Newsletter Archives

February 2006

We have moved to a new office location. Stop by and see us in Enterprise Hall, Rooms 412 & 413. Our mail stop is the same: 1B3. Address:

Higher Education Program MS# 1B3
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax VA 22030

Registration Information Spring 2006 : The last day for students to add a class is Tuesday, February 7, 2006. Please be sure that you are on the class roster. If a student is not on the roster, then he is not enrolled. This process must be taken care of by February 7.

GRADUATION SPRING 2006 : Students intending to graduate in spring 2006 (May 2006 degree conferral) are now able to file their on-line intent to graduate through their PatriotWeb account ( https://patriotweb.gmu.edu/). All intents to graduate in spring 2006 must be filed no later than March 3, 2006. No late intents will be accepted by the College of Arts and Sciences for spring 2006 graduation.

After students have filed their intent to graduate, they should go to the graduation website of the Registrar's Office
( http://registrar.gmu.edu/gif/important.html) to file the graduation application for their respective degree
(http://registrar.gmu.edu/gif/forms.html). Completed applications must be submitted to the student's department NO LATER than March 10, 2006. Applications received late will be denied and the student will need to remove their intent to graduate for spring 2006 and re-file to graduate in summer 2006 (August 2006 degree conferral).

In past semesters many students have neglected to file both their on-line intent and their paper degree application. Please make sure that any student who gives you a degree application has filed their on-line intent to graduate.

All students are required to be registered during the semester they graduate. All master's students completing a thesis must be enrolled in 799, and all doctoral students must be enrolled in 999. The last day to add a class for the spring 2006 semester is Tuesday, February 7, 2006. Additional information about graduation deadlines and the submission of theses and dissertations can be found on the CAS website ( http://cas.gmu.edu/cas/current/graduate/index.html).


Dissertation Format Workshop: On February 8, 2006, Robert Vay from the University Library will discuss the university formatting guidelines for theses/dissertations. The workshop will be held from 3 - 4:30pm in the Johnson Student Center, Gold Room, Ground Floor. Jamie Cooper from the CAS Dean's Office will address the academic policies that govern graduation and submission of the thesis/dissertation. Questions can be directed to casgradstdent@gmu.edu or 703.993.8864.

Student News:

The College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce the following dissertation defense:

Richard L. Esterbrook
Community College Education
Dissertation Director: Dr. John Wasserman

"INTRODUCING RUSSIAN NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE LEARNING AND COPING SKILLS FOR HIGH-RISK STUDENTS IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES: AN INITIAL INVESTIGATION"

Wednesday, March 1, 2006
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
George Mason University, Fairfax Campus
Enterprise Hall, Room 418

Abstract: Community colleges have traditionally maintained an open-door admissions policy regardless of student academic preparedness. Three quarters of all college students who require remediation due to poor or limited educational preparation or experiences are enrolled in the community colleges. These under-prepared students are at high risk of academic failure. This research represents is an initial investigation to determine the effectiveness of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques as an intervention to help under-prepared and underachieving community college students alter undesirable or negative preconceptions and behavioral patterns that would impede or prevent the successful completion of a planned degree or certification program in a community college. Sergei V. Kovalev (2001) has introduced a set of structured NLP interventions that were translated from his book Return from the Edge of the Abyss: Seven Steps to Recovery, NLP - Therapy for Drug or Alcohol Addiction. These NLP interventions are reflected in a three step pilot model that can be applied to help under-achieving community college students use coping resources and successful life experiences in approaching their academic work. The intervention techniques were developed involving applications of cognitive-behavioral exercises (e.g. use of imagery). A sample of 17 community college students underwent the NLP imagery intervention exercises and techniques and was compared to a control group of 17 students who did not receive the intervention. All participants completed pre and post-intervention assessment with a test battery of behavioral adjustment, self-concept, and social skills. Results indicated that the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant and positive change in the areas of self-reported anxiety/depression and social assertion. The limitations of this investigation are discussed. The pilot model is meant to be a supplement to the normal standard community college interventions and assistance programs but it is not designed to supplant or substitute them. The results from this investigative study showed positive change in student preconceptions and behavior from a NLP intervention in community college students.

Copies of the dissertation are on reserve in the Johnson Center Library. The doctoral project will not be read at the meeting, but should be read in advance.

All members of the George Mason University community are invited to attend.

Anita W. Wallace
Community College Education
Dissertation Director: Dr. Penelope Earley

"A Study of Dual Enrollment Policies and Procedures in Virginia's Local School Divisions"

Monday, February 27, 2006
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
George Mason University, Fairfax Campus
Johnson Center, Room C

Abstract: This study examines Virginia’s local school divisions’ dual enrollment policies and procedures for recruitment, advising and promotion of students. This research focused on academic dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to take college-level courses while simultaneously earning high school and college credits. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses were not included in this study. The primary research was conducted through an online survey that requested specific information to determine if the local school divisions’ policies provide guidance for local school divisions where students are identified and recruited into dual enrollment programs. Secondary data sources included enrollment totals from the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Education. In addition, the Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment (1988 and 2005) was examined to determine if local school divisions’ policies and procedures align with the expectations of this articulation agreement between Virginia’s local school divisions and community colleges. That agreement provides broad guidelines for school divisions, and this study sought to determine if school divisions were utilizing those broad guidelines in implementing their policies. This study compared student enrollment data from the survey, the Virginia Community College System, and the Virginia Department of Education to determine if there are participation gaps for minority (African-American and Hispanic), low-income and low-middle achieving students. Findings revealed that there are dual enrollment participation gaps for minority (African-American and Hispanic) and low-income students. There are also gaps in implementation from one school division to another.

