CityTownInfo Career and Education News

Wellness Programs Becoming More Popular.

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By Yaffa Klugerman
November 6, 2009

In an effort to control health insurance costs and cut down on employee absenteeism, many companies are offering wellness plans to their employees.

The Wall Street Journal reports that according to Aon Consulting, an employee benefits consulting firm, more than half of employers expect to introduce a wellness program next year or expand existing ones. Additionally, 34 percent plan to introduce or enhance financial incentives for those programs.

Wellness programs make good financial sense for companies. Ron Goetzel, a research professor at Emory University, estimated that for every dollar a company spends on employee wellness, it realizes $1.50 to $2 in savings. "Instituting a workplace wellness program improves the health of employees, decreases absenteeism and saves the company money in the long run," he told the Savannah Morning News.

At Colonial Oil Industries, for example, employees can take advantage of an on-site gym during lunchtime or visit an adjacent health clinic, where they can receive treatment for minor illnesses and get help establishing personal wellness profiles and fitness goals. Employees can even participate in on-site cooking classes to learn how to prepare healthier meals.

"It's really very efficient," said Denise McBroom, a physician's assistant who works at the clinic. "In addition to sick call, we can do blood pressures, lab work, prescriptions and referrals. We practice a lot of preventive medicine that helps employees save time and money."

By joining the wellness plan, Colonial employees can lower their health insurance premiums. More than 80 percent of the company's 300 employees actively participate.

The Journal reports that some companies are offering financial incentives to employees to stay healthy. For example, employees at the Cleveland Clinic can earn $100 for going to the gym 10 times a month for 10 months, or for losing 10 percent of their weight. At Prudential, a financial services company, employees can receive $150 if they complete a health risk assessment. At Paychex, a payroll and human resources provider, employees can earn up to $300 for doing things such as taking fitness classes, getting a flu shot or speaking to a health coach. In addition, Paychex employees who meet certain health requirements receive medical benefits with a lower deductible, co-insurance and out-of-pocket maximum than the more expensive cost-sharing plan.

"This is about driving employee good health," notedd Delia Vetter, senior benefits director at EMC Corp in Massachusetts, who was interviewed by the MetroWest Daily News. Employees at the company can fill out questionnaires about their health, meet with a health consultant, and then pay 12 percent less on their premiums. "We're encouraging them, we're really creating the environment at EMC to foster healthy lifestyles."

Rob Demere, president and CEO at Colonial in Savannah, agrees. "It's good for our employees, good for our company and good for our bottom line," he said.

High School Seniors Applying For Early Decision.

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By CityTownInfo.com Staff
November 6, 2009

Early decision--which allows students to apply early to college on condition that they must commit to be enrolled in that particular school if accepted--is becoming an increasingly popular choice for high school seniors.

Early decision applications increased by 33 percent at Duke University, reports the Duke Chronicle. The total number of applications, which is more than 2,000, broke the record of 1,589 that was set in 2001.

"I think if anybody had said, 'This fall, you'll see a 33 percent increase in applications. . .' I think nobody would have thought that was a reasonable prediction," said Christoph Guttentag, the university's dean of undergraduate admissions. He noted that admissions officers emphasized that the acceptance rate is higher for early decision applicants.

"I think that people got the message that in fact. . .we're really working to make Duke affordable from a wide range of economic backgrounds," he remarked. "This has probably sunk in some more than in the past."

Likewise, Dartmouth College saw a rise in the number of early decision applications, although not quite so dramatic: The school received more than 1,600 applications, up from 1,551 last year�about a 3 percent increase. Students admitted under early decision are expected to make up about one third of the class that begins college in fall 2010.

"The early decision program allows us to build a strong base for the incoming class," said Maria Laskaris, dean of admissions and financial aid in a press release, "and for students who are admitted, it helps lessen the stress during the senior year of high school."

Both Duke and Dartmouth offer generous financial aid, a factor which likely contributed to the increase in early decision applications. Duke requires no parental contribution from families with incomes of less than $60,000, and Dartmouth offers free tuition to undergraduates whose families earn incomes below $75,000.

But often students apply early so they have a better chance of attending their dream schools. Annapolis, Maryland's The Capital reports that according to Woody Johnston, a counselor at Severn School in Severna Park, 80 percent of the current high school seniors submitted early decision applications this year.

