greetings from the advising team!

2
volume 1 issue 1
Content
Happy Anniversary to all Faculty & Staff . . . 4
What a Difference a Year Makes. . . . . . . . 5
Greetings From the Advisory Team . . . . . . 6
Consortium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Faculty Spotlight “Dick Patterson“ . . . . . . . 9
Annual Award Conference . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sunny Sharma M.B.A.
Executive Director
Activities Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Personally Developed Skills . . . . . . . . . . 13
In-Service / Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2008 Holiday Schedule
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Holiday
Christmas Holiday
2008 Remaining Pay Dates
September 1
November 27
December 25
December 26
Optional holidays must be submitted and
approved by your manager.
All regular full-time and part-time status
employees who are employed before and after
a holiday are eligible to receive holiday pay. In
addition, weekend and holiday weekend closing
of all or partial departments will be determined
at the discretion of the president.
August
29th
September
15th
September
30th
October
15th
October
30th
November
14th
November
28th
December
15th
December
30th
33
by Sunny Sharma M.B.A., Executive Director
I wanted to wish everyone a very happy first
year anniversary of our on-line platform! We
launched our first class on July 9th of last year
and we enrolled 86 students. This time last year
we had 20 full time employees and 10 adjunct
faculty members servicing our students. What
a difference a year makes! Today, we have 66
full time employees and over 50 adjunct faculty
members. We enrolled over 200 students
for this year’s July start and we are currently
educating over 1,300 students if you include
the blended learning platform with our sister
schools. We have worked hard and grown as
a college and it is due to all of your efforts. I am
truly proud to be part of this team and I look
forward to another incredible year!
44
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A
YEAR MAKES!
by Dr. Alonzo B. James III
As you may have read in
adjunct faculty member or a seasoned veteran, we
previous sections we have
strongly encourage you to review the continuingly
sustained significant growth within
our
updated faculty development section within the Virtual
This expansion can
Campus. Within this area lie numerous opportunities
be directly attributed to the synergy between our
for faculty development as well as information on the
admissions, financial aid, academic and administrative
best practices for classroom management.
first full year of operation.
departments. We take great pride in being part of
such a great team.
Our appreciation goes out to both faculty and staff for
their unyielding dedication to this department as we
From the academic perspective this growth has
unveil new initiatives that we hope will facilitate your
ushered in many new challenges including the
professional growth as well as enhance the scholastic
necessity of more efficient classroom management
achievement of our students. We look forward to a
to improved faculty training & development. These
great remainder of the 2008 academic year as well a
two areas have undergone the most significant
promising 2009.
enhancements than any other focal point within
the academic department. From the recently
implemented 3-5-7 Discussion Board initiative to the
newly interactive faculty training program, we have
taken great strides in meeting the changing demands
of our environment. Whether you are a recently hired
Students First!
55
GREETINGS FROM
THE ADVISING TEAM!
by Kareme Shaia, Student Services Supervisor
It is my pleasure and honor to have this opportunity to address the faculty
and staff of the Academy-Online family. Having been a part of this growing
team for a year now, I have enjoyed the delight of watching our student
body grow from about 80 students to well over 600 in just 12 short
months. Likewise, the Advising Team has now grown to include three
Student Services Coordinators including Cindy Altidor, Jamie Bryant and
Chivonne Hyppolite. Over the next few newsletters, I will be providing
you additional information on the roles that each of these individuals play
in the essential duty of student support. We take pride in our level of
customer service to assist and facilitate the interaction of students with
faculty and members of academic administration. I think I speak for all of
us when I say that we appreciate the service and education that the entire
Academics Team provides our student body. We look forward to a long
and prosperous relationship with students, educators and administration
alike. Let’s continue to make this the best online experience for current
and future designers!
