Online Degree Enlightenment Blog

#1 Ranked Bulldogs Open Season With a 45-21 Victory over Georgia Southern

It was a successful day for the Georgia Bulldogs today at Sanford Stadium. The exciting and much anticipated game day began with the pre-game ceremony introducing the new UGA VII mascot to the fans. “Loran’s Best” officially took his place in University of Georgia history with the introduction by UGA President Dr. Michael F. Adams, where the new red leather spiked collar was place around the neck of the new mascot.

There was also a football game to be played on the field, and Georgia showed the offensive power backing up their number one ranking, the first time they have been ranked #1 going into the first week of the season. The Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) took care of Georgia Southern with good performances from top athletes including three touchdown runs from tailback Knowshon Moreno, and a career-high 275 yards passing from quarterback Matthew Stafford. Another impressive stat was the 535 total yards put up in today’s game. Redshirt Freshman Caleb King also showed the depth at tailback by providing 95 rushing yards on 12 carries, as starting tailback Moreno suffered cramps early in the third quarter. Lucky for Georgia fans, it was only cramps, as Moreno pulled up limp after rushing for his third TD. The good news is that he’s fine, and will be ready to go next week as the Bulldogs host Central Michigan next Saturday before their schedule tests them heavily with trips to Arizona State & LSU, and home games against SEC rivals and top 25 ranked Alabama & Tennessee.

Courtesy: UGA Sports Communications - Release: 08/29/2008

ATHENS, Ga. — The seventh in the Uga line of Georgia mascots will be introduced to the Georgia people on Saturday, Aug. 30, during pre-game ceremonies of the Bulldogs’ season opener against Georgia Southern.

“Loran’s Best” will officially become “Uga VII,” when he is introduced for the first time to the Sanford Stadium crowd prior to the 12:34 p.m. kickoff. Members of the Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler family of Savannah who have owned the continuous line of mascots since Uga I took up the mantle in 1956 will escort him onto the field.

Uga VII’s coronation will become official when UGA President Dr. Michael F. Adams slips the new red leather spike collar over his head during the ceremony at midfield. He succeeds his father, Uga VI, who passed away in June of this year. Charles Seiler and two Seiler grandchildren will escort Uga VII onto the field: Margaret Story and Sara Thompson.

At 56 and one half pounds, he’ll be second only to Uga VI as the biggest mascot in the line. Seiler said he “has an excellent coat and bears a striking resemblance to his father.”

“He’s a great pet, already answers to his name, loves to travel and ride in the car,” said Seiler. “He sleeps in his kennel in the den and is fed Hill’s prescription maintenance dog food at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Uga VII already loves to sit on the dock by the river and is ready for his first boat ride.”

“Loran’s Best” was originally named for long-time Georgia Athletic Association personality Loran Smith. Seiler said Uga VII has an entire new wardrobe made with the same material as the team jerseys.

Participating in the pre-game ceremony will be UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans and the Georgia Redcoat Band. University Alumni Association president Trey Paris will also present a proclamation to the Seiler family honoring Uga VI and welcoming Uga VII.

Other Seiler family members on the field will be Frank W. “Sonny” and Cecelia Seiler, Swann Seiler, Wendy (Mrs. Charles) Seiler, Shannon and Bess Thompson and their children Tennyson and Seiler Thompson, Todd and Sara Story and their children Anna and William Story.

A video tribute to Uga VI will be shown on the stadium scoreboard prior to the official introduction of Uga VII.

Photos by Danny White

Technorati Tags: ncaa football, dawgs, georgia, football, bulldogs

College Work Study: Part Two - Click Here To View This Video on YouTube.com

This video is one within a series that I produce offering advise on work study for college students, and why this is beneficial for you.

