Accelerated Nursing Programs - It's a Sign of the Changing Times

By Mary Ruff-King

Accelerated nursing programs are being offered at universities to deal with the dramatically increased need for nurses. Currently there is a shortage of experienced, skilled nurses that is expected to increase within the next few years, a result of the aging population of Americans, which also includes nursing staff. This problem is not unique to America; it is a global problem which many people now recognize as widespread and dangerous to the overall healthcare system.

Universities have realized that new alternatives have to be offered to stem the nursing shortage and to avert a deepening nursing crisis in the future. In an effort to address the need, accelerated nursing programs are being offered at many universities. Targeting people who have non-nursing bachelor's degrees, full-time classes are offered that allow these students to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) in as little as 12 months.

For those interested in pursuing a nursing career, now is the time to take advantage of this training. The boomerang effect of short-staffing that has driven thousands of nurses away from the field has come back to haunt hospitals and companies directly involved in patient care. This ultimately will lead to a fundamental paradigm shift in the way society perceives and values nurses, particularly those involved in decision making within the nursing and healthcare community; and it cannot happen soon enough, in this author's opinion.

Accelerated nursing programs offer those with bachelor's degrees outside of nursing to gain almost immediate entrance to the nursing profession. It is imperative that thousands enter the nursing field; those that do will have limitless options and opportunities to make a difference. More importantly though is the global impact this will have on the quality of life and longevity of patients at large.

Get on the fast track to becoming a nurse through accelerated nursing programs. Limitless opportunities exist in the nursing profession. You will be able to write your own ticket, working where you want and when you want. Visit Nursing Mastery Center for more information and resources about the nursing profession. Do it now.

How Far Will Canada Go to Help Foreign Skilled Workers Integrate Into the Workforce?

By M Dawodu

You were lured to Canada by Canadian immigration officers who's promise of lucrative career opportunities and a better life abroad were all to seductive to pass up. As a highly educated professional in your native country you are well respected, your salary allows you to live in a big house, feed and educate your children, and enjoy the social status that comes along with it. But these immigration officers advise you that your credentials automatically qualify you for entry into Canada. Where you can find a job in your field for 10 times as much as what you could make in your country. Your decision is easy. After spending approximately $15,000 for a ticket, application fees, and money in the bank, you're finally ready to start your new life abroad. Leaving your wife and kids behind may not have been easy, but you know that in 1 year you will be settled in Canada with your 6-figure income and your three-story mansion on the hill with your family. After a long journey you arrive in Canada your credentials in tow, you anxiously begin your job search only to find out the credentials that you obtained outside of Canada do not meet Canadian qualifications and the only work you can get is driving a cab or working in the labour market.

Many newcomers have been mislead by the Canadian government into immigrating to Canada with the hopes of a better life. The Foreign Credential Assessment Office established a year ago offers hope for highly skilled immigrants to get their credentials recognized in order to utilize their skills. Though this program is long over due, it is a big step toward acknowledging the issues of foreign professionals working in our labour market.

The continued problems with racial discrimination in the work place have yet to be addressed.

With Canada's so called " job shortage" will companies now hire these skilled immigrants once there credentials meet their standards? Or will they continue to hire foreign temporary workers for inexpensive labour? Here are 4 reasons why companies might be reluctant to hire these immigrants once their credentials are recognized:

• Highly skilled immigrants may be viewed as a threat to locals
• Highly skilled immigrants could take jobs
• Highly skilled immigrants will hire more highly skilled immigrants
• Locals could lose their jobs.

There are many good candidates that are not being hired simply because of racial discrimination. Immigrants are often more educated than local Canadians, but a Canadian born worker with less education is more likely to make more money. Some immigrants are told they are over qualified for a job or do not have sufficient Canadian experience for the position. This is also an issue common for non-white Canadians born in Canada. In order to guarantee the equal employment opportunities of skilled immigrants, a sufficient anti racial legislation needs to be implemented using methods that encourage interracial cooperation. Discrimination in Canada can be combated in the following ways:

• Equal exposure of minorities in media
• Cultural awareness programs and knowledge in work, school, and media
• A fair representation of minorities in media at all times
• Images in media portraying white as dominant, should be considered discriminatory.

Newcomers to Canada will benefit from the Foreign Credential Assessment process. However, further information is required for prospective newcomers to understand the barriers of finding a job in their field. Overseas services are also available to further assist perspective newcomers before settling in Canada. As we already know the Canadian government is not always forthcoming about their true motives, be sure to do a lot of research, and ask a lot of questions.

For more news and information about immigration and visa issues.Visit http://www.westernconnexions.com

College Education For Single Moms

By Lana Hawkins

An education is an important thing for anybody. Without a college education, even a high school education, there are very few jobs out there that will offer you the financial stability needed for your future. An education for single moms is especially important because not only do you have to fend for yourself financially, but you also have one or maybe more children to take care of. Juggling a job and trying to take care of the children at the same time can be a daunting process, and it is imperative that you find a way to get an education.

It is probably true that if you are a single mom, getting an education is something that you really want, but probably do not have time nor the money. There are special educational grants, scholarships, and other financial resources that are out there, but they will not come to you, you have to go out there and find them. Go online or talk to a financial aid officer at your local school and you'll be able to find a program that will fit into your budget, if not your time. There are also some community colleges who offer free shopping opportunities for prospective students. If you find that your local college does not offer the services, there are several government programs that will pay a partial or full amount of child care while you are attending school.

An education for single moms is very important. And only when you get the career that you want, will you have a more secure future in which to raise your child. You'll also be a role model for your child as they become older. A child of the college graduated mother is more likely to go to college themselves than if their mother had a high school graduate education or GED.

Time management is your biggest issue after your finances are covered. How can any woman manage a child, a household, an education, and a job? It can be done with the right management. Join a network of other single moms that have alternative schedules. You can take care of their children while they are at school and you can have your child taken care of while you are in school. If there is not a single mom network within your college, create one. Put up flyers and have a meeting. You'll find that there are a lot of people in your situation that have the same difficulties with finances and time management that you do.

Use family members if they are available. Take advantage of the opportunity without taking advantage of the people around you. Show them that you're responsible and that you want to have an education. They should understand that you know an education for single moms is a must if you are to have a financially secure family. Sit down and talk with your family and say to them that you want to graduate from college to make your life better and your child's life better. Tell them that once you have a job and graduate from college that you will reciprocate all the assistance, love and the understanding, and maybe the finances that they give you.

Lana Hawkins is the author of Mom Pays for College blog. If you're a single mom that needs to finance an education get this free audio and report that reveals 6 ways single moms can pay for college. Open for everyone.

Paralegal Education Programs

By Joanne Dominick

Paralegal career is a challenging and rewarding career that is in the rapid growth trend in the job market. Paralegals provide administrative support to legal professions and they play an important role in assisting the attorneys in the delivery of legal services. There are many paralegal education programs available in various colleges and universities that will prepare students with diverse backgrounds to enter the paralegal profession.

The core course of any paralegal education program will train the students on ethics and professional responsibility, the organization structure of a legal workplace, the politics and office culture of this career field in order to prepare the students for the challenges of today's paralegal careers. Beside that, the students will also learn the legal procedures and advanced skills training involving criminal law, civil litigation, conducting interviews and investigations using the emerging computer and internet technology to assist in legal research, analysis and writing so that the students will build a solid foundation to become a professional paralegal after graduation.

The most common types of paralegal education programs are:

Associate Degree Programs

The associate degrees in paralegal are normally offered in two-year program by community colleges or four-year program in some of colleges and universities. The main curriculum of these associate degrees usually consists of the combination of paralegal courses and general education in the related areas. If you are thinking of continue your education to earn a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree; then you should only consider the associate degree programs that allow transferable of credits.

Bachelor Degree Programs

Paralegal education program is also offered in four-year colleges and universities with the title of baccalaureate degree for students who completed the program. These bachelor's degree programs are usually about 120 to 130 semester units and cover courses in paralegal and related areas. The bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies will prepare the students in a variety of critical duties such as investigation the facts of cases, identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and materials so that they will be able support law firms and other legal organizations in ensuring all relevant information is considered an any assigned case.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are usually designed for students who already hold an associate or bachelor degree in various majors and interest to enter or advance their paralegal career. Normally a certificate program will take about 18 to 60 semester units to cover courses that include both paralegal specific and general education in the related areas.

Master's Degree Programs

Some master's degree programs are designed to provide top-notch paralegal training, while other are designed to provide legal education to people who work in other professions and feel that a credential in paralegal will help to advance their careers. The paralegal's master degree programs are offered in four-year colleges and graduate schools and normally conferred as master of art or science degree in law, legal studies or legal administration. By earning a master's degree in paralegal studies, you will set yourself apart from many other paralegals who are seeking for employment or advancement.

