Armed Forces Day is tomorrow, May 18, 2013, and we would like to thank and honor all military personnel, especially those who are our students. This holiday was first observed in 1950 and is now celebrated annually on the third Saturday of every May to recognize and honor the five military branches: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

At Argosy University, Online Programs, we want to recognize the commitment of those who serve. Here are three ways in which we currently serve those of our students who are affiliated with the military.

1. Experience in Working with Military Students

We ensure that all military students and spouses have a team of dedicated admissions, financial aid and advising representatives focused on meeting your needs as a military student. Argosy University is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC). We have also been recognized by GI Jobs as a Military-Friendly School (http://www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/), an honor reserved for only 15% of schools nationwide.

2. University Credit for Your Military Experience

We'd like to recognize your extensive military training and experience. Once you submit the paperwork, we’ll review your experience and training to determine your eligibility for credit toward your academic program. This transfer of credit could help you to cut expenses and graduate in less time.

For more information, visit http://online.argosy.edu/military/.

3. Military Aid & Benefits

Complete information on our military aid and benefit programs can be found at http://online.argosy.edu/military/military_aid.aspx, and you can speak with a Military Admissions Representative by calling 1-877-800-8412. Before you do, here’s a quick overview!

For Active Duty Military Personnel: We are pleased to offer an Active Duty Scholarship to eligible service members. For undergraduate programs, the cost of tuition is $250 per credit hour when the scholarship is applied. For graduate level programs, Argosy University offers a military tuition scholarship of 20%.

For Spouse of Active Duty Military Personnel: We are proud to extend the military scholarship of 20% to spouses of Active Duty Reserve, and National Guard personnel that are enrolled in our graduate level programs. For undergraduate level programs, the cost of tuition is reduced to $250 per credit hour through the Spouse of Active Duty Scholarship.

For Veterans: For undergraduate and graduate programs, we offer eligible veterans the Veteran Scholarship of 20%. We also participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. Furthermore, veterans using the educational benefits provided under the Montgomery GI Bill will find that a significant portion of their tuition expenses will be covered or reimbursed.

The tuition deposit is also waived for Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard and Veteran personnel as well as for spouses of servicemembers.

Read more at http://online.argosy.edu/military/military_aid.aspx, or get information on the following programs.

Happy Earth Day!

Being an online student means that you’re probably already being environmentally friendly, even if you don't realize it. You’re not buying as many paper textbooks when you use the Digital Bookshelf, and you’re turning in digital copies of your assignments rather than long printed reports. Since the season is also right for spring cleaning, here are some ways you can honor Earth Day and rid your home of clutter at the same time.

What electronics can be recycled?

Do you have old cell phones lying around somewhere? A television? Printer? Camera? Computer? Many people have at least one electronic gadget, big or small, that they don’t know what to do with. If you’re no longer using these items, you can recycle them rather than throw them away.

No matter what you are recycling, make sure you delete any personal data from the device. If it’s a computer, find someone at a local computer store to help you wipe the hard drive. You can also find instructions online about deleting information from your cell phone and other electronics.

Why recycle electronics?

With our world of ever-changing technology and innovation, what’s new quickly becomes old and out-of-date, meaning that lots of electronics end up in the garbage. When this happens, not only are we filling landfills with items that don’t decompose quickly, but dangerous chemicals such as mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium can leak into the soil and contaminate the earth.

Where can I recycle electronics?

First, consider that you might not even need to recycle your device. You may be able to trade it in for an upgrade or sell it at a yard sale or online (check out http://www.buymytronics.com/). You can also donate certain used electronic devices. For example, organizations such as Cell Phones for Soldiers, 911 Cell Phone Bank and National Coalition against Domestic Violence accept used cell phones for great causes.

If you do choose to recycle your electronics, many retailers (including Target, Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples and Walmart) frequently provide drop boxes for doing so at their locations. Manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, LG and Dell also commonly offer e-cycling programs. Sites like http://e-stewards.org, http://1800recycling.com/and http://earth911.com/recycling/ can also help you to find a recycling location near you.

Sources

• http://act.earthday.org/ewaste_info.html
• http://e-stewards.org/the-e-waste-crisis/
• http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm

Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day teaches kids about the professional rewards of education and hard work. This year is the 20th anniversary of the day, which will be recognized on April 25. Typically, over 37 million adults and youth ages 8 to 18 participate. It is an excellent way to expose children to a variety of careers as well as concepts such as professionalism, teamwork and the value of education.

