Higher Education and Society

Institutions of education, and the system of which they are a part, face a host of unprecedented challenges from forces in society that affect and are influenced by these very institutions and their communities of learners and educators. Among these forces are sweeping demographic changes, shrinking provincial budgets, revolutionary advances in information and telecommunication technologies, globalization, competition from new educational providers, market pressures to shape educational and scholarly practices toward profit-driven ends, and increasing demands and pressures for fundamental changes in public policy and public accountability relative to the role of higher education in addressing pressing issues of communities and the society at large. Anyone of these challenges would be significant on their own, but collectively they increase the complexity and difficulty for education to sustain or advance the fundamental work of serving the public good.

Through a forum on education, we can agree to: Strengthening the relationship between higher education and society will require a broad-based effort that encompasses all of education, not just individual institutions, departments and associations.

Piecemeal solutions can only go so far; strategies for change must be informed by a shared vision and a set of common objectives. A "movement" approach for change holds greater promise for transforming academic culture than the prevailing "organizational" approach.

Mobilizing change will require strategic alliances, networks, and partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders within and beyond education.

The Common Agenda is specifically designed to support a "movement" approach to change by encouraging the emergence of strategic alliances among individuals and organizations who care about the role of higher education in advancing the ideals of a diverse democratic system through education practices, relationships and service to society.

A Common Agenda

The Common Agenda is intended to be a "living" document and an open process that guides collective action and learning among committed partners within and outside of higher education. As a living document, the Common Agenda is a collection of focused activity aimed at advancing civic, social, and cultural roles in society. This collaboratively created, implemented, and focused Common Agenda respects the diversity of activity and programmatic foci of individuals, institutions, and networks, as well as recognizes the common interests of the whole. As an open process, the Common Agenda is a structure for connecting work and relationships around common interests focusing on the academic role in serving society. Various modes of aliening and amplifying the common work within and beyond education will be provided within the Common Agenda process.

This approach is understandably ambitious and unique in its purpose and application. Ultimately, the Common Agenda challenges the system of higher education, and those who view education as vital to addressing society's pressing issues, to act deliberately, collectively, and clearly on an evolving and significant set of commitments to society. Currently, four broad issue areas are shaping the focus of the Common Agenda: 1) Building public understanding and support for our civic mission and actions; 2) Cultivating networks and partnerships; 3) Infusing and reinforcing the value of civic responsibility into the culture of higher education institutions; and 4) Embedding civic engagement and social responsibility in the structure of the education system

VISION We have a vision of higher education that nurtures individual prosperity, institutional responsiveness and inclusivity, and societal health by promoting and practicing learning, scholarship, and engagement that respects public needs. Our universities are proactive and responsive to pressing social, ethical, and economic problems facing our communities and greater society. Our students are people of integrity who embrace diversity and are socially responsible and civilly engaged throughout their lives.

MISSION The purpose of the Common Agenda is to provide a framework for organizing, guiding and communicating the values and practices of education relative to its civic, social and economic commitments to a diverse democratic system.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

I believe social justice, ethics, educational equity, and societal change for positive effects are fundamental to the work of higher education. We consider the relationship between communities and education institutions to be based on the values of equally, respect and reciprocity, and the work in education to be interdependent with the other institutions and individuals in society.

We will seek and rely on extensive partnerships with all types of institutions and devoted individuals inside and outside of higher education.

We realize the interconnection of politics, power and privilege. The Common Agenda is not for higher education to self-serve, but to "walk the talk" relative to espoused public goals. We understand the Common Agenda as a dynamic living document, and expect the activities it encompasses to change over time.

THE COMMON AGENDA FRAMEWORK The general framework for the common agenda is represented in the following diagram. It is clear that while goals and action items are organized and aliened within certain issues areas, there is considerable overlap and complimentarity among the issues, goals and action items. Also, following each action item are names of individuals who committed to serve as "point persons" for that particular item. A list of "point persons," with their organizational affiliation(s) is included with the common agenda.

