Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease

Posted on by Diane Oakes

In an open letter to the American public in October 2018 Justice Sandra Day O鈥機onnor shocked the American public with the revelation she had been diagnosed as being in the early stages of dementia. Years ago, she made the difficult decision to step down from her position as the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court to care for her husband, John, who had been diagnosed with dementia. As she is one of the most powerful and brilliant legal minds of our time, Justice O鈥機onnor鈥檚 diagnosis highlights the unpredictability of dementia and that dementia can strike anyone at any time.

What exactly is dementia?

According to the , it is our most feared disease that someone develops every three seconds. The likelihood of developing dementia increases with age, but many older adults are unaware that they have it. Of the 5.7 million Americans who have dementia, only half have a formal diagnosis by a physician. Although dementia is often used interchangeably with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, they are not the same. describes dementia as 鈥渁 group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.鈥� Alzheimer鈥檚 is one of the most common types of dementia, followed by vascular dementia and Lewey body dementia.

Dementia can make us feel powerless, whether as health professionals or individuals seeking to stay healthy in mind and body. Subtle symptoms of dementia often begin years or even decades before a diagnosis occurs. So what can we do, right now, to reduce our risk of developing dementia? Studies vary in recommendations. Some professionals recommend staying in school through age 15 to avoid social isolation. On the other hand, it can be confusing to determine how to prevent dementia. Yet, it is imperative to try. A 2017 report by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care states that up to one-third of dementia diagnoses might be preventable. The Alzheimer鈥檚 Association offers these prevention guidelines:

    • Don鈥檛 smoke
    • Keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-sugar levels within recommended limits
    • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
    • Exercise
    • Limit alcohol consumption

Research on dementia prevention and treatment is expanding, with intriguing new recommendations coming out regularly. Stay informed. Assess what you read and be sure that the recommendations are evidence-based. After all, dementia impacts not only the person diagnosed, but also loved ones, families, health professions, communities, and nations. Finding a cure and treatments to stay the progression of the disease is fast becoming a global priority.

Interested in learning more about dementia and Alzheimer鈥檚 disease? Check out HSC 416 Introduction to Gerontology, or at the graduate level, PBH 647 Vulnerable Populations.

Financial Aid Verification Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by Denise Gonyo

The federal government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the data reported by students and their parent(s) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Verification is confirmed when the information provided on a student’s FAFSA is determined correct through documentation. The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the financial aid to which they are entitled and prevents ineligible students from receiving financial aid to which they are not entitled.

How will I know if I am selected for verification?

Students will receive notification from U.S. Department of Education indicating that they have been selected for verification. The Financial Aid Office at Excelsior will also send an email to you if you have been selected with information on next steps.

Why was I selected for verification?

If you have been selected for verification it means that you were chosen randomly, the FAFSA you submitted was incomplete, your FAFSA contains estimated information, or the data you provided on the FAFSA is inconsistent. Verification is a federal regulation. Students who are selected for verification are not being punished; rather, verification prevents ineligible students from receiving aid by reporting false information and ensures that eligible students receive all the aid for which they are qualified.

What do I have to submit and where do I send it?

You can also see if you have been selected for verification by logging into your MyExcelsior portal, selecting the My Details tab, clicking 鈥淕o to Online Financial Aid System,鈥� selecting 鈥淢enu,鈥� and then selecting 鈥淒ocuments.鈥� This section will list any documents that are required for the verification process.

Some forms can be completed directly through this screen. Other documents, such as tax transcripts, can be sent as attachments via your MyExcelsior message center, emailed to vafa@excelsior.edu, or faxed to 518-464-8660. These documents can include tax transcripts, W-2s, signed statements, proof of citizenship, selective service registration, or high school diploma. Do not wait to submit your documents. Failure to submit documents early could result in longer wait times.

What happens once I submit my documents and how long does it take?

The typical turnaround time is 7鈥�10 business days. During peak times, it can take longer. After the initial review, sometimes the Financial Aid Office will require additional documentation for verification. This process could take an additional 7鈥�10 business days. Once verification is complete, the Financial Aid Office will begin reviewing your eligibility for financial aid. It is important to note that once verification has been completed, any changes to your FAFSA could require additional documentation.

What if I don’t want to complete the verification process?

The verification process is a federal regulation and must be completed for a student to receive federal aid.

How will I be notified if I have incomplete verification materials?

You will be notified via your MyExcelsior message center. If there are additional documents that are required, they will be added to your Documents tab in your Online Financial Aid System and will be listed as 鈥漀ot Received.鈥� If you need to update something already submitted, the document will be listed as 鈥淚ncomplete.鈥�

How do I request a Tax Return Transcript?

Whenever possible, it is recommended that students use the Data Retrieval Tool on your FAFSA if it is listed as an option. Alternatively, students can order tax transcripts by visiting the IRS web site at . Under the 鈥淭ools鈥� section, select 鈥淕et a Tax Transcript.鈥�

 

Caring for Those With Dementia

Posted on by Marisa Iacobucci

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. I work with caregivers of individuals with dementia every day and one thing that comes up often is that they are uncertain of how to interact with the person they鈥檙e caring for, particularly as the disease progresses. While every caregiving situation is unique depending on the kind of dementia, there are 10 caregiver commandments that can provide guidance for all.

