Jason Hamerlinck Turns Pizza Hut Work Experience into Degree Credit

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Jason Hamerlinck started his career with Pizza Hut in high school as a server at his home-town restaurant. More than 20 years later, he is the talent acquisition manager for the Little Rock and Georgia Regions and the new program ambassador for NPC’s educational partnership with Excelsior College.

Hamerlinck decided to go back to school after building a successful career with NPC.

“Going back to school has always been one of those ‘bucket list’ items for me,” Hamerlinck said. “But being out of school for 20 years and going back is not an easy decision.”

In September 2016, Hamerlinck enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business program.

“What really sealed the deal for me to actually get started was that with Excelsior, I was not starting totally over. The credits that I had from prior universities transferred to Excelsior. However, the biggest selling point for me was the ability to use Learning Zone and work experience as college credits. This was huge because with those credits, I was less than two years away from a degree. I had to try it out. The discounted rate for Pizza Hut employees was also a big win.”

Through a partnership with Excelsior College, NPC provides higher education opportunities to all Pizza Hut employees and their immediate family members through a 45 percent discount on tuition, waived fees, and allowing employees to apply LEAD training courses as credits toward their chosen degree program.

As an ambassador, Hamerlinck will be an invaluable resource for NPC employees who are considering a degree though Excelsior or are working through the program.

“I hope to spread the opportunity of continued learning,” he said. “Part of our Leadership Swagger is having an open mind and being an active learner. Excelsior is such a great opportunity for people who are working to continue their education, and it could open doors for so many people if they would explore this option. I think that the more I get involved, it will help NPC become a stronger company and help build leaders for the future.”

Hamerlinck, originally from the Quad City area in Illinois, grew up on a farm until his family moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, when he was a teenager. He moved to Conway, Arkansas, after high school and started college there. Needing a part-time job to cover college expenses,  Hamerlinck knew that he made good money as a server and had a lot of fun doing it, so he applied and was hired as a Pizza Hut server in Conway.

The general manager of the restaurant saw something in Hamerlinck that he couldn’t even see in himself at the time — an ability to lead — and pushed him to become a shift manager. From there, his career took off. He transferred to the unit across town to become an assistant manager, and soon after, he was given the opportunity to take over as restaurant general manager.

“This was a lower-volume unit, and I had a lot of success,” Hamerlinck said. “I realized at that time, this was a place for a potential future. I also knew that if I ever wanted to move up, I needed to take over a higher volume unit.”

Then the opportunity to run one of the Delco units in Little Rock came open, so of course, he took it. While in Little Rock, Hamerlinck ran four different units.

“I wanted to move into multi-unit leadership and was training to move up,” Hamerlinck said. “But at this same time, the Region went through a lot of changes, and I left the company.”

About two years later, Jason received a call from the regional manager, who wanted to talk to him about the opportunities for him to come back to Pizza Hut. He interviewed and earned an area manager position overseeing eight units. For the next five years, he covered most of the state of Arkansas as an area general manager (AGM).

“Then, I got approached about an opportunity,” he said. “And dumb me, I thought the grass was greener, so I left the company again. It wasn’t long before I realized the mistake that I had made.”

Hamerlinck decided to apply for a driver position at the local Pizza Hut to work part-time. “Luckily the RGM of this unit used to work for me and she gave me an opportunity to come back,” he said.

Eventually, the store became short-handed and he was asked to start running shifts on the weekend. And then, like before, his career with NPC started to take off, and he soon moved into an restaurant general manager role. “This was a store that I had opened as an AGM, so I was very familiar with it.” He ran this unit for three years before the opportunity to move into HR came available, and he’s now been in HR for going on three years.

 Throughout this wild ride with Pizza Hut, Jason was also growing his family. He met and married his wife, Jaime, and the couple is happily married with four amazing kids — Logan, Madison and twins, Hayes and Shelby.

“One of the best things about pursuing my degree with Excelsior is that I get to be a role model for my kids,” he said. “I have shown them that education is important — no matter how old you are.”

Learn more about how NPC and Pizza Hut will help you invest in your future through a degree with Excelsior College (including information about scholarship opportunities!) here!

About your experience with Excelsior:

The professors are very good. They know the material and they want you to be successful, as long as you make the effort and put in the work. I am majoring in Business. Using my experience has been beneficial in my classes, it has made me aware of “real world” situations and the professors appreciate the honest feedback. I am currently trying to decide if I will continue and get my master’s.

What are your career goals?

That is actually a tough question. After several years in operations, I have enjoyed the change to the HR role. I have been able to learn a different side of the business, which I think would make me better in operations. I would like to advance as far in the company as possible. I am hoping that completing my degree will open even more opportunities. If the right position became available, I would like to be considered.

What has been the best part about pursuing a degree with Excelsior?

All the people that have encouraged me along the way. My wife & kids have been great and understanding. My co-workers and supervisors all have supported me along this journey, and this support pushes me to finish. Also, the scholarships that I have received from NPC and Excelsior. This shows that the company supports me and this program.

What has been the hardest part?

I wouldn’t say this was the hardest part, but it was more of a mindset change. You have to dedicate yourself to your studies. You cannot hope to turn your assignments in last minute or not do the homework and think you will be successful. Yes, it works around your schedule, but you have to be dedicated. It is all about time management. You must manage family activities, work, and school at the same time. There have been some long nights after long days at work, but you must keep the goal in mind.

If there’s one thing you wish you’d have known before you got started, what would it be?

