So as the end of the first summer session rolls around (June 25th) I’m joining the many committed and exhausted souls scrambling around SMU campus to prepare for final exams and finish off long research papers.

Summer sessions are not for everyone. They’re great because the time flies…but can be so difficult because the time flies! Most summer courses are usually 6-weeks long, or in some cases, only 3-weeks long.

I am taking one on-campus course this session and one course online – and its intense because the material is condensed and fast-paced. I have no idea how anyone can do more than three, but I know you crazy people exist – love you Mom!

For those adventure seekers willing to give up some of their summer fun in order to brave the next summer session, (beginning July 5th), I have a couple of tips for you:

Go to every class.

Seems simple right? Not so easy to do during the BBQ and bikini season. During the Fall/Winter sessions, you might be able to get away with missing a class here or there because you have more time to catch up. However, each summer lecture typically covers the course materials of a whole week, missing/skipping classes may cause you to fall-back.

Know your deadlines.

SMU provides Summer Session deadline information on the Registrar’s webpage, make sure and check it out. You might find that the summer course you have chosen is not for you, and should know the withdrawal date so you don’t waste your money. Also, if you are taking courses in both summer sessions, knowing the deadlines will help you plan your annual summer camping trip.

F.Y.I.  Summer Session II  runs from July 5- August 20, 2010.

Read your text.

Don’t expect the professor to cover everything in the book in six weeks, it’s just not possible. So…read the book as much as possible and pay close attention to any hints your professors give you about what material is covered on the test.

Use your professor and Teaching Assistants.

When a 3-hour-long lecture of a summer course covers the materials of  one week,  you might have a few questions. Before you get lost in the shuffle…talk to your TA’s and your prof. Email them, schedule appointments, bring them a cupcake – anything that will help you stay on track, especially if you are taking more than one course during the session.

So my advice is to keep checking in with yourself and your progress. Tune into your stress levels and your levels of comprehension. Chat with other people in your class to see how they are doing, chances are most of you are in the same boat. Study together if you can. And as hard as it is to do during the summer, read and re-read.  Lay out next to a pool, or out on the deck, prepare an ice cold virgin daiquiri and pretend the 1000 page text book is your favourite novel.  (Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.)

Summer sessions are quick and dirty, but just like any short-cut in life, it can get you where you need to go faster. Just make sure and map out your journey before you start and expect that it won’t always be a smooth ride.

Saint Mary’s  Master of Management:  Co-operatives and Credit Union program won the Program Award, International Category,  from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE).  The award was presented to Stefani Woods, Program Director, Distance Education, Continuing Education, on behalf of her and Tom Webb, Executive Director, Master of Management: Co-operatives and Credit Unions, at the CAUCE annual conference, June 2nd, 2010.

This award is given annually to recognize the exemplary work of continuing educators who create continuing education programs.  It is one of only three program awards recognized by CAUCE.

The Master of Management – Co-operatives and Credit Unions is an innovative web-based program that brings together, in cyber space, co-op and credit union professionals from around the world to learn how to combine the principles of co-operation with active, aggressive management practices.

July 5 –August 13

This online course will prepare students for university level Biology. Students must have access to a computer, as the course will be delivered entirely by BlackBoard and Elluminate. The examination can either be written on campus, or the student can arrange for a suitable proctor. Further details will be provided regarding the examination. Be sure to enroll early, as this course will fill-up quickly!

Course  Outline:
•    Cellular Biology
•    Cell Reproduction & Development
•    Genetics
•    Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium
•    Evolution
•    Ecology

Instructor: Jennifer Ross

Textbook: Available at University Bookstore: Biology by Jean Bullard [et al.] You may order this book  from the University Bookstore over the phone or buy it in person.

Course Fee: $400

Enrollment is limited, so register early! Course fees are required at the time of registration. Payment can be made by cash, debit, cheque, money order, VISA, American Express or MasterCard.  Registration fees totaling more than $100 are tax creditable. Registrations can be taken over the phone with credit, or in person with debit, cash, cheque or credit.

Continuing Education

Saint Mary’s University

883 Robie Street

Halifax, NS   B3H 3C3

Phone (902) 420-5492

Fax (902) 420-5103

E-mail conted@smu.ca

Website http://www.smu.ca/conted/

Find out more about SMU’s  University Preparation Programs here.

9:00 am – 4:30 pm

A team is two or more people who work together to attain a common goal. Being able to work as a team member is an essential part of getting the job done in today’s work environment. It is important to look at the task as well as relationships between you and your team members. To accomplish this, members need to look at what is required of them in order to be a valued member of the team.

Team Building and Group Dynamics is an elective seminar for the Certificate in Leadership Development, and is a required seminar for the Certificate in Team Communication.

