Welcome from the Dean of Student Development and Campus Life

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Erin Selby, and I am the new Dean of Student Development and Campus Life. I am excited about the opportunity to work at Berkeley College and collaborate with online students, staff, and faculty.

I have over ten years of experience in Student Affairs, and hope to share this knowledge in my position here at Berkeley. I have a broad range of expertise, as I have worked everywhere from Academic Advisement to Student Life.

Since I started last Tuesday, I have already been busy at work. Some highlights from my first week include:

• Assisting professors with developing a new organization for our students (Check back for the LBGT Club and Resource Center)
• Expanding the scope and focus of our online student newsletter
• Broadening our Peer-to-Peer Program
• Taking a careful look at our online orientation to ensure that new students are getting a proper introduction to the online experience and everything that Berkeley has to offer
• Revamping the Orientation Welcome Letter

I welcome any feedback, suggestions, or comments regarding programs and opportunities for online students and encourage everyone to participate in what I hope will be a fantastic collegiate experience.

Online Campus Office Hours Update

Academic Support Center (ASC)

Through the Academic Support Center (ASC) at Berkeley College, students can get help with class assignments and receive FREE TUTORING in the following subjects:

• Accounting
• English
• Math
• Reading
• Writing

Through the ASC site on Blackboard, you can access a variety of handouts, presentations, and links about all of the above subjects, plus some very useful information about such study skills, as time management and test taking.

To make a tutoring appointment, go to the ASC site on Blackboard and click on "Click HERE to Get Started!" You will be directed to TutorTrac, where you should log in with your Blackboard username and password. Choose the campus you want tutoring at ("Online") and the subject or course you need tutoring in, then search for an available tutor and select an appointment time that best suits your schedule. Online tutoring appointments meet in the designated Whiteboard online session for the appropriate subject.

If you have any questions about Berkeley College Online's tutoring services or Tutortrac, please do not hesitate to contact your Academic Support Center Coordinator, Scott Sisco.

Scott Sisco
Berkeley College Online
Academic Support Center Coordinator
sms@berkeleycollege.edu

Payment Plan Reminder

Please contact Student Accounts (SAonline@berkeleycollege.edu) with any questions or concerns.

October 30, 2009 - 2nd payment due on Payment Plans
November 27, 2009 - 3rd payment due on Payment Plans
December 30, 2009 - Last day to clear for Winter 2010 without late registration fees

Join the Online Book Club!

This quarter we will feature My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. Book discussions will officially begin this week, but you may join at any time. This week, participants will focus on basic introductions and obtaining the book. Each facilitator will post questions and topics for discussion based on a segment of the reading.

How to join:

1) Go to the "Community Tab" in Blackboard.
2) Type "book club" in the search box.
3) Click "Enroll" (access code: reading).

To recommend future readings, email StudentDevelopmentOnline@berkeleycollege.edu

What are Jumpbooks?

Jumpbooks, otherwise known as e-books, are digital versions of physical textbooks. Jumpbooks can be purchased either through your Berkeley College Bookstore or your official Berkeley College Bookstore Website.

A receipt is provided at the time of purchase with an access code and a set of instructions on how to download the Jumpbook. Jumpbooks save you money with prices up to 50% off standard print textbooks. Jumpbooks also provide enhanced functionality and features that you cannot find with an ordinary textbook.

You will have the ability to search the entire textbook for a word or phrase, add comments, create your own bookmarks, and print on demand, all from your personal computer or laptop.

Jump to a higher level of learning. Try a Jumpbook today!

In Celebration of National Distance Learning Week...Don't Miss the Berkeley College Virtual Career Fair

Our semi-annual Virtual Career Fair is scheduled for November 9 through 22, in conjunction with National Distance Learning Week. Currently we have over 50 companies participating, with more expected to join. All are interested in meeting Berkeley students for either internships or full-time job opportunities. Registration is NOT required to participate.

The Virtual Career Fair will be accessible via Blackboard. Just go to the Community tab, select Career Services, and then select Virtual Career Fair (The Career Fair will not be available for viewing until the start date of November 9). You can visit the "booths" of our participating companies by clicking on them to learn more about their needs and apply for, or network with, those companies of greatest interest to you.

Keep in mind that although you can attend the Virtual Career Fair in your pajamas, how you present yourself is still extremely important. Make sure to have Career Services review your resume and cover letters so you can truly put your best foot forward!

If you have any questions or need any additional information on how the Virtual Career Fair works, email Rosemarie Berman in Career Services at CareerServicesOnline@berkeleycollege.edu or call directly at 973-405-2111 x 6405.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Look Who's Hired Our Students for Internships and Full-Time Positions!

(From left to right: Brian Williams, Suzanne Casadevall, Rosemary Mineros, and Linda DeLisle)

Brian Williams, Academic Advisor - I recently relocated to New Jersey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My background includes work in academic advising and student development. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and spending time with my family. My wife and I are proud parents of an infant son.

Suzanne Casadevall, Dean, Advisement - I have worked within the advisement field for eight years. For the past two years, I've had the pleasure of working at Berkeley College, and I am thrilled to be working at the Online Campus. We're here to help you, so if you have a question or concern, please don't hesitate to ask!

Rosemary Mineros, Administrative Assistant - I graduated last year with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and I plan on getting my Master's degree within the next few years. I've been the Administrative Assistant for the Advisement Office for a year now, and I truly enjoy what I do.

Linda DeLisle, Academic Advisor - I graduated in 2007 and relocated from Washington state to beautiful New Jersey. I love watching the bears and deer where I live, and my pups love having lots of room to run! I've been with Berkeley College Online for just over a year and I'm enjoying our new office here in Clifton. Stop in to visit when you get a chance!

The deadline to withdraw from a course, or the College is Monday, November 30. Questions about the process? Just let us know! You can reach us at AdvisementOnline@berkeleycollege.edu or 973-405-2111.

One hundred and sixty Berkeley College faculty attended the event along with Kevin Luing, Chairman, and Dr. Dario A. Cortes, President.

Academic Support Center: Scott Sisco, Coordinator, sms@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6411

Admissions: Gerard Russomanno, Director,
Online@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6310

Advisement: Suzanne Casadevall, Dean,
AdvisementOnline@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6379

Campus Operating Officer: Sharon Goldstein, sfg@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6300

Career Services: Rosemarie Berman, Director, CareerServicesOnline@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6405

Dean, Online: Carol Smith,
crs@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6305

Financial Aid: Roxanne Martinez, Director, FAOnline@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6341

Library Services: Marlene Doty, Director,
md@berkeleycollege.edu

Student Accounts: Ashley Maikranz, Director,
SAonline@berkeleycollege.edu, ext. 6360

Student Development & Campus Life: Erin McCann Selby, Dean,
StudentDevelopmentOnline@berkeleycollege.edu,
ext. 6399