Post University Blog

Elizabeth Johnson takes over as Post University Provost

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 09:43:00 -0500

Post University recently named Elizabeth Johnson, Ph.D., as the University’s Provost. Johnson takes over after the retirement of former Provost Jane Bailey, M.Ed.

As Provost, Johnson is responsible for ensuring the continued high quality of faculty instruction, degree program content and academic student services across Academic Affairs. Johnson will lead several new academic initiatives in this role, including Post’s recently implemented High School Academy, English Language Institute and Main Campus graduate programs.

Elizabeth Johnson, Ph.D.

“This fall, we will begin offering our award winning online graduate programs in a traditional classroom setting on our Waterbury campus,” said Johnson. “It has been a very exciting development process; representatives from across the University are meeting regularly to work through the final details. We are looking forward to enriching the campus community with graduate students this fall.”

Post University President Don Mroz, Ph.D. praised Johnson’s leadership and work ethic as she moves into her new role.

“With unbounded energy, Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Johnson steps into the Provost’s role at Post University,” said Mroz. “Dr. Johnson, a true leader in the Education field and the ultimate professional, builds very close working relationships with her students and with her faculty. She has risen in the ranks of higher education due to her intelligence, her wonderful attitude and work ethic, and her ability to think critically.”

Most recently, Johnson had been serving as Post’s Assistant Provost. Prior to that, Johnson was the Dean of the School of Arts and Science, where she administered the School's courses and degree offerings, oversaw program and curriculum (re)development and supervised full time faculty in the School. Johnson began her tenure at Post in 2006 as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science before becoming Academic Program Manager of Environmental Science in 2010.

Johnson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Science from Lehigh University, and her Ph.D. and Masters in Plant and Soil Sciences from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Understanding and getting past cognitive limitations for decisions makers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 8 Mar 2016 09:17:00 -0500

By: Lee Ann Walker

It is important to understand that the human mind has a limited capacity for dealing with complexity. It is also important for decision makers to understand their cognitive limitations, to bring forth the right tools, both mental and physical, to assist them in making optimal critical and complex decisions.

There is lots of value that can be harnessed from understanding the mind’s limited cognitive capacity for complexity. The thought of this limitation can be perplexing but essential for decision-makers to fully understand as they devise strategic plans for organizational success. For most leaders there is this notion of bounded rationality, which speaks directly to the mind’s limitations and how people will use convenient means in coming to a decision where action needs to be taken. However, this notion adds a layer intricacy as most managers will use this to get to satisfaction, but not to an ‘optimal’ course of action or decision. So how does a leader or manager jump the hurdle of the mind’s limitations when making critical organization decisions?

First, once the decision maker identifies a situation where complexity is an essential component, the evaluation of factors and alternatives begin. It is important also to note that while it would be great to say that most of us would weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each choice we make, that is just not reality. For that reason, the manager needs to understand crucial factors that will affect his or her decisions. It is ideal that the manager conducts a decision analysis when prompted to make complex decisions to get to that critical and ‘optimal’ decision or result. Various factors should be considered while planning and before decisions are finalized.

Factors Include:

Resources: What resources and effort must accompany the strategy for which the manager wishes to employ?

Skills and Knowledge: Does the manager have the right skill set and knowledge about the environment for which the decision will have an effect upon and if not, then what can be added or done to meet the skills and knowledge needed?

Conflict and Barriers: How can potential conflict or barriers of the decision be minimized?

Time: Ensure the manager has enough time to make the decision. Knowing this will help the manager develop a timeline and avoid “flying by the seat of your pants” decision making.

Intuition Value: Is the manager able to apply their intuition, and if so will that need to be justified to others before the conclusion is reached?

Ripple Effect: Does the manager fully understand the importance and ripple effect of the decision he or she is making?

Evaluation of Alternatives: Has the manager vetted out the alternatives to ensure the best decision is being made and will this also need to be justified to others?

There are an enormous number of books developed to assist managers in making sound business decisions, yet there is a significant number of decisions being made that resulted in failed initiatives, projects, and products. Perhaps it is as simple as suggesting they might not have owned their mind’s limitations and a decision analysis was not conducted. Whatever the cause of the failure, we do ourselves no service by ignoring the fundamental fact that our minds are capable of a great number of things, but it does have limitations with complexity. No matter the tools or technology that we utilize to help aid our decisions, an ‘optimal’ result should always be sought after rather than an ‘approximate’ one.

Dr. Lee Ann Walker is the Academic Program Manager for the Marketing MBA Program in the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University. Walker holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Florida, a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from American InterContinental University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Walden University. Walker has targeted, professional experience in marketing, advertising, graphic design, corporate branding, social media branding, and customer service in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

5 Questions with Don Mroz: The state of corporate innovation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 4 Mar 2016 13:43:00 -0500

1. Only five percent of executives felt their innovation programs were optimized, while over half, 53 percent, classified their programs as “emerging” or “ad hoc”, according to the 2015 Innovation Benchmarking Report, which surveyed 197 corporate innovation executives within varying sized U.S. organizations. What is the best way to implement and grow innovation and innovation programs?

First of all, I would not necessarily say there is any one best way to implement and grow innovation and innovation programs. Others may argue with me on that point, as I know some individuals and even companies will swear by a certain process. We certainly know that companies like GE, Coca Cola, Motorola, and numerous others have over time perfected their respective innovation processes which work well for them. Disney has workshops on innovation and creativity for people from all over in hopes of helping others to be more innovative. Companies like IDEO actually have mastered the innovation process and are hired world-wide to innovate, create and solve real-world problems. My belief has always been that culture has a great deal to do with how innovation is undertaken within any given organization. With that said, there certainly are best practices that can assist with the implementation, but if the culture is not supportive, then one must move in the direction of special projects, like the old “skunk works” efforts that are almost hidden efforts within an existing organization.

Certainly there has to be buy-in and complete support for any effort from the top of the organization. Innovation and innovation programs must become a way of doing business, which is why the culture is so important. This means risk-taking needs to be inherent to the process, and resources must be available, and with resources I am not only talking about money and people, but also time. Time to think, reflect, brainstorm, and think together with a team of people.

2. Fifty-five percent of executives reported that their innovation teams were kept very small, under 10 individuals. Should innovation teams be kept small, and what are the benefits of this?

Best practice seems to be keeping a team between four and eight people, and yes, it is fair to say that a team should not exceed 10 people. Keeping the team(s) small provides an opportunity for each person’s voice to truly be heard and to generate ideas and creative thinking. If a team goes much over this size, people are not heard and efficiencies go downhill. One might think that the more people the better, because more ideas could be generated, but actually the opposite is true. In addition, the make-up of such a team is key to its success. The trick, I believe, is to have a team of people with differing skills and even people who come from different disciplines. Diversity of thinking is key here, and so is the right atmosphere or culture of acceptance to differing ideas and thinking. Building a creative tension within the team is important so that team members know the task is important, but not so much pressure that it becomes emotional tension, which can defeat the creative process. Having a process for people to follow is key, similar to the question above, otherwise it becomes a free for all, and progress can be stifled.

3. “No business-unit buy-in” and “no senior buy-in” were two of the major reasons reported as to why innovative projects are killed. How should teams go about acquiring buy-in around innovative projects to get the projects off the ground?

Yes, it is difficult for innovation to work in an organization from the bottom up because the team needs the right people, additional resources, and support for the time allotment, etc. Senior management can provide all of those things and more, if necessary. In addition, if there are roadblocks (and there often are) within the business unit or organization in the form of resistance to the process, or what might be proposed, senior management can quickly squelch the resistance, or at the very least begin to remove some of the barriers to success. There are so many reasons for innovation not to work (e.g., resistance from others, jealousy because others were not chosen, lack of resources, structure of the organization, culture, etc.) that having senior management buy-in and/or business unit acceptance is critical, and as a result it is not at all surprising that these are two of the major reasons why innovative projects are killed. Just to be clear, it is not only getting innovative projects off the ground, but to sustain them, and see them to fruition, it is essential for top management to buy-in and believe in the process.

4. Focus groups and discussion platforms were some of the top tools reportedly used by innovative teams. What do you feel is the best way, or are the best tools, to elicit innovation amongst individuals and groups?

There are a good many tools available to teams that are involved in innovative projects and certainly discussion and focus groups are two of them. A process for identifying ideas with even well-used tools such as creative brainstorming, or brain-writing, are good ways for a group to start. Identification of the problem or the need should be accomplished first and foremost. Once that is clear, and the mission of the group has been solidified, then using all tools at the team’s disposal will be important. Depending upon the effort, site visits are always a good idea and exploration of other projects, or successes and failures, are also good ideas. Connections and intersections are important for thinking outside the box, so viewing totally different disciplines is always a good idea. Again, there are a host of tools/ideas and processes to utilize, and following a creative path means identifying those tools that will work best in one’s culture, budget and circumstances.