66
by Dawn Carlson M. Ed
The Academy offers a selection of general education and core program
courses in an online format through The Academy-Online Virtual Campus
by means of a consortium agreement. The students attending college at
their home institution may take online courses, referred to as the iFLEX
program. iFLEX is a blended learning option where students may take up to
twenty five percent of their degree program in the online format. Students
generally take classes at their home institution and on the Virtual Campus
simultaneously. We reference this population using several terms, all of
which we use interchangeably. The terminology is consortium, blended
learning or hybrid.
Colleges that currently participate in the blended learning program are:
Academy
Academy
Academy
Academy
Academy
Academy
Academy
Academy
Chicago
Detroit
Las Vegas
Nashville
Orlando
Schaumburg
Seattle
Tampa
This population comprises approximately five hundred and fifty students.
Should you have any questions or concerns about a consortium student,
please contact Dawn Carlson, Dean of Blended Learning. Dawn will be able
to assist you and can work directly with the student’s hybrid champion at
their home institution. Contact with the student’s advisor by the instructor
should be made through the Dean unless directed otherwise.
To identify a consortium student, in the Virtual Campus classroom, these
students are identified by an icon that is half blue and half orange. This
icon appears on the student roster page. To determine which campus
a student attends, you can contact the Dean. If you have access to the
Virtual Campus classroom, the campus location can be determined by
review of the email address.
Academy Chicago
[email protected]
Academy Detroit
[email protected]
Academy Las Vegas
[email protected]
Academy Nashville
[email protected]
Academy Orlando
[email protected]
Academy Schaumburg
[email protected]
Academy Seattle
[email protected]
Academy Tampa
[email protected]
Should you have any questions related to the consortium population,
please contact the Dean of Blended Learning, Dawn Carlson.
7 7
8
photo by Ann Hewitt
Faculty Spotlight
Throughout my life I have been fascinated by design. The first design I sold was for
a company my father worked for that was at age 14. At 21 I started a company that
manufactured belt buckles, jewelry, chess sets and buttons. I also designed for a
jewelry company in New York City during the same time period. Eventually, I sold the
two businesses I owned and went to work for Fern Hannaway Advertising; a leading
New England advertising agency. I loved the business and it was good to me. While
at the agency I was a guest speaker at local colleges in southern New England.
I enjoyed working with the students and when I moved to Florida teaching at the
college level was my new direction in life.
The Academy was perfect for me because of the emphasis on design and advertising.
Academy students constantly amaze me with their dedication and desire to learn.
Through my years at The Academy I’ve met some amazing students who are now
doing well in the field. I am in contact with many of my former students in both America
and Europe. My greatest satisfaction is seeing my former students advancing in the
field. I have seen The Academy shape the lives of many people and give them
opportunities they would never have without their education. I never thought I would
be teaching at the college level, but thoroughly enjoy it! At the moment, I am teaching
online for The Academy and what we teach on the ground translates very well to
the online environment. Technology is amazing and we now can teach students
anywhere in the world.
Even though teaching is my main thrust in life, I can’t stop designing; it is something I
have to do. The last few years I’ve been designing musical instruments. The process
is interesting because the concept in my head has to be created as a physical
instrument. When I conceive a new experimental instrument I also have to think
through the sound it will give when the instrument is finished. At first that was a
challenge, but after building about 25 instruments I can predict fairly accurately what
the sound will be like. I think that is the part that keeps me interested.
I’ve also gotten interested in Human Powered Vehicles and bicycles powered by very
small gasoline engines. At the moment I have two bicycle projects going and four
musical instruments in process.
I’ve often said that design is more than important; design is everything! It effects what
we will buy, where we live, how we dress and what we’ll drive. Design has been a
constant theme in my life. A better design adds more value than any other part of a
project. The best part is if a client wants your design they can only get it from you.
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I would like to take a moment and welcome all
the Graphic Design online instructors to the
first The Academy-Online online newsletter!
