Cal U President's Perspective

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Advancing Careers: Building a foundation for success SPRING

2011 From the desk of Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., president of California University of Pennsylvania

W

ould you take your car to a repair shop where the technicians were honest and reputable but didn’t have the latest equipment? Where they didn’t understand the intricacies of the 21st-century car?

Of course not.

Would you choose a service center where the technicians were skilled at car repair, but had larceny in their hearts?

I’m sure you wouldn’t.

You’d choose, instead, a technician you could trust — a worker who has built a reputation for being both competent and of good character.

That’s the thinking behind Cal U’s FROM THE PRESIDENT mission of Building Careers.

We know that job skills, while essential, aren’t enough. Truly successful careers are founded on both competence and character.

In our Cal U courses, through our student support services and in campus activities, we help students strengthen both of these essential attributes.

Our goal is to graduate capable, trustworthy leaders — men and women poised for success now and in the future.

Because we recognize that competence and character are two sides of the same coin, two transcripts document student progress at Cal U. An academic transcript testifies to competence, listing all coursework completed. An activities transcript — also an official University document — chronicles volunteer work, community service, internships and other character-building experiences.

We believe these twin transcripts give our graduates an edge in today’s competitive job market.

More importantly, we are convinced that the competence and character they document will provide the foundation for a successful career.

I invite you to play a part in our University’s career-building efforts.

A number of outreach and mentoring opportunities are available through our Career Services and Alumni Relations offices.

One place to start is the Cal U Career Network group on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com, a social networking site for professionals. With close to 400 members and counting, the Cal U Career Network is a great place to connect with students and alumni who are actively involved in advancing their own careers, and in helping others along the way.

With warm regards,

Angelo Armenti, Jr. President, California University of Pennsylvania

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Senior Jeff Ward’s resumé includes an internship in Washington, D.C., where the political science major with a pre-law concentration gained valuable work experience.

Advancing careers CAL U LAYS A FOUNDATION FOR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH

H

ow does a university measure its relationships that are the foundation of success? At Cal U, we often look continuing success. to our alumni.

Trust is the currency When we see California of those all-important University graduates taking relationships, says their place in the workDr. Stephen R. Covey, By focusing on both character force, becoming leaders author of The 7 Habits and careers, California University in their fields and making of Highly Effective People. a positive difference in In order to be successful, is perfectly positioned to produce the lives of others, we leaders must prove leaders — people who can be know that our institution themselves trustworthy highly effective in both their is fulfilling its mission by demonstrating two careers and their personal lives. of Building Character, key virtues: competence Building Careers. and character.

Of course, it is always Both traits are gratifying to hear from essential. Few people young graduates who have landed their will trust an incompetent to lead. Nor first job. That initial success is a testament will they trust a person of questionable to their hard work — and a positive character. reflection on the excellent faculty who However, competent men and women prepared them to succeed. of good character do inspire trust. Because But there is more to Building Careers they prove themselves trustworthy, they than helping our students get a foot in the can build the relationships required to door. To truly fulfill its mission, Cal U become leaders in the workplace and must prepare future leaders — capable, at home. confident individuals who can forge the

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B u i l d i n g Viewed in this light, it becomes obvious that both parts of Cal U’s mission are indispensable. Building Character is inextricably linked to Building Careers. By focusing on both character and careers, California University is perfectly positioned to produce leaders — people who can be highly effective in both their careers and their personal lives.

Classroom competence So how does Cal U equip students for a lifetime of professional and personal growth?

First, we nurture competence by offering strong academic programs — about 150 undergraduate majors or concentrations and 50 graduate programs.

More than 80 percent of Cal U’s programs of study are accredited by nationally recognized agencies, assuring that they meet established quality standards. In addition, experienced professionals serve on advisory boards for many programs, ensuring that academic training aligns with workforce needs.

The University’s longest-standing program accreditation dates to 1954, when the teacher education program was accredited by NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The work of obtaining and renewing accreditation continues across our campus,

C h a r a c t e r . with a goal of securing accreditation for all eligible programs.

Strong programs rely on a faculty dedicated to excellence in both teaching and learning. Most Cal U faculty members have terminal degrees, and many are involved in cutting-edge research that advances their own standing in the community of scholars.