5. In 2016, how important is innovation, and innovation programs, to an organization’s success?

Our country has been known for innovation, and it has helped us to become the strongest and one of the most profitable nations in the world. Without innovation, I believe our ability to maintain a leadership role in so many areas within the world would begin to decline. It started with lightbulbs, automobiles, the assembly line, airplanes, and so much more. Now we are at the forefront of much technology and high tech innovations. All that is simply to show how important and critical innovation is, and yes that is also true for any organization, not only a country. Most organizations need to improve upon their processes, their products or their service and/or customer service as well. Without constant improvement, and sometimes ground-breaking innovation, an organization may not be able to sustain the marketplace. True, some organizations have been able to compete within a certain space by continuing to do what they have always done, whether that be a product or a service, but most cannot grow the business without innovation. Thus, as the world has become smaller, and competition has increased so dramatically, I believe it is an absolute necessity for businesses to innovate and be creative. Not ever easy, but essential!

Don Mroz, Ph.D., is the President and Founding Dean of the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University. Mroz holds a Ph.D. in Human & Organization Systems, an M.A. in Human & Organizational Development, an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling, and a B.S. in Industry & Technology. Mroz has extensive experience helping businesses large and small manage change and find new ways to grow and prosper with a focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Apple, U.S. Government at odds over iPhone encryption

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Abramson) — Wed, 2 Mar 2016 09:39:00 -0500

By: Jonathan Abramson

There has been a lot of news coverage of late surrounding Apple Computer, Inc. not wanting to unlock the phone(s) that were used by the alleged perpetrators of the San Bernardino terrorist attack. The argument is that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking to gain access to an encrypted iPhone in order to aid in the investigation and further prevention of these types of attacks. The DOJ and FBI cannot gain timely access to the information in question without the cooperation and help of Apple.

iPhones use an operating system called iOS, many of us are very familiar with this operating system, as this is the operating system used by the phone and other Apple mobile devices. Why would Apple resist and not comply? Apple states that:

“First, the government would have us write an entirely new operating system for their use. They are asking Apple to remove security features and add a new ability to the operating system to attack iPhone encryption, allowing a passcode to be input electronically. This would make it easier to unlock an iPhone by “brute force,” trying thousands or millions of combinations with the speed of a modern computer.”

Apple is concerned with making their operating system vulnerable to brute force and other types of attacks. Apple believes that the U.S. Government should not have access to personal and private devices. Trust is a large issue in the computer world. We all want to be confident that no one has access to our personal information that we have not authorized. Apple has made billions of dollars by creating computing devices and operating systems that are less vulnerable to attack then the competition. By opening up the operating system to be compromised, they may be jeopardizing the trust that they have with many millions of customers. This could have implications on their present and future sales. Additionally, the iOS products that Apple markets and sells constitutes a majority of the company’s revenues. The government believes that they have the right to see information on any device that was used to commit a crime, or may have been used to commit a crime. Additionally it seems that the government wants unlimited access and ability to get into Apple iOS devices through a backdoor.

Cybersecurity and making sure that our information is safe is a large issue, as most of us are aware. The implications of making an operating system like iOS vulnerable through a backdoor is large and something that is arguably negative. By creating weaknesses, which were proposed by the DOJ, we are opening the door for hackers to enter our mobile devices. This is something that does not inspire trust. Trust is something that Apple has built its business on and something that motivates customers to buy and use products.

Information security and information assurance are critical to all information systems, whether we are talking about a phone or a large corporate information system and associated databases. We know that if there are problems with security, we can have problems with keeping information confidential, maintaining integrity, and keeping the information system available for the end user. Information security and information assurance has permeated our lives and is effecting us in so many ways in our daily lives.

I think that the issues that are paramount to this argument is that Apple is a company that derives 68.06 percent of its revenue from its iPhone and is not ready to weaken the easy to use and secure operating system that has made it possible to sell so many devices. Apple as a company has told the government that they will aid in the retrieval of information, but will not open the operating system to hacks. It seems prudent that Apple is not opening up the operating system to hacking and is yet helping the government in this and other investigations. I need to side with Apple on this one. What do you think?

Dr. Jonathan Abramson is the Academic Program Manager for Post University’s Computer Information Systems program. Abramson holds a Doctor of Computer Science from Colorado Technical University, with a concentration in Enterprise Information Systems. Abramson also holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Abramson has a variety of research interests, including information assurance and cybersecurity, mobile learning, and e-learning.

Post students attend Black Solidarity Conference at Yale

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:40:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

Post students and members of the University’s Black Student Union attended the Annual Black Solidarity Conference at Yale University earlier this month.

The multi-day conference brings undergraduates of all colors together to discuss issues pertaining to the African Diaspora through discussions, panels, networking, and social gatherings. Over 700 college students from across the country, including nine Post students, met to analyze issues facing the African-American community and to find solutions students may be able to undertake on their respective college campuses.

Freshman Akia Callum, who started Post’s Black Student Union earlier this year, organized the group’s visit and lauded the value the conference offered to everyone in attendance.

Post University students gather at the
Black Solidarity Conference at Yale.

“We felt it was a great opportunity and with the sponsorship of Post, as well as community organizations like the NAACP and the Congress of Black Women, Inc., it was made a reality,” said Callum. “The topics were extremely interesting, and we all learned a great deal.”

Callum also applied for and was selected to lead discussions at the conference. She led groups of thirty students from colleges across the country in discussions about colorism within the African-American community and the African-American church’s stance on sexual fluidity.

“Having never attended the conference, and being one of the few freshman in attendance, I was very nervous and anxious about presenting,” she said. “I wanted to make Post proud, and I wanted to promote a positive discussion around these topics. I felt we were able to do that and the experience was very rewarding.”

Reflecting on the conference, Callum, a Legal Studies major, said she got a much better understanding of the path to law school and what a law career would entail by speaking with members in the law community. Other key takeaways for Callum were a discussion on mental health and the idea of branding yourself, making yourself marketable and controlling your online footprint.

“I got everything I came for and more out of the conference,” she said. “It was a very proud moment for me, to represent Post and have the positive discussion we had with college students across the country.”

The Black Solidarity Conference at Yale happens each February, and Callum said she is already looking forward to learning more and continuing to lead the way at next year’s conference.

Don’t miss out on these important tax deductions!

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa Hunt) — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 09:59:00 -0500

By: Alisa Hunt

Every year during tax season people gather up all of their tax documents, stuff them in envelopes or bags and head to their accountant’s office. Every year I open the envelopes and bags, sort through the pieces and then make a list of items that are needed to prepare the tax returns. Many people do not know of all the things they can take as deductions, and there are many deductions that are missed each year by individuals because they simply do not know and have not kept track.

Some of the things that are missed are important to those who can itemize, for example: Did you know you can deduct mileage for charity work? The mileage rate will be different than the standard mileage rate, however, it does qualify as a valid tax deduction….if you have kept track of it. You can also deduct any other out of pocket expenses you paid in relation to charity work. For example, I used to do face painting to raise money for charities. The face painting supplies were only used for the charities and I purchased them myself, so all of my face painting supplies were a legitimate charitable deduction.

For those who donate appreciated property to a charity, the appreciation on that property qualifies as a charitable deduction, along with any appraisals done to determine that appreciation.

You can also deduct mileage for medical trips, such as to and from doctor’s appointments. Most people don’t have enough medical to qualify for the deduction, however for those who do, this extra bit can really add up. And don’t forget glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids. Other commonly missed medical expenses include treatment centers, birth control (with a prescription), and items purchased for the disabled such as ramps and railings.

For those working or looking for work deductions include such things as expenses associated with looking for work in your current occupation, such as resume services, placement fees and mileage for interviews. If you travel for work and need to pay for laundry and cleaning services while traveling, those are deductible. If used for work, your cell phone and depreciation on your home computer can be used as a deduction. You can also deduct subscriptions to professional journals and other business supplies that you purchase on your own. If you have to pay for education to maintain your position or improve your skills in your current occupation, those too are allowable deductions.

While most clothing for business is not deductible, any protective clothing purchased for your job will be deductible.

And, if you get that new job – moving expenses are also allowed as deductions under certain conditions.

When it comes to investments people often miss the investment expenses charged by the brokerage houses. These are considered investment expense deductions. Investment advisory fees, early withdrawal penalties and margin interest are also allowable deductions. Don’t forget the safe deposit box fees for the safe deposit box you are holding the stock certificates in.

For those lucky enough to win big at the casino or in the lottery, gambling losses (up to the amount you won), are also deductible.

If you own a home or are buying a home, don’t forget the points or the property tax that gets paid when the purchase or sale happens. Mortgage prepayment penalties and late fees are also deductible. You can also deduct commissions and fees paid on a closing.

While many legal fees are not deductible, some are. If you pay legal fees for a tax audit, those are deductible. If you pay legal fees related to receiving or collecting alimony, those are deductible. And if you pay legal fees related to any investments, those too are deductible.

Theft and casualty losses are also allowed. I remember once when a client provided me with an envelope that said “theft and casualty loss”, but nothing was in it. He said he just wanted to let me know he didn’t have any theft or casualty losses!

And finally, the most important deduction, the fees you have to pay to the accountant to make sure you don’t miss any of the deductions you are entitled to.

There are many more deductions that folks are entitled to, but these are a few of the most common. Until such time as the tax code gets simplified, it might be a good idea to check with a tax professional to make sure you are not missing any of the deductions that you should be taking.