Hopefully, everyone knows to contact me
if there is an error in the curriculum or if
there is a potential tweak that can make
instruction smoother. I want to thank Elena
Martignon and Dick Patterson for their input
on curriculum hiccups, as well as their subtle
revisions to combat these issues.
I am optimistic that, at this time, everyone
is aware of the best practices involving late
work and is comfortable now with them.
Administration is not trying to micro-manage
you; however, establishing consistency is
crucial if we expect to be a cohesive unit.
To build the right mindset in the student for
future contractual work, nothing is accepted
after the fifth day that it was due. Of course,
if someone has a legitimate problem, then
compassionately work with them. Basically,
use your best judgment and feel free to
contact me if you are on the fence! This
is also important if you are going to speak
to students concerning policies. If you are
not clear, then please call me first. Making
assumptions only creates pandemonium
in the classroom and makes us look
unprofessional. The last thing that I want is
for The Academy-Online to appear, and get
a reputation, as a paper mill: an institution
that cranks degrees to everyone.
There have been some new initiatives that
have taken place. The first one was the
implementation of secondary instructors.
Make sure that when surveys on new initiatives
are introduced that you fill them out honestly
and do not sugar-coat your responses. If
something needs to be addressed, then we
need to know about it. The next initiative is
the roll-out of specific classes to an eleven
week format. These predominately will be
the intricate software based classes, such
as Digital Imaging (Adobe Photoshop) and
Digital Illustration (Adobe Illustrator).
Enjoy the rest of the newsletter! Once again,
please do not hesitate to contact me if you
need any help or clarification on any issues.
11
11
Greetings,
Walter D. Joseph M. Ed, Student Activities Coordinator
I would like to start by introducing myself. My name is Walter D. Joseph I am from Orlando, Florida and
have recently been added to The Academy-Online administrative team as the Coordinator of Student
Activities. Having earned an undergraduate degree in criminology and not pursuing a career in the field,
I decided to return to the academic arena and earn my Masters of Education in Student Affairs and
Curriculum and Instruction. As a recent graduate of the Masters Program, I am very excited and thrilled
to be joining an institution devoted to student success and student development.
As the Coordinator of Student Activities, I will be responsible for all aspects of student activities programming
at The Academy-Online, and other areas as needed. I will maintain a well-rounded student activities
program that provides social, educational, and cultural programs for all students. I will the-clubs and
organizations and work with these clubs and organizations to foster student engagement. My role allows
me to recruit students to participate in all aspects of activity planning. As the Coordinator of Student
Activities, I will also advise, train, and assist students in all matters relating to activities programming. I
look forward to developing and implementing new initiatives that will enhance the relationship between
the students, faculty, and staff; and facilitate student engagement and retention.
Some of the current initiatives I am working on include the Alternative Quarter Break, which is a 13 day
student led excursion throughout Europe. In March of 2010 up to 50 students will be presented with
the opportunity to visit many of the world renowned museums of London, Paris and Rome. Additionally,
The Academy-Online students who earn at least a 3.5 grade point average will receive both a certificate
of academic achievement and a letter from the Dean of Online Instruction praising them for their
commitment to academic success. During the Spring Quarter 2008, there were more than 40 students
on the Dean’s List and more than 50 students earned a 4.0 grade point average qualifying them for the
President’s List. Also, The Academy-Online Lecture Series is an initiative that provides our student body
with the opportunity to network with, interact and communicate with professionals in the fields that they
aspire to join. The lecture series debuted on July 23, 2008 with guest lecturer and author Dean James
G. Bennett. Dean Bennett’s lecture was a great success. More than 200 students viewed the lecture
via our Breeze presentation. In the spirit of a series, I anticipate having a guest lecturer once per quarter.
Our upcoming lectures include Joe DeSetto, Chris Chell and Kate Whetley.
