Issue No.14         October 2017
Trident University International provides an exceptional online educational experience for its students – diverse adult learners including current and former members of the military family.
Adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence, faculty and staff foster a learning community where students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to enhance their lives and advance their careers.

A-MESSAGE-FROM.jpgMessage from the Dean 

by Dr. Debra Louis, Dean of Glenn R. Jones College of Business
 
Greetings from the Glenn R. Jones College of Business! We have a lot of exciting news to share with you all this fall. First, we are unveiling two new innovative programs: A certificate in big data analysis (Big Data) and a new applied doctoral degree.
 
The SAS Joint Certificate in Business Analytics is a collaboration between the University and SAS, the leading provider of business analytic software. Just 5 months long, this certificate trains students in state-of-the-art SAS software to support problem solving and decision-making. Students completing this program will have the knowledge and skill needed to earn several SAS certificates.
 
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an applied and pragmatic degree that builds on Master’s level knowledge to develop a deep capacity for evidence –based decision-making and enhance mid-to upper-level management careers. The concentrated curriculum allows students holding MBA’s to earn their degree in a little over 2 years. Students without a business related Master’s can still earn the degree by taking just 3 extra courses in business fundamentals. Rather than requiring a dissertation, the DBA culminates in a Doctoral Project conducted jointly with an organization of the student’s choosing.
 
Second, we are very excited to announce the hiring of three new faculty members who bring exceptional credentials to the College.
 
Dr. Heather Luea is the new Chair of the Department of Finance, Economics and Accounting. She holds a PhD in Economics from Kansas State University. She has taught at Vanderbilt University, the University of California-Berkeley, Tennessee State University, and Kansas State University. She also served as Department Chair at Kaplan University and has published widely in a number of prestigious journals and textbooks.
 
Dr. Bill Luton will serve as the Department Chair for Management and Leadership. Dr. Luton holds a PhD Organizations and Management from Capella University and has a wealth of experience in online higher education having served as President/CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and Dean at Allied American University, as well as Learning Resource Specialist (MBA) at Western Governor’s University. Dr. Luton brings exceptional skills to curriculum development and learning assessment.
 
Dr. Matthew Anderson is the new Professor of Logistics and Operations. He holds a PhD from Walden University and a Master’s degree in Logistics Management form Florida Institute of Technology. Dr. Anderson has over 20 years of experience as a United States Army Officer with extensive background in Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Distribution Management and Process Improvement; as well as experience in private sector supply chain management as CEO and Founder of World Class, LLC. His extensive teaching experience includes faculty positions at St. Leo University and Florida Institute of Technology. He is a Certified Professional Logistician (CPL).
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Trident in the Community

Join Trident at any of the following events in your local community:
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Get a Good Hold on the REINS of Your Transition - your Resume, your Education, the Interview, Networking, and Serving

by Mark Weedon

In the last edition of Trident Today, we spoke about ‘Getting a Hold on the REINS of Your Transition’ from military life. REINS is Resume, Experience, Interview, Networking, and Serving. Today we’ll begin our deeper dive into the REINS necessary for a solid transition.
 
The Resume is like Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS). Everyone knows it should be done, everyone has some general idea of how it’s done, but no one wants to really do it until it absolutely has to be done, which is often times too late. If done properly and timely, it can make the difference between a successful transition and being broken down on the side of the road.

Here are some great tips to help you navigate a successful resume:
  1. Start NOW - The best time to complete your resume is as soon as you get to your first assignment. The 2nd best time is NOW. The sooner you get a completed resume, the easier it is to add to it each time you get a new assignment, certification, education or training upgrade.
  2. Just do it - There are numerous resume-writing services and resources out there. There is NOT a best one or right one. It doesn’t matter which route is best for you as long as you just do it.
  3. Write, break, review, and rewrite - If you’re going to write it yourself (highly recommended), that’s awesome! There are numerous formats, pick one and get started. Don’t get hung up on getting it right the first time. Write it and take a break. Come back fresh and read it and you’ll see where changes need to be made. Keep writing and reviewing and rewriting until you feel good about it. Then give it to a friend who is smarter than you and/or has more experience and will be honest. Then give it to a civilian friend and work through all of the military speak that needs to be translated into civilian speak. Once you’ve done this process a couple of times, you’ll have yourself a pretty solid product from which to operate when you ‘need’ the resume.
  4. Maintain your progress - Keep your resume updated. Each time you gain new skills, experience, education, or assignments immediately update the resume. Waiting several years, or 20 - 30 years, like most of us do is not the best way to keep track of all the great stuff you’ve accomplished over your career.
These tips will help you get a resume completed and allow you to improve on it as needed. There is no perfect resume, but the one that is completed is more perfect than the one intended.  
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Student Experience

by Kara Mohre
 
Students entering TUI can enroll in TUX 101 (Trident University Experience) as a first-year student or TUX 301 (Trident University Experience for Students in Transition) as a transfer student. The courses are tailored to promote personal growth and provide TUI students with the tools needed for success, such as understanding the value of education, developing time management and critical thinking skills, and how to envision and reach his or her career goals with a Trident education. Academic resources are also embedded within the course curriculum that aid in writing and math.
 
