University News

"Inspire a Friend. Initiate Success." Friend Referral Program

CSU is one of the nation's fastest growing universities. Within the last year, we've experienced more than a 50 percent increase in student enrollment. Students like you who share your educational journey with friends and family are an integral part of this upward spiral.

We want to reward you for the commitment you've made to promote your university; that's why we've created the CSU "Inspire a Friend. Initiate Change." friend referral program. Now, for every five people you refer to CSU, you will receive a special thank you package from us. Referrals must respond to the email sent by CSU by submitting an information request form to be counted as an official referral.

• 5 Referrals CSU Colonade Roller Ball Pen
• 10 Referrals CSU Thermos 14Oz Travel Mug
• 15 Referrals CSU 20" Duffel Bag
• 20 Referrals CSU Portfolio
• 25 Referrals or More CSU Fossil Relic Metal Watch

Your support allows us to offer better resources, a larger diversity of programs, and more staff to accommodate your educational needs and desires. Because of you, we have more than 160 staff, 130 faculty, 20 programs, 280 courses and a wealth of student resources we plan to expand even more in the months and years to come. We are honored to be your university of choice and sincerely hope that you will be the seed that inspires success and initiates success for those around you.

Sign up for the "Refer a Friend" program

Please contact the CSU Marketing Department at (800) 977-8449 ext. 158 or referafriend@columbiasouthern.edu if you have any questions about this new friend referral program.

CSU Department of the Month: Academics Department

CSU faculty members educate every student who chooses to complete their educational journey with our university. They offer more than 11,000 students individualized attention, advice, and support throughout each course. Our faculty members are recognized leaders within their professions and bring beneficial real world experience to each of the 20 programs and 280 courses we offer. CSU currently employs over 130 faculty to support your academic needs.

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resource managers earn at least $81,810 on average.  The demand for human resource managers is expected to rise through 2014 with opportunities in local government, state government, and corporations.

 

Important Final Exam Information

Please be aware that for those courses requiring final exams, it is important that you secure an approved proctor well in advance before the end of the course. We also ask that students submit the Final Exam Request Form at least one week in advance of the date you wish to take the final exam. This allows for sufficient processing time for the request. Also note you must have completed a minimum of 75 percent of the course assignments and the grades must be posted before the final exam instructions can be sent to the proctor. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and use your course schedule. If you do not make proper arrangements ahead of time, it is likely that a course extension will be needed.

You will find the complete Proctor Policy, Proctor Agreement Form and Final Exam Request Form online at www.columbiasouthern.edu/student_center.

Please contact your student service representative with any questions you may have concerning this final exam information. Feel free to contact us at 800.977.8449 or students@columbiasouthern.edu.

Partnership News

CSU Partners with Second Largest U.S. Fire Department

The second largest fire department in the U.S., the Chicago Fire Department, recently joined the list of CSU learning partners. Chicago firefighters, along with their spouses and children will now receive a 10 percent tuition discount and application fee waiver as a result of this partnership.

“We have over 5,500 members in the Chicago Fire Department that we will be reaping the rewards of this partnership,” said Captain Bob Martin of the Chicago Fire Department. “We hope that through this partnership our members will take the opportunity to pursue a quality education.”

The Chicago Fire Department was established in 1832 and is one of the oldest organized fire departments in the nation. It serves the nearly three million citizens of Chicago, Illinois with fire suppression and prevention, alleviation of hazardous materials, rescue agencies, and Emergency Medical Service. The department currently employees over 5,500 firefighters and paramedics and has 98 engine companies, 59 truck companies, and 59 ambulance companies.

“At CSU, we are committed to providing firefighters and emergency medical service personnel with the education they need to advance their career,” said Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development. “Open enrollment, flexible courses, and affordable tuition make earning a quality education possible for those with demanding and unpredictable schedules.” 

CSU also holds learning partnerships with over 200 organizations including Delta Air Lines, National Sheriffs’ Association, Commtest, and Quantum Drilling. Over half of CSU partnerships are with fire departments such as the New York City Fire Department, Tulsa Fire Department, Hemet Fire Department, and Tampa Fire and Rescue.

Alumni News

Represent Your Alma Mater.  Join the CSU Ambassador Program Today!

Each of you is an Ambassador for CSU, helping to embody the quality education you received in the communities where you live and work.  We encourage you to share your educational experiences with others and motivate those around you to aspire to greater heights. 

As an Ambassador, you have the power to guide both prospective and current students through their journey towards higher education.  Because you know the challenges associated with juggling the demands of a job, active family life and online degree program, you are a valuable source of knowledge for those struggling to take the next step in their education. 

If you are interested in serving your alma mater in this way, we will provide your contact information to prospective and current students who want to talk with someone who has “been in their shoes.”  To start the process, you will need to email your request to represent CSU as an Ambassador to Katie Coale, CSU Communication Specialist, at katie.coale@columbiasouthern.edu.  Your email request should include your name, address, primary phone number, degree program, graduation date, GPA and a brief statement regarding your interest in the Ambassador Program. 

