ECU GRADUATE STUDENT BOOTH ACHIEVING QUICK SUCCESS

ECU's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students,
faculty, staff and community interact to educate students for life.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Central University Communications and Marketing580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)

Attached are action shots of Tatiana Booth playing volleyball at East Central University and a photo of her serving as an assistant coach (far left) with the Byng High School girls basketball team. The Byng photo was taken by Richard Barron of the Ada News.

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Tatiana Booth is a prime example of what a student can quickly achieve at East Central University and beyond. Booth, who came to ECU as a student-athlete, is developing into a teacher, coach and mentor. That was particularly the case to the students in the nearby Byng School District.

To say the graduate student from Commerce, Texas has been busy during the 2012-13 school year is a mild understatement. Booth’s full itinerary began back in the fall, playing her senior season on the ECU volleyball team, and carrying a full load of classes to go with two part-time jobs.

Her latest successful venture played out as an assistant coach with the Class 4A state tournament qualifying Byng High School girls’ basketball team. The 26-4 Lady Pirates benefitted from Booth’s presence, according to Byng Head Coach Matt Fike.

“Our girls took to her immediately. She has a great personality, but also understands about professional distance. I really think Tatiana is on the front end of what will be a successful coaching career,” said Fike. “She’s an excellent role model and obviously has great work ethic with being an NCAA athlete.”

Booth did her student teaching at Byng during the fall and Fike immediately realized her value at that time.

“I let her run our preseason workouts in the weight room. She had a lot of good things she brought in (conditioning-wise) from ECU,” Fike said.

Fike thinks so highly of Booth that he hopes his two daughters, Kaylen and Kendall, who are members of the Byng team, can emulate her.

“Tatiana is the kind of woman that my two daughters can look to. She is a fine example of what you would want your daughters to be,” said Matt Fike.

The feeling is mutual for Booth toward Byng, a place she has fallen in love with.

“It’s really been a fun experience getting to know the girls and coaches and to be on the other side of things (as a coach instead of a player),” Booth said.

Booth’s presence has made such an impact that Byng students, parents and teachers attended ECU volleyball matches during the fall to show their support for her.

“To see the students and their parents, along with teachers, at our games was the cherry on top for my senior season,” said Booth.

During the fall, Booth did her student teaching under eighth grade history teacher Lynne White, who had some glowing observations.

“She has the God-given ability to teach. She’s a natural-born leader, who is very dedicated. She just doesn’t just talk the talk, but she walks the walk as well,” White said.

To Booth, it was a matter of engaging the students, according to White.

For example, Booth led the students in a learning session about the Preamble to the Constitution, using the Schoolhouse Rock song.

“In an impromptu manner, she was clicking her fingers and was trying to get the students to do it and sing with her,” said White. “She has the ability to hold kids’ attention, inspiring them to work, and to the students, it didn’t feel like too much work. They were eager to do it.”

Booth knows firsthand how a twist of fate can lead to an awesome experience. A knee injury early in her collegiate career afforded her an extra year at ECU.

“It’s been a humbling experience. The extra year for me here was to be at Byng,” Booth said.

ECU head volleyball Dave Thorn has known first-hand the qualities that Booth has brought to the table since she arrived on campus as a redshirt sophomore in 2010.

“She’s the model student-athlete. She’s very conscientious off the court with taking care of business in the classroom, she was a two-time all-conference performer and three-year team captain. I couldn’t have asked for more,” Thorn said. “She is genuine and got along with everyone on the team the whole time she was here.”

Booth’s volleyball playing career is over, but her presence won’t immediately be gone, according to Thorn.

“We’re very fortunate that she is staying to help us out (coaching) with volleyball this spring,” said Thorn, whose squad recently launched offseason spring workouts.

For the second straight year, Booth received recognition from the Great American Conference as she was named to the 2012 All-GAC Volleyball First Team after leading the league in hitting percentage (.350 during conference matches and .299 overall).

Booth is working on a master’s degree in sports administration in hopes of landing a future teaching/coaching career.

- # # # -

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ECU GRADUATE STUDENT BOOTH ACHIEVING QUICK SUCCESS

ECU's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students,
faculty, staff and community interact to educate students for life.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Central University Communications and Marketing580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)

Attached are action shots of Tatiana Booth playing volleyball at East Central University and a photo of her serving as an assistant coach (far left) with the Byng High School girls basketball team. The Byng photo was taken by Richard Barron of the Ada News.

