Academic Success and Time Management (continued from page 2)
in this issue >>> Husband/Wife Alumni Academic Success for Adult Students
concentrative state that your mind enters after being uninterrupted for a period of time. Distractions such as family members asking questions, television shows, the radio, text messages or phone calls interrupt this state of productivity, and the clock resets every time there is an interruption. It is important to find a place away from distraction and minimize interruptions to be productive. Often I will hear folks say “I am a great multi-tasker” – and you may think you are, but your brain cannot do two things at once. You might just be one of those people who can switch back and forth rapidly and are able to pick up where you left off. The fact of the matter is, the more you can do while focused on one task, the better off you will be.
Veterans Success Center Adult Student in the Spotlight
A Newsletter for Edinboro University’s Adult Student Population
It’s important to be proactive instead of reactive. We all know when we forget something, anxiety surfaces until we “catch up” what it is that we had to have done. Again, the importance of planning and maintaining a schedule is paramount. Also, take advantage of your natural cycles. If you are a morning person, schedule that time for your studies. But, if you’re most productive at 1:00 a.m., then maybe that is when you should be reading up on chemistry. The worst thing any of us can and will do is procrastinate. Putting things off to the last minute will do nothing but harm you. Planning ahead, completing tasks on time, and not feeling pressured at the last minute will help you to complete your work and complete it well. You’ll notice the difference when you receive the grade on your paper. I know it’s hard, but especially for commuter and adult students, I strongly suggest becoming involved on campus in one way or another. Maybe it is attending a fitness class in the Student Center, or attending a student government sponsored event. Or possibly you love accounting and you want to join the Business and Accounting Club. There’s something out there for everyone, and it’s proven that students who are involved are more likely to succeed. Not to mention, there are often field experiences and funding that many clubs and organizations provide that are not available in the traditional classroom. So how do I know these things? Well, not only because of my training, but I am speaking from experience. I was a non-traditional student myself. I entered Edinboro as a first-time freshman after working in a factory for six years after high school. I came to a point in my life where I decided factory work wasn’t for me and wanted to do something more. It was tough! Being around students who were much younger than I, really feeling the financial pinch, and realizing that my life would forever be different was a little hard to swallow. But, with determination and the time management strategies I learned, I was able to succeed. Aarron Hunsinger is an Academic Success Coordinator. He has a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Arts in college counseling from Edinboro. His office is located in the Library on the 2nd floor. He can be reached at (814) 732-1311 or by email: ahunsinger@edinboro.edu.
Issue 6, Spring 2013 New Leaf is published each fall and spring by the Office of Adult Student Services. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide information pertinent to Edinboro University’s adult student population.
New Leaf Summer Classes 2013!
Our Mission: The mission of Edinboro University’s Office of Adult Student Services is to empower prospective and current adult learners to meet their educational goals through programs and services that remove barriers to their success.
Adult Student Services 405 Scotland Road 211 Pogue Student Center Edinboro, PA 16444 Phone: (814) 732-2701 Fax: (814) 732-2909 adultstudents@edinboro.edu http://adult.edinboro.edu
The Family That Studies Together… Stays Together Jack and Toka Walters are husband and wife, recent adult students, parents to seven children, and now, alumni of Edinboro University!
Don’t forget that you can accelerate your time-to-degree by taking classes in the summer! There are two sessions for summer 2013: First Session (5 weeks) Tuesday, May 28 Thursday, June 27, 2013 Second Session (5 weeks) Monday, July 8 Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Classes meet Monday-Thursday. NO FRIDAY CLASSES! The summer class schedule is now posted! For information on financial aid for the summer session, go to www.edinboro.edu, keyword “summer financial aid.”
Jack and Toka both enrolled at Edinboro in the spring of 2006 and although Jack had to stop out for a one-year deployment to Iraq in 2008, both were able to graduate together in December 2012 (although they say that was totally by coincidence!). Jack graduated with a bachelor of science in health and physical education – teacher education concentration, and Toka graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology with a concentration in developmental psychology. They chose Edinboro because of the school’s location and great history. Both of them work full-time for the Department of Corrections as correction officers – Toka at SCI Cambridge Springs and Jack at SCI Albion.
