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Failing a Class? What to Do

Posted Guest on April 3rd, 2012

It is a student’s worst nightmare…failing a class. This can be a major problem if you don’t take the right steps to handle it. A failing grade will hurt your progress toward your graduation, financial aid eligibility, your school record, and your sense of accomplishment. The important thing to remember is that you need to take action as soon as you realize that you are failing.

Step 1: Get help as soon as you can. The minute you realize you are in danger of failing a class, seek the assistance of your professor, your academic advisor, a tutor, the campus learning center, family members, friends, or anyone to whom you can turn.

Step 2: Weigh your options. Do you still have time to drop the class? Is there an option to pass to a pass/fail grade? Can you withdraw from the class without damaging your transcript or eligibility for financial aid? Check with your professor, academic advisor, registrar, and financial aid officer to see what options are available to you.

Step 3: Do your part. If you are going to be able to drop the course, make sure you find out the deadline for drops. Get all of your paperwork turned in to the right person before the last date, if possible. Also check with the financial aid office to see what you need to do and when it needs to be done. Allow yourself plenty of time to meet deadlines so you can get everything together.

Step 4: Do something. The absolute worst thing you can do when you realize you are failing a class is to just let it happen. If you just stop going to class and ignore the problem, you will do yourself even more damage. Just think of the future employers or graduate school admissions offices that will uncover that hidden F. Even if you have no idea what to do, talking to others about your situation is the first, and most crucial, step you can take.

Step 5: Stop beating yourself up. People occasionally fail classes. You are not the first and you definitely won’t be the last. Many of the most successful people in society have failed a class at one point in their college careers. Don’t let this color your perception of yourself. It doesn’t make you stupid, worthless, or any of the other colorful adjectives you are applying to yourself. The best thing you can do is to deal with it, learn from it, and move on. At the very least, you will know exactly what to do if it ever happens again.

Failing a class in college can seem like it’s the end of the world. Rest assured that is definitely is not. The important thing is to take action as soon as possible to either bring your grade up or to get out of the class in the least damaging way possible. Once you have averted crisis, take steps to make sure you never end up in the same situation again!

About the Author

Jannie C. is a writer for MyCriminalJusticeCareers.com. If you are interested in criminal justice careers, you should learn more about forensic psychology. This site can help you on your search.

Students and Ergonomics: A Life Long Lesson

Posted on January 24th, 2012

Any college student knows that they are not only embarking on a journey that is going to bring them new friends, experiences, and opportunities when they first enter college—they are also going to be writing more than ever before. Even high school students are reporting that they write more than they ever thought possible.

It is becoming more and more normal for students to have a laptop when they are off to college or when they work on their high school homework. While there is plenty of discussion about deadlines and requirements, very little is made of how to use your laptop properly to stay on top of ergonomics.

Marry Poppins Was Right: Posture Matters!

Most of us like to slouch and relax a little. After all, it feels comfortable. If you adapt the following habits though, you will reduce the amount of stress you place on your body significantly.

Make sure there is no space between your back and the chair, especially if you are stressing about the final 100 words of a paper. It can be easy to slouch in order to get comfortable. However, sitting up straight with no space between your lower back and the chair will ensure that your spine is supported throughout.

Keep your heels, back, and neck aligned. If you were to draw a vertical line down your heels, back, and neck, it should hit all of these important parts at the same exact spot.

Relax and draw your shoulders back, starting with your right shoulder, then your left. Make sure you are relaxed by taking a deep breath. It is important that you keep a watchful eye after a few minutes of work to make sure that you are not back to slouching or hunching again.

Your computer, Keyboard, and Oh So Much More

It doesn’t matter if you are writing your paper, doing research, or just using Facebook for a moment, being aware of how your body is positioned can save you both strain and injury later on.

Make sure your monitor is at eye level. This seems very strange for students, especially if they are using a laptop! If you are using a laptop on a flat surface, put something underneath the laptop to elevate it. Those books they had you buy will finally come in handy!

Be sure to align your wrists with your forearms. If you keep your wrists in the same line as your forearms instead of bending them at an awkward angle (90 degrees or less is what we are shooting for) you will notice that the stress on your tendons and muscles becomes quite less.

Armrests are there for a reason. Not only can armrests be quite comfortable if you plan on spending quite a bit of time behind your computer, but they also take the pressure off your shoulders and ensure that your elbows remain close to your body. This keeps you from straining to reach the keyboard.

