Faculty Focus: Carl Bradshaw

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

 I’m a retired Army officer and I have been working in the military or with veterans continuously for 37 years. I retired from active duty as a U.S. Army military intelligence officer in 2005. I served with the 101st Airborne Division in the Sinai, the 1st Armored Division during operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, and the 10th Mountain Division in Bosnia-Herzegovina. I am a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and I am a member of the American Legion. I continue to help my fellow veterans with their VA disability claims.

I earned master’s degrees from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in military art and science and the National Intelligence University in strategic intelligence. Additionally, I have graduate certificates in distance learning and adult and organizational learning, along with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University.

I have been an adjunct instructor with Excelsior College since spring 2012. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching five courses, including Great Military Leaders, Military Leadership, and the Military Studies capstone course. I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, comedy, learning, and New England sports. You could run into me skiing in Vermont, at the beach in Newport, on a roller coaster at Six Flags New England, at a Providence College Friars basketball game, or at Gillette Stadium on many given Sundays. (Go Patriots!)

Teaching and learning at Excelsior College has helped me with any withdrawals I would have had from my military career. There is a great mix of students who continue to serve on active duty, do so in other governmental capacities, or who are now veterans or family members from other services. Quite often, several students in a class bring many years of experience with them, adding significantly to the dialogue. The diversity and experience of our students makes the classroom an exciting place to learn.

In my over 35 years of professional service, each day has required leadership skills in some way. In homage to my favorite leadership doctrine of “Be-Know-Do,” I embrace, challenge myself, or struggle with one aspect of each category every day. I try to be a person of integrity and character; it helps me sleep better at night. My expertise in the intelligence realm, national security, leadership, and Veterans Administration claims process has helped countless students and veterans. Lastly, I work hard every day, anticipating challenges and seeking opportunities, planning for the future while enjoying the present.

I look at education in military leadership as a “combat multiplier.” It enhances one’s experience and encourages one to reflect on successes and mistakes. Because the military requires leadership skills under the most difficult of circumstances, it is somewhat unique, but is still transferable to other circumstances. Veterans will find many leadership challenges in our society, world, and life. I have to say that what I’ve learned about leadership in the classroom as a student and professor has enhanced my life’s experiences tremendously.

It’s never too early or late to start or continue your education. It may provide some immediate results such as a promotion, but also consider the long-term impact on your personal development, your family, or that opportunity that is made possible down the road by a degree you earn now. “Be all you can be” and I hope to see you in an Excelsior classroom soon.

Course Feature: BUS 552 Leadership

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

BUS 552 Leadership explores leadership from four different perspectives: the leader, the follower, the situation, and leadership skills. The main themes discussed in the course include: setting a vision, establishing culture, working through change, ethics and leadership, team building and empowering people, principles of leadership, leading a culturally diverse team of people, leading through difficulty, and performance management.

It is essential that leaders understand themselves and their teams—their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and goals—because leadership is context-specific, says Scott Dolan, associate dean in the School of Graduate Studies. Students learn about leadership through scenario-based discussions and case studies. Dolan adds that students learn to understand their emotional intelligence and that of their teams to help individuals and organizations meet their goals.

Michele Paludi, senior faculty program for graduate business courses, notes that students in human resources, organizational behavior, and human performance would especially be interested in BUS 552. Dolan adds that it is particularly interesting for people “who are interested in becoming more productive or in helping their organizations become more productive and want to learn about setting a vision and motivating their team around strategies that help the team and the organization [toward] reaching their goals.” He adds that to be successful in this dynamic economy, leadership skills are essential to people at all levels of the organization.

Paludi says this course is important to students because they learn “how organizations function and how different leadership styles can empower employees or create employees who are disengaged.” Dolan adds that what makes an organization work comes down to its people. He says, “Ensuring that people within the organization are motivated, working towards the same future, coordinated, and acting with a great moral compass will ensure the success of teams and organizations over the long term.”

Instructors are excited to teach this course, says Paludi, who notes they enjoy talking with students about organizations and how they function while offering examples of highly functioning teams, organizations, and employees.

Students have also enjoyed BUS 552. One commented: “[The instructor] is an excellent mentor and teacher. [The] choice of the course materials really gets to the heart of what leaders should aspire to be. These attributes are backed up with leadership theories and help grow many who may be in lower stages of leadership development. The chosen textbook was excellent. I purchased it for personal business use.” Another student commented, “Yes, I enjoyed the subject matter of this course. It was clear that the instructor cared about his students and added thought-provoking comments to our discussion assignments…Overall, this was an excellent class with an excellent instructor and I would recommend both to someone looking to better understand business leadership/management.”

If you would also like to expand your knowledge of leadership in organizational settings, consider signing up for BUS 552 Leadership.

