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September 2007 A Monthly Update for Faculty and Staff @ Union Institute & University Celebrating a Year of Making Connections This issue of @UI&U marks our first anniversary of the inaugural electronic newsletter for employees. It is difficult to believe that the year has passed so quickly and so much has been accomplished at UI&U since last summer. All of us involved with @UI&U have enjoyed the opportunity to further communications within the university. The format of the “@” concept was created by Mary Beth Orth, who provided stewardship for the first seven months. Since that time, Sara Litwiller and James Foster have worked in collaboration with departments to spread the word about the activities, accomplishments, and accolades that occur at our university every day. More importantly, the newsletter has brought our dispersed faculty and staff together and provided a guidepost to unite our collective efforts in support of the university’s mission and service to our learners. As we begin our second year of @UI&U, please know that we appreciate all the feedback and suggestions from employees and will try to respond to your questions and concerns each month. Thank you for your continuing support and involvement in the life of Union Institute & University. The future of the institution becomes brighter each day as we make steady progress toward our ultimate goal of excellence in all that we do. Roger H. Sublett
@ the President’s Desk Union Institute & University has experienced so much activity over the last few months. While we are through many of the challenges of the last five years, we continue to be focused on a collective effort to address academic quality and service to our learners. Almost every employee across the university has been engaged in these activities – work that will lead to growth and success for ourselves and for our learners. None of this work can happen in isolation, and as I look around and meet with all of you, I am witnessing a new level of team work and engagement. These team efforts extend across programs and departments. As barriers and divides are torn down, people are focusing on the whole university rather than the small pieces. Each of us is participating in a culture change that will lead to a new generation of UI&U employees who are “boundary crossers” rather than “boundary defenders.” This is a major move forward for all of us, and I commend all of you for your support and flexibility. Even as recently as two years ago, I don’t think we would have experienced or been aware of the culture changes that are taking place today. It bodes well for our collective future and for the reputation of our institution and the value of the degrees we offer. As I thought about these observations, I recalled a quote by Will Rogers, who once said, “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” The good news is that I can guarantee that we are certainly on the right track, and, even more, that we’ve definitely chosen to act instead of simply sitting there. Here are a few examples:
Along with these successes, we are continuing to establish ways to move the entire institution to become a learning community. The first step is to establish methods and instruments to assess and measure, ask questions, and provide goals and outcomes for ourselves and our learners. Under the leadership of our Assessment and Institutional Research offices and with the assistance of a team of faculty, administrators, and staff, the university is engaged in preparing for a comprehensive review by the Ohio Board of Regents for all of our undergraduate programs. Next on the agenda for review will be our master’s programs, followed by the Regents’ review of the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies before December 2008. In addition to preparing reports for individual states in meeting licensing and authorization requirements, the university is also engaged in a critical three-year self study in preparation for an HLC/NCA comprehensive visit scheduled for spring 2010. Many of you have been asked to serve in some capacity, and many more of you will be invited to participate in the university-wide efforts. This enormous and highly critical task is being ably headed by Dr. Lib Pruden. We’ll report on the self study process at length in next month’s @UI&U issue. For now, please understand that the relevance of this process is that it will define UI&U for the next 10 to 15 years. This is yet another example of how our teamwork can make a real difference. As we move into this important phase, remember that you who work here now are in a unique position, in many ways shared only by our institution’s founders who shaped this university in its early days. We have the ability and responsibility to define how this university will move into the next 40 years. What an exciting time to be aligned with UI&U! As we develop new programs, recruit new employees, build new relationships, balance budgets, address internal challenges, work to enhance our governance structures, recruit additional members of our Board of Trustees, reach out to our learners, and serve the communities in which we live, please know that each one of you is a valued member of the university community, as well as an ambassador for our institution. As you “cross boundaries” to