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The ultimate end goal for all Everest University Online students is to graduate. Along the way, students encounter challenges in their academic track. Our “Ask a Graduate” column seeks to uncover those challenges. I interviewed Amanda Schlosser, an associate degree graduate who shared some of the tips she used to overcome her challenges.
At the beginning of your class for week 1, analyze the amount of time you will need to meet the class requirements. Focus on breaking down your class assignments and spread them out over the entire week. Do not try to attempt doing your class work in a whole day.
Engage your professors weekly and remember to respond to their posts in the discussion board along with your fellow students. Review their differing expectations.
Before taking your quiz, make sure your notes are in order and open up an additional internet window to review your lecture slide show while taking your quiz. Remember, the quiz should be the last thing you complete for the week.
When feeling overwhelmed, try these techniques: Step away from your work and take a break. Let your
mind reset before coming back to the challenge you are facing.
Ask your fellow students and professor for assistance. Remember that your peers are in the same boat as you.
Family and friends are great for helping you get back on track. They are your biggest cheerleaders.
Envision what it is like to walk across that stage and get your degree.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you. It helped Amanda, who is completing her bachelor’s degree in the winter 2012 term and has committed to starting her master’s degree program in the spring 2012 term.
Ask a Graduate Cover
Understanding Course Mapping Page 2
Tech Tip Page 3
Student Spotlight Page 4&5
Top 10 Page 6
Health Tips Page 7
Calendar Page 8
Ask a Graduate: Tips for Getting to Graduation
By: James Nemeth, Academic Advisor
Page 2
College is a me for structure. Students have to meet deadlines, understand instructors and work with
peers in teams. Each program has course requirements for gradua on. Many ques ons come to a student’s
mind about their program, mainly their classes. Which class to take and when is an important ques on for
all students. At Everest University Online, we work to take the guessing out of that process through course
mapping. Course mapping is the registrar’s approved scheduling guidelines for each program.
“Course mapping is like following a GPS for earning your degree. There are several routes to the
des na on‐ in our case gradua on‐ that can be used, but o en mes the GPS knows the best way. Course
mapping is designed to be the shortest and fastest route to your degree,” said Adam Caskie, scheduling
advisor.
Course mapping was developed in 2009. Both the Office of the Registrar and the Student Services
department no ced that there was a need to make scheduling more efficient and structured for students.
Since that me, advisors have been using course mapping to assist the building of students’ knowledge base
for each new course. “I use course mapping as a guide to choose the best next courses to be scheduled for
the student,” said Tammy Abel, scheduling advisor. “Course mapping is extremely important. It helps the
scheduling team easily iden fy the next set of courses that the student needs to take to sa sfy their degree
program. Course mapping takes the guess work out of registra on and allows us to follow a path. It’s a huge
me saver for us,” said Jason Campbell, director of the scheduling team.
For fun, let’s review a term schedule! In the Business Management associate degree program for a
full‐ me student (a student that takes three classes or more a term), course mapping requires the
following courses: SLS1105 – Strategies for Success, CGS2167C – Computer Applica on’s and MAN1030 –
Introduc on to Business Enterprise. Why is this course combina on important? Let’s see. SLS1105 offers an
in‐depth review of APA Style wri ng, which is required for all future course work. CGS2167C gives students
informa on and skills regarding Microso Office applica ons, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These
tools will help students with their assignments and in the workplace. Lastly, MAN1030 is an introductory
business course about business principles necessary for other core courses. These types of schedules are
used daily during our scheduling periods. Everest University Online sincerely has the student’s best interest
at heart when scheduling them in their courses.
Understanding Course Mapping
Written by: Danisha Bethune
Page 3
Ever feel like your computer runs at a snail’s pace? Does it act like it caught a bug?
This month’s ps will help prevent these symptoms. Try to do them every month.
1. Clear your internet history regularly. In Internet Explorer, look under Tools →
Delete Browsing History →Delete All. Note this will delete any saved passwords
from your computer. Saving passwords to your computer is not recommended.
2. Defragmenta on of your system, go to Start →Programs →Accessories →System Tools →Disk
Defragmenter
3. Clean or scan your disk. Similar to Defrag, go to Start → Accessories → ScanDisk (CleanDisk in some
versions of Windows)
4. Run a regular an ‐virus program. If you do not already have an ‐virus protec on, both Avast
(avast.com) and AVG (free.avg.com) offer free versions that may be downloaded safely and for free on
CNet.com. You may go directly to their sites for more informa on.