Find the Perfect Position with This Job Search Checklist

Posted on by Maribeth Gunner

Conducting a job search can be a challenging and overwhelming process, especially in today’s tenuous job market. To land your ideal job, you’ll need to gain a competitive edge. How? Develop a game plan and take control of the process. Identify manageable steps that will move you forward and employ techniques to capture the hiring manager’s attention. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a job search checklist with 10 tried-and-true strategies to help get you started:

Clarify Your Goals

Assess your abilities, interests, and values, and then align your career goals accordingly. Begin with self-reflection: What are your strengths? What do you like to do? Solicit feedback from trusted family and friends, utilize career assessment tools, and seek career counseling if needed. Self-assessment will help you to clarify your aspirations, define your target career, and move ahead with purpose and passion.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Craft a polished resume and cover letter that are tailored to the job you are pursuing. Remember, generic is average, and will not help you to stand out. Be sure both your resume and cover letter are professional, concise, error-free, and in a reader-friendly font. Accentuate your abilities, but never misrepresent your qualifications. Honesty is highly valued by employers.

Research the Employer

Identify potential employers that interest you. Leverage the Internet. Gather as much information as possible about the organizations and the industry. Research size, mission, history, location, products/services, etc. This will increase your overall knowledge of the field and help you prepare for a job interview.

Develop Your “Marketing Pitch”

This is a succinct 30-second oral summary which illustrates who you are: your background, experience, and what you can offer to a potential employer. It should be brief, professional, and positive. This pitch is also known as an “elevator speech” as it should be short enough to be delivered in the time it would take to ride an elevator to the top floor with a prospective employer. If you had 30 seconds to compel this individual to hire you, what would you say? Perfect your pitch and practice until it is fluid. Be ready to use it when the opportunity presents itself.

Join a Professional Organization

Almost all occupations have corresponding professional associations that offer many benefits. They feature the latest news in the industry, publications, network contacts, job leads, conferences, and more. Membership in a career-related professional organization will afford you information to enhance your knowledge and maintain currency in your field. Most also offer reasonable student memberships. Find a professional association and join!

Network

Networking is one of the most powerful job-hunting tools available. Develop and maintain an ongoing list of contacts. Brainstorm! Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, former classmates, and professors are all potential leads to your next job. Tell them what type of job/career you are seeking and brief them on your qualifications. Remember that networking is a reciprocal relationship. Stay in touch with your contacts. Let them know your progress and be ready to help members of your network if they need your assistance as well.

Use Social Media

If you have not yet done so, it’s time to establish a professional online presence. Social networking has fast become another vital strategy for the job search. A few of the most popular options include LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogging. Facebook is another popular option, albeit primarily social. Still, it’s a good idea to update your education and work sections on Facebook periodically. All these venues are great places to highlight qualifications, market your brand, and network with contacts.

However, make sure that the information listed in each of your profiles is consistent, and that all content reinforces your resume and cover letter. Employers are increasingly researching the online presence of potential candidates, so be mindful of what you post. You also can use social networking to investigate employers’ profiles, increase your awareness of their products and services, or catch the latest posts or Tweets on current job opportunities. As powerful as social media can be, remember it is a supplement, not a substitute, for other traditional job hunting methods. Keep a well-rounded approach.

Sharpen Your Interview Skills

Prepare for all types of interviews. In addition to the traditional in-person interview, you may also encounter those that include a panel, phone, Skype, or web cam. Practice your responses to typical ques­tions, including possible behavioral interview questions. Conduct mock interviews or role-play with a friend. During the interview, be enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Use the information you gleaned from your research to ask intelligent questions and offer thoughtful comments. Employ all the interview basics: be on time, well groomed, use eye contact, and a strong handshake.

Know Your Market Value

Your skills and talents are valuable. Once you land the job, you’ll want a paycheck that represents a fair market value. Do your homework. Check online salary guides, research the job’s salary range, and determine typical salaries for people with similar experience and skills in your industry. Compare this by location. You’ll need this data when you enter the marketplace to determine what is reasonable and to substantiate your case for a desired salary.

Be Organized

Keep the job hunting process running smoothly. Create either an electronic or paper-based record keeping system for all your job search correspondence. This includes a listing of your network contacts, organizations contacted, research conducted, resumes submitted, responses received, emailed messages, and thank-you notes sent. Accurate and reliable records help maintain parameters for any follow-up that is needed, and allow easy retrieval of materials when you receive a call from a prospective employer.

Keep Your Chin Up!

With any job search it is important to remember the three Ps—Persistence, Patience, and Positivity.
Finding the right match may take time and energy. Don’t get discouraged. Be confident, and keep a healthy and positive outlook. Use this job search checklist to focus your energy and formalize a plan to mobilize your job hunt. With perseverance, dedication, and the right tools, you will be on your way to your next rewarding position.

For More Information

Be sure to visit the Excelsior College Career Center’s newest offering, College Central, for even more job search information and help. Build and upload your resume, listen to career advice via College Central podcasts, download career advice documents, and search more than 500,000 jobs—including jobs posted exclusively to Excelsior.