integrate best practices of quality, assessment, and service, you are helping to create a new culture, a culture born from a commitment to both our learners and our institution. Remember that leadership is about service; servant leadership is about people and relationships. We are nurturing both at Union right now. I feel confident that we are on the right track and hope you agree that we are definitely not sitting still. The writer Elbert Hubbard wrote, “Progress comes from the intelligent use of experience.” Union’s rich legacy and our recent shared experiences can and should inspire us to move to new levels of service in higher education. Much of our progress and how we have overcome our challenges can be attributed to the vision we share to create a university that truly makes a difference in the lives of our learners and those they touch. Thank you for your involvement in the life of Union Institute & University. We have accomplished much together, and we have created solid foundations upon which we can all work to effectively engage, enlighten, and empower the people who call Union their home as employees and learners. Warm regards, Roger H. Sublett
Fellow graduates... we did it. I know I am speaking for everyone celebrating their accomplishment today when I say that we are grateful to Union Institute & University for offering a program that enables us to reach our academic goals, despite the day-to-day hardships that life brings. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to not only work for Union Institute & University, but also to achieve my bachelor’s degree at the same time. Everybody here has a story, but this is my story. During my first year with Union, I was faced with serious health challenges that left me in and out of hospitals and enduring six surgeries in one year. I was trying to hold down my job at Union, and it was my first year of college. But I was still able to accomplish my four-year degree in two years. Some people call that tenacity, but I call it support. I know that I could not have done it without our special kind of program. And without the support of my family, my co-workers and my professors, I would not have been able to achieve my goal. So today I am wearing my “gratitude” stole to make the statement--I am so grateful! There are so many proud graduates here today. I heard a few comments some wanted to share: Shiesha Thomas maintained three jobs while completing her B.A.... it has taken her over six years. Go, Shiesha! Now that is tenacity! Robyn Lazar has three children and works full time, but she managed to fulfill her goal of attaining her bachelor’s degree with the support of her loving husband, her high school sweetheart. Toni Papia’s father, who is 91 years of age, traveled from Windsor today to see his daughter graduate from college. This is his dream come true, which makes Toni especially proud. Her goal is to continue on and acquire her master's degree in counseling so she can work with young children with mental illness or life trauma. Cornell Smith’s father flew all the way here from Alabama to see him receive his diploma today. And Cornell tells me he achieved this goal while working as a Field Training Officer in the Patrol Division, West Sacramento Police Department. He especially wants to thank his patient wife and two daughters. We have a married couple who are graduating together. In the history of BOTH of their families, they are the first to graduate from college. Where are you, Shamekka Higgins and Tywan Towers? Your families must be very proud! Amy McGowan says “In memory of her parents, Mr. Joyce Patterson and Mrs. Marie Elaina Patterson,”I kept my promise, Mom and Dad. I finished university.” Since receiving her B.A. degree, Cassandra Payne has been promoted to case manager for Watts Labor Community Action Committee for the homeless shelter for women and children. She will also be opening her own business: Johnson & Johnson Child Development Center. Sonia Lambert is awaiting a child care center director position with the City of Los Angeles, due to receiving her bachelor's degree. Good luck, Sonia! Curtis Johnson now plans to pursue an administrator position for Los Angeles Unified School District in the Early Childhood Development Division. Good luck, Curtis! And I personally want to say “Happy Birthday” to my mother today. When she should be off celebrating her 77th birthday, she traveled six hours to celebrate her first child to achieve a bachelor’s degree. Oh, brother of mine out there... YOU are next. In closing, I am speaking for all of us here today... Thank you, President Sublett. Thank you, Provost Hansen, and thank you, California Dean Dr. James Rocheleau. Thank you, Associate Dean Dr. Pastores-Palffy. Thank you to the faculty who worked so diligently to get us here. Thank you, Union Institute & University. NOTE: Do you know of a coworker or colleague at UI&U who really “makes a difference” in the lives of others, either at work or out in the community? Someone who does the little things with great skill everyday, someone who devotes time to a cause or to others without fanfare, someone who practices what President Sublett calls “leading from the heart?” Please send your words of kudos to @UI&U so we can shine a light on these not-so-random acts of kindness by our colleagues who make a difference @ the Heart of It.