ISSUES

ISSUE 1: MISSION AND ACTIONS

Public understanding more and more equates higher education benefits with acquiring a "good job" and receiving "higher salaries." To understand and support the full benefits of higher education the public and higher education leaders need to engage in critical and honest discussions about the role of higher education in society. Goal: Develop a common language that resonates both inside and outside the institution. Action Items: Develop a common language and themes about our academic role and responsibility to the public good, through discussions with a broader public.

Collect scholarship on public good, examine themes and identify remaining questions. Develop a national awareness of the importance of higher education for the public good through the development of marketing efforts.

Goal: Promote effective and broader discourse. Action Items: Raise public awareness about the institutional diversity within and between higher education institutions.

Identify strategies for engaging alumni associations for articulating public good and building bridges between higher education and the various private and public sector companies. Develop guidelines of discourse to improve the quality of dialogue on every level of society. Organize a series of civil dialogues with various public sectors about higher education and the public good.

ISSUE 2: DEVELOPING NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Approaching complex issues such as the role of higher education in society that requires a broad mix of partners to create strategies and actions that encompass multiple valued perspectives and experiences.

Broad partnerships to strengthen the relationship between higher education and society involves working strategically with those within and outside of higher education to achieve mutual goals on behalf of the public good.

Goal: Create broad and dispersed communication systems and processes.

Action Items:

Create an information and resource network across higher education associations Create information processes that announce relevant conferences, recruit presenters and encourage presentations in appropriate national conferences Develop opportunities for information sharing and learning within and between various types of postsecondary institutions (e.g. research-centered communities).

Goal: Create and support strategic alliances and diverse collaborations.

Action Items: Establish and support on-going partnerships and collaborations between higher education associations and the external community (e.g. civic organizations, legislators, community members) Explore with the public how to employ the role of arts in advancing higher education for the public good Promote collaboration between higher education and to address access, retention, and graduation concerns

ISSUE 3: INSTILLING AND REINFORCING THE VALUE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY INTO THE CULTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Education should attend to the implicit and explicit consequences of its work, and reexamine "what counts" to integrate research, teaching and service for the public good to the core working of the institution.

Goal: Emphasize civic skills and leadership development in the curriculum and co-curriculum.

Action Items: Develop and implement a curriculum in colleges and universities that promote civic engagement of students Create co-curricular student and community programs for leadership and civic engagement development Develop learning opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom, that promote liberty, democratic responsibility, social justice and knowledge of the economic system Develop student leadership and service opportunities that focus on ethical behavior Teach graduate students organizing and networking skills, and encourage student leadership and Diversity education

Goal: Foster a deeper commitment to the public good.

Action Items: Work with faculty on communication skills and languages to describe their engagement with the public, and educate faculty for the common good Identify models for promotion and tenure standards Identify models for faculty development

Goal: Identify, recognize, and support engaged scholarship.

Action Items: Identify and disseminate models and exemplars of scholarship on the public good Encourage the participation in community research Help institutions call attention to exemplary outreach. Establish a capacity building effort for institutions

Goal: Bring graduate education into alignment with the civic mission.

Action Items: Work with disciplinary associations to hold dialogues on ways graduate student training can incorporate public engagement, involvement and service Promote "civic engagement" within academic and professional disciplines according to the disciplines' definition of "civic engagement" Incorporate the concept of higher education for the public good into current graduate education reform efforts

ISSUE 4: EMBEDDING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Promoting the public benefits of higher education requires system efforts beyond institutions to intentionally embed values of civic engagement and social responsibility in governance practices, policy decisions, and educational processes.

Goal: Align governing structures and administrative strategies.

Action Items: Develop ways to improve student and the community involvement in the governance and decision making process of educational institutions. Identify and promote ways for institutions to improve involvement with the public and the practice of democracy within their own institution. Establish public good/civic engagement units that orchestrate this work throughout institutions.

Goal: Publicly recognize and support valuable engagement work.

Action Items: Offer public awards that reward institutions with demonstrable track record in serving the public good in order to encourage institutionalization of performance around the public good and civic engagement.