Ask a lot of questions. The staff is there to help you. It is easier to give them a call and help you set up financial aid or register for classes than trying to do it all yourself. Realize they are there to help you.

November Is Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on by Larry Purnell, PhD, RN, FAAN

Men’s Health Awareness is Lifelong

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month and the Movember Foundation uses the month to bring awareness to and support of those tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide. June is Men’s Health Month; the purpose is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. The following are recommendations that are supported by evidence from scholarly journals and professional organizations and associations to improve men’s health.

Throughout the world, women live longer than men, although this gap varies tremendously in less developed countries. According to the CIA World Factbook, in the United States, average longevity for women is 82.2 years for women and 77.2 years for men, a five-year gap.  Many men have the mentality of “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” so if they cannot see or feel an external stimulus, they will think there is nothing ever wrong.  A majority of men are just not aware of what they can do to improve their health and live healthier and happier lives.

At a very least, get vaccinated. Everyone needs immunizations to stay healthy, no matter their age. Even if you were vaccinated as a child, you may need updates because immunity can fade with time. Vaccine recommendations are based on a range of factors, including age, overall health, and your medical history. Ask your health care provider or a pharmacist about the recommended vaccinations.

Recommendations for Men’s Health Beginning at Age 20 and Beyond

  1. Get an annual physical exam by your primary care provider, including blood pressure, and height/weight checks.
  2. Annually screen for testicular cancer that includes monthly self-exams.
  3. Have cholesterol testing every five years.
  4. Screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems, and anemia.
  5. Depending on risk factors, screen for skin cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection, and alcohol and drug misuse.
  6. At 30, screen for coronary heart disease, especially with a strong family history of the disease and/or risk factors.
  7. At 40, screen for thyroid disease, liver problems, anemia, and prostate cancer.
  8. At 50, screen for cholesterol every five years; annually screen for Type II diabetes; lipid disorders; and skin, colon, and lung cancer. Obtain a shingles vaccine.
  9. At 60, screen for depression, osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Have a carotid artery ultrasound.
  10. At 70, depending on previous findings, some screenings may be done every six months.

Recommendations for Men’s Health Regardless of Age

  1. Men have more difficulty handling stress than women, partially because women have better social networks and more friends with whom then can confide. Thus, men should seek out more friends, whether they are male or female.
  2. Laughter increases endorphins, thereby increasing longevity. Get a sense of humor and engage with others with whom you can laugh.
  3. Avoid tobacco products and non-prescriptive drugs.
  4. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
  5. Research the reliability of vitamins or herbs before starting them. Make sure it is recommended by professionals, not just the manufacturer of the item.
  6. Don’t become a workaholic; it increases stress and can lead to health concerns such as hypertension and weight gain. Get a hobby that helps you decrease stress, exercise in the manner you prefer, and seek help with diet to maintain a desirable weight.
  7. Men, especially young men, are known for engaging in risky behaviors. Wear seatbelts, helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles, don’t text or talk on the telephone when driving, and avoid friends who encourage illicit drug use and high alcohol consumption.
  8. If sexually active, get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections. You might think you are safe if you engage in sexual activity with only one person, but that person might be having sexual relations with others, a concept called serial monogamy.
  9. The Guttmacher Institute reports that some boys start having sex at the age of 10 and that number increases each year until by the age of 20, 75 percent of men and boys engage sexual activity by the age of 20. Therefore, start safe-sex education at home and in school beginning at age of 10.

Disclaimer: The Men’s Health Awareness views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Prepping for a Behavioral Interview

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Very few people like to be interviewed, and when stakes are high, such as for those who have been out of work for some time, those feelings can be amplified. You need to be prepared for all types and a variety of situations, which can include the behavioral interview. The behavioral interview is based on the premise that a person’s past behavior is the best predictor of his or her future performance on the job. Here’s how it works and how you can prepare.

WHAT IS A BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW?

Today, preparing for traditional interviews may not be enough. Chances are that your next job interview will be a behavioral one, or include a majority of behavioral questions. This style of interviewing has gained wide acceptance among many public and private organizations of all sizes. In a behavioral job interview, employers ask for information about your prior work experiences and behaviors to ascertain how you might function on the job and assimilate into the culture of the organization.

Employers who use this technique to screen candidates believe the behaviors demonstrated in previous positions will most likely be repeated. For example, if you willingly took on new projects in the past, you would be likely to maintain that initiative in the future. Thus, in addition to identifying your knowledge and technical skills, a behavioral interview is designed to reveal past performance patterns that reflect your attitudes, abilities, and other personality traits employers consider equally essential to successful job performance.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Prior to the behavioral interview, employers analyze the target position and determine the important skills and characteristics that are needed for success on the job. Based on the job components and required competencies, a set of questions is developed that will help determine if the candidate will meet the established profile.

The behavioral interview is designed to get beyond generalities and examine specific actions. The interview format is highly structured and systematic. You will be asked very pointed questions about your past experiences. These inquiries are aimed at eliciting detailed responses that will determine if you possess the required competencies for the job.

Many employers also may use a rating system during the interview to evaluate essential job-related criteria that was predetermined for the job you are seeking. Generally, employers are assessing your responses to see if you have the following important skills: leadership, communication, decision-making, human relations, coping, problem analysis, teamwork, time management, goal setting, flexibility, emotional intelligence, and more.

