Faculty Helps Nursing Students with the CPNE and Classes

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Scheduled Calls Help Associate Degree Nursing Students Succeed

As a nursing student, going back to school can be difficult when you’re trying to juggle different roles and responsibilities like work, social life, and academics. It can be particularly hard because you need to practice expert knowledge and thoughtfulness in your current job while also working tirelessly in your academics to make it to the next level in your nursing career. Luckily, the Excelsior College School of Nursing offers resources like faculty phone calls to help you in your studies and the CPNE.

Faculty phone calls are nursing-centered talks that occur between nursing students and nursing faculty program directors (FPDs). They are “a student’s opportunity to talk about whatever they want to talk about,” says Karla Duffy, a faculty program director for the associate degree in nursing program. Students can call the School of Nursing to schedule a 30-minute phone call with an FPD. They can have a maximum of two phone calls scheduled at one time and are allowed one phone call per week.

The topics students want to discuss vary, says Duffy. Some students want to discuss a topic they are stuck on in their theory courses while others are looking for tips on how to be successful in discussions. Others call looking for best strategies in taking Excelsior College Examinations (ECEs) and the Focused Clinical Competency Assessments (FCCAs).

Faculty Calls Help Students Prepare for the CPNE

Duffy says the majority of students’ phone calls are about the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE). Students call looking for what resources are available to help them prepare for the exam, and faculty then direct them to the tutorial NUR 702 Navigating the CPNE, study guides, webinars, workshops, etc. Faculty try to inform students about what to expect at the exam, as well. Sometimes students seek to better understand a specific portion of the CPNE.

Many calls are about students’ fears concerning the CPNE, says Duffy. She explains that to ease students’ fears, she often tells students to come up with personal mantras, to hold special totems like stones or marbles in their pockets during the exam, or to practice writing “RN” after their name in preparation of passing the exam. “It’s all about the mindset,” she says.

Part of that is also making sure the student, who is typically an LPN or a paramedic, draws on their previous learning and continues to transform their thinking into that of an RN. Duffy says she speaks with students who are LPNs or paramedics, which are skill-oriented jobs, and they need support as they continue to acquire the knowledge and skills required of the RN. RN’s are responsible for managing and coordinating care and it’s important to help students mentally transition into the RN role, Duffy says.

Nursing faculty also use faculty phone calls to dispel the rumors and fallacies that exist on social media and third-party preparation provider websites. Students often share inconsistencies that they have heard on social media such as specific critical element requirements that are not a part of the examination.

Schedule Your Faculty Call Today

The School of Nursing tries to tell as many students as they can about the phone calls, but they still run into some who just don’t know about them. Hopefully, the word gets out about this important service. “Next to the resources in NUR 702, I feel the faculty phone calls are the most valuable resource to students,” says Duffy. The amount of information a student can receive from these talks can be very beneficial; the faculty phone calls are certainly a good tool to help you prepare for the CPNE. To schedule your call, contact the School of Nursing at 800-533-3792.

Excelsior College Partners with a Non-Profit Agency and Businesses to Offer Energy Employees the Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 2, 2019) – Excelsior College has partnered with the non-profit agency Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE), as well as energy industry businesses and other schools, to offer employees in the energy sector the opportunity to earn a nuclear engineering technology degree.

One company taking advantage of this program is Exelon Corporation, which has strengthened its workforce by joining EPCE and offering employees the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College. The school has been offering the program through EPCE since 2007.

Since the program’s inception with Exelon, 1,772 students have earned their degree through Excelsior College.

The program remains popular as demand grows in the field. The Nuclear Energy Institute estimates nearly 40 percent of the nuclear workforce reached retirement eligibility in 2018. That means opportunities in the field are expected to grow.

“We’ve offered the nuclear engineering technology degree for years, but there’s never been a better time to enter the program,” said Lisa Romano, Excelsior College’s regional director of government and workforce partnerships. “We’re in an interesting time in the nuclear power industry where the older, experienced workers are beginning to retire out of the profession. That’s creating a remarkable opportunity for those who earn a degree now.”

The program is a collaboration involving a network of education, business, and the nonprofit sector. EPCE works with more than 2,500 companies, connecting them with industry-inspired academic programs for employees. Exelon Corporation, a partner with EPCE, offers an excellent example of how the system works.