Random Suggestions

Whatever you do, make sure you take breaks from time to time. It is not just your body that will get strained over time, but your eyes as well. Give them some rest by taking a break, stretching for a while, or just walking around. While it may seem counterintuitive to some, taking an occasional break helps you be able to work longer.

Use a seat cushion, footrest, or bench. If your feet do not touch the ground, you need to find a way for them to do so. This is very important when it comes to posture. Any of these would help.

Use an ergonomics checklist. If you are going to be working with your laptop for a longer period, make sure you have a checklist so you can see if you are doing everything possible to promote good posture.

If you wish to know more, you can always find a local chiropractor to help you. One way to find someone who understands your needs is by searching through some testimonials.

About the Author: Melissa Cameron works as a freelance writer and has done so for the last decade. She is currently working on a series of articles with the help of a highly regarded chiropractor who has received a number of flawless Sacramento chiropractor reviews. The articles are based on the ergonomics relating to laptop usage and back pain therapy. Melissa currently lives in Austin, Texas, with Dave, her husband, and their two children.

Become an Academic Advisor with the Right Master’s Degree

Posted Karen Lederer on November 29th, 2011

If you’re exploring ways to enhance your career options, consider becoming an academic advisor by enrolling in a Master’s of Administration degree program. Academic advisors enjoy satisfying careers, where every new workday is different from the last. These professionals help institutions provide quality higher education by helping undergraduate students navigate the educational process.

Important aspects of an academic advisor’s job include supporting students with the emotional ups and downs of college, as well as nurturing their academic achievements. Their services range from providing information about degree requirements to helping students discover the educational path that reflects their goals and values. Academic advisors also help increase student retention through explaining institutional policies and helping students overcome situations that may impede their progress.

The Right Master’s Degree Can Help You Become an Academic Advisor

Universities and colleges hiring academic advisors typically narrow their list of qualified candidates by considering academic achievement, institutional accreditation and level of education acquired. Employers often require familiarity with research techniques, knowledge of diverse student populations, a commitment to learning and a passion for academic advising.

Where can you obtain the comprehensive, quality instruction that can set you apart from other academic advisor candidates? Consider enrolling in a Master’s of Administration program to fully enhance your academic advisor career options. A Master’s of Administration degree offers you the broad foundation and specialized knowledge today’s top educational institutions need.

What To Expect in a Master’s of Administration Program

Obtaining a Master’s of Administration requires instruction in a wide range of fundamental and specialized courses, such as:

Educational research and statistics: an introduction to specific research, including basic statistical techniques, ethnographic research, and analysis.
Advanced educational psychology: applying basic psychological theories and principles to inform and improve performance.
Curriculum theory and development: exploration of curriculum construction that drives school programs, including sources of curriculum, methods of organization, and curriculum planning and development.
Literacy and diversity: an examination of the ways in which trends affect the educational environment and their impact on the classroom.
Educational administration: a foundational course covering the philosophy of administration, organization in a democratic society, and the administration of instruction and personnel.
School law: a study of legislation and Department of Education directives.

Becoming an Academic Advisor Can be a Satisfying Career Choice

If you’re looking for a meaningful career that makes a difference in the lives of others, consider becoming an academic advisor, where you will:

Help students of all ages achieve their goals and dreams.
Fulfill students’ desires for education that fits their interests and work that fits their values.
Guide students through the educational process to enhance academic success.
Collaborate with colleagues, instructors and administration to advance student achievement.
Increase retention and graduation rates by helping students comply with requirements and overcome obstacles.

The Path to Becoming an Academic Advisor

Your first step to a career as an academic advisor can be enrolling in a Master of Science in Educational Administration program. Attributes such as excellent communication and organization skills, attention to detail and the ability to work in a collaborative environment will serve you well in this profession. And the right degree can enhance your career options and set you on the path to a successful academic advisor career.

Advanced Nursing Education Options

Posted Sam Omulligan on November 29th, 2011

Many nurses graduate from a two-year program and become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs). However, if a nurse wants to further their education there are opportunities available to RNs that can enhance both their job performance and career advancement.

There are currently many RN to BSN programs available to nurses who are graduates of associate or diploma programs. These programs give credit for time and experience that has been gained through work or school. Since most RNs chose to continue working while returning to school, many programs offer flexible class schedules, multiple start dates, and online courses. There are many online RN to BSN degree programs available which create a credible path to completing a degree.