Organizations that use the behavioral method of interviewing are seeking both the best person for the job and a cost-effective staffing process that will hopefully result in efficient transitions and low turnover rates. The behavioral interviewing style affords employers the ability to base their hiring decisions on actual job-related experiences and behaviors instead of potential scenarios for success.

BEHAVIORAL VERSUS TRADITIONAL INTERVIEWING

Unlike traditional interviews that allow you to expound on what you would or should do in a given situation, the behavioral interview focuses on your past actions only, illustrating how you behaved under particular circumstances. You may be accustomed to the broad-based questions in typical traditional interviews, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why would you be the best person for this job?” These traditional inquiries allow candidates to outline their views on how they expect to meet future goals. The interviewer must then rely on his/ her judgment of the candidate’s responses and experience delineated on the resume.

In a behavioral interview, more specific probing questions are the norm, such as “Can you tell me about a time this past year when you had to persuade someone to accept your idea or proposal?” “What were the results?” Questions are often framed in the form of a request such as, “Lead me through your decision process in that situation.” After the initial inquiry, several follow-up questions will be posed to explore all aspects of a given experience and probe for consistency in your responses.

Although the depth and scope of behavioral interview questions may seem challenging, they can truly provide you with the opportu­nity to shine. As adults, you have amassed a variety of extensive educational, vocational, and avocational experiences that you can draw upon when answering behavioral interview inquiries. In addition to your work history and educational endeavors, you may also have many volunteer, military, and community activities that have served to shape and strengthen your skills and behaviors over the years. Taking the time to review and assess these experiences will help you to prepare for a behavioral interview.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE?

Here are several things to consider when preparing for a behavioral interview:

  • Know the position for which you are interviewing. Review the job description and determine what skills are required.
  • Assess yourself; identify your skills and experience related to the job objectives. Assessments can be a helpful tool to determine your attitude toward work and your skills. You need to clearly articulate your skills and personal attributes in the interview, but without fully exploring these issues, you may come up short when answering questions during the interview. Knowing your behavioral traits will also help you in the interviewing process. You need to have a strong sense of self to know how you would most likely react in the given situation and why; and be able to show why that response is appropriate. Additionally, when you know your values, motivations, etc., your enthusiasm when discussing them will come through in the interview.
  • Know your resume. It may be the springboard for many questions.
  • Recall recent situations that reflect positive behaviors or actions. Draw from a variety of experiences.
  • Prepare brief scenarios/descriptions of these situations. Use the STAR method; think of a Situation you encountered, describe the Tasks involved, and explain the Actions you took to achieve effective Results.
  • Be prepared to describe negative situations you have encountered as well. Employers recognize that we have all had missteps; try to choose an example where you made the best of the situation or achieved a favorable outcome.
  • Identify your selling points. Choose at least three of your strongest attributes and mention them during the interview.
  • Be honest. Don’t omit or embellish your answers.
  • Listen carefully before answering the questions. Give specific, detailed responses.

You will not be told ahead of time that an interview will be a behavioral one. You may also be asked a combination of traditional and behavioral questions. The best way for job candidates to approach any interview is to include the ideals of a behavioral interview in their preparation process. Identifying examples of past actions and situations that positively describe what you can do for the employer will give you a great advantage over candidates who did not anticipate behavioral questions.

Of course, whatever interview technique you come across in your job search, it is also important to remember to employ the basics of interview etiquette; arrive on time, be positive, use a firm handshake, make eye contact, be yourself, and write thank you notes to each person that interviewed you. Job interviewing can be a challenging endeavor. With adequate preparation for all interviewing styles, you can make the process less stressful and embrace the encounter with confidence. Once you do get the job, continue to track your professional experiences and accomplishments. That way, you will be well prepared for your next behavioral interview.

SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Below are some examples of typical behavioral questions that prospective employees might ask.  The competencies these questions attempt to assess are in parentheses.

  • Tell me about a time when you had to persuade other people to take action.   Were you successful? (leadership skills)
  • Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer.  How did you approach the problem? What was the outcome? (decision-making skills)
  • Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to achieve it. (goal setting skills)
  • What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example. (coping and communication skills).
  • Describe a time when you were involved in a project where the others involved were difficult to get along with.  How did you approach the situation? What was the outcome? (teamwork skills)
  • Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline.  What were the repercussions? What did you learn? (time management skills)
  • Describe a situation in which you recognized a potential problem as an opportunity.  What did you do? (initiative).

*Adapted from Sample Behavioral Interview Questions.

— quintcareers.com/livecareer.com and Acing The Behavior Based Interview, Job Choices, February 2013, NACE

BIG INTERVIEW

Be sure to take advantage of one of the Career Center’s newest resources, Big Interview. Big Interview is a free, virtual interview preparation and mock interview tool, available 24/7 to help students and alumni to master the interview process at their own pace.

In the Learn Module, written materials and video tutorials assist with building and polishing interview skills, and you can use either a “fast track” or “mystery track” to practice your skills. In the Practice Module, you can practice unlimited mock interviews that include general, industry specific, competency based, government related, and veteran transition questions. Also build your perfect interview response using the STAR method in “Answer Builder.”

Whether you’re just starting out, interviewing for graduate school, advancing your career, or transitioning out of the military to the civilian workforce, Big Interview can assist you as you prepare.

 

Editor’s Note: Text adapted from Maribeth Gunner Pulliam’s article, Are You Ready for A Behavioral Interview?