Exelon ranks among the largest competitive power generators in the United States. The Exelon family of companies represents every stage of the energy value chain. They include Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco subsidiaries. Exelon’s six utilities deliver electricity and natural gas to 10 million customers in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Through EPCE, Exelon offers employees access to enter the Excelsior College nuclear engineering technology degree program. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a national non-governmental organization that reviews and accredits programs that meet certain standards and successfully prepare graduates for jobs in engineering and technology fields.

Some of the students from Exelon have earned an associate degree from one of Excelsior College’s community college partners. Also, after earning their bachelor’s degree, some return to Excelsior College to earn their graduate degree as they rise through the ranks and need leadership and management skills.

Exelon is just one example of how Excelsior College works in collaboration with community colleges, nonprofits and industry. EPCE also promotes other Excelsior College programs with employers, including the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (ABET accredited), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (ABET accredited) and Master of Business Administration.

“This program fits well with our values. We are always looking for ways to forge partnerships that help us achieve our goal of providing as many students as possible a chance to improve their lives by earning a college degree,” said Lisa LaVigna, Excelsior College’s Director of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances.

 

Press Contact

Alicia Jacobs

Senior Manager, Internal Communications and Public Relations

ajacobs@excelsior.edu

Office: 518.464.8531

Cell: 518.410.4624

ajacobs@excelsior.edu

www.excelsior.edu

 

About Excelsior College

Excelsior College is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are— academically and geographically—removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Following His Own Path: Ron Kiernicki

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When he was younger, Ron Kiernicki’s plans were set: graduate high school and run track and play football for Indiana State University. Plans change, however, and instead, Kiernicki ended up in a band, skipping college, and traveling around the United States, working in various restaurants along the way. He had a lot of fun, to be sure, but as he got older, going back to school was always on his mind. Thanks to Excelsior College’s partnership with NPC International, Kiernicki could fulfill the goal of completing his education.

Kiernicki, of Terre Haute, Indiana, has been an employee of NPC International (Pizza Hut) since 1998, when he decided he needed a full-time job to care for his wife and their young son. He is currently an assistant restaurant general manager and over time has been given more opportunities, including traveling for the company and running multiple units. Kiernicki says he wants to stay with NPC International either in the HR department or as a people development leader, but he wouldn’t mind exploring other areas. To do that, he realized he needed to pursue his education.

“Going back to school was always on my mind, but financially I simply could not afford it. That being said, the partnership program essentially made returning to school a financial reality,” says Kiernicki. Through the partnership with Excelsior, employees of NPC International receive tuition discounts and other financial benefits. He says he was nervous about returning to school, recalling his 50+ hour workweeks and responsibilities as a full-time soccer coach, founder of a non-profit organization called Clay Youth Soccer Club, and co-founder of a music festival. “My plate was full to say the least, and I had to be a full-time husband and father,” says Kiernicki.

“But I made the phone call and the Excelsior administration team really made me feel like I was making the right choices,” he says, adding that receiving four Pizza Hut Scholarships have meant a lot to him; “they have kept me going,” he says. He notes Excelsior was the best choice, saying, “For anyone contemplating returning to school at Excelsior, I would say do not hesitate! No matter what challenges life has for you, you can do it, and Excelsior has the resources to make it happen.” Kiernicki will continue in the dual BS in Business to MBA program in fall 2019.

Kiernicki says online learning has been the “only option” for him, and so far, he has learned a lot from Excelsior’s courses and faculty. The most influential courses to him have been microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, global marketing, international finance, quantitative analysis, and ethics. Kiernicki ran into some tough challenges, however. His youngest son was born prematurely in January 2017; in 2018, his cousin passed away, followed by his aunt; and in 2019, his brother passed away. “Thankfully the professors have all been very supportive along the beaten path,” says Kiernicki. He also adds that learning how to create study habits was a key to his success and managing all the setbacks and challenges. “I am not sure I can tell you exactly how I made it through it all. My wife has been extremely supportive, and again, the professors; I cannot say enough about each and every one of them,” he says. He adds his driving factor has been his wife, kids, and his parents.

