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!

Welcome Back!!

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!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

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!




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!

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!

How Is Everyone's Vacation?

Now that we have officially started vacation, what is going on? I know for me, this week will come to an end rather quickly and I will once again be busy with my classes, which is not such a bad thing. It will definitely keep me busy! Other than that, this rain is absolutely killing me as well. I just want the sun, which we had for a few days and then it just disappeared today! Not digging this at all!

This morning I logged onto my myspace page, which I seem to not be doing as much anymore, but I came across a friend request from our very own Berkeley College! I was like wow, they found me! I decided to check out the page and it's pretty cool. When I checked it out there were already over 1,000 members and even those who had graduated from Berkeley already. I hope this will allow the students to connect even more and share their own personal experiences about Berkeley! On this myspace page, students have the opportunity to check out pictures and learn about what is going on throughout the Berkeley Campuses. Also, you can meet all different people who may go to the same campus as yourself.

Besides myspace, we are on Flicker, Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook. This is a great way to network so thumbs up!

So right now, I want to take the time to interview a good friend of mine, who did not attend Berkeley, but attended a local college in Minnesota called Hennepin Technical College . I figured I would switch it up a bit and see what other college students did to succeed in college.

Let's meet Eric and hear about his college experience! I asked Eric a number of questions and the following are his responses!



**What do you think is most important in a college education?

-Eric: Being able to learn everything that you need to know so when you go on after to the real world you are able to do your job fully.


**Did you ever have the opportunity to take online classes or did you prefer to do on site classes and why?

-Eric: I never took the opportunity to take any classes online. All my classes were on site in the school. Why well because I never really knew about online at the time because I got right out of school. I'm not sure if they were around at that time.


**Was college always a dream of yours?

-Eric: Yes it was, I always wanted to make something of myself after I got out of high school. I knew after that there was more to school after that.



**How does Eric feel about me...Oh Gees! haha

-Eric: Well to lyn I'm a best friend who tries to always be there when she needs someone. I've known lyn for 5 years now and I have to say it's been amazing knowing her since day one. If you ever get asked what a real friend is I would tell them that's my friend lyn. She is amazing, smart, kind,. She has never let herself stop smiling since she met me which is a true story but she use to be called bob the builder. She can be really quiet at times when in a group but don't let that stop you from thinking other wise because this girl is smart and if anyone pass up being her friend then they are missing out on a real friend. (Awe, Thank You Eric!)


**What did you want to be?

-Eric:I wanted to be a teacher. I've had work with kids my senior year of high school then after I got out at a school. I got out of high school and the teachers asked me to come back because the kids really wanted me back so I went back. I helped out for 2 in a half years then did summer school. I really want to become one because when you see a kid learn it's a great feeling known that your making a difference in there when you help them learn new stuff.


Well, Thank you Eric for answering some questions for me! You are an excellent person and a great role model for many individuals! Good luck in everything life has to offer you!

No more bad news...Please!

For starters, as of right now I have no new updates about the TAG, but hopefully something will be announced soon. I went to financial aid yesterday to figure out all my paperwork and from my conversation with the financial aid assistant, nothing has been figured out yet. I still will continue to keep an eye out for any updates and news to share with everyone!

So I need to throw in my good news out of all this, by the looks of it, I am getting A's in all my classes! I am beyond happy about that, not that I thought I was going to get any lower, but it's always nice to hear that I will be receiving good grades! I worked hard, so it definitely has paid off.

On to the next area of bad news. Two deaths! Unbelievable and so sad. What is going on here? Yesterday we learned that two individuals have passed away. Starting with Farrah Fawcett and later to find that Michael Jackson had passed too.





These are the types of events that we find so hard to grasp as to why they happen and what could have been differently to prevent these problems. R.I.P to both Farrah and Michael!

So we have officially ended the Spring 2009 Quarter and starting July 6th, we will be in the Summer 2009 Quarter. For me, this will be the start of my Sophomore year. That is crazy to say. I still have a hard time grasping the concept that I graduated high school a year ago yesterday!

I hope everyone has a great summer! If you are taking classes over the summer, remember that classes begin July 6th so make sure you have everything you need before beginning class. Also, if you have not paid your bill yet, you have until July 2nd. Anything after that will be charged a late fee, which is in your best interest to avoid!

URGENT MESSAGE

This is our last chance for us to take our stand on the TAG. I just opened my email this morning and Dr. Hughes had sent us another email that Governor Corzine has rejected the TAG once again. We now have a phone call campaign and fax campaign going on. I am working on sending over a fax as we speak, but the line is busy, so calling may benefit you much better! Also, please keep sending the emails. Those are just as effective.

The following information is what you need in order to go ahead with this:

The general phone number is 609-292-6000. Ask for the Governor's office and say that you have an urgent message. You may be forwarded to a staff member or a voice mail. You should state something similar to the following:
"Hello Governor Corzine. My name is ______________. I am a Berkeley College student. Please give us back our TAG. I know that you can do it. We need your help badly. Thank you."

The fax number is 609-292-3454. Your fax should read similar to the following:
"Urgent message for Governor Corzine: Dear Governor Corzine, My name is ______________. I am a Berkeley College student. Please give us back our TAG. I know that you can do it. We need your help badly. Thank you. (Sign your name)."


PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Thank you!