Under the guidance of these energetic professors, students not only acquire knowledge but also witness leadership and career development firsthand.

Recognizing that change is inevitable in the 21st-century workplace, Cal U offers classes that emphasize both job-specific and broad-based, transferrable skills.

In the Job Outlook 2011 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, business leaders identified verbal communication, a strong work ethic, teamwork, analytical thinking and initiative as the five key attributes they look for in job candidates. Undergraduate coursework, in particular, develops these adaptable, durable skills.

Graduate programs focus more specifically on career advancement. Cal U’s Global Online makes it especially convenient for mid-career professionals to earn a master’s degree or postsecondary certificate while fulfilling other commitments at home or on the job.

Cal U hosts workshops and seminars where both students and professionals can learn new skills. Here, Washington School District teacher David Bunting and graduate student Sally Groves ’08 explore social media.

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B u i l d i n g For example, teachers can enhance their competence in technology education, English as a second language, or STEM education.

Experienced educators can position themselves for leadership roles by completing the administrative program for principals or earning a superintendent’s letter of eligibility.

Justice professionals can earn a master’s degree in applied criminology, a new Global Online offering. For healthcare professionals, Cal U offers a popular MSN program in nursing administration and leadership. Two new certificate programs in Spanish address the specific needs of leaders in business and law enforcement.

These 100 percent online programs, and many more, are delivered with the same commitment to quality as Cal U’s face-to-face classes. And because our University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Cal U Global Online students earn a degree they can point to with pride.

Character at work There is no shortcut to competence, but Cal U educators know that ability alone will not suffice. They understand that professional ethics and strong personal values — in short, character — are required to secure a successful career and a fulfilling life.

In fact, a faculty committee has been meeting for more than a year to discuss ways to integrate character-building into the curriculum.

Other initiatives are already under way.

Through the Character Education Institute, every member of the Cal U community is offered 7 Habits training free of charge.

Some professors also weave elements of Dr. Covey’s leadership principles into their day-to-day teaching. They realize that fostering habits such as “Begin with the end in mind” and “Synergize” prepares students for success in the workplace and beyond.

By nurturing these principles and holding students to high standards of integrity, civility and responsibility — the University’s core values — Cal U fosters a campus culture in which character counts.

Long before graduation day, Cal U encourages students to test both their competence and their character in realworld situations.

C a r e e r s .

Student-teacher Jackie Davis reads with the thirdgrade class at Pittsburgh Mifflin PreK-8, in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Internships and pre-service teaching experiences challenge them to respond competently to the demands of an actual workplace. Immersed in the corporate culture, they quickly learn the character traits required to succeed.

The most successful interns also demonstrate leadership. They use this valuable experience to earn the trust of future colleagues and prove their trustworthiness to a potential employer. In short, they start to build a career.

At Cal U, Building Careers doesn’t end on graduation day. In the spirit of Cal U for Life, the door to Career Services remains open.

At any stage of their career, alumni may contact the office for job search assistance, career assessments, networking opportunities and referrals. All services are free — one small part of the lifelong relationship the University hopes to maintain with every one of its graduates.

At Cal U, our alumni are a constant source of pride. Through their competence and character, our University graduates have built noteworthy careers in education and professional studies, in science and technology, and in the liberal arts. We celebrate their continuing achievements — and we recognize that their success is our success, as well.

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B u i l d i n g

C h a r a c t e r .

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An internship can be life-changing.

Some students find their voice, and others find their passion.

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Karen Primm Director Internship Center

Internships build resumés –– and character

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aren Primm challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and into the workplace. Long before graduation, she wants them to start thinking about a career.

“I won’t be happy until all our students have some real-world experience before they leave here,” says Primm, the director of Cal U’s Internship Center since it opened in 2004.

Last year more than 3,000 Cal U students participated in some form of “experiential learning,” including pre-service teaching and non-credit co-ops. Of those students, nearly 900 completed a facultysupervised internship for academic credit.

It’s a start, Primm says, but it’s not enough. In a competitive job market, employers look first at candidates who have proven themselves in the workforce, as well as in the classroom. She wants every Cal U graduate to have that advantage.

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An internship builds confidence, Primm says, as students put their academic training to the test. Some are surprised to discover how much they already know.