We live in a world where information is readily available, and people looking for information want to have it right now. Technology has continued on a vertical upward ramp over the past hundred years without signs of slowing down. The technology juggernaut translates into education and higher learning for students not only in the United States of America, but also globally with the introduction of distance learning degree programs. While the popularity and overall trust of taking college level courses via the Internet has risen in recent years, the ability of international peers to connect with one another has also developed into a cultural phenomenon. Gone are the days when students go to school with certain classmates from kindergarten to college graduation. The doors to global learning have opened wide, allowing students to interact with their peers across the globe by way of email, text messaging, instant messaging, and real-time video conferencing. In addition to the resources offered by distance learning platforms, students across the world have flocked to popular social networking sites like Facebook, and Myspace.

As the popularity of education has increased for colleges & universities providing distance-learning platforms, so has the engaging ability to learn not just with the methods American students are used to, but integrating the thoughts and ideas of their international peers. Aside from the astounding ideas, concepts, and learning methods gained by studying online with people around the world are the additional benefits that should be considered when choosing a traditional campus based college education, or a distance learning degree program.

Our list of 5 reasons to earn your college degree online includes:

1. High Gas Prices & Commuting: Nothing New in America
   Fairly obvious with the current state of the economy is the high price of gas facing many Americans today. The majority of potential students in our society are less than fortunate when it comes to paying for college, many having to take out student loans to cover the cost of higher education. One simple way to save some cash is the removal of transportation to and from the traditional classroom daily, or meeting 3 times a week for a 1-hour lecture. Even if you live on campus or close to campus, you can still help with the dangerous gases emitted by your vehicle.
2. Technology Has Improved: Distance Learning Platforms ARE Educational
   In the early part of this century, people were skeptical of using the Internet for things such as shopping, banking, and learning. The Internet was mainly used to find information and for emailing friends & family. Today, just about everyone uses the power of the Internet to make purchases, pay bills or perform online banking, aggregate & read news information, watch videos of total strangers, and learn new educational information. Distance learning University programs have also advanced to provide students with tremendous online resources and e-libraries, interactive classroom meetings, video instruction and tutorials, and communication tools to connect with instructors and other students. All of this support structure is available online, anytime. Gone are the days of long pages of text, where email is the only way to communicate. Welcome to a new generation of true interactive learning, online college level degrees!
3. Convenience & Flexibility with Family & Work Obligations
   One of the essential elements of online education is the convenience offered to busy professionals trying to complete their education while maintaining a career, time with spouses and children, and everyday life that makes earning a degree difficult. Without the tether to a desk in a traditional classroom setting, students that choose to earn their degree online immediately realize the convenience and flexibility of learning anything, anytime, and anywhere they choose. Required reading can be completed when your schedule permits. Learn at your own pace, and open up your schedule to keep up with your busy lifestyle.
4. Online Degrees Are Just as Respectable as Traditional Campus Degrees
   This has typically been one of the most frequently asked questions, and major concern for prospective students when considering earning their degree via the Internet. Online college degrees from reputable, accredited distance learning schools are just as good as those earned from campus-based schools. Employers accept the diploma or certificate that you earn through an online degree school in the same way that traditional degrees are accepted. Diplomas, certificates, and transcripts from online schools aren’t marked as online-related documents. They look the same as those types of documents from campus-based schools.
5. Job Placement Assistance
   Although this may not be one of the biggest differences between campus-based programs and online degree programs, job placement assistance is still a big benefit when you’re preparing for graduation. Even if you already have a job that you love, the degree you have just earned may help you earn a promotion or raise, and may lead to a new career or job that you may have overlooked. Today’s job market is competitive. Employers are seeking the best of the best, and often times working closely with Colleges & Universities to find prospective employees with the educational background needed to succeed in their field. Job placement assistance can help you match your skills with employers in high-demand fields, especially while we’re in this economic recession period.

