Excelsior College Partners with The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce to Support Workforce and Economic Development

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, N.Y. – Excelsior College is proud to announce an exclusive educational partnership with The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPR Chamber).  Members of the NPR Chamber include entrepreneurs, businesses, corporations, and government entities in Puerto Rico.  The NPR Chamber provides an opportunity to bridge economic and workforce development by advocating for business owners in Puerto Rico by connecting them to the mainland of the United States.

The partnership is even more important amidst high unemployment rates and challenges resulting from hurricanes to COVID-19, and it can help students save on tuition costs. It provides educations opportunities and workforce training that can contribute to business economic prosperity.  During the early part of summer, Puerto Rico was one of the countries hardest hit, with the unemployment rate at 23 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. National news reports indicate Puerto Rico residents have been dealing with the aftereffects of natural disasters, Covid-19, poverty, and unemployment that create challenging times.

Excelsior College is a not-for-profit, online learning institution founded in 1971 focused on providing educational opportunities to adult learners. This partnership aligns with the College’s mission of providing educational opportunities to underserved populations, creating a pathway for success in a variety of careers. “We are excited to offer the more than 8,000 members of The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce education and training opportunities to help start-ups, the hospitality industry, real estate, financial services, and farm-to-table businesses,” says David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “Education improves people’s lives, and the faculty and staff of Excelsior College are very much looking forward to working with the members of The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce to help them learn new skills, earn degrees, and achieve their learning goals.”

National Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce logo

Maria Bermudez, a small business member of the NPR Chamber, is an attorney and disability advocate serving individuals with disabilities in the Philadelphia region and Puerto Rico. Bermundez shared, “Higher education is one of the greatest investments I’ve made in myself. It has enabled me to broaden my perspective and achieve my career goals. Acquiring both substantive knowledge and organizational skills placed me in a position to purposefully serve my community that I’m passionate about helping.” 

Joel Berrocal, national director of small business development for the NPR Chamber, stated, “The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce looks forward to what can be accomplished through our partnership with Excelsior College. The focus on student success and the value a degree and workplace training programs can provide our members and their families is the reason we sought out this partnership.  With Excelsior’s wide array of degree programs, we know that all our members looking to enroll will find a program that fits their needs and goals. Their focus on providing educational opportunities to adult learners with an emphasis on those historically underrepresented in higher education was also very important, and we felt that aligned well with our beliefs as an organization. With this joint venture, we hope to continue to provide value to our members in Puerto Rico and the United States and be the bridge between these two distinct ecosystems.”

For more information, visit The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce partnership page.

 

 

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Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-464-8531

About Excelsior College

 Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Career Tips to Succeed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by Tammy Spenziero

These are not ordinary times and you will likely need to stretch your comfort zone and adapt to how the world has changed. For many, professional growth plans and career launch strategies must also change. Companies you’re interested in may not be hiring right now, as entire sectors are being reconfigured and overturned. Adopt a practical approach and align your job search with organizations that are still hiring. You will need to compromise and make changes, but this resiliency will set you up for long-term success.

Make updating your resume as much of a priority as checking your social media profile. This should be a regular practice as you gain experiences and acquire more skills.  Align everything with the positions you’re looking for now and tailor your resume to the role. To assure you differentiate between resumes and the roles you are applying to without sending one off to the wrong company (same goes for cover letters), save them with your name and the company name to eliminate any errors. This also helps track what you sent to whom.

 Basic Resume Types:

  1. Chronological Resumes: These are generally standard for those who have about three to five years of experience within the same field and role.
  2. Functional or Combination Resumes: These types place your relevant skills in priority order rather than listing professional roles. In these times, it may be beneficial to use this format to highlight transferrable skills. It may prove helpful to a search committee when they are deciding if you are a fit for the position.

Next, consider changing or adding a summary statement or objective to your resume. This will certainly assist in providing some information on your current status, especially in these times. It can be a simple sentence or two that briefly highlights the impact you can make based on the skills you have as well as the type of employee you are. Examples of a summary statement and objective during the COVID-19 job search could be written in the following ways:

Summary Statement: Resourceful marketing manager, highly experienced in the arts and communications and experienced with creating impactful messaging in print. I have been part of strategic communications that yielded successful results by meeting deadlines and goals.

  1. Adjective Describing Work Ethic: Resourceful
  2. Occupation/Field: Marketing Manager
  3. Skillset Expertise Sentence: Highly experienced in the arts and communications and experienced with creating impactful messaging in print. I have been part of strategic communications that yielded successful results by meeting deadlines and goals.