What is it like attending school with your spouse? Toka said “It was great attending school together. We really encouraged each other to keep going. We actually had some general courses together, and we had some healthy competition as well. It was fun and a good way to push each other to do better.” Continuing the family tradition, their son Jake attends Edinboro now, and their daughter Ashley will attend this fall after high school graduation. Now that they have both earned their degree, Toka's plan is to attend graduate school for clinical mental health counseling, while Jack plans to substitute teach until he retires from the prison. After retirement, he wants to pursue teaching full time. Jack and Toka both say education really has no age limit!
Adult Student in the Spotlight: Nicholas Longstreth
Academic Success and Time Management for Adult Students By Aaron Hunsinger, Academic Success Coordinator Time management is a topic that surfaces with any student, but with adult and commuter students, it can be the area that is most critical to their success. In addition to stressors that affect all college students (such as time for reading, homework, studying for exams, attending tutoring, etc.), adult and commuter students have much more on their plate. Often those students have to juggle family and work responsibilities, as well as those already mentioned above. So why learn about managing your time? It helps to save time, reduce stress, function effectively, increase output, and helps you to have more control over your life. It’s easy
to say “I need to manage my time better,” but, what exactly does that mean? It means planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and setting goals. With multiple responsibilities on your plate, it is crucial to plan. Every minute of your day likely needs to be dedicated to something. Being on top of your responsibilities and being aware of what needs done next is key. Get a planner, or use the calendar in your smart phone to stay on top of tasks. Much anxiety can be reduced just by not being “surprised” by things that need done. When multiple tasks need
Focus on Adult Student Scholarships The Dan and Dolores Highman Scholarship Daniel E. Highman received his bachelor of arts degree in natural science from Edinboro in 1970. He is currently president of U.S. Bronze Foundry and Machine, Inc. and Lubrite Technologies in Meadville, PA. Dan is also president of the Crawford County Historical Society. Dan and Dolores established this scholarship in which first preference is made to a non-traditional student who is raising a child(ren) while pursuing his/her education. Financial need is a consideration, but not a determining factor in selection.
completed, prioritize. A personal favorite of mine is a check list. As a visual person, checklists work great for me. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I am able to cross tasks off that list, and it helps me to stay focused as to where I’m at and where I’m going. When mapping out your schedule, be sure to be realistic. You can avoid stress by not overcommitting. Sometimes decisions need to be made as far as what to do or what not to do. It’s important to realize that you can’t do everything, and sometimes sacrifices need to be made. Learn to say “No.” We all
enjoy friends and socialization, but at times it is important to stick to the plan. We’ve all been there guilted in to an evening out, a movie, or a shopping trip. Remember that you’re paying for your education, and you have one chance to make yourself shine. Get the most out of it. Real friends will understand. When you finally do sit down to study, remember that you need at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time before you achieve flow. Flow is a highly ...continued on page 4
Edinboro University Creates a Veterans Success Center Did you know that approximately 20% of adult students are also veterans? The year 2012 marked the fourth year in a row that Edinboro University has been designated a military-friendly school by GI Jobs. In an effort to centralize services to veteran students, the University has established a new Veterans Success Center! The new office is located in 226 Crawford Center. The Center offers a centralized point of contact for any issues a student veteran or dependent may face, and will also give them a specific place to study and relax. The Center will also be instrumental in creating a student veterans organization, and will advocate for student veterans on campus. Mr. Tony Canzonieri (pictured right) was named in December as the new coordinator for the Center and is currently completing an MBA from California University of Pennsylvania. Previously, he served as the Pennsylvania state director and east coast outreach representative for Vets4Vets. Tony has served in the United States Army as an intelligence analyst, water treatment specialist, and team leader. He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Contact information for the Veterans Success Center is: (814) 732-1553; veterans.edinboro.edu; acanzonieri@edinboro.edu.
