AZ Communiversity | News

Scholarships available

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

There are nearly 50 scholarships available for the 2010 – 2011 academic year for new and continuing students. The dealine for most scholarships is April 9.

The TriWest Military Scholarship deadline for the summer I 2010 term is May 1, 2010.

The TriWest Military Scholarship is available to service members in the active, reserve, or guard component of any U.S. military service branch or spouses/dependants of service members.

To learn more or to apply for a scholarship, please click HERE.

Additional questions may be directed to Kala Weinacker at 480.731.8407.

Registration underway for Youth Leadership Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +0000

Surprise and Dysart Unified School District sophomores, juniors, and seniors wishing to develop leadership skills are encouraged to register for the Second Annual Surprise Youth Leadership Summit, March 26.

Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt will kick off the summit, featuring Congressman Trent Franks, Chamber President David Moss and former teacher and motivational speaker Justin Boudreau. This is an opportunity for high school leaders to expand their skills and knowledge base by interacting with these leaders and learning their tips for success.

The free one-day summit will be held on Friday, March 26, at the Communiversity @ Surprise, on the Surprise City Hall Campus, from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The summit is designed to encourage more young people to become engaged in their community and develop civic leadership skills and informational tables representing a broad range of opportunities will be on display.

The Summit is just the starting point for a larger Surprise Youth Leadership Program slated to launch in the coming months in an effort to embrace the enthusiasm of these ambitious young leaders.

Summit registration forms are due Friday, March 19. Forms can be picked up at the Community & Recreation Services Office, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, or downloaded online at www.surpriseaz.com/recreation. There is limited space for this engagement. Early registration is recommended.

The summit is presented by the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce; APS; Dysart USD; Rio Salado College; the Communiversity @ Surprise; and the City of Surprise.

For more information, please contact Donna Miller at 623.222.2218 or donna.miller@surpriseaz.gov.

Two Named to All-Arizona Academic Team

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:49:00 +0000

By David Staudacher, Rio Salado College PR Manager

Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Rio Salado College students Katherine Robinson, of Tempe, and Amber Jensen, of Phoenix, are two people who work hard in the classroom, and, due to their strong work ethics, have earned the opportunity of a lifetime.

On Thursday, Robinson and Jensen were named to the All-Arizona Academic Team during an awards celebration at Mesa Community College.

“We are honored to have these two students represent Rio Salado College,” said Rio Salado Interim President Chris Bustamante. “They are outstanding students who have shown a passionate commitment for education and their community.”

Robinson was named to the first-team, and was awarded a cash prize of $1,000 and a full two-year renewable scholarship at one of Arizona’s three state universities.
Robinson earned her spot on the first team by maintaining a 3.93 grade-point average (GPA), earning 57 credits, and participating in a variety of college and community activities. Her activities include: Vice President of Leadership for the Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa; editor and writer for The Alpha Theta Omicron Alpha Bits; student coordinator of a Beautification and Community Garden Program; and a victim response member for Pandora’s Project.

As a member of the first team, she also is a candidate for the All-USA team, which will be announced in April. If named to the team, Robinson could win an additional $2,500 and be featured in the USA Today newspaper.

Jensen was named to the second team and received a $750 cash prize and a full two-year renewable scholarship at one of Arizona’s three state universities.

Jensen, who plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University, earned her spot on the team by maintaining a 3.8 GPA, earning 127 credits, and being active at Rio Salado and in the community. She used the skills she has been learning at Rio Salado’s School of Dental Hygiene by volunteering as a hygienist at the Central Arizona Shelter Services, the Dave Pratt Boys and Girls Club, and at the Give Kids a Smile for elementary school students. She also served as a member of the AmeriCorps Project Ayuda where she provided dental hygiene care for special needs patients.

“I am privileged to volunteer my services as a dental hygiene student at the Central Arizona Shelter Services clinic for the homeless,” said Jensen. “Not only am I able to practice technical skills I have learned, but I recognize the impact I can have on someone’s life through my education.”

The All-Arizona Academic Team scholarships are offered every year to two students from each of the state’s community colleges. To qualify, students must have earned a high grade point average and many credits in different academic disciplines at Rio Salado College, be working toward an associate degree, and be an active participant in service learning activities such as block watch participation, charity organizations, political organizations, religious groups and other community groups.

