. I learned so much and had a ton of fun in the process.
Why did I choose this for the title of my blog? All of the bloggers from my college in New Hampshire come from different backgrounds and careers. Some of us are faculty, others are deans and staff. Where I choose to separate myself from the pack is in terms of how I choose to find fulfillment in my life. If I could sum it up in one phrase, I would label myself a Type A Personality. You know the guy: the one who wants to pack as much stuff into the day as humanly possible. There is always time to dedicate to a project at work, volunteer in the community where I am needed, or to take some downtime for myself. Essentially, I find it easy to always squeeze out another hour of the day...thus that 25th hour.
Readers of my blog will find commentary from the perspective of a student at Granite State College who would not feel he was fully contributing to his community without joining the Granite State College Council, participating on the Presidential Search Committee or working to create new student organizations to promote community and service. And those are just my extracurricular activities at school. I intend to provide a brutally honest perspective of what it is like to have a family, work two jobs and attend college. Every post may not be sunny and warm, but I will always wrap up with the positive expectations of the rewards that I am currently and will reap in the future from my exposure to so many facets of life. Additionally, blogging will provide the catharsis I will need at the end of the day, sometimes just to remind myself there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Often the greatest challenges in life are solved by talking our way through them (sometimes to ourselves, out loud!).
I will earn my Associates Degree through taking part time classes in June 2010 in Business Studies, and expect to have my Bachelors in Business Management in June 2012. Over the next two years I look forward to sharing my challenges and triumphs along the journey. My promise to my readers is an exciting ride in the passenger seat of my Type A vehicle as I maneuver through evening and weekend college classes.
Like much of America, I got drawn in to watching tv's "The Biggest Loser." 
I began watching one of those marathon sessions running (conveniently) on New Year's Day, and for the first few minutes I was intrigued by watching the contestants struggle through their rigorous diet and exercise regime, spurred on by the hope of a different future. Once I began to see evidence of their progress, in the form of lost pounds and found confidence, I was hooked. I am a bit embarrassed to say that my whole family (ok, not the 4-year-old) allowed this program to chew up the better part of our day, as I sat making food lists with new resolve. We watched together and cheered on these folks who were moving past the beginning struggle of change, toward the goal, and vicariously shared in their victories.
As I am buckling down to complete the assignments due in my next class, it strikes me that the process of furthering my education is a bit like that diet & exercise struggle. The goal is important---finishing my degree, and expanding my knowledge. Although the day to day steps of studying and stretching myself are most often enjoyable, I sometimes go through a cycle of self-doubt --"can I really do this?". But even in the midst of that process--the struggle leaves me energized.
The first class I took at Granite State College was one of the Concord NH classes "Critical Thinking." I didn't know what to expect---it had been several years since I had been in school---and actually, I got something I didn't expect ---energy! I had anticipated being tired, drained, and overwhelmed after class; after all I was sitting down to class from 6 - 9:30 in the evening. Not exactly my most productive times! The process of settling into a classroom with no other distractions (no one needed a sippy cup, help with laundry, or input on fundraisers for any committee) but the flow of new ideas, combined with the input from a group of fresh faces was absolutely exhilirating. I came away feeling charged up and eager to talk. I sat down with my husband for a couple of hours and chatted with him, had philosophical debates, and just enjoyed the very non-mundane conversations.
I'd love to say that I came away from that first experience a constantly confident, calm person. Not quite. There have been a few classes where I still reach a point of doubt, and a couple of times when I have thrown my papers on the floor, marched out into the living room and announced "I am not going to do this anymore!" When this happens my husband grins to himself, looks at his watch, and waits for my little "rain dance" to be over. He knows that within 5 minutes, I will have calmed down, and have gotten back to work. Funny thing is, after these breakdowns I usually manage to produce a project that turns out very well, and the victory following that initial frustration can't be beat.
Similar to the discovery that through exercise you actually gain energy; the journey through education and career advancement through Granite State College has brought with it an energizing source of new ideas, as step by step I'm achieving my goal.
I began watching one of those marathon sessions running (conveniently) on New Year's Day, and for the first few minutes I was intrigued by watching the contestants struggle through their rigorous diet and exercise regime, spurred on by the hope of a different future. Once I began to see evidence of their progress, in the form of lost pounds and found confidence, I was hooked. I am a bit embarrassed to say that my whole family (ok, not the 4-year-old) allowed this program to chew up the better part of our day, as I sat making food lists with new resolve. We watched together and cheered on these folks who were moving past the beginning struggle of change, toward the goal, and vicariously shared in their victories.As I am buckling down to complete the assignments due in my next class, it strikes me that the process of furthering my education is a bit like that diet & exercise struggle. The goal is important---finishing my degree, and expanding my knowledge. Although the day to day steps of studying and stretching myself are most often enjoyable, I sometimes go through a cycle of self-doubt --"can I really do this?". But even in the midst of that process--the struggle leaves me energized.
The first class I took at Granite State College was one of the Concord NH classes "Critical Thinking." I didn't know what to expect---it had been several years since I had been in school---and actually, I got something I didn't expect ---energy! I had anticipated being tired, drained, and overwhelmed after class; after all I was sitting down to class from 6 - 9:30 in the evening. Not exactly my most productive times! The process of settling into a classroom with no other distractions (no one needed a sippy cup, help with laundry, or input on fundraisers for any committee) but the flow of new ideas, combined with the input from a group of fresh faces was absolutely exhilirating. I came away feeling charged up and eager to talk. I sat down with my husband for a couple of hours and chatted with him, had philosophical debates, and just enjoyed the very non-mundane conversations.
I'd love to say that I came away from that first experience a constantly confident, calm person. Not quite. There have been a few classes where I still reach a point of doubt, and a couple of times when I have thrown my papers on the floor, marched out into the living room and announced "I am not going to do this anymore!" When this happens my husband grins to himself, looks at his watch, and waits for my little "rain dance" to be over. He knows that within 5 minutes, I will have calmed down, and have gotten back to work. Funny thing is, after these breakdowns I usually manage to produce a project that turns out very well, and the victory following that initial frustration can't be beat.
Similar to the discovery that through exercise you actually gain energy; the journey through education and career advancement through Granite State College has brought with it an energizing source of new ideas, as step by step I'm achieving my goal.
Powered by Compendium