CMU online education program earns high marks from U.S. News and World Report
Posted: February 2, 2012 at 9:41 pm
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University's online education program is getting some attention.
In the U.S. News and World Report's first Top Online Education Program rankings, CMU earned two No. 3 marks and one No. 10 mark, among other rankings.
The top marks were for students services and technology for online graduate business programs and student engagement and accreditation for online graduate education programs. Other high marks include student services and technology in bachelor's programs, student engagement and accreditation in graduate business programs and student services and technology for graduate education programs.
CMU offers nearly 200 online bachelor’s degree programs and 170 online master’s degree programs.
"The continued growth of CMU’s online programs, both in increased course offerings and student enrollment, reflects CMU’s commitment to providing learning environments that are of the best academic quality while offering flexibility and faculty engagement that meets the educational needs of our students," said Merodie Hancock, vice president of CMU’s Off-Campus and Online Programs.
Alumni of CMU's online programs include Gen. Norton Schwartz, current chief of staff of the Air Force, and Michael Orris, chief procurement officer for Rolls-Royce.
CMU has 28,000 students at it's Mount Pleasant campus and 50 off-campus locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
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CMU online education program earns high marks from U.S. News and World Report
Why I Chose Online Education: Bill Chamberlain
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Bill Chamberlain is working toward an online master's in education from CALU.
College education takes all sorts of shapes these days, as students more often choose nontraditional routes to a degree. Many people of different ages, backgrounds, and career goals are now looking to online education programs. Here's why one person chose an online degree.
Bill Chamberlain has traveled a variety of educational routes. After dropping out of high school, he joined the U.S. Army in 1986, and there, earned his GED. Toward the end of his seven-year military career, Chamberlain began taking a variety of night classes for college credit. When he opted to leave the Army, he took his random assortment of credits from night courses to Charter Oak State College in Connecticut, which helped him transfer the credits into the beginnings of an online bachelor's degree in general studies.
Chamberlain earned his undergraduate degree from Charter Oak in 2009, but says it was tough for him. Not only was there more coursework than he expected, but in the five years he spent taking classes, he also worked 45 hours per week as an electrician and raised two children with his wife. After receiving his degree, Chamberlain realized that continuing as an electrician would be too physically demanding as he got older. He thought back to his days of teaching military specifics in the Army and decided to become a teacher. Chamberlain earned the teaching certificates that allow him to teach electrical technology classes in vocational high schools, which is what he does now, and next he's pursuing an online master's degree in education.
Age: 44
Online program: California University of Pennsylvania
Degree pursued and graduation year: M.Ed. in technology education, expected June 2013
Why an online degree: "I'm one of these people who has to be the best at everything they do," Chamberlain says. "And the next step in my career as a teacher was to get my master's degree." Chamberlain first tried to earn that master's degree through an on-campus program at Central Connecticut State University, but says that driving from home to the high school where he worked, to the university, and then back home was just too much. Plus, the classes that he needed to take were sometimes only offered during the day, when he was teaching. So Chamberlain chose to pursue his degree online, so he could learn on his own time.
Degree impact: "A master's degree is going to allow me more choices for employment," Chamberlain says of the advanced degree that will allow him to teach at any public school in the state, as opposed to his current certificate, which only permits him to teach at Connecticut's 17 vocational schools.
Biggest challenge of earning an online degree: "The hardest part was realizing that when you're at home, you still have a schedule. You have to block out time, and you have to sit down, and you have to do the work," Chamberlain says. "It's too easy to go home, turn on my computer, and get lost playing a video game or something."
Advice for future online students: "Really do your research and figure out exactly what's involved before you try [to] do it," says Chamberlain, who took 400-level classes as a Charter Oak freshman because he didn't research the program. And, he says, "don't think it's an easy degree; understand that it's a lot of work."
Searching for an online program? Get our complete rankings of Top Online Education Programs.
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Why I Chose Online Education: Bill Chamberlain
That Authoritative Voice – A Life Coach Antony Birks Video Affirmation – Life Coaching – Video
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Allianz Life Contributes More Than $1.6 Million to Local Charities in 2011
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MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) contributed more than $1.6 million in 2011 to Twin Cities-based nonprofit organizations focused primarily on financial literacy and senior services. Company contributions were awarded through strategic relationships, a grant program, scholarships, and employee volunteer programs.
“We are proud to support the crucial work of many nonprofit organizations throughout the Twin Cities, through both financial contributions and volunteer efforts,” said Allianz Life President and CEO Walter White. “Allianz Life employees truly enjoy the opportunity to engage with these organizations. I see it in the camaraderie we have during events, our community spirit, and our ownership and pride in exceeding community giving goals.”