Next up for Kiernicki is two semesters of foreign language, a capstone, and then finishing his MBA. He has also been researching jobs. “There are many roads I can travel down, but at the end of the day, I need to make sure it is a path that my family can prosper from,” he says, adding that first and foremost, he wants to be the best father and husband he can be.

Annual Excelsior Cares Week Highlights 120 Employees Making an Impact by Completing 17 Community Projects

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

During the 4th Annual Excelsior Cares Week, 120 Excelsior College employees completed 17 community projects in the Capital Region and beyond during April. This is a special time for the College, as employees performed more than 250 hours of volunteer service in one week, using volunteer hours provided by the College. The Albany-based event has grown in both the number of volunteers participating and the number of organizations served, starting with 7 projects in 2016 and 65 employees lending a helping hand.

The 2019 community projects included organizing, sorting, packing, cleaning, painting, grounds cleanup, seeding, planting, helping at an animal shelter, promoting fundraising events, cooking for families, and repurposing retired American Flags.

The weeklong event introduced employees to new experiences while working as a team on projects outside of the College and beyond their units. The College’s focus on volunteerism has positive effects on community engagement and employee engagement. Employees can step away from office work and learn about valuable services provided by charitable organizations that potentially could benefit someone they know.

For example, Mika Hoffman, an employee who volunteered at the Patroon Land Farm noted, “We learned that the farm has very few staff for the number of acres they work, so they really appreciate volunteers. It was good to feel we were helping to get fresh vegetables to people who need them.”

Excelsior volunteer May Boggs, who helped with Stars for Our Troops, shares, “It’s been such a pleasure and so much fun to be able to do this and show our appreciation for all current servicemembers, veterans, and first responders.”

Excelsior College also received feedback from the organizations helped. Jennifer Moskowitz, operations specialist at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, shared, “We had a nice-sized list of things to get done, but they all came in prepared to work. WOW!!!  What a powerhouse of volunteers. It was nice to have so many people in the office to help us out.”

Excelsior Staff volunteer at RIISE

Cathy Germano volunteered with eight colleagues on grounds cleanup at Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus(RISSE) and said, “It was the most rewarding experience.” Amy O’Connell, also helping at RISSE, stated, “It was an investment of time and energy in the city where I live, and in a great organization doing essential work.”

The Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week projects included Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Veterans Miracle Center, Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Girl Scouts of NENY in Albany, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, a daycare, Girl Scouts of NENY in Albany, South End Children’s Café, Stars for Our Troops Inc., Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Crohns and Colitis Foundation, and Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York.

Excelsior staff volunteer at South end childrens cafe

Making impact is the goal of the week and it seems Excelsior achieved that objective. Tracie Killar, director of South End Children’s Café, shared, “What an amazing group of volunteers. Thank you so much for ALL that you did for us!”

 

 

Three Types of Parenting Styles

Posted on by Raymond Brogan

Diana Baumrind, a clinical and developmental psychologist known for her research on parenting styles, began studying parenting styles nearly accidentally. She was originally interested in the various influences related to self-reliant children.  Baumrind’s conjecture was that if we can identify the influences on self-reliant children, we can encourage them in the environment of grade-school children, leading to greater self-reliance. Among the influences studied were the patterns of communication and discipline from their parents. After identifying a sample of self-reliant students, Baumrind interviewed their parents and found two elements present in how the parents interacted with their children: communication and standards. From this, Baumrind discovered distinct parenting styles based on the high/low level of communication and the high/low level of standards.

Baumrind found that the parents of self-reliant children tended to be high on two dimensions: communication and standards. These parents talk to their children to guide them in their life choices. These parents expect their children to do well in school and in socialization. They emphasize the standards that the child needs to understand in reaching those expectations. Identified as authoritative parents, they express love for the child through communication and standards.

The question then arises: What about parents who are low on one of the dimensions? Some parents have high standards but low communication. Some parents are low in standards, but high in communication. Are these parents less loving than the parents of self-reliant children? What characteristics are common to children of parents low on a single dimension? These questions guided the research that led Baumrind to study parenting styles.

