CSU Communicator - Newsletter Issue #10 - Columbia Southern University

I am pleased to announce one of the most recent achievements of our university – the launch of Omega, a new custom, fully-integrated student information system. This system assists in the daily performance of all CSU departments and is the beginning of many new features that will be added to the student experience.

Some of you may have noticed that we’ve experienced a few technical issues with the initial implementation of Omega and phone system upgrades. We do appreciate all of your patience as we continue to make improvements each day. Providing quality service to our students is our main priority.

Our Student Services Department hours will also soon be extended to 7 p.m. CST Monday through Thursday. This will allow us be more accessible as you progress through your program.

We are always working to improve the CSU experience and hope that our continued enhancements will add value to your education here!

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. All applicants must also submit a photo contest release form signed by all models or photographers to be eligible. Only three photo entries may be submitted per person.

CSU Named “Best of Miquon 2008”

Each year the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) recognizes local businesses throughout the country who have achieved outstanding marketing success in their communities. This year, CSU was honored with the “2008 Best of Miquon Award” in the colleges and universities category. Businesses chosen to receive the award excelled in enhancing the positive image of their company through service to the community, marketing, public relations, and advertising.

The mission of the USLBA is to be the voice of small businesses across the nation. This organization works closely with small business owners, professional associations, chambers of commerce, and marketing groups and was established to recognize the best of small, local businesses.

CSU Adds New Online Degree and Certificate Programs

CSU now offers several new online safety and environmental management programs. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals accepts CSU degrees for both the CSP application and for credit towards recertification in the Continuance of Certification program.

Please note that these programs are not yet eligible for Federal Financial Aid for one of two reasons: they are recent additions to the CSU curriculum or a certificate program.

CSU certificate programs deliver extensive, specialized training in several in-demand concentrations. Courses are designed to offer students the planning, analysis, and decision-making techniques they need to compete in today’s evolving business climate. You can also transfer the credits earned into a degree program with the corresponding concentration.

Please call 1-800-977-8449 or visit the CSU website to learn more about these new programs.

Scholarships Available for Occupational Safety and Health, Healthcare Administration, and Environmental Management Students

The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) recently presented the 2009 Scholarship Program for students pursuing degrees in occupational safety, health and the environment. This year more than $135,000 in scholarships and professional development grants will be offered.

CSU currently offers many degree programs pertaining to occupational safety, health and the environment including:

Applications are due on December 1st, 2008 and award recipients will be announced at the beginning of April 2009. For more information and a complete list of scholarships available, please visit http://www.asse.org/foundation/scholarships/scholarships.php

CSU Celebrates Constitution Day

On September 17th, CSU will be celebrating Constitution Day. This holiday recognizes the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and shows appreciation to all American citizens. It is observed in remembrance of the day the U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17th, 1787. More information about Constitution Day including fun facts, an interactive look at the Constitution, U.S. history timeline, and a quiz, are available at http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/constitutionday/. A CSU portfolio will be awarded to five CSU students who provide correct answers to the optional constitution day quiz.

CSU Department of the Month

The CSU Bookstore is responsible for one of the main university functions most important to students – textbooks. More than 200 textbooks are shipped every day around the world, from the United States to Hong Kong. This department is also responsible for shipping textbooks for CSU affiliate universities, University of North Alabama and University of West Alabama. Not only is the CSU Bookstore responsible for receiving and shipping textbooks, they also issue student course start dates, order merchandise, and handle all shipping and mailing. CSU merchandise, including CSU hats, diploma frames, shirts, watches and duffel bags can be found on the CSU Bookstore website.

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 18 to 22 year olds living on the campus of a traditional four-year university only make up 16 percent of America’s higher education population. A majority of students today are either studying part-time, attending two-year institutions or are over the age of 22.

Partnership News

CSU Partners with Ohio’s Largest Technical College

The largest technical college in Ohio, Stark State College of Technology, recently added another way to enhance their students' education. A new partnership with CSU will allow students to receive undergraduate transfer credit towards the CSU bachelor’s degree in environmental management or occupational safety and health. Students will earn credit toward this degree for courses successfully completed through the Environmental, Health and Safety Technology Program at Stark State.

Stark State College of Technology students, graduates, employees and immediate family are also eligible for a ten percent tuition discount and application fee waiver through this partnership. This partnership makes it possible for students to transfer their associate level course credit into a bachelor’s degree in environmental management or occupational safety and health at CSU.

“Our university partnerships were designed to give students a unique opportunity to start at one university and complete their degree at CSU,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “We strive to allow maximum transfer credit for our students, and with our university partners, students are assured their credits will transfer.”

Stark State College of Technology in North Canton, Ohio is the largest technical college in Ohio. The college offers 48 associate degrees in a variety of fields including business technology, health technology, engineering technology, information technology, public service technology and general studies.

CSU holds university partnerships with 15 universities around the nation. Capella University, University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, University of West Florida, Neumann College, Northcentral University, and Trinidad State Junior College are just a few of the universities partnered with CSU.

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.