Allianz Life gave grants totaling $275,000 to nonprofits that focused their efforts on financial literacy education or training and/or retirement. The company also awarded $275,000 worth of grants to organizations that strive to improve the lives of Twin Cities’ seniors by providing services that enhance seniors’ quality of life.
Employee Engagement – Volunteerism
Allianz Life provides every employee eight hours of paid time off annually to use to volunteer. In 2011, more than 500 employees took advantage of time off to volunteer in the community. “Throughout the organization there is a genuine commitment to volunteerism – this is the heart of Allianz Life,” White said. More than 3,400 hours were contributed equaling more than $73,000 in volunteer help to area nonprofits.
Driving To Donate Golf Tournament and Spirit of Giving Campaign
More than 300 employees and vendors participated in the company’s annual Driving To Donate Charity Golf Tournament. More than 1,000 Allianz Life employees supported the event through purchasing the month of August as casual for $20 to support the effort. Allianz Life gave the event’s proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND, which ties to one of the company’s focus areas, senior services. In 2011, the event raised more than $136,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND.
Each year in November and early December, Allianz Life organizes its annual Spirit of Giving Campaign. The campaign involves a huge food, clothing and toy drive to benefit PRISM (a nonprofit organization based in Golden Valley, Minn.) and Toys for Tots. The 2011 campaign raised more than 25,000 lbs. of food; more than 20,000 lbs. of clothes; more than 3,000 toys; more than $74,000 to PRISM and nearly $32,000 for Toys for Tots.
Financial Literacy Initiative – BestPrep and Junior Achievement
The financial literacy initiative with BestPrep and Junior Achievement seeks to help youth in the Twin Cities. In 2011, each organization received $100,000 as well as volunteer support from Allianz Life employees during the school year. During the 2010-11 school year, more than 500 employees were involved in the BestPrep and Junior Achievement partnership programs.
Now in its second full school-year, Allianz Life employees are engaged in many JA and BestPrep programs including: JA in a Day; eMentors/Job Shadow; Mock Interviews; Financial Matters; the Stock Market Game and Minnesota Business Venture, all helping students further their education and financial literacy.
BestPrep is a statewide, nonprofit organization with a mission to best prepare Minnesota students with business, career and financial literacy skills through experiences that inspire success in work and life.
With 11 chapters in Minnesota, Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.
Financial Literacy Grants
In addition to the BestPrep and Junior Achievement partnerships, grants totaling $275,000 were awarded to nonprofits that focused their efforts on financial literacy education or training and/or retirement.
2011 Financial Literacy Grant Recipients
1. CLUES - $20,000 – to support their Financial Empowerment program.
2. CLIMB Theater, Inc. - $20,000 – to support their play, “Emma and the Allianz Cash Cow.”
3. WomenVenture - $25,000 – to support their Financial Education program.
4. Emerge - $20,000 – to support their North Minneapolis Financial Opportunity Center.
5. People Serving People - $20,000 – to support their Financial Fitness program.
6. Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, Inc. - $25,000 – to support their Financial Literacy program.
7. La Conexion de las Americas - $25,000 – to support their Financial Achievement Process .
8. Neighborhood Development Center - $20,000 – to support their Financial Literacy as part of new Entrepreneur Training and Technical assistance program.
9. Twin Cities RISE! - $20,000 – to support their Financial Empowerment I and II classes.
10. LifeTrack Resources - $15,000 – to support their Financial Literacy program.
11. Project for Pride in Living - $20,000 – to support their Employment Training – Financial Coaching program.
12. Freeport West - $5,000 – to support their Life Skills program.
13. Admission Possible - $10,000 – to support their Financial Literacy curriculum.
14. AccountAbility Minnesota - $20,000 – to support their Integrated Financial Services and Education at Tax Time.
15. CommonBond Communities - $10,000 – to support their Career Advantage – Financial Literacy Program.
Senior Services Grants
Allianz Life also awarded $275,000 of grants to organizations that strive to make a significant positive impact on the lives of Twin Cities’ seniors by providing services that enhance seniors’ quality of life (social vitality through social activity and interaction) and self-sufficiency (related to food, transportation, adaptive, and basic living needs).
