Friday, July 31, 2009

TGIF!!

The week just flew on by if you ask me! What is going on?! Well, for me a whole lot has been happening! I have not been on here for a few days because I am waiting on a new part for my computer, so I have been using the laptop, which has become my new best friend. I never really cared to use it as much, but the fact that I can lay in bed, relax, and surf the web is beyond awesome!

Also, laptops are handy to have in college, but that also depends on the type of professor you have. A few of the classes I have taken already on campus would not allow laptops on during class for the fear that students would be logging onto Facebook and Myspace throughout the entire class. I understand it from their perspective that it is rude and distracting, but if a student chooses to go on their laptop to do stupid stuff during class, that is their loss. It just depends on the type of person you are and if you can multi-task with these types of things.

Berkeley and Dell have teamed up so we are actually offered discounts on our laptops, if you choose to order one from Dell. When you log onto blackboard you will see a Dell symbol and then information on where to go from there. Just click it and see what they can do for you!

On another note, I hope many of you have began your registration process. I enrolled myself so far in 4 classes, but once the online classes open up I will be moving a lot of things around for that. I may even go all online again, but at this point I am still undecided. The course schedules are up so if you have yet to do so, please log onto blackboard, under advisement, click course schedule, select your campus, and go from there. You will need to get in touch with advisement to make sure you are enrolled in those classes you pick, so remember to send them an email ASAP!!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Bring on the weekend....

I hope everyone had a great 3rd week! Time for Week 4 already! I know, I know, time needs to slow down, but that doesn't look so promising. I remember being in high school and time would just go by so slow as I waited for the bell to ring, and now that I'm out, time has just been passing me by! It's hard to keep up!!

I was surfing my way through the Berkeley page and I came across Summer Concerts that are being sponsored by Berkeley College. I want to take the time to fill everyone in with some dates and locations! This is pretty cool especially if you are looking for something to do.

So let's see what we have:

Paramus • Coney Island/Brighton Beach • Brooklyn • Newark • Jackson

The 2009 schedule is as follows:
Paramus Concert Series
July 14 at 7:30 PM Kenny Vance and the Planotones
July 21 at 7:30 PM The New York Rat Pack Show
July 28 at 7:30 PM The Infernos
August 4 at 7:30 PM Mahoney Brothers
August 11 at 7:30 PM The Bronx Wanderers
August 18 at 7:30 PM Movie to be announced. Concert - The Big Jeff Band
August 25 at 7:30 PM All American Bandstand Revue featuring Joey Arminio & The Family
August 28 at 7:30 PM Dr. K's Motown Revue

All concerts are free and are held rain or shine. Please park at Paramus High School located at 99 East Century Road, Paramus, NJ. In case of rain, the concerts will take place in the high school auditorium. Otherwise, just walk across the street to the Paramus library for the outdoor area.
Seaside Summer Concert Series
July 16 at 7:30 PM Credence Clearwater Revisited, Mountain, John Sebastian
July 23 at 7:30 PM Gladys Knight, The O'Jays
July 30 at 7:30 PM Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Connie Francis, Stewie Stone
August 6 at 7:30 PM Darrell Hall & John Oates
August 13 at 7:30 PM Blondie, Pat Benatar, The Donnas
August 20 at 7:30 PM Salsa by the Sea: Maria Torres Dancers
August 27 at 7:30 PM Donna Summer

The Seaside Summer Concert Series is at Asser Levy Park in Coney Island/Brighton Beach. All concerts are free.

For more information about the Seaside Summer Concert Series, click here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series
July 13 at 7:30 PM Keyshia Cole, Lyfe Jennings
July 20 at 7:30 PM The Love Train, Sounds of Philadelphia (4 Bands)
July 27 at 7:30 PM Anita Baker, Charlie Wilson
August 3 at 7:30 PM Robin Thicke, Jazmine Sullivan
August 10 at 7:30 PM Teena Marie, Jeffrey Osborne, Ruben Studdard
August 17 at 7:30 PM Gospel Night: Yolanda Adams, Israel Houghton and the New Breed
August 24 at 7:30 PM Caribbean Night: Sean Paul, The Mighty Sparrow

The Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series is at Wingate Field in Bedford Stuyvesant/Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. All concerts are free. Seating is limited. The public is encouraged to bring chairs.

