Generally Speaking …
A NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI OF THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM SPRING 2003
Students/Alumni Lobby for Equity in State Funding
"Students toting heavy book bags on hunched backs" is a metaphor for the burden IPFW students bear in the distribution of higher education funds by the State of Indiana. In an attempt to make lawmakers aware of the effects of inequity in per-student funding, 130 students, alumni, and faculty enmassed Feb. 10 for a bus trip to the Statehouse in Indianapolis to make their voices heard. The seventh annual Higher Education Day was an invitation to lobby for a more equitable share of funds appropriated for colleges and universities statewide. Although IPFW is the fifth largest campus in the state of Indiana, the school ranks 15th of 16 in the distribution of funds. With scarce resources in the current economy, both Indiana University and Purdue University have full-time representation in the legislative bodies. Students from IPFW heard platform presentations from both schools, lobbied in small groups to local senators and representatives, and gained experience outside the classroom as private citizens. Eight local representatives, IPFW Chancellor Warrell, and Vice Chancellor Branson joined the students for lunch at the Westin Hotel to discuss IPFW talking points and personal experiences. Other legislative officials spoke to small groups at the Statehouse. Currently, the biennial budget provides $4,268 for every FTE (full time equivalent) student at IPFW. Every FTE student attending Indiana State University is allocated $8,129 in state funding, nearly double that of students here. With increased enrollments, and this figure stable, IPFW is essentially losing funding! You can still make a difference in the equity funding issue by contacting your local legislators and voicing your opinions on the value of this university to the economy and growth of northeastern Indiana. If you need assistance making these contacts, call the General Studies office at 260-481-6828 or Alumni Relations at 260-481-6807.
GS alumna Marietta Rogers boards a bus bound for the state capital. "We were well prepared to talk to the representatives and the day was much more involved than I expected," she noted on the trip home. "I was amazed at how dedicated to the task the students were."
Brent Wake (l), student government leader, is interviewed by Channel 33 "Mark in the Morning." Wake also presented a student perspective to legislators at the October Legislative Luncheon at IPFW.
Karen Griggs (r), assistant professor of English and a veteran lobbiest, has the attention of newly elected representative Marlin Stutzman Howe at his first Higher Education Day.
Weekend College: a Summer Alternative
Don't have a cottage on Lake Wawasee? Don't want to pay $2 a gallon for gas for vacation travel? Why not use your extra time this summer to earn additional college credit? Think about taking one of the 17 Weekend College courses offered this summer at IPFW. More than 1,400 students (a 32 percent increase over last year) found they had time to attend a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday class during the current semester. That's because IPFW's Weekend College provides the flexibility adults need to fit college classes into their busy schedules. Summer Weekend College classes will • begin after Memorial Day weekend with the first classes meeting on the weekend of May 30/31/June 1. • end with exams on the weekend of Aug. 8/9/10. • not meet on the weekend of July 4/5/6 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Most classes meet a total of 10 weeks. Times have been adjusted to total the appropriate number of contact hours. General Studies students will find courses for areas A, B, or C on the schedule: in area A, COM 114 and upper-level communications; in Area B, the popular STAT 125 Communicating with Statistics and MATH 153; for area C, Citizen and the News (offered as Political Science) to complete required areas; for area IV Gen Ed (Creative Expression), MUS L153 Introduction to Music Therapy. Since most of summer Weekend College courses span 12 calendar weeks (10 weekends of class meetings with two weekends off), potential summer graduates will be certified in August. See the complete list of summer I, II, and fall classes on OASIS or in the Schedule of Classes.
What can I do with a General Studies degree? The answer is in the cards!
Your business card, that is! To date, more than 1,400 IPFW students have graduated from the General Studies degree program and more than 20,000 have graduated from the program throughout the IU system. How have you made your General Studies degree work for you? Where has your degree led you? We would like to feature your experiences in future issues of this newsletter and in other public relations materials. We also would like to share your success stories with current students to demonstrate to them the unlimited possibilities of a General Studies degree. We are requesting that you send two business cards to our office. One will be used in a framed visual that will be displayed in our office; the other will be used to develop a business card exchange brochure that will be printed and distributed to IPFW General Studies students and alumni to enhance their opportunities for networking. Please complete the form below and return your cards and current employment information to General Studies, KT 145, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499.