5. Run spyware, a program that gathers informa on from your computer such as passwords, malware,
and malicious so ware programs. Search & Destroy from Spybot offers a decent system check for
various forms of spyware. CNet.com offers a free download, but note Spybot’s website,
(safer‐networking.net), proves less user friendly. Malwarebytes (malwarebytes.org) also offers a quality
free program which removes malicious so ware hiding out in your computer.
6. Check for Microso Windows updates. Visit h p://www.update.microso .com/microso update/v6/
vistadefault.aspx?ln=en‐us. The website automa cally populates a window with update informa on.
You may also go to Start →All Programs →Windows Updates.
When in doubt, speak with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the company you pay to provide your internet
connec on, about recommenda ons. Many ISPs offer free links to maintenance so ware. Addi onally, the
computer manufacturer (Dell, Toshiba, Hewle Packard, etc.) o en offers owner websites that provide
maintenance tools that check for driver and so ware updates.
Happy Compu ng!
Written by: Joanna Cassidy
Page 4
With so many accolades and achievements, many would think that educa on is the only priority in Terry’s life. However, one glance into a day in the life of Terry Edwards will make anyone think otherwise. Terry is the mother of 16 children with 10 of those children s ll residing at home; and the other six are adults successfully living on their own. When Terry is asked how she balances her studies and her commitment to her family, she replies, “I had to stop thinking, ‘How am I going to do this?’ and start thinking ‘I am going to do this.’ ” Terry’s diligence did not stop there; she readily admits that she was not computer‐literate when ini ally enrolling into Everest University Online. “As I started to par cipate more I no ced resources that were out there to develop my skills.” Terry reached out to Smarthinking to develop her wri ng skills. She credits fellow students from the Everest Online Facebook lounges for deepening her understanding of APA Style. Terry acknowledges her limita ons and iden fies what resources she will need to achieve success. It is that proac ve a tude or as Terry calls it “posi ve self‐talk” that con nues to push Terry down the path toward success.
“Building a Successful Foundation”
It has been said that there are those who dream and there are those who do. The la er is certainly the case with Everest University Online student Terry Edwards. A er earning her associate degree in fall 2011, Terry decided to con nue her educa on with Everest University Online. Terry is currently enrolled in the bachelors program for the winter 2012 term. On her decision to con nue her degree, Terry declared “I wanted something for myself and I am a goal oriented person. I felt like it was me to take charge and get what I want out of life.” Terry has had her fair share of obstacles along the way to earning a degree. “I came into the university with success on my mind. However, I had to make changes to my strategy along the way as I encountered obstacles.” Some of those strategies brought about many exci ng opportuni es, including becoming an Everest Igniter Ambassador as well as becoming President for the Na onal Society of Collegiate Scholars at Everest University Online.
Page 5
Terry’s persistence paid off in a big way this past fall 2011. A community service organiza on in Kirkwood, Mo chose Terry and her family to receive a home makeover. This community and its members saw that Terry was going through a difficult me while s ll maintaining her studies and pursuing her dreams. Community leaders organized students and members of the district to complete an extensive renova on on the Edwards’s home. According to Terry, the transforma on concluded in approximately two days’ me with roughly $30,000 dollars raised in total from cash contribu on and supplies. When asked about the generosity of her community, Terry responds, “This was a family project; it was just all love here. I s ll well up in tears thinking about how much this has meant to me and my family.” There is no doubt that Terry’s future looks bright. Terry has made it clear to herself, her family and her community that educa on is the framework for her life. However, it is clear to Everest University Online that Terry’s family and community is her founda on. When asked what is next for the Edwards family, Terry responds “I’m moving toward having my own business as a tax agent. I want to con nue to help build on small business in the community u lizing my own small business.” Terry hopes that one day this can be a family‐owned and operated agency. When discussing her children, Terry beams, “They are all great kids and are doing a great job. They have so many opportuni es afforded to them and I’m so proud of each and every one of my children. They all know what it takes to succeed, not just get by.” As Terry reflects on the past she states, “I’m sa sfied with my progress as I look back on two years ago compared to where I am now. I have come a long way, and I’m thankful.” It is evident that Terry will con nue on the road to success. And Everest University Online hopes to be there, cheering the Edwards family on every step of the way of this rewarding journey.
Written by: Tramaine Polk
Contact your professor with any ques ons. When you have ques ons regarding your assignments, due dates, or
anything regarding the class, your first point of contact should be your professors. They are available through
email or the faculty office, and they typically respond within 24‐48 hours.