 

础濒飞补测蝉鈥�

  • Agree, Never Argue. Even if the person you鈥檙e caring for is saying something that isn鈥檛 true, makes no sense, or is offensive, roll with it. Meet that person where they鈥檙e at. Arguing just creates stress for you and them.
  • Redirect, Never Reason. When the person your caring for is fixated on something 鈥� they insist it鈥檚 time to go home, even if they are home 鈥� redirect their attention to something else. It could be something on the TV, showing them a picture, mentioning the weather鈥nything that will move them away from whatever they鈥檝e fixated on.
  • Distract, Never Shame. If a mistake is made and confusion sets in, just laugh it off and instead, tell them how good they look! Positivity isn鈥檛 always easy, but humor and compassion can help in a tough situation. Humans often dwell on mistakes or lost memories; focusing on something positive or even fun can bring peace and joy, even if only for a little while.
  • Reassure, Never Lecture. Individuals with dementia become more fearful as the disease progresses. Reassure them that everything is okay, even if they continue to express fear and anxiety. Keep in mind that even the familiar may now be new and unfamiliar to them.
  • Reminisce, Never Say 鈥淩emember.鈥� To say, 鈥渄on鈥檛 you remember鈥� is very frustrating and hurtful to someone with dementia because they truly can鈥檛 remember. When they see you frustrated, they will get equally frustrated. Things can easily fall apart. Instead, just share a memory you have and even if they don鈥檛 remember it, they鈥檒l often enjoy the story you鈥檙e telling.
  • Repeat, Never Say, 鈥淚 already told you that.鈥� This ties into not saying 鈥渞emember.鈥� You may have told something to the person you鈥檙e caring for less than five minutes ago, but they won鈥檛 remember. If you find yourself getting frustrated with repeating the same thing over and over again, drop that thing and move onto something else. This goes back to the 鈥淩edirect鈥� commandment.
  • Say 鈥淒o what you can,鈥� Never Say 鈥淵ou can鈥檛.鈥� Provide easy tasks for the person your caring for鈥攆olding towels, drying the dishes, sweeping, helping with bathing鈥攖o make them feel useful and a part of daily living.
  • Ask, Never Command. The person with dementia deserves respect and kindness. Treat them the way you鈥檇 like to be treated.
  • Encourage and Praise, Never Condescend. Always remember that a simple task is not easy for someone with dementia. Giving them praise will go far.
  • Reinforce, Never Force. You may have to repeat how to do something many times, but your patience will be appreciated.

 

Adapted from

 

The Alzheimer鈥檚 Association is a hub for many services, support groups, and excellent trainings and disease education.听 Go to to find your local chapter. They have a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900) to help you during times of stress, when a new behavior occurs that has you frightened or frustrated, or if you just need someone to talk to.

Are You 鈥淐yber Smart鈥�? Test Your Cyber Security Knowledge Before Your Personal Identity Is Breached

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

With the start of the holiday season and increase in online shopping, do you know how 鈥渃yber smart鈥� you are? Is your personal information safe? Two Excelsior College employees skilled in cybersecurity, Ethan Sprissler, the faculty program director, information technology and undergraduate cybersecurity, and Amelia Estwick, program manager, graduate cybersecurity, share tips to test your cyber knowledge. If you are interested in technology and cybersecurity check out the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

This 鈥淐yber Smart Test鈥� will help you stay safe when surfing the internet and using technology at home, in the car, on your watch, or in the workplace.

Test question 1:

Do you ever test if your passwords are secure? If yes, you鈥檙e ahead of the curve. If not, test yours .

Test question 2:

For online security, do you create passwords or passphrases? Cyber experts suggest you create a passphase for added protection. It鈥檚 quite simple.

  • Pick a phrase 鈥� Example: I shop at Marshalls
  • Use 1st letter of each word 鈥� Example: ISAM
  • Add a name of a website 鈥� Example: Isamarshalls
  • Substitute special characters 鈥� Example: Isamarshalls$364!

Test question 3:

When the pop-up question, 鈥淒o you want to save this password?鈥� appears on your computer, what do you do? The answer should be 鈥淣o 鈥� never for this site.鈥�

Test question 4:

Do you put the information below on forms, applications, in email, or on websites? Your goal should be to minimize personal information sharing.

  • Passwords
  • Credit card numbers
  • Addresses for work/home
  • Email addresses
  • Birthdates
  • Pharmacy prescriptions 鈥� remember to safely discard your personal information that comes with prescriptions. This is a big business now with the opioid crisis.
  • Electronic health records
  • Financial Information
  • Vehicle license info
  • Biometric identifiers 鈥� Be careful with thumbprint, eye scanners, etc. In general, be safe when sharing personal or unique information. Ask who is storing this? Is it safe?

Test question 5:

Do you use Bluetooth? Malicious attackers can crash your devices, block them from receiving phone calls, and drain your battery. It is suggested to turn off your Bluetooth when you鈥檙e not using it. Check out the article that appeared in Forbes this summer: .

Test question 6:

Do you use Amazon Echo? Each time you say 鈥淎lexa,鈥� you can see a log in on Amazon. Be mindful of where you are tracked. It is recommended to unplug these home devices when you鈥檙e not using them. Also, be careful when mobile apps ask for permissions. They can access your address book, etc.
To amplify your knowledge on cyber trends, consider the additional tips below.