Summary

Paralegal education programs are essential to prepare the students on ethics and professional responsibility for the challenges of today's paralegal careers.

Joanne Dominick invites you to explore more information on online college degrees at her website: http://www.online-college-degrees.info. You could also find paralegal education programs offered by various accredited paralegal schools and request free information pack to be sent to your email inbox for further review before you decide a paralegal degree that best fit you.

Getting the Attention of Graduate Schools With Your Personal Statement

By Jason Kay

Writing a graduate school personal statement can be a daunting and difficult task. In a graduate school personal statement you are selling yourself and trying to let the admissions representatives know WHY you should be chosen over other qualified applicants. This can be even more daunting when you realize that between two to five people at the School will be reviewing your statement - YOURS needs to stand out from the crowd while also addressing the criteria and questions the school has outlined.

If you are applying to several different schools using one generic statement will be easily recognized and just as easily dismissed. WHY - because you will be seen as not making an effort sell yourself to this particular school, low effort equals low interest to admissions representatives. Remember the admission committee will likely view thousands of these statements from qualified candidates and they will spot a weakness, flaw or lack of attention to the process in a heartbeat. What you don't want to do is give this committee an easy excuse to dismiss your statement and application.

In talking to Admissions Representatives across the country, there is one aspect of a personal statement they all agree on - BE YOURSELF and let them get a feel for the type of person you really are. This includes your motivations and the ability to evaluate your personal experiences and the effect they had on you. If you can understand that 8 out of 10 personal statements fail to do this, then you are well on your way to being 1 of the 2 applicants in every 10 that stands out.

The first step in preparing your Graduate School personal statement

Take the time to research and understand the doctrine and mission of the school, this will be intrinsically reflected in your writing and prove you are addressing your statement to this particular School. However, do not parrot their own information back to them - they already know it and this leads away from helping understand YOU. Understanding the audience for your statement will help you to develop compelling content that grabs their attention.

Next ensure that you understand the requirements for your statement or essay including:

-Format

-Word limit

-Questions to be answered

If you miss any of the above, your application will already be short-changed. Word limits are fixed and if you can imagine yourself with the job of reading thousands of applications, you can understand why. Not answering any of the questions will give your application a one way ticket to the rejection pile. This will also help with the next step planning.

Planning your Personal Statement

Planning not only gives you an outline to work to, it also helps avoided the dreaded writers block. Chances are you have already had to plan and write many essays to get to this point, don't be complacent and skip this step as it may lead to omitting either required or useful information. Planning can also ensure that you don't give yourself room to babble or write a novel instead of a 500 word essay.

Planning Part A

Flesh out the information you can provide including your experience/motivations. Writing prompts will give you cues for the content when you hit the writing stage. Here are some questions that you could use to formulate information:

1. Who do I really think I am? Who do others think I am? (include characteristics and skills e.g. loyal, hardworking, born leader, attention to detail)

2. What has caused changes to who I am over the years? How have I grown as a person and what caused these changes or growth? How did these experiences affect me?

3. What makes me unique? This is an extremely hard question to ask ourselves without filling in clich้'s. This is a great time for honesty and self reflection to kick in. You may in reality be like a lot of other people; however, no two people experience the same thing in the same way with the same results. Here is one of the great answers I have enjoyed in the past "Yes, I am unique, just like everybody else." add a BUT on to that and I am sure it will get you thinking. If you're really stuck it is time to do the trusted colleagues, friends and family survey - you might be surprised with what comes up.

4. What in my past did I have to overcome to be where I am today? Can I relate these experiences to my goals for the future or my motivation?

5. Who are my influencers and role models and why? Remember these don't have to be famous people; they could be a neighbor, sibling or your parents.

6. What are my career goals? Why do I want to continue my studies? When and why am I interested in my chosen field of study? How has this shaped me so far and what has it taught me about myself?

7. Are there weaknesses in my application? Do I have gaps or inconsistencies on my academic records that I can explain?

8. What are the strengths of my application? Do I have awards, recommendations or honors that are relevant which I should mention?

9. Field experience:

a. Internships and jobs relevant to my field of study including skills learned and experience gained

b. Has my field experience prepared me for my future career - how so?

c. What social services/volunteer programs have I been involved in? What did these teach me in general and about myself? Did these relate to my field of study?

d. What extracurricular activities have I been involved in and have they contributed to my studies or professional goals?

These seem like a lot of questions, in essence they develop the background to the information you will actually put in your statement and answers to any questions. Answering these questions keep you on track to keeping your personal statement PERSONAL. Look for common denominators in the answers you have written, this may help formulate a theme or connection you can build into your personal statement.

Planning Part B and launching into your first draft

Planning the structure of your essay and allotting your own word limits to each part give you a framework in which to develop the content. Naturally, there are three main parts introduction, body and conclusion. From the notes you have made previously along with the questions you need to answer, this is where you condense your prompts to fit each of the three sections. Relevance, power to support your application and evidence of who you are is what you are looking for.

1. Your introduction and even your first sentence are the most important part of your personal statement. This is where you can grab the attention of the admissions representative. Make your first sentence unique and compelling. It is recommended that you state in a creative way WHY you want to undertake this field of study in your first sentence. The rest of your introduction should provide a brief explanation that supports this first statement. Divide the word limit by the three parts of your personal statement by allocating your introduction around 30%.

2. The body of your personal statement is going to be hard work - you need to use around 50% of your word limit to give the admission representatives concrete evidence of why you stand out from the crowd in this application process. The body is also where you will be answering questions and giving examples of experience and affects of experience. Answers and evidence need to keep reflecting who YOU really are. If you're struggling to keep under the word limit, allocate each question a word limit as well.

3. Now you are looking at the remaining 20% of your word limit being your conclusion. Percentages may vary if larger word limits are being offered. Ensure you state why you are interested in this field of study; state the key points from the body of your essay (e.g. accomplishments, experience and interest). Ensure that you keep it brief, to the point and leave out the clich้s. Just as you started your personal statement with an attention grabber, make sure you finish your personal statement with one or two sentences that are positive and leave the reader remembering your statement while they are reading the next few.

TIP: As this is a personal statement it is acceptable to write in the first person

Reviewing your Graduate School personal statement

Skip this stage and you are heading for rejection. Very few people write perfectly the first time and if you run out of time to do this stage, then you are leaving your application short.

1. Check for grammar, punctuation and spelling. If you're not confident about these aspects then ask someone you can trust or hire a professional to check the personal statement.

2. Review your statement and ask these questions:

a. Have I answered the questions required?

b. Have I put forward the best examples of experiences and effects that are relevant to my field of study or who I am?

c. Have I effectively answered the main question here - Why should the Graduate School accept me over my fellow applicant?

d. Does this statement reflect who I really am or do I sound like a "too good to be true" parrot?

e. Would I fall asleep if I had to read this or would it grab my attention?

f. Have I let my sense of humor get carried away? Do I sound too opinionated or extreme in my views?

g. Have I addressed any weaknesses I have e.g. low GPA or LSAT?

3. Check for logical flow and paragraph transition which make the statement strong and easily read.

4. Read the personal statement over - if you need to read any of the sentences twice, and then re-structure them. Have I left myself too short on an important area and too long in another? Cut and chop away until you know that this statement is strong, logical and captures the attention of the reader. If you step over a platitude or clich้ - remove and find another way. At the same time - give yourself a limit of how many reviews you will do, otherwise you will keep chopping and changing losing the essence of what you are writing.

5. Lastly, peer review - a person or people you can trust to be brutally honest and who knows you well. Preferably someone who also understands that this personal statement is for admission to graduate school. Get several people to give you a boredom rating along with a rating of whether or not you have truly reflected who you are.

Finally, remember to do review steps 1, 2 and 3 after each revision to ensure you have not lost your way. Making your graduate school personal statement interesting and stand out from the crowd is a matter of understanding what you can really offer and who you really are. If there are weaknesses to your application at least ensure that you try to explain them as well as stating your strengths and experience.