Meet Nicholas Longstreth. He’s your traditional non-traditional student. He works, goes to school (full-time), and has a family. Like most adult students, he finds the most difficult thing about being one is trying to find a balance between spending time with his family, working, and completing required course work. Something not so traditional about Nick - he has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his academic career and just achieved senior status! Nick started his academic career at Edinboro in the Spring of 2010 and is on track to graduate in December of this year with a bachelor of arts degree in English-writing and a minor in environmental studies. He decided to go back to school because of the economy and says that after writing out his prayers and concerns, going to school was the best option to strengthen his employability and achieve his calling. He chose Edinboro because of its reputation, proximity to his home, and affordability. Nick says that the best thing about being an adult student is that he has already experienced life in the adult world, which allows him to be more focused on his schoolwork, unlike many traditional-aged students who are experiencing the excitement of parental-free freedom for the first time. He also believes that since the age gap between him and his professors is shorter, communication with them is easier. Nick was inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda - the adult student honor society - in the spring of 2011. He also has a story called "The Family Loam," that will be published in the 10th edition of Chimera. Chimera is an illustrated literary journal of student writing produced by the English department in collaboration with the art department. The journal has won numerous national awards and citations, and this year’s edition will include music compositions, film, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, photography, and two and three-dimensional art. The annual release celebration will be held in the Diebold Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Nick, with wife Sonya April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. After graduation, Nick plans to write material focused on nature and spirituality, practice husbandry, and continue to expand the micro-farm he and his family are building. Nick’s advice to all students, not just the non-traditional students, is: “Prepare yourself to make sacrifices if you truly want to excel. If you are married, or in a serious relationship, make sure your partner is also committed to your decision. Your family will make as many, if not more, sacrifices as you will during your education. In the end, the sacrifices you make become the foundation for you and your family’s future. Above all, enjoy the time in school. It is probably the only time we will have to strictly focus on our individual passions.”
Don’t Forget to Fill Out the FAFSA! Edinboro University has a preferred filing date of March 15th for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who meet the preferred filing date will receive full consideration of university acholarships, Federal SEOG, Federal Perkins, Federal Work Study and discretionary scholarships and grants. To apply, go to www.fafsa.gov. Below are some common myths that adult students have about financial aid: Myth #1: Adult students don't meet the age requirements to receive federal student aid. Fact: There is no age limit. Almost everyone is eligible for some type of federal student aid. Myth #2: You need to pass a credit check to receive federal student aid. Fact: No credit check is required to receive federal student aid, including most federal student loans. Myth #3: It costs money to apply for federal student aid. Fact: Applying is free. It costs nothing to apply for federal student aid and therefore you should avoid companies charging a fee to complete the application. (fasfa.gov)
Adult Student in the Spotlight: Nicholas Longstreth
Academic Success and Time Management for Adult Students By Aaron Hunsinger, Academic Success Coordinator Time management is a topic that surfaces with any student, but with adult and commuter students, it can be the area that is most critical to their success. In addition to stressors that affect all college students (such as time for reading, homework, studying for exams, attending tutoring, etc.), adult and commuter students have much more on their plate. Often those students have to juggle family and work responsibilities, as well as those already mentioned above. So why learn about managing your time? It helps to save time, reduce stress, function effectively, increase output, and helps you to have more control over your life. It’s easy
to say “I need to manage my time better,” but, what exactly does that mean? It means planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and setting goals. With multiple responsibilities on your plate, it is crucial to plan. Every minute of your day likely needs to be dedicated to something. Being on top of your responsibilities and being aware of what needs done next is key. Get a planner, or use the calendar in your smart phone to stay on top of tasks. Much anxiety can be reduced just by not being “surprised” by things that need done. When multiple tasks need
Focus on Adult Student Scholarships The Dan and Dolores Highman Scholarship Daniel E. Highman received his bachelor of arts degree in natural science from Edinboro in 1970. He is currently president of U.S. Bronze Foundry and Machine, Inc. and Lubrite Technologies in Meadville, PA. Dan is also president of the Crawford County Historical Society. Dan and Dolores established this scholarship in which first preference is made to a non-traditional student who is raising a child(ren) while pursuing his/her education. Financial need is a consideration, but not a determining factor in selection.
