025 w Year HAPPY
U p c o m i n g C E L E B R A T I O N s
It takes empathy, patience and compassion to overcome anger, hatred, and resentment.
U p c o m i n g C E L E B R A T I O N s
Google Year In Search: 2024
Each year, Google in partnership with YouTube, produces “Year In Search”, a global reflection of trends With each video, we see what is important to each of us across a worldwide population. Often showing us how small the world is, as our concerns, hopes, loves, and faith are really not that different Take a look at 2024's Year In Search. We hope you enjoy this reflection, as much as we we look forward to it each New Year; giving us insight to the past for inspiration to the future.
12 Signs that You Are Living Your Purpose
By Jan O'Brien, Contributor
What is your big WHY... your purpose ... your passion? And, most importantly, are you currently living it?
When you discover with complete clarity your WHY, then you have uncovered the absolute secret to success for your life and business Of course knowing your WHY is not enough, you must take action daily (no matter how small the step) toward what you desire if you are not there yet.
You are always at your best when your heart (passion) and mind (attitude) are in alignment and connected with your true path and purpose This is true in your personal life as well as with your business When they aren't aligned, there is always a degree of dissatisfaction and unrest.
It has been my experience as a business and life coach, that most of us are searching for our purpose and desire to live it fully This is true of my own personal journey to fully embrace and live my dream of entrepreneurship and becoming a small business owner. While I have always been clear that my purpose and passion is coaching and training, only recently can I say that I am fully enjoying and experiencing these 12 signs that I am living my passion and purpose:
1
You lose track of time. You find yourself working "on" and "in" your business and wonder where did the time go?
You smile and laugh more. And others notice this about you. 2.
What you are doing does not feel like "work." It brings joy and a true sense of accomplishment and satisfaction 3
You trust your heart and your instincts and act on it. You listen to your inner voice and the wisdom found within. 4.
You really light up and become animated when you talk about what you do
5 Your friends and loved ones notice the shift. Interestingly they will fall into one of two camps. Many will support you unconditionally and be happy for you. Others, due to their own insecurities or fears, may actually react in a negative, unsupportive fashion.
7
6 Everything just flows better and more effortlessly. Synchronicities happen You find yourself meeting the right people at the perfect time
If you find yourself not relating to those 12 signs above, then I invite you to explore the following questions and exercises that have helped me and my clients work towards discovering and finally living our true passion and purpose.
Questions to assist you in reflecting on your current situation, business, or focus area.
Why did I choose this business or career path?
Why do I want to stay in business or start a business for myself?
Why do I want to grow my business, increase my income?
Why do I want to systematize my business?
Why do I want to improve my health?
Why do I want to spend more quality time with my kids, spouse, others?
Why do I want to (insert what is important to you) ?
Why is all this so important to me?
By the way, it's never really about the money. It's about what the money will allow you to do, what it will bring to your life, your family and those you serve
Questions & Exercises to Help You Discover Your True Passion & Life Purpose:
What are your natural strengths, skills, and talents?
Take a look at past work, career choices - what did you like? What did you dislike?
What do people ask you to help them with?
What activities really bring joy and fulfillment in your life?
Who inspires you most? Why?
What causes do you strongly believe in and connect with?
What would you do if... you only had one year to live?
What would you be doing if you had unlimited resources at your disposal?
Your Eulogy Exercise
Using the questions below as a guide, write your eulogy.
What would your lifetime achievements be?
What matters the most at the end of your life?
What will be your legacy?
What do you want to be remembered for?
What stories will friends and loved ones share about you and your impact on them?
Are you living that life right NOW? If not, why not? What is standing in your way or holding you back?
Student Resources
Student Services
The Student Services Team is here to help!
