In the not too distant past, women's colleges were never asked to justify their existence. Many, if not most, of the independent colleges and universities in this country were single-sex institutions. Today, only three all-male colleges exist and there are approximately 60 all women's colleges.
So, you may ask, "Why should I consider attending a women's college?" Those of us committed to single-sex education believe that we prepare young women for the real world in a better way—and we have data to back up our beliefs. So, what is it that happens at a women's college that makes it so distinctive and worth a second look?
According to the Women's College Coalition and the results of a survey done by NSSE (the National Survey of Student Engagement), students who attend a women's college enjoy the following benefits:
1. They are more engaged than their peers at coeducation institutions.
2. They are more likely to experience high levels of academic challenge.
3. They engage in active and collaborative learning to a higher degree.
4. They take part in activities that integrate their classroom and outside of classroom experiences more than their counterparts at coeducational institutions.
5. They report greater gains of self-understanding and self-confidence.
6. They are more likely to graduate, and more than twice as likely as female graduates of coeducational colleges to earn doctoral degrees and to enter medical school.
7. They also earn more after graduation than their coed counterparts because they often choose traditionally male disciplines, like the sciences, as their academic major. Women's colleges continue to graduate women in math and the sciences at 1.5 times the rate of coed institutions.
In ourclassrooms we utilize small group activities and collaborative teaching and learning – techniques we know work for women. And, isn't that really the heart of the matter? Everything we do is to educate women. Every focus is aimed at that outcome. That can't help but make a difference. And that is as true in the student life arena as it is in the classroom. Everything that is done by students is done by women. If there is a student initiative, every facet of it will be planned, organized, and executed by women. That alone is fundamental and important.
Last year there was an article in the business section of the Chicago Tribune under the heading "Getting Ahead." The article was written about one of our alumnae who has been on a very impressive career path since her graduation as a Business Economics and Political Science major. The reporter asked her if any classes from college were particularly helpful to her career. She replied, and I quote: "It wasn't what I took as much as where I went. I went to an all-women's college. There were fewer gender pressures. I was encouraged to stand up and speak my mind. If I'd gone to a coed school from the start, it would have been a lot harder. Later, when I was thrown into environments that were primarily all-men, it didn't occur to me not to participate."
In closing. I think a quote from my friend Nancy Bekavac, the former president of Scripps College, sums it up perfectly. She said, "All colleges and universities offer opportunities to women – but women's colleges offer every opportunity to women." I hope you will take a hard look at the option of attending an all women's college – I know you will be excited by what you find.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/MI/why-should-you-attend-a-womens-college.html
Monday, August 27, 2007
What to Expect Your Freshman Year of College
(AP) — Career Education Corp., a for-profit education company, said Tuesday that Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Patrick Pesch is retiring, effective Sept. 5.
He will be replaced by Michael J. Graham, who was previously CFO of Terlato Wine Group, a private company specializing in marketing and producing luxury wines.
Pesch will stay with the company for 60 days during a transition period, and will serve as a consultant for CEC through June of 2008.
Career Education Corp. is in the midst of a turnaround. Earlier this month it said it swung to a profit in the second quarter, although revenue fell 10%. The company is in the process of selling some of its schools and campuses and named a new chief executive in March.
While movies like Animal House and Van Wilder are undeniably entertaining, they are simply not a reality of what college is really like. Some college students may disagree with me, but college isn't all about being successful socially, rather, it is about being successful academically. Your freshman year is your most crucial year of college. For many, it makes them or breaks them as college students. Students who walk onto campus their freshman year thinking that college is one big party are in for a rude awakening, especially if they've been listening to upperclassmen share stories about not going to class and waiting until the last minute to write that paper. These so-called "mentors" are not helping future college students become successful, but setting them up for failure on campus, and possibly, in their futures. Following in their footsteps is taking the "easy" route, and college isn't meant to be easy – it is meant to challenge you and to prepare you for life beyond textbooks and the classroom.