Keep in touch …
Please complete and return: Name Degrees/Year Grad. Address City State Zip Employer Job Title Personal and Professional News (Please e-mail detailed information to mcmurts@ipfw.edu or add additional space if needed.) Two business cards are enclosed.
Degrees of success … In this economy?? by Cathy McGinnis
“It’s not who you know, but who knows you!” Cathy McGinnis, employment services coordinator in IPFW’s Academic Counseling and Career Services (ACCS) office, reminds us that landing a job in the current economy is serious work. GS graduate Brent Myers ('02) has been using the resources of the campus in his job search. His credentials are outstanding--military service, academic honors, initiative, and an orientation toward achievement. On two occasions, we have introduced Brent to good resources in his job search. These brief encounters have redirected his search to key people and government contacts. Top Five Job Search Strategies for Navigating the Employment Maze You've heard it before--finding a job is a full-time job. Like anything worthwhile, finding a good career fit takes time and energy. That is why you are ultimately the best person to conduct your own job search. Keep in mind the following five tips in your quest. 1. Invest the time and effort Many job seekers put in the bare minimum when it comes to the job search. They look in the Sunday (and Wednesday if they are truly motivated) want ads, and then complain that there are no good jobs. The want ads contain only about 10 percent of all available jobs, so you need to tap into many more resources. 2. Utilize all resources The newspaper is a great place to start. You can see what companies have openings and also get an idea of what jobs are available. HINT: Read all classified ads, not just the ones under a specific heading or job title. Think in terms of the duties you'd like in your job and search for those. Your dream career may be under a heading you never would have considered. Look through the whole newspaper and not just the classifieds. Get to know what is going on in the business community, and you will know where the opportunities are. The following are suggested other avenues to pursue: Yellow Pages--Let your fingers do the walking to find out what businesses are out there. You'll get a breakdown of businesses by specialty or service provided as well as contact information. Chamber of Commerce--Extensive listing of employers (alphabetically or by category) providing company, contact, and Web site information. Job Fairs--Where else can you network with a multitude of employers in a span of a few hours? Make sure you do your homework beforehand. Know what employers will be there, what they do, and what opportunities might be available for you. Bring plenty of résumés. Academic Counseling and Career Services--Sign up for our free resume referral service. Update your resume and discuss your job search strategies. Get some new ideas and meet some fun people! Workforce Development Offices, Community Agencies, and Libraries--Employers post openings with many organizations. Make sure that you frequently investigate job postings, either on the Web or in print. Network--Never underestimate the power of networking. Tell people what you are looking for and have them keep their eyes and ears open. This method is more successful than any other. Employment Agencies (temporary agencies)--These can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Many companies only do their hiring through temporary agencies rather than go through an extensive hiring process. This situation has advantages for you too. You are able to investigate a company or field while getting valuable experience. How do you find a reputable agency? Do some investigating! ACCS does not advocate going to any agency that charges a fee to you. You may be charged for access to the employment listings available on the ACCS Web site for free! Talk with one of the career folks in ACCS for alternatives. 3. Research the company To set yourself apart from the crowd, you must know about the company to which you are applying. Employers repeatedly tell us that students and alumni know nothing about their companies--inexcusable in the age of the Internet. Your knowledge shows a potential employer that you are interested in what the company does. Your research will also help you determine if this is really where you want to work. 4. Believe in and sell the product If you don't showcase what you have to offer, no one else will do it for you. You must convince the employer that you are the best person for the job. This is pretty hard to do if you don't buy into it yourself. Come to ACCS to practice selling your product! 5. Be tenacious and don't give up! While it is easy to become discouraged by the job-hunting process, your persistence will pay off. Dr. Seuss was rejected by 27 editors but kept trying. If you find that you are losing heart, visit the supportive folks in General Studies and then come to ACCS! We provide insight, assistance, and cheerleading services at no charge to you!
Congratulations DECEMBER GRADUATES!