For more information about the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series, click here.

Sounds of the City
July 16, 5-10 PM House of Waters, The Marvin Sewell Group, Dapp Theory, and DJ Max-Jerome
July 23, 5-10 PM The Stein Brothers Quintet, Dion Parson’s 21st Century Band, Don Braden & BIG FUN(K!), and DJ Tee Mallory
July 30, 5-10 PM Alex Brummel & Janel Elizabeth, Judah Tribe, Chops the Band with Ambrosia, and DJ Frank D
August 6, 5-10 PM Ryan Shaw, Junk "Kat" Modiano, and DJ Joey Mazza
August 13, 5-10 PM Shae Fiol, Maya Azucena, The Revelations featuring Tre Williams, and DJ Will Gee
August 20, 5-10 PM Monique Bingham, Soul Cycle, DJ Kervyn Mark, and DJ Kamala
August 27, 5-10 PM Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours, Smiling David and Pzazz Dance Company featuring Barrio Latino, Magia Dance Company, and DJ Danny Ramirez

So as you see there are a number of dates for you guys to check out. They will be going on all the way until the end of August so make sure you check it out. I think I'll have to check some of these out myself!

I noticed many of us have added Berkeley on facebook, myspace, and twitter! How does everyone feel about this? In my opinion, I think it's such a great idea! We can meet new people, talk about our experiences, and it's a great recruitment tool! If you have yet to become a friend of Berkeley on any of these sites, visit the main Berkeley page and you will see all of the links you need to direct yourselves to those sites! http://www.berkeleycollege.edu/


Enjoy your weekend and we will catch up next week! Remember that Monday starts registration for the Fall Quarter! The schedules are put up so you can start picking out classes, days, and times!!! Don't forget to do this right away before you miss out on a class you need and want to take that is being offered!!!


Photobucket

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Fall 2009 Scheduling

Ok, I know this is completely unbelievable, but it's that time once again to start the registration process for the Fall 2009 Quarter!


Photobucket
Photobucket


Not this week, but next week, starting Monday July 27th, you will be able to submit your schedule to advisement for the Fall Quarter. The schedules will be posted on Friday so that you can get an idea of what classes will be available this quarter for you to take.

Please, please, please REGISTER EARLY! I know in the past a few people wait until the very last minute to register for classes, and they end up in classes they had no intention on taking that quarter!

It is very important to go to Financial Aid and Student accounts after you have register to make sure you are clear for the start of the Fall quarter! The time frame to make sure that you are clear is September 18th, which is the last day of the Summer Quarter!

As I have mentioned in the past, there are several ways to go about registration. The easiest in my opinion is sending it over via email. I will include all of the campus emails for you to make it more convenient.

NYCAdvisement@berkeleycollege.edu
NWKAdvisement@berkeleycollege.edu
BGNAdvisement@berkeleycollege.edu
WSTAdvisement@berkeleycollege.edu
GMTAdvisement@berkeleycollege.edu
MDLAdvisement@berkeleycollege.edu

It is very important that you include the following information in your email, this way you do not have to go back and forth and play email tag with advisement!

This is what you will need to include in the email:

Name
ID number
Phone where you can be reached
Choice of courses and the course code for each course
Attach a copy of your Degree Progress Report copied into Word or Excel

Another way to go about registering is by visiting advisement on your campus or simply dropping off your registration form with an attached copy of your degree audit report!

If there are any other questions or if you are unsure about how to go about this, make sure to stop by advisement to get some help!

Again, do not wait until last minute!

Photobucket
You will have yourself going crazy and may not get in the classes you had hoped to get in!!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Case of the Monday's!

