Thursday, August 30, 2012

Job Fair Tips

As you may have read already, the UCRC is holding their first ever job fair on September 6th, 3:30-6:30 pm.  If you plan on attending the job fair, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you talk with potential employers.

Before the Fair
  1. Know what your goal is for attending the fair and design your entire effort around that aim.
  2. Research companies, agencies, or organizations that will be attending the career fair.
  3. Take steps towards making a good impression
    • Think about your strong points, your goals, the company and where you want to go within the company.  Prepare a "one minute commercial" about yourself.
    • Prepare your own job fair kit complete with resumes (enough for all employers you want to talk with) and other items which support your interests and abilities such as references, written works or a portfolio.
    • Develop a list of questions to ask employers based on your research of their organization.
    • Know what skills are needed for specific careers.
    • Know how to relate your past work, academic and out-of-class experiences to the career field.
    • Know how to express what you are looking for and what you want.
At the Fair
  1. Dress professionally.  You want to present the best image possible.  Old jeans, sweats and tank tops won't cut it.  You will only have a few minutes to make an impression as a job candidate.  Positive first impressions are critical.
  2. Smile, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly and confidently.  Introduce yourself with your full name, major and graduation date.
  3. Do not bring drinks, food or chew gum.
  4. Listen to what the recruiter has to say.
  5. Don't ramble.  Provide a concise, well-prepared overall view of what you have to offer.
  6. Network while in line, talk to other students about recruiters they have spoken to already.
  7. Carry a pen and notepad to take notes that can help you recall conversations with recruiters.
  8. Ask for the recruiter's business card for future follow up.
 After the Fair
  1. Be patient, some organizations may be "long-term" leads.
  2. Follow up with company representatives.
  3. Mail a thank-you note as soon as possible to each organization you targeted for further interest to reinforce your good image and to "strike while the iron is still hot!"
If you have questions or concerns about the fair or need assistance with your resume, please do not hesitate to contact Career Services at UCRC, 605-718-4142. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

For the Student Veterans

This post is aimed at a very important segment of the student body, our veterans.  These individuals have volunteered to serve and defend their country and are now heading to school to further their lives and careers.  We would like to say thank you to them for their service and go one step further and tell how we can serve them.

There are multiple resources available for veterans through the University Center and their home campuses.  The first resource we can offer vets is one another.  Sometimes all a person needs is to talk to someone else who has been where they have been and knows what they have been through.  Understanding that, the University Center is working with a determined group of veteran students to create a Vets Club, unique to the UC.  Any student who is taking a class at the UC is welcome to join this club, regardless of what institution they are enrolled in.  The purpose of the club is to support and encourage the veterans and provide resources to them as well as instill a sense of camaraderie in these students.

A second resource will be to bring a VA patient advocate to the building once a month to visit with our veterans about any questions they may have.  A representative from the VA Black Hills Health Care System will be available to answer questions and provide information about Veterans Health Care at the Rapid City University Center in the Lobby Rotunda from 3:30 to 5:00 pm on the following dates:
  • September 18, 2012
  • October 23, 2012
  • November 13, 2012
Be watching for upcoming dates in the spring semester.

A third resource available will be various workshops throughout the semester.  While these workshops will be open to all students, not just veterans, there are a few that I would like to draw special attention to.  Throughout the year, Career Services will be hosting workshops on resumes and cover letters.  At these sessions, in addition to reviewing resumes/cover letters, we will have a representative from the Veteran's Upward Bound program on hand to assist with any number of questions the veteran students may have.  This program is a fantastic and FREE resource to all members of the military who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable or discharged, or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

There are many additional services that are offered to our veterans.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will work with you to answer them or resolve any issues you may be having.  Thank you again for your service and we are honored you chose to continue your education at the University Center Rapid City!

Monday, August 27, 2012

First Day of Class Tips for Success

As we begin another fall semester at the University Center, we would like to share a few tips for success with you.  Please consider implementing these and asking for assistance if you need it.  We are committed to your academic success and will do all we can to help you!  Have a great 2012-2013 academic year!!