Earning a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can prepare someone for a specialization, a management position, or a teaching position. It can also prepare a student who is interested in pursuing their education to a doctorate level. Most people interested in this degree already have a BSN, but there are accelerated programs for RNs to not only gain their BSN in conjunction with their MSN degree. This type of degree helps to alleviate any overlap that would occur in the two degrees and streamlines the learning process.

When applying for a MSN some nurses may choose to take a route that has more of an administration emphasis. Most MSN degrees are for BSN-trained registered nurses that want to move into management, leadership, and policy implementation. This degree can teach a student how to make ethical decisions in health policy, use technology to bring competitive healthcare options to an institution, and contribute to healthcare policy so that it impacts the clinical environment positively. Graduates can offer someone an in-depth understanding of patient care management as well as adequately be prepared to become Board Certified as a Nurse Executive.

If a student is interested in becoming a leader in the healthcare field through mentoring students and teaching classes then it may be worthwhile to investigate a MSN in Education degree. While completing a degree in this field students learn to create effective teaching and evaluation tools as well as understanding the process of learning from infancy to adulthood. Graduates from this program can be eligible to be Board Certified in Nursing Professional Development. An MSN graduate is be able to create extensive career opportunities not only in the healthcare field, but in academia as well.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in both of these fields are expected to grow by 15% by 2018 which is a faster than average rate compared to other jobs. Currently, MSN degrees are offered on line are from accredited universities to make it easier for nurses to maintain a career while going back to school. Choosing to complete an online MSN degree doesn’t mean a student has to sacrifice quality professors – experienced nurses with doctoral degrees teach most classes at this level. When using online learning there are more opportunities available that include going to a university out of state without moving.

Current RN nurses with two or four year degrees can enhance their job performance and career options by continuing their education. Online degrees make it easy to go at a pace that fits the needs of a busy life-style, complete schoolwork during off hours, and may cost less than campus-based programs.

Many online nursing degrees are tailored to meet the needs of working students in this profession. Completing a higher degree makes it possible to enter into a higher position, make a career change, or earn more income at a current position.

Financial Education for Students

Posted on December 1st, 2010

It is very important for everybody to be financially educated. With the rising commodity prices in America, everyone is expected to come across some financial disaster in future. Students need to be educated financially so that they can tackle financial problems in the future. Having an understanding of daily cash flows and how to manage your personal finances can benefit everyone. If someone incurs debt he can certainly consolidate his debts but it is always wise to stay safe rather than sorry.

According to a recent statistics, 44% of the Americans spend more than the amount they make each month and $9,000 is the average debt amount for most consumers who hold credit card debts. The numbers of individuals and households that have filed for bankruptcy have doubled since 2008. In order to boost the economy of the US, it is very important that students are financially literate so that they understand the dangers of racking up huge amounts of credit card debt.

What are the financial areas that students should be made aware of?

Financial education is necessary for most students to handle their money in an effective manner thereby reducing the ways in which they can incur student credit card debts or educational loan debts. These debts can make a student’s post-graduation years extremely stress-filled and difficult.

The importance of budgeting: All good things should start early and students must be taught the importance of budgeting while they are young. The huge national debt level is due to number of people who have not followed a budget. Students need to be taught how to create a budget and stick to it. Being able to track your income and expenditure will always help you monitor your savings.

The importance of your credit report: In the present lending industry, credit reports play an important role. Without a good credit score, no lender will be able to lend you any new line of credit. The most common financial blunder that hits your credit score is incurring huge amounts of credit card debt and becoming delinquent on them. Therefore, students need to understand the importance of their credit reports and how their credit score affects their job prospects as well as their financial future.

The pitfalls of bankruptcy: It is very important for students to understand that the ultimate thing that can happen to you if you’re not financially aware of the downsides of accumulating credit card debts is to file for bankruptcy. No one should think that this is an option that should be easily chosen to eliminate your debt burden. It terribly hurts your credit score and jeopardizes your future prospects of getting new lines of credit.

According to a study in 2009, a large number of undergraduate students are looking for college courses that offer free money management classes. This shows that there is an increase in the awareness among students to educate themselves on finance. In spite of the option to consolidate your debts and repay them in easy affordable payments, it is wise to take precautions and stay protected against financial dangers.

No Child Left Behind: What’s Wrong with It?