Develop a comprehensive inventory of funding sources, association activities, initiatives, and exemplary practices that advance the public good. Identify, recognize, and support early career scholars who choose to do research on higher education and its public role in society.

Goal: Ensure that assessment and accreditation processes include civic engagement and social responsibility.

Action Items: Identify service for the public good as a key component in provincial and federal educational plans (e.g. Master Plans, provincial budgets, and professional associations).

Bring higher education associations and legislators together to broaden current definition of student outcomes and achievement, and develop a plan for assessment.

Develop strategies and processes to refocus system-wide planning, accreditation and evaluation agendas to consider criteria assessing the social, public benefits of education.

Goal: Cultivate stronger ties between the university, federal and provincial government.

Action Items: Develop a 2-year implementation plan that joins the university rector / Pro-rector and Director with provincial legislators to engage in an assessment of the needs of the public by province Host a series of dialogues between trustees and provincial legislators to discuss the role of universities and public policy in advancing public good at a local, provincial, and national level.

Ms. Afshan Saleem
Senior Lecturer
Bahria University
Karachi

MBA in Marketing

Any business organization which produces consumer products has the need for marketing it. Only through marketing the products will reach the consumers and the consumers will become aware that such a product exists. MBA in marketing focuses on improving the sales on goods and services. There is a huge demand for efficient personnel who expertise in marketing. An MBA in this class will show the employer show involved you are in the marketing field improving your marketability in the job market.

MBA in marketing is the most highly ranked degree in the world and the program teaches the professionals about marketing a product and produces high quality of skilled people who understand the market and make sophisticated decisions. Public relations play a vital role in the success of a professional in this field. Market research, communication skills and personality development are part of this program.

To undertake his degree it is highly recommended to have some marketing experience in some level as this will help in understanding the basic concepts and problems of marketing along with experience the bachelor degree is a basic requirement

There are countless job opportunities in this field. Once a person graduates with an MBA in this field, he will be in demand by a number of organizations. One can even start freelance marketing on his own. The companies who want to market their program will pay him for the customers he brings to the company. Apart from this the most common corporate positions for professionals with this degree are marketing manager, brand manager, market research analyst, new product manager, sales manager, advertising manager, public relations (PR) director and marketing communications manager. Consulting firms usually hire MBA graduates as new developers, strategists and customer segmentation specialists. Even at the entry level, careers such as product or brand development require MBAs as they have intensive focus in promoting sales and in training successful sales representatives.

Kamalesh Jayaraman For any assistance on articles or content development, feel free to mail me @: kamalesh.kj@gmail.com.

The Advantage of an Executive MBA

An Executive MBA is specially constructed for those professionals who are already in the corporate world and have been in there for quite a while. For doing an E MBA, a work experience of at least 3 to 5 years is needed and this varies with institutions. If you want to improve your career and have that edge over your colleagues at work then possessing an MBA is must. Though a normal MBA and an executive MBA may seem the same to the non corporate eyes but they are very different.

Executive MBA classes are conducted on a different line from that of a regular MBA. Here people learn from life experience rather than from books alone. Practical knowledge and approach is inculcated. It focuses on the specific areas of business rather than in regular program where the focus is more generalized.

To advance in the career line an MBA is becoming a must. There are many cases in which the employer sends its employees to do an executive MBA covering the educational expenses of the candidate. A professional with this degree will prove to be far more valuable and productive than a regular.

Executive MBA is offered by many colleges. There are various options available to do the course. The course can be done full time which is usually one year where the candidate has to leave the job for pursuing education. Or it can be done part time over the span of 2 to 3 years. Here the classes are usually conducted in the evenings and in the weekends so that the candidate can continue with work and also attend classes in the evening. Or there is the option of doing it online. You can attend classes at your leisure and saves time and energy spent on travel. This is suitable for professionals who don't have a college nearby or who do not have the time to attend classes at fixed hours.