Lillian Cartwright, a senior at Severn, is one such example: She submitted an early application to Yale under "restrictive" early action--meaning that the application is non-binding but she may not apply early to any other colleges. Even though agreeing to do so was risky, Cartwright decided to apply after hearing that Yale accepts 17 percent of its early applicants.

Yet The New York Times cautions that students should think carefully before agreeing to any sort of binding agreement. In particular, seniors should make sure their early decision college choice is realistic, affordable, and the one they would most like to attend.

Experts Say To Weigh Benefits Of Returning To School.

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By CityTownInfo.com Staff
November 5, 2009

People are returning to school in droves to help advance their careers or start new ones, but experts caution that the decision should be carefully evaluated before enrolling in any classes.

"It's easy to go back to school if you don't have a job," noted Robert Hellman, a professor at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, who was quoted by Forbes. "You study hard and you don't have to deal with life for two years. But it may not lead to career growth."

He recommended that those considering embarking on a master's program first reflect on long-term career goals and the steps needed to achieve them, and then consider if a graduate program is necessary. A master's is usually required for secondary and post-secondary teaching positions, but in fields such as information technology, human resources and sales, work experience may matter more than a degree.

"If you think a master's is what you need to get where you want to go," said Hellmann, "then it's time to do a return-on-investment calculation." He advised using an online calculator to weigh tuition costs, investment in time and expected salary growth. If the debt is too great, one can instead consider enrolling in a certificate program, which costs less both in time and money.

Dennis Sullivan, a career counselor at Northern Virginia Community College, told The Washington Post that he advises people to ask themselves several questions before signing up for classes: "Is it time for me to change careers or to shift? Is there another skill set or competency that would make me more employable with this company? Is it time to go back and complete the degree I didn't finish?"

He and Bill Stokes, an executive recruiter and chairman of the Washington Networking Group, suggested several areas that are good bets for enhancing careers: Computer or technical training is always useful, said Sullivan, as are classes in foreign languages or English as a Second Language.

"You can't have too many technical skills in today's workplace," he explained, and learning new languages--or improving English skills for those who grew up in foreign countries--can only help with career growth.

Professional certifications also offer advanced training which can help open doors. Barbara Herzog, a Washington, DC-based career counselor, suggested thinking about "what skill or skills could have come in handy the past year. What did you have trouble doing, or what did you need to ask for help to do?"

Stokes noted that an added benefit of professional designation or certification is that unlike with a bachelor's or master's degree--when the names of colleges and universities can make a difference--"it doesn't really matter as an employer if you've gotten your certification from one of the no-name universities."

Mixed Reactions To Using Twitter In College Classes.

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By Yaffa Klugerman
November 5, 2009

Twitter, the popular microblogging service, is beginning to catch on as a teaching tool at college even as skeptics balk at the idea of incorporating it into the classroom.

The issue was discussed at this week's annual Educause conference in Denver, which focuses on education technology. Inside Higher Ed reports that during a session at the conference, higher education officials debated the practicality and possible benefits of using Twitter in college courses.

"This network has been vitally important to me as a professional," said W. Gardner Campbell, director of the Academy of Teaching and Learning at Baylor University in Texas. "I think, 'If this network is good for me as a learner, could it be good for my students as learners?" He pointed out that using Twitter in class could increase participation and allow professors a glimpse of what students are actually thinking.

But Bruce Maas, CIO of the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, remained skeptical. He noted that young people are reportedly not as interested in Twitter as other social networking sites such as Facebook. In addition, he noted that "tweeting" in class might prove to be more of a distraction in the classroom than a resource.

But the trend is clearly catching on in some colleges. The Journal & Courier in Indiana reports that students in three Purdue University classes are using technology which allows them to interact in class using social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The application, called Hotseat, allows students to post comments during class that everyone can view, as well as vote or interact with one another instantly.

"I tend to dislike large lectures because the environment needed for class discussions is usually lacking," said Ashley Hill, a Purdue student. "But Hotseat has helped to make students feel they can voice their opinion about what they are learning and really become involved in the class discussion for that day."

Charles Calahan, a clinical assistant professor in child development and family studies, is utilizing Hotseat in two of his classes. He believes that roughly 70 percent of students access it during class.

"In a typical classroom of 400 students I will have 130 students comment from a class," he said. "Before, I had three or four commenting."

Using Twitter as a teaching tool has been successfully done before. In June, Monica Rankin, a history professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, wrote about her experience using the microblogging service to organize comments, questions and feedback posted by students onto a giant image in front of a 90-person lecture hall.

