Graduate Assistantships—A Win-Win for Students and CPS

January 26, 2012

Allie

Each year, a number of Towson University departments, both academic and administrative, offer opportunities for qualified students to become graduate assistants.  . The process is competitive and responsibilities vary depending on the sponsoring department.  Depending on the number of hours graduate assistants (or GA’s) work they receive tuition remission and a stipend making these limited positions highly sought after.  The objective of a graduate assistantship is to provide the student with rich professional experiences that also support the department’s goals and activities.

Within our department, Center for Professional Studies, we regularly utilize graduate assistants to support a number of areas ranging from customized training programs to continuing education.  For the past two years we have had been lucky enough to have, Jenna Frazzini as a member of our team. Jenna is a speech and language pathology major. When Jenna first joined our group we were in the process of submitting a grant to the Maryland Higher Education Commission and identified an active role for Jenna to play in the proposed project. Over the past two years, Jenna has regularly traveled to Dundalk High School to help high school seniors with the college application process, essay writing, and basic interview skills. Jenna worked one on one with the students and feels confident that her interaction with the students had a large impact on the student’s confidence as it came time for them to begin applying to college.

When I asked Jenna what she’s found most rewarding during her tenure as a GA, she responded, “that the skills that she learned from dealing and communicating with several different groups of people in a business-like setting have been invaluable.”

Our Director, Jeff Beeson, while new to the job, is already looking for opportunities for us to employ more graduate assistants in the future.

Image credit: Desiree Stover

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Posted by Allie Pyzik

Make Time for Training in 2012

January 12, 2012

Lindsey

As the new year gets into full swing, many companies are planning top priorities for their employees and organization. With multiple projects, short deadlines, and budgets in mind, training is often left as a last priority or is sometimes forgotten.

With the help of Towson University’s Center for Professional Studies (CPS), the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is ensuring that training remains a priority during 2012.

But how do we make the time? By offering several methods of training, including:

  1. In-Service Sessions: Specific dates set out in advance to ensure that training takes place. Similar to a staff meeting or priority project, advanced notification helps ensure that employees will be available to attend.
  2. Departmental Retreats: An opportunity for most or all of a specific Department to come together in one room to receive customized training, address questions and concerns, and discuss strategic plans for the upcoming year.
  3. Customized Sessions: Requested by and designed for a specific Department on their topic of choice, and scheduled to meet the availability of their staff.
  4. Open Enrollment: Offered during various dates and times throughout the calendar year to ensure maximum participation.


These are just a few of the ways we are making training a priority in 2012, and we encourage you to try what works best for your employees and organization. The key to success is making sure you set the date(s) and time(s) for training in advance and follow up to ensure effective employee participation.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Video: Meet Our Team – Jeff Beeson

November 23, 2011

Allie

Jeff Beeson is the Director of the Center for Professional Studies (CPS) within the Division of Economic and Community Outreach at Towson University. As Director, he is responsible for managing a dynamic team dedicated to meeting the diverse educational and consultation needs of clients regardless of their location. Prior to coming to Towson, Jeff was the Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program for the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR), and prior to that he was Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at DLLR. Jeff has also worked for the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and as an aid for Senator Barbara Mikulski. Jeff is a graduate of Towson University earning his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Master’s degree in Social Sciences. To hear more about Jeff’s background and vision for the Center for Professional Studies watch the interview.

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Posted by Allie Pyzik

MTA’s Bus Operator Mentoring Program

November 7, 2011

Lindsey

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of Mentor is as follows:

1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

While the definition is certainly a start, the positive impacts of a mentoring program on both employees and an organization are nearly impossible to measure. As a part of my position with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), I get to hear and see some of those positive effects first hand as I have the pleasure of working with Towson University’s Center for Professional Studies (CPS) to develop and coordinate the first Pilot offering of MTA’s Bus Operator Mentoring Program.

The Bus Operator Mentoring Program aims to foster a strong internal support system to help with daily questions and concerns on the job. The first group of 16 mentors completed formal training on October 27, 2011, and is now working in each respective Bus Division to assist fellow Operators as needed. Following formal training, Mentors receive continued one-on-one coaching from Towson University Instructors and will also attend several “Best Practice Sessions” to discuss strategies, answer questions, and address concerns. Along with continued coaching Mentors will receive strong support and recognition from upper management within Bus Transportation to ensure the program’s success.

Issues and questions that Bus Operator Mentors will be able to assist with may include:

  • How to deal with difficult  customers
  • Where to get information about training opportunities available
  • How to best talk to management about a problem
  • Career advancement options
  • Referrals to MTA internal  programs (i.e. Employee Assistance Program)

“Bus Operators have a very challenging position and are also asked to maintain a positive, professional attitude as they represent the MTA,” states Robert Potts, Director of Bus Transportation. “The Bus Operator Mentoring Program will provide MTA Bus Operators with the support they need and will also open up the doors to positive communication for all levels of our organization.”

Mentors for the program were selected based on strong job performance and outgoing, empathetic personality. To be considered, they must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a Bus Operator for the MTA.  Now that they are on the field there is no question that they will be able to continually serve as a positive role model for not only their peers but also employees across the organization.

For more information on MTA’s Bus Operator Mentoring Program, contact Lindsey Meyer at Lmeyer@mta.maryland.gov.

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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Federal Tax Update Seminar Early Bird Discount Still Available

October 6, 2011

Allie

Towson University Center for Professional Studies is hosting an annual Federal Tax Update Seminar on November 2 and 3, 2011 in the Minnegan Room located in the Johnny Unitas Field house overlooking Towson’s Football stadium.

The seminar’s objective is to provide an update on federal law changes including bills that might pass later this month.

Participants have the opportunity to

  • earn 16 Credits of CPE/NASBA/CFP/EA and
  • receive certificates upon course completion
  • speak one on one with the instructors and questions in a group or setting

Two instructors lead the seminar discussing topics including:

  • New Legislation
  • Rulings and Cases
  • Individual Taxpayer Issues
  • Financial Distress
  • Business Issues, Retirement Issues
  • Agricultural Issues
  • Investment Issues
  • IRS Issues
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Tax Practices
  • Basis of Assets
  • Ethics
  • Tax Rates and Useful Tables

Don’t miss out on this great seminar! Contact me at 410-296-8596 for more information or register now.

Towson University's Johhny Unitas Stadium

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Posted by Allie Pyzik

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