Authoritative Parenting vs. Authoritarian Parenting

Baumrind discovered distinct parenting styles based on the high/low level of communication and the high/low level of standards parents expressed for their children. Besides the authoritative style, there is the authoritarian style and the permissive style. The authoritarian parenting style incorporates high standards but low communication. For these parents, discipline and punishment occur whenever parents think is necessary but it is usually arbitrary. This parenting style can interfere with a young child developing initiative if the child believes that it is wrong to do anything that is not spelled out in rules. The permissive parenting style relies on high communication but lacks in establishing standards. A permissive parent will listen to the child without judging or guiding. Many children of permissive parents are sociable but do not have high academic achievement.

An example of the differences could be made with getting a child to do homework. A parent with any parenting style might say to a child coming home from school “Do your homework before watching television.” How that parent reacts to the child’s protests would illustrate their parenting style. When the child asks, “Do I have to?” the authoritarian parent would reply, “I do not want to hear any of your complaints.” The permissive parent would not argue, instead saying, “OK. Not right now.” The authoritative parent would ask if the child has a good reason to postpone homework. If the child does, the parent will listen to the reason. If not, the parent will take the time to explain that doing homework and setting priorities are important practices. The child of the authoritative parent learns that, if a situation arises where homework should be postponed, the parent will listen.

What influences someone to be an authoritarian parent (instead of an authoritative parent)? There are various reasons. The most probable influence is the parenting style by which the parents were raised. These authoritarian parents are adult children of authoritarian parents following the parenting style that they know best from experience. Many people follow the parenting style of their parents. The child of the authoritarian does not want to make mistakes. When that child grows up to be a parent, he/she does not want to make mistakes as a parent.

Another reason why a parent might be led to follow an authoritarian style is that it is effective when raising children in a high-crime or otherwise dangerous environment. A child in such an environment needs clear rules to follow. Oftentimes, there is little chance to explain the rules (or commands in a crisis) without constantly bringing attention to the dangers of their daily life. In these circumstances, many parents make sure to explain that this strictness is a way of expressing love. Still, a problem will arise when these children grow up to be parents. They remember how their parents raised them. Even if this next generation lives in a safer neighborhood, they follow the behaviors of their parents by becoming authoritarian parents themselves.

According to Baumrind, there are only three identifiable parenting styles based on the level of communication and the level of standards. Some psychology textbooks claim that there should be a fourth parenting style for the parents who have low communication and low standards. That argument would follow logically. However, a parent with low communication and low standards is not really following a “parenting” style. Such an approach is the rejection of responsibility as a parent. Therefore, it is child neglect. The children of neglectful parents are fighting a losing battle. Unless they have some responsible adults in their lives (besides their parents), they cannot have much hope of developing into productive adults. However, children of authoritative parents turn out self-confident while children from authoritarian or permissive parents also develop good qualities.

Course Feature: CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

According to Dictionary.com, criminal justice is “the system of law enforcement, involving police, lawyers, courts, and corrections, used for all stages of criminal proceedings and punishment.” People with a background in criminal justice have jobs ranging from police officer and corrections officer to forensic psychologist and criminal profiler. Are you interested in a criminal justice career? Take a look at CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice, the foundational course of Excelsior’s criminal justice programs, to learn more about the field.

CJ 101 provides an overview of the history, structure, and organization of the American criminal justice system, including the police, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system. Students develop their understanding of criminal justice by acquiring a basic knowledge of the law, legal theories, and administrative challenges. Mike Verro, senior faculty program director for public service, says, “The course also explores foundational areas such as individual rights versus public order, defining and measuring crime, criminal law, and the challenges, issues, and limitations facing the police—within the context of the U.S. Constitution.”

Students in the criminal justice programs at Excelsior College are required to take an introductory course in criminal justice. “Without this foundational knowledge, it may be difficult for students to comprehend the upper level concepts, theories, and legal and ethical issues in higher level courses,” says Verro. Since this course is a social science, though, students in other programs may also be interested in taking it.

In general, students report enjoying the course and Verro says most seem to benefit from it.  Comments range from “The course materials were easy to access.” to “Great course and great instructor.” and “Recommend to anyone looking into this field.”

Verro also reports faculty are engaged in the course and enjoy working with the students. They provide him with feedback and suggestions to improve the course and the overall student experience.

If you want to begin pursuing a degree in criminal justice, start the journey today by signing up for CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice.