  • Have you heard about zero trust states in cybersecurity? This means with cybersecurity, trusting relationships allow access to people you know, however, individuals can allow access to someone they know. Zero trust states the opposite. Identify who you are and then authorize trust. This is the new model built into cyber and being adopted in health care and financial industries.
  • Have you heard about crackers? They break into cyber systems and circumvent security. These people present reports to companies on cyber weakness.
  • Data is king and queen 鈥� The dark web is big. It removes trackability. It hides a user鈥檚 identity and location, and users can see what kind of accounts you connect to. To learn more visit .
  • What is multifactor authentication? It is a security system that asks for more than one method to identify; for example, what the user knows (password), what the user has (security token), and what the user is (biometric verification). Banking is doing this now and can lock down accounts.

World Kindness Day : Thanks for Giving a Helping Hand

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

November 13 is World Kindness Day, but it doesn鈥檛 take an official date on the calendar to make the world a better place. Everyone can make a difference in the life of someone else with a thinking-of-you text, a nice gesture, or doing something to make life a little sweeter.

excelsior staff volunteer at salvation army

Acts of Kindness Through Excelsior Cares

At Excelsior College, employees help with community events, drives, and fundraisers to expand the College鈥檚 mission of service to the underserved by assisting with critical needs of the community.

Throughout the year, employees support a variety of causes and volunteer individually and collectively to show Excelsior Cares. Employees are also offered Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to participate in community activities during the workday. In 2018, 138 staff members helped 52 organizations and donated 541 VTO hours.

Looking back at 2018, Excelsior employees also made an impact on some large community projects. During Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week this past April, 108 volunteers helped with 23 community projects at such organizations as Veterans Miracle Center, Crohn鈥檚 Colitis Foundation, Salvation Army, Cystic Fibrosis, , , American Heart Association, Special Olympics, and . The National Volunteer Week projects included sorting inventory items, cooking, promoting upcoming charity events, painting, feeding the hungry, and cleaning. This was significant as both the size and scope of projects increased from a year ago when 57 employees helped with 9 community projects during Volunteer Week.

Excelsior Cares

Why is the Excelsior Cares culture of giving so important? For employees, helping the community is a chance to learn about themselves and others. It is a chance to appreciate what they have when you see firsthand others who are less fortunate. It is also an opportunity for employees to learn about services provided by many non-profits in the community and perhaps refer others to. It is also a chance to meet and work with colleagues from various units across the College while serving great causes.

Beyond feeling good and helping others, the feedback we receive from organizations is inspiring. For example, Nancy Pechony, logistics director from Veterans Miracle Center, stated, 鈥�It was wonderful having your group here. They were a great blessing to us, enabling us to get so much more humanitarian aid packaged to go out than we ever could have with just our own staff. Thank you more than words can express!鈥�

Carolyn Braunius, associate director of development, Capital District Region, Special Olympics New York, shared, 鈥�Thank you so much for letting Special Olympics New York be a part of Excelsior Cares volunteer day! We had such a great time working with the volunteers from the College, and they made such a huge difference for us here at our organization! Five volunteers worked seamlessly with staff and five of our athletes to clean out and organize our equipment storage facilities.鈥�

In addition to Volunteer Week, in 2018, employees raised more than $3,000 from a themed gift baskets fundraiser to support local community projects in need of assistance throughout the year. They donated to special collection drives like Adopt a Family and Toys for Tots and collected 646 pounds of food for the Regional Food Bank鈥檚 inaugural Hunger Action Challenge.

Planning for 2019 community engagement activities has begun, and Excelsior employees look forward to lending a helping hand on world kindness day and beyond throughout the Capital Region.

Faculty Profile: Randy Holt

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

鈥淒on鈥檛 give up.鈥� 鈥淒on鈥檛 be shy.鈥� 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions.鈥� Randy Holt鈥檚 advice to students is vast and supportive. He may be a technology instructor for Excelsior College, but he has more to teach his students than just technology.

Holt has been with Excelsior since 2015, and teaches Technology in Society, which covers technological change from historical, artistic, and philosophical perspectives, and its effect on human needs and concerns. In addition to his teaching background, he supervises the Distributed Controls Group at Dominion Energy, Cove Point LNG in Lusby, Md. 鈥淚n my 14 years of service at the facility, I鈥檝e served as an operator and a controls technician,鈥� says Holt. He earned a MS in National Cybersecurity Policy and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Holt understands the difficulties of the adult learner. He knows that coursework takes time and recommends students do not take on too much at once for fear of burning themselves out. He says, 鈥淧rior to signing up for a course, think about the lifestyle you want to maintain while you are engaging in your coursework and ensure you can manage the balance.鈥�

He also recommends students take advantage of what Excelsior has to offer, particularly pointing out the free writing resources like the Online Writing Lab. 鈥淏eing able to write and communicate effectively is very important, particularly in the work place,鈥� says Holt. He notes that working on assignments earlier in the week can be helpful because you can have someone else proofread your work. Oftentimes, having a second set of eyes makes all the difference.鈥� He admits that technology is evolving at a rapid pace, but this can mean more opportunities for collaboration with other students. Holt tells students to reach out to fellow group members when working in groups. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be shy! The earlier you get involved in the process, the more successful you will be. Don鈥檛 sit back and wait for people to contact you,鈥� he says.

Personal connections are not just beneficial for educational reasons. Holt鈥檚 networking advice to students is to use established relationships to create new opportunities. 鈥淩emember, 听always be pleasant to those you encounter. If people understand that you are good with people, they will be more likely to hire you,鈥� he says.