2011 Senior Services Grant Recipients:
1. Store To Door - $20,000 – to support their capacity-building to reach more homebound seniors through their grocery-delivery program
2. Presbyterian Homes and Services Foundation - $20,000 – to support their Creative Services food delivery program
3. Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly - $20,000 – to support their LBFE programs
4. Senior Community Services - $20,000 – to support their Frail Elderly Support Services
5. PRISM - $25,000 – to support their PRISM Express Transportation program
6. Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches - $10,000 – to support their Paint-A-Thon and HandyWorks programs
7. Intercongregation Communities Association - $10,000 – to help purchase a refrigerated truck to deliver seniors’ groceries
8. The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation - $15,000 – to support their Wilder Aging Services program
9. Catholic Charities - $15,000 – to support their Aging Services program
10. DARTS - $20,000 – to support their Community Services for Older Adults and Caregivers program
11. Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) - $15,000 – to support their Food and Transportation program for seniors
12. Keystone Community Services - $20,000- to support their Seniors program.
13. Minneapolis Institute of Arts - $15,000 – to support their Discover Your Story program
14. Let’s Go Fishing with Seniors - $5,000 – to support their program
15. Nokomis Healthy Seniors - $10,000 – to support their Living Well at Home program
16. The Arthritis Foundation - $10,000 – to support their Exercise Programs for seniors
17. Courage Center - $10,000 – to support their Senior Health, Wellness and Fitness program
18. Goodwill Industries, Inc. - $15,000 – to support their Medical Equipment Loan program
Employee-Elected Charities
In 2011, Allianz Life employees chose four local charities for $25,000 grants and participation in events –the American Cancer Society, HopeKids, Animal Humane Society, and the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. Nearly 300 Allianz Life employees participated in fundraising events for these charities throughout the year. The 2012 slate of charities will be announced in February.
Make a Difference (MAD) Volunteer Project
Allianz Life encourages employees to volunteer for charities they care about, creating an activity or project in groups of five employees or more. Employees can do hands-on projects, fundraising walks, runs, etc. and they qualify for $100 per employee to the organization in support of the event. In 2011, more than $100,000 was distributed to nonprofit organizations as more than 1,000 employees participated in volunteer projects during the year.
Scholarship Program
Every year, Allianz Life presents scholarships to students who are family members of employees based on academic performance and community service. In 2011, Allianz Life awarded $30,000 in scholarships.
For more information about Allianz Life’s community giving programs, visit http://www.allianzlife.com and review the information under Corporate Commitment.
Community Relations Recognition
The company received the Community Partner Award in April 2011 by the Corporate Volunteerism Council for its financial literacy initiative with Junior Achievement and Best Prep. In September the company was recognized with the prestigious Jefferson Award from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for corporate philanthropy and volunteerism.
About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2012, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 150,000 employees worldwide. More than 75 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.
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Allianz Life Contributes More Than $1.6 Million to Local Charities in 2011
Get fit, healthy
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Wireless Fitness Challenge II — Executive Update – Video
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Wireless Fitness Challenge II -- Executive Update - Video
Fit in 42 Daily Health and Fitness Challenge! – Video
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Fit in 42 Daily Health and Fitness Challenge! - Video
Unbiased Supplement Review: NO-Xplode by BSN (Final Grade: B+) – Video
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ING Study: Cultural Influences Impact Retirement Planning and Decision-Making
Posted: at 3:38 pm
WINDSOR, Conn., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ING U.S. released key findings today from a comprehensive study(1) commissioned by the ING Retirement Research Institute that examined the attitudes, behaviors and preparedness of different ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics, regarding their future retirement. The research showed that while Americans of all backgrounds encounter similar barriers to saving and planning, cultural differences account for disparate experiences among the groups. For additional information or to view the report, visit http://ing.us.
To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54466-ing-study-cultural-influences-impact-retirement-planning-decision-making
According to the study, Retirement Revealed, all populations found retirement planning to be a daunting task. However, ING's research showed that Hispanics feel the least prepared, with 54 percent indicating they feel "not very" or "not at all" prepared. This compares with 50 percent of African-Americans, 48 percent of white and 44 percent of Asian respondents indicating that they don't feel prepared. These feelings correspond with the amount saved in employer-sponsored retirement plans, where Hispanic respondents reported having the lowest average balances ($54,000) in their retirement plans. This amount was considerably less than the average balance across all groups ($69,000). In contrast, Asian respondents reported having the highest average plan balances ($81,000).
"All Americans face the growing responsibility of planning and saving for retirement. However, there are distinct cultural differences that may affect some groups more than others when it comes to getting or staying on the right path," said Maliz Beams, CEO of ING U.S. Retirement. "As a leading retirement provider at the workplace and in the retail market, our mission is to help individuals retire with the dignity and financial security they deserve. Our goal is to take the important cultural reference points from this study and turn them into customized solutions that help all our customers become better prepared — regardless of their background."
Other key findings from the Retirement Revealed study include the following:
Financial Information:
Non-whites were more likely than whites to get their investment information and guidance from the Internet and media. African-Americans (54 percent), Asians (53 percent) and Hispanics (50 percent) indicated that the media and Internet were the primary source of getting advice and guidance compared to 45 percent of white respondents. Whites were more likely to use a financial professional. While nearly one-in-three (28 percent) of overall respondents are currently working with a financial professional, only three-quarters (75 percent) of this group indicated their adviser looks at their complete financial picture. Face-to-face communication with a financial professional is ranked the highest in terms of value provided in getting information about their retirement plan and other employee benefits.