What To Look For In An Online Graduate School

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Selecting a school for your master’s degree is a big decision, but pursuing an online degree is one of the smartest moves you can make. In addition to having significantly lower tuition rates than traditional colleges, online programs offer  flexibility which makes them perfect for working adults.

Online programs have come a long way since the early days when an online degree was often met with suspicion. Nowadays, online degrees have overcome their stigma and even some of the most established colleges and universities like MIT, Stanford, and Yale offer online classes. This doesn’t mean that all online degrees are created equal. In the wake of several high-profile for-profit schools closing, there are a few often-overlooked factors you should watch out for when making a decision.

Is The Online Masters You’re Considering Respected?

  1. Accreditation
    An accredited college means that its programs have met certain quality standards. Therefore, an accredited institution has been reviewed by an external body, and has been shown to have the necessary administrative, instructional, and student provisions in place to support student goals. Accreditation is your assurance that the quality of your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions. Participating in a non-accredited program could mean that your degree won’t be recognized by employers or professional institutions and any credits you earn won’t be transferable to any other institution. A college’s accreditation should be listed clearly on their website. You can check to make sure the accreditation agency is on the federally recognized list by checking the US Department of Education’s website.
  2. Student Support
    Making sure your online program offers stellar support starts with asking a lot questions before you even take your first class. Check that your online school has counselors available to speak with you and look for transparency, responsiveness, and courtesy. A lack of communication during the admissions process can speak volumes about what your subsequent experience as a student. Make sure that you find out what support is available to you after you enroll. An institution with robust student support will have resources for research, technology tutorials, career services, and a writing lab. Also, remember to ask if you have a dedicated advisor and if there is a strong community of current students and alumni. An institution with a true commitment to your success as a student should be able to demonstrate those values every step of the way.
  3. For Profit vs. Non-Profit
    While the for profit versus non-profit factor isn’t one that a lot of students think about, it’s important to consider when selecting an online graduate school. While for profit schools can be accredited just like non-profit schools and it’s certainly possible to receive a similar, quality education, it’s helpful to be aware that while non-profits are driven by student success, for profit schools are beholden to owners and shareholders so their institutional measures of success are naturally going to be monetarily based. A statistic to consider from the U.S. Department of Education is that graduation rates are typically 66 percent at private nonprofit institutions while only 26 percent at private for-profit institutions. What’s more, some for-profit credits may not be transferable to another institution.

While the above are a few of the important things to look for in any online schools on your list, remember to take your time and compare cost, credit transfer options, and graduate outcomes for the specific program you’re interested in. Whatever your decision, the most important factor is you and your unique goals and comfort levels.

Ready see what Excelsior can offer?  Learn more about our mission here.

What Does An Online Master’s Degree Look Like?

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Attending an online master’s program is a smart choice. You’ll save time and money as you complete your degree on your own schedule and improve employer-valued skills in time management, collaborative technology, and networking. These benefits and more have made online master’s degree programs increasingly popular with working adults. Masters programs have many advantages but some graduate students have only had experience learning in a traditional classroom setting and might be a little wary about what to expect from an online program.

So how does taking classes online work? What does an online master’s degree look and feel like? You can relax knowing that online learning at the master’s level is definitely not as complicated or confusing as it might seem. If you know how to use the internet, too, you already have most of the technological know-how you need. You’ll still be doing the exact same reading, researching, writing, and interacting as you would in a classroom…only with a few modern upgrades!

The first two differences you’ll benefit from are the freedom of time and location. Instead of commuting back and forth to a physical campus for classes; to visit your professor for office hours; or to the library to work on group projects with your peers, your school work follows you. Taking online classes means that you can study, work, and interact with your classmates from anywhere with an internet connection. As a new online student, you might be nervous about not knowing where to go and what to do without the structure of a classroom, but everything you need for your course—from assignments and course materials, to library resources—are available to you online, at any time. You’ll access everything through a convenient class portal where you can submit work and engage with your instructor and other students. Having no set time or place for your course gives you the flexibility to plan your own schedule. This means that those who prefer a less rigid environment will thrive online.