If you’re considering participating, here are some hints to make the day rewarding for both you and the child.

1. You can participate even if you’re not a parent. The day is called Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day, which means that you can ask your neighbors, family members and friends if their children would be interested in learning about your career or your company. The same applies if you have children, but they’ve already been to work with you several times or just aren’t interested in going.

On the same note, if you have a child who isn’t interested in going to your workplace, see if they would like to go with a trusted friend or family member. Be sure you ask your friends or family before you mention anything to the child.

2. Plan ahead. Like with any activity, a little planning goes a long way. See if your company has planned activities, and consider how your child will participate throughout the work day. What would you like them to do or see you do? Get the child’s input about what they want to learn and see. You should also explain to them what to expect and how to act while at your work.

Try to make the day interesting and interactive. Go beyond job shadowing, but avoid asking them to make big decisions or take important phone calls. If things do go off plan or something goes wrong, stay positive and adapt.

Be sure that you don’t bring your children into an unsafe or inappropriate environment. For extra insight, talk with other people who have brought their children to work and see what worked well for them and what they might have done differently.

3. Introduce your co-workers. Explain that person’s job and their role in the organization to help children better understand the concepts of teamwork and responsibility. Have them show professionalism by shaking hands. Meeting with your co-workers is also a way to demonstrate the value of face-to-face interaction in business.

4. Ask the child to share the experience. One of the goals, in addition to having children learn about a workplace, is to encourage children to educate each other about their experiences. As part of this, tell the child’s teacher what you have planned, so that the child is more likely to share what they learned. At the end of the day, sit down with the kid to discuss what they enjoyed most and what they learned. Have them write a few sentences about the experience so that they can share it with classmates.

Sources

• http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/
• http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/04/25/the-dos-and-donts-of-take-your-kids-to-work-day/
• http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57420809/making-bring-your-child-to-work-day-meaningful/

The holidays are a favorite time for many, but can also be very stressful when you’re trying to balance family, work and school. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to take this time to enjoy your self and to make the most of every minute.

Here are some tips that can help you keep things in perspective:

• Know your priorities – If you make a list of all of the items you’re concerned about and budget time in the coming weeks to complete each one, your schedule will feel less chaotic and more organized.
• Learn to say “no” – This time of year, there seems to be an endless array of parties and events, but if you feel obligated to take part in everything, you risk spreading yourself too thin. It’s ok to say “no” sometimes if you don’t have the time or the desire to participate.
• Ask for help – Look at your “to do” list and ask yourself if it’s essential that you complete each item. If not, work with your family and friends to help each other get everything done.
• Have fun! – The holidays are about spending time with those we love and reflecting on old times. Take advantage of this opportunity to relax and reminisce.

From all of us at Argosy University, happy holidays and happy New Year!

While many of us look forward to the holidays as soon as the weather turns colder, it can also be a stressful time, particularly for the online student.

Randy Goble, a student in the BA in Psychology program at Argosy University Online Programs, shared the following tips:

• Try to avoid the crowds by going to the store early. Some stores have extended hours during the season; take advantage of it.
• Stay away from the “impulse” items at the front of the store. Get in line and get out. This is also for security as well. Thieves hang out at the front just to see what you have and will follow you to the car.
• When friends and family come over, just stick to finger foods. People feel more at home when they can move around and talk to others.
• Put others first and you will not go wrong.

As it applies to online learning, make sure that while you’re participating in these activities that you also stay mindful of your schoolwork. Deadlines and class participation are just as important as they ever were.

Argosy University Online Programs student Carol Mooney from the BA in Psychology program offered her advice in the form of a poem:

What a busy time for all,
As we’re shopping at the mall,
Carrying presents by the dozens,
For Brothers, Sisters, & our Cousins.
Baking cookies, pies, & cakes
While running just on energy shakes.
Wrapping paper strewn everywhere
For presents to give and presents to share.
The visitors come and the visitors go,
The day speeds by as time does flow.
A weary person remembers then
A paper that’s due, oh my! But when?
No problem, it’s only 10 o’clock
I can study now; was that a knock?
More family, I’m sorry I can’t remain,
My paper is due, others will entertain.
Off I go into my own little space,
On my keyboard my fingers I place.
I must remember my studies to do
Time set aside, no matter who
Shows up to visit and share with us
The cheer of the Holidays as well as the fuss.

From all of us at Argosy University Online Programs, we hope you enjoyed the holiday season.