Copies of the dissertation are on reserve in the Johnson Center Library. The doctoral project will not be read at the meeting, but should be read in advance.

All members of the George Mason University community are invited to attend.

Congratulations to Kate Simpson who successfully defended her dissertation, “The Effectiveness of Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext in Promoting Active Learning Pedagogy: A Multiple-Case Study.”

Anita Wallace will defend her dissertation, “A Study of Dual Enrollment Policies and procedures in Virginia’s Local School Divisions,” on February 27 at 9am. Dr. Penelope Earley is her chair. Johnson Center, Room C

Dr. Alusine Kanu, graduate, has been promoted to Associate Professor at Northern Virginia Community College. He and Dr. Kettlewell are working on a Higher Education consulting project for Sierra Leone.

Laura Elssworth, D.A. student, was appointed as the acting Department Chair for theCriminal Justice, Forensic Science and Legal Studies Department at Prince George's Community College for the Spring 2006 semester.

Dana Donehue Burnside, D.A. doctoral candidate, completed her tenure as Coordinator of the English Division and was appointed Director of the Communication Program at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Spring 2006 Calendar:

In order to avoid paying a late registration fee, students should register for ANY of their courses no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2006.

First Day of Classes January 23

Dissertation Defense Drafts to HEP Office for Spring defense February 6

Last day to drop with no tuition penalty February 7

Last day to add Classes February 7

Last day to drop without Dean’s approval February 24**

Spring Break March 12-19

Incomplete work due to professor March 24

Last Day to defend dissertation/Sp 2006 March 31

Incomplete work grades due to registrar March 31

Final Copies of Dissertations Due to HEP May 2

Last Day of Classes May 6

Commencement May 20

**Please Note: Any student who drops a class after February 24 must have the Dean’s permission. Until that permission is granted by the Dean the student must attend class. The circumstances for dropping the class must be something that occurred after that date. For the CTCH 606 and CTCH 601 Weekend courses, students must check with the registrar’s website to determine when they can drop. These are considered special schedule courses.

The Higher Education Program follows all University and CAS scheduling regulations.

Spring 2006 HEP Courses: Room information is on Patriot Web

CTCH 601-001 CRN: 15938 (on GMU website, not in printed schedule)

The Community College, Dr. Kettlewell
Weekends: Friday 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm
February 3 and 4
February 24 and 25
March 31 and April 1
May 5 and 6
Prince William Campus BRH 254

Summer 06 Institute Courses

Registration information about the newly developed Summer 06 Institute Courses will be available after Spring Break. The registration process for these courses is somewhat different than traditional Mason registration. We will have a brochure available that describes the Institute.

Session I

June 7 to June 9, 2006

CTCH 792-001 Teach and Learning: The e-Portfolio
Dr. Kay McCarron

CTCH 792-002 Administration: Leadership: An Assessment of Your Leadership Provide And the Challenge of Developing Others
Dr. Noreen Lyne

CTCH 792-003 Student Affairs: Learning Priorities: Fundraising and Marketing Communications in Student Affairs
Dr. Dan Mackeben

Session II

June 28 to June 30, 2006

CTCH 792-004 Teaching and Learning: Advanced Technology for the Higher Education Classroom
Dr. Kay McCarron

CTCH 792-005 Administration: The Leadership Challenge for 21 st Century Organizations
Dr. Noreen Lyne

CTCH 792-006 Student Affairs: The Student Affairs’ Role in Distance Education
Dr. Gail B. Kettlewell

Session III

July 13 to July 15, 2006

CTCH 792-007 Teaching and Learning: Academic Writing for the Graduate Student
Dr. Victoria N. Salmon

CTCH 792-008 Administration: Gaining the Big Picture through External Assessment: Environmental Scanning
Dr. Gail B. Kettlewell

CTCH 792-009 Student Affairs: Enhancing and Responding to Diversity on Campus
Dr. Mark Kidd

Call for Proposals!

2006 Learning College Summit Call for Proposals

The League for Innovation is now seeking proposals for forum sessions at the Learning College Summit to be held June 11-14, 2006, at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet in St. Louis, Missouri. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 1, 2006.

The League for Innovation is accepting proposals to present at the 2006 Conference on Information Technology, October 22-25 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In Charlotte, there is always something new to entice, interest, and amaze. Charlotte's southern culture represents a colorful spectrum, from the fine artwork of the Mint Museum to the engine-racing thunder of NASCAR that draws more than one million visitors each year. Whether you stay a day, weekend, or longer, Charlotte will keep you entertained!

The League for Innovation's annual Conference on Information Technology (CIT) is the premier showcase of the use of information technology to improve teaching and learning, student services, and institutional management. Celebrating its 22nd year of excellence, the 2006 CIT will feature a technologically sophisticated and topically diverse program that helps educators explore and expand their use of technology. This call for proposals is an invitation to join your colleagues in a dynamic learning community to discover how information technology is transforming the educational enterprise.

Proposals to present at the 2006 Conference on Information Technology can be submitted online at http://www.league.org/2006cit/cfp/index.html. Each year, Track One focuses on an emerging technology believed to be of particular interest to educators. For the 2006 CIT, the special focus for Track One is Open-Source Solutions and Their Implications for Community Colleges. As increasing numbers of colleges implement a wide variety of open-source instructional and enterprisewide tools and solutions, what are the pros and cons that must be considered? Proposals targeted toward this focus area should assist community colleges to evaluate, customize, anticipate, and deploy fiscally, technologically, and educationally sound open-source solutions to meet instructional and organizational needs. Although open-source solutions are the special focus of the 2006 CIT, other proposal topics related to the emerging and future use of information technology at community and technical colleges are strongly encouraged.

Proposal Submission Deadline—March 24, 2006.