- # # # -

Tatiana Booth is a prime example of what a student can quickly achieve at East Central University and beyond. Booth, who came to ECU as a student-athlete, is developing into a teacher, coach and mentor. That was particularly the case to the students in the nearby Byng School District.

To say the graduate student from Commerce, Texas has been busy during the 2012-13 school year is a mild understatement. Booth’s full itinerary began back in the fall, playing her senior season on the ECU volleyball team, and carrying a full load of classes to go with two part-time jobs.

Her latest successful venture played out as an assistant coach with the Class 4A state tournament qualifying Byng High School girls’ basketball team. The 26-4 Lady Pirates benefitted from Booth’s presence, according to Byng Head Coach Matt Fike.

“Our girls took to her immediately. She has a great personality, but also understands about professional distance. I really think Tatiana is on the front end of what will be a successful coaching career,” said Fike. “She’s an excellent role model and obviously has great work ethic with being an NCAA athlete.”

Booth did her student teaching at Byng during the fall and Fike immediately realized her value at that time.

“I let her run our preseason workouts in the weight room. She had a lot of good things she brought in (conditioning-wise) from ECU,” Fike said.

Fike thinks so highly of Booth that he hopes his two daughters, Kaylen and Kendall, who are members of the Byng team, can emulate her.

“Tatiana is the kind of woman that my two daughters can look to. She is a fine example of what you would want your daughters to be,” said Matt Fike.

The feeling is mutual for Booth toward Byng, a place she has fallen in love with.

“It’s really been a fun experience getting to know the girls and coaches and to be on the other side of things (as a coach instead of a player),” Booth said.

Booth’s presence has made such an impact that Byng students, parents and teachers attended ECU volleyball matches during the fall to show their support for her.

“To see the students and their parents, along with teachers, at our games was the cherry on top for my senior season,” said Booth.

During the fall, Booth did her student teaching under eighth grade history teacher Lynne White, who had some glowing observations.

“She has the God-given ability to teach. She’s a natural-born leader, who is very dedicated. She just doesn’t just talk the talk, but she walks the walk as well,” White said.

To Booth, it was a matter of engaging the students, according to White.

For example, Booth led the students in a learning session about the Preamble to the Constitution, using the Schoolhouse Rock song.

“In an impromptu manner, she was clicking her fingers and was trying to get the students to do it and sing with her,” said White. “She has the ability to hold kids’ attention, inspiring them to work, and to the students, it didn’t feel like too much work. They were eager to do it.”

Booth knows firsthand how a twist of fate can lead to an awesome experience. A knee injury early in her collegiate career afforded her an extra year at ECU.

“It’s been a humbling experience. The extra year for me here was to be at Byng,” Booth said.

ECU head volleyball Dave Thorn has known first-hand the qualities that Booth has brought to the table since she arrived on campus as a redshirt sophomore in 2010.

“She’s the model student-athlete. She’s very conscientious off the court with taking care of business in the classroom, she was a two-time all-conference performer and three-year team captain. I couldn’t have asked for more,” Thorn said. “She is genuine and got along with everyone on the team the whole time she was here.”

Booth’s volleyball playing career is over, but her presence won’t immediately be gone, according to Thorn.

“We’re very fortunate that she is staying to help us out (coaching) with volleyball this spring,” said Thorn, whose squad recently launched offseason spring workouts.

For the second straight year, Booth received recognition from the Great American Conference as she was named to the 2012 All-GAC Volleyball First Team after leading the league in hitting percentage (.350 during conference matches and .299 overall).

Booth is working on a master’s degree in sports administration in hopes of landing a future teaching/coaching career.

- # # # -

View the original article here

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Edinboro University establishes Veterans Success Center to better assist returning vets in higher education attainment

01/22/2013

Taking its nationally recognized status as a “Military Friendly School” to the next level, Edinboro University has created a Veterans Success Center to better serve returning vets in their transition to civilian life and higher education attainment.

As part of Edinboro’s long-standing commitment to veterans, the University recently appointed a Veterans Success Center Coordinator to further enhance the outreach and support extended to veterans. Edinboro has been named a “Military Friendly School” by GI Jobs magazine the past four years.