For more information about scholarship opportunities at Rio Salado College, please visit www.riosalado.edu/financial_aid.

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:04:00 +0000

The Communiversity @ Surprise was recently featured on the January edition of Maricopa Now!

Dr. Chris Bustamante Named Interim President at Rio Salado College

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Rufus Glasper today announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Bustamante as the Interim President of Rio Salado College. Bustamante replaces Dr. Linda Thor, recently named Chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, effective Feb. 16, 2010.

The appointment of Bustamante, who has served as the college’s Vice President of Community Development and Student Services since 2006, becomes effective upon Dr. Thor’s departure.

“Dr. Bustamante is well qualified to assume this prominent position,” said Dr. Glasper. “He possesses substantial leadership credentials in education and has an extensive track record of forging partnerships within the community. Specifically, he was instrumental in the collaborative development of the Arizona Communiversity concept, which recently opened its first site — the Communiversity @ Surprise.”

The appointment marks the first change in the college’s leadership in two decades. Under Thor’s nearly 20-year tenure, the college became nationally acclaimed for its innovations as a leading provider of online learning, as well as for its customized partnerships with business and government entities. “We congratulate President Thor on these and many other accomplishments, and we wish her every success as she transitions to this prestigious new role at one of the nation’s premier community college districts,” said Glasper.

Bustamante’s considerable other successes since joining Rio Salado as Dean of Academic Affairs in 2004 include:

Oversight of the largest dual enrollment program in both the Maricopa District and all of Arizona, currently serving nearly 7,000 students annually through 54 partnering high schools

Oversight of eight major capital projects for Rio Salado, including the building of the $4 million Adult Learning Center in the City of Avondale

The launching of Rio’s Adult ACE and Puente ACE Programs that enroll more than 150 students annually

Establishment of a partnership with the Phoenix Elementary School District to reopen Ann Ott Elementary School as an Adult Learning Center

Prior to his Rio career, Bustamante served the Maricopa Community College District as Director of Government Relations & External Affairs, and also held positions as Director of State Relations and the Associate Director of Government Relations. He began his Maricopa career in 1992.

Prior to working for the MCCCD, Bustamante served as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Community Relations for the Phoenix Union High School District. Bustamante also served as a Legislative Aide in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1984-1987.

Bustamante was a member of Maricopa’s Executive Development Program (2008), the Leadership Fellows Program of the National Community College Hispanic Council (2005), and was appointed by Governor Jane D. Hull to serve on Arizona’s Merit Award System Board and served as its Chairman (2002-2004). He currently serves on the Advisory Board of Experience Matters, as Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base (Alumnus), as an Advisory member for the REF Fund, Arizona Community Foundation, and as a Board member for the Be A Leader Foundation. He is a former member of the Task Force for the National State Relations Conference (Chair, 2004). Bustamante also served as the community college presidents’ staff liaison to the Governor’s Task Force on Higher Education (2000).

Bustamante received his Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University (NAU). He also attended Pima Community College and Harvard University, and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1983 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor for NAU in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Program/Maricopa cohort.

New Program Allows High-schoolers to Start College Early

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:33:00 +0000

For the first time, high school students can earn a certificate in dental assisting, said Nicole Albo, who chairs the dental program for Rio Salado College, one of the Communivesity partners. Read more.

Communiversity Named Best of the West

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:49:00 +0000

On Thursday night, the Communiversity @ Surprise was named a Best of the West award winner for higher education. The Best of the West awards recognize outstanding contributions to the image, lifestyle and economic development of the West Valley.

See a complete list of winners and slide show HERE.

Communiversity, City Celebrate Grand Opening

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Last week, the Communiversity @ Surprise partners and the City of Surprise hosted a grand-opening celebration with a ribbon cutting and building dedication in the courtyard between the Communiversity and the City Hall, 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise.

The program included remarks from Rio Salado College President Linda Thor, Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt and guest dignitaries, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and guided tours of the new facilities.

The event was broadcast live on Surprise 11. The event can be viewed online by clicking HERE.