Alisa Hunt is the Academic Program Manager for the Master of Science in Accounting Program at Post University. Hunt earned a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from National University an M.S. in Education from Capella University and a Ph.D. in Education from Cappella University. Hunt has been in the business world for 20-plus years, as a business owner, and in leadership positions in various organizations. Currently, she owns a consulting and training company where she trains and consults with business on issues from Accounting and Finance to Diversity and Creativity.

5 Ways nonverbal communication can aid the job or internship interview process

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:27:00 -0500

By Kellie Lambert

Job interviews can be intimidating, stressful and scary. But whether you are trying to land a new position or a summer internship, there are several ways one can prepare for the interview beyond learning answers to practice questions. Studies have said that 90 percent of our communication is nonverbal, so being aware of what message we send to the world – without words – can help you gain an edge over others when entering the job market.

Here are 5 basic nonverbal communications skills to master:

1. The Handshake

Much ado is made over handshakes: Body language experts will often analyze how world leaders approach each other in a handshake, noting the placement of hands and relate it to the hierarchy of international power. Handshakes matter, right down to that initial greeting that you give a perspective employer. Be sure to give a firm handshake – one does not want a bone-crushing grasp or a lazy, wet noodle grip. A good handshake is a good first impression.

2. Eye contact

Be sure to take the time to connect with your interviewer via your eyes. If he or she is talking, it is important to make eye contact and not be glancing around the room. Eye contact shows a sign of respect and indicates you are paying attention to what they saying or asking you. Of course, the flip side to increasing eye contact is making sure you don’t stare, which may be intimidating.

3. Posture

Be sure to sit up straight in your chair. A rule of thumb is to avoid putting your back against the chair – if you lean back you will slouch. Keep about six inches between you and the back of the chair, and you can sit straight and tall, looking professional and confident.

4. Gestures and fidgeting

Many of us talk with our hands in conversation, but too much gesturing or moving in a job interview can be distracting from what we have to say. If you are confused, try to practice in front of a mirror with sample interview questions to see how you appear to others.

5. Personal presentation

Clothes, jewelry, shoes, hair, perfume and make-up all send a message to the world, and to a future employer. Be sure your clothes match the job for which you would like to be hired. Don’t wear a neon green tie to an interview for an office job. If in doubt over what to wear, stick with basic neutral hues, perhaps with a pop of confident red. Be sure to look well-groomed, presentable and respectful when you walk in the door. Taking the time to look professional means you are serious about landing a spot in their company.

And one bonus tip – smile! Future employers will want to have someone on their team who not only works hard, but appears pleasant to be around. A great grin can put you, and the interviewer, at ease. Even if you are nervous, smiling is a great nonverbal tool to bridge the gap when you make that first handshake on your way to a new job or internship. Good luck!

Kellie Lambert is an Associate Faculty member in Post University’s Career & Self Awareness core and Communication and Media Studies program. Lambert McGuire earned her M.A. from Central Connecticut State University and has more than 22 years of experience writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and other publications.

5 Questions with Steve Paulone: Optimism around retirement in the U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:41:00 -0500

1. The percentage of Americans confident in their retirement is heavily increasing, according to the 2015 annual Retirement Confidence Survey. Twenty-two percent of Americans report feeling very confident they have enough money for a comfortable retirement, up from 13 percent in 2013. Thirty-six percent said they were somewhat confident. Why do you feel these numbers are steadily rising?

One very big reason why people feel more confident recently is because the stock market has appreciated between 30 – 40 percent over the past five years. This has a significant ‘halo effect’ or impression that personal wealth has increased so retirement seems more affordable. Also, home prices have stabilized and unemployment has decreased to a level where people feel comfortable in their jobs for the future.

2. The majority of Americans surveyed who were “very confident” about their retirement reported having a detailed retirement plan. How important is it to have a retirement plan?

You absolutely need a plan for retirement, without a plan you will never meet your needs or goals for retirement. A satisfying retirement depends on what you and your family want to do in retirement. Someone who wishes to travel the world and live in luxury will need far more savings than someone who wishes to sit by a pond all day and fish. So you start with defining your needs in retirement and that will tell you how much you need to save and where you need to invest to obtain the returns you need to fund that future vision.

3. When should someone start thinking about retirement and what is the first step in building a retirement plan?

You should be starting to think about retirement as early as possible, but remember it is never too late to start saving. You need to understand the costs and benefits in saving for retirement. You are actually delaying satisfaction until a time when you are not working to live; in other words, saving for retirement should not impinge on your living a full life today and allow for a satisfying future.

The first step is examining your expenses and income and looking for opportunities to place at least a small amount of money aside in a retirement account. The second step is to review what your employer offers for retirement accounts and realize the benefits that those accounts offer (low fees, company matching, free advice, etc).

4. Cost of living and day-to-day expenses were the top two reasons people either don’t save or don’t save enough, with over 50 percent of workers citing these factors. How can people attempt to overcome the many reasons that can keep them from saving for retirement?

It really is simple analysis of what is important to you and what you are doing with your current income. My first step in saving was to keep a log of every penny I spent for a month; I kept a book on me (now you can do this easily with many apps on your phones) where I wrote down very item I purchased from my morning coffee to my evening entertainment and everything in between.

I soon realized with some targeted spending cuts I could save a lot for the future without changing my standard of living one bit. It really is easy once you see where your money goes to put money aside for a goal in the future.

5. Sixty-nine percent of people said they could save an extra $25 a week more then they currently do for retirement. What is the best way to know how much to save, and can a small amount like this make a difference in the long run?

The best way to know how much to save is to detail what you want your life to be and determine how much that will cost. You also need to look at your assets and liabilities and determine your future cash flows (income and expenses).

If you save $25 a week that is $1,300 a year. If you can earn even 2 percent on that money it will be worth roughly $15,819 in ten years at 4 percent interest that becomes $17,532 and at 8 percent interest that would be $21,639.

Another way to save is to pay down debt (and not incur more debt). If you took the same amount of money and paid down a car loan or home loan, the compounding effect is the same and you can cut years off of a loan in this manner with no refinancing fees or penalties. Doing this also raises your credit score and lowers the cost of borrowing for you in the future if the need arises.

Stephen Paulone, Ph.D. is the Director of Graduate Business Programs offered through the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University. He has more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing, and finance, and has held such positions as marketing manager, manager of new product development, marketing program manager and finance director.

Athletics Roundup: Men’s basketball makes playoff push, hockey looks to end inaugural season strong

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:22:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

Men’s Basketball – As the regular season nears a close, the Eagles have arguably their most important week of the year upcoming. Post is currently on the bubble of qualifying for the eight-team Central Athletic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Tournament that begins later this month. Fortunately for Post, they square off with the two teams sitting directly ahead of them in the playoff chase, Concordia and Dominican, in two of their final three games of the season. For the Eagles to clinch a playoff berth, they’ll need continued production from their top scorer, sophomore Tyler Desrosiers, and the team’s leading rebounder, 6’7” freshman Tamas Okros.

Women’s Basketball – The Eagles got in the win column for the first time this year with a road win against Georgian Court and followed that up with a home win against Felician earlier this month. The Eagles used a 13-point, fourth quarter performance by junior Tyra Jones to propel them to their first win and 16 points in 21 minutes from junior Nicole Sheloski to make it back-to-back victories. Post closes out their season with three games against CACC North opponents.

Men’s Ice Hockey – The Eagles went 1-2 in their three competitions over the past month, notching a dominant 10-2 victory of Quinnipiac’s club team, but falling to Daniel Webster College and Trinity College’s club team. Sophomore Dave Canfarotta had a huge game in their win over Quinnipiac club, with three goals and four assists to lead the Eagle’s offensive outburst. Post will have an opportunity for redemption in their final two games of the season, with rematches against Central Connecticut State University and Trinity College club, two teams that previously edged the Eagles.

5 Questions with Bill Stadler: International students in the U.S. hits record high

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 09:27:00 -0500

1. The number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities showed the highest rate of growth in 35 years in 2014-15, increasing by ten percent to a record high of 974,926 students, according to the 2015 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Why have we seen such a dramatic increase of international students coming to the U.S. recently?

In general, universities across the U.S. have become much more active in recruiting students from other countries. This increases the diversity of cultures on our campuses and also contributes to the “bottom-line”. In addition, recruiting practices have become more open and increasingly similar to the practices of other countries around the globe. For example, historically, many large universities in the U.S. have frowned upon partnering with a third party in another country to assist in promoting the university and contacting students regarding their interest in the university. This practice has been commonplace in the United Kingdom and Australia for many years, but only recently became broadly accepted in the U.S.

I believe the financial crisis of 2008 is also having a substantial impact. It’s no secret that the U.S. economy has recovered more quickly than other developed nations. The emerging economies whose strength helped in the early stages of recovery after 2008, have slowed. This has tightened opportunities for students in those countries and has led them to look abroad in the search for qualifications, which would appeal to multi-national corporations and smaller multi-national companies.