 

Police Officer Zinab Kitonyi, an Excelsior Student, Stresses the Importance of Doing Something Helpful During Active Shooter Events

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

“We don’t get to pick and choose when bad things happen. Doing something in a situation matters,” said police officer Zinab Kitonyi, after a workplace training class on how to respond to an active shooter event.

Kitonyi, known as “Zee,” a student in the Associate in Science in Administrative and Management Studies, came to Excelsior College in September during National Preparedness Month to train employees on Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE). For the past five years, he has been a trainer for the Training and Policy Unit in the Albany (New York) Police Department. Kitonyi’s typical day is teaching other officers, from academy-level recruits to seasoned officers, about counterterrorism.

Active Shooter Event Training

For Kitonyi, active shooter response planning and training is important, and the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012 drove the police industry to start training officers. After first responders where trained, there was a need to train civilians and the community wherever there were mass gatherings of people. Now the police teach everybody. The CRASE class provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. The goal is to provide those attending the course with the knowledge and empowerment to act immediately and in a deliberate manner during a stressful event.

Kitonyi is passionate about teaching this training and feels he makes an impact. As a case in point, Kitonyi said people who had taken the CRASE training applied what they learned when panic broke out after gunshots were fired near the Apple store in Crossgates Mall in Albany. Just prior to this, he had held about a dozen sessions at SEFCU Credit Union in Albany, NY to teach their employees about active shooters. Some employees from the CRASE training happened to be in the mall when chaos broke out. They knew what to do and applied the training to the situation.

The takeaway he hopes anyone attending the CRASE training walks away with is the importance of taking action. “We are not helpless. What we do matters,” said Kitonyi. “Doing something in a situation matters. Doing nothing can work against us.”

Experience Equals Credit Toward Your Degree

Kitonyi spent 13 years in the U.S. Army after graduating high school and was deployed in counterterrorism operations in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. Since then, he has spent 15 years in the Albany Police Department. He explained he was motivated to go to Excelsior College since he could apply training from the military and police department as credit toward his degree.

Based on his prior experience, when he started the degree program he had about 50 percent of his credits completed from on-the-job experience. It was a huge factor for him in going to college. He also has support from his wife and family, as well as from his father who is a retired UAlbany teacher. Kitonyi is also motivated by planning for his career after this own retirement. He wants to teach in the private sector after leaving the police force. Building on his current work, he has a desire to run his own teaching and training business and continue to educate others.

Having It All: Nurturing the School/Life Balance

Posted on by Nicole Greco

We hear the phrase “work/life balance” fairly often. As an Excelsior student, you know there’s another part to the equation: school. What’s one more thing to add to your plates, right?

It’s not news that we live in a world where we’re expected to do it all, and do it all well. Multitasking has never been easier in our digital era. There’s a stigma that if we aren’t busy, if we aren’t taking on the world and then some, then we’re not doing enough. Modern technology allows us to multitask at levels that aren’t healthy, and inevitably one corner of our arena is sacrificed. Psychology Today published an enlightening article on the physical and mental dangers of excessive multitasking.

Tips On How to Balance School and Your Busy Life

Here are some tips that I often share with my advisees on the best ways to have it all without their mental, physical, and emotional well-being taking a hit. I acknowledge these might not work for all, but with some tweaking and consideration, each one can be applied to your lifestyle and schedule.

  • Embrace a schedule: This can be tough for some people, but hear me out! There are 24 hours in a day. Ideally, we can mark off eight hours for sleep and eight hours for work. That leaves us with eight hours. Many people are required to work more than eight hours (nurses often up to 12 or more), but the important piece here is to ensure you’re getting enough sleep (seven hours on average) for your overall health as well as for your productivity. Sleep-deprived employees aren’t effective and sleep-deprived students deny themselves their full potential.
  • Schedule your school work time like a non-negotiable appointment: At the beginning of the term, you receive your course syllabus. Have a designated calendar or planner where you write out all your due dates for discussions and assignments and, additionally, schedule time in the days leading up to those due dates to work on them. Generally speaking, you should expect to dedicate fifteen to eighteen hours per week to performing the work in one 3-credit course.
  • Make family/social time as non-negotiable as school time: The timetable above shouldn’t feel as rigid, immovable, and stressful on your days off. Make sure you have days with no school work so you can take time for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t miss out on a family party because you have a paper to write or reading to do.
  • Embrace convenience: Amazon Prime. Grocery delivery. Meal prep/delivery services like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh. A cleaning service once a month, if you can swing it. Ready-to-heat meals from Costco or Wegmans. Find ways to simplify your routine and take some things off your plate.
  • Ask for help: Be sure you’re leaning on your village (spouse or significant other, parents, neighbors, friends, etc.) for help while you are in the midst of a difficult term, or even just in the middle of a tough week where everything seems to be piling on. If you can afford the luxury, consider taking on a “Parents Helper” to run errands you may not be able to fit in or just help with those chores you can’t seem to get to.
  • Take time for you: I’m not saying you have to take a vacation twice a year, or retreat to a spa in the Berkshires for a weekend (although once in a while, #treatyourself) but the basics of self-care are to sleep, drink water, eat well, and to exercise. None of these are luxuries; they are life necessities essential to your health and your performance at work, at school, and at home. You don’t have to be a fitness fiend or spend 1–2 hours in the gym every day; a 30-minute brisk walk on your lunch break (alone or with a co-worker) or after work will clear your mind, boost your endorphins, and help keep your mind and body healthy.