Again, I am very excited to join such a strong and committed team of administrators, teachers, advisors,
and coordinators. I look forward to the continual pursuit of academic accomplishment and holistic
development as well. If you are interested in student activities, have any ideas or suggestions, or simply
want to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
1212
Personally Developed Leads
Admissions
Representatives
spend
countless hours on the phone speaking to
prospective students. The most important
elements a student needs to be successful
are initiative, dedication and motivation.
Once it has been determined that the
would-be student is committed, the
representative then explains the next steps
in the process, and the rest is history.
by Patricia Stallings, Director of Admissions
However many times, a representative
will speak to a student, who is not
quite ready yet to take the next step.
Although it can be frustrating on the part
of an admissions rep, the seasoned rep
knows that all is not lost. One of the most
important initiatives that the Admissions
area is currently working on is asking
for referrals, or as they are known in the
Admissions world….PDL’s.
A Personally Developed Lead is something
to treasure. It is the name and phone
number of an acquaintance that the
person knows, who may be interested
in the programs that we have to offer.
Let’s face it, not everyone is into Graphic
Design or Web Development. However,
by simply asking “Who do you know that
may be interested in our program?” the
phone call that initially seemed doomed,
has now turned into gold!
PDL’s can be obtained in a
number of ways:
• Passing out business cards
• Asking prospective students who they
know
• Asking established students if they
know of anyone that would like our
program
• Although Admissions Reps are the
primary source, any student, faculty
member of staff member can tout our
name.
Currently PDL’s are converting 3 times
higher than all other leads. Studies also
indicate that these students actually ‘start’
at a much higher rate, which is music to
any representatives ears. Ultimately our
goal is to have each representative obtain
a minimum of 14 PDL’s each month for
each representative.
It’s simply another avenue for getting the
word out, that we have great programs
here at The Academy.
So...who do YOU know?
13
Lawrence Mcghee, Director of Financial Aid-Online
2008
Faculty
In-Service
Training Schedule
Friendly Reminder: All current students who have yet to complete a 2008-09
FAFSA should do so as soon as possible in order to claim any additional federal
funding available to you.
Federal Update: Additional unsubsidized Stafford loan limits applicable to
undergraduate students are increased for loans first disbursed on or after July 1,
2008. Subsidized limits (up to base amount) are unchanged. For more information,
please contact the financial aid office at (866) 755-4238 option 1.
Nicole Shafer, Academic Support Coordinator
Interaction in the
Online Classroom
LIVE Session!
Mon. November 10th @ 12pm
These are the major initiatives happening within the Academic Support area
throughout the duration of the 2008 academic year
Controlling and Cutting Academic Costs:
• Merging Faculty Duties and Responsibilities.
• Setting the minimal student enrollment in an online class to 10.
Workload
Moderating & Facilitating
• Exploring alternative course leveling options and implementing a universal add/
drop deadline.
LIVE Session!
Mon. November 10th @ 7am
Faculty management:
Faculty Collaboration
LIVE Session!
Wed. November 12th @ 10am
14
• Ensuring all instructors have the proper, required credential documentation and
files are complete prior to instruction
• Assembling documentation to assure professional and academic growth of
faculty through planning, participation, and completion.
Sunny Sharma M. BA.
Executive Director
[email protected]
813.880.8036
Contact Us
Photo
to
come
Dr. Alonzo B. James III
Director of Education
[email protected]
813.880.8021
Dawn Carlson M. Ed.
Dean of Blended Learning
[email protected]
813.880.8045
James Greenwood
Department Chair Graphic Design
[email protected]
813.357.2015
Kareme Shaia
Student Services Supervisor
[email protected]
813.889.3453
Photo
to
come
Patricia Stallings
Director of Admissions
[email protected]
813.227.4162
Photo
to
come
Lawrence McGhee
Director of Financial Aid
[email protected]
813.394.1605
Photo
to
come
Nicole Shafer
Blended Learning Coordinator
[email protected]
813.880.8043
Walter D. Joseph M. Ed.
Student Activities Coordinator
[email protected]
813.357.2048
15