The experience tests their character, too.

“When students take on internships, they find out that leadership is a process,” she says. “It’s not just at the top. There is leadership at every level.”

Immersed in the corporate culture, interns see the importance of principles such as confidentiality, ethical accounting, social responsibility and respect for diversity. They begin to build relationships with colleagues and employers, based on mutual trust.

“They have to discover their own values, articulate them and use those values to make decisions,” Primm explains.

“They don’t only learn from doing the work; they learn from reflecting on it. And what could be more character-building?”

B u i l d i n g

An internship may not be a student’s first job, but it’s often his or her first professional experience — the first true step toward a career.

To help students prepare, the Internship Center screens candidates and refers them to Career Services for interview training and a resumé review. Once they are prepared, students apply for an internship just as they would for a job.

Employers may select interns based on their competence, but Primm has made character-building a part of the process, too.

Every potential intern is required to complete five professional-level training modules before the internship begins. The online lessons address safety and security, professional development, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and diversity in the workplace.

During the work experience, each intern is supervised by a faculty member, as well as someone at the job-site.

C a r e e r s .

Journals, portfolios, logs, papers or other evaluations document their progress. An intern typically earns three to 12 credits, which are noted on his or her academic transcript. Details of the internship also can be included on the student’s activities transcript, an official document that can be shared with prospective employers.

Primm hopes to continue making high-quality internships available, including opportunities to work in major U.S. cities and even overseas.

But whether it’s close to home or a world away, an internship can be life-changing.

Some students find their voice, she says, and others find their passion. With the help of Rutledge Internship Award scholarships, some are able to live and work away from home for the very first time.

“I want every student to have this opportunity,” Primm says. “I want every one of them to graduate with a resumé filled with experiences.”

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Internships give students an edge in the job market.

They introduce employers to talented, motivated potential employees. And they give generous donors a chance to make a real difference in a student’s future.

You can help launch a career!

STUD EN TS: Identify your skills and define your career goals. Then contact the Internship Center to learn about the process.

Begin early — all internships must be approved and students must register their intent well in advance.

E MPLOY ERS: Call the Internship Center at 724-938-1578 and request the Guide for Employers. Develop an internship description, identify a supervisor and use the online Employer/Internship Form to add your business to the Internship Center database.

FRI EN DS: Invest in student success through Cal U’s capital campaign, The Campaign to Build Character and Careers. Or ask about the Rutledge Internship Award scholarships, which support students who otherwise could not afford this valuable experience. To learn how you can help, visit www.calu.edu/giving.

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C h a r a c t e r .

7 Habits guides work with clients, colleagues

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n a class she taught last fall, Dr. Elizabeth Gruber asked her graduate students to consider their “professional journey.”

Then she gave these aspiring counselors a guidebook: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Dr. Stephen R. Covey.

“Character is so important,” says Gruber, a professor in the Department of Counselor Education.

Lives and careers go off track, she believes, “when people are not focused on principles.”

The 7 Habits points them in the right direction.

Gruber was among the first faculty members to participate in 7 Habits training at Cal U, and then to be certified as an instructor. She volunteers to teach the program once or twice a year, presenting the program to students, faculty and staff.

When it fits naturally, Gruber also incorporates the 7 Habits vocabulary into her classroom and clinical work.

“It addresses a lot of issues around relationships,” she says. “And it’s helpful to have a common language to discuss character in the workplace.”

From a counselor’s perspective, Habit 1: Be Proactive is about choosing your own response, not merely reacting to others.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win is a guide for building balanced relationships.

And Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood is a reminder to listen with empathy.

“Trust is a core element within the counseling relationship. You have to establish trust, or the work you do may not be effective,” Gruber explains.

“But in any field, people are more willing to work with you when there is trust. If they don’t trust you, don’t see you as a person of character, they will back away and you won’t get the support you need.

“Dr. Covey’s idea of making deposits into that ‘emotional bank account’ is something we should do every day.”

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The American Counseling Association has a formal code of ethics for clinicians, and the counselor education program at Cal U examines its tenets in depth. The ethics code insists that counselors take care of themselves, so that stress in their personal and professional lives doesn’t adversely affect their work with clients.

