March/April 2009
T H I S
I S S U E
FINANCIAL AID | PAGE 3
RONDA VALENTINE Degree Completion Student Spotlight
Ronda Valentine lives in Chillicothe, Ohio, and previously attended Southeastern Business College where she completed her Associate’s Degree in 2007. Ronda is in the online Bachelor of Business Administration Program and will complete her degree in August 2009. She maintains a 3.4 grade point average.
TRANSCRIPTS | PAGE 3 THE SECRET TO WRITING “A” PAPERS | PAGE 4 ARE YOU READY FOR GRADUATION? | PAGE 5 NEWS AND EVENTS | 6
TU: What sparked your interest in the Degree Completion Program at Tiffin University?
TOLEDO ACADEMIC CENTER DIRECTOR | 7 DCP STAFF | 8
recognize your
RV: The degree of personal attention that the admission staff as well as everyone that I came in contact with. They were very helpful and did not treat me as just another student. Everyone has treated me with respect and is always willing to help.
self-worth.
TU: What does your job entail?
Invest in yourself,
Education gives you power.
RV: My father had a used camper and motor home sales business for over twenty-five years. When he passed away in February 2008, I decided to try to keep his dream alive and continue with his business. We are still going strong.
TU: Family information/interests?
Founded in 1888, Tiffin University is proud to offer a personal and practical education for motivated, professionally focused students who want real-world experiences and results.
RV: I have two children and one grandchild. Since my family is getting smaller, they mean a lot to me. I try to spend as much time with them as I can and try to be a good example to them. I enjoy going to the lake and just watching the boats and relaxing. We have a wonderful park in Chillicothe and we enjoy going there at all times of year. Spring is the most beautiful time of the year at the park. (continued on page 2)
D E G R E E
C O M P L E T I O N
P R O G R A M
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RONDA VALENTINE Degree Completion Student Spotlight
(continued from page 1)
TU: What is your favorite course so far in the Program?
RV: Wow! This is a hard question. I have enjoyed almost all of my classes. The ones that stand out the most would be Literature and the class that I am in right now, International Management. Literature gave me a chance to dig deeper into the reading. The instructor was great at bringing out the best in each one of us in class. The International Management class has been very enlightening as we learn about different cultures and how other countries view business management.
TU: You have faced many personal struggles in the last year or so with losing both of your parents. How have you managed to stay so motivated and determined to finish your degree despite these struggles?
RV: I have always been a person who overcomes challenges. I have a lot of determination to succeed. My daughter is a huge inspiration with me completing my goals. I want to be the best person that I can be. The only way that I can accomplish this is to complete what I have started. I consider my education as investing in myself. You are never too old to learn. I am thinking about going further with my education after this degree is completed. If someone would have told me that I would have a Bachelor’s degree, I would have said they were crazy. When I was in high school, I did not see the importance of education and now I do.
TU: What advice can you give others who are currently in the Degree Completion Program who may be struggling and juggling with it all (work, family, school)?
RV: Do Not Quit! Whether you are in seated classes or on-line, you will get through the struggles. I have always had this saying “This too shall pass” and it does. No matter what it is that is getting in the way of your goals, it will pass. Invest in yourself, recognize your self-worth. Education gives you power. I remember a time speaking with Amy Wood when my father was so ill, about possibly taking a break. She told me how this would affect me and my grades and overall degree. In my weakness, I picked myself up emotionally and moved forward and did not quit. There was even a time when I thought that I was going to have to take an incomplete, because my summary paper was due when my mother passed away. I used the summary paper to get my mind off my loss. Not only did I get my paper in, I did not have to get an incomplete on my record. You can do anything that you set out to do. You are the one that makes that decision. Life sometimes does get in the way, but just keep looking forward at all the advantages you will have after you get your degree. The sense of fulfillment that you will have upon completing your degree has no price.
TU: What are your goals and aspirations upon graduation?
RV: Going further with my education at Tiffin. I have this elderly lady who is my role model. There was an article written about her graduation with a bachelor’s degree at the age of 76 and her next goal was to get her master’s degree. If she could do it at the age of 76, then I could too! My goal for my father’s business is to continue with it, and applying what I have learned, make it grow.
TU: Any additional thoughts or comments?
RV: I would like to thank everyone at Tiffin University. This includes my instructors for being patient with me during personal struggles. Thank you to my classmates; I have enjoyed working with them on projects, threaded discussions, and sharing their thoughts and personal experiences. A very special thanks goes out to Amy Wood. This young lady has been awesome. She has been there for me through it all. Whenever I call or e-mail her, she quickly gets back to me with the answers. Tiffin University is very fortunate to have such a caring and proficient employee. I would wish everyone the best in the years to come.
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FINANCIAL AID SEMINARS Ashley Runion, Financial Aid Counselor for Degree Completion Program students will provide two online seminars. All are welcome to attend and no pre-registration is required.
Financial Aid 101: Understanding your financial aid (at TU)! April 21st at 7:15 p.m. or April 22nd at 12:15 p.m.