Rio Salado Named America’s Greenest Campus

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Rio Salado College has been named America’s Greenest Campus by Climate Culture for having the highest average of carbon reduction per person. The college also was awarded $5,000 to be put toward green initiatives.

Rio Salado College beat out nearly 500 colleges and universities across the country in the America’s Greenest Campus (AGC) contest, which started in April. All of the participating schools combined to save $4.5 million in energy costs and reduce their collective carbon output by 18.6 million pounds, which is equivalent to the annual amount of carbon emitted by 1,900 cars.

In effect, the award recognizes Rio Salado for having the smallest carbon footprint among all the entrants. Rio Salado’s official carbon footprint, as documented for the American College and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment, is .84 tons of C02e.

The miniscule footprint is the result of Rio Salado’s efficient learning formats, which include 550 online courses, in-person classes on-site at corporations and government agencies, and accelerated formats.America's Greenest Campus is the first nationwide contest among colleges to reduce the carbon footprints of their students, faculty, alumni and staff.

AGC partners include Climate Culture, SmartPower, Sierra Student Coalition, National Association of Environmental Law Societies and U.S. Department of Energy.

“Environmental viability is part of the culture at our college,” said Rio Salado President Linda Thor. “We want to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”

Rio Salado College is planning to use the money to help fund the Community Garden Project at its main campus, 2323 W. 14th St., Tempe. The community garden will be open to Rio Salado students pursuing a degree or certificate in its Sustainable Foods Program and Rio Salado employees. Food from the garden will be used in the Café @ Rio.

Classes will emphasize the movement toward sustainable food systems, including researching food sources, purchasing locally, and building relationships with local producers. As students progress through the program, they will complete fundamental culinary course work, focus on real food and prepare for hands-on learning experiences in the Café. The Café will work toward a goal of zero-waste.

To learn more about Rio Salado's efforts, click HERE.

Rio Salado, guests offering workshops at Going Green Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Communiversity @ Surprise partners hosting open house

On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Communiversity @ Surprise is taking part in the City of Surprise’s second annual Going Green Fair by hosting an educational fair and offering green workshops. Rio Salado College is presenting two free workshops, while AKA Green and APS will each present a workshop. (See below for current workshop details).

To register for Rio Salado or APS workshops, call 480.384.9001 or visit the Communiversity at 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise. To register for the AKA Green workshop, please visit www.akagreen.com/workshop.php

During the fair, the Communiversity @ Surprise partners — Rio Salado College, Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, Ottawa University, University of the Incarnate Word, and Western International University — will have representatives available to help perspective students learn about classes and degree pathways offered at the site.

1. Green Home Remodeling 101 (Offered by AKA Green)
Are you thinking of remodeling a portion of your home or still have part of that kitchen left to do? This workshop is for you — homeowners who have heard about green building and want to know how it relates to home improvement projects they plan to undertake.
This two-hour workshop is a survey course that covers green building concepts as a homeowner can apply them to minor or major home renovations. Concepts covered include basic building envelope principles (energy), materials, indoor air quality, materials re-use and recycling, energy conservation and water conservation. Includes lessons learned from a.k.a. Green partner Mick Dalrymple’s documented ongoing efforts to turn a 1975 home into an eco-friendly, family-friendly, Net-Zero Energy Home through remodeling.
Presenter: Mick Dalrymple, AKA Green
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Cost: $39 per person ($70 for two people)

2. Bringing Sustainable Gardening Home (Offered by Rio Salado College)
· What is sustainable gardening and why should I care? Time for a paradigm shift.
· Sustainable vs. organic (there’s a difference?)
· Soil management comes first (don’t treat your soil like dirt)
· Composting can be sexy
· Building raised beds with recycled/reused materials
· Growing vegetables and flowers together(companion planting) for pest resistance and beauty
· Proper water usage (we have a drinking problem).
Presenter: Peter Conden, Rio Salado Community College
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Cost: FREE

3. We Are What We Eat (Offered by Rio Salado College)
There is a new movement in the food industry, which is to re-think how we produce, purchase and consume our food.
· Why this new shift?
· Is our current food system sustainable?
· What are the best choices for me and my family?
· How can I make these changes and still enjoy my favorite foods?
· This session will address these questions and provide an overview of the process from “seed to supper.”
Presenter: Shannon Corona, Rio Salado Community College
Time: 9 – 10 a.m.
Cost: FREE