For those students looking for jobs, Holt says to never give up and to keep applying. 鈥淚t may take time and it will definitely take lots of energy, but don鈥檛 give up,鈥� he says. He reminds students that to land a dream job, they may have to relocate, but to not count that out. Sometimes it will be end up being a great opportunity. And, within the workplace, Holt says to 鈥渢rust but verify.鈥� His advice is to 鈥渂e sure to preform your own independent analysis prior to relying on the recollection, or word, of others.鈥� He also reminds students to never be afraid to ask questions.

In his spare time, Holt can be found spending time with his wife Christie and their two Goldendoodle dogs. It鈥檚 clear his passion is helping his students; when asked what he loves most about teaching for Excelsior, he says, 鈥淚 really enjoy learning about the various backgrounds of the students.鈥� If anything is for certain, it鈥檚 that his students enjoy learning from him, too.

 

 

Why You Need a Career Plan

Posted on by Maribeth Gunner

Some people will spend extensive energy preparing for a trip, meticulously arranging every detail of their excursion, but they will not invest the same time and effort planning for their future careers. How about you? Do you make time to review your professional goals and ambitions? Are you satisfied with your current job, or do you wonder about other options that could be a better fit? Establishing and implementing a career plan can help answer these questions and more. Career planning is a beneficial process used to map out the steps, skills, goals, and even the people you will need to help you reach your professional aspirations.

Engaging in periodic review of your current career status is more essential now than ever before. We live in a fast-paced, information-driven, knowledge-based global economy where the work world is changing at a rapid pace, and the skills you need change just as fast. The future will bring new and different employment options which will require you to be adaptable, resourceful, and proactive. One way to ensure you will always be ready and responsive to advance in the job market is to create a plan based on an assessment of your current knowledge, skills, interests, values, and goals. A flexible career strategy is also necessary to allow for happenstance within your plan, both personally and professionally. Chances are you may refine your career direction several times over your lifetime. Whether you are just formulating your first career plan or reviewing an older one, here are some tips to consider as you move forward:

 

  • Conduct a Career Self-Assessment: Take a formal or informal inventory of your current career values, interests, skills, strengths, and lifestyle preferences. What is most meaningful to you at this point in your life? Is it a high salary? Benefits? Work flexibility? What are you really interested in? Is there something new you want to, or need to learn to remain competitive in your field? Identify your transferable skills. Are there strengths you can apply to another line of work, or skills you can hone for your current position?
  • Research Your Career Field: Once you know more about the level of career satisfaction, and/or the skills you wish to polish, look for opportunities to gain advancement. Seek education options, job entry points, both within your organization and externally. Use online sources to research current market trends. Where is job growth expected? What is the outlook for your line of work? Investigate the Occupational Outlook Handbook (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more.
  • Make Informed Decisions: Once you have gathered good information, reflect. If you are considering a change, evaluate the pros and cons. Consider risks, if any. Are you happy where you are? Do you need additional training? Consult trusted contacts. Prioritize as needed. Then, determine the best solution for moving forward.
  • Set Goals: Look at where you are鈥� and where you want to be. Do the next steps you have chosen seem reasonable? Logical? Set short-term goals to follow (0鈥�3 years), and long-term goals to reach (3鈥�5 years). Make sure the goals you develop are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely).
  • Document Your Plan: Write it down. Include the steps/goals you have decided on and corresponding dates. Add whatever other information is helpful to you. Remember that the plan should have structure but also be flexible. Consider posting it in a place where you can see it. If you need a template, visit . Refer to it throughout the year. Revise it as needed. Note when you have achieved something. Acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate!

Benefits of Career Planning

No matter what industry you are in, or what level position you hold, career planning can become an integral component of your professional life. This beneficial process will help you gain more control, instill a stronger sense of purpose, and create a more definitive vision for your future. Break free from any self-imposed limitations, and realize the full potential of your abilities. Select a time that works best for you; perhaps the New Year or early spring. Whatever you choose, commit to continuous lifelong learning, and devote some time to review your career plan each year. Then, go ahead and spend the rest of your energy arranging that next trip. Learn more about Excelsior College’s 3+1 program.

How to Negotiate Salary

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

NEGOTIATE A FAIR SALARY BY PLANNING AHEAD

Most job seekers agree 鈥� the one aspect of a job search that causes the most angst is how to negotiate salary. The most important decision you鈥檒l consider when contemplating a job offer is whether or not the compensation for the position is accept颅able. Once you have secured an interview and proven to be a top candidate, the subject of salary is inevitable. Salary negotiation is complex mainly because there are many other things that you can be missing out on if you don鈥檛 ask about them, and the way you do this is you bring them up, with an excited energy to be a part of the company and contribute in the role, but wanting to work out what鈥檚 fair for both of you. How can you be sure to negotiate the best salary? With some basic knowledge and proactive preparation, you can reduce your stress and increase your potential for a success颅ful salary outcome.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Preparing for effective salary negotiating should begin well before the job interview. Evaluating your priorities and examining your needs is a good starting point. What do you want to attain in your next career step? What type of organization do you want to work for? The size, scope, and mission of an organization will dictate the type of compensation package that is offered.

