DCP Newsletter (April, 2010)

March/April 2010

T H I S

I S S U E

Donald Kalamas Degree Completion Faculty Spotlight

COMMENCEMENT RECEPTION | 2 ARE YOU READY FOR GRADUATION? | 3 DCP STAFF CHANGES | 4

Title: Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice

What is your educational background?

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT | 5

I am a graduate of the Community College of Allegheny County where I obtained an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University and Master of Science Degree from Tiffin University for Criminal Justice, graduating with academic honors.

Additionally, I have graduated from two police academies.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT | 6 NEWS AND EVENTS | 7 DCP STAFF | 8

Always be looking

Tell us about your work experience.

I retired from the Division of Police of Columbus, Ohio in 1995, after serving twenty one years as a police officer. During my law enforcement career I served in the patrol bureau, juvenile bureau, vice bureau, narcotics bureau and was the chief of police for a small town in Western Pennsylvania.

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.

for opportunities in the Criminal Justice Field.

I retired from Federal Express Corporate Security in 2004 where I held the position of Senior Manager of Corporate Security, after almost ten years with the company. Also, I am a consultant in the private security industry.

I have 36 years experience in the public and private sectors.

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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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donald kalamas Degree Completion Faculty Spotlight

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How long have you been teaching for Tiffin University?

I have been teaching for Tiffin University for three years.

What courses do you teach? Which do you enjoy teaching the most?

ENF 393 POL 341 ENF 441 JUS 463 ENF 450 ENF 345 COR 320

Criminology Covert Action and Intelligence Counterintelligence/Counter-Terrorism Applied Research and Design Crime Analysis Emergency Management Corrections

I enjoy teaching Counterintelligence/Counter-Terrorism the most, as almost every day there is some event that occurs around the world that I can use in my lesson plan.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I enjoy fishing, hunting, boating and spending time at my cabin.

What advice do you have for students who are studying in the BCJ program?

I advise students as they are obtaining their degree to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way to gain experience in their field. Always be looking for opportunities in the Criminal Justice Field such as internships, employment, volunteer work, community service, organizations etc. By taking advantage of these opportunities they will gain valuable experience, knowledge and make them more sought after when they seek employment.

Commencement Reception Friday, April 30, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Franks Hall To honor the Class of 2010, Tiffin University invites our graduating students and their guests to a Pre-Commencement Reception.

This evening will be a meet & greet opportunity for students, faculty and staff.

Light refreshments will be served. Please join us!

RSVP to: StrongJ@tiffin.edu by Friday, April 23rd

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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 needed.

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 official 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, OH 44883 Does your student account reflect a zero balance?

To check your student account balance, 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 will also be able to pay off your balance with a credit card from this same screen.

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Degree Completion Program Staffing Changes Tiffin University is pleased to announce some recent in-house staffing changes in the Degree Completion Program. Please help us to welcome these wonderful employees to their new roles.

Andrea Draper, Financial Aid Counselor Andrea began working at Tiffin University in June 2008 as Coordinator of Enrollment Services for Ivy Bridge College. While employed with Ivy Bridge, she worked very closely with students to schedule classes, evaluate transcripts, and monitor their progress in class to ensure their success.

In August 2009, Andrea took the position of Office Manager for the Tiffin University Office of Financial Aid. She is happy to now serve the students of the Degree Completion Program in her new role.

Ashley Runion, Online Admissions Representative Ashley has worked for the Office of Financial Aid at Tiffin University for the past five years.

Positions Ashley has held include student worker, Office Manager and DCP Financial Aid Counselor. Many of you have worked with Ashley over the years, and know that her bright and friendly demeanor will bring her great success as she works to recruit new students to the Online Degree Completion Program.

Katrina Schumacker, Interim Director, Columbus Academic Center Katrina has worked at Tiffin University since her freshman year. Her positions have included student worker for the Office of Registration and Records, peer leader for campus freshmen, graduate assistant for the Offices of Development and External Affairs and Undergraduate Admissions, and as the Online Admissions Representative for the Degree Completion Program.

She is very excited to begin her role as Interim Director of the Columbus Academic Center.

Kristyn Wilkins, Interim Director, Fremont Academic Center Kristyn started working at Tiffin University in the summer of 2007 as an Undergraduate Admissions Representative recruiting Northwest Ohio. Most recently, Kristyn held the position of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions with her main duties including the recruitment of Northwest Ohio and the management of all student workers. Kristyn is delighted to join the Degree Completion Program team in her new role as Interim Director of the Fremont Academic Center.

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Michael Tony Kiscellus Student Spotlight Michael Tony Kiscellus is from Forth Worth, Texas and attended Tiffin’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice program online. He graduates on May 1, 2010. We recently caught up with Tony to see how he’s doing.

Why did you choose Tiffin’s Degree Completion Program?

Two issues were key. First, working full-time, I needed flexibility in my schedule. However, the quality of the program and faculty were equally important. After exhaustive research into all the options and a myriad of universities offering on-line programs, including staff and faculty bios and experience, Tiffin provided the best program with the best people.

What did you like about the program while you were attending class?

I liked that the substance of the classes was relevant and current and the instructors were the best I have encountered, exemplifying what one would come to expect from an institution with the highest of standards.

Specifically, Mary Denny’s guidance and willingness to always go the extra-mile was instrumental in my academic success.

Professor Lewis also seemed to take a personal interest in the success of all of his students, a rare quality. This, along with my other instructors, was truly impressive and far exceeded my expectations. Their exceptional performance provides a superior foundation for quality role models.

Did you face any challenges while you were in our program?