While our work and our education are important, nothing is more important than the person we are, the people we love, and the people we are raising. Our work and academics aren’t all that define us as a person (if anything they play a very small role in that definition). Strive to achieve your goals, but remember the real “why” behind them, and be sure you’re devoting the same amount of time, if not more, to those whys.

If you want a deeper dive into the methods of time management and to chat about work/life balance, reach out to your academic advisor in the Student Success Center.

The Phenomenon of True Crime

Posted on by James Norton

Evolution of True Crime Entertainment

Over the last few years, true crime has evolved from a low-brow, late-night indulgence to a global phenomenon and conversation about our criminal justice system and criminality in general. True crime can be about the mystery, psychology, history, and sociology of crimes. Audiences are eager to explore the extremes of human behavior, especially the psychological and social factors that trigger certain individuals to commit heinous acts of violence. People don’t just want to be entertained by watching or reading true crime; they want to understand criminality and play an active part in how justice systems respond to crime.

True Crime TV Shows and Novels

I will admit, my Netflix queue reads “MINDHUNTER,” “Criminal Minds,” “Ozark,” “Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer,” “Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist,” and “Man Hunt: Unabomber.” My Kindle has “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer” by Michelle McNamara and Jack Ryan novels by Tom Clancy. In the New York Times op-ed piece, “How Dostoevsky Predicted the ‘True Crime’ Craze” author Jennifer Wilson highlights the growing interest in shows like “Serial,” “Making a Murderer,” and the Peabody-awarded podcast “In the Dark,” and makes connections to the Russian author Dostoevsky (1821–1881), writer of “Crime and Punishment.”

So entrenched were the people of czarist Russia at the time of “Crime and Punishment,” that defense lawyers would invoke the novel’s main character, Rodion Raskolnikov, when seeking jury nullification. Dostoevsky was actually under much scrutiny himself, being a member of the Petrashevsky Circle, a literary group made up of progressive individuals with French utopian ideals, and wrote his novels with strong opinions on mercy, punishment, and death. Books like “The Brothers Karamazov” posed the question of collective guilt; thinking beyond the idea of guilt or innocence meant political incarceration, jury nullification, or how societal failures affected the individual.

We know the fictionalized versions of true crime stories are hyper dramatized or manipulated: “Making a Murderer” left out DNA evidence; the homicidal triad (“triad” of ominous childhood behaviors) has been debunked; and “Dog Day Afternoon” wasn’t just about Attica. However, they ask questions like those about socio-economic bias in “Making a Murderer,” the flaws of family or society with nonconformity in “MINDHUNTER,” and about disenfranchisement — whether transsexualism or prison riots — in “Dog Day Afternoon.”

Theory of Anomie

At the end of the 20th century, David Emilé Durkeim’s theory of anomie (when rapid population growth leads to a breakdown of communication, thus leading to a breakdown of norms and values) was attributed to three main arguments about crime in times of great modernization; they boil down to a greater variety of behaviors being tolerated and punishments changing to become functional law. While Durkeim’s work has been criticized for not focusing enough on socioeconomic inequality and its implication on crime, Durkeim’s main point was the effect of society on the individual.

Critical Criminology

Authors using crime drama to explore socioeconomic inequality and its effect on criminality is not new. According to Wilson’s article, what is new is that “Serial,” “Making a Murderer,” and “In the Dark” take a decidedly different narrative closer to the Attica prison riot in September 1971 or Dostoevsky’s writing in that “The genre is increasingly framed as reformist, with critiques of police abuses, overzealous prosecutions, and mass incarceration playing central roles.” In “Theorizing Criminal Justice: Eight Essential Orientation,” authors John Brent and Peter Kraska discuss how critical criminology, a branch of criminology that explains crime by challenging traditional perspectives and beliefs regarding crime and criminal justice, has targeted the government’s construction of and reaction to crime versus the acceptance, where the oppression orientation views of criminal justice is seen as an apparatus of oppression: “Early critical criminologists wrote during a time when the government was being critiqued passionately on many fronts. The criminal justice system was no exception…Quinney forthright claimed that ‘law has become the ultimate means by which the state secures the interests of the ruling class.”