 

Course Feature: HSC 320 Health Care Issues in Culturally Diverse Populations

Posted on by Craig Owens

Health Care Issues in Culturally Diverse Populations introduces students to the concepts of culture and cultural diversity as they relate to health care and the health care delivery system. Students explore religious, racial, ethnic, and other subcultures that exist in our society, and examine conflicts that often occur when differing cultures enter the health care arena.

Diversity is no longer someone else’s issue; it should and must be an issue for everyone. You can’t watch the news, explore the internet, follow Twitter, or spend time in any of our communities without experiencing human diversity in one form or another. Just looking at age and race/ethnicity alone illustrates a dramatic shift in demographics in America. Per the U.S. Census projections released in 2015; “By 2030, one in five Americans is projected to be 65 and over; by 2044, more than half of all Americans are projected to belong to a minority group (any group other than non-Hispanic White alone); and by 2060, nearly one in five of the nation’s total population is projected to be foreign born.” This means in as short a time as 25 years from now, there will no longer be any single dominant racial group in this country; something we have not seen since the country was founded in 1776!

HSC 230 is an exciting course, and each week we delve into a new and controversial area of diversity. The discussions in this course are unlike any others I have been a part of. We dig deep into crucial and provocative topics and students love that aspect. We don’t always agree, but we have amazing conversations that result in increased understanding and appreciation of our differences.

In week one, students watch an engaging video titled, “The Danger of a Single Story,” and our conversations begin in earnest. In week two, we explore how amazing our health care delivery system can be if we all practice from a position of cultural humility. Students have a unique opportunity to participate in an interactive online activity that provides them with feedback and insight on their own hidden beliefs and biases about diverse cultures. This is always an eye-opening and engaging process that generates a lot of student interest and conversation. From there, we use the touching and heart-wrenching story, “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman as a springboard to deeper reflection and conversation about what happens when cultures clash in health care settings. As the course progresses, students explore a range of diverse healthcare issues beginning with LGBT challenges in today’s health care system. From there, we explore the relationship between our spirituality, race and ethnicity, social class, and our overall health and health care experience.

This course is full of engaging videos, websites, and current readings on health care with diverse populations in America today. The discussions are among the best you will find in any college course on any topic. If you are someone who likes to explore new ground and you like hearing how others feel about some of the most significant issues facing society today, then this is the course for you.

Here is what some of our students have said about this course: “…I have walked away from this course with great understanding in cultural diversity in healthcare. I learned so much and am very pleased I took this course.” and “I think the instructor did a great job providing discussions that helped facilitate learning. I was able to learn a lot about cultural sensitivity and humility in healthcare that will benefit in my career. Overall, I’m very happy with this course and glad I chose to take it.”

Mercedes Acuna’s Career Follows Her Moves from Base to Base

Posted on by Maria C. Sparks

Seven years ago, Mercedes Acuña—military spouse and mother of three—earned the Adult Learner of the Year Award from the American Council of Education. It was a prestigious honor accepted by Acuña at ACE’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.; for the Excelsior student and now alum, it augmented an education that was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

It was also just a stop on a continuously shifting journey, and one that continues to provide twists and turns for the former student.

“It’s had its ups and downs, but I’m glad I’m here now,” says Acuña, now living in Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Working as a SHARP (Sexual Harassment, Assault Response, and Prevention) instructor, she teaches soldiers and civilians how to become victim advocates, and has been doing the work for five years—in several places: Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where she lived from 2010 to 2015; Fort Lee, Virginia, until March 2018; then to her current home in South Korea.

And all this for a student whose nine-year path to a bachelor’s degree was executed from locales in New York, Hawaii, and Germany. She’s now in a vocation that speaks to her passion: helping people. As for the position, it’s not exactly what she intended when she earned her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts (with a concentration in Criminal Justice) from Excelsior in 2008, but it’s a career that was enabled by her Excelsior experience.

“It certainly helps open more doors for you when you have an education,” says Acuña. “As a military spouse, it’s helped having the degrees because you’re always on the move—and you have to reinvent yourself every single time. When employers [in every new stop] see that you have a degree, it helps.”

Since leaving Excelsior, Acuña earned a master’s in conflict and negotiation management, which has helped solidify her current role as a SHARP instructor working with families in crisis situations. Her work toward her degrees showed that she has the drive and initiative to complete whatever tasks are put in front of her.

“Those degrees really helped me understand the intricacies of human behavior and how we all interact with each other,” she says. “What I mainly deal with now is trauma and how soldiers and civilians can recognize some behaviors to attribute to a traumatic experience. The education I received [through Excelsior] helped me learn how to talk to people about things they don’t necessarily want to talk about.”

As for Acuña she’s now talking about settling into her current South Korean home. Her youngest daughter, Gianna, will soon join her; and she has designs on pursuing her doctorate, but isn’t certain on a concentration. For now, she appreciates the ongoing discovery her travels have afforded her, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“The journey has been awesome, and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she says. “I’m living in a foreign country, now working with a demographic that I love working with.”

Tips for military spouses from Mercedes Acuña

 Put yourself out there

When you arrive in a new place, it can be tough to assimilate and adjust to your new locale. Acuña’s solution to accelerating this process? Dive right in. “It was mainly me putting myself out there, ready to volunteer or invest time in learning new skills sets,” she says. “You’re only somewhere for as long as your spouse is going to be there, and you have to find something about yourself to sell. It’s all about timing.”