Kamalesh is a free lance content writer who has been writing articles, contents for brochures and websites.
Kamalesh Jayaraman
For any article or brochure contents feel free to contact my mail at kamalesh.kj@gmail.com

MBA in Environmental Management - Need of the Hour

In today's world the talk is about preserving environment. Only by the right environment we can obtain higher productivity. For an organization to complete its goals and reach the targeted turn over, the employees of the organization should give high productivity. Likewise in today's world, the many companies produce consumer products are damaging the precious natural environment either during the process of production or during disposal in one way or another. If you are a person who is concerned about nature and who wants to save the environment by altering the procedures that are followed by the organizations so that they can become more eco friendly then the program MBA in environmental management is definitely for you.

You can be a person with a background already in the environmental sciences or a professional who is keen to gain knowledge and change the course of career into this new budding field, you can join this program. The program inculcates you about the ways and measure that can be monitored in the manufacturing or other divisions of the organization so that the damage that is being rendered to the environment, specially to the forests and rivers all around the globe can be reduced if not stopped completely. As more and more companies are becoming eco friendly, a professional with an MBA in environmental management are in very high demand and this program will boost your career and marketability.

The program can be taken up in the B schools offering them as a full time regular if you can travel to the campus for learning. But if you are a professional with a tight work schedule and not in a position to give up your job for pursuing your education, then you can readily opt for online degree. It is much easier and can be completed sooner than a regular degree

Kamalesh is a free lance content writer who has been writing articles, contents for brochures and websites.
Kamalesh Jayaraman
For any article or brochure contents feel free to contact my mail at kamalesh.kj@gmail.com

Things to Consider in Dealing With Continuing Education

Now that you have already been employed, your next step in your career would be to continue your job plainly as a staff nurse or take some dream to level up and specialize. This is when continuing education comes in. To some states, continuing education in nursing is but a requirement in order to maintain the validity of the license and not just something like of a military promotion adding decorations to their nursing uniform. For some nurses, continuing education is their way of updating their skills and practices so to be able to comply with the demands of the advancement in the profession and in the technologies associated with it.

To back us with some current stories about the importance of continuing education for skill development, we can turn to some news channels. Just a few weeks, a video of a British nurse who accidentally turn off a quadriplegic's life support system had become viral over the net. So viral that said video has even featured to local TV news outlets around the world. The patient, according the news, suffered irreparable brain damage caused by such accident. For one, the nurse in her nursing uniform have been identified and known to be in her late 40's to early 50's. As initial assessment, the said nurse could have been no longer updated about the system.

Now we proceed on the things that you need to know in dealing with continuing education.

Let us take by way of an example the nursing profession particularly Masters in Nursing or what is basically known as nursing specialization. Specialization is another step toward nursing profession success. It is a way of leveling up and to vie for a promotion or a salary increase. Other forms of continuing education vary according to purpose and credits and may be in a form of seminars, weekend conferences, online classes, and send-in quizzes.

The first thing that you should take into consideration is your budget. If you are working, try to save first and be as earnest as you can so as you can pursue post-graduate courses. It is not just taken as a trend, but also it is for your personal gain in the future. There are a lot of nurses who opt to wear nursing uniforms outside their domiciled city, yet they become successful. Missing your family is a little sacrifice compared to the large amount of money that you can obtain in your employment.

Then, you need to consider your current situation in the family. If you are married and you have a working husband or wife, you might think first of discussing the idea with your partner. Also, you should remember that going back to school will require time. You can choose the weekends to take on classes of in between your shifts. You may also take a modular scheme so you will be able to read your materials at least 3 hours of your vacant time then get ready for a periodic exam.

Continuing education is becoming an integral part of the nursing profession and for a nurse to complete her or his dream of caring for the sick while on his/ her nursing uniform, CE is the way. Now, sit back and weigh the things you need to consider for your next feat in your career.

George Foerstel is a Human Resource officer of a hospital. He knows that one can only acquire depth in terms of job security when a nurse get to lay his/her nursing uniform for a while and don a school uniform for continuing education.