Jason Kay recommends finding example personal statements at SamplePersonalStatement.org

Hermit in an Inside Academic World

By Jamie Quaranta

From all that is seen and unseen no "unusual" learning impediment, or idiosyncrasy for that matter, has probably ever etched its stone in a sociologically renowned two-year college in downtown Bridgeport, CT before I walked in. I was told before I registered that I would need a significant amount of (confidential) documentation describing the limitations associated with my "high-functioning" autistic self. I took it to heart that there were several, maybe hundreds of, others who had the same disability and applied to the same college, but my kind of disability was probably more of a "normal" kind than that of other autistic savants. It was not that difficult to contemplate--possibly because I was diagnosed with a "mild" kind of autism during my childhood--the social, personal, and academic hardships that would, nonetheless, lie ahead in an advanced post-secondary institution. But what you could say is that I never gave up my fullest scholastic and extracurricular potential, even if I continued to be a consummate outsider once and for all.

It is, without question, that Housatonic Community College's location isn't exactly located where, ironically at first, intellectual outsiders like me would consider an ideal environment. The heavily diverse city, which is only 20-30 minutes from the equally diverse city of New Haven and about 90 minutes away from the quintessential melting pot of Brooklyn, is notorious for its governmental and judicial corruption, inadequate public education systems, grimy and expensive apartments, aging infrastructure, vacant factories and department stores and high-rises, street drug dealings, and, ultimately, its socially and culturally disadvantaged inhabitants. There is a section of this city in which warm and cozy middle-classmen like me reside, but no where in the heart of this city are there effervescent kiosks and shops for them to buy the colorful discretionary goods they most desire. What I have to tell you right now is that this is a slight, maybe big for that matter, misconception. For better (or slightly for worse), Housatonic is a school where people from all walks of life, even those below the poverty line and detached from the outside world, seek a solid educational foundation and, as a result, have their lives radically transformed for more productive employment opportunities and, for the lack of a better word, a more self-sufficient future than they could ever imagine first off.

The two-year school's main "attraction," the Academic Support Center, which is the reason why so many enroll here in the first place, is, indeed, for students of all scholastic skill levels. Not once did I come across one who complained about discriminatory practices or negative stereotypes administered by the otherwise caring and supportive body that truly makes this learning center tick. The experienced tutors, as well as the apprentice-like tutors, act like they have known you since those angst-ridden years you finally came to full terms with your coming of age, which is, in and of itself, no small way of looking at your own meaning of life, albeit in a personal or professional light. Better yet, the tutors can sometimes act like a dog's owner, constantly vying for your encouragement at any random moment of unease and incompetence. There is something fulfilling about this revered student lounge, there is something sacred about this secular shrine, that can't be dismissed by almost any student in the halls of this color barrier-breaking, inner-city academic Mecca.

Almost every time I came here to seek the help I needed in the perplexing arenas of Spanish, biology, and chemistry, there is no way in which I left the center without knowing how much sympathy they had for even my most profound intellectual adversities. I tried to alleviate some mind-numbing, socially discouraging forms of pigeonholing that infect the autistic soul, of the impact it had on MySpace and other self-indulgent online chat rooms, and the reactions the executives of those web pages would have if a robot like me finally bashed out of the closet, and said nothing about my own friends and family, who having perceived certain disabled stereotypes to the point of innate exaggeration never, at bottom, socialized with autistics (which they described as humanoids) for having ignored them, to be most precise, for technically no apparent reason. I thought of autistics as special needs students arriving with no motive other than sheer IQ merit that can knock "normal" people out of their seats, other "normal" people who would rather despise them, as I was a "special" student there, and sat back trying to meditate on their information-asphyxiated brains and relishing at the sometimes abnormal body language of their closest ilk, which I sometimes felt very sorry for.

I, by no means, "fitted" with that "Rain Man" stereotype pop culture and the wider "college frat" subculture made it out to be, since I did, later on, happen to communicate with the overwhelming assortment of students and faculty all so present on the small yet culturally multihued campus. It is true, also, that my friends off-campus enforced me to check those chat rooms I mentioned before out, for only to experience some rather routine spamming and hacking in turn. This is not to say that all of them appreciated the strengths of my "mild" autism, as I still don't know how to smoothly converse with beer-chugging, cocaine-snorting brats, but, as it turns out, they were, nevertheless, astounded at my capability to perform uniquely studious techniques, such as my quick-witted style of creative writing. I didn't drink to the point of sleepless intoxication, as they all proved to me just how emotionally and physically devastating alcohol consumption can really be, to say the very least. So here lies my alienation from the all-important 21st century late teens/early 20's demographic, which, believe it or not, is becoming increasingly amoral and, most unfortunately, free of values and of discipline.

If every one I came to know and value the most at the secularly sacred two-year college posed any anti-establishment measures against the now-popular autistic conscience, it was a needlessly significant rallying cry that really turned out to be nothing more than a Paris Hilton-bashing, "National Enquirer"-style gossip column. For this gossip to be, indeed, truthful, therefore, the entire Housatonic administration would have been completely compliant with a rather disingenuous piece of protest that would not be worth protesting against because autism, just like other mental deficiencies that are now talked out with and to others, is becoming a more socially acceptable medical condition in which future generations may have to cope with, since there is no miracle "cure" for this otherwise non-sickly "illness."

According to a recent report conducted by the Autism Society of America, 1 in 150 are afflicted with some form of autism, but, fortunately, even the most mainstream college communities have finally stepped up to the plate to address the possible causes and effects of what is, in today's increasingly multifaceted world, not literally a disease in any word, shape, or form. It can also be said that (mildly) autistic outsiders like me didn't happen to engulf themselves with so much of the egotistical or self-centered sensibilities that those unaware of their fate happen to, unfortunately, indulge in. This said, the inside academic world, like that of the two-year college I silkily bathed in, was an essential, if not indispensable, life skill for me, as well as for all those who continue to seek their own career paths--without ever resorting to social and cultural insensitivity or "insider trading"--in the process.

For More Info. on Housatonic Community College, or to Enroll There Part- or Full-Time, Please Visit: http://www.hcc.commnet.edu If You Want to Make a Difference in the Autism Community, Please Visit: http://www.autism-society.org

Top 10 Business Colleges

By Houston L Bruce

When trying to compose a top 10 business colleges list, the task can become overwhelming and be a list of many more than 10 colleges and schools depending on each person's preferences.

Some things to consider when doing research are" Best campus, best opportunity for women, best opportunity for minorities, best classrooms, best career prospects, best professors and best administered. That's just some of many factors used to compile a list of top 10 business colleges or schools. Your own list could differ quite a bit but my own would go something like this, from best first.

1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. University of Pennsylvania
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
5. Northwestern University
6. University of Chicago
7. Dartmouth College
8. University of California-Berkeley
9. Columbia University
10. New York University

There are many more colleges and schools that offer business training, like business management and accounting. These colleges and schools provide programs where you can learn the skills you need to advance in the world of business. You can take advantage of these career programs to find a business that best suits your own personal skills and goals in your life.

Also there are a lot of business colleges and universities that offer online degree programs. You can advance your education or get your first degree online. There are many advantages to studying for a degree online. Especially if you must work or for family reasons an online degree could be a great way to advance in business.

A degree online can be just as difficult as in the classroom, but the Internet is making education and opportunities possible for millions worldwide that never had the chance for an education before now.

So be it a traditional business college or online business degree the best thing you can do to advance your career is to get an education.

Find the ultimate resource for your educational research. Both online and offline, whichever is preferred, you can locate a vast array of options at Houston L Bruce's website at college finder

Learning to Study - Hindrances to Study

By Gordon Cochaud

Whenever one starts doing something different - studying as a mature aged student for example - there are hordes of others hindering progress: especially your progress. They will proclaim a host of reasons for staying in your (un)comfortable place and not attempting to reach your dreams. (Envy? Jealousy?) It may well be that these folk, with allegedly good intentions, have not yet realized one of the rules of Living: everyone is either panting and pushing uphill or slipping and sliding downhill. Doing some form of study is one way to keep you moving onward and upward to reach the exhilarating vantage point of the next panorama. Irrespective of what others might say, level playing fields are temporary aberrations on the geography of Life.

You may be familiar with the poem "It could not be done, but she/he did it" and one of the lines "There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done". Unfortunately for some, it is family and friends who are the greatest naysayers; perhaps because they secretly wish they could have taken similar opportunities but, instead, weakly declined. Emotional blackmail comes in many disguises and whenever you recognize it; politely thank the person for their thoughtful advice, then ignore it and them if needs be. You are on a mission, not necessarily to save the world, but to make the best you can of a part centring around yourself. I cannot recall the context but I can still hear my father one day in exasperation saying "Gordon. Do something!"

The naysayers have not grasped the immutable distillation of the experiences of millions: the fading pain of failure is insignificant compared with the enduring and excruciating agony of later regret. As a mature aged student you are fully aware of the consequences of giving up for the excuses offered by others. Circumstances do change and one may have to pause, adjust a personal timetable or even change direction: yet instinctively, we know the difference between an excuse and an overwhelming reason.