Happy Monday! I am finding it hard to believe that it's already July 20th, which makes this close to the end of the month. I'm not liking how fast time is going! Anyways, lots has been going on these past couple of days, and I don't mean anything outside of school, which is good but bad to say! I have been going non-stop with reading and getting my assignments done, which is never a problem, but I just feel like the pressure is on when a new week rolls around or when a week is coming to an end!

So here we are in Week 3. I'm finally getting a feel for how my classes are going to work out and how to keep ahead of everything and making sure that my work is completed on time. I have to say, all those nerves I had about having all my classes online, were totally not needed, but what else was I suppose to do? I think about it this way, if I just went ahead and had no nerves about trying something new, then I would have to expect the worse, but since I went in head first, nervous as anything, it worked out quite well. You always have to get over that little bump and then the ride is much more easier.

I want to take a few minutes and discuss something that I will be helping out with over the course of a month and a half. My mom works for Re/Max, and if many of you did not know, Re/Max donates to the Children's Miracle Network and does a lot of fundraising for them. Each year they have been holding a benefit dinner, which all money raised goes towards these children in need. There is also a live and silent auction that helps to raise money as well, and all is donated. If anyone is interested, the benefit dinner for this year will be held on September 17th in Greenwood Lake, NY. Tickets are $40. If anyone is interested in attending, please send me an email: lyndsay-wright@mymail.berkeleycollege.edu

Any donations are also being accepted, if you are unable to attend. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated not only by myself, but as well as these children who need you the most!

I have lots to keep up on and I'm about to go start working on a test that I have for my business communications class! I always hate taking tests, but I'm sure I'll be ok. I hope everyone has a great week!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

What's happening?

It feels like forever since I last blogged! It's been so hectic for me that its finally nice to sit down! Anyways, mid-week of week 2! How's everyone doing with their classes? Hopefully good and I hope everyone didn't wait till last minute to get their books! If you haven't by now, I think you should!

I have been reading a lot more than I expected for my classes, so I finally have myself set on a specific schedule, so that is working out quite well. Between reading the short stories for english and then having to bounce into some of my business classes text, it's definitely been enjoyable.

So I was thinking about my online experience the other day, and I definitely love it since I can just do everything from home, but then again I miss getting out of town for a few hours and seeing my friends from down that way. That's ok though. At least I won't have to be traveling in the heat, if it ever decides to get higher than 80!!! Other than that, I look forward to getting back to my normal routine of having 2 classes on campus and then 2 or 3 online in the fall.

Another thing I want to mention to everyone, is the availability of tutors. If you have checked out your blackboard email, there was an email sent out in regards to tutoring. **NEW STUDENTS** this is a great advantage that Berkeley offers, so make sure you check it out if you are having problems and also those of you who are already familiar with this, but have not tried it out, what harm could it cause?

Photobucket

I have attached the email here for you guys to read and how to contact someone about getting tutoring!

Need a little extra help? Have you ever considered getting tutored? Through the Academic Support Center (ASC) you can get help with class assignments and receive FREE TUTORING in subjects such as Accounting, Computer Essentials, English, Math, Reading, and Writing. Through the ASC Web site on Blackboard you can access a variety of handouts, presentations, and links about all of the above subjects plus some very useful information concerning study skills such as time management and test taking. Don't wait until you're experiencing difficulty in a course to seek help.

You can make an appointment with a tutor by logging in to the TutorTrac link on the ASC website on Blackboard that says "Click Here to Get Started ." You can choose your subject, your tutor, and your appointment time so that you can receive assistance when it is most convenient for you! Directions for how to make an appointment using TutorTrac are attached to this email.

If you have any questions about the services the ASC offers or anything related to academic support, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or phone (or even Pronto). We look forward to hearing from you!