PROGRAM CONTENT

Functions of a Team

• Identifying the purpose of the team
• Developing team guidelines
• Understanding your role as a member of your team and department
• Analyzing your own effectiveness as a team member

Group Dynamics

• Stages of team growth
• Understanding the stages of team development
• Formation, conflict, cohesion, and synergy (forming, storming, norming, and performing)
• Styles of influence

Team-Building Behaviours

• Identifying the benefits and characteristics of an effective team (departmental and/or cross-functional)
• Setting productive goals
• Effective team communication
• Team decision-making

Facilitator: Pat Watson

Pat Watson is president of P.W. Associates, Incorporated and she specializes in management and employee training and development.  P.W. Associates, Incorporated works with people to create community in organizations.  Pat has over 25 years of experience working with government agencies, gas and oil, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, health care and the hospitality industries – locally, nationally and internationally.  Her work entails designing and facilitating workshops with special emphasis on management of change, coaching & mentorship, leadership, personal mastery, stress management, interpersonal communication, and team building.

Pat facilitates a diverse number of training programs for Saint Mary’s Executive and Professional Development.  She is an adjunct faculty member in the Management Development Program for Women offered jointly by Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent Universities.

Pat is a member of CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) and the South Shore Women’s Network. Pat’s second love is singing jazz and gospel music and she presently performs with a jazz trio and Nova Gospel Ensemble.  She has just released her first solo CD called, “Feeling Good”.

Pat is a graduate of Antioch University (BA), and she has taken graduate courses towards her master’s degree in organizational development at American University.  Pat recently received her license as a Practitioner (RScP) in Spiritual Counseling.

Please Note: This program will be not be offered after June 2010.

$735

Includes refreshment breaks, lunches, seminar material, and a certificate of completion

Saint Mary’s University at the World Trade Centre
(8th Floor), 1800 Argyle Street

REGISTER ONLINE for this seminar  FAX your Registration Form
CALL 420.5638 or 1.800.877.0874

epd@smu.ca

In-House Training and Group Discounts Available

“An excellent workshop that I will be able to put to practical use in my work environment.“ Michelle Lake Blue, HRG North America

Please call (902) 420-5492 for more information or visit our website.

9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Save time and become more effective at communicating important issues, ideas, report summaries, and recommendations. This hands-on workshop will help participants prepare briefing notes, policy statements, and effective presentations. It will also assist with problem analysis, advocating recommendations, developing meeting agendas, identifying your team of communicators, and with preparing related materials that quickly and succinctly capture the essence of an issue, the complexities of the issue, and the potential courses of action. In addition to the briefing note, policy statement and presentation process – which includes researching, developing, editing and following up – the seminar will discuss preparation and use of collateral materials such as media Q and As, backgrounders and ongoing issues management.

Strategic Communications for Government Professionals is an elective seminar for the Certificate in Business Communications.

“Interesting and useful information delivered by a knowledgeable and engaging facilitator.” Susan During, HRM

PROGRAM CONTENT

Identifying Your Message and Your Audience

• What do you need to convey?
• Who is the audience?
• Breaking down the message and getting to the point

Problem Analysis

• Anticipating and overcoming the barriers
• Changing course but not the message
• Share projects/issues as case studies for problem solving

Tools and Techniques

• How will you communicate?
  • Briefing notes and memos
  • Presentations
  • Policy statements and fact sheets
• Use of collateral material
• Background information – news articles, history, quotes

Turning Technique into Action

• Preparing and delivering the presentation
  • Developing the agenda
  • Identifying your team – who should attend the meetings and make the presentations
  • Who should you meet with?
  • What are the recommendations?

Media – Should They be Included in Your Strategy?

• Q and As: When to use them
• How to respond when the heat is on
• What are the key messages?

Group Discussions and Problem Solving

• Analyzing case studies and developing solutions

Facilitator: donalee Moulton

donalee Moulton is president of Quantum Communications, a full-service communications, public relations and marketing firm.  She has more than 25 years experience teaching communication courses at various institutions including Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Dalhousie University. In addition, she has delivered customized training sessions for both private and public sector organizations.

donalee is a former communications director and media relations manager, as well as a professional writer with memberships in the American Medical Writers Association, the Canadian Public Relations Society and the Professional Writers Association of Canada. donalee co-wrote the book Celebrity Court Cases: Trials of the rich and famous and has received numerous awards for her writing, which has appeared in such prestigious publications as The National Post, Canadian Medical Association Journal, Investment Executive, Equinox, Canadian Living, Chatelaine, and the Financial Post Magazine.  She received her education at Dalhousie University.

FEE

$735

Includes refreshment breaks, lunches, seminar material, and a certificate of completion

Saint Mary’s University at the World Trade Centre
(8th Floor), 1800 Argyle Street

REGISTER ONLINE for this seminar

FAX your Registration Form
CALL 420.5638 or 1.800.877.0874

epd@smu.ca

In-House Training and Group Discounts Available