Alumni who are selected will be honored by having a brief biography posted on the CSU website and in a future edition of CSU Communicator. 

Beating the Gas Crisis: Tips from a CSU Alumni Association Partner

Liberty Mutual, a CSU Alumni Association benefit provider, offers the following tips for driving down your gasoline cost.

With gasoline prices soaring, there's never been a better time to re-think the way you maintain and operate your vehicle.

By making a few simple changes to your driving habits and maintenance schedule, you could save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year in gasoline costs. Follow the advice below and you'll not only save money, you'll also find yourself becoming a better, safer driver during the current gas crunch and beyond.

Proper Vehicle Maintenance:

• Regular tune-ups can improve your mileage by an average of 4%.
• Repair serious problems ASAP. For example, repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve your mileage by up to 40%.
• Keep those air filters clean! Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10%.
• Check your owner's manual to make sure you're using the proper motor oil and the recommended grade of gasoline.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. You'll not only improve mileage, you'll save on tire wear and drive a safer vehicle.

Fuel-Efficient Operation:

• You could save up to 31% in your fuel costs by committing to drive safely instead of aggressively.
• Think and look ahead as you drive. Instead of weaving from lane to lane, concentrate on driving at a consistent speed. You'll limit the need to brake and accelerate, both of which waste gas.
• Drive the speed limit. Studies show that it costs you an additional 20 cents per gallon for every 5 MPH you drive over 60 MPH. For example, driving 75 MPH costs you 60 cents more per gallon.
• Use your cruise control and save an average of 7% in fuel costs.
• Accelerate moderately. For instance, if you're entering the highway and take 15 seconds to go from 0 to 60 instead of 10 seconds, you'll save gasoline.
• Remove unnecessary belongings from the trunk, hatch, and cargo rack. Every mile you drive with the extra weight is costing you.

Lifestyle Changes:

• In addition to obvious changes such as carpooling and taking public transportation, you can also: Plan your errands and other short trips. Consider combining errands into one trip to reduce the miles you drive and eliminate the unnecessary cold starts.
• Make sure the driver in your family with the longest commute takes the car with the best mileage performance.
• Speak with your employer about working from home one day a week or more. Based on a 50-mile round trip, driving four days instead of five could save you about $375 a year.

To learn more about fuel economy and ways you can improve your gas mileage, please call Liberty Mutual at 1-800-524-9400. CSU alumni are eligible for discounted home and auto insurance rates through a partnership developed with this company last year.

People News

Who's New at CSU

Todd Briggs

Todd Briggs has recently been named Manager of Partnership Development for CSU. His past experience includes his role as President of Global Investments, Inc., work as a real estate investor, directing and managing missionary sending agencies, and over 20 years of experience in ministry and management. He holds an associate's degree in practical ministry from Brownsville Revival School of Ministry in Pensacola, Florida.

Dr. Steve Hallman

Dr. Steve Hallman recently joined Columbia Southern University as Chair of Graduate Business Programs. Hallman has over 19 years of experience in business and academics. Before joining CSU, he served as Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Information Science Department at Park University in Parkville, Missouri. He holds a Doctorate in Information Systems from Argosy University, a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Concordia College.

Bob Sanders

Bob Sanders recently joined CSU as Senior Network Administrator. His past experience includes serving as Network Engineer for International Paper; Senior Network Engineer for the SSI Group, Inc.; and Manager of Asia IT Operations and New Technology for Standard Manufacturing Company. Sanders is Microsoft Certified, HP Certified, and DEC Certified. A board member of the Robertsdale Industrial Development Board, he also supports Faith Presbyterian Christian School as a technical advisor and softball/baseball assistant coach.

Other Newcomers

• Carl Childs
• Jennifer Finch
• Patrick Brace
• David Linkenhoker
• Rebecca McAllister
• Dianne Neville
• Bob Sanders
• Stefany Still
• Daniel McGuire
• Katherine Quinley
• Cindy Vines
• Mearline Hines
• Veronica Hurd

Alumni Spotlight

Alan Jones
Killeen, Texas

…he’s earning his degree, even while deployed overseas.

Alan Jones is currently on his third tour in Iraq and is working towards a bachelor’s degree in fire science from CSU at the same time.  He has served in the U.S. Army for the past seven years and holds the title of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Non-Commissioned Officer. Jones picked a degree in fire science to gain the knowledge and skills he will need to become a firefighter after his service with the military.

“Having a degree on your resume gives employers a reason to let you prove yourself,” said Jones. “If you do get the job, you’re still the new guy; but you’re the new guy with a degree backing you up.”

Through his deployments to Iraq, Jones has worked for the military police, been on convoy escort duty and is now working on combat patrols. During his current deployment, he has received the opportunity to get to know members of the Iraqi police, army, and locals.

“People are not that different from each other,” Jones said. “We all want our children to have the opportunity to follow their dreams, we all want freedom, and we all want to lie down in our own bed each night and feel safe.”

Since beginning his education with CSU, more doors have opened for Jones. In fact, his college credits have already earned him a promotion to staff sergeant.