*Distinction **Highest Distinction ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN GENERAL STUDIES: Cameron L. Bowron, Melanie B. Brooks, Kathleen Bye Burris**, David A. Christman, Heidi R. Ely, Helen M. Espinola, Beth S. Farris, Jason A. Gradeless, Tanner C. Haley, Margaret B. Haupert, Ronald A. Heaslet, Amy Marie Hopper, Kimberly J. Huffine, Jennifer A. Kocolowski, Carl J. Micklitsch, Sarah J. Mills, Karen K. Reinoehl*, Bethany E. Rooney, Christianne M. Rothgeb, Michelle E. Siela, G. Willliam Thaung, Carrie A. Venturini, Mindy K. Weigold, Lisa A. Watkins BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES: Shanna M. Andersen*, Maria E. Ankenbruck, Shane D. Armstrong, Tamarah K. Britton, Shawn W. Cairer, Dianna Carriere, Mark W. Crettol**, Stephen M. Crooks, Elizabeth R. Delaney, Christina M. Dobson, Jill R. Downey, Kenneth L. Evans, Jennifer E. Faurote, Anthony A. Flesch, Craig S. Fosnaugh**, Michelle R. Grawer, Nancy A. Grone, Thomas H. Havens, Neil W. Herrberg, Shawn E. Hoffman, Karen L. Kaehr**, Ellen J. Lemon**, Anh K. Luu, Jeffrey C. McClory, Andrea M. Merrick, Christine M. Miller, Cindy L. Moore, Brent A. Myers, Sherry L. Myers, Karen L. Offerle-Wilcoxson, Jamie L. Palmer, Amanda M. Patrick, Penny L. Pazder, Jennifer K. Ranbo, Steven D. Sandkuhler, Shelly L. Sinclair*, Robert D. Snowball Jr., Mackenzie S. Stocksdale, Shad A. Turner, Scotland M. Vincent, Gail M. Wilkerson, Laura R. Yoder
The Wearing of the Honors Cords by Kim De Leon, SAC Committee
Honors students from both Indiana University and Purdue University will wear their honors cords at Commencement on May 14, 2003. A tentative list of honors candidates is submitted in February. For General Studies students, this list is based on the fall 2002 cumulative grade-point average. Those listed and who purchase a cap and gown will receive confirmation and information from Marianne Messmann, coordinator of Academic Ceremonies. The letter includes how each academic school will distribute honors cords to students prior to Commencement. General Studies honors cords will be presented at 6 p.m. during the precommencement party. Even though honors will be listed on the diploma and transcript, students must attend the Commencement ceremony on May 14 to receive their honors cords. Questions or concerns about academic honors or recognition can be directed to your advisor in General Studies or Marianne Messmann at 260-481-6480.
IPFW Commencement News 2003 by Kim De Leon, Class 2002 Representative
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2003 ! All of your hard work has paid off and now it is time to celebrate! To be eligible to participate in the May 14, 2003, Commencement ceremony at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, you must have completed graduation requirements by December 2002, May 2003, or within the summer sessions of 2003. Attendance at the ceremony is not required, but it is encouraged. The two-hour ceremony will be followed by a post-graduation celebration at the Coliseum. No tickets are necessary for you or your guests to participate. If any of your guests has a disability, special accommodations can be arranged by contacting Academic Ceremonies at 260-481-6460. This year's class will be selling monogrammed bricks for placement in the Alumni Millennium Walk at the front of campus. Bricks will be sold to graduating seniors for $25 with profits being donated to IPFW scholarship funds for future students. After Commencement on May 14, the price of the bricks will return to $50. All graduating seniors are invited to attend the Senior Salute Ceremony on April 29 at the Alumni Millennium Walk site to see their bricks before placement in the walkway. Alumni will be invited back in early October for the annual IPFW Alumni Mastodon Roast to see the final placement of their bricks. IPFW Alumni Director Jennifer Bosk said "It's a great way to leave a legacy from the class of 2003." Student Ambassador Council members have begun working on their campaign for brick sales. Graduates will be notified by phone to explain how they can purchase bricks and to answer their questions about monogramming. Graduates and alumni may call the Office of Development at 260-481-4151 for more information.
Scholarship Opportunities for General Studies Students --Academic Year 2003-04
The following scholarships are available to degree-seeking General Studies students. Candidates must have successfully completed at least one semester (6 credit hours minimum) and have earned a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applications can be picked up in Kettler 145. The return date is June 1, 2003, with the award made by July 15 to meet the first payment deadline: The 2003 Eleanor A. Bieberich Scholarship--$2,500 award for a degree-seeking General Studies student The School of Continuing Studies Dean's Scholarship--$500 scholarship Ford P. Hall Scholarships--three $400 scholarships are available to General Studies students on all eight campuses of Indiana University The James E. Weigand Scholarship--a one-time opportunity honoring the former dean of the School of Continuing Studies. Weigand, who was a popular dean from 1979 to 1993, was dedicated to life-long learning. IPFWAA Scholarships--seven $1,000 scholarships offered by the IPFW Alumni Association. You will find this information at http://www.ipfw.edu/alumni/scholars/.