Combined with the aforementioned, is the TUX instructor's commitment to making sure TUI students reach their full potential. They embody a student-centered philosophy that is apparent through personal student interaction and encouraging messages. Even before the course begins, instructors reach out by phone and email to welcome their students and initiate a relationship that goes beyond the 8-week course. Orienting students on module learning outcomes and expectations, posting on the "News You Can Use" wall, messaging assignment deadline reminders, calling students who are missing assignments, engaging in discussions that value an alternate perspective, and asking students to reflect on their course experience for future improvements are just a few ways that demonstrate how our instructors are Trident-strong!
 
Many students are working adults with family and other life commitments. Making the decision to continue or return to school can be intimidating, especially when it comes to reorienting oneself on writing essays or solving algebraic equations. TUX instructors can evaluate student work, respond with individualized feedback for improvement, and provide customized resources that address academic deficiencies. It doesn't stop there! We are also able to partner with the Center for Student Success, so that the student who is striving "to be and do" their best is shared with CSS and then continued to be supported in and outside the classroom.  

Academic Spotlight

Trident University is proud to announce the addition of the first undergraduate certificates. The two certificates are: Medical Billing (6 month program) and Computerized Accounting (6 month program). These certificates are designed to be shorter programs that align with areas that are generating strong job growth.
 
For these two programs, we are also excited to announce the Trident Kick Off scholarship-worth $4,700-which brings the cost down to $4,000! The scholarship will be available for any student who enrolls in either of these two programs during the initial sessions.
 
The certificates are also eligible for MyCAA benefits-so be sure to check them out!
 
Thank you to all of the students and alumni who filled out our survey in August, asking for feedback about these programs. Based on the overwhelmingly positive response, Trident moved the planned launch up three months to deliver certificates that our students and alumni felt would be beneficial to friends and family members. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey—congratulations to Andre C. who won the Amazon gift card as the random winner for participation!

Trident in the News

Trident University International Introduces Doctor of Business Administration Degree
September 26, 2017 – Cypress, CA – Trident University International (Trident) is excited to announce the addition of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, its fifth doctoral program and second within the Glenn R. Jones College of Business. The first program Trident (founded as Touro University International) offered when it opened in 1998 was the Ph.D. [...]
 
Accomplished Finance Professor Joins Trident University As Department Chair
September 21, 2017 – Cypress, CA – Dr. Heather Luea has been named the new Department Chair for Finance, Economics, and Accounting in Trident University International’s (Trident) Glenn R. Jones College of Business. She joined Trident earlier this year as a faculty member, teaching Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting. Dr. Luea has a wealth of academic experience, [...]
 
Trident University Human Resources Professor Receives Teaching Excellence Award
September 15, 2017 – Cypress, CA – Dr. Cynthia Keifer has been awarded Trident University International’s (Trident) Teaching Excellence Award for Winter 2017. Dr. Keifer joined Trident in 2015 and is a Professor in Trident’s Glenn R. Jones College of Business. She has instructed both human resources management and leadership courses during her tenure. Dr. Keifer was [...]
 

Faces of Trident

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Dr. Okunji has been a member of Howard University’s faculty since 2011, serving as an assistant professor (tenure track) since 2013. She is an accomplished academic researcher.
Dr. Priscilla Okunji, Hall of Distinguished Alumni - Class of 2010 
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Eric Rajasalu is the Chief Operating Officer of Trident University International.  Eric has successfully been leading this team since March of 2015.
Eric Rajasalu, Chief Operating Officer
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Her work has been published in Contemporary Economic Policy, Journal of Housing Economics, and the Nashville Area Business and Economic Review. 
Dr. Heather Luea, Department Chair for Finance, Economics, and Accounting - Glenn R. Jones College of Business
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Career Center Corner

Tips to Get the Most Out of Career Fairs
 
When you are job searching, take some time to attend job fairs. Why?
 
You'll have the opportunity to meet with employers that you might not be able to access any other way. Plus, job fairs and career expos often offer networking programs, resume reviews, and workshops for job seekers.
 