Circumstances can hinder one in the context of slowing learning. However, most of these should have been taken into account when you started your course. Look upon these not as hindrances but as constraints within which you are working. Remember that hard work is necessary because nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without some pain. Soon or later you will be able to honestly say that one of your goals seemed impossible until you had achieved it. At this point there is nothing anyone can offer as a reason for you to even slacken your studies.

A serious potential hindrance is a loss of your initial enthusiasm: a disheartening feeling of despondency enveloping your psyche. Perhaps, this is not surprising because the realisation of the awesome goals you have set have crept up on your consciousness. The good news is that few people do not feel like that before deadlines. Athletes feel it at the starting line. Even after many decades teaching I still had butterflies in my stomach at the first lecture of a new course: the butterflies flew in formation but it took years to train them. The solution is disarmingly simple. First, admit you have the collywobbles. Second, repeatedly tell yourself that collywobbles will not stop you learning. Thirdly, carry on with your tasks as if the collywobbles did not exist. Now the more cynical of my readers might say "Do you expect me to believe that!". Of course. Just think of all of the fatuous rubbish that millions upon millions believe to the point of acting in purposeful ways: the advertising hype, the political lies, the religious humbug, the philosophical mumbo jumbo... You are in control of you. Besides, it works.

Although Gordon is retired, he is busier now than ever he was teaching in secondary schools or university. He writes all his material from personal experience. His recently started website has further useful information. http://www.learntolearn.info

NTS - A Gateway or a Deadlock!

By Emma Alam

Someone, somewhere has said that "whenever I find a key to success, someone changes the lock" such is the case with our education system where getting admission to post graduate degree is becoming hard task to achieve, every now and then changing criteria, mind boggling IQ based practice guides, skill enhancing slogans by large number of academies, where one gets easily lost amidst academic intricacies of system afterwards falling prey to pseudo institutions. Today an entry test is considered to be a key to unlock various academic doors leading to certain domains. Previously Pakistan had UGC (University Grants commission) in order to conduct admissions in entire universities all over Pakistan that body was not functioning effectively.

Then came revolution in education scenario of Pakistan along with the advent of Dr. Attaur Rehman, who completely changed and modified this system under the label of HEC (Higher Education Commission). Now the situation is that approximately all universities follow one academic calendar year in order to maintain the quality of education. To keep pace with the modern world it was need of hour to give admissions to those students who were eligible enough and could compete at international level. For this purpose HEC introduced various foreign as well as indigenous scholarships, criterion of competence was to judge English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. To equate Pakistani students with international students and to check their aptitude in certain subjects, there was a yardstick to measure communication and analytical skills along with the decision power, the name of this international test was GRE (Graduate Record Examination) conducted by ETS (Educational Testing System).

On this pattern Pakistan also introduced an entry test in order to cater a large number of students out there; a body was established on the footprints of ETS called NTS (National Testing System). Being new in the field and having lack of expertise, NTS collapsed in the beginning in order to accommodate enormous students seeking admission to master degree, which afterwards resulted in quashing this new way of enrollment thus universities conducted admission through the same traditional style.

While on the other hand, aspiring candidates for M.phil and PhD programme were limited so NTS carried out test, based on international GRE pattern. After a year or so NTS developed NAT for the graduates seeking admission to Master degree and GAT for those looking for M.phil and also who were applying for fellowship. But major drawback in this system was that it lacked in Subject test and only General test was available, this made the situation quite intricate for those who were seeking admission to humanities group even then they had to go through mathematical and analytical portion. That comprised Verbal Ability 50%, Quantitative Ability 25%, and Analytical Ability 25%. The pattern was best suited for the students of sciences and social sciences, recently NTS has introduced subject tests but the range is very limited and specifically for those who are going for PhD.

There is computerized checking system for GAT and NAT, but the process of rechecking contains many loopholes; moreover many students are getting quite unexpected results. Few university HODs do not agree to this system owing to its intricacies, they are of the view that students of far-flung areas remain oblivious of all such process usually end up devoid of admission even holding good score in their respective subjects.

Another side of picture is that many institutes and academies are manipulating this situation. Preparing for such entry tests entails an extra burden for students in terms of time, money and energy along with the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. Candidates from remote areas stay at hostels adjacent to such academies just to enhance their skill of taking test, the whole package costs enough amount equal to one semester fee of a worthy degree at renowned university.
Although this can be termed an effective yardstick to measure competence of aspirants, but those who have no aptitude for Quantitative and Analytical portions and whose mainstream is humanities group, face dire complications.

In short NTS should introduce subject test comprising questions of related subject only. Recently Punjab Education Minister has declared that there should be no need to hold entry test and students should be given admission on the basis of their result, moreover students are not well prepared to appear in Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) based entry test after qualifying their mostly subjective examinations. Keeping in view these issues, Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool held a meeting with vice chancellors of public sector universities and decided that the National Testing System (NTS) would not be compulsory and respective universities along with their academic departments could decide to accept the NTS test or hold their own entry tests in order to complete their admission criterion. In addition to this, he said the Education Department had also held a meeting with stakeholders regarding holding of entry test and the type of questions to be asked in the test.

Such is the education scenario in Pakistan all messy and muddled, how can one longs for earning a smooth degree among all such paradoxes and changing parameters. By introducing this entry test our system has borrowed a fragment from foreign education system rather taking whole infrastructure, students being devoid of analytical approach at elementary and secondary school level cannot solve riddles over nightly, where as that requires specific skill. Unless we uproot cramming syndrome, cannot expect conceptual and analytical output from young lot, moreover it depends on education system, semester system is far better than annual system. Through semester system students learn to work in fragments systematically with thorough comprehension that would ultimately help them take such kind of IQ based tests adroitly.

BY EMMA ALAM

Ivies Vs Nobodies - Who Has the Oldest College Paper?

By Brandon Mendelson

The Albany Student Press gives it to you straight. Their motto? "Making enemies since 1916". A couple of things are striking: First, has it really been almost a 100 years since they started pissing people off? Or have they been necessary social irritants longer than that? Face it, Journalism as a profession may be endangered more than John Edwards's career, but college newspapers have staying power; In a time when regular newspapers are closing and advertisers mistakenly spend their budgets on fly-by-night websites, the college newspaper endures.

The other striking part about the motto? The Albany Student Press claims to be one of the oldest college newspapers in the nation ...at least according to their Wikipedia entry. If you count The Echo, which was an earlier monthly publication that included student work, then the Albany Student Press can say it has been in operation since at least 1898. The Albany Student Press certainly has the right to claim they're one of the oldest using this method because that's how The Dartmouth claims to be the nation's oldest college newspaper. According to Jay Satterfield at the Rauner Special Collections Library at Dartmouth University, The Dartmouth that currently publishes can trace its origin to 1839; However, The Dartmouth Inc., who publishes The Dartmouth claims to have started publication in 1799. "There has always been a college newspaper at Dartmouth since 1799, but whether or not it's The Dartmouth, that's the question" said Satterfield.

Miami University in Oxford, Ohio is home to former President Benjamin Harrison. The only other famous person to come out of Oxford, Ohio? Benjamin Harrison's wife, which is why you've never heard of the place. The Miami Student's case is that Dartmouth University includes previous student publications other than The Dartmouth that were published since 1799 and thus cheats. Allegedly established in 1826, The Miami Student claims to be America's oldest college newspaper. According to Miami University archivist Bob Schmidt, the first volume and issue of The Miami Student came out in 1867, not 1826. Prior to 1867 there was The Literary Register, which first began publication in 1827.

If you suggest Dartmouth cheats by back counting previous newspapers, then Miami does not have the oldest college newspaper either. If you do count the back issues, they still would not be older because Dartmouth's previous student publications have to be counted. This is where things get complicated, because other college newspapers claim to be the oldest based on their publishing schedule. The Yale Daily News, according to their Manuscripts and Archives office, began publication as a daily in 1878 , not counting their previous publications. Harvard University claims they have the nations oldest continuously published daily college newspaper, according to their university archives office, beginning with the publication of The Magenta in 1873. Plus, you guessed it, before The Magenta Harvard had previous student publications.

Then there's the The Bowdoin Orient to consider. According to Bowdoin University's Archivist, Carolyn Moseley, The Bowdoin Orient's first issue was April 3^rd, 1871, making it older than Harvard and Yale's papers, but not old enough to beat The Miami Student and The Dartmouth if we're going by age and not previous publications or schedule. The Orient's website states the paper didn't go weekly until 1899, meaning if you want to decide the oldest paper based on publication schedule, The Orient is much older than what Bowdoin claims.