Anomie and Critical Criminology – Theories in Opposition

Durkheim’s anomie theory and critical criminology are almost the opposite sides of the same coin. Durkheim saw failure of society to meet the changing social constructs of modernization as a core cause of deviancy, whereas critical criminology views police deviancy as enforcement of socioeconomic status quo, thus the search for justice must subvert to the public. In either case, the reason serial killers and true crime stories are topping the Pulitzer and Netflix lists, Wilson says, is the same reason Dostoevsky’s work did: “It is not only our task to support the innocent or wrongly convicted but also to recognize the humanity of the guilty and the shared sense of responsibility that we have for one another.” How do we do that now?

Degrees at Work: Robert Leonard

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Robert “Terry” Leonard’s career in law enforcement has spanned more than two decades in various capacities, from a 911 dispatcher to a criminal investigator. The knowledge he gained from earning a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management in 2015 has contributed to advancements in his work, and his passion for his career is evident each day he is on the job.

Leonard is one of six state criminal investigators with the Montana Department of Corrections headquartered in Helena, Montana. He began his career as a 911 dispatcher with a county sheriff/police department communications center, eventually becoming a deputy. He then became a detective and worked for a High Intensity Drug Traffic unit where he became a DEA task force officer. He recalls, “Narcotics work is very hard on the family with long and irregular hours. I loved it, but when the state investigator position was offered, we decided as a family it was really the best move all around.”

Now, Leonard spends 60 percent of his work days in the office and 40 percent of them in the field where he could be doing anything from conducting interviews and coordinating operations to obtaining warrants and subpoenas. He notes that conducting a criminal investigation is time consuming and that, “rushing an investigation can lead to any number of mistakes,” so it’s important to pay attention to the details.

Leonard says to succeed in his line of work, it’s important to be a self-starter and to have empathy. He notes that “cases don’t just solve themselves;” you have to track down even the most minuscule lead even when the case doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. He also says that empathy goes a long way during an interview: “Being able to get inside the person’s mind and really try to understand ‘why’ from their point of view is really helpful.” He adds that just being nice is some of the best advice he’s ever received; sometimes if you are nice to a person in an interview, you can end up uncovering small details that can lead to solving the case.

When Leonard came to Excelsior College, he was able to transfer prior military and coursework credit from the University of Florida toward his bachelor’s degree. He says it might seem like his degree doesn’t fit into his line of work, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. “The project management courses I took at Excelsior are my baseline for setting up how I am going to run a major case,” he says. He adds that knowledge of finances is also helpful since the No. 1 rule when running a major criminal enterprise investigation is to follow the money. He says, “Those accounting courses I took really help me when analyzing financials and trying to determine the flow of cash and assets in a criminal network.”

While he credits some Excelsior courses with help in his career, he thanks his wife for helping him get through his courses. He says it is already stressful enough to be a parent and to hold down a full-time job, but going back to school adds another layer. “My wife was really supportive on my limited off-time while I completed my Excelsior coursework…I could not have done it without her support.”

Leonard has come far in his more than 20 years as a law enforcement officer. He has been able to advance in his career thanks to hard work, dedication, and pursuing his higher education. He has advice for others, however: when it comes to being successful in his career he mentions the importance of sustained performance. He says, “You can’t just make a couple of cases and then sit back on your laurels. Being dedicated and passionate about my career field helped as well.”

Industry Notes From Robert Leonard…

Best book/podcast/e-newsletter that’s relevant to your industry?

“‘Sworn’ podcast is awesome, especially for detectives and investigators. The National Tactical Officer’s Association magazine is also a great resource.”

What time management tips do you have for current students juggling activities outside their Excelsior studies?

“Set a schedule and make it a routine. Be flexible, but have that routine in place. Keep your eyes on the prize and stay dedicated. Everything else will fall into place.”

What networking tips would you give to current Excelsior students?

“There is no better asset than a good network. Here’s my advice to establishing a good network: never turn down the opportunity to help someone in your job field. Do anything you can to help a colleague obtain their objective and that will pay itself off 10 times down the road. I wouldn’t be where I am today without an awesome network of colleagues that know they can count on me and are always there when I need them.”

Personal and Professional Financing for the Health Care Administrator

Posted on by Lisa Giarda

Finance and budgeting may seem like a thousand miles away when deciding your path toward a health care administration career, but it only takes one step to begin the journey of budgeting on a professional level – or even in our personal lives. My students often students say, “Is it math?” I promise you it is not! Well, there is math involved, but it is completed using the basic tools of a calculator, an Excel spreadsheet, or software. Budgeting is much more about decision making and less about math. The financial information we usually need is easily generated through software programs.

Why Do I Need a Budget?

Most people ask themselves if they really need a budget. If you have financial goals, such as saving for a new TV, or a larger goal of putting money away for your or your children’s college education or even for retirement, then I highly recommend a budget even if it is only a few entries.
A budget can be a guide and allow you to control your finances. This is especially vital for college students, who are often incurring college expenses or anticipating student loan expenses. For military personnel who are planning to return to civilian life, having a workable budget can make all the difference.