There are also more detailed, unique local driving forces. For example, India is the second largest “exporter” of students to U.S. universities and saw nearly 30 percent growth in the number of students who came to the U.S. to study in 2014-2015. Most students in India have seen the U.S. as a highly respected place to study business and the sciences for a long time, but the big increases we’ve seen in students from India also have very practical, basic motivations, such as the stabilization of their primary currency, an increase in available funding from local banks and stiff competition for open seats at good Indian Universities.

Post students carrying international
flags at Commencement

2. The number of international graduate students saw a steep rise alongside undergraduate students. What are the benefits of coming to the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate studies?

Our system of education is different and highly valued by many governments and influential private citizens across the globe. In many countries the system of education relies substantially on routine memorization or very narrowly defined rules and principles. You memorize events, formulas, symbols, words and people’s lives. To pass your exams, you repeat that information, get your degree and head out into the world.
Our system of education focuses on educating “the whole person” and developing the problem solving skills and critical thinking which can be applied to many different settings and situations. (Of course, I’m oversimplifying both types of education to make a point, but I’ve heard many students and administrators from other countries make the very same statements.)

In a global economy, the skills ideally developed in our system of education are immensely important as we rely on workers to span not only different departments, but also different countries and cultures.

3. Business and Management remained the top field of study for international students, with over 20 percent of students majoring in this area. Why do you feel so many international students have focused on Business degrees, and what are the advantages of gaining this knowledge at U.S. colleges and universities?

The US is still seen as the destination of choice when it comes to a business education. If you are studying Engineering, perhaps you think of some other countries first. When it comes to business –having a business degree from the U.S. not only communicates that you’ve learned the system of business in the largest market economy in the world, but that you’ve absorbed some of the cultural awareness and (hopefully) subtly of communication which is so necessary when dealing with global companies who may have originated in the U.S. or have large U.S. offices. Beyond the classroom, most students know they have the opportunity to work in internships in U.S. companies. In addition, through an extension to their U.S. student visa, called Optional Practical Training, they can work for a year in the U.S. in their area of study, build their resume and gain valuable experience and business connections.

4. The amount of U.S. students who chose to study abroad also increased by five percent last year, to a total of 304,467. How important is it for U.S. students to take the opportunity to study abroad and experience learning in another culture?

More important than ever! This is an aspect of our “holistic” education, which we don’t emphasize enough! Global economy = global companies = global workforce. We used to think of “Study Abroad” as mostly a good time traveling and picking up some valuable “experiences” along the way (as well as completing some credits). “But the times – they are a-changin’.” U.S. students who don’t spend time studying abroad today are truly at a disadvantage and may be limiting their upside potential. Students in the U.S. have the “opportunity” to lead a very sheltered existence. They can get by, even though they never leave the country, learn another language, or get to know someone from a different culture. Students who reach beyond this pattern of living are the ones with the greatest potential to become our business leaders, our political leaders and our visionaries. Knowledge of the world – other cultures and other languages – can help us to be better leaders and to be better citizens of the world. Study Abroad can be an importance piece of beginning that development.

5. What makes Post University a strong destination for international students seeking to study in the U.S.?

Post University is truly a unique opportunity for international students. Almost every university will talk about having small class sizes. They may have 40,000 students, but can point to an average class size of 17. Yet, when you walk around campus or talk to students, it’s not unusual to find classes approaching 100 students, and you are hard pressed to find any core degree courses under 25 or 30 students. This is very common. When I walk around the campus at Post and peer into classrooms, it’s rare to see more than 10 or 12 students in a classroom. And it is very common to see classes of six, seven, or eight students. This is a reality at Post! This is not just a number which looks good in marketing material and may be manipulated by having a large number of classes which can only be accessed at the end of your education. I have a student who transferred from another school this semester who told me there were only three students in one of his classes. I asked if he thought this was a good thing, and he said, “It’s a great thing! I can ask any question I want, and I’ll always be able to keep up.” This is an incredible opportunity for an international student! Most students from other countries have a great deal of anxiety about keeping up and missing some of the information “in between the lines”. But at Post, the access they have to their professors and classmates lends a “total quality” difference. You don’t get lost at the back of the room at Post. Even if you want to!

It’s not just the size of the classroom, but what is done with it. I’m very fond of telling people that Post is a great place for two types of students.

1. The student who is struggling and needs some extra support to make it. They have more access to their professors and easier access to the thoughts of their American classmates. When there are eight students in a class, and you break into small group work, you’re not going to be left out because you are the one with an accent or you missed the subtlety of a joke that was told. These are real anxieties that international students have!

2. The student who is a high performing student and wants to get the MOST out of their relationships with professors and classmates. That same access which helps the struggling student can do even more for the high achiever who takes advantage of the professional knowledge and business contacts of their professors and the higher level honors classes available at Post, and who also makes the most of building their skills through internship opportunities available due to the large number of companies between here and New York City.

There is one additional story I want to share which tells a lot about the atmosphere on this campus. The weekend after the attacks in Paris, several of our students from France came into the International Office and shared how supported they felt. It wasn’t just the support of the residential life staff and the counseling center, but each one of them said how thoughtful and kind the other students were. You can’t legislate that. It’s in the culture here.

Bill Stadler is the Assistant Director of International Admissions at Post University. Stadler previously worked in International Admissions at the University of Bridgeport. His background prior to Higher Education was in financial services, working with Fidelity Investments in addition to a small, private financial planning practice. Stadler earned his B.A. in Communications at Eastern Nazarene College and completed his CFP® at Boston University.

Post in the Media: Post provides tuition grants, sprint football gets new head coach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 9 Feb 2016 10:56:00 -0500

Here’s a recap of the latest headlines to hit the news:

Post partners with Connecticut city to make tuition more affordable

Post and the City of Derby recently signed a partnership agreement which will extend a tuition grant to all city residents, as well as to employees of the city and the Board of Education and their immediate family members, including spouses and children. The Connecticut Post ran a story on Post’s new partnership.

The partnership, which was formally acknowledged at a press event at Derby High School on Thursday, February 4, was also highlighted by the New Haven Register. The article also discussed a second partnership with Derby Public Schools which will provide students enrolled at Derby High School with the opportunity to earn college credits at a discounted rate in conjunction with Post’s High School Academy.

Post coach profiled in Women in Higher Education

Post’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Taj McWilliams-Franklin was featured in the latest edition of Women in Higher Education. The article profiled McWilliams-Franklin’s successful WNBA career and how she looks to impart her experiences on her players. She explained how college coaching is more about development and it allows her to be a mentor to her team at level that is unmatched in the professional game.

Leading the way for Post Sprint Football

Post recently announced the hiring of Joseph Taylor as the school’s new Head Sprint Football Coach. Taylor spent the last three years on the coaching staff of the Navy sprint football team. He also played with the Midshipmen varsity football team from 2005-09. The Waterbury-Republican American sat down with Taylor and discussed his background and what he hopes to bring to the sprint football team at Post.

Greek debt crisis debate continues

Alisa Hunt, Academic Program Manager for Post’s Master of Science in Accounting program, bylined an article for CPA Trendlines on the ongoing Greek Debt crisis. Hunt highlighted Greece’s short history of accounting training and limited number of certified public accountants as part of the nation’s current downfall. A history of corruption and tax evasion in Greece is also a major factor contributing to the debt issue, according to Hunt.

Post men’s basketball overcoming injuries

The strong season for the Post men’s basketball team was highlighted in a recent Waterbury Republican-American article. The article explains how the Eagles have been able to overcome injuries to several key players, including the reigning Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Rookie of the Year, and still find success on the court. Currently, Post sits one game back of the CACC North lead.

My Post Experience: Equine major Rachel Draper, going above and beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 5 Feb 2016 09:24:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

A traditional internship experience usually consists of part-time work with an accumulation of three or four credit hours. Equine major Rachel Draper didn’t want the traditional experience, she wanted more.

Draper recently concluded a full-time, 12-credit independent study semester interning at Camp Jewell YMCA Outdoor Center in Colebrook, CT. During the extensive internship the senior worked in the horseback riding program, conducted research for her Capstone Project and evaluated certain aspects of the camp’s management structure.

“Being able to combine what I’ve learned at Post with the real world experience at Camp Jewell was incredible,” she said. “I’m excited to take everything I learned back into the classroom, because so much was relevant to what we’re doing in the Equine Program.”

Equine major Rachel Draper

During her independent study semester, Draper also took the time to prepare for and take the American Riding Instructor Certification Program (ARICP) testing. Draper passed the exam and is now an ARICP Certified Instructor for beginner level dressage and stable management.

“I knew acquiring this certification would be a huge plus for my resume and a big step forward in my equine career,” she said.

Draper’s experience and her certificate is already paying dividends, helping her secure a position at The Glenholme School, a special needs therapeutic boarding school in Washington, CT.

“It’s been my dream, and my career path thus far, to be a horseback riding instructor,” she said. “Working at the school and being able to teach private horseback lessons is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Her work study experience is helping in the classroom as well, as she’s noticed many correlations between the textbook and the workplace and been able to apply the real-world application to her academic program.

“I’m taking a lot of business-related courses this semester and, as I’ve started to study for these courses, it’s been so much easier to understand the concepts involved,” she said.