The M.E. Grenander Department Of Special Collections and Archives at UAlbany could not be reached to verify the age of the The Echo; Sincewe're going by the starting year of the current publication and not previous publications, which would constitute anarchy, it's irrelevant. The Dartmouth is America's oldest college newspaper because The Dartmouth in its current form began publication, regardless of its distribution schedule, in 1839. You can call shenanigans on their alleged 1799 start date, please do, but they're still the oldest. The Albany Student Press will have to wait until October 4th, 2015 to celebrate its centennial, and like people who live to be that old, be put in a rest home.

Future article suggestions and comments can be emailed to asp_opinions@hotmail.com with the subject, "History Is Freaking Awesome!" A Future College History Professor's Attempt At Making History Hip Again, http://www.historyisfreakingawesome.com

Your Parent Association Plays an Important Role in Student Employment

By Bob Roth

The "College & Career Success" Coach

Somewhere along the line, college parents and parent associations have dropped the ball. They have completely ignored their responsibilities for successful student employment. That's because most parents believe that the process of student employment has nothing to do with them. They've delegated this responsibility to the college and to the students. However, to greatly increase student employment success, parents can and should play a number of important roles in this process.

When parents are only concerned about the employment success of their own children, resources and results are limited. However, when an entire parent association is effectively mobilized, every student can reap the benefits. Here are a few ways that parents and parent associations can contribute.

Networking & Introductions - Since networking requires a network, parents must be willing to talk with an help students who are interested in their field of work and interests. Every parent has information, ideas and connections that college students need. When parents come together in a unified network, previously unknown networking opportunities will come to light.

Part-Time Employment Opportunities - Parents should investigate part-time, employment opportunities where they work and communicate them to the college career services office. Every employer seeks ways to keep their costs down. Part -time employees do that. At the same time, students seek part-time jobs that allow them to gain pertinent experience and make a little money. It's a win-win situation that must not be ignored.

Tutoring, Coaching & Mentoring - Many parents possess the knowledge and skills needed to tutor, coach and mentor students, as they move through college. Ask for volunteers and get started. It takes a highly effective parent association to coordinate and take advantage of this beneficial resource.

Professional Associations & Speakers - Students will benefit from attending meetings held by professional associations and listening to speakers on relevant topics. Parents can make these arrangements. Many parents belong to a professional association in their field of work. There is no reason why students can't attend as guests and do some networking. These same parents are also great sources for topical guest speakers. Why not tap this resource?

Company Tours - Students can greatly benefit from tours of job-related work areas. Since tours give students a real-world knowledge of what it's like to work in that environment, they can help to shape decisions about the future. The more information students have, the better decisions they can make.

Mock Interviews - Practice interviews are an experience that every student needs. Many parents are experienced interviewers. Therefore, these parents can help by conducting practice interviews and critiquing student interview performance. This is an important role.

Teaching & Training - An effective job search requires extensive knowledge, many tools, much practice and an early start. To be effective, students must be taught what to do, how to do it and when to do it. To help the greatest number of students, qualified parents can be enlisted to teach and train students in these critical areas. The career services office can't do it all by themselves.

Full-Time Jobs After Graduation - Just like the role played by parents with regard to part-time work, the parent association should be instrumental in identifying full-time jobs for students who are about to graduate. Since many parents work for employers that interview and hire new graduates every year, some of those hires should be from your college.

Every parent at your college has something to contribute. Therefore, if your school can ever hope to dramatically increase the number of students who find employment success, it must discover and harness the talents and energies of your parent association. Yes, it will take a group of motivated and dedicated parent association leaders to make this happen. However, somewhere amongst you, there are parents who have the skills, abilities and willingness to take student employment success to a new level.

Will anyone in your parent association make this happen at your college?

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob also writes articles for nearly 200 College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Additionally, Bob has developed 20 Self-Scoring Learning Tools that help college students find success. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and also by many newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. Lastly, Bob serves as an Adjunct at Marist College, teaching a course in Career Development. http://www.The4Realities.com

In College, Small Improvements Mean Greater Success

By Bob Roth

When I was in college, I took a class in Industrial Psychology. In it, we studied the concept of Just Noticeable Differences. As we conducted experiments with weights, light, speed and sound, we found that it took a difference of approximately 15% before we noticed the change. However, in college and in life, much smaller changes can make a big difference.

You know that the difference between a "C" and an "B" is generally ten percent. That is the system we grew up with. However, the difference between a "B-" and an "B" is far less, sometimes as little as two or three points. And yet, some employers use these tiny differences in their employment decisions.

When a recruiter visits your campus and tells the Career Services office that they will only interview students with at least a 3.0 CUM, that means that students with less than a 3.0 CUM will not be interviewed. The fact that you have a 2.9 CUM becomes irrelevant. That's why small differences and small improvements can be so important.

Successful people regularly strengthen and improve their position by doing the small things that others don't bother to do. Here are a few examples of what they (and you can) do.

- Strive for quality
- Focus on the things that are the most important and urgent
- Recognize that it usually pays to do more than required
- Do what they say the will do, when they say they will do it
- Treat others with respect
- Anticipate, prevent and solve problems
- Know what they stand for and what they won't stand for
- Meet or beat deadlines
- Accept responsibility for their performance and outcomes
- Do the right thing even when nobody else is watching

Successful students

- Recognize and value the importance of preparation
- Study a bit harder and smarter than most other students
- Make certain that they understand the most difficult or complex concepts
- Practice classroom presentations until they are solid
- Do an exceptional job with papers - research, style, citations, quotations & layout
- Carefully look over their work before it is turned in - tests, papers, assignments
- Add something extra to impress Professors
- Contribute to classroom discussions and activities
- Volunteer to help instructors and other students
- Put college success ahead of short term wants
- Constantly improve communication, people and leadership skills
- Build a list of impressive accomplishments

When you take advantage of small improvements and perform consistently, over a long period of time, you will earn you something very valuable. You will earn the "benefit of a doubt." People will trust you and believe in you. They will accept your momentary failures and shortcomings because they know that you will bounce back and keep moving in the right direction. They know that they can count on you.

Importantly, you should also understand that these small changes and improvements:

- Are cumulative.
- Benefit your reputation.
- Lead to new and additional opportunities.
- Positively affect your self-confidence.
- Allow you to be more influential
- Change the way others see you and think of you
- Enable you to achieve greater success

In most cases, success comes to people who are willing to constantly adjust and improve, those who do the little things. Since all degrees of progress and success are separated by small, even tiny, differences, this point should never be forgotten or ignored.

Think of it this way. In any class, activity or job, someone or some group always stands out from the others. It is rarely a fluke when their performance is more effective or impressive. They are usually the ones who recognize and consciously take advantage of the small differences that lead to big results.

"What we think, or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do." -- John Ruskin

Every college student can raise his/her grades by 2, 3 or 4 points, simply by paying close attention to the small, yet important, differences that will add up. Are you one of the people who is making the small improvements that will lead to greater success?

by Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job. Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob also writes articles for nearly 200 College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Additionally, Bob has developed 20 Self-Scoring Learning Tools that help college students find success. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and also by many newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. Lastly, Bob serves as an Adjunct at Marist College, teaching a course in Career Development. http://www.The4Realities.com

A Conversation With Your Professor

By Bob Roth

A Conversation With Your Professor

by Bob Roth
The "College & Career Success" Coach

In order for college students to maximize their performance in the classroom, wise students take the time to learn about each professor. They know that each instructor has his/her own classroom needs and requirements. To approach each semester blindly can lead to great disappointment, even among those student who are serious about their success.

Let me share a recent exchange.

During an interesting but somewhat lengthy introduction, the Professor covered the class syllabus, reading materials, papers, presentations, tests and expectations. He ended his introduction by asking if anyone had questions. While most students packed up and got ready to leave the classroom, the professor ended with this comment.

Professor: We must work together. I have the knowledge and information about this subject that you need to understand and absorb. Therefore, my job is to make the information interesting and understandable. Your job is to learn and retain the information well enough to participate in discussions, answer questions, solve problems and effectively apply it in the real world.

One student raised his hand.

Student 1: "I want to do well in this class. What are some of the things that make students more successful in your classes?"

Professor: "Students who show interest are much more likely to do well. They come to class well prepared and ready to contribute. These students listen well, ask questions, participate in discussions, express opinions and pick up on or expand the ideas generated by others. They also contribute by helping to identify the concepts that are difficult, not clear or not fully understood. Students like this will help everyone in class."

Student 1: "You mentioned a term paper earlier. What will you look for?"