If you’re considering an online degree, be sure to weigh all the benefits against traditional classroom programs, and consult with an advisor if you’re serious about it. Many of the online programs have campus alternatives, and vice versa. Universities have advisors who specialize in admission and enrollment for prospective students. These fine folks will be able to assist you with the learning platform, and degree program that is right for your life and goals. Don’t forget to ask about financial aid and scholarship information; you might be surprised with the monetary sources that may be available to you. Good luck with your search. If you choose a campus program, we support that too, just get enrolled and complete your education. Let’s bring the American educational system back to the top of the International educational leader board!

The presidents of more than 100 colleges and universities have signed a document urging lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age to 18. The educators say the 21-year-old drinking age is widely flouted and has led to a culture of binge drinking on college campuses. Anti-drunken driving groups say the law does work. They argue that colleges don’t want to be bothered with enforcing the law and are looking for an easy way out. John McCardell, the former president of Middlebury College in Vermont, says his group, the Amethyst Initiative, is against intoxication but supports responsible, adult behavior toward alcohol.

College seems to be a place where drinking and partying is just a part of everyday life. I remember the days where going to class, then hitting happy hour was almost routine in college, then heading out to a house party with a big group of friends. At the time I never really stopped to think about the amount of alcohol I was consuming, just that fact that college was the best time of my life. Now that I am a little more mature (older and boring), I look back and think that it makes sense that 30% of people using alcohol are considered alcoholics, or have a drinking dependency; I was probably in that category. The problem that I had was that I thought the only way to become and alcoholic, or be considered dependant upon alcohol was to be the guy that wakes up in the morning and heads straight to the bar, then drinks during the day and does nothing else. The truth is that my college days allowed me to sustain the energy to attend all my classes, and function normally. Because I was drinking after classes and a night, I felt that I was just another college student. The problem is that myself, and most college students out there, would engage in alcohol consumption in a short time frame drinking a lot more than I would ever dream of today.

The College Days: Binge Drinking and Thinking it’s Normal Behavior

The college days were fun with the beer bongs, and the good old days where shot gunning a few cans of keystone light was commonplace. I’m much more comfortable with a nice glass of Cabernet with my dinner now, and perhaps a beer or two during the game. The fact remains, college students in general tend to drink large amounts or binge when they party. Shot after shot, and in the range of 5-10 drinks within an hour. At my age, that would put my in be and hung over for at least a week, if not in the hospital.

Among the supporters are presidents at Duke University and Ohio State University. Although not all major universities are behind the initiative, the fact is that the majority of the student bodies at colleges and universities tend to have access to alcohol, regardless of their age. Whether it’s via an older friend, or the fake ID method that seems to work on college campuses, students still have access to alcohol without issue.

Will Lowering the Drinking Age to 18 be Beneficial or Harmful?

• Is the right answer lowering the drinking age, or will this simply make alcohol binge drinking more accessible for college students? Take it another step further, what about high school students, most of whom are 18 their senior year.
• Would you vote for a law that lowers the drinking age? (The Amethyst Initiative)
• Are you in college, or do you have children in college? What are your thoughts on lowering the drinking age?
• Why do you think students in Europe tend to control their drinking habits versus American students?
• Do you think the lower drinking age and relaxed drinking atmosphere would benefit America in the same manner?
• Will this type of change curb binge-drinking habits, and essentially lower the risk of driving under the influence?
• The military enlistment age is 18. Young men and women can fight, and die, for our country. Shouldn’t they be able to drink as adults if we lower the legal drinking age to 18?

Share your thoughts; tell us what solution fits this issue in America!

Provided by:123RF

School is starting and it’s time to get back into the studying mode! Going off to college for the first time can be confusing, difficult, and stressful. The guidance and supervision of your parents is now conducted from a remote distance. Granting you, the college students, the responsibilities of learning and taking care of yourself while away from home.

That is why, I have created some helpful school tips on going to college for the first time as a freshman.

Learning – This up to the individual, but “STUDY” and “PARTICIPATE”, that is the most important part of learning in college.

Items to Bring:

1.) Clothes - Casual and Dress (Types depend on your location)

2.) Shoes - Casual and Dress (Be ready for all occasions)

3.) School Bag/ Backpack – You will get plenty of use out of it!