"I wanted to find a way to incorporate more student-centered learning techniques and involve the students more fully into the material," she told ReadWriteWeb.com.

Rutgers Career Director Interview: Liberal Arts Degrees Also Attractive To Employers.

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By CityTownInfo Staff
November 5, 2009

Rutgers University is the eighth oldest college in the United States, founded in 1766, and is New Jersey's flagship public university. There are campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, New Jersey, with a total statewide enrollment of a record 54,000.

Rutgers has the honorable distinction of being the birthplace of intercollegiate football. The first-ever intercollegiate game of football was played between Rutgers and Princeton Universities on November 6, 1869, where the Rutgers gymnasium now stands in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Rutgers won the game 6-4. The sports teams of Rutgers University - New Brunswick are nicknamed the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers' Office of Career Services serves over 35,000 students and alumni with its staff of 28. The office provides a wealth of services and information to students and alumni: over 5,000 career counseling appointments per year, in excess of 3,000 resume critiques, over 300 seminars and panels, 14 career fairs, more than 10,000 job and internship postings, and over 4,000 on-campus interviews with over 200 employers. Additionally, Rutgers has a strong alumni career network with over 1,700 mentors. A wealth of career advice from the Career Services team can be found on the Career Services website, which features over 400 pages of advice relevant to today's job search.

Dr. Richard White has been the director of career services at Rutgers University-New Brunswick since 1990. He oversees three offices, providing comprehensive career counseling and employment services to students as well as alumni. Prior to Rutgers, Dr. White worked for nine years in the corporate world, managing college relations and recruiting programs for International Paper, Nabisco Brands, and Brown Brothers Harriman. He is an expert on employment trends and job search strategies.

Dr. White has an A.B. from Dartmouth College, M.A. from the University of Kent in England, and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, all in English. Additionally, he is a past president of the New Jersey Association of Colleges and Employers (NJACE), and a member and former chair of the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE) Consulting Committee. He has participated in external reviews at 15 colleges and universities.

Interview Transcript

CityTownInfo: How do you think universities have changed from the past?

Dr. Richard White: Rutgers is a colonial college, and most colleges founded before 1800 were affiliated with a church and dedicated to preparing young men for the ministry. Early curricula were heavily focused on the humanities, including such subjects as ancient languages (especially Greek and Latin), religion, literature, philosophy, and history. The sciences were not considered very important (except for medical students), and the social sciences did not yet exist. Following the Civil War, land grant colleges and universities were established in the Midwest and other parts of the country, and there was a new emphasis on agriculture and industry resulting in more technically-oriented courses and majors. The twentieth century brought a new focus on engineering, business, science, and the social sciences. Today, many colleges and universities retain their liberal arts roots and traditions by requiring their students to take a small number of courses in the three major academic classifications: humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The goal is graduate broadly-educated and broadly-minded individuals with a range of communication, analytical, and language skills.

CityTownInfo: In the past two weeks I've read three separate articles about how at least 80 percent of applicants, regardless of major, are finding job leads through their network. Companies are asking their employees if they can recommend candidates for open positions.

Based on what you've heard from employers, do you think that they prefer using employees' networks, or are students still having success with old-fashioned application methods?

Dr. Richard White: Both employers and job seekers must use a variety of recruiting and job search methods. Focusing on just one facet such as an Internet job search without any in-person networking may not get an applicant very far. Increasingly, we are seeing more alumni coming back, both recent graduates and those with experience, who are using a multifaceted job search, including newspapers, the Internet, knocking on doors, and personal and professional networking. Additionally, many schools, Rutgers included, have an alumni career network.

I recommend that students build a network by making a list of the people they know, including neighbors, relatives, church members, local merchants, high school teachers, coaches, camp counselors, former supervisors, current bosses, professors, administrators and local politicians. At first glance, some of these contacts might not seem like they have anything to do with finding a job, but they may know other people who can lead to a career. The first step is not to ask for a job, but for time. Students can ask for twenty minutes either on the phone or in person if the contact is local, and that twenty minutes may become forty or sixty because people tend to be generous. What may have been a "no" if the student had asked, "Do you have a job for me," will usually be a "yes" if the student asks for a brief conversation. If, however, the answer is still "no," the student needs to keep asking the question, but find the right time to do it. Networking is an incredibly powerful tool, and if students talk to enough people, they will meet others and expand their network and potential job lead pipeline. We also want students to remember to leave each interview with a handful of referrals, so that their networks will keep growing.