It was hard work, and above and beyond the normal requirements, but Draper said her internship was an experience she’ll savor for a lifetime and an opportunity that gave her the tools to pursue her career dreams.

“This internship experience really rounded off my previous years of college experience,” she said. “I felt like I had something to apply my knowledge to when I was at work, and it cemented my desire to be a riding instructor. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.”

Post providing tuition grants for residents of Connecticut city

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 2 Feb 2016 08:57:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

Post University is partnering with a Connecticut city to help make earning a degree more affordable.

Through Post’s Partners in Education program, all residents and employees of the city of Derby, CT will be eligible for a 15 percent tuition grant.

Post and the City of Derby recently signed the partnership agreement, which will extend a tuition grant to all city residents, as well as employees of the city and the Board of Education, and immediate family members, including spouses and children. The partnership will be formally acknowledged at a press event at Derby High School this Thursday, February 4.

“This is a wonderful experience on how two institutions can work together to provide students with the education they desire in the way they need it,” said President Don Mroz. “Programs like this recognize the great need to offer flexible ways for working professionals to leverage their education and experience and accelerate their path to a college degree.”

In addition, a second partnership with Derby Public Schools, in conjunction with Post’s High School Academy, will provide students with the opportunity to earn college credits at a discounted rate while enrolled at Derby High School.

Navy Offensive Coordinator Joseph Taylor named Post’s Head Sprint Football Coach

noreply@blogger.com (David Ambrose) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 09:25:00 -0500

By: David Ambrose

Post University athletics announced some exciting news Friday, as Joseph Taylor was named Head Sprint Football Coach. Taylor spent the last three years on the coaching staff of the Navy sprint football team. He also played with the Midshipmen varsity football team from 2005-09.

Taylor most recently served as the Offensive Coordinator for Navy for the past two seasons after joining the staff in 2013 as the Quarterbacks Coach. Navy led the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) in total offense last year with 377.4 yards per game. In each of his three seasons in Annapolis, Taylor’s offense had the top rushing attack in the conference. Navy captured the CSFL Championship in 2014 with a 7-0 record.

While Coach Taylor strives to put a great team on the field, he also wants to make sure his student- athletes work hard and are prepared for life after college.

Coach Joseph Taylor addresses the Navy Midshipmen

“My goal at Post is to maximize the potential of these young men both on and off the field. I look to grow them into leaders at the university and in the community," said Taylor.

A four-year letter winner at Navy, Taylor played quarterback, safety, and outside linebacker for the Midshipmen from 2005-09. His team played in a bowl game and defeated arch-rival Army in each of his four years with the squad. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

After college, Taylor spent a season as the quarterbacks coach for the Navy Prep School in Newport, R.I. before heading off for Marines training. With the Marines, Taylor was a Motor Transport Platoon Commander and Logistics Advisor at Camp Pendleton in California and in Afghanistan.

Post University Director of Athletics Ronnie Palmer believes Taylor is the perfect coach to bring the program to the next level.

"We are very excited to bring in somebody with Coach Taylor's qualifications. He did great things with the Naval Academy football team and will be a tremendous addition to the campus community."

The Eagles had a tough 2015 season as they finished 0-7. Junior Chris Leggio was one of the bright spots as he became the team’s career leader in total tackles and was one of three players named First Team All-CSFL. Senor Jay’Len Mahan and sophomore Anthony Lucia also received first team honors.

Taylor will begin his tenure with the Eagles at the end of January.

My Post Experience: Louis Santa Barbara, unmatched experience

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 09:36:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

If experience is the best teacher, Post student Louis Santa Barbara Jr. has had some exceptional instructors. Few Post students have garnered more experience than junior Santa Barbara, who inside the classroom is an honors student and double major in Accounting and Finance, and outside the classroom is going on his third internship in as many years.

Santa Barbara began interning with companies in the second semester of his freshman year, and he hasn’t looked back since. He started as an intern in the Grants and Operations Audit Department at Waterbury Hospital in Spring 2014. Santa Barbara assisted in the process of applying for grants and working with the expenditures associated with the different activities and programs funded by those grants.

Louis Santa Barbara Jr.

“The most satisfying piece of this experience was seeing the many individuals that benefited from the programs, in the hospital as well as within the Waterbury community,” he said.

Following this internship Santa Barbara completed a yearlong internship with Fortune 50 company United Technologies Corporation (UTC). Working in the Treasury Services Department allowed Santa Barbara to experience the ways UTC managed cash, credit and various forms of risk.

“The internship at UTC introduced me to the overall corporate environment and taught me important strategies relating to both project and time management,” he said.

This semester, Santa Barbara has begun an internship in the Assurance & Advisory Services Department at Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP (FML). FML is a medium-sized public accounting firm in Glastonbury, CT, and it felt like a perfect fit immediately for Santa Barbara.

“FML’s nature of being small and personal to clients, yet competent and experienced really made me feel as though it would be a terrific place to learn and grow,” he said. “I am enjoying it very much so far.”

Santa Barbara specifically chose to pursue an internship in public accounting because it aligned with his goal to pursue CPA licensure upon graduation, but also, it was a matter of following his heart.

“Accounting is the subject that I have known that I wanted to continue learning for the longest time,” he said. “It’s so exciting to be getting "real-world" experience in the subject that I have loved since I was a junior in high school.”

As an intern in FML’s Auditing Department, Santa Barbara has the opportunity to travel to different businesses and observe their accounting and financial reporting processes. FML has clients in many different industries and Santa Barbara feels it will be great exposure to observe the different processes and requirements.

“The experience will help me in my career by being exposed to a plethora of different business environments as well as the documentation and reporting procedures that are required in each,” he said. “I’ll also have a better idea of what to expect with regards to the CPA firm environment.”

Despite his many internship experiences and areas of study, Santa Barbara has not wavered from his longtime interest of public accounting and can’t wait to launch his full-time career in the field.

“I’m focusing on continuing to learn as much as I can with respect to the practical and technical skills that are needed in the public accounting industry,” he said. “My aspiration is to work hard and earn an offer for continued employment at FML at the completion of this internship.”

Athletics Roundup: Men’s basketball atop CACC North

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:54:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

Men’s Basketball – With wins over Pace and Wilmington University after the holiday break, the Eagles sit atop the Central Athletic Collegiate Conference (CACC) North Division at 9-6 overall, and 5-3 in the CACC. Post enters a very tough stretch of schedule with five of their next seven games on the road, including two against CACC South Division leaders Philadelphia University and Holy Family University. With four players averaging double digit points, including sophomore guard Tyler Desrosiers, sophomore forward Matt Mareno, freshman forward Tamas Okros and redshirt sophomore guard Jah’sheme Ringgold, Post will look to continue to spread the scoring around and maintain their lead in the CACC North.

Women’s Basketball – It’s been a difficult season thus far for the Eagles, who have yet to capture their first win of the season. After single-digit losses to Goldey-Beacom College and Saint Michael’s College this month, Post sits at the bottom of the CACC North. The Eagles will host Philadelphia University this Saturday, January 23, before heading on the road to face Caldwell University, Georgian Court and Concordia College next week. Junior guard Jovan Kingwood leads the Eagles in scoring with nearly 15 points per game, while junior forward Tyra Jones has led the team in rebounds while averaging a double-double.

Men’s Ice Hockey – Post is 1-8 in their inaugural season after loses to instate foe Fairfield University, Morrisville State and Keene State this month. However, the Eagles did score six goals over that three game span, and have a chance to notch a second victory against the club teams from Quinnipiac University and Trinity College upcoming. With over 20 freshman and sophomore on the squad, Post will hope to gain as much experience as possible over their remaining six games before moving into the team’s first offseason together.

5 Questions with Shane Lockwood: Peak flu season is approaching

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 09:45:00 -0500

1. Flu activity peaks in February and can last into May, according to the Center for Disease Control. As the brunt of flu season approaches, what tips should all adults keep in mind to try to avoid getting the flu, and to keep children from getting the flu?

I want to remind everyone that it is not too late to get a flu shot. Ideally, we encourage people to get their flu shots in late September or October for greatest efficacy. The peak of flu season is typically near the end of January, beginning of February, so getting the flu shot now will still provide some protection. The other best defense against the flu is proper handwashing. Proper handwashing consists of soap and warm water. You should rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds when washing your hands as the friction releases dirt and germs from your skin.

2. In 2012-13, U.S. adults missed 230 million work days last flu season, resulting in a flu-related cost of $30.4 billion, according to the Walgreens Flu Impact Report. Are there procedures or guidelines businesses can and/or do put in place to prepare for flu season and sustain their workforce?

It is important for business to educate their employees about the dangers of the flu. There is plenty of information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website that employers can distribute through email and in common areas reminding employees of healthy habits that may prevent the flu. In recent years, many pharmacies and local health departments have conducted flu shot clinics in the workplace. Businesses may call their local health department or visit the American Lung Association website to inquire about a workplace clinic.

3. The CDC estimated that last year’s vaccine was approximately 19 percent effective. What contributes to the effectiveness levels of the vaccine, and how much does this vary year to year?