 Don’t fear reinvention

At times, transferring from one locale to another means leaving a career—and possibly all the training that goes with it—behind. But education can be the great equalizer, and Acuña recommends military spouses shouldn’t be afraid to take their intelligence and, if necessary, head in another direction. “As a military spouse, we have to reinvent ourselves every time [we relocate]. If you continue on with your education, it will open doors.”

 Use your military resources

Wherever Acuña’s travels have taken her and her family, she’s been sure to use the resources—such as Army Community Service—available through her service affiliation. She directs others to do the same. “We advise military spouses to look for the opportunities and resources that are out there, and use them. There are a lot out there—but you have to put yourself out there to discover what you want.”

 Enjoy the journey

College courses. Juggling family and work. Moving from place to place. It can all be exhausting, but Acuña wouldn’t have it any other way. The life of a military spouse can be a trying endeavor, but it’s an exercise to be savored. “Enjoy the journey,” she says. “As military spouses, we sacrifice so much, so be sure to think about what you want to do in the end.”

 

Excelsior College Ranks No. 3 for Best for Vets Among Online and Nontraditional Colleges

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Excelsior College was ranked No.3 in the Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 list of Online and Nontraditional Schools, as published by the Military Times. The rankings are based on the results of Military Times’ annual survey — a comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement — as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies.

“Excelsior has proudly served our military and veteran communities for nearly 50 years, and we are honored to once again be recognized by Military Times for our ability to meet their unique educational needs,” said James N. Baldwin, EdD, president of Excelsior College. “Through flexible, affordable, and career-oriented academic programs and wide-ranging student-centric services and resources offered by our Center for Military and Veteran Education, we are uniquely positioned to assist former servicemembers achieve their educational and career goals. Their success remains the most significant measure of our success as an institution.”

Best for Vets: Colleges is an editorially independent, objective, and rigorous news project. This ranking evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for servicemembers, military veterans, and their families. About 500 colleges took part in this year’s survey.

“Military Times’ Best for Vets designation is trusted throughout the veteran community as the mark of excellence for schools and other organizations that work with veterans, and military families. It can’t be bought with advertising dollars – unlike some other supposedly veteran-friendly rankings – only earned through a record of steadfast service and dedication to those who have served,” said George Altman, the Military Times editor in charge of the rankings. To see the full rankings, visit Rebootcamp or visit Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 Online and Nontraditional Schools.

# # #

Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu  (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, nonprofit 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.

 

 

 

 

Course Feature: Social Psychology

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

PSY 360 Social Psychology analyzes how people influence and are influenced by the real or imagined presence or others, as well as how they interact with and relate to those around them. Topics include social psychology, social cognition, social perception and judgment, attitudes and attitude change, conformity and obedience, group behavior, attraction and intimate relationships, helping behavior, aggression, prejudice, and the application of social psychology to other fields, including the legal system. The concepts learned in this course can be applied to careers in which people work in teams, as well as to situations where it is important to influence or persuade others.

Social psychology is about how individuals influence the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of others. The focus, says Faculty Program Director Amber O’Neil, is not only on the real actions and behaviors, but on perceived and implied presence. She says, “For example, just because a video camera is trained on us it doesn’t mean anyone is actually watching. But the simple presence of the camera still typically changes how an individual acts.”

O’Neil says any student who needs an upper-level social science course or elective to meet graduation requirements would learn a great deal from PSY 360, and they’d also have a lot of fun! Students who take the course have a better understanding of how individual and collective actions and behaviors can have a huge impact on others. Students also learn about behaviors that help and hurt team performance. “This is a great class in which to explore attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination. And finally, you get to practice persuasion and compliance techniques —who doesn’t want to get people to do what they want?,” says O’Neil. She also notes that if you like the The Marshmallow Experiment, you’ll like this class. (In the Marshmallow Experiment, conducted in the 1960s, some young kids struggled with waiting to eat a marshmallow although they knew they’d be rewarded with a second marshmallow if they waited. The test is a good example of temptation and delayed gratification.)

Students come away from the class having gleaned important generalizations based on social psychology. For instance, says O’Neil, “children learn behavior by observing it; if you own something, you believe it’s worth more than when someone else owns the same item; it’s usually just easier to go along with the crowd than to stand up for something, which means we also do stupid things to conform to those around us; and we blame others when we fail…and we blame others when they fail, too.”

Students have been able to relate to and learn from Social Psychology, saying: “This course has helped me better understand myself and my organization, as I was able to apply the principles and theories that I’ve learned to my job.” and “My purpose in taking social psychology was explore how people think, relate and influence one another… So, I think it’s important for me examine these differences—first as it applies to myself, then to my marriage, my other close relationships, and finally with my exchanges with co-workers and others around me.”

Faculty have also enjoyed teaching the course. Elaine Bontempi writes, “When I have taught the course, I always try to encourage the students to think about the material and its application in their own lives, as well as events in the news, then share these reflections with each other. This tends to make the course content more personally meaningful, and students become much more motivated to learn the theories at that point.” Yassir Semmar adds, “I love teaching PSY 360 because students are always excited about exploring topics and concepts that apply to nearly everything they experience daily in personal and professional realms…. I also enjoy teaching social psychology because it provides learners with a platform to empirically investigate and understand the answers to such questions.”

If you’re interested in social psychology, consider signing up for PSY 360 for next semester.

CPNE and Me: Lakeya Collins

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

“I passed my CPNE on February 4, 2018 at 10:36 a.m. with no repeats…it was the best experience of my life.” –Lakeya Collins

An LPN in Augusta, Georgia, Lakeya Collins began pursuing her associate degree in nursing with Excelsior College in 2014 and after years of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice, she reached her goal, passing the Clinical Performance in Nursing Exam at Saint Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y.

