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A Monthly Update for Faculty and Staff @ Union Institute & University
@ the President’s Desk Creating a Culture of Caring As we enter the holiday season and approach the end of yet another year, I have always found it enlightening to reflect on the months that have passed and the accomplishments achieved. This year, 2007, has been a good year for Union Institute & University. I won’t dwell on the paths that we have successfully traveled, but I am very thankful for the fellow travelers who accompanied me in serving the university. You helped guide us around the deep ruts in the road, steering us to academic safety through your insistence on quality, responsibility, accountability, and service. It continues to be a privilege to work with each of you as you are actively involved in the life of the Union. Over the last few months, I have shared some thoughts in this newsletter around creating cultures of accountability; of assessment; and of giving. This month, I am very pleased to have an opportunity to write about creating a culture of caring. As I’ve often said, an organization is only as strong as its employees. How we serve others, respond to others, listen to others, and reach out to others will ultimately determine our long-term success as a university, and as individuals. Academic quality is paramount in our business, but education should also be about building strong relationships with others. It is powerful to possess knowledge, but it is awesome to share that knowledge in serving others. The real beauty of an education is how it empowers us to care for others as well as ourselves. Institutions that are recognized nationally as excellent are also those that exhibit caring characteristics, celebrating the very best of the human spirit. As I visit different organizations around the country, I often apply my “laughter test.” I walk through the halls and measure the levels of laughter by employees. While my test is certainly not scientific, I have found that those organizations where laughter is obvious and prevalent within the organization, including the Board Room, the company is generally healthy and its employees are happy I enjoy seeing healthy and happy employees, those who describe their jobs as being the best they have ever had, with colleagues who are not only professional but personal friends. These companies, probably without even realizing it, have created a culture of caring. When I came to the Union in 2001, I must confess that there was not much laughter in the hallways, offices, and/or board room. There was a feeling of fear and uncertainty, and I observed that people were leading from the shadows; they did not want to draw attention to themselves or their programs. What happened with OBR, USED, HLC/NCA visits confirmed my feeling that something within the university was not quite right. But, with the help of so many courageous people, we have addressed those challenges, bringing most of the external assessments to successful conclusions in 2007. We have traveled a difficult path together, made tough decisions together, and in the process developed anew mission, vision, values, and principles statement that provides the “light” for the future. People are no longer lingering in the shadows. They have found their voices, and they are stepping forward with renewed enthusiasm for the university, our unique programs, and most importantly one another. They are challenging negative thoughts and hurtful gossip that so dominated the institution for many years; they are forging new paths both academically and personally along positive routes that promise to renew the creative energy of both the people and programs of the Union. In short, we are creating a culture of caring each day by the way we interact with one another in fulfilling our collective responsibilities to our learners. As I move around the buildings that make up the physical Union, I am very pleased to now hear the sound of laughter of employees enjoying one another’s company. Have we accomplished all of the things that need to be done? Not yet—Union, like all organizations, is continually looking at ways to better itself by identifying and implementing opportunities for personal and organizational growth. We have to address salary and wages issues, equity, appropriate levels of staffing, funding professional development opportunities for employees, solving enrollment issues, and creating supportive networks within and beyond the university to meet the needs of all of our employees and our learners. At the core of all this, we have to always be aware of our work with others and understand that “successful leaders have a bone deep respect for the individual integrity of each person.” Having traveled the road that we had placed before us, we have met external challenges. Now, our fun challenge is “How do we build the university that we want to construct on our watch?” “What kind of an institution do we want to work in and how do we positively contribute to building that institution?” That is exciting to me because it gives us exactly the right opportunity to create a culture of caring that will sustain the bright future of the Union. I am asking each of us to commit to making the New Year in 2008 as the year in which we work together to create a culture of caring in our relationships and our work. Next time, when your first response might ordinarily be to be curt or to write a blistering email, or engage in a heated phone exchange, take a moment. Stop and reflect on how your actions will impact our growing culture of caring. If we see each action as a stepping stone to fulfilling our mission, that culture will grow naturally and harmonically--and, before long, we, too, will be recognized as one of the best places to work. We have already begun the journey; we just need to avoid the deep ruts and pot holes in our paths by realizing that we are all serving one university and one learner population. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best when he stated, “We must use time creatively…and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do great things.” We have done great things over the last five years; and, in the process we have assured the survival of this university. You have done that with your hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. We can now focus our efforts on creating the kind of culture that we want to characterize the future years of the Union. I ask that we begin that process today. It is time for us to do GREAT things in support of the Union! Stanley C. Allyn, former president of the National Cash Register company once said, “Leadership involves remembering past mistakes, analyzing today’s achievements, and keeping a well grounded imagination in visualizing the opportunities of the future.” What an exciting time for us to visualize the opportunities for the future at Union! I wish for each of you a most happy and joyous holiday season with your colleagues and family. Thank you for all you do for Union each day. Each of you is valued for your talents and your commitment to others. Warm regards, Roger H. Sublett
The “EEE” Award: Engage, Enlighten, Empower Featuring UI&U staff and faculty who are engaged, enlightened, and empowered in their service to our learners or to a community 
This month, the EEE Award is presented to Lieutenant Raymond Foster (B.A. 1999). A graduate of Union Institute & University’s undergraduate degree program, Raymond E. Foster returned to UI&U as a faculty advisor after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department. Dr. James Rocheleau, dean of the California undergraduate centers, says, “As a graduate of our program in Los Angeles several years ago, Raymond lives daily the UI&U mission. He believes in giving something back to help other law enforcement officers achieve their goals in life.” Being both a UI&U alum and faculty member, Foster understands the learner mindset. “The majority of our learners are mid-career professionals who are looking for a ‘ticket punch’,” Foster said. “The learners see a degree from UI&U as a means to advance their career. They want the piece of paper that says they were educated in certain subjects; we want much more for them.” Foster sees the course work as a means for the learners to attain the university’s vision– “enlighten and empower them in their pursuit of a lifetime of learning and service.” “We deliver the course work, but by constantly challenging the learners to reflect on ‘why’ it’s done that way, or why it might be believed by some to be the right way, the learners often take their own detours,” Foster observed. It’s those self-selected detours that Foster believes inspire the learner to begin or continue his or her journey toward personal enrichment and enlightenment. “That’s the most rewarding part of this job – when the learner goes somewhere I would have never gone, but they show me the way.” You can learn more about Raymond E. Foster on his Web site at www.police-technology.net. 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.
@ First Glance A hearty welcome to newly hired UI&U staff and faculty! Nicole Hamilton, B.A., Writer/ PR Manager, University Communications, 11/19/2007  Union’s new writer/public relations manager has experience on both sides of the PR world. She worked as a news aide and freelance writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer, before accepting a position as public relations and events coordinator for Northern Kentucky University’s Department of Music. Nicole (known as “Nikki”) has also worked as a media coordinator for political campaigns and, most recently, was a reporter for the Downtowner. A University of Cincinnati graduate, Nikki will manage Union’s public relations from the university’s Cincinnati headquarters as part of the communications team and will work closely with the alumni and development offices, as well as the deans and admissions staffs at each center. Nikki is a certified yoga instructor, teaching people to stand on their heads for more than seven years, and has been a mediocre cello player for more than 20 years. Morgan Irons, B.S., Assistant Director Vermont College MFA in Visual Arts, 11/19/2007  Morgan Irons has a varied administrative background, including positions in education and as a licensure program assistant at Goddard College; producer of many Center Stage Theatre Company productions; and state coordinator of the Vermont National Poetry Out Loud program. Outside of the office, Morgan enjoys acting, gardening, writing, snowshoeing, and teaching in prison programs. Sheryl-Ann Mullings-Black, B.A., Academic Support Coordinator, Florida Center, 11/19/2007 Sheryl-Ann Mullings-Black, academic support coordinator for UI&U at the Florida Center, was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She attended and graduated from St. Hugh’s High School-Kingston Jamaica, where she is a member of the South Florida Alumni Chapter. Sheryl-Ann graduated from University of Technology in Kingston, with a diploma in business administration, majoring in corporate management, before relocating to southern Florida in 1999. Sheryl-Ann worked at St. Thomas University in 2001 as a loan counselor/student account representative and earned a Bachelor of Arts in business studies from St. Thomas University. Sheryl-Ann’s business motto has always been “Serve the way you want to be served.” In her spare time, Sheryl-Ann can be found doing aerobics, taking Pilates, running, walking, reading, and attending church. Janet Ross, B.A., Secretary, Business Office, 11/19/2007 Janet Ross, Union’s new Business Office secretary, graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a bachelor’s degree in counseling. She worked for River Cities Capital Fund before beginning her career with Union in June of 1995, first working in the Graduate College and then with the Registrar’s Office. After five years with Union, Janet moved on to work as administrative assistant for Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (GCCCU) for six years. Janet is back working for Union after serving as a case manager for Welcome House in Covington, KY. She hopes to earn her Doctor of Psychology from Union. Janet enjoys going to parks, seeing movies and spending time with her two girls. In addition, she volunteers for City Cure and helps women who are struggling with domestic violence.