“But now we’re taking it to the next level by making Edinboro even more veterans-supportive – that’s what the Veterans Success Center is all about, supporting our returning veterans, ” explained the Center’s new coordinator, Anthony G. “Tony” Canzonieri.

Canzonieri, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq in Military Intelligence, knows firsthand just how difficult transition to civilian life can be without an advocate to help returning veterans adjust, especially those who saw combat. Often they’re dealing with physical, emotional, and financial issues. When veterans seek to take advantage of government sponsored benefits and opportunities available to them, other issues can surface as well.

“Student veterans have unique needs,” Canzonieri explained. “They’ve been out of school for a while and might need remedial help. They’ve also been told what do every day of their adult lives after high school, so now they might need help just getting their lives organized, or perhaps refreshing them on study skills or time management.”

He will serve as their advocate, providing quick advice and taking action on veterans’ behalf with the broader campus, also helping Edinboro’s faculty become more aware of veterans’ needs.

“I have a passion for working with veterans, so this position is ideal and tailor-made for me,” Canzonieri said. At 26, Canzonieri brings vision, drive and a youthful enthusiasm that will resonate with young returning veterans because he can so easily empathize with them.

Situated in the Crawford Center on the west side of campus, the Veterans Success Center gives veterans a space dedicated exclusively for them, a centralized location to get help with their special needs and issues. They can also use the space to lounge, mingle and study with other veterans.

The VSC is part of Edinboro’s Career Development and Adult Student Services Department.

“Our new Veterans Success Center will immediately enhance the ability of current and prospective students to access a variety of University resources that will enable them to have a successful collegiate experience,” said Dr. Jody Gallagher, director the department.

Canzonieri, who was wounded during his service in Iraq, comes from a military family. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, he earned an AS degree in Business from Westmoreland County Community College, a BS in Science and Technology from California University of Pennsylvania, and will earn his MBA in Finance from Cal U in May. After that, he plans to enroll at Robert Morris University in pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Despite his youth, his experience working with veterans is extensive – and a perfect match for Edinboro. Since being discharged from the Army, he’s worked with Veterans Affairs officials in Pittsburgh, providing peer support and dealing with virtually every issue facing vets in general, those coming back from combat zones in particular. He was instrumental in securing a private agency grant for Vets4Vets, an organization that helps returning veterans with social, physical health and employment issues. At Edinboro, he’ll help establish a veterans group as part of Student Veterans of America, a national organization providing financial scholarship assistance and promoting veteran-friendly legislation.

Canzonieri is committed to retention of student veterans. “We don’t want veterans to just come here. We want them to graduate in four years and leave here with degrees, and also with the smallest amount of student debt possible,” he said.

Military reservists who attend Edinboro are eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance. State tuition help is also available for students serving in the National Guard, while most veterans are eligible for aid through the GI Bill. Canzonieri can help facilitate applications and other often cumbersome governmental paperwork required of vets and military personnel seeking financial aid.

There are about 200 student veterans now on campus, a number expected to grow as more service members are discharged from active duty.
Supporting veterans is not only about what the University can offer them, Canzonieri points out, but equally important is what they offer Edinboro.

“They bring an amazing quality to the classroom. They have life experience, and just their presence and participation enhances the quality of education of the students sitting next to them.”

Edinboro’s ongoing commitment to returning veterans is probably summed up best by Dr. Michael Hannan, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Edinboro University is strongly committed to providing the best possible education and service to our nation’s veterans,” Hannan said. “Our investment in the Veterans Success Center is our next tangible step toward providing individualized support for these important students.”

The Center is now fully operational. Veterans can contact Canzonieri directly by phoning 814-732-1553, by e-mailing acanzonieri@edinboro.edu, or by logging onto the Veterans Success Center website at veterans.edinboro.edu.