For example, a small business may not offer as competitive a salary as a larger one, but it may provide comparable benefits that augment salary, such as stock options or comprehensive health benefits. Would you accept a lower salary as a trade-off? What if other benefits are offered? You need to consider your bottom line. Review your personal budget. What amount do you need to sustain or enhance your lifestyle? What is the minimum offer that you will accept? Assessing your wants and needs prior to the interview will help to define your desired work/life balance and allow you to confidently pursue salary negotiation. According to PayScale, 25 percent of those who negotiate get more than they expected.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Another important task to complete, prior to an interview, is researching salary information pertaining to the job you are seeking. It is critical to know what both the job and you are worth to ensure the best bargaining power when negotiating. Compensation is not determined solely by your experience and abilities. Other factors affect potential salary, including geographic location, economic conditions, trends in the industry, size of the organization, job level, and the overall status of the job market. For successful salary negotiation, you need to determine the fair market value for the position you are seeking in your specified geographic location.

There are several online resources that can aid in your research such as salary calculators, salary surveys, and cost-of-living calculators. , features salary information, job descriptions, and an employment forecast for each industry. also offers a thorough package of employment information and statistics by region. These tools are generally free and designed to provide an overview of salary information that is pertinent to your specific situation. Salary calculators compute salaries for jobs by title, industry, and geographic location. Some salary calculators will also provide more personalized reports for a fee. Salary surveys, too, reflect the general range of compensation awarded for jobs in your career field by occu颅pation, industry, and location. Some salary surveys also provide information on starting salaries based on college major. Don鈥檛 forget to ask friends and alums of your school who work in the industry what a typical starting salary for a new graduate is in the job of your choice.

To determine if a specific employer鈥檚 salary offer is reasonable, you need to have good assessment of what the going rate is for the position you are seeking. Professional associations in your field are another excellent source of salary information that cannot be overlooked. These associations often conduct regular salary surveys of their members, which yield the most current and job-specific salary information. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are two additional web tools that provide helpful data and statistics on salaries. Although salary surveys and calculators provide good estimations, the results may not match your job description exactly. However, the informa颅tion can still be useful as a baseline for what is generally standard in your field. It鈥檚 a good idea to investigate more than one of these resources to obtain several perspectives. If you plan to relocate for a job, cost-of-living calculators are good indicators of what you鈥檒l need to earn in order to make a living in various locations in the U.S. For example, a larger city may have a much higher cost of living than a small city or town. It is important to allow for differences in the cost of living when determin颅ing the salary you will seek in a new location.

The more information you gather about the current overall job market 鈥� and your value within that market 鈥� the stronger founda颅tion you鈥檒l have to successfully negotiate and maximize your chances for an optimal compen颅sation package.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEGOTIATIONS

Once you鈥檝e done your research and have a good understanding of the compensation you鈥檙e worth, you will be prepared to talk salary. Many employers have an established range of salaries budgeted for specific jobs, and they anticipate that a candidate will bargain. There are several points to consider in the negotiation process:

  1. During the interview, avoid being the first to mention salary. Allow the employer to introduce the topic. Delaying any salary discussion opens the door for you to tout your strengths and establish why you are the right one for the job, before compensation is determined. Postponing the topic of salary also provides time for you to glean more information about what the position entails. When it is evident that there is a strong mutual interest, and you are deemed to be an exceptional candidate, place the onus on the employer to pitch the best offer. You鈥檒l have greater leverage for successful negotiation.
  2. Be aware that some employers may attempt to engage you in a salary discussion early in the interview process. In this case, you may need to take a different tack. You don鈥檛 want your response to price you out of the job or invite an offer that is less than the going rate. If asked what your salary requirements are, try not to disclose a specific figure that could minimize your bargaining power. If you must quote a baseline number, remember to ensure that it is one you know will fully support, if not improve your current lifestyle.

Here鈥檚 a few optional responses:

  • Explain that you would like to know more about the expectations and duties of the position, prior to the salary discussion.
  • Indicate that your salary requirements are contingent upon review of the total compensation package being offered.
  • Focus your reply on a salary you believe to be commensurate with the job responsibilities, based upon your previous research.

If asked about your salary history, be honest. If your previous salary was consider颅ably higher or lower than the range being offered, be prepared to address this. Be creative. Contextualize your past salary. Note if there was a difference in location or size of the prior organization. Highlight any addi颅tional benefits you may have received, such as extensive health care coverage or invest颅ment options that account for the disparity in compensation.

Remember: During a salary negotiation, you and the employer are working toward a shared goal. Be prepared to compromise. If you are not successful at negotiating the exact salary you want, consider asking for other alternatives to achieve your objective. It is also important to consider the benefits offered as they can significantly add to your base pay.

While benefits are considered standard for many employers and may not be negotiable, some do offer flexible benefit packages that provide employees with choices. A trade-off might be to secure an increased pension plan, flexible working hours, tuition reimbursement, bonuses, additional vacation time, or coverage of moving expenses. At this point, pursuing all options can bring you closer to your desired goal.

Of course, always maintain a positive and professional communication style when nego颅tiating. Your demeanor during negotiations gives the employer a view of who you are. Even if you don鈥檛 take the job, you never know if your paths may cross in future business situations. When salary negotiations conclude, and an offer is made, it is prudent to ask for time to review the offer 鈥� if you are still unsure.

Once you do accept the job offer, it is important to get the final offer in writing. Regardless of whether you choose to accept or decline, be sure to confirm your response in writing and acknowledge your appreciation for the employer鈥檚 time and efforts.

5 MORE TIPS ON HOW TO NEGOTIATE SALARY

Sufficient preparation for salary negotiations can change a challenging aspect of the job search process into a rewarding experience. Sharpening your salary negotiation skills will give you the tools you need to get the compen颅sation you deserve and set your career path in the right direction.