This brings us to the next way that online learning diverges from its classroom counterpart: interaction with your instructor and classmates. A common concern about starting an online program is that you’ll feel isolated. However, you’ll quickly find out that learning online certainly doesn’t mean you’re learning alone. You’ll be surprised by how many friendships you’ll form with classmates you’ve never even met in person. Don’t be surprised that your online instructor challenges you just as much as an in-person professor might. Even though you’re “in class” online, you’ll still be expected to participate in discussions and share ideas with your peers. You’ll use message boards and tools like Skype and online chat to work together, and the online class portal means you can message your instructor whenever you have a question. Online discussions are often more egalitarian as there’s no risk that the loudest or neediest person will dominate the conversation. If you take advantage of all the networking opportunities available, you’ll never feel anonymous or adrift.

Online master’s programs may not work for everyone, but students who are self-motivated and thrive on flexibility are likely to succeed. The best, and most rewarding difference of an online program is that your success is entirely dependent on you!

Are you ready to learn more about what a leader in online education can offer?  Check out Excelsior College’s masters programs here.

 

How To Pay For Graduate School

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

People decide to go to graduate school for a variety of reasons: career advancement, personal fulfillment, or the desire to contribute more to their community. Considering the time, energy, and of course, money you’ll be investing, knowing the return on investment, or ROI, of your degree is important. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that Americans with a master’s degree earn 19 percent more than those with a bachelor’s degree only, most people find that going to grad school is worth the cost.

Now that you’ve decided that graduate school is right for you, the next step is figuring out how much everything is going to cost and how you’re going to pay. While that next step can feel like a steep one, paying for graduate school doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t have to, break the bank. There’s more help available than you might think, especially for the adult student.

First, look for the money you don’t have to pay back. Start with finding out if there is any tuition reimbursement available through your employer. If you don’t know, ask. This is especially true if you are pursuing a degree that directly relates to your job.  Many Excelsior students are able to use this to help them earn their degrees, like Justin Marier. Even if there is no financial aid available, many companies offer mentoring programs or flexible schedule options designed to encourage employees to seek advanced degrees.

If you have served in the military, you may be able to apply your GI Bill® education benefits towards your graduate tuition. If you’re currently serving, you could be eligible for tuition assistance that may cover up to 100 percent of your tuition costs. Eligibility requirements and benefits vary depending on your branch of service and your amount of time served so check with your benefits representative to  find out exactly what you’ve earned.

Even if you’re not a veteran, or employed by an education-minded company, don’t despair, scholarships and grants aren’t just for the undergrad. There are plenty of federal and state programs designed to make an advanced degree attainable for adult and other non-traditional students. Grants are based on need while scholarships are merit-based. Check out the U.S Department of Education’s Grant’s page to browse a list of government grants that may be available to you.

Remember the FAFSA form? Chances are, if you or your children had undergraduate loans, you’ve seen these forms before. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, has no age restrictions and according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website, most people who apply are eligible to receive some form of financial aid.

There are typically two types of federal loans that adult graduate students qualify for. The direct PLUS loan lets you borrow up to the cost of your school’s attendance depending on your credit. This type of loan is typically used to pay for expenses not covered by other forms of financial aid. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan, or Stafford Loan, allows you to borrow up to $20,500 a year (limit of $138,500 at a fixed interested rate determined by the federal government). A good place to learn more is the Financial Aid Tool Kit specifically for adult learners.

Private loans are also an option for adult students and can offer lower interest rates than government loans. A good place to start would be talking to a loan officer at your current bank to find out more. With any private lender, make sure you shop around and read the fine print carefully to make sure you completely understand the terms of your loan and its repayment before committing.

Going to graduate school is an investment but like any smart investment, the decision to pursue a master’s degree can pay dividends for years to come.

Learn more about tuition and aid available Excelsior College here.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

 

How to Have to Successful Phone Interview

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When you’re job searching, you should be prepared for a potential phone interview. Employers often use phone interviews to discuss the job with a prospective employee, determine if the candidate is a good fit, and narrow down the pool of applicants to be invited for in-person interviews. If you do get asked to do a phone interview, here are some tips to help you do well.

Dress for the interview.

Experts say if you’re dressed in a professional manner, you’ll speak that way.

Create a comfortable environment.

Many interviewers say they can hear almost everything in the candidate’s background during a phone interview. So, be sure to shut out distractions and eliminate background noise (e.g. loud appliances, young children, pets). Have a glass of water handy in case you get a dry throat or cough, too.