Another important aspect of a traditional job search is a career fair. In this Internet age, face-to-face contact is more important than ever. At Rutgers, we provide 14 job fairs every year, including 5 events that are open to the public. Students need to check regularly with their career centers to see what's on their campus, as well as public events on other college campuses.

We are offering three more public events during the 2009-10 academic year. On January 7, we are sponsoring our New Jersey Collegiate Career Day. We expect about 150 employers representing a wide range of industries. On February 19, we are offering the New Jersey Diversity Career Day. Students and graduates of color, disabilities, LGBT, and women will meet employers that are very committed to diversifying their workforces. Finally, on May 26, we host our second New Jersey Collegiate Career Day. Hopefully, the economy will be turning around, and we'll see a bump up in employers at that event.

CityTownInfo: Have you heard any projections for your area regarding an increase in hiring?

Dr. Richard White: Like the rest of the country, the Northeast is still facing layoffs, but the job losses seem to have slowed significantly, and it seems that we may have stemmed the tide of massive cutbacks. The economy is also growing again. One bright note for all college graduates is that the unemployment rate for degree holders is half the overall unemployment rate, regardless of the graduates' experience level. This argues in favor of getting a college degree because it opens doors and secures employment.

Related Article: Ten Ways to Market Your Liberal Arts Degree

By Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.

Liberal Arts degrees sometimes get a bum rap from friends wondering how you're going to market your skills. However, most employers say that unless the field is highly specialized, it doesn't matter what the employee's degree is in, just that they have a degree.

Here are three of the ten ways to market your Liberal Arts Degree, according to this article:

"Say It Loud: You're Liberally Educated and Proud."
Specialized skills required of other degrees may be of limited value considering most people change jobs an average of six times. Having a liberal focus means the candidate is likely to be flexible, well rounded and can see the big picture.
"Sell Your Passion." Chances are that if you chose a Liberal Arts path, you did so out of a love for that subject. That love probably yielded good grades, and a passion for learning in general, which is very attractive to employers.
"Sharpen Your Focus." Although Liberal Arts graduates have a wide array of skills to choose from, their resumes should convey a focus to the employer's needs.

Read more details on these tips and the complete article.

For a person who is unsure of the educational path he or she would like to take, the liberal arts may be a great place for the student to start. It is sometimes frowned upon because it's not always clear how liberal arts majors relate to employment and opportunity. I know in my case, however, an education in liberal arts gave me a level of curiosity that made me more open to taking risks. At one point, while pursuing a career in higher education, I was offered an opportunity with a corporation, so I made the switch and moved into a very different work environment. It was my liberal arts background that gave me a willingness to try a new path.

CityTownInfo: I have recently heard positive things about liberal arts majors, stating that employers believe a degree in liberal arts means that the student or candidate is well rounded. Have you heard or read similar news?

Dr. Richard White: We've all heard and read about the national decline in reading, writing and analytical skills. This has been going on for many years, initially with the impact of television, and then, of course, the Internet and other modern methods of communication. There are students who still write well, but overall as a nation we seem to have declined in our ability to write, and that's where the liberal arts continue to add value to one's candidacy and performance on the job.

CityTownInfo: What do you think are the most important things high school students should do to get into the best possible college, and how soon should they start working on their plan?

Dr. Richard White: The single most important thing is getting good grades. By working hard and taking a conscientious approach to one's studies, students will not only build the grades that will help them get into a good college, but they'll also develop personal and academic interests, and possible career interests.

Second is to get involved in school and the community. Twenty years ago, this wasn't as important for getting into college. The requirement was pretty much just a high school transcript, but now colleges are increasingly looking for well-rounded people. I am not only talking about student athletes, but also students who get actively involved in their local communities. Become engaged in the school newspaper, the yearbook, or a language club and take a leadership role in the organizations. Community involvement is one of the big growth areas among colleges and universities looking for talented young people who have a record of service. Volunteer work can be done locally, in another state, or in a foreign country.

Third is to try to find a part-time job, preferably but not necessarily paid. Any opportunity where the student needs to show up on time, work with other people, and perform tasks outside of an academic setting will strengthen the overall application.

CityTownInfo: What advice do you give to students who might not socially or financially be able to reach out on their own and volunteer so that they can gain those valuable experiences?