(Source: Estimates from U.S. Census/VA summaries)

Number of U.S. military veterans: 21.5 millionNumber of U.S. Vietnam War-era veterans: 7.5 millionNumber of Veterans of the Gulf Wars (Aug. 1990-present): 5.1 millionNumber of Pennsylvania Veterans: Nearly 1 millionNumber of regional veterans served by Erie Vets Center: 64,000Number of Erie County veterans: 24,000

View the original article here

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Edinboro University establishes Veterans Success Center to better assist returning vets in higher education attainment

01/22/2013

Taking its nationally recognized status as a “Military Friendly School” to the next level, Edinboro University has created a Veterans Success Center to better serve returning vets in their transition to civilian life and higher education attainment.

As part of Edinboro’s long-standing commitment to veterans, the University recently appointed a Veterans Success Center Coordinator to further enhance the outreach and support extended to veterans. Edinboro has been named a “Military Friendly School” by GI Jobs magazine the past four years.

“But now we’re taking it to the next level by making Edinboro even more veterans-supportive – that’s what the Veterans Success Center is all about, supporting our returning veterans, ” explained the Center’s new coordinator, Anthony G. “Tony” Canzonieri.

Canzonieri, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq in Military Intelligence, knows firsthand just how difficult transition to civilian life can be without an advocate to help returning veterans adjust, especially those who saw combat. Often they’re dealing with physical, emotional, and financial issues. When veterans seek to take advantage of government sponsored benefits and opportunities available to them, other issues can surface as well.

“Student veterans have unique needs,” Canzonieri explained. “They’ve been out of school for a while and might need remedial help. They’ve also been told what do every day of their adult lives after high school, so now they might need help just getting their lives organized, or perhaps refreshing them on study skills or time management.”

He will serve as their advocate, providing quick advice and taking action on veterans’ behalf with the broader campus, also helping Edinboro’s faculty become more aware of veterans’ needs.

“I have a passion for working with veterans, so this position is ideal and tailor-made for me,” Canzonieri said. At 26, Canzonieri brings vision, drive and a youthful enthusiasm that will resonate with young returning veterans because he can so easily empathize with them.

Situated in the Crawford Center on the west side of campus, the Veterans Success Center gives veterans a space dedicated exclusively for them, a centralized location to get help with their special needs and issues. They can also use the space to lounge, mingle and study with other veterans.

The VSC is part of Edinboro’s Career Development and Adult Student Services Department.

“Our new Veterans Success Center will immediately enhance the ability of current and prospective students to access a variety of University resources that will enable them to have a successful collegiate experience,” said Dr. Jody Gallagher, director the department.

Canzonieri, who was wounded during his service in Iraq, comes from a military family. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, he earned an AS degree in Business from Westmoreland County Community College, a BS in Science and Technology from California University of Pennsylvania, and will earn his MBA in Finance from Cal U in May. After that, he plans to enroll at Robert Morris University in pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Despite his youth, his experience working with veterans is extensive – and a perfect match for Edinboro. Since being discharged from the Army, he’s worked with Veterans Affairs officials in Pittsburgh, providing peer support and dealing with virtually every issue facing vets in general, those coming back from combat zones in particular. He was instrumental in securing a private agency grant for Vets4Vets, an organization that helps returning veterans with social, physical health and employment issues. At Edinboro, he’ll help establish a veterans group as part of Student Veterans of America, a national organization providing financial scholarship assistance and promoting veteran-friendly legislation.

Canzonieri is committed to retention of student veterans. “We don’t want veterans to just come here. We want them to graduate in four years and leave here with degrees, and also with the smallest amount of student debt possible,” he said.

Military reservists who attend Edinboro are eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance. State tuition help is also available for students serving in the National Guard, while most veterans are eligible for aid through the GI Bill. Canzonieri can help facilitate applications and other often cumbersome governmental paperwork required of vets and military personnel seeking financial aid.

There are about 200 student veterans now on campus, a number expected to grow as more service members are discharged from active duty.
Supporting veterans is not only about what the University can offer them, Canzonieri points out, but equally important is what they offer Edinboro.

“They bring an amazing quality to the classroom. They have life experience, and just their presence and participation enhances the quality of education of the students sitting next to them.”

Edinboro’s ongoing commitment to returning veterans is probably summed up best by Dr. Michael Hannan, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Edinboro University is strongly committed to providing the best possible education and service to our nation’s veterans,” Hannan said. “Our investment in the Veterans Success Center is our next tangible step toward providing individualized support for these important students.”

