Welcome to the June 2009 edition of NACTEL News –
with news, info, and insights from the National Coalition for Telecommunications and Learning.

Contents

Registration Information
Education News - 2009 Graduation
Techie Word of the Day - What is ATSC?
Advice from a graduate - Debbie Condron
Today’s chuckle - Call Center Hours
Partner News - 2009 Green Choice Award goes to Verizon
Student Spotlight - Donna Hull

Success takes preparation!

Your future starts now. Get ready! Registration for Early Fall 2009 will open on June 11, 2009.

Online Telecom Education - built by the industry for the industry

Find out more about all of NACTEL's online industry-sponsored education programs.

For many people, May 19, 2009 was a day filled with both excitement and relief. This year, 120 students from across the nation graduated with Associate's and Bachelor's degrees from Pace University through NACTEL, the industry-sponsored telecommunications program. They were honored at a special banquet in New York City attended by representatives from the NACTEL Partners. The following day, they marched with cap and gown with their fellow Pace University graduates at a spectacular graduation ceremony at Radio City Music Hall. Many family members were also present for the festivities.

However, the relief may be short-lived for many of these students. As in previous years, many of this year’s graduates have the "education bug" and are already preparing to go after their next degree!

Ever Hear of ATSC?

Well, it’s not really a word. It is an acronym for the Advanced Television Systems Committee.  ATSC is a committee formed to establish voluntary standards for advanced TV systems, focusing on digital television, broadband multimedia communications standards, and interactive systems.  ATSC has 54 members including television networks, producers, trade associations, members of the academic community, plus others.

Learn about ATSC and more in Pace University’s 4-credit course, AIT 241 - Telecommunications III / Data Transmission Systems.  Better yet, get on the leading edge and get into this exciting branch of the evolving telecom industry by enrolling in the newest NACTEL online program, the AS degree in Video Technology.

Source: Newton’s Telecom Dictionary, 23rd Edition

"With online classes, you learn at your own pace.  If you work hard to get your homework assignments done in early in the week, you get some free time before the next part of the lesson begins."

Debbie Condron
Section Manager, OSP Engineering
Verizon
BS Degree

I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center.  One day, I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open.

I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?"

Natural Health magazine has awarded Verizon a 2009 Green Choice Award for the company's green initiatives, including their efforts to encourage customers and shareholders to choose paperless options. Verizon was one of 10 companies chosen by the magazine for this award.

Click to read the full story.

"I could not have completed my degree without the online flexibility of the NACTEL/Pace program."

Donna Hull
Qwest
Service Delivery Coordinator
Seattle, WA
CWA 7800
Associate of Science degree

Donna knew she wanted to show her two teenage daughters the value of education because she had dropped out of high school after the 8th grade, but later earned her GED. When Qwest provided employees information on the NACTEL program at Pace University, she knew it was something she wanted to do to better herself and set a good example.

When Donna interviewed for a position two years ago, she mentioned she was enrolled in the NACTEL/Pace program. She believes that it made a difference in the decision to hire her. "Even if the degree hadn't helped my career, it has made me feel better and taught me a lot about the industry," she said.

Going to school on and off over the past four years, Donna learned that the key to her success was getting her homework done right away. "If I procrastinated, there was a chance I would not get it done. So as often as possible, I finished the new assignment on the day we got it."

With two girls in their prime teenage years, Donna is looking forward to a break from her studies. "I would like to go back for my Bachelor's degree, but for right now I need to focus on my family."