Collins knew she wanted to become a nurse when she was eight years old and a dog bite incident landed her in the emergency room. “There were ladies dressed from head-to-toe in white and I was just amazed by how nurturing they were, and at that moment I said I’m going to become one of those; I want to be a nurse,” says Collins. She became an LPN and attempted to pursue her RN, but after the traditional route was unsuccessful, she decided to come to Excelsior.

“I was in a traditional program, I was overwhelmed, I had three children as a single mother and I was working three jobs,” says Collins, remembering how difficult it was to pursue her associate degree by the traditional means. Her friend suggested Excelsior College, citing its flexibility, and the rest is history.

To study for the CPNE, Collins used all resources available to her. She called Excelsior several times a week, used the Excelsior workshops in Atlanta and Albany, and constantly checked in with staff members at the College. She also studied with fellow students. “We did skype, we did anything; we actually would travel and rent hotel rooms and stay the weekend,” explains Collins. Fellow students would travel from three to four hours away, meet at a hotel, and take turns testing each other. “Someone would be the CE, someone would be the CA, and we would drill each other non-stop and that was very therapeutic for me passing the CPNE,” she says.

Throughout her journey, Collins credits Excelsior and her children with being her biggest supporters and source of encouragement. She says of Excelsior staff: “Everyone I encountered was so warm and open, and…everyone cared and that made such a big difference; they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. When I didn’t believe I could pass the CPNE—even when I arrived the day of the CPNE and the CA said, you know this is up to you, and at that moment I said, I will pass this.”

She also wanted to show her two children that despite tragedy, good can happen. Collins’s 16-year-old son passed away on April 24, 2016—the day she took her Focused Clinical Competencies Assessment for the third time and passed. “At that moment, I didn’t think I’d be able to continue with the CPNE with so many horror stories, and the rumors of not being able to pass it,” Collins says. She spoke with her counselor and after discovering she would receive a 60 percent scholarship, she decided to try for it. She says she used  the wait time of one year to focus, to breathe, and concentrate on her studies. “At the end, everything made sense; it all made sense when I put it all together and I’m grateful for that. I learned it, I just didn’t remember it. It played a part in how I am as a nurse.”

In the end, she was glad to have shown her children what it means to work hard in the face of catastrophe. “I wanted to motivate them and I wanted to show them more than tell them that tragedy and hurdles may come, but we have to overcome them no matter what they are in life; you may stop and get stuck at that moment, but as long as you continue over—even if you have to crawl over or climb over—don’t ever stop, don’t ever give up,” says Collins.

Before she lost her son, Collins says, her goal was to be content with earning her associate degree in nursing. Now that isn’t enough. His goal was to become a family practice physician and so that’s what Collins is going to do.

“In honor of him and myself, I’m going to go to school for my nurse practitioner degree, and I’m going to become a nurse practitioner,” she says. She wouldn’t be able to do that if it wasn’t for passing her CPNE. “I just want my son to know that we did it. We did it,” she says, “…for 23 years I’ve been chasing this dream and…it’s been realized and for that I’m blessed, I’m so blessed.”

 

 

More CPNE Tips from Lakeya Collins:

“My advice to anyone that’s preparing to pass, is that’s the first thing: you’re going to pass your CPNE. Take the doubt away, take the fear away, and any negative comments, and remove social media with the negativity.”

“Utilize Excelsior; utilize those content calls, utilize the workshop. I made up in my mind I was going to do the workshops and the care plan class because if I spend $300 on that, wouldn’t that be cheaper than spending another time for the CPNE?”

“If you’re feeling lost or consumed, reach out to someone who’s motivated, and who’s ready and willing to pass this the first time around.”

A Cholesterol Conundrum: Common Myths Debunked

Posted on by Kelly Hunger

As busy students and professionals, it is hard to tell fact from fiction these days. This is especially true of the ever-evolving health and wellness world. One such topic that can be a hard nut to crack (no pun intended) is cholesterol. My own sweet father thought that his cholesterol medication was to be taken when he ate poorly versus daily as prescribed. He has since learned the hard way that this is not the case. But what do we really know about current cholesterol research? Here are some common cholesterol myths debunked, according to the American Heart Association.

  1. Cholesterol is bad for you.
  • While high cholesterol is not desirable for one’s health, cholesterol in general is needed by the body for various functions. These include the creation of cells, some hormones, vitamin D, and the breakdown of fatty foods.
  • There are two forms of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), aka “the good one,” and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or, “the bad one.’ HDL helps to keep arteries clear by being a magnet for LDL which it takes to the liver for removal. LDL takes cholesterol to your arteries, which can build up over time.

 

  1. High cholesterol is a genetic disorder.
  • While certain individuals are more susceptible to high cholesterol based on family history, it can impact anyone that does not adhere to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that the buildup of plaque actually begins in childhood.

 

  1. Only overweight and obese people have high cholesterol.
  • Anyone, regardless of body type, can have high cholesterol. Being overweight and obese raises your risk of having high cholesterol, but it is not an absolute determinant.

 

  1. Cholesterol medication allows you to eat whatever you want.
  • Cholesterol medication is designed to be taken regularly, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, to achieve a lower LDL. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only slightly over half of individuals that need cholesterol medication take it regularly.