Dr. Richard White: I recommend seeking local opportunities, either through the student's home church, synagogue, a friend's church, or a social service agency. There are so many people with so many needs. The student doesn't necessarily need to travel to New Orleans, Costa Rica or anywhere else in the world; there are needs in the students' hometowns or surrounding communities. Volunteerism doesn't have to mean a mission trip; it can be a few hours after school helping kids. For example, in my community, our church brings a van of seventh graders and eighth graders from Newark, and our local high school students provide tutoring. It means so much not only to the kids coming from Newark, but also to the volunteers who are providing the tutoring and helping to build study skills.

CityTownInfo: What are the most popular majors for today's students and what are some other trends you have observed?

Dr. Richard White: At Rutgers, the top five majors are psychology, biology, history, economics, and communication, which have been fairly consistent over the last ten to fifteen years.

In terms of student financial aid, we are definitely seeing an increase in requests. I just saw a report that at Rutgers there has been a 20 percent increase in the request for loans. We are trying hard in these difficult economic times, with less support from the state, to do whatever we can to accommodate the requests.

During tough economic times, we also always see more students looking at graduate school. Just as all work has value, I believe all education and degrees have value. Students need to know, however, that not all master's programs enhance job prospects. Furthering one's education postpones the need to get a job, but as much as I am in support of education, certain master's degrees might not in fact be a big boost to income or job placement once the economy turns around. Students need to look at their circumstances, future job prospects, and the degree program on a case-by-case basis.

The last trend we're seeing is more students seeking internships. The good news is that over the last 15 years or so, pre-professional internship opportunities have grown considerably for undergraduates. Business, engineering, technical areas, and communications have experienced considerable growth in internship opportunities. There has been a slight decline during the recession, but the nice thing about an internship is that it is not a long-term commitment on the part of the employer or the student. Internships are probably holding their own more so than full-time jobs, because an employer can bring an intern in for a summer - often paid, but it could be unpaid - and can get a contribution from that person. Students are also provided with challenging work, which could also be eligible for school credit.

CityTownInfo: Do you think there are less internship opportunities in general or are you seeing more companies offering unpaid internships?

Dr. Richard White: The recession has resulted in a slight decline in the total number of internships. However, the number of unpaid opportunities has increased, as well as companies willing to work with schools to provide credit. Through the Rutgers Internship and Co-op Program, for example, students need to complete 180 hours of work, either paid or unpaid, to earn three credits. They also need to complete an online course with a weekly journal entry, an informational interview, and a reflection paper at the end. There is also a learning agreement during the internship and an evaluation at the end, with the student evaluating the experience and the employer evaluating the student.

CityTownInfo: Do you think most employers look for students who have completed an internship for school credit instead of pay?

Dr. Richard White: Certain employers, particularly in the media, strongly favor or even require credit-bearing internships. They enhance the commitment on the part of students, who tend to work harder. A paid internship can achieve the same thing. If students are depending on some income, they are going to take the internship pretty seriously. In the financial and engineering industries, almost all internships are paid. Students may often be able to get credit as well as pay from some opportunities.

CityTownInfo: Besides interning, what do you think are the most important things students can do to prepare to find a job?

Dr. Richard White: The first is to research employers and positions. So much is available now online. It used to be much harder to find out about an organization. Unfortunately, students are extremely busy as they juggle jobs, student organizations, sports, or helping out at home. There are so many demands on them that they might not find or make the time to research employers before an interview or career fair. However, the more they can demonstrate that they've looked at an employer's website and have an understanding of the organization and the industry, the more they will stand out. I suspect only 20 percent actually take the time to thoroughly research an employer before an interview.

Secondly, the student should discuss what he or she accomplished on the job. On the resume, use action verbs and be succinct and specific. The student then needs to be prepared to demonstrate three or four key skills with specific examples. Everyone may acknowledge that they have skills in communication, management, teamwork, and critical thinking, but the most effective candidates provide detailed examples demonstrating these skills, both on their resume and in the interview.

CityTownInfo: What do you recommend to students to help them stand out from other job applicants?

Dr. Richard White: At a career fair, make a positive initial impression with an effective 30-second introduction. It shouldn't sound rehearsed, but should convey confidence, interest in the organization, and how the student can contribute to the organization.

CityTownInfo: What advice do you offer to students regarding how to have a work-life balance once they start working full-time?