Professor: "Term papers are very important because they represent the kind of work that may be required in the workplace. At one time or another, every graduate will have to write a report. Papers must be well researched and well written. Credit must always be given to the sources that are used: Bibliography, Footnotes, Citations and Quotes. However, quite often, the best papers include some original thinking or conclusions the student has drawn from his/her research."

Student 1: "What about the tests you will give?"

Professor: "Test results will tell me a lot about each student. These results tell me how well you understood the material that was covered in class, in the reading materials and in the lab or elsewhere. These results reveal your knowledge, problem-solving skills and your ability to apply what you have learned. The best students anticipate the more difficult questions and do what is needed to prepare for them."

Student 1: "I often become nervous when I stand in front of the class. What can I do to strengthen my presentations?"

Professor: "Preparation and practice are important. The material must be well researched and well practiced. You will be more confident when you know the presentation material cold. Additionally, you can reduce your nervousness by using a prop. This may be a powerpoint presentation, something you hold up, a demonstration or a volunteer from the class. These props will help you focus on what you are saying and doing, rather than simply standing in front of the class, staring at your classmates, all eyes upon you."

Student 1: "Is there anything else I can do?"

Professor: "Become known to me in a positive way. Actively participate in class; and, talk with me after class. Tell me about your interests and your goals. Perhaps I can help you with information and contacts. You may even want to volunteer to help, in some way (Do some research for me, set up a lab, run errands and handle routine tasks)."

A knock on the classroom door.

Student 2: "Sorry I'm late! I overslept. These 8 a.m. classes are killers. Do we really need all of these books.? Nobody should have to read all . . . "

Students have the choice of doing or not doing the things that will propel them through college successfully and launch their careers. The most successful students not only strive to achieve good grades, they work hard to build mutually beneficial relationships with the professors who can provide networking contacts and enthusiastic references.

If you are in college today, you still have time. What kind of student are you becoming?

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job.

Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob also writes articles for nearly 200 College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Additionally, Bob has developed 20 Self-Scoring Learning Tools that help college students find success. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and also by many newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. Lastly, Bob serves as an Adjunct at Marist College, teaching a course in Career Development. http://www.The4Realities.com

Why Students Leave College

By Ben Carlsen

Attrition, meaning shrinking, is a commonly used term in college. Student attrition typically refers to the number of students who do not complete their program of studies. These "dropouts" are viewed as failures by the schools and reduce the "graduation rate" typically measured by everyone from the schools themselves, to the accrediting agencies to the national publications (e.g., U.S. News & World Report).

The dropout rate at American universities is about 50% for traditional students and 60% for online learners. (National Dialog on Student Retention, 2008)

Validity and Reliability

As any statistician or graduate student can tell you a statistic is meaningful only when it satisfies two important criteria: Validity (both "construct" and "content"), and Reliability. Validity, the most critical of the two, simply means that the test "measures what it purports (is supposed) to measure". And Reliability means that it consistently does this over time.

How valid is this measure?

With attrition, there are several concerns. If the retention rate is calculated programmaticaly, it fails to account for inter-program transfers. If it is applied to the institution as a whole, it still has problems. For example, do we really want to measure if a student completes their education at a particular institution, or should our primary concern be that the students obtains their degree or diploma? It could be easily argued that the latter measure is most important. When the Census Bureau reports on the percentage of "college graduates" they aren't particularly concerned about how many schools the graduate attended. Whether the student graduated from "Podunk U" or "Retention College" is of no consequence. The important number is the percentage who graduates.

The institution perspective

Of course colleges are always looking for ways to measure their success. Is it quality, quantity, reputation, faculty/student ratios, etc.? All of these measures, and more, are incorporated into the College Rankings which are so eagerly consumed by prospective students, parents, graduates, administrators and the college community. Just take a look at the most recent U.S. News College Rankings.

But how meaningful are these measures and rankings? Probably not very. From one perspective, especially at the two-year (Community College) level, success could mean that there are large numbers of transfers to four-year colleges. This would be true whether or not the student completed their Associates degree. A broader view of institutional success may involve a longer perspective. Longitudinal studies, tracking students throughout their total academic life might provide a better perspective. For example, if a student attends "Lousy U" and has such a horrible experience that he is turned off from education for the rest of his life, that would clearly be a negative. If, on the other hand, students at "Success College" gain confidence and experience academic success, but due to increased confidence and broadened perspectives move on to other schools prior to completing their program of studies, this could be considered extremely positive.

Student Retention Research

The converse of student attrition is student retention. Perhaps the best model of student retention comes from research and a theoretical perspective provided by Vincent Tinto (Tinto V, ). Although there is limited empirical evidence to support Tinto's theories, his work clearly identifies the complexities of the issue. Some of the factors in the retention equation include: academic integration, teaching, learning, support, facilities, [student] qualifications/preparation/motivation, individual attributes, family attributes [e.g., mother's education], finances, debt, medical, family events, social integration, etc. When interacting with the principal factors of Goal Commitment and Institutional Commitment, dropout decisions are made (or not made).

According to Tinto the different reasons for departure boil down to two categories: 1) Voluntary (student decision) and, 2) Involuntary (poor academic [and/or attendance] performance). Tinto, (and other researchers) further refine this model by emphasizing two overarching decision markers: 1) Academic Integration, and 2) Social Integration.. In other words: 1) how is the student performing academically, how much do they enjoy their subjects, and how they view themselves as a student; 2) how many friends the student has at the school, quality of interaction with faculty and staff, and how much they enjoy being at the school.

What can We Learn?

The admission of students who are not ready, inadequately prepared, or don't have sufficient commitment to succeed in a College program will clearly increase the attrition rate, and although intervention can help mitigate the problem, the stage is set for failure. And, many students lack the self-motivation to perform adequately in the less-structured post-secondary setting.

Students leave school for a number of reasons. They may not do well academically, or they may have competing priorities which cause attendance problems. They may feel socially isolated at school or feel disconnected from the institution. They could have financial problems, family problems, learning disabilities, transportation, childcare or persistence issues. They can have a combination of problems, and even all of the foregoing could apply. If they are minority, foreign, adult learners, re-entry students, low income students, single-parents, etc., they have further complications. Students may not feel supported by the institution or do not relate well with its staff. A primary factor is students' relationship with their teachers.

Merely measuring attrition may not tell the whole story. And, some factors are beyond administrative or faculty control. However, establishing a supportive culture and a welcoming environment can help.

What can be Done to Improve Student Retention?

The literature provides a number of suggestions, and intuitively we know some approaches that work. Here are some ideas:

--Provide student services emphasizing a support system for the student (e.g., orientation, advising, counseling, student organizations, social events, carpooling assistance, tutoring, etc.)

--Establish systems to proactively identify problems and quickly intervene to resolve them (e,g., grades, attendance, distraction, etc.)

--Enlist the support of the faculty in improving student retention. Inform them of the problem, offer recommendations, and most importantly solicit their input. --Encourage student input, e.g., student satisfaction surveys.

--Allow students to gain some success before enrolling them in "weed out"/ bottleneck courses (e.g., math and science). --Arrange student events (e.g., Charitable events, pizza sales, celebrations)

--Promote "belongingness" through student government, associations, clubs, etc.

--Recognize student achievements and success (attendance and academic awards) --Keep students regularly informed about their academic progress.

--Gather and analyze student attrition data. Benchmark data and compare with comparable institutions.

--Link with employers and potential employers of students and graduates. Provide superior Career Placement Services for all students. --Assign student mentors to assist incoming students.

--Develop, nurture and maintain a friendly, customer service oriented atmosphere.

--Constantly review, analyze and upgrade programs and services.

--Make every student feel welcome and necessary.

Finally...

Students leave college for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the institution is powerless to influence these decisions. However, the ideas presented in this article may be valuable to administrators looking to reduce attrition. It's definitely worth a try.

References:

Tinto, V (1975) "Dropout from Higher Education: A Theoretical Synthesis of Recent Research" Review of Educational Research, vol.45, pp.89-125

Tinto, V (1982) "Limits of Theory and Practice in Student Attrition" Journal of Higher Education, vol3 pp. 687-700

Tinto,V., Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition, 1994, Univ. of Chicago Press

Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory and Practice, Ed. Alan Seidman

National Dialog on Student Retention, 2008, http://educationdynamics.com/retention_conference/

About Author(s): Ben A. Carlsen, Ed.D, MBA, is an experienced CEO and manager. Dr. Carlsen has over 30 years experience in management, consulting, and teaching. Currently the Head of the Business Department at Everest Institute, Hialeah, FL., he was Chairman of the Los Angeles County Productivity Managers Network and President of the Association for Systems Management (So. Calif. Chapter). Additional information can be obtained at http://drben.info Miguelina Bloise, MHC, CCFC, is a Mental Health Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Forensics Counselor. Ms. Bloise is active in the Mental Health and healthcare professions, and is CEO of her own healthcare business. Currently, she is Director of Student Services at Everest Institute in Hialeah, Florida where she assists students with various issues, including: personal and family problems, academic concerns, transportation and childcare matters, etc. Ms. Bloise is also responsible for the "Student Re-entry" program which facilitates the return of "drop" students to complete their academic programs, and the Ambassadors leadership program.

