As we get ready to close our offices for the year and enjoy time off with our families, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our students, our partners, and our communities for helping us create programs that benefit individuals and companies. We look forward to the new year, and we wish you a safe, happy holiday season!
As a small token of appreciation, please enjoy this 2016 calendar. (click link below for PDF.)
Dealing with stakeholders, especially difficult ones, can be among a project manager’s more frustrating responsibilities. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI) 2013 PMBOK, a project stakeholder is “an individual, group, or organization, who may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project.”
Most project managers depend on the old model of “managing stakeholders,” which entails keeping project stakeholders informed, updated, and monitored to ensure steady, efficient progress. As you can imagine, communication is key. So is consistent engagement:
Stakeholder management needs to focus more on engagement in order to move projects from installation to implementation. …Projects should start with the premise that identifying a range of stakeholders and engaging with them in a consistent and organized manner will improve project success. (Engaging Stakeholders for Project Success, pmi.org 2015)
In her insightful article How to Train Your Sponsor, Laura Barnard, PMP (PMOstrategies.com) indicates that “the number one factor in determining success or failure of your change initiative is…sponsor engagement.” Barnard goes beyond communication and trust to provide several ways that sponsors—who can be considered stakeholders themselves—can be motivated and engaged to become an effective part of project management.
Effective project management requires learning how to move beyond the traditional approach of “managing stakeholders” to a more modern approach: making stakeholders your partners. Partnership creates a sense of ownership that allows intuitive buy-in from all stakeholders on the project. Successful partnerships also mitigate risk.
There is a strong correlation between stakeholder management and risk management. Without the buy-in and full commitment from stakeholders, projects, regardless of their success factors, are at high risk for failure. (7 tips to transform difficult stakeholders into project partners, by Moira Alexander, via CIO.com)
The Educational Alliance of NOVA Workforce Development Division and PMIWDC are presenting a Project Management Training Seminar for project managers and PMPs to discover a new approach of making stakeholders your partners.
This workshop is presented by Ron Taylor, an internationally-known leader, lecturer, author, and consultant, as well as the principal and founder of the Ron Taylor Group. He is a past President of the Washington D.C. Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMIWDC.org), the largest PMI Chapter in the world with over 10,000 members.
New! Half Day Saturday
Saturday, November 21, 2015, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
4 PDUs; $220.00 per person
NOVA Reston Center
1831 Wiehle Avenue, Room 309
Reston, VA 20190
Metro Accessible: Wiehle-Reston East (Silver Line)
Refreshments provided!
FREE and open to the public!
Registration required:
E-mail Edythe Richards at erichards@nvcc.edu to sign up.
Please note:
admittance 15 minutes after the start of the workshop is not permitted.
Edythe Richards, MA, MBTI®MP, GCDF
Counselor/Instructor
NorthernVirginia Community College/
Arlington Employment Center
Direct: show contact info
http://www.nvcc.edu/home/erichards
The Office of Veteran’s Affairs provides a history of Veteran’s Day, which began in 1919, when President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
Every year, we honor all the men and women who have served our country through military service. To our veterans past and present, and to our new veterans who returning home after serving abroad, and to those who have served and who are no longer with us: thank you for your service.
Northern Virginia Community College is dedicated to helping our veteran learners transition from active duty to civilian career paths, through both continuing education and certificate or degree programs. NOVA’s Office of Military Services helps all members of the military community (active duty, veterans and family members) achieve their education and career goals.
Members of the military on active or reserve duty, veterans of the armed forces, and family members are eligible to receive educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
We honor those of you who have served our country, who are currently serving abroad, and those who are seeking to transition from active duty to post-duty careers. We support you, and thank you for your service.
The National Career Development Association (NCDA) promotes career development through its annual celebration of National Career Development Month (#NCDM). This month, Northern Virginia Community College is joining NCDA’s mission through several events that will help you develop your job search skills, or further your career!
For a complete schedule of events this month, visit NOVA’s Events Calendar. These events are sponsored by NOVA Career Services. Students & alumni can search for jobs, internships, and events on College Central Network (CCN)!
Focus on Your Career Planning (webinar)
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 12:15pm – 1:00 pm
This webinar will introduce students to FOCUS 2, an online, interactive, self-guided career and education planning system. The system can help you select a program/major, discover occupations that match your interests and personality, and much more! Register here.