Be prepared.

Print out your résumé and highlight the points you want to talk about in your conversation. If you are talking on a landline, turn off your cell phone; if you are talking on a cell phone, make sure it is fully charged. Have a pen and paper handy so you don’t have to take notes on your computer during the call.

Be professional.

Make sure that you get the employer’s direct phone number right away. That way, in case you are disconnected for some reason, you can call back promptly. If there is more than one person interviewing you, jot down their names as they introduce themselves so you can address them by name if you have a question or comment.

Don’t multitask.

It is often tempting to do other things while we’re on the phone, but during a phone interview, this is a no-no. “My number one pet peeve is people who decide to multitask while on the phone interview,” says Dan Krupansky, a talent acquisition manager at PrimePay, in an interview with job search and recruiting site, Glassdoor. “I have heard candidates washing dishes, making lunch in the microwave, going for walks, letting their dog out, and grocery shopping during the interview. I even had one person use the bathroom and flush the toilet while speaking with me.” Suffice to say your whole attention should be on your conversation with the interviewer.

Know what to say and what not to say.

Employers use phone interviews to get to know the candidate’s professional experience, so it isn’t a good idea to start talking about your personal life (unless, of course, you’re asked directly). It’s also important to answer the interviewer’s questions clearly and concisely. Practice answering questions beforehand so you know how to respond without rambling on. Similarly, try not to say “um,” “uh,” or “like.” These are more noticeable when speaking on the phone. Glassdoor spoke with Chris Dardis of Versique Executive Search, who said, “In face-to-face interviews, they’re not as noticeable because there are other things like your hair, suit, or body language to distract people.” So, in a phone interview, you should be aware of what you say and how you say it.

Remember to ask questions.

At the end of a phone interview, many candidates think they don’t need to ask questions because it is more informal. This isn’t true; treat a phone interview like an in-person interview and always ask questions. It shows potential employers you are interested in the company and the job.

For more tips, advice, and how-tos on finding, applying for, and landing the perfect job, visit the Excelsior College Career Center.

BY THE NUMBERS Vol 1

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

7

The number of questions in a survey sent daily to a random 10% of students who had contact with an academic advisor that day. The practice helps the College continuously measure student satisfaction with advising services.

68%

The growth in the number of counseling appointments alumni and students made with Career Services in the 12 months ending June 30, 2017, over the previous year. The most common reasons alumni and students reached out were for resume and cover letter critiques, job search guidance, and assistance with career exploration.

#1

The top spot once again goes to Excelsior in College Factual’s ranking of Best Colleges for Returning Adults — Nationwide. College Factual, a fact-based rankings provider, designed the ranking to address the concerns of students who are not first-time, full-time degree seekers under the age of 24. Categories considered for the annual ranking include financial factors, degree completion, and student body composition and support. The latest ranking includes 1,164 colleges that support returning students.

2.67 years

That’s the average length of time to degree completion for our students. Excelsior’s degree programs are designed to be completed at a student’s own pace. However, a student attending full-time—taking 12 credits a year—could complete an associate degree in two years, a bachelor’s in four years, or a master’s in two years.

264

The number of federal employees, including 133 veterans, who enrolled at Excelsior College in the 12 months ending June 30, 2017, as part of a federal academic alliance. The alliance provides all civilian federal employees and their spouses access to reduced tuition at Excelsior College.

Excelsior College’s First Commencement

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

On September 27, 1972, at 4 p.m., an audience of 500 gathered in Chancellors Hall at the State Education Department Building in Albany, New York, for the first-ever commencement of the Regents External Degree Program. A total of 77 men and women had accomplished what just two years prior, the new State Education Commissioner Ewald B. Nyquist had said should be possible: receiving degrees based on learning, not seat time, and awarded by the most unconventional university anywhere.

Alan Pifer, president of the Carnegie Corporation — which along with the Ford Foundation provided major grants to develop the Regents External Degree Program — delivered the Commencement address. He described higher education as “The development of a refined capacity for thought, expression, and sensitivity … something to be discovered and used by individuals of all ages to make their lives more interesting and enjoyable, more purposeful, and more rewarding to themselves and society at large.”

After the event, The New York Times reported the students received their degrees “from a university without campus, buildings, or professors.”