@ Close Up
UI&U Office of Federal Compliance and Financial Aid The Federal Compliance and Financial Aid Office counsels learners and processes financial aid for prospective and enrolled learners throughout the UI&U system. UI&U participates in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs, which includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS loan programs, and the Federal Work Study program. We also participate in the Vermont, Florida, California and Ohio State Grant programs. Approximately 78 percent of enrolled UI&U learners received financial aid in the 2006-07 award year. Finally, the Federal Compliance and Financial Aid Office processes and coordinates UI&U’s institutional scholarship and need-based grant programs.
Victoria Walker Vikki has worked at UI&U since September 2003. She began her career in financial aid at Howard University in Washington, D.C. while attending graduate school in 1976. Her previous financial aid career experience includes: director of financial aid at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Thomas More College and Control Data Institute; director of the One Stop Student Service Center at the University of Cincinnati; national financial aid coordinator for DeVry, Inc. She has worked for the National Federal Student Information Center and for the USED Division of Quality Assurance as a survey team member. Vikki also served as a visiting team member for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Jean Pohlman Jean has been employed at UI&U for 21 years. She began her career at Union as secretary for the Financial Aid Office. She was promoted to financial aid counselor, senior financial aid counselor, and is now assistant director. Jean was named UI&U’s employee of the year in 1998. Carol Reed Carol began her career at UI&U in 1990 as secretary in the Financial Aid Office. She was promoted to financial aid counselor in 1994 and senior financial aid counselor in 2004. Carol was named UI&U’s employee of the year in 2005. Bonnie Estrada Bonnie began her career at UI&U in 1994 as financial aid secretary. She was promoted to financial aid processor and now financial aid counselor. Bonnie also received the “Employee of the Year” award at UI&U in 2000.
Marjorie Karimi-Carter Marjorie began her career at UI&U in 2001 as executive secretary to the president. Since that time she has worked as executive assistant in the Graduate College’s Office of New Programs, manager, program advising for the Graduate College, and now compliance officer and financial aid counselor. Robin Reed-White Robin is a native of Cincinnati and attended Hughes and Western Hills High Schools. She earned her A.A.A.B. in business management from Southern Ohio College (now Brown Mackie College.) Robin began her career at UI&U in February 2006 as the administrative assistant in the Financial Aid Office. She has since been promoted to financial aid counselor. Robin is married with three children and one grandchild. She also has a very smart cat named Cameo. A new addition to the family is being contemplated! LaDeirdre Mango LaDeirdre will begin her career at UI&U in January 2008 as the office administrative assistant. LaDeirdre has previously worked for National College as an admissions representative and as a tax preparer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in 2006.
@ Attention LaVerne Johnson inducted into Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society
On November 28, 2007, Laverne Johnson, a longtime assistant in the Registrar’s Office, was inducted into the Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society. The ceremony occurred at the Fifth Third Bank Theatre Aronoff Center for the Arts in downtown Cincinnati. The honor of induction came as a result of LaVerne’s stellar academic work and “excellence in the classroom” at Antonelli College, where she is currently seeking an Occupational Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology/Medical Coding. LaVerne returned to school with a mission to further her education and was recently nominated to serve as vice president of the Antonelli Student Council. She is an encouragement to those looking to expand their horizons, saying, “We can do anything in life if we are disciplined, willing to sacrifice, and put forth the time.” Congratulations, LaVerne! UI&U Annual Fund campaign creates “culture of caring” You are all beginning to receive the 2007-2008 Annual Fund appeal letter in your mailboxes, and we are already getting some very positive response. As of this printing, one department in Cincinnati has already come through with almost 100 percent giving by all its members. We are so gratified that they have made the commitment, and hope all of you will give, no matter how modest the gift. To make that easier, we have attached the Payroll Deduction Form that you can fill out and send along to Roberta Wespiser in the Cincinnati Office. While we are all painfully aware of the lack of raises over the past few years, we ask that all employees give at least something. No gift is too small or insignificant – because we are looking for percentages more than amounts. With that in mind, we thought we’d ask a colleague the reasons for contributing to the Annual Fund. Here’s one response from a longtime member of our community. We found it inspirational and hope you will, too. Those of you who know Marcia know that she lives the university’s mission and vision every day through her service to all of us and to our learners and alumni. Yet, she still understands that we each can make a small additional financial contribution – and that contribution pays back in some pretty large ways. Why do I give to Union?