 Objective: Award-winning professional in the banking industry with expertise as a financial journalist. I am seeking to leverage expert knowledge of the investment industry in a client-focused role, where I have a direct impact on the financial success of the individual portfolio for long-term growth.

  1. Action Word Describing Demonstrated Expertise: Award-winning
  2. Occupation/Field Transition: Professional in the banking industry with expertise as a financial journalist
  3. How to Leverage Transferrable Skills: Seeking to leverage expert knowledge of the investment industry in a client-focused role.

In these two examples, you see how transferrable skills and achievements are rolled into the position you’re applying for. You want the resume reviewers to see that what you have to offer makes you a unique candidate. These tips are especially helpful for individuals working in a field that is directly impacted by COVID-19 and who need to find work in another type of job. Making your resume easy to review is important because, on average, the time someone looks over a resume is shockingly only seconds before they move on to the next.

Resume quick tip suggestions:

  1. Use a professional basic font (Times New Roman or Arial) no smaller than 10 point.
  2. Maintain an appropriate number of pages based on relevant experience and omit anything that is outdated or irrelevant.
  3. Have succinct margins; use about ½ inch to 1 inch for easy reading.
  4. Place skills closer to the top of the resume if the job description indicates a need for something specific. If you are making a career change, this area can go above your relevant work experience.
  5. Place education at the top for recent graduates with none or little experience. If you have a few years of experience, education can go toward the bottom. Those with more than five years of experience can remove dates of attendance, GPA, etc.

Searching for a new job due to the impact of COVID-19? Check out these helpful sites:

Virtual Interviewing:

Companies Hiring & Job Boards:

Excelsior Job & Internship Board Resources:

Job Fairs:

 We know that this is not the world in which you thought you’d be seeking an internship, graduating and finding a job, or making a job change. In the last few months we’ve seen unprecedented change to the workforce and labor market. In a short period of time the market has reinvented itself as entire industries have been impacted by the devastating effect of COVID-19. Seeking employment in your field or even an internship is different. The entire workforce has been turned upside-down, hiring freezes have been instituted across industries and sectors, and unemployment has risen rapidly. You may need to pivot toward working in an industry you did not expect to simply because it is the most viable option. It is also critical to take the time to develop your technical skills now more than ever. Earning an undergraduate degree can make you more marketable and increase your earning potential. The pandemic is going to change the world of work as we know it.

 Tammy Spenziero is the director of Career Services

 

Writing a Cover Letter for a Job in the Cannabis Industry

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

In the growing cannabis industry, having a cover letter will help you stand out amongst the growing competition for cannabis jobs. A cover letter is a great asset to any application, allowing you to target the job of your dreams and its employer, in a very specific way, even more than a resume can. So how do you write a cover letter for a nascent industry that you may have no prior experience in?

Highlight Relevant Experience in Your Cover Letter

If you’re applying for a job in cannabis marketing, don’t focus too much on the cannabis aspect of it. Instead, when writing your cover letter, highlight your experience and achievements in previous marketing roles, especially if you worked on a campaign that was difficult. Cannabis business employers want to see that you know how to handle challenging tasks and projects since you’ll likely encounter more of them in the cannabis industry.

Express in Your Cover Letter Your Willingness to Learn a New Industry

Different industries have different regulations to adhere to, and the cannabis industry is no exception. In fact, the cannabis industry probably has some of the strictest regulations there are. Make sure you communicate that you understand this to your prospective employer and assure them that you understand the steps that need to be taken to remain compliant and not violate any regulations. Having solid education in this compliance aspect is one of the things that can set you apart from other applicants, so be sure to check out our Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control.

Mention Your Cannabis Industry Knowledge in Your Cover Letter

When filling out job applications, you want to have an understanding of the cannabis industry and its current landscape. You don’t need to know the ins and outs of everything and be aware of every piece of legislation, but make sure you’re up to speed on the latest news and trends in the cannabis industry. Point out any legislation, movements, or current news you’re aware of and how you think it can affect the job you’re applying for. Acknowledging these things will show that you care about the industry and the position you’re applying for.

The most important part to remember when writing a cover letter is to be genuine and honest. It can be intimidating moving into a new industry that is unfamiliar, but authenticity and a willingness to learn is key. It’s also important to remember to include only true information. You don’t want to exaggerate or falsify your knowledge or experience and then get the job and realize you’re not ready. Happy job hunting! Learn more about our Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control.

