November 2010 Archives

     So it is that time of the year again when we all think of joining loved ones around the table for a Thanksgiving feast. We have so much to be thankful for...even in times such as these. There are so many who are less fortunate and have so much less than most of us. Let us remember all that we have to be thankful for, and let us not forget those that need our thoughts and prayers. When possible I think that most Americans are very generous and giving and for that I am grateful to be a part of this great country. I also feel grateful to be a part of a great university. So thanks to all for being part of our extended family. A wonderful healthy and happy holiday to you all.

Dean Gimenez
School of Continuing Education

How An Advisor Can Help! 

In an interview with Joanne Melody, one of the advisors in the School of Continuing Education, I asked how the advisors assist part-time students and full-time BGS students in achieving their educational goals. 

Joanne:  I help them become aware of their short and long-term goals.  From there we work backwards, scaling down and synthesizing a path they can follow.   We discuss all the varied possibilities of earning college credit including non-traditional ways, such as: CLEP, DSST, and Credit for Life Long Learning. 

Susan:  What about applications?

Joanne:  I assist with part-time and readmit applications along with helping students understand the timetables required for financial aid applications.  Other alternative pay options such as TuitionPay and available scholarships are also discussed.   My hope is that I can be that one-stop shopping experience that each student is looking for and deserves.  A preliminary course analysis form is created that helps the student see  their dream made into an actual path of study.

Susan:  What happens once a person becomes a student at Eastern?  How can you help then?

Joanne:   There are lots of ways to help.  I assist with registration, course selection, making sure students are aware of upper-level requirements for their degree or graduation.  I also process degree applications for those students that are preparing to graduate, suggest possible substitutions for courses, and process all necessary paperwork to streamline the student's experience.

Susan: What do you think is the most important service an advisor provides?

Joanne:  In general, I'm a friendly ear to listen and help support them in their education pursuits.  Listening is key.  I synthesize the information they share with me and give them back possible plans for making their dream happen.   Their military experience may have earned them credits.  They may have college credits from years back.  They may have worked at a job for several years and that might become credit through the Credit for Lifelong Learning program. 

Susan:  Why is it important to meet with an advisor?

Joanne:  Meeting with an advisor is critical to the success of each student. We are here to assist with their every step.   Whether it is hearing of scholarships, about new degree programs and courses first, we have a keen understanding of how best to navigate each student to achieve their educational goals. Visiting with an advisor makes the most of your educational choices. 

Susan:  Thank you, Joanne.  To everyone out there, get the most out of your education.  Visit an advisor.  To get an advisement appointment, call (860) 465-0206.  Advisement appointments are also available by phone. 

Susan Crowley, Webmaster
http://www.easternct.edu/ce/

Perhaps you have seen the term "Fast Track" used to describe some of the programs in Eastern's School of Continuing Education.  People are drawn to these words because they imply that you will be able to finish your degree quickly.  But what does it really mean?
 

Students in the Fast Track transfer in their prior courses (no matter how long ago they took them), take a "core" of suggested courses through Eastern, and work with our advisors to find efficient and cost effective ways to complete the remaining credits needed to reach the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree.

Students who enter the program with 60 or more prior credits can expect to graduate in two years or less! Students in the Fast Track take 10-14 "core" courses in 7-week blocks, two nights per week or on Saturday mornings. Students concentrate on only one course at a time and are encouraged to earn elective credits via CLEP or DSST tests, through Eastern's Credit for Lifelong Learning program or by transferring additional credits.

"Fast track" courses are offered at our off-campus sites and are scheduled in 7-week modules, either evenings or on Saturdays.  The evening "Fast Track" program is in Management and is available at our Groton and Rockville/Vernon sites.  Classes meet on either Tuesdays and Thursdays or Mondays and Wednesdays for 7 weeks.  So, you meet twice as often for half as long!!  This allows you to concentrate on only one course at a time yet finish two courses in a semester. 

The Saturday "Fast Track" program for those interested in the field of Human Services is available at the Groton Site as well as at Manchester Community College and Capital Community College.  Saturday "fast track" courses meet only once per week; the first six class meetings are from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with the final class running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Sound good?  Call (860) 465-0206 and ask your Continuing Education advisor if the "fast track" might be right for you.

--Carol Williams, Associate Dean of the School of Continuing Education