4. Simple Things To Do To Lower Energy Bills (Offered by APS)
Wondering how to lower your energy bill? Curious about how solar energy works or if it's something you should consider for your home? Rex Stepp, of the Renewable Energy group at APS, will be presenting information on simple things you can do today to lower your energy costs as well as discussing how to take advantage of Arizona's 300 days of sunshine with today's solar technology. Along with discussing various ways to use solar energy, you'll also learn about the great incentives and tax credits currently available that can cover well over half the cost of going solar.
Presenter: Rex Stepp, APS
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Communiversity on Ch. 3

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Receive a Tax Credit While Earning College Credit

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

By David Staudacher, Rio Salado PR Manager

Attention college students! Start saving your school receipts. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's (ARRA) newly-created American Opportunity Tax Credit, college students and their parents may be eligible for more tax credits.

"The amount of the credit is higher," said Eric Smith, media relations specialist at the Internal Revenue Service. "It now goes up to $2,500 per student. So, that is definitely an increase, and to get that maximum credit of $2,500, you need to spend $4,000 on qualifying expenses. That's mainly tuition and fees, but it can also include books."

The American Opportunity Credit is good for the first four years of school, which is twice as long as the old Hope Credit, which was good for the first two years. There are additional changes that benefit students and parents.

"The income limits have been raised for the American Opportunity Credit," said Smith. "There are some people who didn't qualify under the old law who now qualify under the new law. Also, there's a change for people with lower incomes. That is to say you can get the American Opportunity Credit even if you owe no tax, and that wasn't true with the old Hope Credit. For someone who doesn’t owe tax, they cannot get the full $2,500. Instead, it is capped at $1,000, which is major improvement considering they couldn’t receive anything under the old law."

According to Smith, students and their parents must file a tax return to get the credit. Pointing out that often it is better for the parent to claim the credit instead of the student.

"It may depend on who’s paying the cost," said Smith. "The key here is that students and parents shouldn’t leave this money lying on the table."

For people who need the money sooner rather than later there is a way to benefit now.

"You still have to claim it when you file your return next year, but the actual benefit or the tax savings, you can get at least some of that now," said Smith. "If you're working and you have tax taken out of your paycheck. You can actually reduce the amount of withholding that you have based on the credit that you expect to be able to claim."

To figure out how much of a credit someone can receive, visit www.irs.gov and use the withholding calculator, which will help determine if you qualify. If someone qualifies, they need to give their employer a new W-4 form and have less tax taken out of their paychecks.

Another new benefit, which is only available for 2009 and 2010, is using money from college savings plans. Money from these plans can be used to pay for computers, internet services, etc. A number of rules and restrictions apply, and contact a plan administrator for more information is highly suggested.

To learn more about Rio Salado College and the financial aid opportunities available, please visit http://www.riosalado.edu.

Enrollment nears record level at Glendale CC campuses

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:23:00 +0000

A bumper crop of new students has signed up for classes at Glendale Community College's two campuses. Read more.

Rio sets teacher education orientation

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Rio Salado College is hosting a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Orientation on Monday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. at the new Communiversity @ Surprise, 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, in Surprise.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program provides teaching certificates in:

Early Childhood
Elementary
Secondary
Special Education

Rio Salado now offers hybrid classes to prepare working adults for teaching careers. Hybrid classes are a mixture of in-person and online, so you get the best of both worlds — the face-to-face personal interaction, and the flexibility of online learning.

For more information, call Roxie Holmes, 480.384.9008. For more information about Rio Salado College, please visit http://www.riosalado.edu/.

You are Invited

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Editorial: Education team new, necessary

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:09:00 +0000

A partnership among a college, a career and technical education center, and a city that is creating amazing educational opportunities in the West Valley is as innovative as it is necessary. Read more.

Surprise's new learning center makes debut

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:06:00 +0000

A one-stop learning center for higher education debuts in the northwest Valley, with a name that reflects its cutting-edge concept. Read more.