Transitioning to Civilian Life: How to Choose an Online College for Veterans

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

The challenges can mount quickly for veterans when they make the transition to civilian life. They leave a life of service to their country to move into an academic environment and job market that can seem like another world. Providing online college for veterans is an important way society can give back to veterans who have served.

Fortunately, colleges offer support for veterans. But some offer more than others. Excelsior College proved its commitment to veterans five decades ago with the creation of a Center for Military and Veteran Education that provides straightforward answers and support for veterans who become students. Chris Johnson, director of the center, said veterans have concerns beyond just handling academics when they leave the service for college.

“There can be uncertainty in terms of finances, living situations and family, and job prospects. Restarting or starting school for the first time can add additional stress to an already stressful time,” Johnson said.

What Makes a University “Military Friendly”?

Many colleges call themselves “military friendly.” But what exactly does that mean? For veterans, it’s more important for schools to offer a strong mix of services and programs designed to help them succeed. The following three factors can make a school a better choice for veterans.

Granting Credit for Military Training

A military-friendly college should review what a veteran learned in military training for potential credit in similar college courses. Excelsior College considers previous college credits, military training and experience, and CLEP and DSST exams.

Veteran Services

Campuses that provide specific support for veterans show their commitment to veterans’ success. The best schools feature advisors trained to work with veterans on both academic and career planning. These schools can better help veterans handle the unique challenges they face as they enter civilian life.

Clear Financial Aid

The bureaucracy around financial aid is bewildering. Veteran friendly schools assign a staff member to work with veterans on financial aid, giving them information on the GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, and other scholarship and grant opportunities.

Johnson noted the complex web of financial support “can create administrative stresses that are difficult to navigate for civilians, not to mention veterans who may not have had any experience or guidance on these things.” That’s why the center offers support for veterans on financial aid throughout their school career.

Many service members don’t realize how beneficial the GI Bill® is and leave the military without understanding their real value in the civilian workforce. Your skill sets are valuable, and employers actively seek veterans because they can learn new skills and concepts and apply them under real-world pressure.

What Excelsior College Offers Veterans

Excelsior College has a long tradition of support for veterans who pursue a college degree. In 50 years, the school’s Center for Military and Veteran Education has worked with more than 72,000 service members, veterans, and their family members.

The school offers a generous credit transfer policy that allows veterans to earn their degrees faster. It also offers online courses with flexible eight-week and 15-week terms. Many veterans prefer online courses through the college, which allows them to earn their degree while working a job. Many also feel more at ease online rather than on campus with younger students.

Every veteran at Excelsior College works with a Veteran Admissions Counselor who has expertise in issues that impact veterans. They help students clarify academic goals and assist with setting up financial aid. Once enrolled, veterans work with a Veteran Academic Advisor who helps them with long-term degree planning, success skills, and navigating college financial and academic resources.

Most veterans attend Excelsior College to complete their bachelor’s degree, Johnson said. However, once they become familiar with online learning, some veterans move on to earn a master’s degree that “helps them further set themselves apart in the job market.” A Master of Public Administration is a great choice for military veterans who would like to transition to a civilian government position.

Excelsior College graduates also offer thoughts on their experience earning a degree at the college after military service. Robert Trawick, a 2019 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, said the veterans center “was always helpful, knowledgeable, understanding, and available.”

Melissa Burger, who earned a master’s degree in cybersecurity, said the center, library staff, and academic advisors all supported her. She said she would tell veterans considering college that “you are worth a better paying job, more self-confidence, that promotion at work, and so much more.”

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/.

Hydroponics 101: Growing Cannabis as a Career

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

 

The cannabis industry is full of jobs, from horticulture to marketing to finance, and more. It can be overwhelming deciding which path fits your skills best when deciding to pursue your dream of working in the cannabis industry. If you’re interested in hydroponics and cannabis horticulture, here’s a quick rundown of what it encompasses and the different methods you might encounter as a hydroponic plant grower.

What Is Hydroponic Growing?

Hydroponic growing is a method of growing plants without soil. When you break down the word hydroponic, “hydro” means water and “ponos” means work. This means that water rather than soil does the work, providing life to the plant with the addition of added nutrients. In traditional growing methods using soil, the roots of the plants have to find their nutrients in the soil, whereas with hydroponic growing methods, the nutrients are dissolved directly into the water and plants sit in what is called a wet grow environment, like clay balls.