Can an Accredited Degree Ever Become Unaccredited?

By Ashley Bowkett

Though it may sound absurd, schools, employers or HR folks who do a search on your educational background may discover after hitting the Search button that your school of study shows up as unaccredited. What does this mean for you?

I know I've given advice about accredited and unaccredited universities before, but this is a particularly interesting subject of contention.

Imagine this scenario: You graduated from university (distance learning or on-campus) 3 years ago that at the time was accredited but your potential employers looks it up now to discover it isn't accredited any longer and in their eyes your degree doesn't cut the mustard.

However, turn this on its head: would this work in someone's favor if they got their degree from an unaccredited university that later gained DETC (Distance Education and Training Council) or RA accreditation?

Well, most scenarios are unique so there is no cut and dry answer. Employers giving the candidate the benefit of the doubt though would accept a degree as credible if the institution currently has accreditation recognized by the DoE and CHEA, or if the institution did at the time the candidate graduated.

Speak to the accreditation agency which should be able to confirm the school's accreditation status at the time of your graduation. If your school is now out of business then the accreditation agency should be taking care of your records and transcripts.

However you study though, it is very important to inform employers to take into account the date of your graduation and compare it to the date of accreditation. In a nutshell, the accreditation status your employer is supposed to look at is as it was at the time of the candidate's graduation. Matching up these vital factors is very important, but actual situations are so varied that decisions are often made on a case by cases basis.

Thanks for reading.

A good number of people are studying distance degrees nowadays, which conveniently fit around their jobs or other daily business. Get more info at: http://degree-distance-learning.com Ashley Bowkett has been headhunting and recruiting graduates and working professionals alike for more than 5 years into the television industry. And as an almost full time internet marketer with unique expertise on marketing and doing business in China and internationally, Ashley seeks to address the concerns of candidates of any age. For reliable information on degree level education visit his website at http://degree-distance-learning.com When Ashley isn't writing articles and setting up joint ventures, he is a chief development director of a television network responsible for offices in New York and Beijing. He buys and sell television content and brokers TV deals. Currently he is studying a degree in Law.

How to Get Used and New College Textbooks

By Alan Rahab

Buying college textbooks is a tedious task for most college students. Why? Well, not only do they have to stand in long lines, but they may have to spend a lot of time sifting through the bookstore looking for used textbooks they can afford. Fortunately, a better alternative can be found through websites dedicated to selling used and new college textbooks.

How do these websites work? Usually, there are two ways. The first way involves a company buying used college books from students or other websites. From there, they sell the textbooks back to students who are in need of them. No one else is involved in the transaction, making these types of sites the most convenient to use.

The second method involves making use of marketplaces, where students can sell used college textbooks to one another. Now, this is not as convenient as the first method, but it can provide students with much better deals. A college textbook that normally costs $100 could probably be acquired for $30 or less through these marketplaces. Why? Well, students are not trying to return as much of a profit as a company. Getting rid of it at any price is still helpful.

Then there are websites that offer both alternatives. These are usually the best to use, because they are basically a one-stop shopping solution. Plus, sometimes these types of stores may even have new college textbooks they can sell. True, the new college textbooks would be more expensive than the used ones, but they are still cheaper than what could be found at a university bookstore.

Either way, once students are finished with their books, they can always sell them back to get quick cash. It doesn't even matter where the books were originally bought. Just as long as they are in relatively decent condition, most sites will gladly buy them.

For more information please visit: http://www.bookbyte.com/

Top Five Reasons Why Central Michigan University is the Best Choice For College

By Adam Gross

There are fifteen public universities throughout the state of Michigan (three of which are in the Upper Peninsula). There are probably three times that number of community colleges and smaller institutes scattered around. With so many choices, high school seniors are struggling to find the best fit. Allow me to aid in whatever way possible. Here are five reasons why Central Michigan University would be the best choice for the student to make.

1) Cost. Back in 2005, the officials started a policy in which all of the fees would be rolled together into one large sum. In addition, whatever the fee was per credit hour based on that student's class standing, the fee would not increase so long as the student was still at CMU. So in theory the fee per credit hour for the freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and super seniors (fifth year students) did not increase. The administration got around this drop in revenue by increasing the next incoming class's fee. Still, with all the fees lumped together, it makes the payments easy to predict and easier to accept.

2) Programs and degrees. Even more important than cost (that can be offset by the numerous scholarships) is the vary array of programs and majors to be chosen. There are at least one hundred majors/minors that can be selected, and more are being added each year. People used to ask me what was so appealing about Central, especially if a young person was undecided. I would answer them-it is because you are undecided. Whatever it is you seek, whatever career path you wish to follow, you will find it here.

3) Academics. Yes, one can find classes where an easy A is almost guaranteed. Then again, one can find other classes where he truly had to struggle for that B. There is a saying that it is better to get a B in a difficult class than an A in an easy class. Both can be found here. There is a limit of 21 credit hours (usually seven classes) per semester, which can be done. There are of course teachers that are willing to help, but they seem to be in greater abundence here. There are free tutors for most of the "challenging" intro courses (Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, etc). There is a requirement in which every student must take some type of laboratory class and must take at least one math class (and no it does not have to be Calculus). So it is not easy by any means. But a challenge is what makes college great.

4) Size. This one does not really need explaining. I don't have the exact numbers, but it used to be said that at the most there were 20,000 students on the main campus. Does one see all of them at one time-no, not even the day before the Fall Semester begins. As the commercials go, here you are a name and not a number. That is to say that the teachers here really take the time to get to know their students, especially as one moves up in the classes. As far as the big lecture halls go, a student will probably have three to five classes in a big lecture hall throughout the entire time at CMU. There are many colleges that cannot say that. The campus itself takes fifteen minutes at the most to walk from the extreme south end to the north end. Since many classes (the Monday Wed Fri ones) are 50 minutes, it works out quite well usually.

5) Mainstage. Every August, the day before classes start, there is a massive outdoor concert. It was started around 2000 and gets bigger every year. There is a main band, carnival rides and food as well. But the real appeal of the concert is all the student clubs. Each and every single student club that wants a spot will be given one under a giant tent. In this way, new students can see what else there is to do outside of class. Any type of student club, be it athletic, entertainment, academic or other, is always eager to recruit new members. It is a great way to get to know other people, especially those with similar interests. So yes, Mainstage comes highly reccomended.

Those are the five reasons I have come up with to attend Central Michigan University. If I had to pick a sixth, I would say study abroad. It is eye-opening to say the least, and not nearly as expensive as people think. If you are someone looking around for next Spring, please give CMU a look.

For more free articles on this and other related topics, visit http://www.adamfrommichigan.com

Industrial Training Or Industrial Draining?

By Aamir Mir

Are you a B.Tech. student or an MCA planning to have your 6 months or 2 months industrial from some training institute? Or are you in an illusion that free industrial training is a reality?

Think again!

I have met dozens of IT students who went through such training, with dreams of becoming Software Engineers only to end up in some operational jobs with the likes of technical support executive in some BPO company or a computer operator in some retail store just to keep up their living expenses or working on SEO projects which can be done without any technical skills.

It has a huge disappointment when I have attended technical interviews of fresh IT students claiming to be IT Engineers, only to realize how a faulty choice in their industrial training has turned their careers upside down. What could have been a smooth take off turns out to be a crash and burn situation at the start of their careers.

The 70% attrition rate can be attributed to this one reason. The 6 months when students are to be taken though the actual thing that they would do as Software professionals, they are put on work that is completely irrelevant.

While in training institutions, there is no exposure to Live Projects, I have interviewed so many students who got trained from there that I am convinced about their incapacity to create Software Engineers.

As they say, NOTHING IN THIS WORLD COMES FOR FREE, the myth of free training is truly a myth!

There are a lot of phonies out there claiming to provide free training to IT students promising to turn them in Professional Engineers, only to end up using these students in their revenue generation activities. These students are in no way trained to make software, so they are put on company work that is not so technical. The half hearted effort of these companies to show the trainees that they are actually training them, does not make them EXPERTS in the they field they so desired to be in the first place be it an Expert in .NET, Java, C/C++ or other IT fields.