completed, prioritize. A personal favorite of mine is a check list. As a visual person, checklists work great for me. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I am able to cross tasks off that list, and it helps me to stay focused as to where I’m at and where I’m going. When mapping out your schedule, be sure to be realistic. You can avoid stress by not overcommitting. Sometimes decisions need to be made as far as what to do or what not to do. It’s important to realize that you can’t do everything, and sometimes sacrifices need to be made. Learn to say “No.” We all
enjoy friends and socialization, but at times it is important to stick to the plan. We’ve all been there guilted in to an evening out, a movie, or a shopping trip. Remember that you’re paying for your education, and you have one chance to make yourself shine. Get the most out of it. Real friends will understand. When you finally do sit down to study, remember that you need at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time before you achieve flow. Flow is a highly ...continued on page 4
Edinboro University Creates a Veterans Success Center Did you know that approximately 20% of adult students are also veterans? The year 2012 marked the fourth year in a row that Edinboro University has been designated a military-friendly school by GI Jobs. In an effort to centralize services to veteran students, the University has established a new Veterans Success Center! The new office is located in 226 Crawford Center. The Center offers a centralized point of contact for any issues a student veteran or dependent may face, and will also give them a specific place to study and relax. The Center will also be instrumental in creating a student veterans organization, and will advocate for student veterans on campus. Mr. Tony Canzonieri (pictured right) was named in December as the new coordinator for the Center and is currently completing an MBA from California University of Pennsylvania. Previously, he served as the Pennsylvania state director and east coast outreach representative for Vets4Vets. Tony has served in the United States Army as an intelligence analyst, water treatment specialist, and team leader. He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Contact information for the Veterans Success Center is: (814) 732-1553; veterans.edinboro.edu; acanzonieri@edinboro.edu.
Meet Nicholas Longstreth. He’s your traditional non-traditional student. He works, goes to school (full-time), and has a family. Like most adult students, he finds the most difficult thing about being one is trying to find a balance between spending time with his family, working, and completing required course work. Something not so traditional about Nick - he has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his academic career and just achieved senior status! Nick started his academic career at Edinboro in the Spring of 2010 and is on track to graduate in December of this year with a bachelor of arts degree in English-writing and a minor in environmental studies. He decided to go back to school because of the economy and says that after writing out his prayers and concerns, going to school was the best option to strengthen his employability and achieve his calling. He chose Edinboro because of its reputation, proximity to his home, and affordability. Nick says that the best thing about being an adult student is that he has already experienced life in the adult world, which allows him to be more focused on his schoolwork, unlike many traditional-aged students who are experiencing the excitement of parental-free freedom for the first time. He also believes that since the age gap between him and his professors is shorter, communication with them is easier. Nick was inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda - the adult student honor society - in the spring of 2011. He also has a story called "The Family Loam," that will be published in the 10th edition of Chimera. Chimera is an illustrated literary journal of student writing produced by the English department in collaboration with the art department. The journal has won numerous national awards and citations, and this year’s edition will include music compositions, film, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, photography, and two and three-dimensional art. The annual release celebration will be held in the Diebold Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Nick, with wife Sonya April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. After graduation, Nick plans to write material focused on nature and spirituality, practice husbandry, and continue to expand the micro-farm he and his family are building. Nick’s advice to all students, not just the non-traditional students, is: “Prepare yourself to make sacrifices if you truly want to excel. If you are married, or in a serious relationship, make sure your partner is also committed to your decision. Your family will make as many, if not more, sacrifices as you will during your education. In the end, the sacrifices you make become the foundation for you and your family’s future. Above all, enjoy the time in school. It is probably the only time we will have to strictly focus on our individual passions.”
Don’t Forget to Fill Out the FAFSA! Edinboro University has a preferred filing date of March 15th for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who meet the preferred filing date will receive full consideration of university acholarships, Federal SEOG, Federal Perkins, Federal Work Study and discretionary scholarships and grants. To apply, go to www.fafsa.gov. Below are some common myths that adult students have about financial aid: Myth #1: Adult students don't meet the age requirements to receive federal student aid. Fact: There is no age limit. Almost everyone is eligible for some type of federal student aid. Myth #2: You need to pass a credit check to receive federal student aid. Fact: No credit check is required to receive federal student aid, including most federal student loans. Myth #3: It costs money to apply for federal student aid. Fact: Applying is free. It costs nothing to apply for federal student aid and therefore you should avoid companies charging a fee to complete the application. (fasfa.gov)
Academic Success and Time Management (continued from page 2)
in this issue >>> Husband/Wife Alumni Academic Success for Adult Students
concentrative state that your mind enters after being uninterrupted for a period of time. Distractions such as family members asking questions, television shows, the radio, text messages or phone calls interrupt this state of productivity, and the clock resets every time there is an interruption. It is important to find a place away from distraction and minimize interruptions to be productive. Often I will hear folks say “I am a great multi-tasker” – and you may think you are, but your brain cannot do two things at once. You might just be one of those people who can switch back and forth rapidly and are able to pick up where you left off. The fact of the matter is, the more you can do while focused on one task, the better off you will be.