The Center is now fully operational. Veterans can contact Canzonieri directly by phoning 814-732-1553, by e-mailing acanzonieri@edinboro.edu, or by logging onto the Veterans Success Center website at veterans.edinboro.edu.

(Source: Estimates from U.S. Census/VA summaries)

Number of U.S. military veterans: 21.5 millionNumber of U.S. Vietnam War-era veterans: 7.5 millionNumber of Veterans of the Gulf Wars (Aug. 1990-present): 5.1 millionNumber of Pennsylvania Veterans: Nearly 1 millionNumber of regional veterans served by Erie Vets Center: 64,000Number of Erie County veterans: 24,000

View the original article here

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Passport to Success

CHENEY, Wash. - Eastern Washington University is one of 11 higher education partners signed on to a College Success Foundation (CSF) program designed to support foster youth graduation across the state of Washington.

The Passport Navigator Program is a peer mentoring program for Passport Scholars - students from the foster care system who are enrolled in college. Passport navigators are paid student interns and will support the retention and graduation of passport scholars by engaging them in campus life and connecting them to useful campus and community resources. This is a collaborative program between colleges like Eastern and the College Success Foundation.

The 11 campus partners participating in the Passport Navigator Program have passport scholars enrolled on their campuses and have shown a commitment to serving this important population. This academic year, more than 130 passport scholars, including 12 at EWU, will receive support from the student interns and a $3,000 scholarship to assist with the cost of attending college (tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation and some personal expenses). Specialized support services from college staff are a critical part of this process.

The scholars are part of the Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program, which is designed to help students from foster care prepare for and succeed in college. This state funded program was created by the legislature in 2007 as a six-year pilot project.

The College Success Foundation is currently accepting applications for the paid internship positions. For more information, visit www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/passportnavigator.

The 11 college partners participating in the Passport Navigator Program are:
Central Washington University
Columbia Basin College
Eastern Washington University
Everett Community College
Green River Community College
Seattle University
Spokane Falls Community College
Tacoma Community College
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
For more information about the Passport Navigator Program visit;
www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/passportnavigator.

The College Success Foundation
The College Success Foundation: Over 10 years of proven experience, inspiring underserved, low-income students to finish high school, and providing the unique integrated system of support and scholarships they need to graduate college and succeed in life. The College Success Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.1.800.776.9136.

####

View the original article here

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Edinboro University establishes Veterans Success Center to better assist returning vets in higher education attainment

01/22/2013

Taking its nationally recognized status as a “Military Friendly School” to the next level, Edinboro University has created a Veterans Success Center to better serve returning vets in their transition to civilian life and higher education attainment.

As part of Edinboro’s long-standing commitment to veterans, the University recently appointed a Veterans Success Center Coordinator to further enhance the outreach and support extended to veterans. Edinboro has been named a “Military Friendly School” by GI Jobs magazine the past four years.

“But now we’re taking it to the next level by making Edinboro even more veterans-supportive – that’s what the Veterans Success Center is all about, supporting our returning veterans, ” explained the Center’s new coordinator, Anthony G. “Tony” Canzonieri.

Canzonieri, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq in Military Intelligence, knows firsthand just how difficult transition to civilian life can be without an advocate to help returning veterans adjust, especially those who saw combat. Often they’re dealing with physical, emotional, and financial issues. When veterans seek to take advantage of government sponsored benefits and opportunities available to them, other issues can surface as well.

“Student veterans have unique needs,” Canzonieri explained. “They’ve been out of school for a while and might need remedial help. They’ve also been told what do every day of their adult lives after high school, so now they might need help just getting their lives organized, or perhaps refreshing them on study skills or time management.”

He will serve as their advocate, providing quick advice and taking action on veterans’ behalf with the broader campus, also helping Edinboro’s faculty become more aware of veterans’ needs.

“I have a passion for working with veterans, so this position is ideal and tailor-made for me,” Canzonieri said. At 26, Canzonieri brings vision, drive and a youthful enthusiasm that will resonate with young returning veterans because he can so easily empathize with them.

Situated in the Crawford Center on the west side of campus, the Veterans Success Center gives veterans a space dedicated exclusively for them, a centralized location to get help with their special needs and issues. They can also use the space to lounge, mingle and study with other veterans.

The VSC is part of Edinboro’s Career Development and Adult Student Services Department.