There are around 100 national influenza centers throughout the world that monitor their countries for flu cases. Through laboratory testing, these centers look at the severity of the flu season and most common strains. Based on this information, experts from selected countries make a recommendation to vaccine manufacturers on which strains to include in the vaccine. There are some consistent strains that are used each year but some variance occurs depending on what is being observed. One factor that may contribute to low efficacy of a vaccine is when a novel (new) strain of influenza begins to circulate. We saw this in 2009 with the H1N1 strain. Since that pandemic, the H1N1 strain has been included each year in the vaccine.

4. Why should or shouldn’t people get a flu vaccine, and when is the most ideal time to get the vaccine administered?

The CDC recommends each person over the age of 6 months gets vaccinated against the flu. The vaccine takes about two weeks for protection to set in with some decline in protection with each passing month. Most of the flu cases I see are between mid-November until early March so getting vaccinated in late September or October probably provides the best results. Many experts recommend getting the vaccine as soon as it is available, which is usually late August, so that a person does not forget to get a vaccination or does not have an opportunity to later in the season.

5. Three out of four people reported being personally impacted by the flu, according to the Walgreens report. What should people do who become infected with the influenza virus, to get themselves healthy, take care of others and stop the spread of the virus?

Many of the steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu are lessons we were taught at an early age including: washing your hands, eat healthy, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of liquids. It is also a good idea to stay home if you are sick, so as not to infect co-workers and fellow students. Businesses and institutes of higher learning can really help minimize the impact of the flu by reminding workers and students to stay home when they are sick. It will assist the ill person in recovering quicker and stop a cycle that may otherwise work itself through an office or classroom.

Shane Lockwood is an Associate Professor in Post University’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program. Lockwood has worked in local health departments and districts in Connecticut for 25 years. He currently is the Director of Health for the Plainville-Southington Regional Health District and also the Deputy Emergency Management Director for the Town of Southington. Lockwood holds a B.S. in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Connecticut.

My Post Experience: Jody Nellessen; the foundation for something great

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:36:00 -0500

By: Dan DeBlasio

In 1972, Jody Nellessen was unsure if she was prepared for a traditional four-year college. After an extensive search, she chose Post Junior College in Waterbury, CT, a two-year institution that she hoped would be a good fit for her.

Forty years later, it turns out that Nellessen made the right choice, and she has a successful career and several lifelong friends to prove it.

“My guidance counselor was the first person that recommended Post Junior College to me,” she said. “Coming from a small town in New Jersey I wasn’t looking for a large school. After visiting the campus, I felt like it could be a very nice fit for me, so I made the decision and enrolled.”

Jody Nellessen during her time
at Post Junior College.

The rest is history, and whether it was participating in the volleyball club or powder-puff football league, attending soccer and basketball games, or going sleigh riding and ice skating on Post’s pond, Nellessen made the most of her two years and says she enjoyed every moment.

“The whole Post Junior College experience was wonderful, but by far the best part was the lifelong friendships that I developed from being there,” she said.

The closest of those friendships was two women that Nellessen has been grouped with for over four decades – “The Tristate Girls”.

“I was from New Jersey, and the other two women were from Connecticut and New York,” she said. “We gave ourselves the name in school, we’ve stayed in the same states our whole lives, and it just stuck. We still see each other several times a year and have all stayed very close.”

Friendships weren’t the only thing Nellessen gained at Post Junior College, she excelled in the classroom as well, gaining a solid base that propelled her to go on to get her Bachelor’s and MBA, and boast a 34- year career with State Farm Insurance, 20 of which was in management roles.

“I realized when I got into the workforce that I learned more than I thought I did,” she said. “What I learned at Post really prepared me for my career and the rest of my education.”

When the now-retired Nellessen looks back on her accomplishments, she feels fortunate for her many successes and for the faculty and staff at Post Junior College that helped mold who she became.

“I was very lucky to have a wonderful career and it’s amazing to think after so many years of working that my education at Post really catapulted me to much of that,” she said.

Nellessen has watched Post grow and evolve over the years since her graduation, often thinking back to her days in the early 1970s, with only one regret in mind.

“I just wish it was a four-year university when I went, because I would have stayed,” she said. “That being said, I’m very proud to see what Post has become and the tremendous steps it’s taken. I’ll always be a very proud alum.”

8 tools to flip your classroom

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 7 Jan 2016 10:26:00 -0500

By: Linda Kaiser

Every year, the New Media Consortium publishes a set of documents called The Horizon Report. In this report, leaders in the field of educational technology present emerging technology trends for the next one to five years. The 2015 report explained that in the next year the Flipped Classroom would become a widely adopted method in classrooms at all academic levels across the country. Since this is the year slated for changes, I thought it would be helpful to offer educators some tools that you can use to implement your own flipped classroom model.

But first let me explain what a flipped classroom is for those of you who may not have heard about this idea yet. Flipping your classroom involves finding or creating informational materials for students to access and explore at home as homework. Homework becomes the presentation of information rather than the application. After reviewing the materials, students come to class prepared to apply the information in project-based activities that help them to expand on what they have learned. This method is the opposite of traditional instructional models where the teacher first presents the material and then assigns projects as homework for students to complete.

There are a number of technology tools that can help you get materials ready to present as homework. Information can be presented in several engaging ways. You might consider creating videos of narrated images and content, podcasts offering voice-only narrations of information, pages of engaging content that work to amend reading assignments, or screen casts. Let’s take a deeper look at these user-friendly tools:

Video Presentations

PowerPoint 2013 – Believe it or not, with a new upgrade to Office 2013, you now have an excellent tool you can use to create narrated presentations. You can record your voice, sync it up with your slide presentation and then save your presentation as a video file. Upload your completed video file to YouTube and just give your students the link! Easy!

HaikuDeck - This is a great presentation creation tool that has been developed to make authoring on an iPad a simple task. If you’re an iPad user, then you should definitely try this tool to create your next stunning content presentation.

Podcasting

Sound Cloud – Using this recording tool, you can create audio recordings of up to three hours for free. That’s a lot of content to post for your students. This tool is very easy to use and is a favorite of students who use it to create their projects in my e-learning design courses.

Audacity – This is another common and free tool that many of my students use to record their audio for a variety of projects. You can also use this recorder to edit audio files you create or find on the Internet. Create these audio files and post them on a class web page for your students to access.

Amended Text

Glogster – This is a tool you can use to create interactive poster-style presentations of content. When assigning a reading activity, create a poster that supplements the text and makes it more engaging for the students through pictures, videos, charts, graphs, and other interesting content.

LiveBinders – This is one of my favorite tools to use for presenting collections of content on any topic. Using this tool, you will create pages of content that can enhance a reading or video viewing assignment. You can create many separate digital binders and each binder can have an unlimited number of pages. Send your students a link to the page(s) you want them to review before class the next day. The possibilities are endless with this tool!

Screen Casting

Screencast-O-Matic – This is a useful tool for creating both screen and webcam recordings. You can give digital tours of anything on your desktop and narrate as you go. You also have the ability to embed a webcam recording at the same time so you can actually talk to your students, rather than at them.

Jing – Brought to you by the fine folks at TechSmith, Jing is a free and user-friendly version of a screen recorder that enables you to share your recordings through instant messaging, email, social media, and many other avenues. The nice thing about using this tool is that it comes with free tech support and very helpful step-by-step tutorials to help get you started.

Well, that is your new list of tech tools to try as we enter 2016. Give some thought to flipping your classroom and change the way you work with your students. It’s a New Year and time to do some new things! As usual, if you create some really stunning projects, please share them with me. I’d love to see what you create! Happy New Year!

Linda Kaiser, Ph.D. is the Academic Program Manager for Post University's Instructional Design and Technology program. Kaiser is an experienced instructional design professional with a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design for Online Learning.

3 career improvement tips for 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 5 Jan 2016 09:53:00 -0500

By: Jillian Moruzzi, MBA

It’s 2016 and though you like your job, you want to maximize your workplace enjoyment and productivity. For those seeking to deepen their professional fulfillment and contribution, browse these tips for New Year improvement:

1. Get organized – You can’t improve at your job if you don’t have a thorough understanding of not only your tasks and responsibilities, but also your daily productivity and accomplishments. In a notebook, record your hourly output and review the results every evening, observing inefficiencies and brainstorming opportunities to reorder your routine and establish task synergies. The result: more time to perfect all projects, learn additional skills and undertake new duties.

2. Socialize – Yes, socialize. If you currently eat at your desk, relocate to the designated workplace dining area. If you continually pass on Happy Hour invitations and softball league openings, reconsider your forced isolation. If coworker birthday celebrations pop up from time to time, stop declining. While the desires to focus on your job and maintain professionalism are reasonable and prudent, so too are appropriate workplace friendships, occasional lighthearted interruptions to your obligations, friendly colleague banter and a generally positive, convivial office. Workplaces are more fulfilling when you let them fill you, not to mention that the ensuing camaraderie will serve you in collaborative tasks and reference requests.

3. Diversify yourself – Specialization is of finicky value, as it is praised by superiors seeking experts and disparaged by higher-ups who value versatility and flexibility. Even if your boss holds the former opinion, consider diversifying yourself by developing a new competency. In the free time you identified in tip one, and using the newfound friendships you nurtured in tip two, create a mentor/ mentee relationship with a colleague who has perfected a skill you regard as worthwhile. And hey, it’s 2016; feel free to designate YouTube as that sage teacher if no worthy options exist in your workplace.