In addition to the tips mentioned above, Maribeth Gunner, Director of Career Services offers these five tips to help you in your next salary negotiation.

Editor鈥檚 note: Text adapted from Maribeth Gunner Pulliam鈥檚 article, 鈥淪harpen Your Salary Negotiating Skill,鈥� Live & Learn, Spring/Summer 2007.听 Maribeth Gunner Pulliam is the director of at Excelsior College.听

Alternative Medicine: Therapeutic Touch

Posted on by Nicole Helstowski

Continuous learning has always been one aspect of my role as a registered nurse. This year, I began searching for ways to integrate holistic care for patients. A colleague encouraged me to explore alternative therapies to support my nursing practice and I discovered therapeutic touch.

Therapeutic touch is an evidence-based healing modality that is grounded in the assumption that all humans have energy fields that extend beyond their physical body. Established in the late 1970s by Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN, and the late Dora Kunz, therapeutic touch promotes many aspects of healing for individuals. For various reasons, a person鈥檚 energy field may require redirection or repatterning to facilitate physical and emotional healing.

According to Therapeutic Touch International Association, therapeutic touch practitioners use four phases during a session, which include centering (and setting an intention), assessment (holding hands over the recipient鈥檚 body to assess the human energy field), rebalancing (moving energy through the field based off the assessment cues), and reassessment (to ensure the energy field is flowing). The effects of emotional, spiritual, and physical stressors can take a toll on our body鈥檚 ability to regulate homeostasis. Because of the large amount of evidence that supports a relaxation response and stimulation of the body鈥檚 immune response in recipients of therapeutic touch, I decided to pursue certification as a qualified therapeutic touch practitioner.

While my initial intention for pursuing therapeutic touch certification was to create a more holistic nursing care for my patients, I have discovered an unexpected self-fulfillment in its practice. To center oneself to enter another person鈥檚 energy field with positive intentions, I have learned how to pause and slow down from the rapid pace of the work environment. I have learned how to create the space to connect with another individual on a higher level. I have also become more conscious of how my actions and energy can impact another person. This enhanced self-awareness has significantly impacted my practice as a nurse.

My practice in therapeutic touch has also reinforced the need for self-care in nursing. As an educator of nursing students, I feel it is not enough to teach and advocate for self-care; I must practice it, too. Meditation, quiet reflection, and centering help, so I am in an optimal state to care for my patients and students. I have evolved from a registered nurse who anticipated the physical and emotional needs of my patient to a registered nurse who connects with patients to individualize the care I provide with additional treatment modalities. Therapeutic touch has provided me with an opportunity to develop a more comprehensive approach to patient care. I am enjoying this new avenue of professional learning as I progress with the practice of therapeutic touch.

 

Disclaimer:听The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Degrees at Work: James Davenport

Posted on by Maria C. Sparks

Eight-hour work days. Flexible scheduling. Daily meetings and, occasionally, working from multiple locations in a single day.

Ask Excelsior College graduate James Davenport about his career, and these conventional details are part of the description. But as technology manager for applicant testing in the Office of Marketing, Outreach, and Testing at the National Security Agency (NSA), these particulars are where the typical aspects of Davenport鈥檚 existence end鈥攁nd the daily challenge of being a vital cog in the U.S. government begins.

鈥淓very day is a challenge,鈥� says Davenport, who earned his Bachelor of Science in History (with an area of study in computer information science) from Excelsior College in November 2008. 鈥淚 think the best part of my job is when I am able to implement a solution. Critical thinking and collaboration between the various levels of program management, network security, system and program developers, and system administrators play a part in the building and execution of those solutions.鈥�

During his five years as a civilian with the , the U.S. Navy veteran has held multiple roles, including three positions鈥攍iaison officer, training manager, and mission assurance continuity specialist鈥攚ithin one of the agency鈥檚 cyber organizations. Today, his information technology-focused position helps manage the cyber needs of a small organization of recruiters, system administrators, and developers concerned with applicant testing for eventual NSA careers and security clearances.

It鈥檚 a lot of responsibility, requiring a significant amount of time management and self-discipline. Thankfully, Davenport has been able to implement these traits in part because of his Excelsior education.

鈥淎t any time, I can have 10 or more competing projects, and setting time aside for each of them can be difficult,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 work better with deadlines, so I tend to set my own. This is something influenced by [my experience at] Excelsior.鈥�

After initially enrolling at the College in July 2007 for the remaining credits toward an Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies and earning that degree late that same year, he immediately re-enrolled to earn his bachelor鈥檚. His bachelor鈥檚 degree put him on the path toward a commission in the Navy, and later to the position with the NSA. 鈥淚 did a lot of long days, nights, and weekends working on my courses, but eventually I was able to apply to Officer Candidate School in November 2008 and attain my commission in the Navy in August of 2009,鈥� says Davenport.

Davenport had enlisted in the Navy as a cryptologic technician (communications) following graduation from high school and had taken some courses while deployed before finding Excelsior College. The online experience at Excelsior was conducive to his Navy life. 鈥淚 felt that I didn鈥檛 have time to attend [a physical location], and as a working professional, I still don鈥檛 think I have time for that.鈥�

Today, his education has served him well, and it鈥檚 prepared him to take on鈥攁nd conquer鈥攖he professional challenges that have come his way.