@ the Water Cooler Change Happens : Updates from Deb Eamoe “Change happens” will be the motto for the HR department for the next six months or more. This month’s article will update you on changes we have planned for open enrollment, time-keeping, and payroll that will help us to serve you better.
If you have ideas for other HR issues you would like more information about questions you would like answered, or rumors you would like addressed, please just drop me a line at deb.eamoe@tui.edu.
@ First Glance A hearty welcome to newly hired UI&U staff and faculty! Patricia R. Brewer, Ed.D., Associate Dean, Pre-Cohort Ph.D. Program, 08/01/2007 Ramonia K. Carron, Executive Assistant, Vermont College of Fine Arts, 08/26/2007 Nicole M. Nusbaum, B.A., Payroll Specialist, Business Office, 08/27/2007 Kristali L. Wells, B.A., Enrollment Counselor, Undergraduate Program (Vermont), 09/05/2007
@ Close Up This Month: ... The Business Office
18,596 learner account transactions Each Business Office employee is committed to providing excellent customer service to all of its constituencies: learners, vendors, employees and various government agencies. Rick Hohne Rick Hohne came to UI&U as assistant controller in 1996 and was promoted to controller in 2000. He has a B.A. in accounting from Wright State University (1979) and an MBA from the University of Dayton (1983). Rick received his CPA certificate in 1981. Prior to working at UI&U, Rick worked for several years at a life insurance company and prior to that, at the corporate office of a manufacturing company in Dayton, Ohio. Rick also spent two years working for a nationally recognized public accounting firm and served four years in the US Navy. Rick enjoys his work at UI&U and cares a great deal for the people he works with. He has an appreciation for the diversity of his role at UI&U and believes all Business Office customers deserve exceptional service. Rick has been married to Debby for 33+ years, and they have two sons and four grandchildren. His oldest son is currently serving in the US Navy and is stationed at a submarine base near Seattle, Washington. Rick enjoys his visits to see his grandchildren and especially enjoys his treks to Las Vegas (Lost Wages) where his father lives. Rick and Debby also enjoy their trips to Gatlinburg, where they can pursue their love of hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Karen Jones Karen Jones has been with The University Without Walls (UWW), The Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities (UECU), The Union Institute (TUI), Union Institute & University (UI&U) since February 1989. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati in 1983. In September 1988, Karen answered an advertisement in the Cincinnati Enquirer for a staff accountant at UI&U, was interviewed the following January, started work on February 19, 1989, and was promoted to budget director on March 1, 1989. She answered the ad because she needed to go back to work, but stayed because Union offered the best conditions a working mom could want – challenging work, wonderful coworkers, sympathetic bosses, and a mission worth believing in – education. The daughter of a parochial school teacher, it was kismet that Karen works for a school. Karen currently serves as assistant controller responsible for payroll, accounts payable, grant fund accounting, and financial reporting. Karen has been married to Doug Jones for 24 years. They have two children, Kyle (22) and Katie (20). Jean Pohlman can attest to Kyle’s soulful rendition of the “Monkey Song,” as he was four when Karen started work. Kyle visited his mom at work last month – and unfortunately, she was unsuccessful in her attempt to have him serenade Jean once more for nostalgic purposes! Karen recently started scuba diving lessons and is looking forward to her first certification dive. Rhonda Finch Rhonda Finch will be celebrating her 23rd year with Union Institute & University on October 15, 2007. As accounts receivable manager, Rhonda audits the accounts receivable specialist’s data entry and answers learners’ questions regarding tuition and fee charges, refund requests, and payment options. She also manages the Perkins Loan Program reporting. Rhonda has fond memories of her shared office in the Provident Bank Building located downtown on the corner of 7th and Vine. “There were three of us in one office: me, the accounts payable bookkeeper (Maxine Owens), and the printer – a gigantic, impact printer shared by all departments. Due to the noise level, I would literally have to time my conversations with learners and could be heard saying repeatedly, ‘I’m sorry, could you repeat that?’” Rhonda has received many notes and gifts of appreciation from our learners for her efficient and competent handling of their accounts. Always one to share, we were sad when the learner from Hershey, PA, graduated because it meant the end of delivery of delicious chocolates to Rhonda’s desk! Julie Jones Julie Jones started at UI&U in July of 2007 as the Business Office secretary. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community college in 2006, with a background in American Sign Language. Prior to working at Union Institute & University, Julie worked part-time in a clerical, customer service job as a shipping assistant at First Equity Mortgage. Ranga Nalluri Ranga Nalluri joined the UI&U Business Office as a staff accountant in the fall of 2004. Ranga’s love for numbers and data made her choose accounting as her profession. She is responsible for bank reconciliations for all accounts and maintaining the fixed assets ledger, as well as reconciling gift income to the development records. Ranga’s education includes a master’s degree in math and management studies from Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani, India. In 1995, she joined her husband Siva, who was pursuing his post doctorate at Stanford University in California. She stayed home for 10 years to raise her children, Sarvesh (12 years old) and Shreya (9 years old). She loves to cook, always has to add her own touch to a dish, and can never follow the directions in a recipe. In her spare time, she tortures her kids by teaching math. Apart from her own family, she loves her Business Office family, who make her work time pleasurable, and she is glad to be a part of the team. Nicole Nusbaum Nicole Nusbaum completed her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Anderson University in 2004, and is currently working on her CPP (Certified Payroll Professional). She is the most recent addition to Union Institute & University’s Business Office. As the payroll specialist, Nicole is responsible for producing accurate paychecks for all faculty and staff of the university. Before assuming her position at Union, Nicole served in the payroll industry processing a high volume, multi-state payroll for a staffing agency. She also brings 10 years of customer service experience to our facility. Nicole feels the Business Office at Union Institute & University has a wonderful working environment, and enjoys fun stories shared by her co-workers. Andy Pilder Andy Pilder joined the UI&U Business Office as a temporary employee in March 2007. Initially, Andy assisted with the move from across the street and the year end audit. Recently, he has been working with learners to keep their account balances up-to-date. Andy has truly enjoyed his time at the UI&U, mostly because of the people he works with. “The business office is like a close knit family, and I felt welcomed from the beginning,” Andy said. Away from the UI&U, Andy is a full-time student at the University of Cincinnati. Currently, he is researching modern Middle Eastern history. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Anna, a violinist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Aside from work, he roots for the Reds, Bengals, Bearcats, and Buckeyes and plays as much golf as possible. Lisa Schnapp Lisa came to the Business Office in December of 2002 as a part-time file clerk working two half-days per week. Two half-days per week is looking pretty good these days! As weeks turned into years, Lisa’s time commitment to the Business Office increased, and she became a full-time employee in September 2004. In October 2004, Lisa enrolled in the undergraduate program studying environmental studies. She plans to complete her studies in April 2008 (the good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise). Lisa has fulfilled many roles in the Business Office, working with accounts payable, preparing a plethora of forms for both accounts payable as well as accounts receivable, completing data entry of monthly adjustments in the general ledger, acting as party planner, gift getter, and much, much more. Most recently, Lisa assumed the position of accounts receivable specialist. Much of her day is spent in joyful conversation with learners about their accounts. Lisa is sincere and compassionate when she speaks to our learners, and shares in their accomplishments and their hardships. Part of Lisa’s unique perspective comes from being a learner herself. If you visit Lisa, you will most probably find her on the phone, or tapping away on her keyboard as she enters data. Lisa handles all of her responsibilities with aplomb and a great deal of humor. Miles Scott Miles Scott joined the UI&U staff in November 2002 as staff accountant. He currently holds the position of senior accountant with responsibility for financial statements, collections, and accounts payable. He graduated from Damelin College in 2000 with a diploma in accounting and finance. His life’s motto is best described through the words of Cecil John Rhodes: “So much to do, so little time.” Gayle Smith Gayle is married to Donald Smith. God put Don in her life seven years ago. They have a total of eight children (Don has five sons and Gayle has three daughters). They also have 16 grandchildren, ranging in age from four to 22, and three great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Don and Gayle also have a dog named Cricket and a cat they call Monster Baby or Monster Cat. Gayle earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Thomas More College in 1996. Don is retired after 44 years working for the same company. They are involved in doing mission work, and have been to Haiti on a few medical missionary trips. Gayle likes to relax with counted cross stitch and painting.