The lessons that upperclassmen don't often share with incoming freshmen are the ones that will actually help them prepare for success, not just the tricks for easing through their academic career. As an admission counselor at Valparaiso University, I speak with hundreds of incoming students each year who have no idea what to expect their freshman year. They are excited, nervous, and anxious all at the same time! Here are some of the tips that I pass along to them to help ensure a successful college start. My tips may not be as exciting as the gossip about that popular professor or what instructors to avoid, but my incoming freshmen seem to appreciate and apply them to their experiences.
#1: If you're an only child, be prepared to live with someone else, usually someone you don't already know, in a small room – probably smaller than your room at home. College is the time when students develop a sense of identity and self. This first year roommate experience will help you develop patience and discover what kind of person you are. For many, this can be a difficult period of adjustment, especially if he or she has not spent a lot of time away from home or does not have siblings. If you find that you are having difficulty adjusting, or you and your roommate don't get along right away, give it some time – don't give up after five hours of being on campus, or five hours of knowing your roommate! Your resident assistant (RA) is a great person to serve as a third party to listen and help mediate.
#2: Stay on campus as much as possible. While you may be homesick the first week or two, going home every weekend isn't going to make the transition any easier. The more you get involved on campus, the less you'll miss home.
#3: New people, new friends. While your high school friends are important, don't be afraid to make new friends at college. Most likely, your high school friends will be doing the same thing. College is the time for you to branch out and meet new people. Like the old saying goes, "make new friends, but keep the old…"
#4: While you are living in the residence halls/dorms, you will most likely experience community bathrooms. Remember to bring two things: shower shoes (i.e. flips flops) and a shower caddy for your shampoo, soap, etc.
#5: Don't procrastinate! It is easy to fall behind if you don't manage your time properly. Time is very important and it may often seem as if you never have enough of it. Remember to prioritize your life. Ask yourself what is going to be more important, that fraternity party right before finals or studying for your finals? Remember, you and/or your parents are paying for your college education.
#6: Be sure to save and actually read your syllabus for each class. This is your guide for class projects, papers, assignments, and due dates. Without your class syllabus, it is very easy to get lost and fall behind in class.
#7: Go to all of your classes! While it may seem easy to simply skip a class here and there, many professors include attendance and participation as part of your grade.
#8: Your academic advisor will not only help you register for classes, but will also help you plan for your future. He/she will play a key role in your college career – writing you a letter of recommendation or helping you find internships, etc. It's a good idea to let your academic advisor know if you want to study abroad, what areas of study you're interested in if you haven't settled on a major yet, and work with them to create a four year plan.
#9: Your professors are important people. While in high school it may not have been "cool" to get to know your teachers, college is the time when your professors will often times become mentors and friends. Just like your academic advisor, professors may serve as connections for possible internships, jobs, and employment/graduate school references.
#10: College is challenging. Be prepared to study (really study), read (often times several books at once), write several papers (longer than five pages and usually more than one at a time), and participate in class discussions – speaking up in class may even be part of your grade.
To all college freshman: good luck your first year. Remember – study, go to class, be open to new things and new people, and have fun. College is a once in a lifetime opportunity – make the most of it.Shares rose 65 cents, or 2.4%, to close at $27.61.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/MI/what-to-expect-your-freshman-year-of-college.html
He will be replaced by Michael J. Graham, who was previously CFO of Terlato Wine Group, a private company specializing in marketing and producing luxury wines.
Pesch will stay with the company for 60 days during a transition period, and will serve as a consultant for CEC through June of 2008.
Career Education Corp. is in the midst of a turnaround. Earlier this month it said it swung to a profit in the second quarter, although revenue fell 10%. The company is in the process of selling some of its schools and campuses and named a new chief executive in March.
While movies like Animal House and Van Wilder are undeniably entertaining, they are simply not a reality of what college is really like. Some college students may disagree with me, but college isn't all about being successful socially, rather, it is about being successful academically. Your freshman year is your most crucial year of college. For many, it makes them or breaks them as college students. Students who walk onto campus their freshman year thinking that college is one big party are in for a rude awakening, especially if they've been listening to upperclassmen share stories about not going to class and waiting until the last minute to write that paper. These so-called "mentors" are not helping future college students become successful, but setting them up for failure on campus, and possibly, in their futures. Following in their footsteps is taking the "easy" route, and college isn't meant to be easy – it is meant to challenge you and to prepare you for life beyond textbooks and the classroom.