Job Searching in 2015 & Beyond
Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:00-7:00 pm
Alexandria Campus Room 158
Job search has changed dramatically in the last few years. If you want to succeed, you’ll need the most up-to-date information on Social Media, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Online Job Boards. Contact Edythe Richards to sign up.
Exploring Career Options (webinar)
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
This webinar will focus on using various online resources to research career options. The relationship between programs of study at NOVA, college majors, and career options will be discussed. Resources presented will provide information on nature of work, educational requirements, job outlook, and wages. Register here.
Professionalism in the Workplace
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2:30-3:30 pm
Medical Education Campus (Springfield)
Are you currently in clinical or about to graduate? Your attitude, appearance, and behavior make a lasting first impression to employers. Learn the importance of everyday professionalism during your clinical rotations & beyond. Register here
Walk-in Resume Clinic
Friday, Nov. 13, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Annandale Campus CA 105
You have prepared your resume and your application documents, but are you ready for that interview? Stop by and let our career professionals critique your career documents on-the-spot.
Basics of Resume & Job Search
Monday, Nov. 16, 10 am – 1 pm
Arlington Employment Center
2100 Washington Blvd, 22204
Discover how to get your resume noticed by both online systems (Applicant Tracking Systems) and recruiters/hiring managers. Contact Edythe Richards to sign up.
Conducting a Job Search (webinar)
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 12:15 pm– 1:00 pm
This webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics. Register here.
Nationall Career Development Day:
Pop-in for Career Tips
Thursday, Nov. 19, 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Annandale Campus CA 105
Students may drop in for popcorn and career tips to celebrate National Career Development Day!
On October 13, ACLI faculty from all of NOVA’s campuses gathered at NOVA’s Pender location to develop new ideas and strategies to apply in their classrooms. About 70 faculty members attended the event, which was kicked off by a demonstration of MyEnglishLab, an online program for ESL instructors presented by Pearson Education representative Lynn Napolitano.
“I am honored to be a part of helping and appreciating your faculty and you! It was a fabulous learning occasion for all, as well as good venue for faculty to socialize with colleagues.” (Lynn Napolitano, Pearson ELT Representative)
clockwise from top left: ACLI instructors share teaching insight; Serife Turkol (ACLI-Manassas) greets the arriving faculty; Lynn Napolitano presents My English Lab software.
Three concurrent learning sessions provided attendees with new strategies to help ACLI faculty approach learning and language challenges that are a part of every ESL student’s experience.
“I just want to take a moment to say thank you for the fabulous day you made for us yesterday. The presentations were very motivating and provided many ideas for improvements in my own classes. Also, the luncheon was exquisite!! …Thank you very very much for making our day so special!” (ACLI Faculty, NOVA)
Meeting the Unique Challenges of Saudi Learners in American IEPs
Betsy Wong [blwong@nvcc.edu], an ACLI instructor at NOVA’s Alexandria campus, presented an overview of the differing educational and cultural expectations to which Saudi learners must adjust when attending higher education institutions in the United States. She offered strategies to help instructors tap into these learners’ strengths in order to navigate a whole new way of learning.
Separating Difference from Disability in an ESL Classroom
Antonina Rodgers, ACLI Coordinator at NOVA’s Annandale campus, led a workshop that explored ways to identify different issues impeding student academic progress. She discussed different cognitive learning styles and acculturation stress, which may present symptoms very similar to those of disabilities.
Engaging ELLs and Building Student Confidence in Oral and Written Communication: Effective Uses of Web 2.0 Tools
Krisztina Domjan, an ACLI/ESL instructor at NOVA’s Annandale campus, offered participants a foundation for creating stimulating, challenging and engaging activities relevant to English language learners. ACLI instructors had a hands-on opportunity to learn how to enhance learning through the application of Web 2.0 tools to strengthen oral and written communication skills in their students.
ACLI Instructors led concurrent learning sessions on innovative learning solutions for NOVA’s ACLI-ESL programs.
The morning also found many ACLI faculty sharing techniques and experiences in their classrooms. NOVA is proud to feature instructors and staff who are dedicated to their students, providing a well-rounded learning experience in the classroom and beyond.
After a delicious lunch, the ACLI faculty enjoyed a lively presentation by Nigel Caplan, an ESL instructor and materials writer. (his bio is below.) Nigel began his presentation with the question, “What have you written lately?” and waited patiently while his audience responded with the usual: emails, texts, greeting cards, lesson plans, and other daily writing tasks.
“No one in this room, I’ve noticed, has recently written a five-paragraph essay.”
