Professor Meena Razvi, Ed.D.

Adult education has the power to create a safe environment for students to practice new knowledge, collaborate, engage with new content/ideas, and build a bridge towards transfer of learning.

Meena is a new member of the adjunct faculty at Lewis. Meena graduated with a doctoral degree in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University, and a master’s degree in training and development from Roosevelt University. Meena teaches international business and organizational behavior at Lewis in the blended and face-to-face formats. Meena’s scholar/practitioner interests include multicultural workforce development and diversity inclusiveness, by applying adult learning best practices. In addition, Meena brings her multicultural workforce development and expatriate coaching experiences with corporate clients into her classrooms to share current events and trends in the business world.

In her spare time, Meena enjoys traveling to meet and learn from people among different cultures regarding their values and beliefs, and how these affect work/life preferences. She is planning a trip to Qatar/Dubai this winter where she will visit family as well as celebrate her wedding anniversary en route.

Meena was born in Kenya, moved to England, and emigrated to USA in 1986. She speaks 3 Indian languages (Gujarati, Urdu, and Hindi) and is hoping to learn conversational Spanish.

razvime@lewisu.edu

Students say, “Dr. Razvi’s personal background in the field was impressive. Her worldwide experience provided great insights to the workplace in today’s global society.”

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Questions

• Adult students are made to feel welcome at this institution.
• Faculty care about me as an individual.
• Classes are scheduled at times that are convenient for me.
• The content of the courses within my major is valuable.
• Classroom locations are safe and secure for all students.
• Financial aid counselors are helpful to adult students.
• The staff at this institution are caring and helpful.
• My academic advisor is available at times that are convenient for me.
• Billing policies are reasonable for adult students.
• Admissions representatives are knowledgeable.
• My academic advisor is concerned about my success as an individual.
• Computer labs are adequate and accessible for adult students.
• The amount of student parking is adequate.
• Faculty are fair and unbiased in their treatment of individual students.
• Library resources and services are adequate for adults.
• I am able to register for classes I need with few conflicts.
• Business office hours are convenient for adult students.
• Parking lots are well-lighted and secure.
• My academic advisor is knowledgeable about requirements in my major.
• Registration processes are reasonable and convenient for adults.
• Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment.
• Security staff respond quickly in emergencies.
• Adequate financial aid is available for most adult students.
• There is a commitment to academic excellence at this institution.
• Admissions representatives respond to adult students’ unique needs.
• Faculty provide timely feedback about my progress.
• This institution has a good reputation within the community.
• My academic advisor is accessible by telephone and e-mail.
• I seldom get the “run-around” when seeking information at this institution.
• Academic support services adequately meet the needs of adult students.
• I am able to register for classes by personal computer, fax, or telephone.
• My classes provide opportunities to improve my technology skills.
• Channels are readily available for adult students to express complaints.
• I receive complete information on the availability of financial aid.
• The quality of instruction I receive in my program is excellent.
• Vending or snack bar food options are readily available.
• Part-time faculty are competent as classroom instructors.
• Career services are adequate and accessible for adult students.
• This institution responds quickly to my requests for information.
• Faculty are usually available for adult students outside the classroom by phone, by e-mail or in-person.
• Major requirements are clear and reasonable.
• Nearly all faculty are knowledgeable in their field.
• This institution offers a variety of payment plans for adult students.
• When students enroll at this institution, they develop a plan to complete their degree.
• I am able to complete most of my enrollment tasks in one location.
• This institution provides timely responses to student complaints.
• Bookstore hours are convenient for adult students.
• I am aware of whom to contact for questions about programs and services.
• There are sufficient options within my program of study.
• My advisor helps me apply my academic major to specific career goals.

Reasons to enroll

• Cost as factor in decision to enroll.
• Financial aid/scholarship opportunities as factor in decision to enroll.
• Academic reputation as factor in decision to enroll.
• Size of institution as factor in decision to enroll.
• Future employment opportunities as factor in decision to enroll.
• Recommendations from family/friends/employer as factor in decision to enroll.
• Campus location (close to home/work) as factor in decision to enroll.
• Availability of evening/weekend courses as factor in decision to enroll.
• Personalized attention prior to enrollment as factor in decision to enroll.

Summary

• So far, how has your college experience met your expectations?
• Rate your overall satisfaction with your experience here thus far.
• All in all, if you had to do it over, would you enroll here again?