 

  1. If I avoid meat, I will not have high cholesterol.
  • While avoiding animal-based foods that are high in saturated and trans fats can be helpful for lowering your risk of high cholesterol, certain plant-based oils can also cause your liver to produce more cholesterol.

 

With the myths above debunked, there is still the great egg debate (good, bad, good again)! There are no simple answers to this debate. Regardless of this mystery, here is a simple cholesterol breakdown to live by:

  • Eat a balanced diet and avoid foods with saturated and trans-fats.
  • Maintain an active lifestyle.
  • Get your cholesterol levels checked, starting as early as age 20 and every 4-6 years after, or as specified by your physician.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Social Media Movements Remind Us That Violence Against Women Isn’t New

Posted on by Gretchen Schmidt, JD

Violence against women is not a new epidemic. It was set in motion with our forefathers when women were considered legally irrelevant in the eyes of the law: the property of their husband, not allowed to vote, denied access to higher education, etc. Those in power wanted to keep their power. Since then, women’s groups have fought for women’s rights and to prevent violence against women, but unfortunately many women remain victims. The #metoo and #whyIdidn’treport movements bring to light the mistreatment of these victims and remind us that as a society, we have a responsibility to hold the perpetrators accountable and not blame the victims.

The first group of women to act was the suffragists who fought beginning in the mid-19th century to gain rights for women, one of the largest being the right to vote. After 72 years, they succeeded in gaining the right for women to vote in 1920, after which time their efforts largely subsided. In the 1960s, as more women were entering the workforce and embarking on careers outside of the home—another perceived attempt at taking power and positions previously held by men—led to a second wave of women activists. This wave was motivated by the sexual exploitation of women in the workplace, as well as inequality in pay (which continues to this day). This movement also sought to prevent violence against women. The efforts of these women and this movement have gone in ebbs and flows for many reasons, ranging from women not thinking they need to support each other, to national headlines of abuse of women. In 1994, Sen. Joseph R. Biden along with Rep. Louise M. Slaughter sponsored the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The act was an initiative motivated by the Anita Hill hearings. This act has been up for renewal many times since its enactment. It has always had bi-partisan support, this year however, with the political climate what it is, it seems to be missing the same kind of support.

Our society is clearly in a critical state of dysfunction, as evidenced by the #metoo and the #whyIdidntreport movements and those in power blaming the victims. Some look to these movements and say the system is broken; the system has failed. I would argue society has failed. The stigma surrounding being sexually assaulted can’t be fixed by the criminal justice system. A one-year sentence for a sexual assault conviction that amounts to three months served and 9 months’ probation does not fix this problem.

You can’t fix the stigma associated with sexual assault with jail time. The problem gets fixed when society acknowledges that it is not the victim’s fault, and no means no, period.  The victim cannot be made to feel as if it is her or his fault. In our current system, prosecutors are forced to evaluate whether a sexual assault case stood a chance of ending with a defendant being held accountable. Sadly, the victim’s credibility and stability are keys to whether a case should move forward. The Victims Assistance Unit often has to work with the victim, before, during, and after the trial because, in reality, the victim is victimized a second time by the adversarial process and defense counsel.

As we are seeing in the #whyIdidntreport movement, the reasons vary for why a victim didn’t come forward, but they all come down to the victim being afraid of people viewing them as promiscuous or immoral, or a liar, and not wanting to be victimized again by having to relive the assault. As a society, there has to be a better way to treat victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We have to decide the victims should be taken care of, not reoffended. Those who prey on women, especially men, wielding some sort of power over them, whether size, money, or prestige, must be held accountable and seen as the wrongdoer. The reality is that about two out of three sexual assaults go unreported.

As a society, can’t we treat victims of sexual assault with compassion and support?

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Degrees at Work: Master Chief Officer Mark Welling

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mark Welling’s vast and unique career has provided him with a diverse background and the experiences necessary for maintaining, repairing, and managing the production efforts needed in the Navy and civilian employments where he’s been deployed throughout his 33 years with the Navy. During those years, Welling has also never stopped learning, always pursuing his education in some capacity. Now the 2017 Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts graduate intends to keep pursuing his higher education goals and move up in his career.

Welling is a quality assurance evaluator (QAE) and inspector within the Historic Aircraft branch of the Naval History Heritage Command at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. The command includes nine official Navy museums nationwide, including the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, as well as the detachment that maintains the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, the USS Constitution, in Boston, Massachusetts.

“I work 12-hour days,” says Welling. “From the moment of walking into my office, I review projects and answer concerns from around the country on display-related issues.” His day consists of desk work; evaluating displays; and meeting with personnel within the command, at museums or facilities; and dealing with sailor activities. He also travels up to 50 percent of the time, typically to locations across the United States. Welling has been in the service for 35 years and has worked on more than 15 types of aircrafts including propeller driven engines, helicopters, jet-propelled aircrafts, airships, and gliders. That experience, along with his ability to effectively communicate with his peers, he believes, makes him successful in his position.

Welling explains his work ethic stems back to his childhood: “I have worked since I was 14 years old. I started delivering papers, mowing grass, and pumping gas along with servicing and maintaining cars at the local station…After high school I worked full-time in the printing press field as an offset printer’s assistant. Never satisfied with learning one trade, I decided to enlist in the service.” He has also never stopped learning. Welling has attended trade schools and leadership schools, and pursued independent study and taken CLEP, DANTES, and Excelsior UExcel exams in the pursuit of his degree.