Nigel’s presentation taught the faculty that using different writing genres, rather than rhetorical modes, increases student motivation, adds authenticity to tasks, and promotes writing and language development. He presented three flexible classroom-tested assignments that teach comparative and descriptive writing as well as task-essential grammar in meaningful contexts: an email, a restaurant review, and a real estate listing.
Nigel Caplan shares language-learning insight with ACLI faculty in an entertaining and thought-provoking presentation on writing in the ESL classroom.
This day was a perfect opportunity to celebrate all that NOVA’s faculty contribute to the ACLI program and their daily efforts both in and out of the classroom to help our ESL students succeed. Teachers enjoyed chatting about classes and non-ESL related matters, and ACLI was happy to host ESL faculty from NOVA’s College ESL program, as well as Virginia Tech LCI faculty. ACLI hopes to continue its collaboration with area ESL programs in providing professional opportunities for its faculty.
“When I attend something like yesterday’s Teacher Appreciation Day, I typically fear that I will be spending several rather dull hours. However, the event yesterday was excellent. I found Betsy Wong’s talk on Saudi learners in American IEPs to be very interesting and I could have listened to Nigel Caplan talk for at least another hour. More importantly, both talks provided a wealth of ideas for the classroom. I’m looking forward to the next event.” (John Bennett, ACLI instructor)
Clockwise from top left: Dr. Lorinzo Foxworth, Associate VP of NOVA’s Workforce Development Division, thanks ACLI Faculty for their dedication to NOVA’s ESL programs; A fantastic catered lunch and an enthusiastic crowd; Darlene Branges, ACLI-Annandale, introduces Nigel Caplan.
“The entire day was an enormous success! Tonia’s ‘Difference vs. Disability’ talk and handouts made me look at the question I often ask myself about a student from a totally different perspective. Nigel’s presentation was outstanding, thought provoking, informative, educational and…..entertaining. An accomplished speaker and a thoughtful man.” (Kathy Ferguson, ACLI instructor)
Tonia Rodgers (ACLI-Annandale), Nigel Caplan, and Darlene Branges (ACLI-Annandale), after a successful and exciting day.
——————-
Nigel Caplan is an assistant professor of English as Second Language (ESL) at the University of Delaware English Language Institute, and he has also taught at Michigan State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University, and the Wust Summer School in Germany.
Nigel is also an ESL materials writer. His publications include Grammar Choices for Graduate and Professional Writers (Michigan, 2012), Inside Writing 2 and 4 (Oxford, 2014), and the advanced reading/writing book in Oxford University Press’s Q: Skills for Success series (2011, 2015). He has also published professional chapters and articles, mainly on the topic of teaching academic writing to graduate and undergraduate ESL students, and he regularly presents at conferences and professional development workshops. Nigel’s blog: nigelteacher.wordpress.com.
NOVA’s American Culture and Language Institute (ACLI) teaches ESL to students from all over the world. Part of NOVA’s Workforce Development Division, ACLI offers classes at most NOVA campuses and centers and at some workplaces in Northern Virginia.
ACLI offers several language programs for beginning to advanced-level learners. Many of the Intensive English Program (IEP) students have F-1 student visas. Core Skills ESL offers part-time ESL classes for immigrants or students who are in the U.S. temporarily. ACLI Specialty ESL Courses such as ESL for Employment, TOEFL Preparation, and Culture and Conversation are popular with local residents, workers, and students. ACLI also provides customized ESL classes for the workplace through Contract Training programs.
This weekend, explore your potential future through open houses at two of NOVA’s campuses. The Medical Education Campus in Springfield is hosting an Open House from 9 AM to 12 PM, where you can enjoy hands-on demonstrations and learn about careers in healthcare through NOVA’s degree and certificate programs.
You can also see all the opportunities and advances in science, technology, engineering, and math that lead to an exciting career future at Loudoun County’s STEM Day, hosted at NOVA’s Loudoun Campus and presented by Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun County Public Schools, and NOVA SySTEMic Solutions.
Whatever your plans are this weekend, stop by and check out what NOVA and our community partners have to offer! Events are free and open to the public.
If you are considering a career in health sciences, we can help! Join us to learn what Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education campus (MEC) has to offer you. Meet students, and faculty who can answer your questions and help you start or complete your health sciences degree! We will have hands-on activities & demonstrations, friendly advice, light refreshments, giveaways, and even campus tours! For more information, visit the registration page. You can also check out MEC on Facebook!