Barriers to Saving:
Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of respondents admitted to having barriers to saving. Among the groups, African-Americans said debt was their biggest barrier. Needing to know more about their savings options is a greater barrier to savings for Hispanics than for any other group.
Planning Goals:
Hispanic respondents were less focused on their future retirement goals — well over half (57 percent) have never calculated how much money they will need to continue their current lifestyle upon retirement. Seven-in-10 (70 percent) Hispanics did not have a formal investment plan to reach those goals. Only three-in-10 (29 percent) of overall respondents have a formal investment plan; African-Americans are most likely to have one (32 percent); whites are least likely (28 percent).
Emergency Savings:
Just under half (41 percent) have virtually no emergency savings (one month or less). This increases to nearly half for Hispanics (47 percent) and 50 percent for African-Americans, while only one-in-four Asians have one month or less saved for emergencies.
Purchasing Priorities:
Asians appear to be most prepared for retirement, but had a tendency to place a higher priority on lifestyle choices, such as purchasing a nice house or car, than planning for retirement.
"There are certainly more similarities than differences among the ethnic groups when it comes to retirement planning, but distinctions do exist and understanding them can be critical to future retirement success," added Fabian Gonzalez, vice president of Multicultural Sales at ING U.S. "For example, many times in the Hispanic community, parents will sacrifice their own financial future in order for their children to advance. By researching and learning about the rationale behind decisions like this, we can better understand our customers and help them achieve their financial goals."
Additional findings from the study include:
Nearly one-in-four African-Americans (23 percent) have life insurance coverage equal to four to five times their salary, higher than the total population (18 percent). This corresponds with African-American respondents indicating that they were the most likely to leave life insurance proceeds to their heirs (70 percent vs. 53 percent of the total sample). More than six-in-10 (63 percent) of African-Americans cite reducing debt as their most important short-term financial goal. Hispanics are the most likely (57 percent) to want more education about investments and retirement options from their employer, compared to all respondent groups (47 percent). Asians are the least likely to have a last will and testament (26 percent), compared with 31 percent for Hispanics and 37 percent for white respondents.
For additional information on the ING's Retirement Revealed study and to read the report, visit http://ing.us.
(1) Findings are from an online survey conducted by ORC International during the period of Oct. 5-13, 2011. Respondents were 4,050 adults (including 500 African-Americans, 500 Hispanics and 350 Asians) between the ages of 25 and 69 who are employed full-time with an annual household income of $40,000 or greater. Data were weighted to make the results representative of the U.S. population.
About ING
ING U.S. is a subsidiary of Dutch-based ING Groep N.V. In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING - News) family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes retirement plans, life insurance, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits and financial planning. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 15 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit http://ing.us.
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ING Study: Cultural Influences Impact Retirement Planning and Decision-Making
BMO Retirement Tips of the Day: Using Your Common Sense and Planning Ahead Will Help Secure Your Retirement Nest Egg
Posted: at 3:38 pm
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -02/02/12)- As the February 29th deadline approaches to make a contribution to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and as part of its ongoing commitment to improving financial literacy, BMO Financial Group will be providing daily retirement tips during the month of February from BMO Retirement Institute Head Tina Di Vito's new book 52 Ways To Wreck Your Retirement...And How To Rescue It.
Tip Number Three:
Use common sense
Many Canadians understand that good money management includes saving, not over-spending and investing carefully. The problem is we often don't exercise common sense with our money, which can lead to spending too much, accumulating debt and making bad investment choices. Some tried and true tips for using common sense include:
-- Don't spend more than you earn. Try to save for purchases instead of
borrowing.
-- Be informed before making a financial decision; if it sounds too good to
be true, it probably is.
-- Pay yourself first by setting up an automatic contribution plan.
Tip Number Four:
Save for tomorrow rather than only living for today
When we live for today, we value things we can have right now more than those we will enjoy later on. As a result we often don't prioritize saving for retirement.
While retirement seems far away it should be a top priority. Establishing monthly savings goals will help get you on the right track, as will setting up automatic withdrawals from your paycheque into an RRSP. Start with small contributions - but not too small - especially if you want to give your savings a boost.
For more information on retirement: http://www.bmo.com/retirement.
Get the latest BMO press releases via Twitter by following @BMOmedia.
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BMO Retirement Tips of the Day: Using Your Common Sense and Planning Ahead Will Help Secure Your Retirement Nest Egg