4.) Computer/Power Strip – You will use it constantly, if you already don’t.

5.) School Supplies – Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, stapler, paperclips, tacks, tape and calculator.

6.) Toiletries – Toothbrush, razors, toe nail clippers, hair products, deodorant, etc. and depends on the male or female.(condoms/feminine products)

7.) Vitamins – You have to keep your mind healthy for school.

8.) Aspirin/Cold Medicine – Headaches are prevalent along with germs.

9.) Shower Shoes – Otherwise you could end up with athlete’s foot.

10.) Bed Linens/Pillow/Large and Small Towels – These are simple items often overlooked.

11.) Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener - You don’t want to be the smelly freshman.

12.) Hangers – You don’t want a bunch of wrinkly clothes

13.) Garbage Can – Disposing of late night snack wrappers and assignment rewrites.

14.) Food – Dry and canned food is good, while your parents are still flipping the bill.

15.) Beverages – A must, you’ll want bottled water and caffeine to aid in rehydrating and studying.

16.) Paper ware – Napkins, plates, and cups

17.) Plastic ware – Spoons, forks, and knives

18.) TV/Phone/Ipod – Always nice to let off a little steam with your own outlet (Roommate might already have these, so check)

19.) Mini-Refrigerator/Microwave – Good items for storing and cooking more snacks (Also check with roommate before bringing)

20.) Calling Card/Pics- It can be lonely away from your family for an extended period of time.

If I have missed any important tips, don’t hesitate to add them to the comments.

*VERY IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience!

The big question often arises on whether online education or campus based education has a heavier work load for reading and writing assignments. The answer can generally be found in the eye of the beholder or student. Although, a survey has been conducted including interviews from former students who have taken both types of course work.

Provided by: Sixth Sigma

Online education offers unique benefits usually derived from accessibility and convenience. Distance learning programs offer an opportunity to further your education without the need of physically being present in a classroom. Creating a need for professors to sometimes increase the work loads to achieve optimal learning experiences from students.

Two students were asked the exact same question and replied by stating their reading and writing assignments were increased more, than if they had traditionally taken the subject in a classroom setting. From the University of South Florida, a former student was quoted “Yes, my work load was considerably higher than in our physical  classrooms” - Bryan P.

Yet, another former student from the University of Colorado was quoted stating the same answer. “I did notice the reading and general assignments due were quite a bit more than my normal classroom” - David Thies.

Although, one former student from the University of Maryland disagreed with the other two students. “I finished my Masters Degree and didn’t believe my course work was any more hefty than that of my classrooms” - Amber Botsch.

What is the answer to the question of more work in online courses or campus based courses? A University of Creighton study was conducted to depict the actual course load difference. The findings were conclusive that an overall workload increase of 23% was given to online course work in comparison to campus based work.

The findings were conducted in different areas of course study. Leaving the real answer to be determined, by the student and professor in each course field of online and campus based education.

Source: American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2005; 69 (4) Article 67.

Provided by:payday loan affiliate

Paying for your college education can be expensive and confusing in the conglomeration of student loans available. There is an abundance of misleading information from many private lenders in today’s market. Choosing the right loan is often a difficult decision for parents and prospective students to make. This led to the origination of a consumer help guide in determining a student loan program for you.

The United States Department of Education and the Federal Trade Commission recently created a document called the FTC Facts for Consumers. The consumer guide focuses on educating prospective students and parents on deceptive student loan offers. Another focus of the guide is in how to report these companies to the FTC.

Spotting a misleading private lender can be avoided, by educating yourself on the marketing ploys often associated with these lenders. The Department of Education does not engage in marketing campaigns such as emails, direct mailers, knock-off-logos, special offers, or phone solicitations to obtain personal information. These are some of the big warning signs of potentially harmful lenders.