Loudoun County STEM Day is a collaborative effort between Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun County Public Schools, and NOVA SySTEMic Solutions to expose Loudoun County youth to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Designed for students of all ages, the day features hands-on exhibits, workshops, food, and music in a festival-like atmosphere. Watch a robotics demonstration, wander through our Exploring Mars Exhibit, or learn about extracting DNA in our biotechnology lab! The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit the registration page or view the event schedule online [PDF].
NOTE:
By registering for these events, you may be photographed or filmed, and your likeness used for promotional purposes.
In September, NVTC and NOVA co-hosted a Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) roundtable discussion on Northern Virginia’s economic future at NOVA’s Annandale Campus. More than 80 business, education and elected leaders worked to develop a collaborative vision for moving our region forward. George Mason University and Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce also co-hosted the event.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe, speaking on many points from his “New Virginia Economy” Workforce Initiative (Executive Order 23, August 2014), delivered the keynote address. He spoke about new opportunities available in the tech space, and the education and talent needed to fill the demand.
“We’ve got 900,000 Virginians retiring in the next 10 years which will create 400,00 to 500,000 new jobs… 60% of those jobs will require less than a 4-year degree.” — Gov. Terry McAuliffe
He went on to talk about 15,000 veterans leaving active duty every year and needing new jobs; our veterans here in Virginia are highly skilled, well educated, and perfect for high-demand technology jobs. To date, the Governor’s Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program has seen 11,000 veterans hired in the Commonwealth. He has set a new target of 20,000 veterans placed in high-demand industries. (Visit the V3 program’s Facebook page.)
NVTC Chair Todd Stottlemyer, CEO of Inova Center for Personalized Health, expressed a critical need for education and industry to work together to develop workforce initiatives:
We must invest in strategies that retain talent, attract new people to our region, and support workforce initiatives to prepare our workers and support our businesses and growth industries. (read Mr. Stottlemeyer’s full remarks at NVTC.org)
Read more about the NVRC Roundtable discussion at NVTC’s Newsroom page.
On September 30, NOVA’s Workforce Development Division held our second STEM Career Fair, attracting several leading tech companies who are actively hiring new talent. Joe Montano, regional representative for Senator Tim Kaine, kicked off the fair by discussing the growing impact of STEM in Northern Virginia. Mr. Montano said that events like ours help address the need for talent to fill the more than 30,000 available STEM jobs in the region.
Many STEM-based companies were available at the fair, seeking to recruit and hire new talent from over 150 job-seekers who attended. Job seekers included NOVA students, veterans, career changers, and entry-level and experienced job seekers. (We featured short descriptions of the hiring companies in a previous post.) Some companies will return in the spring of 2016 for our next STEM Career Fair.
In addition to the companies above, NOVA’s Adult Career Pathways program, Extended Learning Institute (ELI), and Career Services were also on hand to assist job seekers. A Veteran’s Administration Mobile Vet Center was also on site to provide resources to attending veterans.
NOVA Career Services live-tweeted the event, and photos from the Career Fair are on Twitter (@NOVACareerServ) and Facebook (@NOVAWDD).
“The quality of the employers was outstanding, and I was delighted to hear that SAIC offered 18 students the opportunity to interview.” (Susan Baker, Special Assistant for Workforce Development)
The NVRC roundtable discussion and STEM Career Fair were both held at NOVA’s Annandale Campus within one week of each other. Northern Virginia Community College is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with both industry and government in the Commonwealth, and is working to meet many initiatives set forth by government-led goals and economic growth needs.
Virgina has the highest number of tech jobs per capita in the United States; most of those jobs are right here in Northern Virginia. On October 1, Governor McAuliffe delivered a proclamation on his website declaring October 2015 as Techtober, following a similar missive from his September 2014 press release,which highlighted Virginia’s innovation in the tech sector. The Governor’s Techtober declaration:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, do hereby recognize October 2015 as Techtober in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
Governor McAuliffe is calling for 8,700 jobs per year in the tech space between now and 2020. He would like to see Virginia remain in top standing in the United States for higher education, technology, and regional economic initiatives. “Regionalism works,” said McAuliffe, during the final moments of his speech at the NVRC Roundtable discussion.
NOVA Workforce Development Division is working on many new programs this fall, responding to the forecasted demand in STEM industries. Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up to date with new credentials, certificate programs, and partnerships!