And when they are dumped out of the IT industry in the form of attrition, they could lose their career! They may end up losing direction or years to actually start on their careers.

The bottom line...

These 6 months are a Gigantic element in shaping your career. If you are concerned about this one thing, YOUR CAREER, make the right decision. Find the right place.

About Author: Aamir Mir is the Training and Placement manager arranging seminars and workshops in different colleges and universities under EDGE (Training and Placement Program) at NSPL, IT Company situated in Amritsar, Punjab. To read more articles on industrial training, visit http://www.nsplonline.com

A Simple Guide to CLEP Exam Study Preparation

By Wayne Hemrick

Every student studying for that all so important CLEP exam knows everything depends on how well they know the subject matter. However, knowing how to study and the focus of your CLEP test preparation is just as important as knowing what to study. You have to know those knowledge gaps you need to fill which makes owning a CLEP test study guide so critical.

Your CLEP prep is usually the deciding factor on how well you perform on your test. You can try reading over books upon books or looking for hints online and that can work for you but it's an awful lot of work. Instead, get a study guide for CLEP from the College Board and you'll be saving yourself a whole lot of time and money.

Now that you've decided on taking the test you better sufficiently prepare yourself. This means loading on up for any of the CLEP test study guide or a CLEP test preparation class. Assess your current knowledge in the specific subject matter you will be testing through real-time practice tests. Once you understand your knowledge limitations, you can begin studying the proper material and course work.

Try the following three helpful suggestions in order to exceed those knowledge limitations:

1. Visit the College Board website and sign up for a CLEP test preparation guide. This guide provides great sample tests from the official testing people at the College Board. While it may not be a comprehensive tester, the CLEP test study guide is probably the one tool you shouldn't be without.

2. There are also a number of bookstores that sell various selections of study guide for CLEP depending on the type of course. I recommend finding a CLEP prep that mimics that same real-time feeling of taking a test. Also, pay attention that it isn't out of date. The important thing is to be comfortable. You'll only be doing more harm than good by getting yourself nervous and to worked up to not study properly. Choose the CLEP test preparation which works best for you.

3. Ask someone who has already passed a CLEP test for advice. Sometimes they can be the best CLEP study guide there is.

Next to finding relevant materials for CLEP test preparation, the most important step you can take in passing your exam is to prepare and follow a rigid schedule and routine for studying. While taking an exam is relatively inexpensive, the amount of time you put into reading all a CLEP study guide and taking a CLEP prep test is priceless. You can only retake a CLEP exam every six months so make the first one count though Clep test preparation.

Wayne Hemrick is dedicated to higher education. In this article he writes about CLEP test preparation

College Internship - Building Your Portfolio

By Violet Williams

College isn't all about having fun (although that is usually a large part of it). College is also about preparing yourself for your career. This preparation is done through classroom work and any relevant job experience you can gain through your college years.

Most of your job experience will probably come from a college internship, if you are required to complete one, or decide to take one on your own. A college internship can give you wonderful hands-on experience through projects and other activities. When the college internship is over though and you are applying for jobs after college, how are you going to show potential employers all of the great work that you have done thus far? One way this is done is with a portfolio. A portfolio can contain important things such as research you have completed, documentation of projects you have completed, recommendation letters and any other relevant materials. An internship college is a great opportunity to build your portfolio. Work on you portfolio throughout the duration of your internship college, filling it with examples of your best work completed along the way. This will save you the headache of trying to piece together everything after the college internship is over. If your internship employer is required by you college to complete an evaluation on you and your work, ask for a copy of the evaluation to include in your portfolio. Of course, you will only want to include the evaluation if it provides positive feedback!

Besides an internship college, classes are also great for accumulating materials to include in your portfolio. Include your biggest classroom projects and the work that you are most proud of.

Whether you are taking a college internship, gaining classroom experience, or both, these are great opportunities to build your portfolio. Potential employers love to see examples of relevant work experience and will be impressed when you bring a thick portfolio full of wonderful information to the interview.

More information on finding a college internship and College Works Painting in your area is just a click away.

10 Ways to Be a Green Student

By Trish Smith

You don't have to own a hybrid or live on organic food to be a green student. Going green is all about making small changes in your life that will benefit both you and the environment. And this can be done by reducing your carbon footprint.

Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that are produced by all of your everyday activities, and it is measured in units of carbon dioxide. Your activities can include everything from driving a car to brushing your teeth, so just by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas-producing activities you do every day, you can help preserve the environment.

So what can you do as a student to be more green and eco-conscious? Here are 10 steps you can take:

1. Plastic Over Paper - It's always a good idea to keep some form of plastic kitchenware in your room. Get a few bowls, plates, cups and utensils that you can rewash after they're used. That way you won't accumulate trash with paper products, and you'll save money by not having to buy dishes as often.

One important plastic product you should buy is a water bottle. The We Add Up Water Bottle is made from recycled plastic, which is double the eco-friendliness!

2. Walk or Ride a Bike - If you live on campus or close enough to it, the best thing for you to do would be to walk or ride a bike. You'll get exercise, save money on fuel and even reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.

If you're interested in purchasing a cool bike, check out the Puma Glow Rider. This bike actually glows in the dark, which is great for late classes or long nights studying at the library.

3. Strip Down to the Basics - I know that in college I couldn't live without my computer, stereo, television and other random electronic devices. I had to bring at least two power strips so everything had its own plug.

What I didn't know is that power strips still use energy even when the items plugged into them are off. One thing you can do to conserve energy is to unplug your power strip or any other electronic devices whenever they're not being used. You can think of it as an added fire safety precaution as well!

4. Cool It Down - Most dorm buildings do not have air conditioning systems in them because many were built before AC even existed! You might be lucky enough to have an AC unit in your window, or you might befall the fate I had and get stuck with only the slight breeze from an open window to cool you down.

If you do have AC you should never keep it on all the time. Turn it on long enough to cool down your room and then shut it off when you sleep. For those students without AC, opt for an energy-saving fan or open windows. You can also spend more time outside studying and enjoying the fresh air.

5. Dress Green - One of the best green clothing products to wear is organic cotton. You can get almost every article of clothing in organic cotton, including t-shirts, pants and socks. Organic cotton is grown using environmentally-friendly methods and contains no harsh chemicals or pesticides. The Organic Trade Association lists some great facts at its website.

Some cool products that I have discovered that are made from organic cotton are Tees for Change, Teko Socks and the Body Glove Women's Castaway Sandal.

But don't forget that bamboo and hemp are other green materials that can help you dress for eco-success.

6. The Right Light Way - You'll most likely bring a desk or standing lamp to help illuminate your new room. Many of the lamps use halogen light bulbs, and these generate hundreds of watts of electricity. The best type of light bulb to get is a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), which is just as bright, lasts extra long and reduces energy consumption by 75%!

You can see an array of CFL bulbs at the GE Lighting Store.

7. Recycle - Pretty much everything that a college student overuses can be recycled, from soda cans and fast food bags to printer paper and ink cartridges. That's why it's important for you to recycle as much as you can.

If your campus has recycling stations, use them. If they don't, then how about starting your own recycling program?

8. Buy a Tune, Plant a Tree - I don't know of any student who doesn't own an iPod, because let's face it: music is a big part of any college campus. Music helps students get through their schoolwork, and it helps them relax after a long week of classes.

So if you happen to purchase iTunes on a weekly basis, why not also plant a tree and offset some carbon dioxide emissions at the same time? Tunes for Trees is a great website where you can purchase iTunes, and for every 10 songs that you buy, a tree is planted in your name.

9. Buy Used Textbooks - No one wants to be broke at the beginning of each semester, but it's kind of hard not to be when you buy $800 worth of new textbooks for every class. But one way you can be green and save some green is to buy used textbooks. Recycling old textbooks is a great way to keep publishers from cutting down more trees to produce new textbooks, and it saves you a lot of money.

10. Computer Conservation - It is estimated that people waste over $1 billion in electricity every year just in computer use, and many of those people are students! To help conserve energy for your computer you can:

• Invest in an energy-saving computer, monitor and printer (look for the Energy Star label)
• Turn off your computer whenever you're not using it
• Set it to sleep mode when you are away for short periods of time

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn't take too much effort, so if you just incorporate the above steps into your daily routine you can easily become a green student.

Trish Smith is a copywriter for Green Student U, Student Finance Domain and Study Abroad Domain, websites that are devoted to providing college students with helpful environmental, financial and study abroad advice.