Charter Chatter - Q109 - Issue #1

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Department of Student Services Friendly Reminder

The Department of Education's federal student aid programs are the largest sources of student aid in America. Students who wish to continue receiving federal aid after July 1, 2009 must fill out a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2009-2010 school year. In order to complete your FAFSA, you will need the following information:

Independent Students

Dependent Students

Electronically

FAFSA on the Web allows you to complete and submit your financial aid application electronically. To complete your FASFA on the web:

Locate your PIN number. Your PIN number is your electronic signature.  If you do not have one or you forgot your PIN, you can go to www.pin.ed.gov and retrieve it instantly.

Once you have your PIN, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and follow the directions listed to fill out the 2009-2010 FAFSA. The 2008-2009 FASFA is still available on the website so please double check that you have selected the correct year. (Remember, the first F in "FAFSA" stands for "free"—so use the official government site to submit your application. If you go to a ".com" site, you will probably be asked to pay to submit the FAFSA.)

Personally

The Department of Student Services is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm to assist you. Call today to make an appointment with your Student Service Officer. 777-1314

Guest Speakers

Charter College encourages guest speakers to come to campus. Guest speakers not only inspire students in their chosen field, but also spark student interest in topics of the day. Lectures by guest speakers also serve as a contribution to the body of knowledge shared at Charter College in a specific field.

With the United States and Alaska at risk for more terrorist attacks, it was good to know that the FBI is on the job of stopping those attacks from happening.

Likewise, the students heard about the FBI's efforts to halt bribery and corruption in the Alaska Legislature. This is a timely topic, given the recent indictments and convictions of Alaskan legislators in recent times. Associate Dean Roger Holl, who served as Chairman of the Alaska Public Offices Commission also spoke on public corruption and legislative ethics.

The next guest speaker is Joseph Williams, a probation officer, who will speak on careers in probation and corrections at the Juvenile Justice Class in room 225B on March 23rd at 5:25 p.m.

Attention New Students:

Do you have the following in preparation for the April 6th start?

  1. Your class schedule
  2. Your books
  3. Scrubs and shoes (Medical students only)
  4. Charter College ID Card

If you still need any of these please call your Admissions Representative directly or the front desk at 277-1000

New Events from the Department of Student Success

Student Success is located in the Library. Our goal is to increase college retention and graduation rates. Our department is dedicated to the students and we offer services such as tutoring, counseling, advising, and seminars to help motivate toward successful completion of their goals.

In every Quarter we sponsor and/or put on some kind of activity for fun and enjoyment. For Quarter One the event will be Bowling at Center Bowl on Saturday March 21 from 4-6PM. It is free and the whole family can come as well as friends. We will furnish pizza and soda. We are asking for a donation of some kind of non-perishable food item. This is not required, but would be appreciated.

Time for New Student Orientation

For all you new students who have registered for classes at Charter College please join us for Orientation Night. Time will be 6PM to 7PM with snacks and refreshments to be served. During this orientation you will be able to hear more about your designated programs, meet many of the staff members, receive a more detailed tour of several campus departments, and be able to ask questions. Please RSVP and confirm your seat to your admissions representative. Call 277-1000 if you have any questions.

The Orientation schedule is as follows:

For Business, Accounting & Construction Mgt.
Tuesday, March 31st @ 6PM
For Medical Assisting / Coding & Billing
Wednesday, April 1st @ 6PM
For Technology and Criminal Justice students
Thursday, April 2nd @ 6PM

Remember, all classes start on Monday, April 6th!

Top Tips For Your Interview

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning—or quick ending—to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company

Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much

Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

For the next five tips, either ask Career Services down in room 130, or check out the next issue of the Charter Chatter, coming next month!

Student Government Association

Butch Oxidene with the American Student Government Association will be doing a presentation via Skype on March 24, 2009 at 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Students, Faculty, and Administration are strongly encouraged to attend with their questions. Mr. Oxidene suggested questions like "What is SGA about"? How does Student Government help the student"? "How can Faculty and Staff be effective and assistive with Student Government"? "What do you like about Charter College and what do you not like"? "What can Student Government do to help students in their disciplines and in the community"? "How can or should Student Government help with life issues of students, such as child care, classes, books, and other issues within the community"?

Please have questions ready to ask.

Student Government Nominees for President, Vice President, and Secretary will be meeting with Wanda Smith, Advisor of SGA on the 20th or 23rd to discuss the guidelines required for officers of Student Government. Exact date and time to be determined.

Student Body Government Leaders Are Elected

At the Celebration of Charter College's 23rd Anniversary Party, the results of the student body election were announced. Diane Carlo was elected Student Body President and Cheryl Johnson was elected Vice-President.

Congratulations to these new officers of the Student Body Government as they address student interests and provide the framework for student governance.

Charter College values the student body and their opinions. The Student Body Government allows students to be actively engaged in student issues. So get active and join your Student Body Government to address issues that are important to you and education!