Even if this diversification does not coincide with immediate office recognition or advancement, it is an opportunity for you to improve and impress yourself; two high-importance self-love checklist items since it is human nature to diminish our own aptitudes and achievements. Personal gratification aside, a new skill will heighten your marketability within and beyond your company, should you seek internal progression or external opportunities in the upcoming years.

Now that you’ve counted to three, you’re officially poised to attain Dominating-the-2016-Workplace status. Now let the journaling, small-talking and mentor-shadowing commence!

Jillian Moruzzi is an Associate in Post University’s Career Services Department. Moruzzi earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Business Administration from Quinnipiac University.

Top five blogs of 2015: Paying it forward, a valedictorian’s journey and more

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 10:32:00 -0500

As we count down to a new year, let’s take a look back at the top five performing blog posts of 2015. From new hockey teams to first year retention and much more, the following blogs were the most viewed this past year:

Practicing what you preach: Post students pay it forward with recent service project
Published: February 10, 2015; by Dan DeBlasio

Students from Post’s Management program visited Frisbie Elementary School in Wolcott, CT, to work with and read to young students. During their visit, they read Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed—a children’s book that inspires and encourages good deeds and community service. The students didn’t just relay this message though; they took it to heart, making gifts including scarfs, puzzles and winter-themed tote bags, for patients at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Post adds men’s and women’s hockey programs
Published: April 9, 2015; by David Ambrose

In April, it was announced that men’s and women’s ice hockey programs will be added beginning in the 2015-16 academic year. Pete Whitney was named the head men's hockey coach and an outlook for the first season was detailed. Post men’s hockey kicked off their program in memorable fashion earlier this year with an overtime win in the program’s first game.

Post’s Main Campus co-valedictorian persevered and thrived
Published: May 6, 2015; by Don Mroz

The journey of 2015 co-valedictorian, Miranda Polaski, who completed her degree on Post’s Waterbury campus, was detailed in a blog leading up to Post’s 125 commencement ceremony. Polaski was one of the most involved student leaders on campus and a star athlete on the athletic fields. “Use the resources you have, find something you enjoy doing, and dive in head first,” was her parting advice for Post underclassman.

5 Questions with Don Mroz: Engaging employees and creating a positive culture
Published: June 12, 2015; by Don Mroz

President Don Mroz outlined the challenges associated with creating an engaging environment and a positive culture, and how critical each of those are for an ongoing, successful business. Mroz discussed the impact culture and engagement have on organizational creativity and innovation and how much focus should be placed on hiring a diverse workforce.

5 Questions with Jane Bailey: Ways to improve first-year student retention
Published: July 31, 2015; by Jane Bailey

Provost Jane Bailey outlined what Post calls its, “Circle of Support,” which is in place to assist students and improve student retention rate. Bailey outlined why some first year students struggle with their study habits and what can be done to improve these habits. She also highlighted how much the attitude and commitment of professors can impact the transition and experience for first year students.

Post in the Media: Tips for adult learners, graduate school guidelines and more

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 08:58:00 -0500

Post University and its faculty and staff have been in the news several times recently, offering up professional advice and contributing expertise to publications across the nation.

Here’s a recap of the latest headlines to hit the news:

Successful planning leads to successful results

A Forbes.com article, Time Management Secrets From 29 Straight-A Students, featured the insights of Post University student, Krystie L. Seese. Seese discussed what it’s like to be a working, adult student and shared her tip for time management – planning ahead. Planning what needs to be accomplished each day at the beginning of the week, and checking off tasks as they are completed, has been an easy and guaranteed process for personal success, explained Seese.

A current Post student shared her secret for
time management success on Forbes.com.

Getting the most out of grad school

Steve Paulone, Director of Graduate Business Programs, discussed when it makes financial sense to go to graduate school in a recent article on TheStreet. Paulone explained that a student should ask themselves what is lacking and think about the skill-set that they’re going to achieve. Instead of getting a degree to check a box, Paulone encouraged students to focus on the education they’ll be receiving and adding more tools to their professional toolbox. This article was also syndicated in the Philadelphia Sun Times.

If they build it, Post will play

A proposal to build a 67,000-square-foot sports center with three hockey rinks, an Olympic-sized skating rink, a National Hockey League-sized rink and a smaller training rink, was outlined in a Waterbury Republican-American article. Post University has signed a letter of commitment to use the complex for its home arena, if it is built. The project will cost between $8-$10 million and investors are currently being sought, according to the article.

5 simple tips to celebrate a greener holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:47:00 -0500

By: Elizabeth Johnson

Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in December 2014.

The holiday season is upon us – the season for indulging and splurging that is all too often at odds with sustainable, green living. But there are a few simple choices you can make that will lead to a more environmentally-friendly holiday, without cutting back on the festive fun!

1. Christmas Tree - real or artificial?

Determining whether a real or artificial tree is the more sustainable choice is not as clear cut as you might think. The greener choice may depend less on the type of tree and more on how the consumer plans to use and dispose of it.

Since real trees are readily biodegradable, you might think this is the obvious environmentally-friendly choice. While a real tree is typically the greener choice, if the tree must be shipped long distances to be sold or is thrown out with the trash at the end of the season, its carbon footprint can rival that of an artificial tree! Many municipalities have addressed this concern by providing pick up services or drop off locations for trees to be chipped and mulched, keeping the trees out of landfills. If you choose to celebrate with a real tree, boost your green factor by purchasing one that is farmed locally and be sure to compost or mulch it at the end of the season. (Of course, the greenest option of all would be to use a potted tree and plant it in the spring!)

Real Christmas trees can be a sustainable
choice, if purchased and disposed of correctly.

Artificial trees are made of metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic. Yet, if a consumer keeps an artificial tree for 10 or more years, studies have demonstrated that the carbon footprint of an artificial tree can be less than that of annually cutting a real tree. Unfortunately, many of the popular, inexpensive, artificial trees are not designed to last this long and are replaced every 2-3 years. If you choose to go with the convenience of an artificial tree, the green option is to invest in a high-end tree that you will be able to use for a decade or more.

2. Decorations

Lit holiday decorations are a festive and energy consuming part of the holiday season. There are a number of simple ways to reduce the energy usage of your decorations without reducing their impact. If you are in the market to purchase new lights, consider buying strings of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights instead of traditional bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED strings are cooler to the touch, sturdier, and longer lasting than strings of traditional bulbs. In addition, they offer an electric bill cost savings – the estimated electrical costs to light a 6-foot tree for 12 hours per day for 40 days with traditional mini-lights is $2.74. The same cost for LED mini lights is only 82 cents. (Imagine the cost savings for the Griswald family if Clark had used LED lighting!) Keep in mind, if you already have strings of traditional bulbs, it is far greener to replace individual burnt-out bulbs than to throw away the light strand entirely. Also, investing in inexpensive timers to turn your decorations on and off in the evening will save money and energy.

3. Packaging

According to the EPA, in the five weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the household waste produced in the US increases by 25 percent leading to an additional five million tons of trash in our landfills. This additional trash is primarily comprised of gift wrap (see below), shipping boxes, packaging materials, and shopping bags. Making the effort to reduce the amount of material in your general garbage stream by recycling shipping boxes and sifting through product packaging to separate the portion that can be recycled will go a long way to reduce this input into landfills. A more preemptive option is to choose gifts with minimal packaging or packaging made of recyclable materials. Some companies will specifically offer an alternative packaging option for those who are looking for greener options (one large company calls this “frustration-free” packaging). Finally, when gift shopping, either bring your own bags from home or ask for a large bag at your first stop and use that bag to carry the rest that day’s purchases (ideal for a mall crawl!).

4. Gift Wrap

There are many easy, cost-effective ways to go green when wrapping presents. One way is to choose wrapping materials and products that can be used again the following year, such as gift bags. Reusable gift bags are a huge money saver and are a great replacement for all the ripped and tattered wrapping paper otherwise thrown away each year. Plus, they making gift wrapping a breeze! And save your holiday cards because they can be cut into unique gift tags to place on the reused gift bag the following year. If you cannot be dissuaded from using gift wrap, choose paper that is made of recycled materials or get creative and use materials that can be reused or easily recycled, such as fabric and newspaper.

5. Gift Giving

It is so easy to get caught up in the MORE and the BIGGER surrounding the holidays that we sometimes forget that the best (and most environmentally-friendly) gifts may not be tangible items. Consider giving a charitable donation in someone’s name, or an experience, such as a weekend getaway, taekwondo lessons, or a ski pass. Regardless of the type of gift you choose to give, if you need to use a delivery service for shipping, the greenest option is most likely the US postal service. The postal service has a scheduled, daily stop at all homes and PO boxes, so the impact of adding packages to the route is minimal. After the holidays, take the time to donate unwanted or replaced items and check in with your municipality of how to properly recycle replaced electronics.