The lessons that upperclassmen don't often share with incoming freshmen are the ones that will actually help them prepare for success, not just the tricks for easing through their academic career. As an admission counselor at Valparaiso University, I speak with hundreds of incoming students each year who have no idea what to expect their freshman year. They are excited, nervous, and anxious all at the same time! Here are some of the tips that I pass along to them to help ensure a successful college start. My tips may not be as exciting as the gossip about that popular professor or what instructors to avoid, but my incoming freshmen seem to appreciate and apply them to their experiences.
#1: If you're an only child, be prepared to live with someone else, usually someone you don't already know, in a small room – probably smaller than your room at home. College is the time when students develop a sense of identity and self. This first year roommate experience will help you develop patience and discover what kind of person you are. For many, this can be a difficult period of adjustment, especially if he or she has not spent a lot of time away from home or does not have siblings. If you find that you are having difficulty adjusting, or you and your roommate don't get along right away, give it some time – don't give up after five hours of being on campus, or five hours of knowing your roommate! Your resident assistant (RA) is a great person to serve as a third party to listen and help mediate.
#2: Stay on campus as much as possible. While you may be homesick the first week or two, going home every weekend isn't going to make the transition any easier. The more you get involved on campus, the less you'll miss home.
#3: New people, new friends. While your high school friends are important, don't be afraid to make new friends at college. Most likely, your high school friends will be doing the same thing. College is the time for you to branch out and meet new people. Like the old saying goes, "make new friends, but keep the old…"
#4: While you are living in the residence halls/dorms, you will most likely experience community bathrooms. Remember to bring two things: shower shoes (i.e. flips flops) and a shower caddy for your shampoo, soap, etc.
#5: Don't procrastinate! It is easy to fall behind if you don't manage your time properly. Time is very important and it may often seem as if you never have enough of it. Remember to prioritize your life. Ask yourself what is going to be more important, that fraternity party right before finals or studying for your finals? Remember, you and/or your parents are paying for your college education.
#6: Be sure to save and actually read your syllabus for each class. This is your guide for class projects, papers, assignments, and due dates. Without your class syllabus, it is very easy to get lost and fall behind in class.
#7: Go to all of your classes! While it may seem easy to simply skip a class here and there, many professors include attendance and participation as part of your grade.
#8: Your academic advisor will not only help you register for classes, but will also help you plan for your future. He/she will play a key role in your college career – writing you a letter of recommendation or helping you find internships, etc. It's a good idea to let your academic advisor know if you want to study abroad, what areas of study you're interested in if you haven't settled on a major yet, and work with them to create a four year plan.
#9: Your professors are important people. While in high school it may not have been "cool" to get to know your teachers, college is the time when your professors will often times become mentors and friends. Just like your academic advisor, professors may serve as connections for possible internships, jobs, and employment/graduate school references.
#10: College is challenging. Be prepared to study (really study), read (often times several books at once), write several papers (longer than five pages and usually more than one at a time), and participate in class discussions – speaking up in class may even be part of your grade.
To all college freshman: good luck your first year. Remember – study, go to class, be open to new things and new people, and have fun. College is a once in a lifetime opportunity – make the most of it.Shares rose 65 cents, or 2.4%, to close at $27.61.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/MI/what-to-expect-your-freshman-year-of-college.html
Career Education CFO to retire
(AP) — Career Education Corp., a for-profit education company, said Tuesday that Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Patrick Pesch is retiring, effective Sept. 5.
He will be replaced by Michael J. Graham, who was previously CFO of Terlato Wine Group, a private company specializing in marketing and producing luxury wines.
Pesch will stay with the company for 60 days during a transition period, and will serve as a consultant for CEC through June of 2008.