Kindest regards,

Dr. Roseann Torsiello
Director, NJ Academic Support Centers (ASC)
Building 2, Second Floor
Berkeley College
44 Rifle Camp Road
Woodland Park, NJ 07424
(formerly West Paterson)
973-278-5400 x1324
rtt@berkeleycollege.edu
www.berkeleycollege.edu
Pronto: roseann-torsielo

Ms. Loren Kleinman
Assistant Director, NJ Academic Support Centers (ASC)
Building 2, Second Floor
Berkeley College
44 Rifle Camp Road
Woodland Park, NJ 07424
(formerly West Paterson)
973-278-5400 x1404
lok@berkeleycollege.edu
www.berkeleycollege.edu
Pronto: loren-kleinman

This is a great opportunity for you to pick your grades up or even get help with a paper! Please don't wait until the last day before the paper is due either or the day before a test to request tutoring. That will not give you enough time and is not very responsible of you either!

I hope everyone is having a great quarter so far! I will be in touch of course with any news I find for you guys and fill you in!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Week 1...Completed!

What a week! Like I said, I did not know what to expect and had myself a little worried about taking all my classes online, but so far so good! I met a lot of people this week in the discussion boards and saw many familiar names so that was good! I had a few ask me to let them know how I liked taking classes all online because this is something they might want to try.

After this first week of taking them all online, I realized it's a lot more work, but it's really not too bad after you learn how to manage your time. For instance, this week I had a great amount to read, so I put post-its in the book from where the chapter started and ending, read about halfway through, took whatever notes I needed too, and then I would look at another courses chapter. Each day, I did a little of everything, and because I'm taking all different courses, they don't overlap the information so I wasn't losing my mind trying to understand everything.

I have to say so far so good. I also took my first exam in International Marketing and I received a 100! I was a little nervous, cause I'm such a bad test taker, but I focused and made sure to read the question carefully in case it was a trick question, and then I selected my answer.

Overall, it was a great first week and now it's the weekend so it's time to relax and then week 2 is in session! 9 more weeks to go, and yes I'm already starting the countdown!!

Have a great weekend!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Welcome Back!!


Photobucket



Photobucket


Well, as everyone is aware, today was officially the start of the Summer quarter! WELCOME BACK EVERYONE! Hopefully you had a great first day and met some new people already. I lost that advantage this quarter, but I'm sure to meet a lot of people online!

I have to say that so far I am a little overwhelmed with everything. I have a lot of reading to do this week, and so far I have been communicating with many of my classmates via the discussion boards. The first week is based on introducing ourselves and things of that sort, so that is pretty easy to do.

Since I am taking 4 online classes, I have to manage my time a little more efficiently and pick a specific time period that I will sit down and work on a little bit of each subject. It's always the first week where I feel overwhelmed and just want it to end. I am still not sure what to expect so that's why I want to adjust and move on with the new information I will obtain this quarter!

For English this quarter, I get to work with short stories and today I started to read some of Ernest Hemingway's pieces. Let me tell you, they are very confusing, but after reading them several times, I found my way to understanding them! That's the great thing about the discussion boards because if I am stuck or need a little more evidence, I can communicate with my classmates and also my professor will respond to help us out. She responded to one of my posts today based on questions I had to answer, and she likes to put us up for a challenge and make us think about the subject a lot more, which I find to be effective. It reaches out to make sure that we understand what we are reading and that we understand it to the fullest.

I wish everyone a great week and I will be checking in and updating everyone as well! Talk to you soon!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy 4th of July!!!!


Photobucket


So we finish off the weekend with a holiday and then back to classes on Monday! I'm sure many of you are saying "Oh No!" but hey we have to do, what we have to do! It will be over before we know it. Just take a look at last quarter and how fast everything went. It's only a matter of time until the summer quarter comes to an end!

Since we are starting again on Monday, I figured I'd get you guys all back in gear and make sure you go out and get everything you need prior to going to class. Depending on the Professor, they may want you to have your books that first day, or at least by the second class. You never know so maybe it would be wise to check into getting books before classes.