Posted on September 25th, 2010

The National Education Association is pushing for a complete overhaul of the No Child Left Behind act. They claim that the program is based on false assumptions and is doomed to failure. Here are some of the problems that the NEA has with No Child Left Behind.

The NEA has actually filed suit against the federal government for failing to fully fund the No Child Left Behind program. Many school districts have been denied funding that the NEA believes they should have received. It is unfair for the government to expect school districts to meet the stringent standards set by No Child Left Behind without providing promised funding.

According to the NEA, 44% of schools have cut other subjects or activities in order to concentrate extra time on math and reading so that their students will do better on the annual tests. Most of the programs being cut are art, music, physical education and recess. Some schools have even cut science or social studies.

Although government officials claim that test scores are rising as a result of No Child Left Behind, other groups claim otherwise. An article in the July 2007 issue of Educational Researcher indicates that test scores were rising more rapidly before No Child Left Behind was enacted. Although test scores are rising, they are rising at a slower rate than they were before the legislation was passed.

The No Child Left Behind law requires all school districts to achieve proficiency in math and reading among 100% of their students by the year 2014. The reason this is unrealistic lies with the students. Not all students are capable of performing at the level their classmates do. Others simply will not put forth the effort to learn no matter how hard their teachers try to teach them. No one can force a student to learn. There will always be difficult students and emotionally and mentally disadvantaged students who cannot or will not perform at the required level.

No Child Left Behind: What Is It?

Posted on September 25th, 2010

No Child Left Behind is a law that was proposed by President George W. Bush shortly after he was elected in 2001. It went into law on January 8, 2002. This law reauthorized an earlier law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It put into effect several policies that were intended to make sure that every child in America has access to a quality education.

Whether this law has been effective or not is much debated, and will be covered in a separate article. Right now, we are just going to focus on what the law is all about. No Child Left Behind attempts to improve the performance of individual school districts by making them accountable to have their students perform well on standardized tests.

This program rewards schools that use scientifically proven methods to educate children. It allows flexibility for states and school districts and offers options to parents whose children are attending a school that is not performing at the required level. School districts that fail to meet the standards set by No Child Left Behind must allow students to transfer to other schools in the area if the parents do not want their children to remain in the failing school district.

Goals for No Child Left Behind

No Child Left Behind is a complex program that has many parts. Here is a summary of some of the goals of the program and the methods it uses to attempt to accomplish those goals.

Improved Reading Skills

No Child Left Behind offers additional funding to schools that start an “Early Reading First” program that uses a research-based teaching method to teach reading to preschoolers. The program also provides grants to schools that use a research-based program to teach reading in kindergarten through second grade.

Accountability

No Child Left Behind requires annual testing of students to demonstrate whether students’ performance is improving. School districts are held to a strict set of standards that all students must eventually meet.

Consequences & Rewards

There are consequences for schools if their students do not perform well on the tests. School districts that do not meet the standards face the possibility of losing federal funding. School districts that do well are rewarded.

Flexibility

School districts are given flexibility combine funding with local and state funds and decide how to use the money to improve the quality of education. Schools will also receive easier access to technology grants.

Parental Choice

Under the No Child Left Behind act, parents are given access to information about their children’s school district. If the school district is not meeting the standards set by No Child Left Behind, the parents can choose to put their children into another school. The funding for this will be provided through Title I funds.

Better Teachers

The program sets standards for hiring or retaining effective teachers. It allows the use of federal funds to pay for these teachers.

Safer Schools

No Child Left Behind gives teachers the authority to have violent or disruptive students removed from the classroom and provides funding for safety and drug prevention programs. It also allows for parents to remove their children from schools that are not safe.

How to Select the Right 3D Animation Training School

Posted Dan Freeman on September 22nd, 2010

The print and electronic graphic industry is booming and many career opportunities are opening up. The most important step for those who are considering getting into this industry is to focus on getting proper training in preparation for getting into the job market. Needles to say, without proper training you will not be in a position to secure a well-paying job in your chosen career.

What you need to do if you are interested in getting a really good job in the graphic arts industry is to identify the best schools. Watch out for makeshift and fly-by-night entities that are only there to take your hard-earned money. The catch in the 3D animation sphere is in that the top of the range companies know the top 3D animation schools that produce good students for the kind of jobs and responsibilities they have to offer.