“Our new Veterans Success Center will immediately enhance the ability of current and prospective students to access a variety of University resources that will enable them to have a successful collegiate experience,” said Dr. Jody Gallagher, director the department.

Canzonieri, who was wounded during his service in Iraq, comes from a military family. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, he earned an AS degree in Business from Westmoreland County Community College, a BS in Science and Technology from California University of Pennsylvania, and will earn his MBA in Finance from Cal U in May. After that, he plans to enroll at Robert Morris University in pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Despite his youth, his experience working with veterans is extensive – and a perfect match for Edinboro. Since being discharged from the Army, he’s worked with Veterans Affairs officials in Pittsburgh, providing peer support and dealing with virtually every issue facing vets in general, those coming back from combat zones in particular. He was instrumental in securing a private agency grant for Vets4Vets, an organization that helps returning veterans with social, physical health and employment issues. At Edinboro, he’ll help establish a veterans group as part of Student Veterans of America, a national organization providing financial scholarship assistance and promoting veteran-friendly legislation.

Canzonieri is committed to retention of student veterans. “We don’t want veterans to just come here. We want them to graduate in four years and leave here with degrees, and also with the smallest amount of student debt possible,” he said.

Military reservists who attend Edinboro are eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance. State tuition help is also available for students serving in the National Guard, while most veterans are eligible for aid through the GI Bill. Canzonieri can help facilitate applications and other often cumbersome governmental paperwork required of vets and military personnel seeking financial aid.

There are about 200 student veterans now on campus, a number expected to grow as more service members are discharged from active duty.
Supporting veterans is not only about what the University can offer them, Canzonieri points out, but equally important is what they offer Edinboro.

“They bring an amazing quality to the classroom. They have life experience, and just their presence and participation enhances the quality of education of the students sitting next to them.”

Edinboro’s ongoing commitment to returning veterans is probably summed up best by Dr. Michael Hannan, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Edinboro University is strongly committed to providing the best possible education and service to our nation’s veterans,” Hannan said. “Our investment in the Veterans Success Center is our next tangible step toward providing individualized support for these important students.”

The Center is now fully operational. Veterans can contact Canzonieri directly by phoning 814-732-1553, by e-mailing acanzonieri@edinboro.edu, or by logging onto the Veterans Success Center website at veterans.edinboro.edu.

(Source: Estimates from U.S. Census/VA summaries)

Number of U.S. military veterans: 21.5 millionNumber of U.S. Vietnam War-era veterans: 7.5 millionNumber of Veterans of the Gulf Wars (Aug. 1990-present): 5.1 millionNumber of Pennsylvania Veterans: Nearly 1 millionNumber of regional veterans served by Erie Vets Center: 64,000Number of Erie County veterans: 24,000

View the original article here

Read More

Passport to Success

CHENEY, Wash. - Eastern Washington University is one of 11 higher education partners signed on to a College Success Foundation (CSF) program designed to support foster youth graduation across the state of Washington.

The Passport Navigator Program is a peer mentoring program for Passport Scholars - students from the foster care system who are enrolled in college. Passport navigators are paid student interns and will support the retention and graduation of passport scholars by engaging them in campus life and connecting them to useful campus and community resources. This is a collaborative program between colleges like Eastern and the College Success Foundation.

The 11 campus partners participating in the Passport Navigator Program have passport scholars enrolled on their campuses and have shown a commitment to serving this important population. This academic year, more than 130 passport scholars, including 12 at EWU, will receive support from the student interns and a $3,000 scholarship to assist with the cost of attending college (tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation and some personal expenses). Specialized support services from college staff are a critical part of this process.

The scholars are part of the Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program, which is designed to help students from foster care prepare for and succeed in college. This state funded program was created by the legislature in 2007 as a six-year pilot project.

The College Success Foundation is currently accepting applications for the paid internship positions. For more information, visit www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/passportnavigator.

The 11 college partners participating in the Passport Navigator Program are:
Central Washington University
Columbia Basin College
Eastern Washington University
Everett Community College
Green River Community College
Seattle University
Spokane Falls Community College
Tacoma Community College
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
For more information about the Passport Navigator Program visit;
www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/passportnavigator.

