Grantham Partners with American Family Mutual Insurance

Grantham University has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with American Family Mutual Insurance. Employees of American Family can take advantage of a special tuition grant at Grantham which reduces the credit hour cost from $335 to $250 and includes the cost of required text books and software. Proof of employment is required to apply for the tuition grant. Grantham’s 2005 DETC Graduate of the Year, Sue Bailey, works for American Family Mutual Insurance.

“Grantham University is proud to be an educational partner with American Family Mutual Insurance because they believe in the value of providing continuing education for their employees,” said Valerie Beall, Grantham’s National Director of Business Development. 

Established in 1927, American Family Mutual Insurance began with just three employees and 346 policy holders.  Today, American Family offers multiple insurance and financial product lines in 18 states. In addition, it is the nation’s third-largest mutual property and casualty insurer and 16th-largest property and casualty insurance company group.  American Family prides itself on working with its customers and offering responsive and knowledgeable service beyond the sale.  For more information on the American Family Mutual Insurance tuition grant, please visit: http://www.grantham.edu/promo/amfam.php. 

Policy Changes Official February 1st

Over the last few weeks, Grantham has been in contact with you through an automated telephone outreach campaign and several e-mail blasts to let you know about upcoming changes in its policies and procedures.  In case you missed those communications, below is the information about the changes that took place on February 1st, 2007. 

1. Enrollment Agreements – In an effort to ensure that everyone’s student file is accurate and up-to-date, an enrollment agreement will be required for every re-enrollment.

2. Proctored Exams –To make certain that all course requirements have been met, and that you receive credit for each course, a proctored exam must be taken and passed before you are eligible for re-enrollment.

3. Grade Reports – To facilitate the distribution of accurate information, a proctored exam must be completed and passed before a grade report will be issued. 

4. Extensions – There will no longer be a fee charged for extensions.  In addition, the length of an extension will be changed to 15 days, and a maximum of two (2) extensions will be granted per course. (Military service members, who are deployed or sent to the field for training, please contact your Student Progress Representative.)

If you have any questions about the information above, please call 800-955-2527 and select option 2 to speak with your Student Progress Representative.

New Virtual Tour Now Live

Grantham University’s new virtual tour is now live on the home page of our Web site. The tour takes you through what it is like to be an online student at Grantham University and features several of our students and professors. When you have time, please take a few minutes to watch the tour and feel free to share it with anyone who may be interested in attending Grantham.

Student Spotlight: Ray Bergeron

Ray Bergeron has been working in the electronics industry for 25 years. He is presently the Facilities and Engineering Manager at Geiger where he is responsible for planning, organizing, developing and directing the overall operation of the Physical Plant Services. The road to this position was made possible by Ray’s hard work at Grantham University.

“I had always figured that as long as I was good at what I do … money would flow in” Ray said. Over the years, he found himself working harder than ever but not advancing in his career. The number one excuse employers gave Ray when he asked for a promotion was that he did not have a degree. Finally, Ray took matters into his own hands and enrolled at Grantham University.

“With a wife, kids and too much overtime…regular classes simply would not fit. I did a lot of research on online colleges and Grantham seemed to be the oldest, and most accredited.” Ray completed an Associate’s degree at Grantham in Electronics Engineering in November 1999. What Ray enjoyed most about distance learning was the freedom that it offered to working adults. He was able to take a break from his classes when he was required to work more hours at his job. He was also able to take 4 years off to build an addition on his house. After the addition was built, Ray picked up right where he left off and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering. He completed his second degree from Grantham in April of 2006, and 4 months later he was promoted to his current position.

Ray celebrated his graduation at Disney World with his wife and two children.  Congratulations Ray!

Show Your Grantham Pride, Order Your Grantham Gear Today!

Say it loud and say it proud.  Now that you’re part of the Grantham Family you’ll want everyone to know it. What better way to show your school pride than with something from the Grantham Campus Store! From comfortable T-shirts and warm sweatshirts, to being able to take your favorite beverage along with you, you can find it at http://www.shop-edmap.biz/gra/. 

A special thank you goes out to those students who took a few minutes out of their busy day to answer some survey questions about our Campus Store.  We received a lot of great feedback about the types of items you would like to see, and we plan to add new items to the store throughout 2007.

Grantham Attends 2007 CCME Symposium

The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) held its 2007 Symposium in Monterrey, California from January 22nd to January 26th, 2007. This year’s conference centered on the theme, “Joint Patriots...Driving Transformation.” The conference focused on military service members and brought members of the military education community together for networking, professional development, and information sharing.  Symposium participants attended sessions on the Troops to Teachers’ initiative, tuition assistance management, and principles of good practice in distance learning. 

During the conference, CCME announced that Dr. Greg Garcia, Grantham University’s Academic Dean, was selected to serve as Secretary to their Board. Dr. Garcia, with his experience in military education, will be a great asset to CCME. This is an exciting opportunity for Grantham University as we continue to serve the educational needs of the military community.

CCME is a coalition of educational institutions and military organizations that promotes quality educational programs and services to all branches of the Armed Services, and facilitates communication between the membership and the Department of Defense educational support network. 

Stick with It – The Reward will be Worth It

Have you considered dropping out of school or taking a leave of absence?  You certainly aren’t the only one.  Sometimes life’s responsibilities and commitments can be overwhelming, especially for adult students juggling work and family.  But, sticking with your plan and earning your degree will be well worth it in the end.  Remember, the staff at Grantham University is here to help you along the way.

You may have decided to earn your degree to fulfill a lifelong goal, to increase your salary potential or to increase your opportunity for promotion.  Whatever the case may be, your decision was a step in the right direction. 