Related Article: The Benefits to Businesses and Employees of Working at Home

By SixWise.com

Below is a summary of an article published by SixWise.com on the advantages for working from home:

For Employers

Increased productivity
Less absenteeism
Lower turnover
Larger base of qualified candidates
Reduced office space and equipment requirements

For employees

Better work-life balance
Less stress and subsequent illnesses
Better focus
More time in the day and an average savings of $688 a year in gasoline costs

Potential drawbacks to working from home

Employees must have a high level of self-discipline to complete projects effectively and efficiently and not get distracted by home demands
Difficulty in distancing oneself from work, since it is only steps away
Employees may feel out of the communication loop and have to work harder to overcome it
Employees must have appropriate technology in place at home

Read more details on these tips and the complete article.

Dr. Richard White: Before accepting a job, and preferably even before requesting an interview, we want students to be informed about their potential employer's expectations and the workplace culture. It might not be the easiest information to find out, but networking with an employee will be very helpful. The last thing someone wants to happen is to complete the interview process, receive an offer, excitedly accept the offer, and then find out that 90 or more hours a week is expected for that position. At the point of the offer, it's fine to ask about flextime, which more and more employers are willing to consider. The most important thing is to get the job done, and maybe it doesn't require working from 6:30 in the morning until 10:30 at night. The best companies are finding a way to offer telecommuting because it's good for recruiting and it's good for employee retention.

I do not recommend that students walk into the initial campus interview and immediately start talking about work-life balance, because it will probably send the wrong signal. It is acceptable, however, to inquire about the working conditions and values of the employer. Being on site allows the applicant to get a feel for the employer's atmosphere, but of course nothing compares to doing an internship or co-op. Working on site will give the student the best sense of the workplace culture. The student will be able to see how hard and how long employees are working, and can talk to the full-time employees as well.

CityTownInfo: Do you have any career-related books or websites that you recommend to your students?

Dr. Richard White: At Rutgers, we subscribe to Vault and Wet Feet, which are online sites that look at industries. They provide a lot of inside information on everything from the financial industry to the pharmaceutical industry to the food industry. There are even some profiles of specific companies with comments from current and past employees, which are generally, but not always, positive. Two other really good sites to which many career centers subscribe are Going Global and CareerShift. Going Global is for people looking to relocate either within the U.S. or internationally. It has detailed profiles of 25 of the largest and most prosperous countries in the world where people might be relocating, including everything from chamber of commerce to visa information and job search tips. Going Global also lists about 40 major U.S. cities that are profiled in-depth. CareerShift enables its visitors to manage their job search by listing each employer applied to and when, as well as employer responses. Another great feature is that it combs different job boards and brings jobs that fit the visitor's profile from many different resources.

I think it is important for students and graduates to be geographically flexible with their job search, to think outside of the box and beyond their major, and to highlight their transferrable skills. These factors will make them as marketable as possible to a broad range of potential employers.

Private College Tuitions Rise While Revenues Fall.

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By Yaffa Klugerman
November 4, 2009

Although tuition, fees, room and board at many private colleges now exceeds $50,000, a significant number of institutions predict that tuition revenue will actually decrease in the 2010 fiscal year.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that 58 private colleges now charge over $50,000 per year, while last year only five colleges did. Although the Chronicle notes that many students in these schools receive generous financial aid, some do pay the full price.

"We are heading for a precipice and likely to get there sooner rather than later," said Bill Conley, dean of enrollment and academic services at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, which charges $51,690 for tuition, fees, room and board. "It's not far away."

The report was based on data provided by the College Board, which indicated that based on recent figures, higher education prices are likely to continue to rise: Six years ago, only two colleges charged over $40,000 for tuition, fees, room and board, while 224 do this year.

Included among the most expensive colleges listed were Sarah Lawrence College ($55,788), Landmark College ($53,900), Georgetown University ($52,161), New York University ($51,993) and George Washington University ($51,775).

But others pointed out that the sticker price of private colleges doesn't tell the entire story. Sarah Lawrence College, for example, increased financial aid this year by awarding an average of $27,500 to 52 percent of its students. In addition, the college raised tuition 3.5 percent, its lowest increase in many years.

Sandy Baum, an economist at the College Board, pointed out that despite the rising costs, private college tuition is actually increasing at a slower rate on the average than at public institutions. "It's clear private colleges are making a very big effort to hold tuition increases down," she said, but added that schools will have to consider significant structural changes to curtail rising expenses.

A survey released by Moody's Investors Service yesterday also painted a different picture about rising tuition at private colleges: Although private institutions increased financial aid and decreased selectivity this year to help maintain enrollment, about 30 percent of the 100 private colleges surveyed expect tuition and fee revenues to decline in the 2010 fiscal year. In recent years, an average of less than 10 percent of institutions predicted decreases.