When I came to Union, people kept asking me when I was going to enroll at the Gantz Center to earn my degree. I just laughed. At my age, I had given up the thought of ever finishing an undergraduate degree. But when they continued to ask and I stopped laughing, I remembered that obtaining a degree was something I felt I had missed. I enrolled, and in the process, I discovered that one of the life’s greatest blessings is having the opportunity to participate in formal learning. I truly believed that my higher power wanted to give me this gift and used lots of people to encourage me to get it. It was hard to believe that Union was in the business of fulfilling my personal dream. I went forward in the program with great enthusiasm and apprehension. But because of the support and encouragement of my family and coworkers, as well as the efforts of an entire university, I was able to graduate. I graduated because of all of you, your hard work and your belief in adult education. The meager amount of time or money that I give each year to the Annual Fund could never repay the generosity of the staff and faculty who helped me finish my undergraduate degree. Marcia Riehle
Union Institute & University announces new degree in Elfology!
“We are providing a need in the community,” said UI&U President Roger Sublett, who earned an honorary doctorate from North Pole College last year for his tell-all book, So Red the Nose: My Years with Rudolph. “Global warming, terrorism, elves… these are the topics of tomorrow. And we must educate people today.” Learners have the option of pursing bachelor’s as well as advanced degrees in Elfology. The programs are also available online. “With my schedule, there is no way I can attend classes,” says Santa Claus, who works fulltime driving a sleigh. “The online program made it easy for me to finish my bachelor’s degree and still work.” Claus anticipates graduating with his BS in Elfology as early as next year – UI&U honored coursework he completed in 1624 at Snowflake Academy in the Land of Misfit Toys. “Then, all I cared about was tripping the light fantastic with Prancer and Dancer. Honestly, 1624 is all a blur,” says Claus. “But I attribute my change to three things: Ms. Claus, the South Beach diet, and, of course, Union.” After Claus completes his bachelor’s degree, he hopes to earn a master’s degree online. The topic of his thesis will be “The Scrooge Epidemic.” Basically, he is trying to draw a correlation between Scrooge and 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney. Claus then plans on enrolling in UI&U’s new Psy.D. program. He wants to counsel elves, victims of the Scrooge Epidemic, and people who change their name to Formally Known As… UI&U will be hosting an Open House to learn more about the new Elfology degree, December 25, 2007 from 7-9 pm at UI&U’s Cincinnati center location. Free and open to the public. Door prizes include three French hens, two turtle doves, and five golden rings. Music will be provided by Prince, formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, with a guest appearance by Randy Newman, who will sing “Short People” in honor of elves everywhere. Recipe for a Good Holiday Break 2 ½ cups of unsifted holiday cheer In a small saucepan, allow the peace and joy to slowly melt over medium heat. Add the happiness of spending a whole day in your pajamas and stir until combined. Add a dash of Jack Frost and allow to simmer. In the meantime, in a large bowl combine unsifted holiday cheer, a few Jimmy Stewart movies, and hot cocoa. Make a small pocket in the middle of this mix and pour in the peace, joy, and happiness. Stir until pleasantly comfortable. Divide the batter into ten equal parts and drop onto an ungreased, comfy sofa. Sprinkle with a Happy New Year and top off with some snow flurries. Bake for ten days.
Karen Lonero, Kriste Grubbs, LaVerne Johnson, Sophie Stanford, and Erskine Blanchard pose on the Registrar Office’s karaoke stage. Every day—until December 21—Cincinnati staff and faculty can be found belting out a tune or showing off their dance moves on stage from 12:30-1:30.
@ Your Service for submissions reply to @UI&U |
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December 2007
Straight talk and timely information from President Roger Sublett
Union Institute & University continues to make its mark as one of the most innovative higher learning institutions in the country with its latest addition to their degree programs – Elfology. 
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