  • Know why you chose to go to school:  What are your goals?  If your goal is to take a class just to gain knowledge, then you will be better off to take a community education class that doesn't require grading and homework.  If your goal is to obtain a degree, having a clear idea  of what you want to achieve, reaching your goal will be much easier.
  • Define your priorities:  If you want to succeed in college, you need to determine what is the most important to you.  Some students had low grades or failed because football came before homework.  Movies came before homework.  Traveling came before homework.  Procrastination only hurts you as a student and shows that you are not serious about your education.
  • Set attainable goals:  Pick realistic goals and focus on accomplishing them.  Every success will give you more confidence to tackle your next goal.  If you can only manage to fit one business class into your busy schedule, for example, then just take one class and give it your full attention.  When a goal seems big and daunting, one of the smartest places to start is to break it into different pieces that will build toward the goal.  When you break it into smaller bits, each bit is more manageable.
  • Time Management:  Managing your time is essential to succeeding in college.  Each class requires approximately 2 hours of study time outside of class per hour spent in class.  A time management tool such as a day planner is great for time management.  You can use a calendar, notebook or anything that works to help you track your time.  Time blocks can be designated for studying, homework, research, work, family time, errands, and a multitude of activities.  Balancing school and life isn't easy but it can be manageable.
  • Attendance:  Class attendance is critical to your success because it is a supplement to your textbook and other course material.  Attendance affects your grade, and missing class when it is not due to illness or other extenuating circumstances is self-defeating.
  • Homework:  College classes are taught at a very fast pace.  A math class that takes all year in high school is taught in one term in college.  Planning your homework and working ahead when possible are things that will help keep you on track.  Know when your assignments are due, and don't procrastinate.  Writing a term paper the day it is due almost always guarantees a low grade because your concentration is on getting the paper done, and things such as facts, citations, spelling and grammar errors are often overlooked.
  • Have a personal investment in your education:  Ask questions and get involved in class discussions.  Learn your instructor's teaching style, expectations, and preferences for assignments.  If you don't understand something, meet with your instructor after class or schedule office time to go over what you need help with.  If you are getting low grades, seek tutoring.
  • You are responsible for your education:  College provides a learning environment to students who want to learn, but it is up to you to go to class, seek help, study and ask questions.  Your investment in your education is what determines your return so make the best of it.  Think of it as money in the bank; the more you put in, the bigger return you receive.
  • Care for yourself:  You're going to need to be healthy to succeed, so eat well, drink lots of water and get enough sleep.  Exercise is the best stress reliever of all.  If you can, ride a stationary bike while reading or discuss with a classmate while you walk together.
  • Take breaks when you need them:  Going to school is a big commitment.  Feel yourself getting overwhelmed?  Give yourself permission to take a break.  That might mean closing the books, going for a quick walk, or taking a night off from studying altogether.  If you find yourself burning the midnight oil for weeks on end, work some down time into your schedule.  It's important to plan time to relax or you become less effective.
  • Stick with it, don't give up:  College changes your life.  You will have good times and difficult times and the rewards are greater than the sacrifices.  The college experience is unforgettable;  it is a time to learn and try new things, meet new people and make new friends.  It takes persistence, commitment and dedication to get through college but you can do it.  Use your support systems to help you through the rough times, and don't give up.  When you make it through, celebrate your success and make a toast to your future.
Good luck on your fall 2012 semester!  Let us know if we can help you in any way!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Class of 2016

As we are gearing up to start a new semester and welcome all of the students back to the University Center, Beloit College has announced their new mindset list for the Class of 2016.  A brief bit of background information first about the mindset list.  This list was first published in 1998, for the Class of 2002.  It all began as a way to let people know the frame of mind that incoming traditional aged students had, also to help professors know that their references may be outdated.  To read this year's list, click HERE

In other University Center news, New Student Orientation will be held tomorrow, August 22nd.  For our veteran and military students, there will be a short session at 4:30 pm in room 112.  For all other students, the main session will begin at 5:00 pm in room 112.  Orientation is open to all new and returning students if they wish to attend.  The following sessions will be offered at orientation:
  • Veterans' Center and Benefits (4:30 pm for all veteran and military students, new or returning)
  • Overview of the Center and services available
  • Academic Success Planning
  • Study Skills 2 Career Skills
  • Balancing Home-School-Personal Life
  • Computer/Technology Support
  • Financial Aid
  • Open sessions with BHSU, SDSU, and USD representatives
  • Student ID Cards
  • Bookstore will be open until 7:30 pm (if you want to buy your books, please bring a printed copy of your schedule with you, otherwise you may print it in our computer labs)
There is still time to get registered for fall classes, but you need to hurry.  Classes begin at 4 pm on Monday, August 27th! 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

USD is a "Best Buy"

According to the website GetEducated.com, the University of South Dakota's online masters degree programs are not only good but affordable.  If you are looking for a masters degree, check out all the programs that USD offers HERE.

If you are here in Rapid City, USD also offers programs through the University Center.  Same great programs, same great price; check us out today! Click HERE to see the graduate programs offered at the University Center.

Check out the best college and university affordable online degrees from GetEducated HERE.  Read an article about it in the Rapid City Journal HERE.

Congratulations USD!!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Olympic Gold Medalist Heading to College?

For those of you who followed the Olympics closely, you are familiar with 17 year old swimming champion Missy Franklin.  She will be a senior in high school this fall and is currently debating whether or not to become a professional or go to college.

In an article on the Huffington Post, she talks about her decision and how difficult it is proving to be.  Check it out yourself HERE.  Once you've read the article, come back and let us know your thoughts on her decision.  Personally, I believe she is showing a great level of maturity in how seriously she is taking this huge decision.

Friday, August 10, 2012

New Programs at UCRC

Exciting news at University Center Rapid City, we are pleased to announce that we will now be offering the following degrees from Dakota State University:
We will be offering courses towards these degrees as well as options of classes delivered in person, hybrid, and online.  For more information about these degrees, click on the links above.