Adult Education: Acquiring An Advantage

Were it not for adult education, a lot of people in the United States, and in fact all over the world today, would have seen their lives abruptly come to an end before their time because they could not get employed. because they did not get educated. So I need you to see adult education as your chance to make a serious change, and for you to take it now.

I know how you must feel like your whole life is about to come to an end because no one will hire you. What I suggest is that you go back to school right now. It's takes you another couple of years; and you could make it out with your honors degree.

People have lost jobs and opportunities because they did not have the education to hold on to them. That does not have to be your own story; you have adult education today, you could see to it that you are adequately qualified and certified for it.

You can only go so far in education before you become an adult. I mean, by the time you are graduating from senior high, you are close enough to no longer being a minor in the United States. If you intend to go the rest of the way, what you are seeking is adult education because you are then going to school as an adult. So you see, adult education is not such a big deal after all; and you are not alone.

When hiring managers, companies like to use graduate school qualifications and such the like. You don't have to give up because you don't have it, though. Instead you could hurry back to school already and take the studies. You'll be qualified in time for the promotion.

With so many people in the country missing out a lot on education, it is understandable that there be as many adult education programs around as there are. Someone needs to create the opportunities that people need to make meaning of their lives.

There are indeed a lot of people in the country who don't think a lot of adult education, but that's their loss. If you know what is good for you, you'd seek it and come back to show them. Only it could be a bit late by then - they could be gone.

You know, you could still learn despite your current age. There are a lot of people who think that because they are older than a certain age they cannot go to school anymore, but there is nothing further from the truth than that. With adult education, there isn't anything that you are interested in that you cannot learn. Believe it.

Education is only one criterion that hiring companies use to hire their staff, but it is a pretty important criterion that features in almost any employment scheme. If you do not have the kind of academic or educational qualifications they are looking for, they often just politely ask you to go. So if you want a better fighting chance, you want to try some adult education.

Your adult education - or the lack thereof - could be the only thing standing between you and your dream job. Don't you think you ought to get started as soon as possible? I mean, in the United States it is a big deal, and one that has been made available such that you could learn almost for a song these days. There is no reason for you to be living in defeat.

Richard D. Corwin is presently working with Your Education Guides to provide his useful suggestions and information related to different educational programs. For more information click on Education Guide and http://www.youreducationguides.com

Passions For Teaching

The passion of teaching is encapsulated in one man: Gustavo. It is believed that he is one of the most fervent lecturers on campus. Therefore, I have taken this opportunity to find out more about his passion. As I enter the doorway to his office, I immediately recognize his small baseball cap resting on his head. A broad smile, which is suggestive of the pleasure of seeing his student, appears on his face. He extends his right hand, gives a warm handshake, and greets me brightly in Spanish: "Hola amigo". His office consists of twelve waiting chairs, a wide collection of books, a computer, a desk full of papers, a football, a writing board and lots of language CD's and cassettes.

Gustavo must be one of the most dedicated lecturers at the University. He left his homeland, Colombia, on August 24, 2004 to become a lecturer. His reason is: "teaching is my major calling in life. I would go anywhere to teach." This has been his only profession for twenty four years and he does not intend to change it. His motto is to "make every student feel the value of life and learning".

Surprisingly, Gustavo has not always had such enthusiasm to teach. When asked about the beginning of his career, he chuckles and exclaims disappointingly: "Terrible terrible." He was a bit reluctant in confessing that his performance was impeded by uncontrollable drinking and smoking habits. In fact, he was absent from work many times because of his drunkenness. Therefore, with his head slightly bowed, he admits regrettably that he may have been the downfall in the lives of some students.

Then, with a sudden gleam in his eyes and in a tone of self-satisfaction, he exclaims: "but I'm beyond that now." Six years after he began teaching, Gustavo was invited to church by a close friend and "the spirit of God" moved him. Now, he says, he is a "double teacher"; he ministers at Sunday school and lectures at Universities. Also, he has decided to travel overseas to share his experience as a teacher, to promote his culture and to gain even more experience to make him an even better teacher.