Hydroponic horticulture systems also tend to take up less space than traditional growing methods, and the plants grow quicker and bigger.

Soil vs. Hydroponic Growing

When it comes to determining which is best for growing cannabis, there are pros and cons to both soil and hydroponic growing.

Cannabis plants like soil that is slightly acidic and drains well. It’s common for cannabis growers to add extra nutrients to the soil to make sure it gets all that it needs and perlite to help with drainage. There are pros to using soil to grow cannabis, such as the fact that it has been subjectively said it makes marijuana taste better, and it is easier to grow in dirt than with hydroponics, especially for those new to producing cannabis plants. There are cons however, such as the fact that the cannabis plant tends to grow slower in the vegetative state than it does in a hydroponic grow method, and it doesn’t tend to yield as much as hydroponically grown cannabis.

When it comes to using a hydroponic method, some of the greater pros tend to be that you have more control over the nutrients than you do with using soil, which is why craft growers have perfected this art to create small-batch cannabis harvests using special proprietary nutrient recipes. It also harvests faster and is less likely to fall victim to pests and soil-borne diseases. The cons to hydroponic growing methods of cannabis include that some believe cannabis doesn’t taste as good when grown hydroponically and the growing process can be complicated, making it an undesirable option for first-time grow operations.

Different Hydroponic Methods

Now that you understand what hydroponic growing is, and how it differs from soil methods, it’s time to explore the different methods of hydroponic growing. When it comes to hydroponic growing methods, there is deep water culture, ebb and flow, drip system, nutrient film technique, and the wick system.

Deep Water Culture: This method is when cannabis plants are placed in buckets filled with water, nutrients, and an air pump, allowing for a constant supply of oxygen.

Ebb and Flow: Cannabis plants are placed in a tray that contains a water inlet and outlet. The tray is then flooded, submerging the roots with oxygen and nutrient-rich water for a period of time, and then the water drains out.

Drip System: In the drip system method, cannabis plants are placed in a growing medium, with exposed roots, and are supplied with water from an external reservoir via drip pipes.

Nutrient Film Technique: For the nutrient film technique, cannabis plants are placed on an angled tube, allowing water to enter from one side of the tube and exit at the other. As with ebb-and-flow and drip systems, the oxygen and nutrient-rich water comes from a reservoir, and the roots of the cannabis plant are exposed to flowing water.

Wick System: The wick system puts cannabis plants in a tray above a tank of water, and the roots of the plant are in between the tray and the water. The roots are partially submerged into the water tank, allowing the roots to transport water from the tank to the rest of the plant.

It can be intimidating and overwhelming researching the different types of cannabis jobs that are out there, including cannabis grow jobs. Excelsior’s Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control program is here to help with that, by exploring the different career paths available and teaching you the tools necessary to succeed in any path you choose. And we know that no matter what path you pursue, having an understanding of the complex regulatory environment will serve you well.

Why Should I Volunteer?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

My journey into volunteering began over 20 years ago, when I was a student in high school, at the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York. I was assigned to complete 50 hours of community service for a school project. For several weekends, I dedicated hours to completing the community service, and in doing so, met some great people in the organization. I enjoyed communing with the different groups of people who came each week to participate in the task I was assigned to: sorting out foods that would go to local food pantries. As a bonus, it felt good that I was making a difference and giving back to our community.

Years later, I found myself reflecting on this experience and realizing how much time had gone by. My desire to volunteer and make a difference returned. I wanted to branch out of my little bubble of life, so it was time to learn about the different kinds of services offered in our community. During my journey with community service, I’ve asked myself some important questions to guide my efforts: What can I do to give back? Who are the people in need of services? And what exactly do they need services for? No matter which volunteer tasks I take on, my motivation and drive are to simply remain humble and help others.

Working with Excelsior College, I’ve learned about Volunteer Week. I had no idea it would become an annual event that I would take part in for years to come! It began as an exciting opportunity and now I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it each year. One thing that makes my volunteer experience rewarding is that I get to participate with my sister, Valerie. We both work at Excelsior as academic advisors and do pretty much everything together, in work and in life. We always motivate each other to do better and remain well-rounded. We choose to volunteer in our community because we like the idea of giving back. In addition to it being rewarding, you never know when you may find yourself needing services, and I would like to remain educated on what is available in the community.