For me, the workload was a challenge. Since the on-line program does not provide for proctored exams, we had to replace that exercise and demonstrate our comprehension of the material through numerous written assignments. I also found it difficult to find the time to provide an acceptable level of academic performance while maintaining a full-time job. However, it was well worth the effort to earn my degree from a highly reputable university. The practice of creating and maintaining a cohort of the same students in all the classes facilitated the ability to approach many of the more challenging concepts through a collaborative effort, enhancing everyone’s results and fostering an environment of teamwork. It is this kind of teamwork that teaches an essential attribute needed for the work place.

When you graduate, how will your BCJ degree help you?

Finally having a degree helps me market myself in a new direction. I’ve been working in the airline industry for a little over twenty years now, and the devastating events of 9/11 had a profound and personal effect on me. I recently began entertaining a career change and already had an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice. These were the two primary motivators for me to pursue my new career goals in anti-terrorism. I plan to leverage my airline experience, BCJ degree and Anti-terrorism Specialist certification into an active role with the FBI, DHS or TSA and hope to concentrate on intelligence analysis, although I can neither confirm nor deny any aspirations of working with the CIA.

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Michael Tony Kiscellus Student Spotlight

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What are you doing now?

I have been with American Airlines for over twenty years, for the last ten years as the Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer 0112358 and Program Administrator.

Starting as a part-time Gate Agent, I’ve worked through many different roles, working on the ramp, the O’Hare Tower, policy administration, management and the System Operations Control Center, until my ultimate position now. Although the work has been interesting and challenging, I have developed a personal compulsion to contribute something more to my country and fellow Americans. With the security challenges we face in today’s environment, protecting my family, friends and community has become a priority.

Do you have any other goals for the future?

National security and intelligence still being my primary focus, I would also like to pursue teaching. While working for American, I have been teaching the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher course on the side for about fifteen years and always enjoyed teaching. For me, teaching at the university level would be the most rewarding. It’s educational for me as well when interacting with students that have the ability to challenge your own level of knowledge with educated and insightful questions.

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT Deb Kaya, Coordinator of Enrollment Services for Academic Centers, works out of our Elyria Academic Center located in Elyria, Ohio. She has worked in the Tiffin University Degree Completion department for 6 years. In her role, she assists the directors of all Academic Centers throughout the state of Ohio (Cincinnati, Columbus, Elyria, Fremont, Toledo, Tri-C Metro, Tri-C East and Tri-C West) with the registering of students, monitoring of attendance, and monitoring of grades as well as various other responsibilities as needed.

Prior to joining Tiffin University, Deb worked in the structural steel field for 15 years where some of her job duties included purchasing the structural steel for such projects as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Progressive Field (formerly known as Jacobs Field), Great Lakes Science Museum, and Southpark Mall (her personal favorite as she enjoys shopping).

Deb lives in Lorain, Ohio with her husband of nine years. In addition to shopping she enjoys gambling, reading, puzzles and traveling (especially to the Caribbean islands).

Tiffin News & Events • TU’s Dragon’s Den Players Announce Spring Play TU’s Dragon’s Den Players will present “Steel Magnolias” March 26, 27, 28.

Read more...

• TU to Host International Dinner TU will hold its annual International Dinner from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on March 27, in The Gillmor Student Center.

Read more...

• Classic Film ‘Breaker Morant’ Topic of March 16 Arts & Angles Program TU faculty member Bruce Bowlus will discuss and screen the classic Australian film “Breaker Morant” during the next Arts & Angles program, to be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16.

Read more...

• Three-Dimensional Works Highlighted in New Diane Kidd Gallery Show “Constructures Revisited: Architectural and Ceramic Constructions” will open with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 Read more...

• Support the Fight Against Domestic Violence!

TU’s Sigma Delta Sigma Sorority is set to host a carnival to raise awareness about domestic violence from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 20.

Read more...

• TU Dean, Dr. Perry Haan, Awarded Academic Fellow Perry Haan was named an Academic Fellow by the International American Association of Financial Management (IAAFM).

Read more...

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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DCP Admissions/Student Services team AMY WOOD

Director of Academic Centers (800) 968-6446, ext. 3372 woodar@tiffin.edu

JEREMY MARINIS

Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions (800) 968-6446, ext. 3301 marinisjj@tiffin.edu

MARY ELLEN DENNY

Assistant Director, Online Degree Completion Student Services (800) 968-6446, ext. 3185 dennyme@tiffin.edu

NANCY GOLINSKI

Director, Northeast Ohio Academic Centers (800) 968-6446, ext. 3189 golinskin@tiffin.edu

JODY STRONG

Coordinator of Enrollment Services for Online Programs (800) 968-6446, ext. 3592 strongj@tiffin.edu

YAW MAMPHEY

Coordinator of Admissions Operations (800) 968-6446, ext.3374 mampheyyo@tiffin.edu

ANDREA DRAPER

Financial Aid Counselor (800) 968-6446, ext. 3452 draperacl@tiffin.edu

ASHLEY RUNION

Online Admissions Representative (800) 968-6446, ext. 3587 runiona@tiffin.edu

KRISTIN PAYNE

Director, Toledo Academic Center (800) 968-6446, ext. 3172 payneka@tiffin.edu

KATRINA SCHUMACKER

Interim Director, Columbus Academic Center (800) 968-6446, ext. 3448 schumackerkm@tiffin.edu

KRISTYN WILKINS

Interim Director, Fremont Academic Center (419) 559-2245 wilkinske@tiffin.edu

THOMAS WYNN

Director, Cincinnati Academic Center (513) 262-6790 wynnte@tiffin.edu

DEB KAYA

Coordinator of Enrollment Services for Academic Centers (800) 968-6446, ext. 3191 kayad@tiffin.edu

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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 SEEL

Program Assistant (800) 968-6446, ext. 3190 seelp@tiffin.edu