Fascinated by his inspirational experience, I enquire about him missing his loved ones.
-"What about your family members? Don't you miss them?"
-"I do very much. I email my wife eight times per day and call her every Saturday."

He further sates that even though he loves his family so dearly, he is obliged to teach wherever he can. He is willing to set his personal desires aside- temporarily he stresses- to seek after his passion in teaching.

This delight for teaching will not end in Barbados. After his contract is ended, Gustavo hopes to travel to the United States- with his family by his side this time- to gain even more experience in teaching. He points enthusiastically to an application letter that he is typing, two years in advance, which would secure him a post at the University of Miami. He then boasts: "I know the Spanish style of teaching. I now know the English style. Next I must know the American style." With this remark, he gives a short laugh which accentuates his pleasure of teaching.

At that moment, his cap catches my attention once again. I therefore ask about its significance. He answers "I want to be different". Gustavo confesses that no other lecturer wears a hat to work. His sports hat symbolizes his acceptance to work along with the youth through mutual understanding.
Finally, he recognizes the urge for all educators to be as passionate as him. In order to effectively impart knowledge, there must be a true desire to do so. While teaching in Colombia, he was actively involved in organizing theatrical performances, sporting activities and student counselling. Obviously, he was involved in all domains of the education system. He vows to continue performing as professionally wherever he goes for the advancement of his students.

As I conclude our interview, I offer my sincerest gratitude. However, he interjects saying: "Thank you for allowing me to be a teacher." He reminds me that his ardour lies in helping students. I remain in my seat, look at him with content and try to imagine myself someday being as devoted as him in my future profession. This interview was brief but very inspirational to me. I learned firsthand the key to being effective in whatever I do: dedication and passion. This is a valuable lesson to everyone also. Therefore, from this day, I vow to be the best I can be so that one day I may be as proud as Gustavo.
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Home Schooling Advice For Parents

If you are a parent that is new to home schooling, or you are are seriously considering or planning to home school your children, there are a few things you'll need to know. The very first thing you will need to do if you are in the planning stages, is to find out if the laws of the state you live in will allow home schooling, and if there are any special considerations or documents you need to complete or sign. Most of the 50 United States will allow home schooling, but there are a few States that discourage it. Its always best to check the laws and don't not take any chances or bypass this step.

Once all of the legal aspects have been taken care of, then you can move on with your plan. Next, you will need to get all of the training materials you will need that correspond with your child's age level. Complete teaching programs are available for every year as your child progresses. There are different programs and lesson plans available, so you'll want to do a bit of research and comparison checking to find out which one will work best for you.

You will need to designate one area of your home will the schooling will take place. If you have limited space and your designated area ends up being the kitchen table, make sure that there is a standing rule that you must stick to of not having any food or drinks in that area while school is in session. You need to be very serious when it comes to this. The designated area needs to be in the same place each time, and it must be guarded and free of any disturbances at all times. Remember, this area is considered to be your "Little School" within your house.

One of the most important routines to follow is "Time Consistency". The schedule of working with your child should be at the same each day, or follow a consistent pattern of what class at what time on what day. Have a regular schedule of class times posted on the wall or refrigerator. During this time everyone in the home needs to know that this is a serious time and to not do anything that would be distracting. You need to shut the ringer off on your phone, and not take any calls during class time.

Most children can go up to a couple of hours without a break if they are enjoying their learning, but if they need a break after the first hour, make sure they know it will only be for 5 or 10 minutes at the most. And No Television during the breaks. Your television should remain off unless it is in a completely different area of the home where it cannot be heard.

Time consistency must be maintained. It needs to be your number one priority in home schooling. Make sure you get the lesson plans for each day done that day and not put off until another time. Do not skip over lesson plans if you get held up by an emergency or something beyond your control. Just pick up where you left off.

The author invites you to his Blog that offers more useful information and discussions about Home Schooling. The Blog also provides direct access to helpful Home Schooling Guides and Lesson Plans.

You can find it at http://homeschoolguides.blogspot.com/.