Career Education Corp. is in the midst of a turnaround. Earlier this month it said it swung to a profit in the second quarter, although revenue fell 10%. The company is in the process of selling some of its schools and campuses and named a new chief executive in March.
Shares rose 65 cents, or 2.4%, to close at $27.61.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26093&seenIt=1
He will be replaced by Michael J. Graham, who was previously CFO of Terlato Wine Group, a private company specializing in marketing and producing luxury wines.
Pesch will stay with the company for 60 days during a transition period, and will serve as a consultant for CEC through June of 2008.
Career Education Corp. is in the midst of a turnaround. Earlier this month it said it swung to a profit in the second quarter, although revenue fell 10%. The company is in the process of selling some of its schools and campuses and named a new chief executive in March.
Shares rose 65 cents, or 2.4%, to close at $27.61.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26093&seenIt=1
Career Education Changes the Syllabus
Editor's note: Based on clarifications provided by Career Education regarding the "teach out" process, this article has been revised to better reflect the implications of the company's plans for its Brooks College and IADT campuses. We regret the error.
Career Education (Nasdaq: CECO) joined in the market rout Wednesday, its shares diving 6% on an earnings release that reported declining revenue but a reversal of last year's asset-writedown-driven loss, for a $0.12-per-share profit. That, however, was only the beginning of the story.
Buyers wanted ... and buyers wanting
Perhaps the most important bit of information in the release was its mention of the decision taken in June to "teach out" three of CEC's campuses. As you may recall, CEC announced its intention to sell off 13 campuses last year. Unfortunately, while CEC is still seeking buyers for most of these campuses, potential purchasers seem to be playing hooky on the Brooks College campuses in Long Beach and Sunnyvale, California. Unable to sell the schools, but also unwilling to leave its current students in the lurch, CEC has decided to "teach out" these campuses (as well as the Pittsburgh campus of the International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT)). Students now enrolled will continue attending classes through graduation -- and as soon as the last student is out the door (no later than March 2009 for the two Brooks campuses, and December 2008 for IADT), said door will be chained behind him and the school closed.
That's a shame, but not a crying shame. While I'm sure management (and shareholders) would prefer to be quit of the underperforming schools sooner rather than later, the fact remains that as of March 2009, all three will be history, and no longer a drag on profitability. And once free of the dead weight, we could easily see CEC's operating margins double in the long term.
They don't need no (four-year) education
The other bit of information in CEC's release that really caught my eye was this: Consolidated revenues declined 10% year over year, with much of the decline owing to "an increase in students in our University segment's fully-online associate degree programs, which offer lower tuition rates than those of our University segment's fully-online bachelor's degree and master's degree programs." I find this development perhaps even more troubling than the reversal of the Brooks campuses' divestment.
You see, as a rule, for-profit educators such as Apollo (Nasdaq: APOL), Strayer (Nasdaq: STRA), ITT (NYSE: ESI), and Corinthian Colleges (Nasdaq: COCO) earn their best profit margins from their online divisions. (Latin American educator Laureate Education (Nasdaq: LAUR) is the sole exception to this rule.) Therefore, any fall-off in online tuition revenue is bound to hit CEC especially hard on the bottom line. And indeed: "The University segment's fully-online platforms' income from operations declined to $30.9 million during the second quarter of 2007, from $67.6 million during the second quarter of 2006."
Need some remedial education on CEC? You'll find it in:
* Career Education Aces Annual Exam
* Foolish Forecast: Career Education's Q3 Report Card
* Foolish Forecast: Career Education's Q2 Report Card
Fool contributor Rich Smith does not own shares of any company named above. The Fool has a disclosure policy.
http://www.fool.com/investing/small-cap/2007/08/09/career-education-changes-the-syllabus.aspx
Career Education (Nasdaq: CECO) joined in the market rout Wednesday, its shares diving 6% on an earnings release that reported declining revenue but a reversal of last year's asset-writedown-driven loss, for a $0.12-per-share profit. That, however, was only the beginning of the story.