@ Attention
New UI&U Gary Library Web Site Your Gary Library Web site has a new look! Make sure to visit and peruse the pages to get a sense of what our accreditors and learners have discovered – the Library is great! And don’t just visit once…staff is continually adding new resources and functions. An added benefit is that you can take part and receive communications from the library staff through the new Gary Library Blog.
Admissions and Enrollment Success: Life According to Francis Francois
This past year we’ve held a series of admissions and financial aid “open houses” at the Florida Center. Our first gathering, “The Spring Open House & Barbecue,” was very successful, netting 21 people who signed into our guest book. Two of the 21 were interested in a Ph.D. program. However, ten of these prospects completed applications, onsite writing samples, and sat with a faculty advisor. The remaining prospects left information to follow-up with them. By the looks on their faces, it was evident that these prospects were enthused about the opportunity to complete their degrees with Union Institute & University. The prospects experienced “one stop shopping” at these sessions. They were able to meet with admissions, a faculty advisor, and financial aid all in one day. Subsequent open house events that followed, while not as widely promoted, still brought in many prospects. As interest in the open houses grew, we decided to have two each month to accommodate prospects who can’t come in for admissions interviews during the week. In total, 31 of the open house attendees have matriculated. We still expect more from this group to enroll in the upcoming sessions. Reestablishing our center’s relationship with our alumni group has also been important in helping building a support base for our learners. During our spring open house, several alumni were invited to participate by answering questions and offering prospects their personal UI&U experience. I hope to continue building on this relationship, because the alumni group is our biggest asset to bringing in future learners. Advertising through different media outlets has also helped with name recognition and exposure. This has been made possible with assistance from Ann Cardinal, national marketing director. The support from Florida Dean Marie Bogat, Admissions Director Rick Zand, and Associate Provost for Administration Neal Meier has been outstanding. They are committed to growth at the Florida Center and show this with their constant support of different initiatives that I bring their way. Our commitment to excellent service in the Florida Center has been key in bringing in prospects and making them feel at home. During the interview process, I let the prospects know that we are beginning a relationship and what my expectations are from this relationship. While going through the admissions process, we build a relationship that doesn’t end when they are admitted. Even after enrolling, learners continue to call the Admissions Office to request information on books, professor information, and financial aid. Our job in admissions is to provide excellent customer service and not treat prospects as numbers. This focus on building relationships and emphasizing customer service continues with our learner services coordinators, faculty advisors, and adjunct faculty. We strive every day to make the learner experience at Union Institute & University one that they will never forget. When learners are satisfied, they spread the word, and pretty soon friends and family members want to know who we are and how they can get more information on UI&U.
@ Union this Month B.A. Weekend Residency, Montpelier, Vermont, 09/21/07 – 09/23/07
@ Our Best
Dr. Lisa Fontes, Psy.D. faculty member, leads a seminar during the Psy.D. program’s September meeting. Approximately 20 learners attended the meeting, gathering at the Cincinnati headquarters to attend formal and informal sessions.
@ Your Service for submissions reply to @UI&U |
B.A. Weekend Residency, Montpelier, Vermont, 09/21/07 – 09/23/07
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Straight talk and timely information from President Roger Sublett
Co-worker—and now alumna!--Sandra Lee, executive assistant to the dean of the California centers, graduated from the UI&U undergraduate program with a Bachelor of Arts on August 12, 2007. Sandra was chosen as the learner respondent for the California commencement exercises, and her reflections embody how we, as staff and faculty, can successfully aid learners in achieving their goals and effecting change in their lives. Read Sandra’s stirring remarks below. 
Francis Francois, the Florida Center’s assistant director of admissions, has seen enrollment continually rise due to engaging recruitment efforts and “getting back to the community.” Read more about his personal motto and how that philosophy helps him succeed in wrangling—and retaining—quality learners. Thank you, Francis, for your continual dedication!
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