More from James Davenport:

Networking tips

Keep a robust network in not just your field but in all disciplines. You never know where a connection will come from. 鈥淢any times, someone outside of my profession has helped me,鈥� says Davenport. 鈥淲rite down who you have met and what they do, and keep in contact with them. Keep business cards and scan them to a file on your computer.鈥�

Time management

Set time and space aside to manage your coursework. Davenport juggled shift work and family life with his education, but he was able to do it by dedicating periods solely to his Excelsior requirements. 鈥淚 learned early on that you need a place to study away from distractions,鈥� he says. 鈥淔or me, this meant to use an actual desktop and not a laptop. It kept me tethered and away from [interruptions].鈥�

Picking an area of study

Davenport earned a degree in history at Excelsior, which has certainly informed his professional perspective. But for students coming up, he sees need in a burgeoning sector. 鈥淪cience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related careers are in demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen I talk to anyone who is considering a major, I highly suggest a STEM discipline.鈥�

The best advice he鈥檚 received on the job鈥攕o far

Shifts鈥攚hether with school, work, or family鈥攁re an inevitability. Davenport knows this, but he鈥檚 thrived with advice to understand that adjustment to these shifts doesn鈥檛 happen overnight. 鈥淐hange takes time, and change is always a challenge,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 always dealing with change one way or another, and I鈥檝e yet to see a task that was easy.鈥�

 

 

Jason Hamerlinck Turns Pizza Hut Work Experience into Degree Credit

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Jason Hamerlinck started his career with Pizza Hut in high school as a server at his home-town restaurant. More than 20 years later, he is the talent acquisition manager for the Little Rock and Georgia Regions and the new program ambassador for NPC鈥檚 educational partnership with Excelsior College.

Hamerlinck decided to go back to school after building a successful career with NPC.

鈥淕oing back to school has always been one of those 鈥榖ucket list鈥� items for me,鈥� Hamerlinck said. 鈥淏ut being out of school for 20 years and going back is not an easy decision.鈥�

In September 2016, Hamerlinck enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business program.

鈥淲hat really sealed the deal for me to actually get started was that with Excelsior, I was not starting totally over. The credits that I had from prior universities transferred to Excelsior. However, the biggest selling point for me was the ability to use Learning Zone and work experience as college credits. This was huge because with those credits, I was less than two years away from a degree. I had to try it out. The discounted rate for Pizza Hut employees was also a big win.鈥�

Through a partnership with Excelsior College, NPC provides higher education opportunities to all Pizza Hut employees and their immediate family members through a 45 percent discount on tuition, waived fees, and allowing employees to apply LEAD training courses as credits toward their chosen degree program.

As an ambassador, Hamerlinck will be an invaluable resource for NPC employees who are considering a degree though Excelsior or are working through the program.

鈥淚 hope to spread the opportunity of continued learning,鈥� he said.听鈥淧art of our Leadership Swagger is having an open mind and being an active learner.听Excelsior is such a great opportunity for people who are working to continue their education, and it could open doors for so many people if they would explore this option. I think that the more I get involved, it will help NPC become a stronger company and help build leaders for the future.鈥�

Hamerlinck, originally from the Quad City area in Illinois, grew up on a farm until his family moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, when he was a teenager. He moved to Conway, Arkansas, after high school and started college there. Needing a part-time job to cover college expenses, 听Hamerlinck knew that he made good money as a server and had a lot of fun doing it, so he applied and was hired as a Pizza Hut server in Conway.

The general manager of the restaurant saw something in Hamerlinck that he couldn鈥檛 even see in himself at the time 鈥� an ability to lead 鈥� and pushed him to become a shift manager. From there, his career took off. He transferred to the unit across town to become an assistant manager, and soon after, he was given the opportunity to take over as restaurant general manager.

鈥淭his was a lower-volume unit, and I had a lot of success,鈥� Hamerlinck said. 鈥淚 realized at that time, this was a place for a potential future. I also knew that if I ever wanted to move up, I needed to take over a higher volume unit.鈥�

Then the opportunity to run one of the Delco units in Little Rock came open, so of course, he took it. While in Little Rock, Hamerlinck ran four different units.

鈥淚 wanted to move into multi-unit leadership and was training to move up,鈥� Hamerlinck said. 鈥淏ut at this same time, the Region went through a lot of changes, and I left the company.鈥�

杏吧原创 two years later, Jason received a call from the regional manager, who wanted to talk to him about the opportunities for him to come back to Pizza Hut. He interviewed and earned an area manager position overseeing eight units. For the next five years, he covered most of the state of Arkansas as an area general manager (AGM).

鈥淭hen, I got approached about an opportunity,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd dumb me, I thought the grass was greener, so I left the company again. It wasn鈥檛 long before I realized the mistake that I had made.鈥�

Hamerlinck decided to apply for a driver position at the local Pizza Hut to work part-time. 鈥淟uckily the RGM of this unit used to work for me and she gave me an opportunity to come back,鈥� he said.

Eventually, the store became short-handed and he was asked to start running shifts on the weekend. And then, like before, his career with NPC started to take off, and he soon moved into an restaurant general manager role. “This was a store that I had opened as an AGM, so I was very familiar with it.” He ran this unit for three years before the opportunity to move into HR came available, and he鈥檚 now been in HR for going on three years.

听Throughout this wild ride with Pizza Hut, Jason was also growing his family. He met and married his wife, Jaime, and the couple is happily married with four amazing kids 鈥� Logan, Madison and twins, Hayes and Shelby.