Buyers wanted ... and buyers wanting
Perhaps the most important bit of information in the release was its mention of the decision taken in June to "teach out" three of CEC's campuses. As you may recall, CEC announced its intention to sell off 13 campuses last year. Unfortunately, while CEC is still seeking buyers for most of these campuses, potential purchasers seem to be playing hooky on the Brooks College campuses in Long Beach and Sunnyvale, California. Unable to sell the schools, but also unwilling to leave its current students in the lurch, CEC has decided to "teach out" these campuses (as well as the Pittsburgh campus of the International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT)). Students now enrolled will continue attending classes through graduation -- and as soon as the last student is out the door (no later than March 2009 for the two Brooks campuses, and December 2008 for IADT), said door will be chained behind him and the school closed.
That's a shame, but not a crying shame. While I'm sure management (and shareholders) would prefer to be quit of the underperforming schools sooner rather than later, the fact remains that as of March 2009, all three will be history, and no longer a drag on profitability. And once free of the dead weight, we could easily see CEC's operating margins double in the long term.
They don't need no (four-year) education
The other bit of information in CEC's release that really caught my eye was this: Consolidated revenues declined 10% year over year, with much of the decline owing to "an increase in students in our University segment's fully-online associate degree programs, which offer lower tuition rates than those of our University segment's fully-online bachelor's degree and master's degree programs." I find this development perhaps even more troubling than the reversal of the Brooks campuses' divestment.
You see, as a rule, for-profit educators such as Apollo (Nasdaq: APOL), Strayer (Nasdaq: STRA), ITT (NYSE: ESI), and Corinthian Colleges (Nasdaq: COCO) earn their best profit margins from their online divisions. (Latin American educator Laureate Education (Nasdaq: LAUR) is the sole exception to this rule.) Therefore, any fall-off in online tuition revenue is bound to hit CEC especially hard on the bottom line. And indeed: "The University segment's fully-online platforms' income from operations declined to $30.9 million during the second quarter of 2007, from $67.6 million during the second quarter of 2006."
Need some remedial education on CEC? You'll find it in:
* Career Education Aces Annual Exam
* Foolish Forecast: Career Education's Q3 Report Card
* Foolish Forecast: Career Education's Q2 Report Card
Fool contributor Rich Smith does not own shares of any company named above. The Fool has a disclosure policy.
http://www.fool.com/investing/small-cap/2007/08/09/career-education-changes-the-syllabus.aspx
Choosing the Right Career School
If you're considering a career school, it's important to take the time to find the one that best suits your individual needs.
Are you in the process of deciding which career school is right for you? This is one decision that will absolutely require you to do a little homework! That's because choosing the right career school depends on your lifestyle, career aspirations, where you live, and what kind of classroom or learning experience is best for you.
Getting Started
What do you want to do? It may sound a bit simplistic, but deciding which career college is right for you depends on exactly what you want to do upon graduation; your long-term goals; and your present situation. To begin with, it is a good idea to read as much as you can about the field you are interested in so you know exactly what kind of licenses, credentials, and degrees are required in order to be successful. This research will also help you understand what kind of career school program is right for you. For example, if you are considering a career in interior design, you may seek out a college that specializes in teaching the visual and creative arts. However, if you want to become a paralegal and hope some day to attend law school at the local university, you'll want to choose a career school whose credits are recognized at that university. In addition, if you work unusual hours, travel, or are otherwise unable to attend classes on campus, you may want consider only those schools that offer hybrid programs that combine limited classroom time with online instruction. As you can see, understanding what it is you want to do can help you focus on those programs that are best able to suit your needs. (See our quiz Online or On-campus if you're not sure which option is best for your needs)
Comparing Programs
After you know what it is what you want to do--and what you will need to do to get there, then it's time to look at the quality of each school's program. While you can easily get general information for a number of career schools and universities online in a matter of minutes, it is important to know that not all career schools are created equal. In fact, some schools may overstate the quality of their programs, faculty, and even what it is like on campus! That's why it is important to thoroughly research each career school you are considering.