FAFSA: What you need to know! May 27th at 7:15 p.m. and May 28th at 12:15 p.m. All sessions will last approximately 1/2 hour. To attend seminars you will need an internet connected computer and a telephone (toll free in the USA). To access the seminars use the following information: Website: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/589820350 Meeting ID: 589-820-350
TRANSCRIPTS WONDERING ABOUT UPDATED TRANSCRIPTS? Are you wondering why it takes so long for your unofficial transcript to be updated with your completed Degree Completion classes? The Registrar’s office waits until all cohorts finish a term before transcripts are updated. To view your grade for a completed class, please refer to your grade report that can be found on the TU Portal. Log into the TU Portal: http://tunet.tiffin.edu Student Resource Tab Click on the link: “My Records and Resources” found in the area “What can My Records and Resources do for you?”
ORDERING OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS It is sometimes necessary to order official transcripts in order to take outstanding courses or for job opportunities. To get an official copy of your TU transcript, please click here. (See attached document)
Audio: 1 888-824-5783 (USA) +1 617-213-8002 (International) Participant’s pass code: 49144065
Ashley Runion Financial Aid Counselor (800) 968-6446, ext. 3452 Fax: 419-443-5006 RunionA@tiffin.edu
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The Secret to Writing “A” Papers You do not have to have a high IQ to write a term paper that gets an “A.” All you have to do is: • Always keep in mind you are writing your paper for one person, your instructor. • Select a topic interesting for you and one that your instructor feels is important. • Show your instructor your outline for your paper before putting a lot of work into it. • Make your paper a series of answers to important questions. • Demonstrate your critical thinking skills. Interview Your Instructor Select two potential topics for your paper. A good way to investigate a research topic is to consult an encyclopedia. The Encyclopedia Britannica (print, CD, and online) is an excellent resource. If it covers a subject, it will provide you with a comprehensive summary and the important viewpoints about it. An internet search at a site such as Wikipedia.org can also provide resources, but you need to be careful about what you choose. [You can visit www.adultstudent.com for guidelines on authenticating and evaluating online resources.] Make a list of important questions and issues for each topic. Work up a one page outline of what you would do with each topic. Meet with your instructor before you start writing your paper. Interview the instructor to find out which topic the instructor feels would be better for you to write about. Ask the instructor if there are important references you should look at and refer to in the paper. Ask the instructor “What important questions and critical issues should I cover in the paper?” Listen well. The instructor will probably tell you exactly what he or she will want to see in the paper. You make things much easier for yourself when you do this! An excerpt from: Siebert, A and Karr, M (2008). The Adult Student’s Guide to Survival & Success. (p. 82), Portland, OR: Practical Psychology Press.
eCOLLEGE The University has partnered with eCollege, the premier online academic delivery system, to provide students with a much-upgraded teaching portal. All DCP online courses are taught using eCollege. Should you have questions regarding eCollege, check with your advisor or contact the eCollege Help Desk at 1-866-664-6988.
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Are You Ready For Graduation? • Have you submitted all 26 hours of co-curricular credit and verified in the co-curricular database that the hours have been approved?
To verify that hours have been approved go to: http://bruno.tiffin.edu/cocurr/view.asp. Your social security number is your Student ID— no dashes need.
• Have you completed your exit counseling?
To complete exit counseling go to: https://tunet.tiffin.edu/ics/Admissions/ Financial_Aid/Student_Loan_Counselling.jnz
• Have you submitted transcripts for all courses completed outside of Tiffin University?
Transcripts should be submitted to:
Tiffin University Office of Degree Completion Admissions 155 Miami Street Tiffin, Ohio 44883
• Does your student account reflect a zero balance?
To check your student account you will need to access the MyTU portal at https://tunet.tiffin.edu. Login using your username and password and then choose the Student Resources tab. You will then choose My Records and Resources. When you enter the Account Status screen you are able to not only view your status but you are able to pay with a credit card from this same screen.
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TIFFIN NEWS & EVENTS • Tiffin University Ranks Among Leaders in Online Education TU ranks #15 of 44 colleges and universities that offer courses and programs online.
TU will add a concentration in Healthcare Administration within the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree beginning in the fall of 2009.
Read more...
Read more...
• Tiffin University Names Larry Adelsperger and Michael Spragg to its Board of Trustees
• Tiffin University Rates High In Results From NSSE
Tiffin University has elected Michael Spragg and Larry Adelsperger to its Board of Trustees according to Gary Heminger, Chair.
Read more... • TU Vice President Named Outstanding Alumnus by Saint Ignatius-Loyola Alumni Association The Saint Ignatius-Loyola Alumni Association presented James White with the Rev. Gerald B. Garvey, S.J. Award on February 18.
Read more... • Tiffin University Promotes Three Faculty Members Dr. Thomas Debbink, Dr. Bonnie Tiell, and Dr. Henry Barker were promoted.
Read more... • Sisters of St. Francis to Acquire Tiffin University’s Friedman Village The closing to take place by March 31, 2009.