Call us at 954-351-4040 or email us at: eCampusStudentServices@keiseruniversity.edu
Heather Cordner, Director
Lakeysha Edwards, Associate Director - Undergraduate Programs
Hisela Tamayo, Associate Director - Latin Division
Abe Johnson, Associate Director - Graduate Programs
Whitley Escobar, Coordinator
Access eCampus Student and Career Services resources on Blackboard 24/7, keiseruniversity blackboard com Located under “My Organizations”
Financial Aid Office
Questions? Please call in at 954-351-4040 and ask for your Financial Aid Officer.
Here are quick links for commonly used websites: Financial Aid Docs Portal FAFSA Website: FAFSA
To get started, You will need: Your FAFSA ID Your 2023 Taxes KU’s FAFSA ID: 015159 Consent All FAFSA contributors must provide consent for IRS Direct Data Exchange https://studentaid gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Office of the Bursars
Who is the Bursar? The Office of the Bursar is responsible for managing student accounts, including student balances, stipend requests, invoices, and payments. Contact the Bursar’s Office at 954-351-4040 or by email: ecampusbursar@keiseruniversity edu Student Portal to review your account: https://campusportal.keiseruniversity.edu/ Campus Online Payment Form: https://forms keiseruniversity edu/ku-ec-online-payment/ 2025 - 2026 FASFA is NOW Open!
Student Resources Office of the Registrar
Ordering Official Transcripts
Ordering Official Transcripts, is quick and easy thanks to Parchment! https://www parchment com/u/registration/2011918/institution
Follow the instructions to first create a free account.
Select “Order Your Transcript”
Enter the destination
Select Delivery Method
Please note there is a cost per copy PLUS shipping.(Costs vary depending on location shipping to and method)
Review Transcript Guidelines, sign and submit the request.
Proceed to checkout to enter payment information.
Please allow 3-5 days for processing
TIP: Plan wisely; order transcripts early! For those graduating, please wait until all final grades have been submitted and your school status changes to Graduate.
If you have questions, please contact the registrar office by calling 954-351-4040 or by email: ecampusregistrars@keiseruniversity.edu
You can also use Parchment to order transcripts from a different institution: Order your transcripts from a different college
Understanding Transcripts
Unofficial Transcripts:
Are printed on plain paper and do not have a college seal or registrar's signature. They are intended for the student's use only and are not accepted for official purposes Unofficial transcripts are best used for personal record-keeping, such as checking grades or progress.
Official Transcripts:
Are issued directly from the institution and are considered more trustworthy They are usually sealed or sent digitally from a secure system and contain the school's seal or signature. Official transcripts are required for many applications, including for educational, employment, and visa purposes.
To receive PERMANENT transfer credits from previous institution(s), provide the Registrar’s office by end of the first semester.
Keiser University eCampus
American Women's Army Corps (WAC) Captain Mary Kearney and American WAC Commanding Officer Major Charity Adams inspect the first arrivals on February 15, 1945 in Birmingham, England
Minnie Riperton (1947-1979)
Mariah Carey is heralded for her whistle register, which is the highest the human voice is capable of reaching. But Riperton perfected the singing technique years before and was best known for her five-octave vocal range. The whistling can be heard on her biggest hit to date, “Lovin’ You.” The infectious ballad was originally created as an ode to her daughter, Maya Rudolph (of Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live fame). However, before she could become a household name, Riperton died from breast cancer at the age of 31.
Gil Scott-Heron was a New York City–based writer, spoken word performer, poet, and musician whose 1970s songs are known for laying the groundwork for rap music. If you have heard the phrase "The revolution will not be televised," you have heard the words of Gil ScottHeron. While both true and timeless, it's the title of Scott-Heron's poem that depicted the disconnected relationship between television/media representation and demonstrations in the street. He has been called the "godfather of rap," and his music and words have been sampled by rappers like Common and Kendrick Lamar. Even if you haven't heard of hi hi k d f ili th thi k O f hi t B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N T H
“Oregon’s Black Pioneers” examines the earliest African-Americans who lived and worked in the region during the mid-1800s. They came as sailors, gold miners, farmers and slaves. Their numbers were small, by some estimates just 60 Black residents in 1850, but they managed to create communities, and in some cases, take on racist laws — and win. B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N T H
Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005)
B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N
Gerald Wilson (1918-2014)
Born in Shelby, Mississippi, Gerald Wilson was a trumpeter, jazz composer, arranger, and bandleader known for "redefin[ing] Big Band." He began taking piano lessons from his mother before taking formal lessons in Memphis. His family moved to Detroit around 1932, where he extended his training at the lauded music program at Cass Technical High School. Known for his unique voice, the hallmark of Wilson's sound involved the use of multiple harmonies His band was
Leadership Distinction Program (LDP)
Do you have a red cord to wear at Graduation?