The data is surprising, considering that 73 percent of those surveyed said that enrollment had grown. But Roger Goodman, vice president and senior analyst at Moody's, told Inside Higher Ed that the figures suggest that some institutions increased financial aid more than was necessary to sustain enrollment levels.

"It's not a science," he said, "and if you give additional financial aid to a certain set of applicants you're admitting you can't possibly know whether that last dollar you gave is the one that is convincing the student to come there."

Some Families Trading In Homes For RVs.

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By CityTownInfo.com Staff
November 4, 2009

Some families faced with unemployment and uncertain financial futures are choosing to sell their homes and live their lives on the road in motor homes.

MSNBC reports that according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, about 400,000 Americans live life on the road. Moreover, Kimberly Goza, who runs a Web site for families who live in RVs, noted that recently their traffic has increased tenfold--a consequence, some believe, of the recession's toll on families' abilities to afford mortgages.

Dave and Joleen Dudley are an example. When Dave lost his job as vice president of a software company, they decided to sell their sprawling house in Washington state and live with their three children in a trailer.

"Just taking care of the house, with the mortgage and the insurance and the utility bill and all that, we were probably looking at around $3,000 a month," explained Dave. "Now we're looking around $300 for the same thing."

Joleen said that after Dave lost his job, she panicked about being able to foot their mortgage bill. But now their new life allows them to travel throughout the country while their children do schoolwork online. Recently, Dave landed a new job which allows him to work from their trailer home, but the family is still planning on remaining in the RV for the time being.

In a related story, the News Herald in Panama City, Florida, reports that motor home sales rose nationwide for the first time in more than a year. According to Dr. Rick Harper of the University of West Florida's Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development, people may be buying RVs more because gas prices are lower and summer homes are less attractive since the housing market crashed.

Indeed, Janet Watermeier, who is the Bay County Economic Development Alliance executive director, pointed to the increase in sales as an indication that the economy is beginning to recover. "These are really good signals that we've turned the tide," she said.

But ironically, families like the Dudleys are purchasing RVs in order to help get through the recession. "Who knows when the economy is going to turn around?" said Joleen. "It could be next year, it could be five years, or 10 years. So we're just making our plans with the best that we can go on right now."

Nursing Students Utilizing High-Tech Mannequins.

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By CityTownInfo.com Staff
November 3, 2009

In an effort to give nursing and medical students more hands-on experience in a safe setting, hospitals and colleges throughout the country are increasingly training with high-tech mannequins which can, among other things, bleed, sweat and have a pulse.

Last week, the University of Phoenix unveiled its brand-new immersive learning nursing center which features mannequins that cry, talk, cough and breathe. The school invested more than $400,000 to renovate and equip the facility, which will be used in its nursing degree programs.

"What makes University of Phoenix's immersive learning environment different is that our nursing students are putting both their clinical and critical thinking skills to work," noted Pam Fuller, dean of the school's College of Nursing, who was quoted by Reuters. "In short, they are assessing a patient's condition, prioritizing their responsibilities and actions, communicating what needs to be done, and then acting on the conclusions they draw from the situation at hand."

Officials at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York, which recently opened a new Simulation Center for its residency training program, said that the new technology allows students to learn procedures such as inserting a central venous catheter line or performing laparoscopic surgery.

"The technology used in the Simulation Center is changing the face of medical education," said Dr. Benson Yeh, the hospital's chief academic officer, who was quoted in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. "Nearly all residency-level education used to take place in a traditional hospital setting. By creating a 'virtual' patient in a virtual clinical setting, we can provide residents and nurses with real-life scenarios and give them hands-on experience with procedures, laparoscopic techniques and cardiac arrest."

The St. Joseph News-Press reports that Highland Community College in Kansas recently purchased high-tech mannequins for its nursing programs, including two new SimMan simulators that have chest movements, breathing and bowel sounds, heartbeat and blood pressure. Instructors can even program the mannequins to show the appropriate symptoms of illnesses which are not often seen in patients.

Hospitals are also turning to the new technology to better train their medical staff. The Houston Chronicle reports that Texas Children's Hospital recently opened a Pediatric Simulation Center which aims to reduce medical errors that occur as the result of problems with teamwork, communication or leadership.

The new center includes three high-fidelity simulation theaters and five standardized patient training rooms, all with audio/video systems that record each exercise. The adult mannequin mothers, which can cost as much as $250,000, are so realistic that they cry out in labor and beg for an epidural.