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Resilience is the ability to adapt to and overcome adversity. Individuals and communities are able to rebuild after devastating tragedies. Violence and environmental disasters in recent years have touched all of us in some way. Whether directly or indirectly, we have all felt loss. In our daily lives we feel stress, and we learn to cope with changes. We have all learned lessons from mistakes in both our private and professional lives.
Some, however, appear to be more resilient than others. How do people seem to “roll with the punches” in the face of chaos? How does a coworker bounce back after a poor review?
“Resilience is the ability to adapt well in response to stressful events. In our lives we may experience tragedy, adversity, or real or perceived sources of stress. These events can occur in our family or significant relationships, workplace, health, or financial situations.” [©2014 Amplified Life Media. Reprint, “Bouncing Back,” liveandworkwell.com]
You can probably guess that resilience is essential for anyone who works with people. Whether you are a leader or an entry-level worker, your ability to be resilient will affect how you perform your job. Whether you are a corporate trainer or a cybersecurity expert, you must remain focused on goals regardless of sudden changes and surprises.
Why do some people struggle and fail, while others succeed and thrive? It’s not necessarily upbringing, education, or experience. In order to help people cope with adversity and thrive with uncertainty and change, resilience is an essential skill. The good news is that all of us can learn to be more resilient!
In June, Doug Hensch, Executive Coach and president of DRH Group, presented a mini-workshop at PMI Washington DC’s Loudoun Community Lunch and Learn, entitled 5 Secrets to Resilience. Tailored for anyone interested in finding new ways to improve their own levels of resilience, the workshop teaches skills to effectively fight stress and anxiety. This workshop is popular with most who have attended, including an Agile Program Director who enjoyed Doug’s teaching style:
“… the entire class is engaged, it includes great videos with a great sense of humor. Anyone can teach a bunch of principles to a group and see what sticks, only a few individuals like Doug can show us how to apply these principles in our everyday lives.” (Linkedin recommendation, September 17, 2015)
Leaders who want to be more interactive and bring out the best in their team will benefit from Doug’s class as well. Many of us will easily recognize the natural-born leaders among us; they are the ones who can bounce back from defeat and inspire others. They are also the ones who are naturally able to cope with risk and change. They are resilient.
Through NOVA’s education alliance with the PMI Washington DC Chapter, the Workforce Development Division offers customized seminars on a variety of topics of interest to PMI members. NOVA is a category B provider. Seminars are being held through December in Reston, Woodbridge, and Arlington.
The first seminar being offered is 5 Secrets to Resilience, Doug Hensch’s day-long workshop. This workshop is focused on helping employees, managers, and leaders improve their ability to cope with adversity, uncertainty, and change. The content of the course is backed by over 30 years of research and delivered in an engaging, entertaining format that gives participants the tools they need to thrive in difficult times.
Additional PMI courses are available, and registration is open now:
October 24, NOVA Woodbridge
Successful Federal Contracts Administration
[register online now]
December 11, Arlington Center
Breakthrough Project Portfolio Performance
[register online now]
Doug Hensch is an executive coach, group facilitator and consultant with over 20 years of experience. He brings a wealth of experience and passion to the work through a simple philosophy: Set meaningful goals. Identify your strengths. Work in them regularly.
For more information on PMI Washington DC events, visit their website and make sure to check out the monthly PMIWDC Loudoun Community Lunch and Learn opportunities. The October 12 lunch will discuss Difficult Conversations for Project Managers, with Professional & Personal Development Coach Francis Roman, REI Systems Inc.
Schools across the country are showing support for the students, staff, and families of Umpqua Community College.
On Thursday, October 8, 2015, community colleges across the United States will be observing a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Umpqua Community College shooting on October 1 in Roseburg, Oregon.
Dr. Scott Ralls, Northern Virginia Community College president, has asked NOVA colleagues to join in the moment of silence, and use #IamUCC to show support for the victims:
The American Association of Community Colleges is inviting community colleges across the country to participate in a National Moment of Silence in honor of the victims of the shooting at Umpqua Community College.
I write to encourage you to join our community college colleagues across the nation in observing a moment of silence at 2:00 PM (ET) on Thursday, October 8, 2015. As a show of solidarity and support for our friends who are working to pick up the pieces on the UCC campus, you may also wish to use the #IamUCC hashtag to share your support via social media. In this way we can stand with them as they begin the healing process on their campus. Thank you for supporting Umpqua Community College in this way. —Dr. Scott Ralls, President, NVCC