The Leadership Distinction Program is open to all students. Students must participate in the required number of leadership seminars based upon the length of their program and required number of community service hours:
Associate program: 8 leadership seminars; 8 hours of community service
Bachelor program: 10 leadership seminars; 16 hours of community service
Master and Doctoral programs: 8 leadership seminars; 8 hours of community service
Virtual Seminars are offered each month by Student Services. Complete LDP schedule for the year, along with announcements of upcoming seminars can be found in your Student Services Organization on Blackboard.
The following 4 seminars are required:
Getting the Interview
Includes: Cover Letter, Resume, and Thank you
The Interview
Includes: Interviewing Skills and Soft Skills
Financial Success Strategies Series
3 different seminars are offered in this Topic Series, students are only required to attend one of the specific topics.
Job Search Using Technology
Seminars available :
The Power of Networking Study and Reading Strategies
Time Management
Leadership Development and Soft Skills
Civic Responsibilities
Virtual Interviews
Success in Your Job
Professionalism
Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media
Career Fair Success
Emotional Intelligence
All Seminars part of the Leadership Distinction Program will be announced with the LDP notation, additional topics not listed may be provided by Student Services.
Community Service Hours
Students can complete their hours through volunteer work. For each different event, location or organization a community service form must be complete and submitted to students services for verification. All hours must be submitted prior to graduating.
Successful completion of the program, students will receive:
Single red honor cord to wear at graduation and denoted in commencement program
Letter of completion of Leadership Program by Campus President
Student Certificate
Welcome Seahawk New Associate Deans
Yvette “Michelle” Brown, Dean Michelle, is a new addition to the Dean team in our mission to advance our academic mission. She has a proven track record in administration, analytics, strategic planning, and leadership across industries including education, banking and finance, logistics and the nonprofit sector.
Michelle joined Keiser University in 2016 in Grad School Admissions, she later transitioned to the Outreach Department and was later promoted to Online Operations Manager. Most recently Michelle was promoted to Associate Dean role of the Business Administration, Accounting, Health Service Administration, Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies and General Studies Programs as well as the Math and Science General Education courses.
Prior to Keiser University, Michelle work as the Director of School in Brazil, Professor and Director in the School of Business at an international university in China. Michelle has worked for large for-profit corporations such as DHL and Bank of America. She has also held roles at nonprofits both locally and internationally.
Michelle is passionate about her involvement with outreach to those experiencing homelessness. She has been involved with outreach in the local community from 2006 to the present. Michelle is also very passionate about supporting the mission of human services organizations that are focused on helping those that are less fortunate.
Michelle earned her bachelor's degree in Communications and Psychology from the University of Pittsburg, her MBA from Averett University and her PhD in Public Administration with a focus in nonprofit leadership from Liberty University.
KEISER WRITING STUDIO NEWSLETTER 24FD
Planning for Capstone or Thesis Projects
Define Your Research Question or Thesis Statement
Start with a clear, focused question or statement to anchor your project Ask yourself: What problem am I addressing, and why does it matter?
Refine your focus as you conduct initial research to ensure your question is feasible and meaningful
Create a Timeline
Phase 1: Research and outline, compile sources, and shape your argument. Phase 2: Draft key sections (e g , literature review, methodology). Phase 3: Revise and polish Leave time for multiple rounds of editing!