When it comes to Volunteer Week, I look forward to this time of year as I have a chance to get out into the community and learn about a project that I’m not familiar with yet. In past years, I have done some work for To Life!, an organization that provides support services for people with breast cancer, where I helped clean and paint the studio. Last year, I went to the Veterans Miracle Center to help sort the donations they received from organizations and community members, and prep items for the Center to give to those in need.

Some organizations send Excelsior a letter of appreciation of the volunteers who came to help. Those letters are a great reminder that we are building relationships with other organizations and that Excelsior College employees are making a positive impact on our community.

At last year’s Charter Day, a day that celebrates the past, present, and future of Excelsior College, I received an Employee Recognition Award for Volunteerism. This award meant a lot to me as I was recognized for the acts of kindness I completed to help others and allow them to benefit from my efforts. Last year, I used almost all my volunteer time off and attended four projects throughout the year. Volunteer week is a big effort across the College to get all of us to help. However, if you keep your eyes open, you will see that other opportunities present themselves throughout the year— not just during Volunteer Week. We are fortunate that Excelsior promotes available opportunities but also encourages employees to find their own volunteer opportunities with an organization that lights their passion for community service.

If you ask yourself, “Why should I volunteer?,” consider the idea that you’re not only giving back to the community, which is a good deed, but you’re also helping the College spread the Excelsior College CARES credo. Anything that benefits the College benefits its employees. In addition, by participating in Volunteer Week and other volunteer opportunities throughout the year, you’re working with colleagues from throughout the College and building relationships with peers who you might never have gotten to know otherwise. My experience may be different from yours, but when I walk away from Volunteer Week, I always feel like I’ve made a difference in our community while representing Excelsior College and bonded with great people.

 

Excelsior College Hosts August 11 Webinar on How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, N.Y. – Excelsior College will host a webinar to hear from leading cannabis industry professionals Robert Hunt and Marion McNabb. Hunt will address how he found success in the cannabis industry — a sector of the market with rapidly growing career potential. McNabb, president of the Virtual Cannabis Center of Excellence INC (CCOE) and the former CEO and co-founder of Cannabis Community Care and Research Network (C3RN), will share additional industry insight. The Zoom webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 11 from 2–2:30 p.m. ET.

Hunt is founder and principal for Linnaea Holdings, a holding company that makes equity investments in California-based cannabis companies. He was previously the founding partner of Tuatara Capital, the world’s largest private equity firm for cannabis businesses, and founder and manager of Shingle Hill, a boutique consultancy and marketing intelligence firm for the cannabis industry. He assists entrepreneurs in developing business strategy and helps position them to be regional or national powerhouses.

As president of CCOE, McNabb leads the virtual resource and network of cannabis industry professionals, academics, policy makers, healthcare providers, consumers, and patients who aim to break the stigma and advance social justice in the cannabis industry. She is also a global health infectious disease researcher and practitioner.

“We are very excited to host this webinar, stated Scott V. Dolan, dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Excelsior College. “The cannabis industry is forecasted to grow significantly. A deep understanding of the market and its regulatory complexity will help those in the industry to be successful. This webinar should be of great interest to anyone interested in learning from industry experts about what it takes to succeed.”

This webinar will cover:

  • How to get started in the cannabis industry
  • What’s required for a successful career in the industry
  • Unique quirks and nuances of medical and adult-use cannabis
  • How the proper education and training can support your success
  • Q&A

To register, visit https://excelsior.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NsD0NsyWRtWFQT99AzB9fA

ABOUT ROBERT HUNT

In addition to his cannabis companies, Robert Hunt is counsel in the cannabis law practice group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. He earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.

ABOUT MARION MCNABB

Marion McNabb has more than 15 years of global public health experience working in the areas of digital health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and family planning, working primarily in Africa and Haiti. She earned a Doctor of Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health.

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Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-410-4624

 ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Excelsior College’s New President, David Schejbal, Starts on August 1

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, NY — On August 1, David Schejbal became the fourth president of Excelsior in the College’s nearly 50-year history as a distance learning institution for adult learners.

Excelsior College President

Schejbal brings extensive experience in leading online education institutions and supplying higher education opportunities for working adult learners. His deep involvement and significant accomplishments make him the perfect fit for Excelsior during these rapidly changing times in higher education.

“I am delighted to be the fourth president of Excelsior College, and I am very much looking forward to working with the talented staff and faculty of the College,” said Schejbal. “I am deeply indebted to Jim Baldwin for his gracious and thoughtful transition process and for the outstanding leadership that he has provided to the College for the past six years. Excelsior is an outstanding institution and supports students of all ages as they pursue degrees and credentials. Higher education is essential to economic and social wellbeing, and I am excited to begin my journey at Excelsior.”