Dr. Jennifer Arnold, medical director of the new center, said that the new technology is well worth its cost. "The striking thing is how well simulation centers work," she said. "What happens in simulation usually happens in real-life cases."

Students Participating In Virtual College Fairs.

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By Yaffa Klugerman
November 3, 2009

Families who wish to travel to prospective college campuses but who cannot afford to do so are taking advantage of virtual college fairs, which provide online access to admissions representatives from institutions throughout the world.

"We're not going to replace the college visit," noted Robert Rosenbloom, creator of CollegeWeekLive.com, who was interviewed by The Boston Channel. "But in today's economic times, students and parents, they can't afford to visit 10, 15 colleges."

The Web site, which was founded in 2007, will hold its fall fair from November 4-7. Families will be able to receive information from nearly 300 schools while participating in webinars and webcam chats with admission counselors, financial aid officials and current students.

"There are a lot of colleges out there, and it's really hard to get a lot of information about them all in one place. The online fair was a fun and interactive way to do it," said Patrick Wheat, a high school junior who was interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The virtual event allowed him to check out Connecticut's Trinity College and Hawaii Pacific University.

Parents agree that such college fairs make sense during a recession. "Our finances are not what they once were," said his mother Colleen. "I don't see us taking a weeklong visit. . .. The kids are so comfortable online. For them to look at these colleges this way is as comfortable as looking online for a pair of shoes."

The virtual tours make financial sense for colleges as well. Todd Coleman, assistant vice president of admissions at Wartburg College in Iowa, told eSchoolNews that the event allows the college to reach many more students than through more traditional methods.

"We [have] received great leads from the online fair and have a good number of prospects, parents, and high school counselors who visit our virtual booth for more information," he said. "The live student chat that we have done each year has really been a big winner for us, and our student [representative] never has enough time to answer all of the questions. What this allows us to do is reach audiences that would normally cost us several thousand dollars to reach between the college fairs costs and travel expenses."

Similar Web sites include EducationXpo.com, which will hold a free fair on November 12; the Green College Tour, which will host a fall fair on November 13, and the Tom Joyner Virtual College Fair, which focuses on historically black colleges and universities.

Career Experts Advise Balancing Passion With Realism.

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

By CityTownInfo.com Staff
November 2, 2009

Experts are telling people to follow their career passions--but within realistic limits.

MSNBC.com reports that a recent study co-authored by Patrick Carroll, an assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State University at Lima, indicated that people are often so blinded by passion for a career that they may not listen to common sense. Results of the survey, which appears in the most current issue of the journal Social Cognition, found that students often had to hear harsh realities and dismal employment possibilities before finally giving up on a goal.

"It's not enough to tell people they fall short and it's not enough to tell them they won't achieve what they envision," Carroll said. "People aren't good at calculating the potential consequences of failure."

He noted that his research was not about finding a way "to kill a dream or make a dream die." Rather, he said, it's about maintaining a realistic outlook which can potentially "maximize long-term mental health."

But others say that dreaming is important, provided that it's accompanied with realistic outlooks. "It's absolutely, 100 percent, OK to dream," said Paula Caligiuri, human resource management professor and director of the Center for Human Resource Strategy at Rutgers University. But she added that people must also maintain a healthy self-awareness about their abilities as well as the strength of character to overcome doubters and naysayers.

Curt Rosengren, author of "101 Ways to Get Wild About Work," told US News & World Report that realism can sometimes go too far. "I agree wholeheartedly that, yes, you do have to be realistic," he writes. "But it's important to be clear about what realistic means. For many people, what they really mean is 'Here's a wet towel I'd like to smother that dream with.' Realism becomes another word for unquestioned pessimism, and it becomes a great (and often unfounded) reason to say no."

He noted that looking at a situation realistically and acting accordingly--what he termed "positive realism"--will very likely increase the likelihood of success. But negative realism, he said, "takes stock of the obstacles and simply stops."

Elizabeth Nill, 61, knows a thing or two about pursuing passions. She told MSNBC.com that after working as a chief operating officer for the philanthropic organization and later as a managing director for a consulting firm, she decided to launch a clothing company in Cape Cod. Although colleagues have said that her aspirations are unrealistic considering her lack of experience in fashion and manufacturing, she is determined to try.

"Once we get our sights on something, as human beings, we're going to stay with it until we run into bumps ourselves," she explained.