鈥淥ne of the best things about pursuing my degree with Excelsior is that I get to be a role model for my kids,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have shown them that education is important 鈥� no matter how old you are.鈥�

Learn more about how NPC and Pizza Hut will help you invest in your future through a degree with Excelsior College (including information about scholarship opportunities!) here!

杏吧原创 your experience with Excelsior:

The professors are very good. They know the material and they want you to be successful, as long as you make the effort and put in the work. I am majoring in Business. Using my experience has been beneficial in my classes, it has made me aware of 鈥渞eal world鈥� situations and the professors appreciate the honest feedback. I am currently trying to decide if I will continue and get my master鈥檚.

What are your career goals?

That is actually a tough question. After several years in operations, I have enjoyed the change to the HR role. I have been able to learn a different side of the business, which I think would make me better in operations. I would like to advance as far in the company as possible. I am hoping that completing my degree will open even more opportunities. If the right position became available, I would like to be considered.

What has been the best part about pursuing a degree with Excelsior?

All the people that have encouraged me along the way. My wife & kids have been great and understanding. My co-workers and supervisors all have supported me along this journey, and this support pushes me to finish. Also, the scholarships that I have received from NPC and Excelsior. This shows that the company supports me and this program.

What has been the hardest part?

I wouldn鈥檛 say this was the hardest part, but it was more of a mindset change. You have to dedicate yourself to your studies. You cannot hope to turn your assignments in last minute or not do the homework and think you will be successful. Yes, it works around your schedule, but you have to be dedicated. It is all about time management. You must manage family activities, work, and school at the same time. There have been some long nights after long days at work, but you must keep the goal in mind.

If there鈥檚 one thing you wish you鈥檇 have known before you got started, what would it be?

Ask a lot of questions. The staff is there to help you. It is easier to give them a call and help you set up financial aid or register for classes than trying to do it all yourself. Realize they are there to help you.

November Is Men’s Health Awareness Month

Posted on by Larry Purnell, PhD, RN, FAAN

Men’s Health Awareness is Lifelong

November is Men鈥檚 Health Awareness Month and the uses the month to bring awareness to and support of those tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide. June is Men鈥檚 Health Month; the purpose is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. The following are recommendations that are supported by evidence from scholarly journals and professional organizations and associations to improve men鈥檚 health.

Throughout the world, women live longer than men, although this gap varies tremendously in less developed countries. According to the CIA World Factbook, in the United States, average longevity for women is 82.2 years for women and 77.2 years for men, a five-year gap. 听Many men have the mentality of 鈥渋f it isn鈥檛 broke, don鈥檛 fix it鈥� so if they cannot see or feel an external stimulus, they will think there is nothing ever wrong.听 A majority of men are just not aware of what they can do to improve their health and live healthier and happier lives.

At a very least, get vaccinated. Everyone needs immunizations to stay healthy, no matter their age. Even if you were vaccinated as a child, you may need updates because immunity can fade with time. Vaccine recommendations are based on a range of factors, including age, overall health, and your medical history. Ask your health care provider or a pharmacist about the recommended vaccinations.

Recommendations for Men’s Health Beginning at Age 20 and Beyond

  1. Get an annual physical exam by your primary care provider, including blood pressure, and height/weight checks.
  2. Annually screen for testicular cancer that includes monthly self-exams.
  3. Have cholesterol testing every five years.
  4. Screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems, and anemia.
  5. Depending on risk factors, screen for skin cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection, and alcohol and drug misuse.
  6. At 30, screen for coronary heart disease, especially with a strong family history of the disease and/or risk factors.
  7. At 40, screen for thyroid disease, liver problems, anemia, and prostate cancer.
  8. At 50, screen for cholesterol every five years; annually screen for Type II diabetes; lipid disorders; and skin, colon, and lung cancer. Obtain a shingles vaccine.
  9. At 60, screen for depression, osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Have a carotid artery ultrasound.
  10. At 70, depending on previous findings, some screenings may be done every six months.

Recommendations for Men’s Health Regardless of Age

  1. Men have more difficulty handling stress than women, partially because women have better social networks and more friends with whom then can confide. Thus, men should seek out more friends, whether they are male or female.
  2. Laughter increases endorphins, thereby increasing longevity. Get a sense of humor and engage with others with whom you can laugh.
  3. Avoid tobacco products and non-prescriptive drugs.
  4. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
  5. Research the reliability of vitamins or herbs before starting them. Make sure it is recommended by professionals, not just the manufacturer of the item.
  6. Don鈥檛 become a workaholic; it increases stress and can lead to health concerns such as hypertension and weight gain. Get a hobby that helps you decrease stress, exercise in the manner you prefer, and seek help with diet to maintain a desirable weight.
  7. Men, especially young men, are known for engaging in risky behaviors. Wear seatbelts, helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles, don鈥檛 text or talk on the telephone when driving, and avoid friends who encourage illicit drug use and high alcohol consumption.
  8. If sexually active, get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections. You might think you are safe if you engage in sexual activity with only one person, but that person might be having sexual relations with others, a concept called serial monogamy.
  9. The Guttmacher Institute reports that some boys start having sex at the age of 10 and that number increases each year until by the age of 20, 75 percent of men and boys engage sexual activity by the age of 20. Therefore, start safe-sex education at home and in school beginning at age of 10.

Disclaimer:听The Men’s Health Awareness views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.