Schejbal served as vice president and chief of digital learning at Marquette University. Prior to joining Marquette, he was dean of continuing education, outreach, and e-learning at the University of Wisconsin-Extension, working across all 26 campuses of the system to extend the resources of the University to communities throughout the nation.

Throughout his career, Schejbal’s primary focus has been on making education accessible, affordable, and flexible for all students. His vision for inventing ways to reach beyond the traditional higher education model to meet the needs of an increasingly changing student spectrum has made him a leading voice in adult and non-traditional higher education and will help propel Excelsior College forward to reach and best serve students.

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About Excelsior College

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

 

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs

Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu

Phone: (518) 410-4624

Excelsior College Announces Two New Hires in the Provost’s Office

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

 Albany, NY – Following a national search, Excelsior College announces the addition of two new employees with extensive experience in higher education who will be joining the Provost’s Office in August. Heather Chakiris will be the associate vice president for student success and Lisa R. Braverman will join the College as vice provost for academic and faculty support.

Heather Chakiris A champion of adult learning, prior to joining Excelsior College, Heather Chakiris was chief student experience officer and director of student and alumni services at UCLA Extension, University of California. In this role she provided executive-level leadership for enrollment management strategy and the creation of the student-service experience for one of the nation’s largest continuing and online education institutions. Before joining UCLA, Chakiris worked at The Pennsylvania State University for almost 25 years, both in its World Campus and Distance Education divisions. She held several leadership roles, including associate director and director of advising and learner success, assistant director and associate director of student services, and chief strategist and brand manager.

Chakiris is a longtime contributor to her field as an author, speaker, and consultant, authoring or co-authoring several articles and chapters about online higher education. She has served as chair, associate chair, and chair-elect for various University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) regions and networks. She is currently vice-chair, Diversity and Inclusion: Marketing, Enrollment and Student Services Network for UPCEA. Chakiris earned a MEd in higher education and BA in liberal arts from The Pennsylvania State University.

Chakiris said, “I am thrilled to be joining the Excelsior College family, especially at this exciting time in the institution’s history. For almost 50 years, Excelsior has been a pioneer in imagining new and innovative ways to deliver college credentials to adult learners seeking a better life through education. No longer ‘nontraditional,’ adult learners are fast becoming the classroom majorities online and on campus. Honoring their voices and experiences is critical. I look forward to walking beside Excelsior students on their journeys to success.”

 

 Lisa R. Braverman is a leader and innovator in the field of higher education. Her career has included both public and private colleges and universities nationally. She has served at senior leadership levels in distance, continuing, adult, and international education, as well as in strategic community and corporate partnerships.

Lisa Braverman

Most recently, she served as dean of the Anthony J. Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Previous to this, she held posts as chief academic officer at the all-online Jones International University, associate provost for adult programs and outreach at Long Island University, dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology, and dean of extended education at New York Institute of Technology.

Braverman said, “I am delighted to be joining an institution that has been a pioneer and trendsetter in the online, adult, and continuing education space for so many years. I greatly look forward to contributing my experience and knowledge to helping propel Excelsior College to the top of the list of online providers in the higher education market.”

Braverman also has served in leadership positions in continuing higher education associations, including on the board of directors of both the University Professional Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) and the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE). She also served as chair of the UPCEA’s Leadership Commission and past chair of its Leadership and Strategy Network. Braverman is certified by the Institute for Engaged Leadership in Online Learning of the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), where she served as lead institute moderator. She holds a certificate in distance education from the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies.

A frequently published author, she has a chapter on blended completion programs published in the “Handbook of Research on Growing, Building, Sustaining Quality E-Learning Programs.” She earned a PhD from New York University and is regularly invited to give presentations and moderate panels on the topics of transformative leadership, innovation, online learning, and entrepreneurship in higher education.

 

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About Excelsior College

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an 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. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs

Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu

Phone: (518) 410-4624

Careers for Graduates with a Health Science Bachelor’s Degree

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Excelsior College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences—with optional concentrations in health and wellness, management, and public health—is designed for people new to or already working in the health care industry who want to grow their careers.

Career settings for those who enter the health science bachelor’s degree program include:

  • Hospital
  • Community clinics
  • State, county and local health agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations

Jobs for Health Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates

Graduates with a health science bachelor’s degree can choose from one of many different career pathways. The following are some of the top jobs for this degree, including salary estimates using Payscale.com and Glassdoor.com

Keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on where you work and the exact nature of your job.