If you ever encounter any of these situations or marketing schemes, don’t hesitate to notify the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Education of these tactics. Help inform the public of misleading or scandalous companies and groups.

Source provided by www.ED.GOV/News

If you have attended American Sentinel University - Write Your Own Review Here

Blog Home > American Sentinel University Online Review > Student Reviews

American Sentinel University Online Student Reviews

American Sentinel University | Final Overall University Grade = A+

By: Brad from Maui, HI
Years Attended/Graduated: 2007-Present

Student Review:
I am currently taking BSCS at American Sentinel University. I love this online program because it is self-paced, meaning no deadlines for tests/assignments except for the entire course deadline. The faculty offers good help, and the technology courses are very challenging yet not impossible, you just have to dedicate/commit yourself to it. Highly recommend it!

-Brad from Maui, HI

Final Recommendation: 5/5. Highly recommended. Final Grade is an A+

If you have attended the California Coast University - Write Your Own Review Here

Blog Home > California Coast University Online Review > Student Reviews

California Coast University Online Student Reviews

Review - Solid School | Final Overall University Grade = B

By: Anonymous User
Years Attended/Graduated: Not Provided

Student Review:
I received a BS/MS from CCU.  I would guess that this school will eventually have a regional accreditation status.  It continues to grow at a steady pace and is apparently still a great buy!  Also, transferring credit/degrees to an RA school is not as hard as some say it is.  I think there is still a turf war going on, especially for those who spent a lot of money on their education.  Virtually all schools have some sort of on-line program now so it is just a matter of time before the “old school” dies out giving way to more practical approaches to learning.

Final Recommendation: Best buy for a DETC accredited school. Of course, the testing process and price is the major difference compared to a traditional setting.

If you have attended the Virginia College Online - Write Your Own Review Here

Blog Home > Virginia College Online Review > Student Reviews

Virginia College Online Student Reviews

Review - Eh.. | Final Overall University Grade = D

By: Anonymous User
Years Attended/Graduated: Just finished 1st quarter

Student Review:
The biggest problem I’ve experienced is not with the online school itself, but the people actually running the school.  When I decided to attend VCO I had a man contact me from the school to help me through the process of registering.  He was VERY helpful.. gave me so many reasons Virginia College Online was a great school and so right for me and blah, blah, blah… every time I would email him, he replied almost immediately.. same with phone messages.  After classes began it was almost impossible to get a hold of him!  Like he got me to sign up, collected his commission for “recruiting me”, and then said screw her.  I decided to change my major, that was a mistake.  I sent an email to one of the deans requesting the change and he sent me a bunch of forms to print out.  He said I needed to fill them out, sign them, and mail them back to him.. and to expedite the process I could also fax him a copy.  “No problem,” I thought, and did it the same day… Well I mailed it to him over a week ago and still haven’t heard anything.  And for some reason they never get my faxes, although other people do with no problems..  Anyway, so I faxed it to him like 7 times.  I finally emailed the guy yesterday asking if he received anything from me and he never responded.  Also I requested a letter to verify my enrollment to the school as a full time student to give to my employer and I got a letter stating I was only half time, which is wrong.  The people that work in the office seem extremely unorganized, unintelligent, AND ignorant.  The communication is TERRIBLE!  When you finally DO get ahold of someone, they act like its such a pain in the butt to answer your question.

Final Recommendation: D, I don’t recommend at all.

Virginia College Online Student Reviews

Review - VCO Review | Final Overall University Grade = C

By: beth.suyak [at] gmail.com
Years Attended/Graduated: 2004-2007

Student Review:
As a graduate from Virginia College Online, I was thinking that my degree would open doors for me in the business world. However, the exact opposite occurred.  Many firms will not hire from Virginia College Online because anyone can take a course and pass a test.  I changed colleges for my MBA and by doing so reopened many of those slammed doors because many of companies understand the differences between knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge.

Final Grade: Overall, I would give the school a C-.  It has potential but in my eyes, it is a degree mill.