Read more... • TU’s Nate Washington signs a new six year contract with the Tennessee Titans Washington has won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is looking forward to gearing-up in Titan blue.
Read more... • Tiffin University Miami Street Apartments Visit the Construction Progress webpage to view pictures of the apartments as they are being built.
Read more... • TU Adjunct Faculty Member Writes Book on Gun Culture Sociologist Jim Taylor, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor in TU’s Master of Criminal Justice Program, has one book scheduled for publication and is now conducting research for a second.
Read more...
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• Tiffin University to Offer New MBA Concentration
TU was one of 610 colleges and universities that took part in the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), and the recently released results demonstrate that TU is living up to its brand promise of “Real Connections, Real Results.”
Read more... • 77 TU Students to Take Unique Final Exam During ‘Q & A with the Ohio State Buckeyes’ The special academic event will take place from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, in TU’s Chisholm Auditorium.
Read more... • TU Students Write, Produce & Direct Zombie Film TU students Samantha Turner and Devin Weaver will present the world premiere of their film “Hour 23” on Saturday, April 18.
Read more... • Tiffin University/Heidelberg University Job Fair The Job Fair will take place on Friday, April 17, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Gillmor Student Center Gymnasium located on the TU campus.
Read more... • Cool Solutions Presents How to Attract & Retain Dollars in the Local Community The professional networking event will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 4:05 p.m.
Read more... • Tiffin University Student Government Presents: Christi Thomas Memorial Easter Egg Hunt The annual Community Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.
Read more...
KRISTIN PAYNE Kristin Payne is Director of the Toledo Academic Center. She started working for TU’s Degree Completion Program in May of 2008. Kristin received both her Bachelor’s Degree in Film Studies and her Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. During her Master’s program, Kristin focused her research on adult students and online learning. She enjoys working for Tiffin University because she is able to use her background in both of these areas with Degree Completion students. Kristin lives in Toledo with her husband Benjamin, their three cats and a very precocious German Shepherd/Whippet mix named, Sobee. They recently bought a new house and they are adjusting to the joys and horrors of homeownership. “Well, as far as I can tell it was a good buy. The house isn’t haunted, and we have only done a few minor repairs since we signed the papers.” Kristin is looking forward to working with the new March 2009 cohorts
Outstanding Coursework! It is important that students have a plan to complete their outstanding (non-module) coursework. It is important to map out a plan of completion with your advisor so you can graduate on time. Students can take outstanding classes through Tiffin University and our online program or at another institution. Students should work with with their advisor to verify they are taking courses at other institutions that will fulfill their outstanding requirements prior to registration. Once you have completed a course at another institution, you should have an official transcript mailed directly from that institution to: Tiffin University, Office of Degree Completion Admissions, 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, OH 44883 You are encouraged to complete your plan of completion with the assistance of your advisor today!
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DCP ADMISSIONS/STUDENT SERVICES TEAM CHRIS GEIB
DEB KAYA
AMY WOOD
DERRICK HANNAH
JAMIE MARINIS
ASHLEY RUNION
JAYME JARRETT
YAW MAMPHEY
Executive Director, Degree Completion Admissions & Student Services (800) 968-6446, ext. 3372 geibca@tiffin.edu
Director, Columbus Academic Center (800) 968-6446, ext. 3448 woodar@tiffin.edu
Director, Fremont Academic Center (419) 559-2245 marinisjl@tiffin.edu
Director, Online Degree Completion Admissions (800) 968-6446, ext. 3587 jarrettjr@tiffin.edu
KRISTIN PAYNE
Director, Toledo Academic Center (800) 968-6446, ext. 3172 payneka@tiffin.edu
NANCY GOLINSKI
Director, Northeast Ohio Academic Centers (800) 968-6446, ext. 3189 golinskin@tiffin.edu
THOMAS WYNN
Director, Cincinnati Academic Center (513) 262-6790 wynnte@tiffin.edu
MARY ELLEN DENNY
Assistant Director, Online Degree Completion Student Services (800) 968-6446, ext. 3185 dennyme@tiffin.edu
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Coordinator, Student & Administrative Services, Northeast Ohio Academic Centers (800) 968-6446, ext. 3191 kayad@tiffin.edu
Online Degree Completion Admissions Representative (800) 968-6446, ext. 3592 hannahdj@tiffin.edu
Financial Aid Counselor (800) 968-6446, ext. 3452 runiona@tiffin.edu
Coordinator, Degree Completion Admissions Operations (800) 968-6446, ext.3374 mampheyyo@tiffin.edu
DCP Academic Staff NANCY SULLIVAN
Dean of Degree Completion Programs (800) 968-6446, ext. 3188 sullivann@tiffin.edu
VICKI FRANTZ
Administrative Assistant (800) 968-6446, ext. 3184 frantzvl@tiffin.edu
PATTI VALATKA
Program Assistant (800) 968-6446, ext. 3190 valatkap@tiffin.edu