When budgets are not in place, and this goes personally and professionally as a manager, you lose control. Budgeting and saving for something specific, or just for an emergency, is the best outcome of any budget. With control of my finances I can sleep well knowing I am possibly preventing financial hardship if it were to knock at my door tomorrow. I remain prepared for most emergencies that may arise unexpectedly (auto repairs, medical bills, etc.).

When budgeting, make sure to include:

  • Cash Savings/Emergency Fund – Have at least three months of living expenses (mortgage, utilities, food, car payment, insurance, and whatever else you normally budget for) in a savings account. Whatever you do, don’t touch it. It’s not yours to spend (I tell myself that every day)! It may or may not take a bit of time to save this up, but with a budget you’ll plan to save. I’ve been to many financial seminars that stress paying yourself first. Don’t keep more than six months of living expenses in savings; if you have more, consider investing the rest to earn a higher level of interest.
  • Percentage of your Income to Retirement – An IRA, or retirement type of account offered by your workplace. A small percentage adds up over the year and you’ll barely miss it. Make sure your percentage also meets your goals (and at least the max percentage your organization is matching), that’s free money for your retirement plan. Retirement plan advisors are always helpful in discussing the type of accounts that will suit your needs, goals, and based on your age at the time you open the account.
  • Take advantage of flexible spending accounts (FSA) and/or health savings accounts (HSA) – These a can be pre-tax contributions put aside for out of pocket daycare or medical expenses on an annual basis. With four school-age children at one time with summer daycare/camp and after school care, I was able to pay for it on my pre-taxed contributions, another way to save money. You are never too young or old to have a retirement account and/or flexible spending accounts.
  • Budget for fun – Yes, budget for fun— a date night, your special coffee, and even your vacation. When you don’t budget for it you’ll spend more than you really wanted, and you can never get it back, trust me on this one.

Budgeting Software

Being in finance, working with health care organizations software programs, I realized it was also convenient to use software to keep track of my personal finances. The financial software available can assist in keeping you on target, and most are good; it’s just based on your individual needs and what you’re willing to spend. Most financial institutions now can download your transactions directly into your software and with a few clicks of your mouse, let you know exactly where you stand, financially. There is software that can assist with your personal finances and software that can account for multiple financial records. For example, your personal and maybe a small business or consultant income and expenses can be kept separate within the same program, which is important, since reporting can be separated for budgeting and even tax preparation.

Professional Budgeting

Just as important as a personal budget is a professional budget. As a health care administrator, I worked in billing for medical practices and hospitals, and as business manager of several retail businesses that were owned by the doctors, as well as a veterinary clinic. In each financial management position, I continued to build my knowledge. I encourage you to take every opportunity while in school to learn financial management principles so that you can identify a strong budget and identify warning signs in a budget that could spell trouble for a unit or organization. In our courses at Excelsior College, you will learn about a collection of commonly followed accounting rules (commonly referred to as GAAP or generally accepted accounting principles) and standards for financial management and reporting used in the health professions. Our health care management students learn how to read and interpret standard financial statements, organizational budgeting, navigate the complexities of reimbursements in the healthcare sector, and manage financial risk while meeting the needs of their client base. Our students create a budget using spreadsheet software and make informed decisions to help health care organizations remain competitive and successful.

With that said, most elements of budgeting are the same across professions. In health care, we focus on patient revenue and make decisions on how to remain profitable while increasing the quality of our services and decreasing costs. It’s always a fun challenge, as the health care industry is ever-changing.

Are you interested in learning more about budgeting or financial management for health care? Finance does not have to be scary! Consider signing up for HSC 414 Budget and Finance in Health Care Organizations in the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management program (or the Management emphasis of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program) or HSC 518 Health Care Finance in the Master of Healthcare Administration.

 

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on by Diane Oakes

In an open letter to the American public in October 2018 Justice Sandra Day O’Connor shocked the American public with the revelation she had been diagnosed as being in the early stages of dementia. Years ago, she made the difficult decision to step down from her position as the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court to care for her husband, John, who had been diagnosed with dementia. As she is one of the most powerful and brilliant legal minds of our time, Justice O’Connor’s diagnosis highlights the unpredictability of dementia and that dementia can strike anyone at any time.

What exactly is dementia?

According to the 2018 World Alzheimer’s Report, it is our most feared disease that someone develops every three seconds. The likelihood of developing dementia increases with age, but many older adults are unaware that they have it. Of the 5.7 million Americans who have dementia, only half have a formal diagnosis by a physician. Although dementia is often used interchangeably with Alzheimer’s disease, they are not the same. The Mayo Clinic describes dementia as “a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.” Alzheimer’s is one of the most common types of dementia, followed by vascular dementia and Lewey body dementia.