“We need to be able to stay healthy — physically, mentally, socially/emotionally and spiritually. In that regard, I see the 7 Habits as a tool for wellness, too.”

Gruber points out that she was introduced to Dr. Covey’s insights as she was returning to full-time work after the birth of her fourth child.

“It helped me, personally, to put things into perspective. We’re always in the process of trying to achieve balance, and it gave me language I could use to talk with supervisors, and even my family, about priorities and what I truly needed to do.”

Graduate students in her counselor education class saw the value of 7 Habits on the job, says Gruber, who makes regular site visits to observe students who are working to become school or community-based counselors. “They found they could use these habits not just with clients, but also in meetings, or with challenging colleagues.”

One class member, a high school counselor, now talks with her students about “healthy habits.” Others have found the habits applicable to their personal relationships, as well as workplace situations.

“People respond to The 7 Habits differently, depending where they are in their life and in their career,” Gruber says. “Different habits speak to them in different ways.

“But we’ve all seen how these habits play out. When you have a leader with strong character, you’ll get through the hard times. With a leader you trust, you’ll be able to get through the storm.”

B u i l d i n g

C a r e e r s .

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Trust is a core element within the counseling relationship. You have to establish trust, or the work you do may not be effective.

Dr. Elizabeth Gruber Professor and Field Coordinator Department of Counselor Education

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B u i l d i n g

C h a r a c t e r .

MAT program advances teaching careers

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alifornia University has been building careers in education for more than 150 years. To help good teachers become even better, Cal U offers a Master of Arts Teaching: Advanced Studies in Secondary Education.

“The MAT program’s advanced track is for middle school and high school educators who are looking to advance within their profession,” says Dr. Joseph Zisk, program coordinator for the past seven years. “It’s about becoming the best teacher possible.”

The 100 percent online program correlates with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and it helps teachers prepare for the rigorous National Board Certification process.

MAT students typically have been full-time educators for several years. The program strengthens their competence in areas such as classroom management, curriculum design and learning assessment.

“This advanced class is based on research,”

explains Zisk, a Cal U alumnus who spent 26 years in public schools before returning to his alma mater.

“We focus on proven strategies, and we ask our students to practice them in their own classrooms.”

Zisk introduces teachers to instructional technology that can enhance learning and engage “digital natives” growing up in the Internet Age. He shows teachers how to embed audio files into PowerPoint presentations, then post the lessons online for students to review. He encourages them to use wikis and blogs, “to get students to help one another.” He adds audio comments when grading their papers and uses Web-based polling tools to take quick surveys in class.

To advance their careers, teachers must learn to use such high-tech tools effectively, Zisk says. Many public schools are offering cyber-classes or “blended” courses that include both face-to-face and online components.

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It’s understood that teachers are models in their classrooms. We also must model the character we want to see in our students.

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Dr. Joseph Zisk, Program Coordinator Master of Arts Teaching: Advanced Studies in Secondary Education

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President’s Perspective is published by California University of Pennsylvania.

A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

CHANCELLOR Dr. John C. Cavanaugh

B u i l d i n g C a r e e r s .

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Kenneth M. Jarin, chairman Aaron Walton, vice chair C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni, vice chair Leonard B. Altieri III Rep. Matthew E. Baker Marie Conley Lammando Paul S. Dlugolecki Rep. Michael K. Hanna Sen. Vincent J. Hughes Jonathan B. Mack

Zisk uses advanced technology when teaching the MAT courses because “a good teacher models effective teaching strategies.”

“It’s understood that teachers are models in their classrooms,” he says.

“We also must model the character we want to see in our students.”

Character-building is embedded in the MAT program, where discussions regularly touch on issues of integrity and respect.

A three-credit Teacher Leadership course is designed to help educators “think beyond the classroom” and become trusted teacher-leaders.

“I’m not talking about becoming a principal or a superintendent. It’s about how we, as committed classroom teachers, can influence the teaching and learning environment in our schools,” Zisk says.

“Through the MAT program, educators who are serious about teaching, who want to make this their career, will build new skills and get a jump-start on the National Board Certification process.

“This program is not about changing careers — it’s about building a career.”