  • Junior Health Consultant–$67,750
  • Health Promotion and Quality Improvement Specialist – $59,481
  • Health Promotion Coordinator—$50,358
  • Community Health Navigator I–$44,200
  • Health educator–$44,200
  • Disease Intervention Specialist–$40,772

What You Learn in the Health Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Program

Excelsior College’s Bachelor of Health Sciences program helps you gain critical industry skills and information.

  • Leadership skills within organizations and evolving health care systems
  • Aptitude to identify and evaluate evidence for sound decision making
  • Higher-order thinking and approach in responding to health care issues and societal needs
  • Knowledge of culture and appreciation of diversity in planning and evaluating health care
  • Ability to implement evolving technologies in the planning and evaluation of health care
  • Ability to incorporate multiple strategies of communication with clients, members of the multidisciplinary team, and other stakeholders
  • An understanding of legal, ethical, and policy issues within health care delivery systems
  • Specialized knowledge and skills in the management and delivery of health care services
  • Commitment to lifelong learning in pursuit of excellence in the practice of a health care profession

 

What Graduates Have to Say

 

The health sciences bachelor’s degree program has given many students the opportunity to advance their careers in health care. Graduates from the Excelsior College Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program have praise for the program. They also offer insight into how the program helped their careers.

Jenn Buyce, who earned a health sciences bachelor’s degree in 2015, said her degree helped her “communicate better and take a broader look at issues. I now look at the big picture and explore the potential impact of every decision.”

Beverley Ann St. Louis, who graduated from the program in 2014, said the program offered skills and knowledge that impact her job. “I could relate what I learned in class to how I could be an asset to my company,” she said.

Those seeking to transfer from another academic institution also will find support at Excelsior College.

“I really didn’t miss a step because Excelsior helped me transition into a program using the credits that I had,” said Alfreda Adams, a 2012 graduate of the program. Learn more about our Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Sciences.
 

How To Go Back To School As An Adult

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Many adults realize every year that a college degree serves as a gateway to a better life and that online learning gives them an unprecedented opportunity to go back to school and further their education. While they don’t fit the typical profile of a college freshman depicted in movies and the media, adult learners make up a large percentage of university students.

How large a percentage? National Public Radio reports that about 40% of all college students are 25 or older. And the term “adult learner” can refer to a variety of people. For example, some students going back to school dropped out of college earlier in life. They may have left school for military service, work full-time, or to raise a family.

Others decide to go back to school and enter college for the first time long after high school graduation. Whatever the case, they all are excellent candidates for returning to college. Excelsior College, with its many areas of study and flexible online learning programs, can provide adult learners the solutions they need to return to college and earn their degree.

Online Education Makes a Difference

Online courses have opened the door for more adult learners to go back to school. They allow working adults to hold down a full-time job while furthering their education. They have the flexibility for when they view lectures and do coursework.

Excelsior College offers a wide range of associate and bachelor degree programs that give students flexibility in when and where they attend class. All they need is a computer connection, a commitment to organizing their academic schedule, and the ongoing support of Excelsior College faculty and advisers.

Excelsior College also offers a generous transfer credit policy. Adult learners who are returning to college should check the Excelsior College transfer policy to see if they can receive credit for courses they have taken.  Some students may earn credits by passing an exam. In either case, they can save time and money – and graduate faster – through the credit transfer program at Excelsior College.

Going Back to School: Tips for Adult Learners 

Adult learners face different challenges than other students. Some tips for adult learners who decide to go back to school include the following.

  • Choose a school that suits your needs. Online learning allows students from anywhere to go to the school of their choice. Pick a program that meets your academic and budgetary goals.
  • Brush up on skills. Before going back to class, brush up on what you already learned in areas you think could prove challenging.
  • Organize. If you take online courses, it makes it easier to schedule classwork around working a full-time job and your personal life. However, it’s important to create and stay with a good schedule that allows you to get everything done.
  • Develop a support system. Get friends, family, and everyone in the house onboard with your academic goals. That way they will understand, for example, that Mom is not always available during “school time” even though she is in the other room. They also can become the biggest cheerleaders for you as you strive to advance your education.
  • Find a generous transfer policy. As mentioned above, it’s important to get credit for what you have already learned. That’s why Excelsior College offers a generous transfer policy that can get you closer to earning a degree that much faster.
  • Benefits of Online Learning

Online college degree programs have become an accepted part of the nation’s educational landscape. They must meet the same high standards of accreditation as traditional programs. It’s smart to check a school’s accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education.  Most employers today accept online degrees just as well as traditional ones, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The following are some of the areas where online learning provides great benefits.