Manage Sources Effectively
Organize your sources and format citations. Take detailed notes on/within each source to build a strong foundation for analysis and synthesis
Seek Feedback Regularly
Regularly working with the Writing Studio will save you time, ensure you’re on the right track, and improve the quality of your work Aim to share outlines/prewriting material and early drafts as you finish them rather than waiting until the end.
Capstone and thesis projects are marathons, not sprints. To stay energized, remember to take breaks, sleep well, and prioritize time for activities you enjoy. A rested mind is a productive one!
Submit a paper for feedback
Ask a question
Check your work for plagiarism
A Word From the Wise
Or, “What we wish we had known for our first jobs.”
The transition from school to work is a big one You’re starting down a new path, and even if you have some basic skills and experiences under your belt, you still have a lot to learn We asked business professionals of all ages to share bits of wisdom they wish they had known before their first jobs insight that would have helped make their transitions from college to career easier Here’s what they had to say:
You’re judged by your work, not education
You may have spent the past 4–10 years focusing on one field of study. You crammed for midterms, aced finals, and studied to become as much of an expert in your major as you could Still, once you start work, you’ll only carry the foundation of that learning into the workplace. In many ways, “real” life education begins with your first job. Even if you garnered accolades in every class, you’ll need to prove yourself in the workplace Conversely, if you feel that you pursued the wrong discipline, you might opt to apply for jobs in your preferred field. In the end, what you majored in won't matter as much as your performance on the job.
There are no perfect jobs, but there are good jobs
Whether or not your first job is what you think you wanted, it’s probably not flawless And that’s okay! Rarely is there a perfect or ideal job but there is one that’s close Use the 80% rule when thinking about your job: if it’s 80% of what you are looking for, you’re very lucky. If not, ask yourself is your job teachingyounewskills orhelpingyougettowhere you need to be? If so, you’re on the right track!
You need to adapt to the company culture, not the other way around
Each company has it own unique culture. And you will need to adapt to it because it will not adapt to you For example, some companies have many group meetings, others will only email Some organizations will be very social, while others will only meet outside of work for the office holiday party. Whatever each company’s culture is, you must do your best to fit in.
Learn to talk to managers and those who are your parents’ age
If your previous role was Student, it’s likely you had limited experience conversing with those much older than you. That all will change when you begin your career and work with people of different ages Realize that you, your managers, their managers are all professionals on the same team So present yourself confidently around them. That doesn’t mean you should speak informally, or use slang. However, it doesmean that you don’t need to wait to be “called on” to contribute
It’s a waste of time to compare yourself to others
When you leave college, you and your peers start down separate paths Each road is different. Therefore, it’s rather meaningless to compare your success to your former classmates’ since everyone’s goals and challenges will vary greatly Learn to judge your success by your own metrics, whether they be financial, personal, or something else.
Be open to feedback and ask for help
You’re new, and you are not expected to know everything So ask for help if you don’t know how to complete a task, are having computer issues, or weren’t clear on your instructions If you’re unclear, it’s better to get the right directions or the directions right than to spend a lot of time doing something incorrectly and then have to re-do all the work
And, since you arenew, ask for feedback The sooner you are open to feedback, the faster your skills will improve and the better you will become Everyone receives feedback from management and colleagues so get used to it and learn to love it
n a nutshell:
You may not have a career crystal ball to consult, but you can listen to the voices of reason and experience:
• Your actions will speak louder than your diploma
• Use even less-than-perfect jobs asopportunities to advance your skills and career path
• Don’t measure your own self-worth using someone else’s yardstick It’s up to you to adapt to a new company and culture
• Speak up whenever you have something of value to share
• Have the good sense to ask for help and the humility to listen to and accept feedback
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can never live long enough to make them all yourself ” Marx Groucho
A Financial Reset for 2025
Contributed By: Geoff Stam, Director
Hello 2025! While we set our financial sights on a new year, we continue to see everything from eggs, to gasoline, to clothing, to our electric bill cost us more money. Our dollar seems to cover less and less With that in mind, how do we make the money we have stretch further?