Dementia can make us feel powerless, whether as health professionals or individuals seeking to stay healthy in mind and body. Subtle symptoms of dementia often begin years or even decades before a diagnosis occurs. So what can we do, right now, to reduce our risk of developing dementia? Studies vary in recommendations. Some professionals recommend staying in school through age 15 to avoid social isolation. On the other hand, it can be confusing to determine how to prevent dementia. Yet, it is imperative to try. A 2017 report by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care states that up to one-third of dementia diagnoses might be preventable. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these prevention guidelines:

    • Don’t smoke
    • Keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-sugar levels within recommended limits
    • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
    • Exercise
    • Limit alcohol consumption

Research on dementia prevention and treatment is expanding, with intriguing new recommendations coming out regularly. Stay informed. Assess what you read and be sure that the recommendations are evidence-based. After all, dementia impacts not only the person diagnosed, but also loved ones, families, health professions, communities, and nations. Finding a cure and treatments to stay the progression of the disease is fast becoming a global priority.

Interested in learning more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Check out HSC 416 Introduction to Gerontology, or at the graduate level, PBH 647 Vulnerable Populations.

Financial Aid Verification Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by Denise Gonyo

The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the data reported by students and their parent(s) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Verification is confirmed when the information provided on a student’s FAFSA is determined correct through documentation. The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the financial aid to which they are entitled and prevents ineligible students from receiving financial aid to which they are not entitled.

How will I know if I am selected for verification?

Students will receive notification from U.S. Department of Education indicating that they have been selected for verification. The Financial Aid Office at Excelsior will also send an email to you if you have been selected with information on next steps.

Why was I selected for verification?

If you have been selected for verification it means that you were chosen randomly, the FAFSA you submitted was incomplete, your FAFSA contains estimated information, or the data you provided on the FAFSA is inconsistent. Verification is a federal regulation. Students who are selected for verification are not being punished; rather, verification prevents ineligible students from receiving aid by reporting false information and ensures that eligible students receive all the aid for which they are qualified.

What do I have to submit and where do I send it?

You can also see if you have been selected for verification by logging into your MyExcelsior portal, selecting the My Details tab, clicking “Go to Online Financial Aid System,” selecting “Menu,” and then selecting “Documents.” This section will list any documents that are required for the verification process.

Some forms can be completed directly through this screen. Other documents, such as tax transcripts, can be sent as attachments via your MyExcelsior message center, emailed to vafa@excelsior.edu, or faxed to 518-464-8660. These documents can include tax transcripts, W-2s, signed statements, proof of citizenship, selective service registration, or high school diploma. Do not wait to submit your documents. Failure to submit documents early could result in longer wait times.

What happens once I submit my documents and how long does it take?

The typical turnaround time is 7–10 business days. During peak times, it can take longer. After the initial review, sometimes the Financial Aid Office will require additional documentation for verification. This process could take an additional 7–10 business days. Once verification is complete, the Financial Aid Office will begin reviewing your eligibility for financial aid. It is important to note that once verification has been completed, any changes to your FAFSA could require additional documentation.

What if I don’t want to complete the verification process?

The verification process is a federal regulation and must be completed for a student to receive federal aid.

How will I be notified if I have incomplete verification materials?

You will be notified via your MyExcelsior message center. If there are additional documents that are required, they will be added to your Documents tab in your Online Financial Aid System and will be listed as ”Not Received.” If you need to update something already submitted, the document will be listed as “Incomplete.”

How do I request a Tax Return Transcript?

Whenever possible, it is recommended that students use the Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA if it is listed as an option. Alternatively, students can order tax transcripts by visiting the IRS web site at http://www.irs.gov. Under the “Tools” section, select “Get a Tax Transcript.”

 

Caring for Those With Dementia

Posted on by Marisa Iacobucci

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. I work with caregivers of individuals with dementia every day and one thing that comes up often is that they are uncertain of how to interact with the person they’re caring for, particularly as the disease progresses. While every caregiving situation is unique depending on the kind of dementia, there are 10 caregiver commandments that can provide guidance for all.

 