Communiversity Featured on Channel 3

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Miryam Gutier-Brown, assistant director at the Communiversity, was recently interviewed for a Channel 3 segment about the Communiversity at Surprise. The piece aired on Good Evening AZ, and can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.azfamily.com/video/geaz-index.html?nvid=391970&shu=1

Open House Set for 8.22.09

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:10:00 +0000

A steady stream of students visited the Communiversity at Surprise, 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, during Tuesday’s open house. The open house gave West Valley residents an opportunity see the new campus and talk to all of the Communiversity partners about the pathways that are available.

“We are looking at getting back to school,” said Frankie Byrd, who recently moved to Surprise from Glendale. “The Communiversity is very close and convenient for us.”

The Communiversity is hosting a second open house on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone who could not attend today’s open house.

The Communiversity is a higher education campus made up of several colleges and universities to offer students affordable educational pathways in one convenient location. Students can take courses in a variety of formats, including in-person, online and hybrid. Students can complete certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and Master’s degrees through the partner institutions.

The Communiversity partners include Rio Salado College, Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, Ottawa University, University of the Incarnate Word, Western International University and West-MEC.

Communiversity on School Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:04:00 +0000

By Kim Covington - Aug. 13, 2009

Starting in about a week, college students will be able to skip the long commute and go to several community colleges at one site. It's a new, more affordable option to higher education. The Communiversity concept is the first of its kind in the West.

Director of Community Partnership Programs for Rio Salado College Todd Aakhus says, "It's a one stop shop.”

Starting August 24 classes will be offered face to face, online and in the hybrid format which combines the two.

Communiversity allows students to complete everything from a certificate and associate degree to bachelor’s and master’s degrees all in one location.

Students can choose from 40 programs in 6 degree pathways: education, business information systems public safety and liberal arts and health care.

Communiversity partners include Western International University, Western Maricopa Education Center will bring in high school students. They will join Rio Salado, Phoenix and Glendale Community Colleges, Ottawa University and the University of Incarnate Word.

Todd Aakhus says, ”You have the ultimate variety here. What we've got is affordable accessible flexibility. You can save up to 35% off the entire degree.” They save because students can transfer up to 90 credits to a university.

The video is available HERE.

You're Invited to the Communiversity Open House!

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:57:00 +0000

The brand new Communiversity @ Surprise is hosting an open house on August 18 and August 22. Stop by and tour this state-of-the art educational facility located in the new Surprise Civic Center. You can also meet representatives of our partner institutions, and learn about program offerings available through the Communiversity.

Open House Schedule:

Tuesday, Aug. 18th - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 22nd - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location:15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, in Surprise(West of Litchfield Road, off of Greenway Road)

In addition, 98.7 The Peak will be broadcasting live from the Communiversity @ Surprise on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Communiversity campus adds education partners

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Grace Rodil was one of the first students through the door of the Communiversity @ Surprise when it opened this week. Read more.

GCC to hire adjuct instructors for fall semester

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:17:00 +0000

Nearly 100 positions are available for adjunct faculty this fall at Glendale Community College's two campuses. Read more.

Communiversity @ Surprise Opening on Aug. 3

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0000

West Valley residents have a new option for obtaining affordable college degrees. On Monday, Aug. 3, the Communiversity @ Surprise, 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, is opening to the public for students to register for classes. Open houses also are slated for Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Communiversity is a creative blend of community colleges and universities, which allow students to complete certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees, in-person and/or online all in one location. Some programs allow students to earn up to 90 credits through the community college partners before transferring to a university partner for the remaining credits.

Along with host college Rio Salado, several institutions are providing classes and programs at the Communiversity. The partners include: Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, Ottawa University, the University of the Incarnate Word, Western International University and West-MEC.

"Students can save about 33 percent over the cost of a bachelor's degree from a traditional four-year university," said Todd Aakhus, director of Community Partnership Programs at Rio Salado College. "They can do it in a fraction of the time, too."

Students can choose from more than 40 degree programs through the Communiversity's educational pathways, which include: health care, education, business, information systems, public safety and liberal arts. Classes at the Communiversity will be available in-person and/or online.

Communiversity - a new approach

noreply@blogger.com (Rio Salado College) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:29:00 +0000

The Communiversity @ Surprise answers the urgent need for accessible, affordable education in the West Valley. Read more.