It’s time to re-evaluate and reset our budget. We don’t necessarily have to cut out or down on everything we do, but where can we make some adjustments to make sure everything we need to cover financially is handled.
Wondering where to start? Begin with the ShortTerm Financial Goals. These goals typically are less complicated to complete and generally more manageable Anything from saving for an emergency fund, paying down a credit card or other debt, saving for a special item, or making sure you are breaking-even at the end of the month/budgeting period Your goals depend on your personal (family) financial status. Create these goals with the SMART principles in mind to set you on your path.
The SMART principles:
Specific – very clearly defined;
Measurable – has check-points to show progress; Attainable – a goal that you can complete and is not out of reach;
Relevant – goal is yours (and your family’s) and important to your financial health; Time-Framed – you have a time to complete it (3 months, 6 months, 12 months)
Next, determine your income, identify expenses (ALL of them), and create a simple budget This is your roadmap to completing your financial objectives View your budget as a guide to your money and not a restrictive document A way for you to tell your money what to do versus wondering what happened to it all. But don’t forget to treat yourself (even if it’s a small treat) within your budget. Your short-term goals should drive this budget
If you’ve never created a budget before, it might be frustrating initially and the first attempt may not be successful, and that’s okay If you learn from the mistakes and apply them to the next budget, it will be more effective.
Plus, there are plenty of FREE tools available to take advantage of that can assist you along the way
It’s not a document set in stone, it will change and refine itself over time The more you use it, the more effective the budget will become, and you will see your goals nearing completion. Here are some sites to help:
https://www google com/sheets/about/ https://mint intuit com/ https://goodbudget.com/ https://www.rocketmoney.com/ https://www ramseysolutions com/everydollar/bud geting
https://portal.iontuition.com
Focus on the positive that comes from any of the financial goals you have achieved! Don’t let your mistakes to stop you from trying to realize financial success, learn from them Every goal you reach will help you move on to the next goal and the next With some work, determination, and perseverance, you can make 2023 a financial success!
Attention Student Loan Borrowers!
If you hold federal direct Unsubsidized loans, interest will start to accrue on those loans from the time they are disbursed Federal direct Subsidized loans will continue to have interest paid by the federal government while you remain a student above ½ time (in-school deferment) or are on a deferment period such as grace period
Please register for the free website https://portal.iontuition.com to track your loans; know your servicer, review interest rates and accrual as it restarts, understand repayment plans/options, as well as deferment, forbearance, and consolidation
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional assistance. I can be reached at (904) 238-3099 or gstam@keiseruniversity.edu .
Career Services
From Our Team to You: Practical Tips & Graduate Voices
Tips for Job Seekers in 2025: Expert Advice from Tips for Job Seekers in 2025: Expert Advice from Keiser University's Student Services Directors Keiser University's Student Services Directors
Student
and
Graduate Stories Student and Graduate Stories
Left: Meet Saudia Akter, a proud alumna of Keiser University with a BA in Cyber Forensics
Right: Current student, Samuel Mercado, shares his journey so far as he pursues his Doctoral Degree
Left: Hometown Hero, Yolanda Cope, shares her inspiring journey back to education to get her MBA
Right: Carolina Bücker, a proud Keiser University alumna, reflects on her journey of earning a BA in Psychology while balancing motherhood
New and active students are eligible to receive (1) student ID card free of charge.
*Replacement/Duplicate IDs are $15.
To receive your ID, simply email ecampusstudentservices@KeiserUniversity.edu , attach your appropriate photo, and provide your Keiser Student ID number.
All photos must meet the following criteria:
Selfie/Headshot with the entire front of the face
No Filters/No Editing the photo
No hats or sunglasses
No angles. Image should be straight on.
Not zoomed all the way in
No picture of pictures