Flexibility

Online courses offer far more flexibility than traditional courses. This is especially a benefit for working professionals who must schedule academic study around their busy professional and personal lives. Those with children also see tremendous advantages in online learning. Just not having to commute to class alone can make a big difference, especially for those in urban or high-population areas. 

Continue Career Growth

In most careers, a higher-level degree can open the door to better jobs and pay. In the past, professionals had to take time off to earn a degree. Now, online courses make earning a degree while maintaining a job doable. It also allows students to immediately apply what they learn in class immediately to their job.

Growing Self-Discipline

With online learning, you either have self-discipline or you learn it very quickly. Without having to physically attend class, students must organize their schedule and stick to it. Online students require organizational and time-management skills. Both are huge benefits of online learning because these skills will serve them well throughout their career.

Improving Soft Skills

Some may think that online learning is isolating, but quality online programs offer the chance to communicate not only with professors but also with fellow students. Because online classrooms have students from around the world, the chance to practice soft skills such as communication and collaboration are higher than in traditional classrooms.

Networking Opportunities

Chats, discussion boards and video conferencing allow students to communicate with each other. And with online degree programs, that can mean the chance to network with people from around the world. All college degree programs allow for great networking opportunities, but online learning can greatly expand your network’s geographic range.

Access to Expertise

Another reason online courses attract so many students is because of the access to expertise that students might not find in their local area. In some cases, nearby colleges may not provide the courses you want. But with online learning, you can find exactly the degree program you want, taught by professors who are experts in the field. 

NCLEX 101: All About Nursing’s Most Important Test

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Every U.S. state has different registered nursing licensing and continuing education requirements. There is, however,  one thing nurses in every state have in common: They must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. It remains the last necessary step for nurses to earn their license.

Excelsior University focuses on this issue by providing all student and graduate nurses with test preparation. Partnering with the ATI, Excelsior provides graduate nurses the exam preparation they need to pass the NCLEX, becoming Registered Nurses.

The Excelsior University’s Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program trains students to become RNs and pass the NCLEX. Students at Excelsior University who follow the university’s guidelines for test preparation achieve a 98% success rate on the NCLEX.

What Is the NCLEX-RN Exam?

In 1982, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) became the nationwide test for nurse licensure in the United States. The NCLEX-RN assesses the knowledge and skill level of graduate nurses who wish to become an RN.

Nurses must first apply to the state where they want to earn licensure. It is important to review the rules of that state before applying for a license. Each state’s Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) maintains its specific requirements.

The next step is to register to take the NCLEX with Pearson VUE. The cost to take the test is $200.

Before taking the exam, you can download a test plan that provides a comprehensive overview of the content areas covered in the exam.

Taking the NCLEX

Pearson VUE administers the NCLEX. Pearson offers the test year-round and has testing locations across the country. Nurses can take the NCLEX at any Pearson Professional Testing location, even if it is outside of the jurisdiction where they want to earn licensure.

On the day of the test, arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early. Have an ID showing your given and surname match exactly with the test authorization email you received from Pearson. A marriage license or a divorce decree are the only two acceptable forms of identification to show your name has changed.

Pearson staff may take your biometrics, including signature, photograph, and palm vein scan. Test-takers have four hours to complete the exam. There are two optional breaks after the first two hours and another after three and a half hours.

Getting Your Results

Some jurisdictions have signed up for the Quick Results Service from Pearson, which allows you to get results in two business days. If not, you can get this service yourself by paying an additional $7.95. 

Results are only delivered to nursing graduates through the NRB that oversees the jurisdiction where they want to become licensed. 

If you did not pass the test, Pearson sends a Candidate Performance Report that shows how the candidate fared in each of the content areas within the test plan. Students can use this to study for retaking the exam.

Excelsior University’s partnership with ATI provides graduate nurses free access to the Virtual-ATI NCLEX Revie offering preparation tutorials in nurse logic and learning systems. 

Within 30 days of graduation, Excelsior University offers a 12-week session through the ATI virtual classroom. The resource lets students work as they prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Students must complete at least 50% of the virtual review course for Excelsior University to release final documents to the Board of Nursing, allowing you to sit for the NCLEX-RN.