Research shows that the amount of education it takes to succeed in today’s business environment has increased dramatically compared to just five or ten years ago.  A high school education no longer guarantees you a “living wage.”  Now, an advanced degree and ongoing career training are the best ways to increase your earning potential and job security.

A recent article in The Occupational Outlook Quarterly – Fall 2006 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics states: “Data consistently shows that, on average, college graduates earn more money, experience less unemployment, and have a wider variety of career options than other workers do.  A college degree also makes it easier for job seekers to enter many of the fastest growing, highest paying occupations.”  

So, for those of you attending Grantham right now, that is good news!  And, if you plan to graduate in the next three to six months that is even better news!

There is a great deal of opportunity waiting for you when you graduate.  The important thing to remember is to stay motivated and on target because the road to life is easier to travel with a college education.  The decision is clear...stay in school and finish what you started.

Create a Relaxing Study Environment

Being able to concentrate on your coursework and studying are valuable skills for every student to acquire.  That is why it is important to create a relaxing study environment.  Your study space should be a place that you enjoy, and a place where you can work productively for many hours.

Below are a few tips from Steve Pavlina on how to create a relaxing space.  But, don’t make it too relaxing; you don’t want to fall asleep.

The number one item to consider when making changes to your study area is: Do what feels right to you.

1. Make your space look attractive.
Given the amount of time you’ll spend in your study space over the course of your college career, it makes sense to add some visual appeal. The first time you see your study space each day, you should feel good about it.  It should be attractive to you, and make you want to spend time in there. 

To start, choose the emotion you want to feel while in your space, and experiment with different visual elements to see how they alter your feelings.  Try new furniture, photos, posters, mirrors, flowers, knick knacks, toys, statues, rugs, artwork, crystals, etc. 

2. Clean out the clutter.
One look at a cluttered workspace and you get a sense that the person working there is stressed, overwhelmed, and disorganized.   But even more critical is the effect a cluttered workspace has on your focus.  It’s difficult to feel centered when you’re surrounded by unfinished tasks that constantly remind you of what you haven’t done yet.  Ideally the only paper items on your desk should be directly related to the current task at hand.  Store everything else in drawers, shelves, or cabinets.  Many people notice a dramatic improvement to their productivity level when they try this.

3. Add plants.
Plants are a wonderful way to add life to a lifeless space.  Use only living, oxygen-generating plants, not lifeless fake ones.  Water them as needed to keep them healthy.  Over time you’ll find that your plants begin to resonate with you and become a reflection of you.  Bring yourself back to nature by adding some plants to your workspace, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the environment much more.

4. Make it smell good.
Certain scents are said to have a measurable effect on productivity.  Lemon and lavender produced the most significant positive results.

Scented candles are a great way to incorporate your favorite smells, and they add visual appeal as well.   If you don’t like candles, there are other options for improving the smell of your office.  You can get a diffuser and fill it with essential oil, add some potpourri, or even try sliced lemons.  

5. Play relaxing music.
Experiment with different types of music to see what effect they have on your stress level and productivity.  Use headphones if you need to keep from disturbing others.

6. Get a decent chair.
Most likely you’ll use your chair more than any other object in your study space, so consider investing in a good one.  Today there’s an assortment of oddities you can sit on, including knee chairs, balls, and more.  Head to an office supply store and find something that suits you. 

7. Add a portable fan.
Even with good air conditioning, you might have periods where you just want to feel a little cooler, or maybe you’d like a bit of air circulation.  Use a small portable fan to keep your comfort level right where you want it to be.  Be sure to look for a fan that runs quietly.

8. Add a fountain.
If you find the sounds of running water soothing, consider adding a small fountain to your space.  You can get a basic one for under $20.

9. Personalize your space.
Does your space look like an automaton studies there, or does it include elements that are uniquely you?  An easy way to accomplish this is by adding items that hold emotional significance for you, such as framed photographs.

10. Establish uninterruptible periods.
Negotiate a period of time each day where you turn off all outside communication, and encase yourself in a cocoon of concentration.  Put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, turn off your phone, disable your instant messenger, and don’t check email either.  Use this time to complete the coursework that causes you the greatest stress or requires your utmost concentration. 

It’s easier to relax and focus when you know you won’t be interrupted. Determine how much time you need to be productive, and do whatever is necessary to get it.

Now go do it!
Take a moment to survey your study space and jot down a few changes you’d like to make.  How can you make your space even more relaxing, livable, and attractive?  Think about the most relaxing places you know of.  What is it about those places that make you feel good?  What are the sights, sounds, and smells?  How can you modify your workspace to create a similar feel?  You might not be able to duplicate the feeling perfectly, but you can always get close.  If you don’t have time for a complete workspace makeover, then just make one little change each week.  Add a photo.  Buy a plant.  Clean up the junk pile.  Enjoy.

Association Highlights
Business Technology Association

Since 2003, Grantham University has partnered with Business Technology Association (BTA) to provide continuing education opportunities to its members and their employees.

Established in 1926, BTA is an international not-for-profit trade association that serves over 1,100 office technology dealerships, manufacturers, distributors and service companies. Its members manufacture, sell and service hardware, software and supplies that help businesses become more efficient and save money.

Business Technology Association (BTA) members, their employees and families can take advantage of a special tuition grant which reduces the credit hour cost from $335 to $250 and includes the cost of required textbooks and software.

In addition to continuing education opportunities, BTA provides its members with a wide variety of services, including free legal advice and guidance; business benchmarking studies and reports;  information on  the latest news, trends, and products in the industry; strong educational offerings; and industry specific publications including: Office Technology magazine and BTA Hotline Online.

For more information about BTA, please visit: www.bta.org.