Veterans Success Center Adult Student in the Spotlight
A Newsletter for Edinboro University’s Adult Student Population
It’s important to be proactive instead of reactive. We all know when we forget something, anxiety surfaces until we “catch up” what it is that we had to have done. Again, the importance of planning and maintaining a schedule is paramount. Also, take advantage of your natural cycles. If you are a morning person, schedule that time for your studies. But, if you’re most productive at 1:00 a.m., then maybe that is when you should be reading up on chemistry. The worst thing any of us can and will do is procrastinate. Putting things off to the last minute will do nothing but harm you. Planning ahead, completing tasks on time, and not feeling pressured at the last minute will help you to complete your work and complete it well. You’ll notice the difference when you receive the grade on your paper. I know it’s hard, but especially for commuter and adult students, I strongly suggest becoming involved on campus in one way or another. Maybe it is attending a fitness class in the Student Center, or attending a student government sponsored event. Or possibly you love accounting and you want to join the Business and Accounting Club. There’s something out there for everyone, and it’s proven that students who are involved are more likely to succeed. Not to mention, there are often field experiences and funding that many clubs and organizations provide that are not available in the traditional classroom. So how do I know these things? Well, not only because of my training, but I am speaking from experience. I was a non-traditional student myself. I entered Edinboro as a first-time freshman after working in a factory for six years after high school. I came to a point in my life where I decided factory work wasn’t for me and wanted to do something more. It was tough! Being around students who were much younger than I, really feeling the financial pinch, and realizing that my life would forever be different was a little hard to swallow. But, with determination and the time management strategies I learned, I was able to succeed. Aarron Hunsinger is an Academic Success Coordinator. He has a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Arts in college counseling from Edinboro. His office is located in the Library on the 2nd floor. He can be reached at (814) 732-1311 or by email: ahunsinger@edinboro.edu.
Issue 6, Spring 2013 New Leaf is published each fall and spring by the Office of Adult Student Services. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide information pertinent to Edinboro University’s adult student population.
New Leaf Summer Classes 2013!
Our Mission: The mission of Edinboro University’s Office of Adult Student Services is to empower prospective and current adult learners to meet their educational goals through programs and services that remove barriers to their success.
Adult Student Services 405 Scotland Road 211 Pogue Student Center Edinboro, PA 16444 Phone: (814) 732-2701 Fax: (814) 732-2909 adultstudents@edinboro.edu http://adult.edinboro.edu
The Family That Studies Together… Stays Together Jack and Toka Walters are husband and wife, recent adult students, parents to seven children, and now, alumni of Edinboro University!
Don’t forget that you can accelerate your time-to-degree by taking classes in the summer! There are two sessions for summer 2013: First Session (5 weeks) Tuesday, May 28 Thursday, June 27, 2013 Second Session (5 weeks) Monday, July 8 Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Classes meet Monday-Thursday. NO FRIDAY CLASSES! The summer class schedule is now posted! For information on financial aid for the summer session, go to www.edinboro.edu, keyword “summer financial aid.”
Jack and Toka both enrolled at Edinboro in the spring of 2006 and although Jack had to stop out for a one-year deployment to Iraq in 2008, both were able to graduate together in December 2012 (although they say that was totally by coincidence!). Jack graduated with a bachelor of science in health and physical education – teacher education concentration, and Toka graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology with a concentration in developmental psychology. They chose Edinboro because of the school’s location and great history. Both of them work full-time for the Department of Corrections as correction officers – Toka at SCI Cambridge Springs and Jack at SCI Albion.
What is it like attending school with your spouse? Toka said “It was great attending school together. We really encouraged each other to keep going. We actually had some general courses together, and we had some healthy competition as well. It was fun and a good way to push each other to do better.” Continuing the family tradition, their son Jake attends Edinboro now, and their daughter Ashley will attend this fall after high school graduation. Now that they have both earned their degree, Toka's plan is to attend graduate school for clinical mental health counseling, while Jack plans to substitute teach until he retires from the prison. After retirement, he wants to pursue teaching full time. Jack and Toka both say education really has no age limit!