His career with the military often required him to travel throughout the world on long deployments, leaving him little time to devote to family or full-time campus enrollment. “Before committing to Excelsior, I evaluated multiple learning institutions and found Excelsior valued and encouraged un-traditional learning for credit toward its accredited degree programs,” he says. Being a military partner student allowed him to take what he learned at other institutions and apply it toward his degree, as well.

Despite being in the aviation field, says Welling, his liberal science degree helps in his management and administrative duties. “I have used the skills taught to effectively manage the programs I am responsible for in the office and in the field,” he says. He adds that the business writing course at Excelsior has helped him to respond to business tasks and effectively communicate strategies and goals. Additionally, the liberal arts capstone course was interactive and the training “brought forth the need for clear and professional communication with my command’s business cliental.”

Though he set out to complete his degree many decades ago, he can now say he has achieved one of his lifelong goals. He credits the consistent love and support of his wife Terri Lynn and their five children, Joshua, Jeremiah, Christopher, Samantha, and Laura, for helping him succeed. This past July, his family was there to celebrate his achievement at Commencement. He says, “I was honored to walk with the graduating class of 2018 this summer… I achieved a goal I thought was unreachable. I could not have achieved this milestone without family support along with Excelsior’s understanding of the needs of a military member.”

Welling doesn’t want to stop there. He hopes his degree will lead to a promotion and better opportunities within his occupation. “My goal is to become the lead QAE within the organization and ultimately lead into a senior executive position,” he says. He also isn’t done learning; next on the list is a master’s degree. If Welling’s journey so far has shown anything, it’s that the sky’s the limit for him.

More Advice from Mark Welling…

Most important traits/skills for success…

“The most important traits in my career is to have desire to improve your work skills by seeking out advanced studies in your field, along with understanding where you want to work in the future.”

Networking tips for current Excelsior students…

“Associate yourself with organizations you want to become part of. In my case, I wanted to learn aviation, so I joined the military as an aviation machinist mate (propulsion and power systems mechanic). I also joined a flight club to enhance my occupation as a mechanic and to learn to become a pilot. I found myself working on airplanes owned by aviators who owned flight-related businesses and trained student aviators… A good source to start networking today is your classmates. They most likely are striving for the same opportunity in the same or related field of study. Outside the learning environment, attend job fairs and get to know those businesses that relate to your field. Chances are they will provide a source of helpful networking information.”

Best business advice received on the job…

“Always challenge yourself to learn all facets of the job you are seeking or employed at. The more you understand how the mission of your organization is managed, the better equipped you are to serve the command, organization, or business you are associated with.”

Ten Tips for Managing Pain

Posted on by Jeff A. Pence

September is National Pain Awareness Month. Whether caused from an accident, an illness, an injury, or simply “old age,” pain can affect us in many ways. Although the type, location, and severity of pain can vary a great deal, pain has one common thread: Nobody likes to be in pain.

The American Chronic Pain Association was instrumental in recognizing September as Pain Awareness Month. Its efforts aim to raise awareness and provide education on chronic pain and pain management to both the public and professionals.

Two of Excelsior’s course offerings, HSC 316 Mind, Body, Health and HSC 402 Managing Stress, are excellent resources for the topics of pain and pain management. There is truth in the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Mind, Body, Health focuses on the psychology of health and fitness and also explores how we can make positive changes in our health behaviors. Managing Stress also approaches the psychological aspects of health but continues to offer an expansive list of methods by which someone can not only reduce stress in their life, but also manage pain through both mental and physical means.

In keeping with the theme of Pain Awareness Month, here are 10 suggestions of non-pharmacologic pain management techniques from these courses, and other resources:

  1. Journaling
  • Keeping track of your actions, activities, and the level of pain associated with them can help you identify and manage your pain triggers.
  1. Exercise
  • If you are able, exercise is a great way to release endorphins (your body’s natural pain-killers) while also reaping the many benefits of physical activity.
  1. Deep Breathing and Mindfulness
  • Being “in the moment” and fully aware of our body can provide focus and establish a connection between your physical and emotional being.
  1. Eating a Healthy Diet and Staying Hydrated
  • The importance of sound nutrition and hydration should not be discounted. Our body needs the right fuel for optimal function and to support immune health.
  1. Massage
  • Besides being relaxing, a therapeutic massage can improve the flow of blood and the work of the lymph nodes. This provides oxygen and nutrients to the cells while simultaneously ridding the body of toxins through increased lymphatic drainage.
  1. Reducing Stress
  • Believe it or not, stress can actually intensify the perception of chronic pain. Identifying your stressors and eliminating them can significantly improve your overall level of pain.
  1. Healthy Pleasures
  • Doing things that we truly enjoy has been shown to provide a therapeutic distraction, which both supports and restores our recuperative powers.
  1. Sleep
  • Speaking of recuperation, the body needs adequate sleep to recharge after periods of prolonged stress, even the stress associated with chronic pain. Sleep is vital to optimize physical and mental well-being.
  1. Support Groups
  • Speaking with others who are also in chronic pain can help you to realize that you are not alone, and that help is available. They can also be a tremendous source of information for the most current and valuable treatment methods.
  1. Creative Outlets
  • Although popular methods include art, music, humor, and hobbies, the possibilities are endless. Regardless of your preferences, finding an activity that is personally rewarding can provide peace of mind while boosting physical wellness.

It is well-established that the best outcomes are achieved with compliance. In other words, finding coping strategies that you like and can stick with will give you the best results. If you are suffering from chronic pain, try some of these techniques then expand your search if necessary.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.