I went last week and bought all my books and went to financial aid to make sure everything was up to date and that I had no problems. It's always a relief when there are no problems and you can just go on with your day, worry free!

This is where the To Do List comes in handy! I really do suggest this to people who tend to not write things down. It only takes a moment of your time and it helps you when you are in the middle of your day and can't remember what you were suppose to do or what you wanted to make sure you did!

Photobucket


On this to do list, it should include #1:GO TO CLASS! After that, of course, add that you need your books, pens, pencils, calculator, notebook, and any other materials you feel are necessary to bring. Then go to the store with this list and you are on your way!!

As I have mentioned numerous times, I am taking all classes online this quarter, so I have decided to set up my binder with dividers that will hold all of the information for each of my classes. It's very easy and this way I can just flip through and not drive myself crazy!

I want to take a moment to share this email with everyone from the Associate Vice President in Advisement, Gail S. Okun:

Welcome to the summer quarter!

Just some reminders:

* If you have financial obligations: You will be permitted to attend classes up until the end of Week 2. If you owe the College money and have not made payment arrangements by that time, you will be withdrawn from the college.
* Classes begin for day and evening on Monday, July 6, 2009.
* Day students who begin their program in summer 2009 will be required to attend an onsite day student orientation, Monday, July 6, 2009. These students will begin their classes on Tuesday, July 7. Evening students who begin their program in summer 2009, must complete the orientation online.
* In order to be considered registered and enrolled for the summer, you must be participating in all your classes as of July 6.
* Print your schedule prior to participating in classes. Reason: Some classes have been canceled, rooms might have changed, you may have been rescheduled. You should be following the schedule you print. Contact the Advisement Office at your home campus with problems or concerns.
* No adding or swapping of classes can be made after Saturday, July 11.
* You may withdraw from classes up through Week 9. The Saturday of Week 9 is the last day to withdraw from classes. After that date, you will receive the grades you have earned. You must participate in all classes for which you are registered. If you receive financial aid and are a full-time student and fall below full-time status, you may jeopardize your financial aid.
* If you have concerns about classes or swapping a class, contact the Advisement Office at your home campus prior to July 6.

Have a great quarter!

Gail S. Okun
Associate Vice President, Advisement


Keep those things in mind, especially if you plan on switching classes or withdrawing. If you keep up with the news posted on blackboard and the items sent to your email, you will have no troubles finding out the dates!

I want to wish everyone a great and successful quarter and Welcome new students!


Photobucket

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

TAG Decision

Everyone make sure you check your regular postal mail because you will be receiving a letter in regards to the TAG. I received mine this afternoon and it contains some very important information. I will take the time to type up the letter for those who did not receive the letter yet or did not take the time to read over it.

Dear Student,

Please be aware that NJ Governor Corzine's state budget, which includes decreased funding for TAG awards, has been passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor. You will receive a revised financial aid award letter within the next few days detailing the changes to your awards.

We understand that some students may be concerned about their ability to meet tuition obligations due to the reduced TAG awards. Please be assured that our financial aid administrators are committed to working with each TAG recipient to revise packages quickly, and alternative funding options will be presented on each student's individual circumstances.

We will remain in close communication with you via Blackboard and your Berkeley net-mail account. Please do not hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office, Student Accounts Office, or Campus Operating Officer if you have any questions or concerns about your ability to fund your education. Campus contact information is listed below.

Very truly yours,

Dario A. Cortes, PhD
President


Carmen Ferrari
Financial Aid Office
973-278-5400 ext 1350

Steven Figueiredo
Student Accounts Office
973-278-5400 ext 1341

Diane Recinos
Campus Operating Officer
973-278-5400 ext 1105


As you can see this was not such great news in regards to the TAG. Berkeley is going to work very hard in helping out the students who will be seriously affected by this decrease. If you feel you are at risk because of this, please contact one of the following individuals above. Again, each of you should be receiving this letter any day now and please make sure to check your email on a regular basis for any other updates!