Just doing the bare minimum won’t be enough to pass. Comple ng just enough work to be marked as present in
your classes will not be enough to succeed. You must be as ac ve in class as possible. Make sure you review the
a endance policy.
Try to find work in your field as soon as possible. Networking inside the classroom and program field is
important. Some say it’s not about what you know but who you know.
Did you know each program offered at Everest University Online has a program lounge on Facebook? The
Facebook lounges were created as designated areas for students to network in their desired field. There you can
interact with other students.
CARE helpline. The CARE helpline is a free student assistance program. This program is available to students and
their family members, who can call to speak with a professional regarding any issues affec ng their lives. It is
available 24‐hours a day, 365 days a year..
Autobiographies aren’t for grades nor do they count toward your a endance. The autobiographies in your
classes are another way to network with your classmates and your professor. Find out a li le more about the
people you will be working with over the next 12 weeks.
Update your contact informa on with an advisor when anything changes. When you move or receive a new
phone number, it is important your advisors always have the most up‐to‐date contact informa on on file. In case
there is ever an issue or emergency, we need to always be able to get a hold of you.
Books are automa cally ordered when classes are scheduled. When the scheduling team schedules your next
term classes, books are automa cally ordered and shipped by the bookstore. If you are retaking a course, you will
not receive that book again. Also, a scheduling of next term’s courses could be delayed due to low grades and
thus, books could also be delayed.
Check in frequently with your advisor. It is impera ve that you speak with your advisor on a regular basis, even if
it’s just a “checking in” email to tell them if you’ve earned good grades, are struggling with any issues or need to
update them with any changes to your address or phone number. Our communica on will work both ways.
U lizing email and phone channels, we will tell you if there any important updates or pending issues you need to
be aware of as a student.
DON’T GIVE UP! “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ‐ Lao‐tzu, The Way of Lao‐tzu
Written by: Trisha Fader
As an online student, si ng in front of a computer for a few hours at a me can be draining. In fact, si ng for too long can
slow down circula on and you burn fewer calories over me. Si ng for long periods can also wreak havoc on your posture
and spine health. While si ng in front of the computer is necessary to complete your degree, adding in some movements
can vastly improve your overall health, both mentally and physically.
Tips You Can Use!
Stretch, stand or walk for two minutes every half hour. Be sure to save schoolwork before taking a quick break and
coming back to finish assignments.
A small towel or pillow to support your back can be used to help maintain good posture while reading assignments or
discussion posts in the online classroom.
Keep a bo le of water near your computer while working. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but it also helps
you feel more alert.
Fidget! Fidge ng is a good and easy way to keep ac ve while si ng. Even if you are just tapping your foot, it helps keep
you moving.
Our shoulders and necks can bear the brunt of si ng at a computer, so be sure to give them some a en on while you
work. You can roll your shoulders back 10 mes and then forward 10 mes. For your neck, bend it forward and hold for
10 seconds and then do the same back and side to side. Be careful not to roll your neck because that can cause too
much stress on those sensi ve muscles.
In order to keep circula on at its peak, don’t forget about stretching your legs. To stretch your hamstrings while
seated, lean forward while your leg is bent and pull it toward your seat. Repeat this for both legs. You can also stretch
your calves by straightening your legs and flexing your feet. If you are really advanced, reach for your toes.
To stretch your hips, cross your le leg over the right leg and rest the le ankle on top of the right knee. Apply some
light pressure with your le elbow on the le knee and you’ll feel a good stretch. Repeat this for the other side. As
always with stretching, be sure to hold each move for at least 10 seconds and take slow, relaxed breaths.
Your eyes are muscles too! Give them a break every 30 minutes by taking them off the monitor and refocusing on
something nearby.
Fortunately, making a few small changes during your study and schoolwork me can help prevent or improve health issues.
In addi on to overall health benefits, moving around during these mes can also reduce stress and recharge your energy
levels.
Written by: beth Shaw
This newsle er is a joint effort between students and staff of Everest
University Online. Any feedback or sugges on or ideas for our next issue
can be sent directly via email to [email protected]. This newsle er
is housed on our Facebook Docs, click here for easy access :
h p://docs.com/@EverestOnline
Bradley Govender
Online Communities Specialist
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Randy Harris
Beth Shaw
James Nemeth
Tramaine Polk
Joanna Cassidy
Benson Tong
Danisha Bethune
Trisha Fader