Always…

  • Agree, Never Argue. Even if the person you’re caring for is saying something that isn’t true, makes no sense, or is offensive, roll with it. Meet that person where they’re at. Arguing just creates stress for you and them.
  • Redirect, Never Reason. When the person your caring for is fixated on something – they insist it’s time to go home, even if they are home – redirect their attention to something else. It could be something on the TV, showing them a picture, mentioning the weather…anything that will move them away from whatever they’ve fixated on.
  • Distract, Never Shame. If a mistake is made and confusion sets in, just laugh it off and instead, tell them how good they look! Positivity isn’t always easy, but humor and compassion can help in a tough situation. Humans often dwell on mistakes or lost memories; focusing on something positive or even fun can bring peace and joy, even if only for a little while.
  • Reassure, Never Lecture. Individuals with dementia become more fearful as the disease progresses. Reassure them that everything is okay, even if they continue to express fear and anxiety. Keep in mind that even the familiar may now be new and unfamiliar to them.
  • Reminisce, Never Say “Remember.” To say, “don’t you remember” is very frustrating and hurtful to someone with dementia because they truly can’t remember. When they see you frustrated, they will get equally frustrated. Things can easily fall apart. Instead, just share a memory you have and even if they don’t remember it, they’ll often enjoy the story you’re telling.
  • Repeat, Never Say, “I already told you that.” This ties into not saying “remember.” You may have told something to the person you’re caring for less than five minutes ago, but they won’t remember. If you find yourself getting frustrated with repeating the same thing over and over again, drop that thing and move onto something else. This goes back to the “Redirect” commandment.
  • Say “Do what you can,” Never Say “You can’t.” Provide easy tasks for the person your caring for—folding towels, drying the dishes, sweeping, helping with bathing—to make them feel useful and a part of daily living.
  • Ask, Never Command. The person with dementia deserves respect and kindness. Treat them the way you’d like to be treated.
  • Encourage and Praise, Never Condescend. Always remember that a simple task is not easy for someone with dementia. Giving them praise will go far.
  • Reinforce, Never Force. You may have to repeat how to do something many times, but your patience will be appreciated.

 

Adapted from https://www.njseniorcare.com/angel-inspiration-caregivers-10-commandments/

 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a hub for many services, support groups, and excellent trainings and disease education.  Go to https://www.alz.org/ to find your local chapter. They have a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900) to help you during times of stress, when a new behavior occurs that has you frightened or frustrated, or if you just need someone to talk to.

Are You “Cyber Smart”? Test Your Cyber Security Knowledge Before Your Personal Identity Is Breached

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

With the start of the holiday season and increase in online shopping, do you know how “cyber smart” you are? Is your personal information safe? Two Excelsior College employees skilled in cybersecurity, Ethan Sprissler, the faculty program director, information technology and undergraduate cybersecurity, and Amelia Estwick, program manager, graduate cybersecurity, share tips to test your cyber knowledge. If you are interested in technology and cybersecurity check out the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

This “Cyber Smart Test” will help you stay safe when surfing the internet and using technology at home, in the car, on your watch, or in the workplace.

Test question 1:

Do you ever test if your passwords are secure? If yes, you’re ahead of the curve. If not, test yours here.

Test question 2:

For online security, do you create passwords or passphrases? Cyber experts suggest you create a passphase for added protection. It’s quite simple.

  • Pick a phrase – Example: I shop at Marshalls
  • Use 1st letter of each word – Example: ISAM
  • Add a name of a website – Example: Isamarshalls
  • Substitute special characters – Example: Isamarshalls$364!

Test question 3:

When the pop-up question, “Do you want to save this password?” appears on your computer, what do you do? The answer should be “No – never for this site.”

Test question 4:

Do you put the information below on forms, applications, in email, or on websites? Your goal should be to minimize personal information sharing.

  • Passwords
  • Credit card numbers
  • Addresses for work/home
  • Email addresses
  • Birthdates
  • Pharmacy prescriptions – remember to safely discard your personal information that comes with prescriptions. This is a big business now with the opioid crisis.
  • Electronic health records
  • Financial Information
  • Vehicle license info
  • Biometric identifiers – Be careful with thumbprint, eye scanners, etc. In general, be safe when sharing personal or unique information. Ask who is storing this? Is it safe?

Test question 5:

Do you use Bluetooth? Malicious attackers can crash your devices, block them from receiving phone calls, and drain your battery. It is suggested to turn off your Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Check out the article that appeared in Forbes this summer: Update Your iPhones and Androids Now If You Don’t Want Your Bluetooth Hacked.

Test question 6:

Do you use Amazon Echo? Each time you say “Alexa,” you can see a log in on Amazon. Be mindful of where you are tracked. It is recommended to unplug these home devices when you’re not using them. Also, be careful when mobile apps ask for permissions. They can access your address book, etc.
To amplify your knowledge on cyber trends, consider the additional tips below.

  • Have you heard about zero trust states in cybersecurity? This means with cybersecurity, trusting relationships allow access to people you know, however, individuals can allow access to someone they know. Zero trust states the opposite. Identify who you are and then authorize trust. This is the new model built into cyber and being adopted in health care and financial industries.
  • Have you heard about crackers? They break into cyber systems and circumvent security. These people present reports to companies on cyber weakness.
  • Data is king and queen – The dark web is big. It removes trackability. It hides a user’s identity and location, and users can see what kind of accounts you connect to. To learn more visit here.
  • What is multifactor authentication? It is a security system that asks for more than one method to identify; for example, what the user knows (password), what the user has (security token), and what the user is (biometric verification). Banking is doing this now and can lock down accounts.