The 3D animation companies will obviously give preferences to students from these schools. There are many top 3D animation schools that will produce well-equipped graduates, and among these most companies will hire the graduates with the best marks. A number of well-known companies such as ILM, Disney and Pixar give preference to students from these top-notch institutions, especially students who come out with flying colors.

In trying to locate the best schools for a 3D animation career endeavor you will face a lot of challenges. One of the critical choices you to make is to either go for a private school or a government school. Attending a private school is the best option because these 3D animation schools have a good competitive edge owing to the reputation they have built in producing highly qualified graduates.

The downside to this route is that you have to pay more for the opportunity to attend a private 3D animation school. If you want one of the best 3D animation jobs, you need to consider the best schools for your career, even if that means going to a school with higher tuition and fees.

If you think Maya or 3d studios max is good, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Create 3d animations and models easily with 3DMagix – the powerful all-in-one integrated 3d stop animation creation software.

Thinking About Returning to School?

Posted Jennifer Black on September 22nd, 2010

It’s time to go back to school, and as the kids get settled into their daily schedule, perhaps you too have been thinking about returning to school yourself.

There are many choices and some obstacles for adults returning to school. Working and balancing a family with study time is difficult but not impossible. The time required to drive to a campus, sit in class and at home studies can seem overwhelming. It seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to make the time for you. But there are many ways to work around these obstacles and finally obtain your advanced degree.

Perhaps the most convenient solution is to attend college classes online. With online colleges you don’t have to drive to campus or sit in a classroom.|Online education eliminates the time require to drive to and from class. You study when you want and attend “virtual” classes when it is convenient for your schedule.

Obviously the first step is deciding what you want to study and how much. Next you will want to know if any previous educational credits will count towards your degree. If you are uncertain how to proceed, start by meeting with an enrollment advisor or counselor. Ask questions and learn as much as you can about the schools reputation. Once you have spoken to an advisor and decided on your course of study you will need to determine the cost of your education and how you will pay the tuition. There are many options from low interest loans to grants and payment plans. VA benefits are also available for Veterans. Talk with your Financial Aid department, read all documents carefully and complete and submit all forms on time. These tools are available for you, so make sure that you use them.

The first step in furthering your education is to decide your long term goals including topic of study and the degree requirements you will need to satisfy. Next you will want to know if any previous educational credits will count towards your degree. If you are uncertain how to proceed, start by meeting with an enrollment advisor or counselor. Ask questions and learn as much as you can about the schools reputation. Once you have spoken to an advisor and decided on your course of study you will need to determine the cost of your education and how you will pay the tuition. There are many alternatives from low interest loans to grants and payment plans. Veterans can take advantage of VA Benefits. Talk with the school’s financial department, read all documents carefully and complete and submit all forms on time. They are your benefits, that you have earned so make sure you use them.

Whatever your course of study and your education dream you can now earn your Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degree, online, conveniently, working with your schedule.

Online Education, Accredited Online Unviersity,

A Quick Introduction To JobVirtue

Posted Gregory Allen on September 22nd, 2010

Let me introduce JobVirtue.com. It’s more than just a web page: it’s a news site, resume data bank, social network, and job search site. It is a quickly-developing site with lots to offer to job hunters and employers alike. Keep reading to learn more about the features and tools that JobVirtue has for your use.

Job searchers: the first steps are registration on the JV Social Network, creation of a profile, and uploading a resume. Using this network, you can join other individuals looking for work, and let employers look through your information based on occupation, location, and experience. Go ahead and get in touch with fellow job seekers; take advantage of the opportunity to increase the size of your network. The JV Social Network is your first stop on the way to career change or development.

The job search option is another important part of JobVirtue. There is a wide selection, since new job listings are posted every day. Check out the postings on the front page. If you can’t locate what you’re searching for, click “View all jobs” and you’ll be redirected to a new page where all the postings ever made on the site are listed, or do a quick search by keying in the “Job title” and “City” fields. Using these features, you will find the job that’s right for you, straight away.

Managers: when you register your business on JobVirtue, you’ll be able to post an unlimited amount of jobs for thirty days. With this promotional offer, your company will get extra publicity and the most suitable candidate for the job. Users of the JV Social Network have great transferable skills, the necessary training, and an eagerness to work. Take a look through their resumes and profiles; the right candidate with the right qualifications is waiting for you.

Looking for work or looking to hire? Visit JobVirtue and register today.

The JV portal is conveniently located at JobVirtue.com.