FBINA Alabama Chapter

Morrow Fire Department

Hammond Fire Department

Donalsonville Fire/Rescue

Orlando Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1365

Dubuque Professional Firefighters

Germantown Fire Department

Greentown Fire Department

Douglas County

Courtland Police Department

City of Napoleon, Ohio

Licking Volunteer Fire Department

City of Loxley, Alabama

Owensboro Professional FF Local 870

Lewisburg Police Department

Sarasota County Fire Department

City of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue

Mountain View Fire Protection District

South Florida Water Management District

Wylie Police Department

Pikes Peak Stages Homes

Titusville Fire & Emergency Services

Harford County Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services Association

Collier County Government

EOD Technology, Inc.

City of Wylie, Texas

Winchester Fire and Rescue

Alumni News

RSVP for the Annual Alumni Association Meeting Today!

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 attend the annual Alumni Association meeting scheduled from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. that morning, 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. You must R.S.V.P. by Friday, October 3rd, to participate. The alumni association meeting will be held in the WestPac Room at the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Breakfast will be provided.

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.

DETC Outstanding Graduate and Famous Alumni

Each year the CSU accrediting agency, the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), publishes a booklet recognizing distinguished graduates from institutions under their accreditation. It’s time again to nominate CSU graduates for the 2009 DETC Outstanding Graduate and Famous Alumni Award.

Criteria for being selected as a 2009 DETC Outstanding Graduate include a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, special contributions to society, and exceptional professional achievements. The Famous Alumni Award is given to alumni who have received public recognition for their community work, made advancements in their profession, and excelled in academia.

The winners will have their online education success story published in the 2009 edition of the DETC Outstanding Graduate and Famous Alumni. Winners will also receive a DETC certificate of recognition as well as a special plaque. Last year, out of the 100 schools accredited by DETC, 33 profiles were chosen. Two of those alumni, Gary Moulder and Brian Edwards, were CSU graduates.

If you would like to nominate a CSU graduate, or you yourself would like to be nominated for these prestigious awards, please email Katie Coale, CSU Communication Specialist, at Katie.Coale@columbiasouthern.edu.

People News

CSU President and Executive VP Receive International Award

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Association for Promoting Education (VAPE) recently awarded CSU President, Robert Mayes, and CSU Executive Vice President, Joe Manjone, with the Medal for Achievement in Promoting Education. They received this prestigious award based on their contributions to developing an international education program in Vietnam. CSU graduates in Vietnam hold important roles on the foreign and local level and serve as leaders in Vietnamese government. The chairman of VAPE, Nguyen Manh Cam, will present their awards in Vietnam on September 28th.

Faculty Accomplishments

Alan Joos, professor of fire science for CSU, recently completed two years of work on Fire Service Instructor: Principles and Practice, a book he helped to write and edit. The book provides a learning system for fire instructor courses and is designed to help readers meet the requirements of becoming a fire instructor. It covers legal issues, communication skills, instructor management, and more. The book is available on the Jones and Bartlett Publishing website.

Joos has been in the fire science field since 1985 when he began serving as a volunteer firefighter with Clearfield Fire Department. Two years later he accepted a full-time position with the department. Joos served as Assistant Director of Field Training at Utah Fire & Rescue Academy before joining CSU. Joos has an associate’s degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in business technology from Utah Valley State College, and a master’s degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. He has also completed the Executive Fire Service Officer Program with the National Fire Academy.

Who's New at CSU

Brian Bridgeforth, Chair Undergraduate Business Programs, Ph.D.
Brian Bridgeforth was recently named Academic Dean for CSU. Bridgeforth holds a doctoral degree from Walden University, a MBA in e-business and a MA in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, and a BS in accounting and business administration from Viterbo College. Bridgeforth brings over 20 years of experience in team leadership, academic consulting, industry operations, human resources, and information systems and 11 years of experience in designing, developing, and delivering training education in a variety of business topics. His research interests include social dynamics, leadership, change, systems theory, and communication. He is also a member of the Academy of Management.

Business Affairs Department
Regina Fontannaz, Business Affairs Representative

Admissions Department
Shirley Pitner, Admissions Representative
Wanda Davis, Admissions Representative
Lauren Glover, Admissions Representative
Leanne Smyth, Admissions Representative

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

Student Spotlight

Rudy Di Muro always knew what he wanted to do – work in law enforcement. Born and raised inside a police station in Italy, he witnessed firsthand his father’s life as an officer in the Carabinieri Corps. He developed an interest and deep appreciation for police work and was always drawn to investigations.

Di Muro has held many positions in the law enforcement field including volunteer police officer, wildlife officer and security guard. Currently, he is a property manager and is licensed by G4S Security in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to conduct private investigations.

In 2007, Di Muro completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from CSU with a 4.0 GPA. He achieved a personal goal by completing his bachelor’s degree and has since moved on to working on a master’s degree in criminal justice with CSU. With one degree behind him and one he’s working on, Di Muro feels that he is better prepared for his future.

“Earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice will help me achieve my retirement goals,” Di Muro said. “Who wouldn’t want to hire a private investigator with two criminal justice degrees, a license and experience?”

After retirement, Di Muro plans to move to the Toronto, Ontario, Canada area and work part-time as a private investigator. Two courses Di Muro took at CSU, sociology and psychology, have helped him deal with people as an investigator. He hopes that with the master’s degree courses he’s taking, he will have even more experience for his retirement plans.

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

Message from the President