Grads, you are invited …
Congratulations, graduates! We applaud you on the completion of your General Studies degree and invite you to a very special pre-commencement celebration at 5:30 p.m., May 14, at the Memorial Coliseum. December, May, June, and August graduates will receive personal invitations by mail in April. Your family and friends are welcome to join in the festivities. The pregraduation party is sponsored each year by Indiana University School of Continuing Studies alumni. Their generosity is appreciated and we cordially invite alumni to join us to honor these graduates. (Serving this year on the SAC Planning Committee is Terri Emerick.)
A Decade of Generally Speaking by Sandy McMurtrie
Ten springs ago, when we printed 500 copies of the first edition of the Continuing Studies newsletter, we also certified 30 December graduates, gave students a mail-in option for registration, and recognized two outstanding students--Felicia Beeching and Wanda Jayne Baker. This week, we are printing nearly 2,500 newsletters for 800 current students and more than 1,500 alumni. The spring 2003 semester set a record of 459 students registering for 3,740 credit hours, and we have 106 May graduates to process. Students now can register online; take courses by video, TV, or Internet; and attend classes in the summer on the weekends. And we are still in contact with Beeching and Baker. Relatively speaking, the future is taking us into e-advising, alumni development, and quality partnerships with Academic Counseling and Career Services, Alumni Relations, and new programs such as the School of Education's Transition to Teaching initiative. We are experiencing more students leaving full-time employment to complete degrees, planning for graduate school while completing undergraduate degrees, and increased volunteering for alumni activities. Please feel free to contact us at 2600-481-6828 when you see other opportunities for growth and development of the General Studies program. Your success is our future.
GS Bulletin Board
DATES TO REMEMBER Summer I Payment Deadline: May 8 Summer II Payment Deadline: June 19 Early Fall Payment Deadline: July 31 There will be no “washout” event this year! Students will be notified of late payment charges by mail. OASIS NOTES: Be alert to starting dates and ending dates on the OASIS schedule of summer classes. Print your own schedule of classes to check your registration.
To the more than 60 IPFW students who have been activated to serve in the Persian Gulf: We want you to know that we honor your service and await your safe return to IPFW!
Students and Alumni in the News
Current Students: Sherry L. Myers, Kim R. De Leon, Erica T. McCuiston, and Kathleen M. Richey, recipients of university scholarships honored at the Honors Convocation, October 2002; Mandy Witkovsky, promoted to ITServices Help Desk supervisor at IPFW; Jason Gradeless, Sherry Myers, Lisa Young, and Karen Offerle-Wilcoxson completed the PACE program; Steve Wyatt opened an American Family Insurance agency on Illinois Road in Fort Wayne; Marsha Wurm has accepted a position with PBS 39 WFWA as special events coordinator. Contact Marsha for a great volunteer opportunity. James Wenglikowski received an award of excellence from the Fort Wayne Police Department. Alumni: Vanessa Cochran, Kathleen Polston, Thelma Tabron, Cheri McDowell, Lisa Young are 2001 grads who were honored at the Lincoln Financial Group College Celebration, September 2002. Carol Tanner has a new position as resource development coordinator at the Dupont Women’s Resource Center. Kristina Frazier-Henry is in a new position as director at RCI in Indianapolis. Her husband, graduate Michael Henry, is a copy editor for Macmillan Publishing. They say they have a fantastic son, Ethan! Patricia Sagester Arthur recently published Making Joyful Noises, A History of the Pipe Organs of Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Brandy Johnson is attending graduate school at Western Michigan University to pursue a master's in human resource development. Anne Shirmeyer is chairperson for the NIAVA, Northeast Indiana Association of Volunteer Administrators and is employed by Park Center. Meg Mettler, development and outreach, IU School of Medicine-Fort Wayne, has earned a certificate in fundraising management from the Center on Philanthropy at IU. The Umbrella Story, a book written by Barry LaBov illustrating the importance of passion and communication in business relationships, is being featured as a corporate training workshop series for the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Contact the chamber to attend this breakfast series. Andrew N. Wittke, has been selected to become an F-16 pilot in the USAF for the Ohio Air National Guard in October 2003.
GENERAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM Division of Continuing Studies 2101 E. COLISEUM BLVD. FORT WAYNE, IN 46805-1499
Graduating Fall ‘03? Call NOW!
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