What can you do to stand out and compete with other job-seekers attending job fairs? Here are a few tips that will help maximize the opportunity.
  • Dress for Success. Attend the job fair dressed for success in professional interview attire, and carry a portfolio. Your interview attire should be on the conservative side – a neatly pressed, solid color suit, dark dress shoes, and minimal jewelry/accessorizing/make-up. Make sure that all tattoos are covered. Do make sure your shoes are comfortable, because you will be standing in line.
  • Practice a Pitch. Practice a quick pitch summarizing your skills and experience so you're ready to promote your candidacy to prospective employers. Also called an “elevator speech” (because it should only be 30 to 60 seconds long, the time the typical ride on an elevator takes), this pitch should enthusiastically explain who you are, what your skills are, and what your career goals are. The more you practice this pitch beforehand, the more confident you’ll feel delivering it at the job fair.
  • Bring Supplies. Bring extra copies of your resume, pens, a notepad, and business cards with your name, your email address, and cell phone number. You might also want to consider bringing "mini resume" cards as an efficient way to sum up your candidacy.
  • Check Out Companies. Many job fairs and career expos have information on participating companies on the job fair website. Be prepared to talk to hiring managers by checking out the company's website, mission, open positions, and general information before you go. If you demonstrate knowledge about each company or manager you're talking to, you'll certainly stand out from the crowd.
  • Arrive Early. Keep in mind that lines can be long, so arrive early - before the fair officially opens.
  • Attend a Workshop. If the job fair offers workshops or seminars, attend them. In addition to getting job search advice, you'll have more opportunities to network.
  • Network. While you are waiting in line, talk to others and exchange business cards. You never know who might be able to help with your job search. Along the same lines, remember to stay polite and professional. Even if you're feeling discouraged in your job search, don't vent to other fair-goers about your situation or about specific companies. Stay positive and make the most of the opportunity!
  • Show Initiative. Shake hands and introduce yourself to recruiters when you reach the table. Maintain direct eye contact. Demonstrate your interest in the company and their job opportunities.
  • Be Enthusiastic. Employer surveys identify one of the most important personal attributes candidates can bring to a new position as enthusiasm. This means that employers want to see you smile!
  • Ask Questions. Have some questions ready for the company representatives that illustrate your knowledge of their organization. Employers are not merely looking for the most skilled candidate for the job – they are looking for candidates who are truly interested in their company. The more you engage them, focusing the discourse upon their company’s needs, the better the impression you'll make.
  • Collect Business Cards. Collect business cards, so you have the contact information for the people you have spoken with. After you get home, immediately compile this information into a contact list and use it to send “Connect” requests on LinkedIn.
  • Take Notes. It's hard to keep track when you're meeting with multiple employers in a busy environment. Jot down notes on the back of the business cards you have collected or on your notepad, so you have a reminder of who you spoke to about what.
  • Say Thank You. Take the time to send a brief follow up thank you note or email to the company representatives you met at the job fair. It's a good way to reiterate your interest in the company and to remind company representatives that you're a strong candidate.
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Alumni Community

Did you know that Trident participates in Military installation Graduations across the country?

We do and there are THREE taking place this November. If you are a recent or pending military Graduate living in Texas or North Carolina and meet the eligibility requirements for participation, join us as we come together to celebrate your accomplishment with fellow Trident Graduates!
 
Every installation has different participation guidelines, but the events are generally open to Active Duty, Retirees & family members. Reach out to the POC provided below to register or learn more. If you need to purchase regalia, do so here.
 
JBSA Randolph
November 6, 2017 at 2pm at Fleenor Auditorium RSVP to 210-652-5964 or lynda.packett.1@us.af.mil
 
Fort Bragg
November 14, 2017 at the Fort Bragg Conference & Catering Center RSVP to 910-907-1582 or byron.l.johnston.civ@mail.mil
 
Fort Hood
November 16, 2017 at 1pm at Howze Auditorium
Eligibility: All Active Duty, Family Members, Retirees and Fort Hood Civilians who have completed or will be within 9 Semester hours of completing an Academic Degree or Certificate are invited to participate.
RSVP by November 1st to wade.j.utley.civ@mail.mil 
 
If you would like to learn about other base graduations, keep up to date by reading the Trident Today newsletter monthly. If you are aware of a base graduation and would like to have Trident participate or promote, email details to alumni@trident.edu.
 
Reminder: Trident hosts one annual commencement ceremony in California every July and would love to have you take part. The date has not yet been selected for 2018, but will be posted here once confirmed.
 
    
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