Elizabeth Johnson is the Assistant Provost and former Dean of The School of Arts and Sciences at Post University. Dr. Johnson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Science from Lehigh University, and her Master’s and Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Sciences from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

5 Questions with Tom Leonard: The Syrian refugee crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 10:32:00 -0500

1. While the number of Syrian refugees has climbed to over four million, approximately 220,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. How did this situation develop, and how has it gotten so dire in 2015?

The core issue here is the different factions that are fighting each other in Syria. The predominant adversaries in Syria are Assad's government, the rebels, ISIS, and the Kurds, although the Kurds are mainly focused on claiming Rojava in northeastern Syria as part of an autonomous Kurdish region. Adding in the external actors supporting Assad (Russia, Iran, Iraq, North Korea and Hezbollah), and the rebels (U.S., Turkey, Western Europe) makes for an extremely unsafe place for anyone. Additionally, ISIS has expanded its reach deep into Iraq and has major influence in North Africa and the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. The bottom line is that everybody is fighting someone in Syria. If the average Syrian isn't part of the fight, then they are a refugee. There isn't a lot of middle ground in Syria. There is only one place to go—out.

2. What threats have this refugee crisis caused for the region and for Europe?

I think the events in Paris and Brussels speak for themselves. Putting aside even the terrorist acts, the simple influx of such a large number of refugees from a different culture, with different social needs and customs, puts a huge burden on the host society. Again, putting aside specific terrorist acts, a large, disaffected body of refugees from a war zone is a breeding ground for violence and discontent—even if just out of frustration over their situation. This will lead to increased police engagements which can immediately escalate. If the host communities start to see adverse impact on their environment (noise, trash, crime) there is a likelihood of retribution against the pre-existing foreign population, no matter how long that population has been part of the community. Additionally, there is the government's cost of refugee operations. The economies of many European nations simply can't absorb that many refugees needing welfare support all at once.

3. The U.S. is making preparations to accept at least 10,000 refugees in 2016. What threat does this pose to our homeland security?

That threat is too hard to quantify. Making an assumption that all 10,000 will be properly investigated and deemed clear to enter the U.S., the demographics of the group will play a part. If the group is a majority of older men and women, and young children, the threat might not be as high (although there are examples of those categories of individuals committing terrorist acts). If the majority are military age males (15-50 years old) the dynamic changes. As an example, Canada's newly-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada would only accept women, children, and families—no single males. The basic fact is that there is no way to properly "vet" most of the refugees. Middle Eastern countries (with a few exceptions) generally don't have the identification verification capabilities that Western nations do. The tribal nature of many communities and family naming conventions makes it exceptionally difficult to specifically identify an individual without literally going back to the person's neighborhood and doing interviews. Obviously, many of those neighborhoods have been destroyed and the neighbors have been killed or are refugees themselves.

4. What are Homeland Security agencies doing to address the influx of Syrian refugees? What will the processes be to accept and monitor these individuals and are we adequately prepared?

The security agencies are scrambling to come up with a comprehensive plan. The Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Department of State, must establish a process to screen refugees before they come to the U.S. This is a significantly more difficult task than what the Department of Homeland Security does with illegal immigrants coming across our southern border. Refugee status is a legal status that can only be conferred on an individual outside of the U.S. That status also comes with additional benefits such as the immediate right to work. The refugee process is slightly different than the asylum process in this regard, and that asylees can apply for that status even if they came to the U.S. illegally. Monitoring the refugees presents a number of issues. There are not enough law enforcement resources to monitor all of the illegal immigrants currently in the U.S., and the addition of another 10,000 individuals with potentially unverifiable backgrounds creates a problem. And it's not like we can treat them as parolees from prison and force them to check in with law enforcement or immigration once a week. They haven't committed crimes (that we know of). That being said, one option that has not been discussed is using the facility at Guantanamo Bay, which is specifically designed for a mass Caribbean migration caused by natural disaster or political conflict in the region. This is not the infamous “Gitmo” facility housing terrorists—that facility is on the opposite side of the bay. The refugee relief facility was used in the 1990's to house some 45,000 Cuban and Haitian refugees rescued at sea during the last mass migration. Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number five directed the Department of Homeland Security to establish a plan, known as Operation Vigilant Sentry, to address the requirements of a mass maritime migration in the Caribbean region. The plan includes processing and supporting refugees at the Guantanamo Bay refugee facility until the refugees can be repatriated or relocated in accordance with the UN High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) policies.

5. Do you foresee the U.S. taking in more refugees, in addition to the initial 10,000? What are the arguments for and against this?

The UN High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) typically tries to return refugees to their home country when safe to do so, conduct local integration into the first country to "take in" the refugee, or, lastly, utilize third-country resettlement. Most, if not all of the refugees that are coming to the US have already traveled through other countries; they are not coming directly here from Syria. That begs the question as to their status—refugee or immigrant? Seeking refuge from economic conflict or strife is not a criteria for legitimate refugee status. The focal point for refugee status is that refugees ultimately are expected to return to their home nation as security develops. I think the U.S. will take in more refugees. Doing so supports our foreign policy statements and goals, but also has great intelligence potential as we interview individual refugees. The security risk, however, is undeniable. While it is not necessarily easy to get to the U.S. as a refugee, once here, it is easy to move about undetected, especially if the radicalized refugee-appears to be "normal." Senator Jeff Sessions just released a report on refugees highlighting those that have come to the U.S. from Somalia, Bosnia, and the Middle East that have become radicalized and either conducted attacks against the U.S. (Boston Marathon Bombers) or attempted to do so and have been prosecuted. Regardless of religious background or motivation, there is proof that a small percentage of refugees have and will attack the U.S. and its interests. From a security standpoint, the good guys have to be right every single time; the bad guys only have to be right once.

Tom Leonard is an associate faculty member in Post University's Emergency Management and Homeland Security program. Leonard is also a Senior Fellow with George Washington University's Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. Previously, he served as the Senior Advisor for Border and Maritime Security to the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. Leonard has also served in the U.S. State Department, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the FBI Counterterrorism Division, among other government positions. Leonard retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of service.

A child's language development through the preschool years

noreply@blogger.com (Deb Watson) — Tue, 8 Dec 2015 11:32:00 -0500

By Deborah Watson

In a blog published last month, we talked about a newborn named Sammy. As Sammy ages, he’ll move into other environments, one of which may be an early care and education classroom. Assuming that this classroom is high quality, with nurturing and well-informed educators, Sammy will continue to learn more vocabulary.

Hopefully, he’ll be exposed to an environment that is print-rich and filled with many different kinds of print from books to magazines, lists, charts and labels. Teachers will read a variety of genre from poetry to non-fiction and everything in between. These types of opportunities will inspire Sammy to become engaged in print and to learn new words, read books and explore the world around him. He’ll become a speaker, a reader, a writer, a scientist and even a mathematician! Everything he does is intentionally planned to pique his interest and to engage is natural curiosity in all that surrounds him.

One of my favorite sites for children’s literature is the International Children’s Digital Library. Here, parents can find books representing their culture and home language! This library is amazing, and they are constantly seeking volunteer translators and authors!

Block play can be a great way to help children develop words.

Choosing an appropriate early care and education site for your child requires care and preparation. No one knows your child better than you. While it is recommended that you chat with neighbors and family you trust, please know that the program that works for your niece may not work for your child. When parents select a program that matches their child’s interests and temperament, the child will thrive. Likewise, when the match between the child and the center are not aligned, the child may begin to demonstrate behaviors that are inappropriate. Child Care Aware is a great site for suggestions on choosing the right center.

Moreover, Sammy will also take part in early literacy activities that are developmentally appropriate. It is widely known that language development and literacy acquisition are mutually supportive. When a child improves his listening skills, his speaking will be enhanced. Likewise, when a child’s reading improves, so will his writing. Therefore, Sammy will actively participate in reading activities in small groups, shared reading activities that will introduce early literacy skills as well as letter, sound and word play. He’ll even look at books independently. He’ll learn that he can gather great information from books. For instance, when architectural books are in the block center, he’ll be transformed into an architect who creates and constructs castles and space stations! My children loved building with Legos and Duplo Blocks as well as Lincoln Logs and wooden blocks. Block play is very important and can be a fun way to help children develop terrific words.

I know these sound like very sophisticated activities for a child who is three or four years old. However, if the activities are presented using every day materials and in fun, non-stressful ways, Sammy will not even know that he is learning.

Finally, there is an organization solely dedicated to the needs of young children – it is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This organization sets the standards by which we create new programs for children and future teachers. NAEYC promotes parent involvement and provides generous tips for parents in a simple format entitled, Message in a Backpack. These ideas are easily completed and cover a variety of topics from “Playing Music at Home” to “Trying Yoga with Your Child.” Reading Rockets is another fabulous site that encourages all kinds of literacy activities for families.

I have been in the education field for over 40 years. I have never met a parent who doesn’t want the best for their child and/or children. If we give children a good start, they will thrive. Remember, relationships, interactions, play and fun are important ideas.

Talk! Read! Play! Have many great days!!

Deborah Watson is the Academic Program Manager for Post’s Early Childhood Education program. Watson has more than 35 years of experience in the field of education and has been teaching at the college level for 17 years. Watson has a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University. Watson has a sixth year in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford.