CSU Communicator - Newsletter Issue #9 - Columbia Southern University

Time is running out to register for the 2008 CSU Commencement Ceremony! All graduation registrations must be submitted no later than August 31st, 2008. This year's ceremony will be held on October 10th, 10 a.m., at the world’s second largest National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. This 300,000 square foot structure of steel and glass attracts approximately one million visitors a year and features more than 150 aircraft.

Graduates are also invited to participate in other activities including the annual alumni meeting and graduation reception. Visit the graduation page of our website for more details including regalia fees, hotel information and a complete schedule of events.

Please contact Brittany Berry at (800) 977-8449 ext. 154 or brittany.berry@columbiasouthern.edu if you have any questions about registering or need additional information.

CSU Launches the 2008 Student Marketing Opinion Survey

At CSU, we continually search for ways to let prospective students know about the educational opportunities we offer. In order to do this, we need your help. Please take the time to complete our 2008 Student Marketing Opinion Survey by clicking on the link below or pasting the URL into your web browser.

This survey should only take you about 10 minutes to complete and consists of closed and open-ended questions. The results of your survey will remain anonymous and be reported as aggregate data. We will post a summary of our findings in the Student Center of the CSU website by September 30th, 2008.

To demonstrate our appreciation for taking the time to share your opinions, all participants will be entered into a drawing for the following prizes:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ann Lofaro, CSU Marketing Research Analyst, at 800.977.8449 ext. 158 or ann.lofaro@columbiasouthern.edu.

Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation. We look forward to receiving your response!

Save Money at the Pump with the CSU Photo Contest

It's that time again! CSU is now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual CSU Photo Contest! Last year, nearly 200 students from all over the world submitted their best photos on the job, relaxing with family and friends, and studying online. These pictures were showcased in our "Faces of CSU Calendar", advertisements, and on our website.

This year 13 winners will be selected who will all receive $100 gas cards. To submit your photos for the contest, please complete the entry form available on our website. You may only submit three photos per person.

CSU Serves as Title Sponsor for Children’s Safety Event

CSU sponsored the third annual “National Kids Night Out” hosted by the Orange Beach Police Department on August 4th at the Orange Beach, Alabama Waterfront Park. This free, children’s safety event was open to all children up to age 13. Activities included a dunking booth, water slides, moon walks, and other activities. Hot dogs and drinks were also provided.

The Orange Beach Police Department collected DNA mouth swab samples, finger print cards and a photo of each child. A file will be kept at the Orange Beach Police Department and renewed each year.

CSU partnered with the Orange Beach Police Department in 2005 and have since enrolled seven department employees. With this partnership, employees receive a tuition discount and application fee waiver that extends to their spouses and children. To learn more about CSU partnerships, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/alliances/learningpartners.asp.

CSU Department of the Month

The CSU Information Technology (IT) Department provides several critical functions necessary to support a completely online university. It maintains the website, servers, networks, databases, web forms, telecommunications, and all applications that keep the university operating effectively. Day-to-day staff, faculty and student technical problems are also processed through the IT Department. The department ensures that all functions affecting students, such as Blackboard and the website, are managed around the clock.

One of most recent and notable achievements this department is responsible for includes the launch of Omega, a new custom, fully-integrated student management system, which assists in the daily performance of all CSU departments. The department has grown from four employees in the beginning of 2007 to nine in 2008 to support your IT needs.

Did you know?

Distance learning has existed in the United States for more than 120 years through correspondence, communication media (radio and TV), and later, the Internet.

McGraw Hill Email Notice

We’ve received several comments from students who are not receiving emails from McGraw Hill. You can solve this issue by adding mhlearningsolutions.com to your email white list.

Partnership News

CSU Partners with International Healthcare Association

Healthcare administrators around the world now have access to discounted degree programs. The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), the only organization dedicated to serving healthcare facility managers and directors of security and safety programs across the globe, is now offering its members online education resources through a new partnership with CSU.

As a part of the partnership, IAHSS members, their spouses and children will be provided with special educational benefits including a tuition discount and application fee waiver. IAHSS will also be featured on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.

“ Today’s business climate demands that healthcare administrators hold a degree to advance in this industry,” said Evelyn Meserve, IAHSS Executive Director. “This partnership gives us a way to let our members know that we care about their professional future.”

The IAHSS mission is to make advancements in healthcare security and safety worldwide. Members of the association span the globe and include healthcare security directors, safety managers, and individuals pursuing a degree in a related field. IAHSS provides a series of training manuals and exams that have helped more than 20,000 individuals earn basic training certification. IAHSS also provides training in emergency management and preparedness in case of security threats to healthcare institutions.

“ IAHSS is the third healthcare partnership for CSU, joining Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Naples Community Hospital Healthcare” said Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development. “We look forward to expanding our partnerships within this industry in order to serve the people who offer our community healthcare services when they are in need.”

CSU also holds partnerships with more than 200 fire, police and corporate organizations including the New York Fire Department, Delta Airlines, and HR for Techs.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits you can receive if your employer partners with CSU, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/learningpartners or call 1-800-344-5021.

Is Your Organization a Learning Partner?

Consider the advantages a more educated, qualified workforce can generate for your organization and ask your employer to join the list of CSU learning partners. As a CSU learning partner, your organization will receive the following benefits:

10 % Tuition Discount

Application Fee Waiver

Spouses and children of employees are also eligible for these benefits. If your employer is interested in becoming a CSU learning partner, please call 1-800-344-5021 or email learningpartners@columbiasouthern.edu.

CSU Welcomes the Following Organizations as New Learning Partners.

East County Fire and Rescue, WA

Loxley Police Department, AL

Wilton Fire Protection District, CA

Hamilton County Emergency Services, TN

Tourism Lower North Shore, Canada

Globe International, FL

Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, VA

Alumni News

RSVP for the Annual Alumni Association Meeting Today!

Each year, CSU hosts an alumni association meeting in conjunction with graduation to give you an opportunity to connect with other graduates from around the world. An overview of alumni activity for the past year, new officer nominations, and an opportunity to provide your suggestions for the alumni association are also offered at this time.

Speakers include Robert G. Mayes, CSU President, Brian Edwards, CSU Alumni Association President, Chantell Cooley, VP of Admissions/Marketing/Partnership Development/Owner, and Jessica Brown, Director of Marketing.

If you are planning on attending the 2008 CSU Graduation Ceremony at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida and would like to participate in this meeting scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the morning of graduation, October 10th, please contact Katie Coale, CSU Communication Specialist, at katie.coale@columbiasouthern.edu or 1-800-977-8449 ext. 216 to reserve your spot. Refreshments will be provided. You must RSVP by September 30 to participate.

Going Away? Secure your home with a Neighborhood Watch: Tips from a CSU Alumni Association Partner

Liberty Mutual, a CSU Alumni Association benefit provider, offers the following tips for keeping your home secure while you’re on vacation this summer. CSU alumni are eligible for discounted home and auto insurance rates through a partnership developed with this company last year.

It’s much easier to relax on vacation if you know trusted neighbors are watching your home. Before you leave town, arrange for them to do the following – and don’t forget to return the favor when they take a trip.

Collect any deliveries. Even if you have mail and newspaper delivery stopped, neighbors should watch for packages.

Before You Go
Complete this checklist to secure your home when you head out of town.

Jenny Coker is an account manager with Liberty Mutual Group in Norcross, GA. Liberty Mutual is the nation’s eighth-largest provider of personal lines of insurance products in the U.S. The company sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions and personal liability insurance. Call (800) 524-9400 for a no obligation quote.

People News

Who's New at CSU

Dr. Katherine Odom recently has been named instructional designer for CSU after serving in the instructional design field for more than seven years. Her past experience includes work as an instructional design consultant for BearingPoint and instructional design contractor for Army Aviation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Odom is an active member of the American Educational Research Association and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Ted Lehne joined CSU as Professor of Business and Partner Development Representative in July. A former broadcaster, video producer, and tourism development official, his past experience also includes serving three terms as a local elected official in Alaska. He has held leadership positions at the local, state and national level.

Mr. Lehne recently retired as manager of Delta Air Line’s corporate university, Delta U. He has served on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities, and on advisory boards for many organizations including the American Council on Education CREDIT program. He was the 2007 President of ASTD Atlanta.

He is published and has presented extensively at national conferences. He has an MS in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a BA from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.

Other Newcomers

How has an online education with CSU changed your life? Submit your comments to Katie Coale, Communications Specialist, at Katie.Coale@columbiasouthern.edu.

Alumni Spotlight

Deric Richardson has been a member of the U.S. military for the past 20 years. He currently serves in the Georgia Army National Guard and is working towards a degree in fire science from CSU – all at the same time.

While under traditional guardsmen status, Richardson worked weekends for the military and served as a firefighter for the Henry County Fire Department near Atlanta, Georgia during the week. When he returned to active status guardsmen, he was no longer able to work for the fire department; instead, he applied for Tuition Assistance through the military and began searching for universities with fire science degrees. CSU was the perfect fit. Not only did Richardson receive academic credit for his military and civilian experience, but he was able to work on his degree in the field he loved while serving his country.

“As I inch closer to retirement, I wanted to have a degree to back me up as for potential job opportunities,” Richardson said. “After I complete my bachelor’s degree, I look forward to beginning a master’s degree in public administration with CSU.”

Recently, Richardson was chosen as the Non-commissioned Officer Academy Distinguished Honor Graduate and is an Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Chemical School.

Please submit article suggestions or event information for the next issue of the CSU Communicator to Jessica Brown, Marketing Director, at jessie.brown@columbiasouthern.edu.

University News

Register Now for Graduation 2008