Valley City State University Memorandum TO: Jodi Shorma, Professor FROM: Chelsey Olauson, Student DATE: January 18, 2017 RE: Memo Report Assignment This report provides three ways the VCSU website (vcsu.edu) supports its mission statement. The VCSU Mission Statement is "Through flexible, accessible, and innovative baccalaureate and master's programs, VCSU prepares students to succeed as educators, leaders, and engaged citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse society." Included in the main focus is the website’s innovative and user-friendly design, the accessibility of individual program specifics, and finally the simplified complexity that is the website’s strategy.
Institutional mission statements are public declarations of the campuses purpose, why it is important, and its core vision of excellence. Several professionals in higher education use their area of expertise to help ensure that the institution mission, as well as their own specialized department mission, is actualized. Asking students and faculty if they feel the mission statement is being portrayed accurately, will help foster the integrity and success of the institution, its departments, and its students. Consequently, I conducted interviews with two individuals who are Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) students and participants of CalWORKs, and a counselor from the CalWORKs department. Several similarities of opinion between the interviewees were apparent in the interview.
There are many core principles encompassed by the mission and values of Pacific University's Physician Assistant Studies program that I know will make Pacific University a great match for me. Ensuring high quality care for patients, valuing diversity, and lifelong learning of evidence based medicine are concepts that should be at the core of healthcare. Also important to me is the need to help underserved populations. Currently working as a medical assistant at a primary care physicians office in Hilo, Hawaii I work with many individuals from underserved communities of the island and I see the need for greater healthcare access in these areas, and I am now committed to continuing to help the underserved as I further my career.
The college's commitment to hands-on learning and fieldwork will provide me with invaluable practical experiences in real classrooms, allowing me to apply the knowledge and skills I gain throughout my coursework. I anticipate the chance to work directly with diverse student populations, and to make a positive impact on their lives. Additionally, Pacific Oaks' emphasis on community engagement and advocacy will enable me to develop a deeper understanding of what my educational goals are. I am eagerly anticipating the transformative journey that lies ahead and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children through my studies at Pacific Oaks. Being able to access lectures and coursework from the comfort of my own home has allowed me to save time on commuting and adhere to a personalized schedule.
I am a good fit with the vision, mission, and values at Pacific University’s School of Communication Sciences and Disorders for several reasons. I am already a part of Pacific’s community because I have attended 4 years of undergraduate here. I have also become a part of the sports community on campus, Pacific’s fine arts community, and the surrounding community of Forest Grove by being involved in track and field, drama, and the Forest Grove school district. My involvement in a number of different activities also demonstrates my appreciation for diversity. Pacific is a safe place to be different.
Phoenix College supports the idea that the assessment of student learning begins with educational goals. Phoenix College is a learner-centered institution where all goals and operations are based on school core values: engagement, integrity, respect, stewardship, excellence and innovation. The web site has the whole page about the college, where individuals can find information about the school’s mission, goals, philosophy, see the planning reports, academic and learning achievements, leave a feedback, and learn about the college agenda and its master plan. Phoenix College agenda is directed by the Vision, Mission, and Values of Phoenix College and the Maricopa Community College District, and is in alignment with MCCCD Governing Board Outcomes and Metrics. Every couple of Years College posts the “College Planning” reports showing college accomplishments and future agenda.
It offers clubs, classes, activities, and programs that I believe are essential to becoming the best version of myself. Moreover, these opportunities will enable me to engage in outreach activities for the school, fostering a sense of belonging within the community. As for why I believe that UW can offer what other universities cannot, UW prioritizes its students' education and engagement in extracurricular
An education at UM-Ann Arbor will undoubtedly prepare me for an educational career at a prestigious school and provide numerous opportunities for me to flourish. Furthermore, I plan on being an adventurer, curious and open to novel experiences. The extracurricular life at UM-Ann Arbor seems to be full of boundless potential, as over 1500 student organizations exist at UM-Ann Arbor; I will find something that piques my interest. I look forward to fully participating in the university community and getting more involved in community service. For example, math tutoring is one of my passions, and I take delight in explaining complicated concepts to my peers.
A year ago I made the conscious decision to enroll in Arcadia University’s Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and to this day I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Instead of following the clear cut path of attending college right after high school, I decided it would be better to wait and attend a much more affordable Community College in the meantime. This proved beneficial in the long run for when it came time to transfer to a 4 year institution, I felt much more at ease with the concept of paying for college as well as keeping up with my studies. Arcadia University drew me in with its lush campus as well as it’s commitment to providing a much more global perspective to it ’s students both inside the classroom and out.
Accessible community and cultural events, paired with the professional preparation and research opportunities of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, are the changes that USF can offer and that I believe would make my college experience more rewarding. I feel that it can fulfill both my academic and personal goals; it is the institution where I want to complete my undergraduate
As cliche as it sounds, after visiting Montclair State University for the first time, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that it was number one on my list of where I would love to attend college. The realization that it is the school for me has made my college search fairly easy; for there hasn’t been another school I have visited that I like as much as Montclair. When I stepped onto the campus, the physical beauty of it astonished me as well as the welcoming, promising and diverse atmosphere. I knew right away this was the place I would love to spend the next four years of my life learning, socializing, and blossoming as a person. Aside from the physical appeal Montclair offers, the curriculum seems to be beyond stellar.
The expansive history and tradition radiated off of every proud student. Exploring my options of study, I found the college of Literature, Science and the Arts incredibly attractive. The hands on practical learning approach offered exactly what I had been looking for, along with the varying degrees focused on mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Additionally, diversity is a must as I explore my educational opportunities, and LSA gives me the ability to gain a world-class education in an academic setting as diversified as me. Recognizing LSA was a perfect fit, from the arts to mathematics, while encompassing research, internships and premier study abroad programs, was
My professional improvement activities connect with my course and dissertation work with the College of Education at California State University, Stanislaus. My doctoral studies there in Educational Leadership with a focus on Community College Leadership has allowed me to research the needs of this Central Valley area and better understand the equity and social justice issues facing students today. My leadership, collaborative, and communication skills all continue to grow due to this program, along with a new-found awareness of the diverse community connections within the Community College environment. Much of my course work research papers had their focus on Yosemite Community College, especially the equity environment here on campus. I have satisfactorily taken 48 units of core and specialization courses, and I am in the process of my final semester of my 12 units of dissertation credits.
This semester will be my second at the University of Arizona, at 33 years old with a high school education, it is an understatement to say that it was fairly intimidating to be immersed in an academic community of fresh young minds straight out of high school. My strategy for this new chapter in my life has been to reflect on and use my past experiences for guidance and to have a clear set of goals that I continually draw upon for the motivation to keep pushing forward. The act of writing these goals down is not a new concept, in my previous career it was mandated that several times a year I would meet with a mentor and discuss and write down my personal and professional goals. I have continued this practice in my academic career.
College was always one of my long term goals as I continued with my education. Throughout the years I began to work harder and harder so I could secure my future. I knew that getting to college would not be easy. I am about to embark on a four year journey in one of the hardest fields to pursue. I will continue my education as a Nursing major at a four year university.