Refining Your Search
As you begin to refine your career school search, you should be prepared to ask a lot of questions. At a minimum you'll need to know if the school is licensed and has the proper accreditation. You'll also need to know exactly what kinds of classes are offered, how qualified the instructors are, and what kind of a degree, certificate, license or job-placement assistance you will receive upon graduation. You'll also want to know what it costs to attend, what you can expect to pay for additional materials, such as books, as well as if financial aid is available.
Student Experience
While you might begin by having information sent to you or speaking with an admissions counselor over the phone, it is a good idea afterwards to go to the school in order to see the campus, sit in on some classes, and speak with current students. It is also a good idea to obtain a list of recent graduates of the program you are considering, and to call them in order to verify how effective the career school was in preparing them for their new career. Additional questions you should ask while you are there include what percentage of students have successfully graduated from the program, what kinds of jobs they have received after graduation, and what their average salary is. Visiting the campus will also give you an opportunity to see first-hand what kind of equipment and facilities are available for students. For example, are there computers available for student use and does the college offer a library?
Is It the Right Fit For You?
While it may take time to do all your career school selection "homework," by taking the time to do the research and ask the tough questions, you can be sure that the career school you choose will be exactly the right one for you.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/choosing-the-right-career-school.html
Are you in the process of deciding which career school is right for you? This is one decision that will absolutely require you to do a little homework! That's because choosing the right career school depends on your lifestyle, career aspirations, where you live, and what kind of classroom or learning experience is best for you.
Getting Started
What do you want to do? It may sound a bit simplistic, but deciding which career college is right for you depends on exactly what you want to do upon graduation; your long-term goals; and your present situation. To begin with, it is a good idea to read as much as you can about the field you are interested in so you know exactly what kind of licenses, credentials, and degrees are required in order to be successful. This research will also help you understand what kind of career school program is right for you. For example, if you are considering a career in interior design, you may seek out a college that specializes in teaching the visual and creative arts. However, if you want to become a paralegal and hope some day to attend law school at the local university, you'll want to choose a career school whose credits are recognized at that university. In addition, if you work unusual hours, travel, or are otherwise unable to attend classes on campus, you may want consider only those schools that offer hybrid programs that combine limited classroom time with online instruction. As you can see, understanding what it is you want to do can help you focus on those programs that are best able to suit your needs. (See our quiz Online or On-campus if you're not sure which option is best for your needs)
Comparing Programs
After you know what it is what you want to do--and what you will need to do to get there, then it's time to look at the quality of each school's program. While you can easily get general information for a number of career schools and universities online in a matter of minutes, it is important to know that not all career schools are created equal. In fact, some schools may overstate the quality of their programs, faculty, and even what it is like on campus! That's why it is important to thoroughly research each career school you are considering.
Refining Your Search
As you begin to refine your career school search, you should be prepared to ask a lot of questions. At a minimum you'll need to know if the school is licensed and has the proper accreditation. You'll also need to know exactly what kinds of classes are offered, how qualified the instructors are, and what kind of a degree, certificate, license or job-placement assistance you will receive upon graduation. You'll also want to know what it costs to attend, what you can expect to pay for additional materials, such as books, as well as if financial aid is available.
Student Experience
While you might begin by having information sent to you or speaking with an admissions counselor over the phone, it is a good idea afterwards to go to the school in order to see the campus, sit in on some classes, and speak with current students. It is also a good idea to obtain a list of recent graduates of the program you are considering, and to call them in order to verify how effective the career school was in preparing them for their new career. Additional questions you should ask while you are there include what percentage of students have successfully graduated from the program, what kinds of jobs they have received after graduation, and what their average salary is. Visiting the campus will also give you an opportunity to see first-hand what kind of equipment and facilities are available for students. For example, are there computers available for student use and does the college offer a library?
Is It the Right Fit For You?
While it may take time to do all your career school selection "homework," by taking the time to do the research and ask the tough questions, you can be sure that the career school you choose will be exactly the right one for you.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/choosing-the-right-career-school.html
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