Want to know what you can do with a degree in these areas? Here are some examples of jobs that can be obtained with these degrees:

Health Information Technology
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Insurance Claims Analyst
  • Records Technician Specialist
  • Clinical Coding Specialist
  • Physician Practice Manager
  • Patient Information Coordinator
Computer and Network Security
  • Network Administrator
  • Security Administrator
  • Network Manager
  • Information Security Manager
  • Information Security Officer
  • Information Security Consultant
  • Network Scanner
  • Network Auditor
Health Information Administration
  • Clinical Record Manager
  • Patient Data Services Manager
  • Health Information Services
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Insurance Claims Analyst
  • Clinical Coding Specialist
  • Coding Compliance Reviewer
For more information about these programs or to enroll, contact the University Center today at 605-718-4112.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

UCRC Updates

Here are just some updates for our UCRC students:

Ready to order your books for the Fall 2012 semester? All UCRC students can now order their books online @ www.bhsubookstore.com and select the "Ship to UCRC now." You can then pick-up your ordered books at the University Center Bookstore! Don't want to pre-order your books? Stop in the UCRC Bookstore beginning August 20 to pick up your UCRC books then!

New Student Orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd starting at 5:00 pm.  If you are a veteran, we have a session starting at 4:30 pm to help explain the services we have available as well as the resources out there for veteran students!  We are asking students to pre-register for orientation as a way of knowing how many people will be there and more importantly, how much food to order!  To register for orientation, click HERE.

BHSU will be holding a New Student Registration day on Friday, August 17th beginning at 1 pm.  If you are a new BHSU student and need to get registered for fall classes, register now to attend.  For more information and a link to the registration form, click HERE.

Finally, for your entertainment for the day, check out this Twitter feed by "Fake Jim Abbott," The Official(ly fake parody) account of the University of South Dakota's 17th President, James W. Abbott.  It is quite humorous and a good way to kill a few minutes when you really need a study break!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Holidays for August 8th

This post is of no use other than sheer entertainment value and to share a couple pieces of trivia with you.  The first holiday revolves around food, it is "Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day."  Now I don't know about the rest of you, but we have one zucchini plant in our garden and it is producing WAY more zucchini squash than we know what to do with.  I plan on leaving several on front porches around my neighborhood tonight.

The second holiday celebrated on August 8th is International/National Cat Day.  For those of you that have purring balls of fur in your life, celebrate them today.  For those of you that don't, consider adopting a homeless cat...they just want to be loved!  Check out National Cat Day's Facebook Page.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Ready, set, go!

It's hard to believe that August is here and the start of the fall semester is rapidly approaching!  This time of year reminds me of a relay race as we finish our summer classes and get ready for the fall semester.  (Think Olympics!)   Like a 4x400 relay, we are entering into our second leg of race with the start of the fall semester. 

The first leg of the race is the summer.  During the summer, the pace of the upcoming race and academic year is set.  This is a time when all your preparation starts to pay off as you move into the academic year and the 2nd leg of the relay.

The fall semester is like the second leg of the relay. All the excitement of a new semester, new students, new faculty, new classes and new possibilities is when you know the race can be won. A strong second leg of the relay sets the tone and pace for the your success.

The 3rd leg of the relay is the winter break between the fall and spring semester.  This is a time when you have to pace yourself, get into a rhythm and focus on the next leg of the race.Your will to finish the race can be tested but the finish line is in sight.  Preparation for the last leg of the race comes into play to ensure your success.

The spring semester is the last leg of the race. This is a time when races (and academic careers) can be won or lost.  Focus is key as you head to the finish line (the end of the academic year or better-yet, graduation!) A strong start, and a stronger finish, will make all the hard work worthwhile! 

Your goals are at the end of the finish line. A new career, a promotion, graduate school or moving to the next class level are your rewards for completing the race.

Start strong, finish strong!

"I Didn't Set Out to Beat the World; I Just Set Out to Do My Absolute Best."
- Al Oerter (Gold medal winner - 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968)

Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is South Dakota's third largest comprehensive public university with nearly 4,500 students, offering 72 academic programs at the associate, bachelor, and master degree levels.  BHSU has earned a reputation for transforming lives through innovative, high-quality academic programs and a dynamic learning community.  The BHSU main campus is located in Spearfish, SD but it has been offering on-site courses in the Rapid City area for over 50 years.  At the University Center Rapid City, BHSU offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees provided at convenient times in one accessible location.

BHSU offers the following programs at University Center Rapid City:



For more information about BHSU at the University Center Rapid City, contact Maria Hartung at 605-718-4112.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Dakota State University

Dakota State University, South Dakota's designated information technology university and a leader in integrating technology into the academic disciplines of its curriculum, is a public, mission-driven institution.  Academic rigor and the infusion of information technology into teaching, research and creative activity are at the heart of the university's work.

Dakota State University offers the following programs at University Center Rapid City:
For more information, contact DSU Extended Programs.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Northern State University


Northern State University is dedicated to providing all students with a superior education. We welcome students from all walks of life to enroll, learn, conquer and share in Northern’s vision that encourages its students to 
be you – be yourself and develop your own interests,
be us – become part of the Northern community and reach your highest potential,
Be Northern!
NSU offers the following programs at University Center Rapid City:
For more information about NSU programs at University Center Rapid City, contact the NSU Office of Extended Studies at 605-626-2568.