The College Success Foundation
The College Success Foundation: Over 10 years of proven experience, inspiring underserved, low-income students to finish high school, and providing the unique integrated system of support and scholarships they need to graduate college and succeed in life. The College Success Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.1.800.776.9136.

####

View the original article here

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Capstone Center Gives Students Essential Elements of Success

The comments Dr. Allen Ault heard from employment recruiters formed a familiar refrain, all centering on their need for creative and critical thinkers who are strong communicators with leadership skills.

So the dean of Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Justice & Safety determined that his students would possess those “essential elements of success.”

Initially established as a series of social intelligence classes for Justice & Safety students, EKU’s Capstone Center now is expanding campus wide, coinciding with the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which calls upon Eastern to graduate informed, critical and creative thinkers who can communicate effectively.

“I had read the research and the comments from business, industry and government that college graduates did not possess the skills needed to obtain a job or succeed after they got a job,” Ault said. “I also looked at what they said was deficient – their ability to analyze problems, create solutions to problems, or communicate whatever they did effectively. We also noted that our students were very deficient in successful interviewing skills. We had to assume that a lot of this deficiency was from how they currently communicate by texting with no emotional overlay or not being able to perceive how they were being judged or evaluated and then not responding in an appropriate manner. Even if they got the job the deficit in communication skills did not allow them to be successful.”

Taking critical thinking, creative thinking, effective communication and leadership skills as the foundational elements of success, the Center quickly developed a series of courses around the “Essential Elements of Success” theme. Hundreds of students at all levels have taken classes since classes were first offered in 2009.

“We do not think we should wait until they are seniors to begin the learning process of these essential elements,” Ault said. “If they can start with any of these subjects as soon as possible, especially critical thinking, that will put them in good stead while trying to get an education. Hopefully, they will use them in their college career to enable them to be better students both academically and socially. They would be able to practice them on other students, faculty and staff so that these skills will be honed by the time they do seek employment.  We believe these skills are applicable to any discipline, essential in any field of endeavor.”

Pre- and post-test research from the program’s Social Intelligence classes reveals marked improvement, Ault noted. “Anecdotally, we have heard of tremendous benefits from taking this course. The positive responses and evaluations from our students have been so rewarding.”

A sample of student comments:

“This course made my job interview a breeze, which gave me the confidence I needed.”

“My relationship with my professor is so much better since I took this class.”

One of EKU’s 1,000-plus military veterans considered the classes to be “a good next step after the transition assistance program. I also feel these classes could help my battle buddies find a sense of peace in their private lives.”

The benefits extend well beyond the classroom. One student said the classes helped him to “to talk to and understand my roommate and not get upset,” while another said they “gave me the communication skills to help save my marriage.”

In the area of effective communication, Basic and Advanced Social Intelligence are offered both semesters. In the area of leadership, the course “Leaders without Titles” was first offered this fall; because of student interest and demand, two sections will be offered this Spring.

The Critical Thinking and Creative Thinking courses are typically offered during the week at normal class times, while the Social Intelligence and Leadership courses are offered on weekends. “Students have told us that the weekend classes allow them to take regularly scheduled classes and work while they go to school, in addition to family responsibilities,” said Dr. Charlotte Tanara, director of the Capstone Center. “It also provides a time frame that enables them to earn an extra three hours credit for the semester in which they are currently enrolled.”

Projects under development include:

·         Courses to be offered both on campus and online.

·         Proposal of a capstone minor, “The Essential Elements of Success,” in collaboration with Dr. Scotty Dunlap, Applied Critical Thinking; and Dr. Rusty Carpenter, Dr. Hal Blythe and Dr. Charlie Sweet, Introduction to Applied Creative Thinking.

·         Optional graduate level courses.

“In addition to providing necessary skills for our students,” Tanara said, “these courses are offered to support the University’s effort to increase retention rates at the undergraduate level. We are also working to offer these courses as optional graduate-level courses.”

Officials are also working to offer Capstone Center courses online, beginning in Fall 2013.

“There is a lot of work to do,” Tanara said, “but we are excited about the opportunity for our students.”

For more information about the program, visit the Capstone Center in Room 287 of the Stratton Annex, or contact Program Specialist Rebecca Moore at 859-622-7873 or rebecca.moore@eku.edu.

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