Joseph F. McGinn Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola Guido M. Pichini Harold C. Shields Thomas M. Sweitzer Christine J. Toretti Gov. Tom Corbett Ronald J. Tomalis, Secretary of Education-designate Jennifer Branstetter, designee for Gov. Corbett

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PRESIDENT Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. Geraldine M. Jones, provost and vice president for academic affairs Dr. Lenora Angelone, vice president for student affairs Dr. Charles Mance, vice president for university technology services Ron Huiatt, vice president for university development and alumni relations Robert Thorn, interim vice president for administration and finance Craig Butzine ’84, interim vice president for marketing and university relations

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES Leo Krantz, chair Robert J. Irey, vice chair Peter J. Daley II ’72, ’75 Jackie Davis, secretary (student trustee) James T. Davis ’73 Annette Ganassi

Lawrence Maggi ’79 Michael Napolitano ’68 Gwendolyn Simmons Jerry Spangler ’74 Aaron Walton ’68 The Hon. John C. Cavanaugh, chancellor, ex-officio

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MASTERING TEACHING The Master of Arts Teaching program at Cal U has two tracks:

Dr. Harry Serene ’65, president Tim Gorske ’62, vice president Dr. Lorraine Vitchoff ’74, secretary Deanne Zelenak ’79, treasurer Rosemary (Rich) Bucchianeri ’69, immediate past president Dr. Roger M. Angelelli ’64 Mary Jo (Zosky) Barnhart ’84 Joseph Dochinez ’51 Kimberly (Mahaffey) Fahey ’97, ’99 Barbara (Williams) Fetsko ’75 Christina (Kost) Fosbrink ’01, ’03 Josh Fosbrink, ’01, ’03 Dr. Paul Gentile ’62

Alan James ’62 Len Keller ’61 Dr. Anthony Lazzaro ’55 Jim Lokay ’02 Lawrence O. Maggi ’79 Don Martin ’89 Dante Morelli ’02 Michael Napolitano ’68 Melanie (Stringhill) Patterson ’82 Fritz Retsch ’62, ’66 Dolly Rozzi ’64 James Stofan ’71 Lynne Stout ’94 Dr. Tim Susick ’76, ’78

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., president Geraldine (Johns) Jones ’71 Ron Huiatt

Leo Krantz Linda (Hootman) Serene ’64 Dr. Michael Slavin ’74

STUDENT MEMBERS Ashley Baird Josh Giffen

TRACK I is for practicing professionals who wish to become certified teachers.

The program consists of online coursework and a three-day face-to-face retreat before students enter the classroom for a 12-week student-teaching experience.

Chase Loper Jason Springer

SAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacqueline Davis Rachel Fletcher Walter D. Harris III Robert Irey Sam Jessee ’90 Bonnie Keener Jim Lokay ’02

TRACK II, advanced secondary studies, is for certified teachers with full-time jobs in a middle school or high school. Delivered completely online, the program is aligned with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and prepares teachers for the National Board Certification process.

Nicole Lowry Katie Mercadante Marc Roncone ’03 Dr. Donald Thompson Michael R. Wagner Joshua Wright

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. Lenora Angelone ’89, ’92,’97 Dr. Nancy Pinardi ’95, ’96, ’98

Leigh Ann Lincoln Larry Sebek

FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda H. Serene ’64, president David L. Amati ’70, vice president Michele Mandell ’69, secretary Paul Kania ’87, treasurer Roger Angelelli ’64 William R. Booker ’74 Thomas Crumrine ’64 Nathaniel W. Dixon William R. Flinn ’68 Richard C. Grace ’63

Cal U also offers master’s degrees in STEM education, English as a second language, technology education, early childhood education and more. Certification for school principals and superintendents also is available.

For more information, visit www.calu.edu and click on “Academics.”

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Annette M. Kaleita ’55 Gary Kennedy ’58 Robert Lippencott ’66 Larry Maggi ’79 Michael A. Perry ’63 Dr. Saundra L. Stout ’72 Steven P. Stout ’85 Dr. Lorraine G. Vitchoff ’74 Ben Wright

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr.Angelo Armenti, Jr., president Ron Huiatt

Dr. Harry Serene ‘65

EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christine Kindl

Greg Sofranko S.C. Spangler

California University of Pennsylvania Building Character. Building Careers.

250 University Avenue California, PA 15419-1394 www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.