Supplemental questions unique to Lewis University:

• I received an adequate orientation to Lewis University as a new student.
• The orientation provided at the beginning of my program prepared me for academic success in the program.
• My advisor offers helpful assistance during registration process.
• Transfer requirements are reasonable.
• Availability of my degree program at a regional campus supports my adult student needs.
• Availability of online classes as an option in my major supports my needs.
• The Lewis University web site provided useful program information in my decision to enroll.
• Classes are scheduled at locations that are convenient to me.
• Availability of career services affected my decision to enroll at Lewis.
• Technology support is available when I need it.
• Wireless technology is adequate and accessible for adult students.
• Online information sessions provided adequate information to enroll.
• Availability of accelerated classes supports my adult life needs.
• Blackboard enhances my academic experience at Lewis.
• I am aware of my options for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
• My Lewis education prepares me to move to the next level of my career.
• The Lewis University website is easy to navigate.

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The Professional Studies major enables working adults to integrate liberal studies and existing career skills in a bachelor’s degree that utilizes transfer credits from all of the regional associate degree and certificate programs. This bachelor’s degree provides theoretical and practical experiences that open opportunities for career advancement. Graduates will gain immediately applicable skills and competencies that are desired by employers. Professional Studies at Lewis University is a straight-forward, well-defined, and transfer-friendly path to the bachelor degree. This degree completion program is a flexible, versatile, and practical option for working adults.

Outcomes

Graduates with a B.A. in Professional Studies will possess academic skills and abilities outlined in Lewis’s Characteristics of the Baccalaureate and in the initiative known as “Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) Essential Learning Outcomes” from the American Association of Colleges and Universities.  Students will be able to communicate effectively in professional settings in writing, through oral presentation skills, and using information technology.  They will be able to conduct research, applying critical thinking, inquiry, information literacy, and analysis skills.  Graduates will develop lifelong learning skills, including the knowledge and application of career development, that will enhance their professional effectiveness.  They will demonstrate the ability to create and implement projects in their profession, work collaboratively in teams, and solve real-world problems affecting their work and career. They will be able to situate their learning and knowledge in global context and connect professionalism to civic engagement.  Graduates will also understand how ethical reasoning and intercultural awareness enhances their professional effectiveness and personal growth.  By completing this interdisciplinary degree program, students will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to chart their careers within the consistently evolving contexts of work and community.

 Graduates of this program will develop capacity in:

• Integrative Learning
• Oral, Written, and Electronic Communication
• Inquiry and Analysis
• Information Literacy
• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Quantitative Literacy
• Use of Information Technology
• Ethical Reasoning
• Civic and Global Engagement
• Intercultural and Knowledge
• Faith, Religion, and Spirituality
• Skills for Lifelong Learning
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Career Development

Degree plan

This is a Bachelor of Arts degree built upon our current general education and mission program. Transfer students who elect this degree program would complete the general education and mission program, and a 39 credit major in Professional Studies. Students will be encouraged to pursue a minor as appropriate.

Professional Studies requirements

The Professional Studies core is writing and presentation intensive. Each course will have a significant writing component and oral presentations will feature prominently in several courses. Students will need to complete College Writing I and II within the first three semesters upon entry to Lewis University. Students will complete “Adult College Experience” and “Life, Career, And The Emerging Workplace” before completing the remaining courses and will complete the entire major  before engaging in the final two courses, Applied Project Development (Creativity and Innovation) and Capstone.

Courses required for this 39 credit major would include:

Course descriptions for Professional Studies

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4: Advanced (I can use what I learned in a new way)
3: Proficient (I learned the foundational and complex parts and can apply them)
2: Foundational (I know the foundational parts)
1: Dependent (I can show what I learned with help)

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A. Friends who taught in the program thought I would enjoy the experience and be a good facilitator.

A. The students, the RN’s in this program are astonishing, curious and knowledgeable, many life experiences to add to the course, I learn each time I teach it.

A. Motown is my favorite type of music, too many amazing artists to list.  Motown has heartfelt performances, great vocals, superb compositions.

A. To impart knowledge and pique curiosity is the best part of teaching.  Watching someone, including myself, understand something they are fascinated by is the best feeling a teacher can have.

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Start the Fall term with Faculty Development from CATS.  Watch the CATS website and your email for many additional opportunities. 

Smartboard Training:  Click to Sign up   (IMPACT Center, Library)
Presenter:  Rich Soliman & Assistants

• Tues., Sept 4^th 1-3 p.m.
• Thurs., Sept 6^th 2-4 p.m.
• Mon., Sept. 10^th 2-4 p.m.
• Wed., Sept. 12^th 2-4 p.m.
• Wed., Sept. 15^th 5-6 p.m.

Turnitin & Grademark:  Click to Sign up  (LRC  346 )
Presenter Suzan Sollie & Lisa Caldwell

• Wed., Sept. 5^th 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
• Thurs., Sept 20^th 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Discussions, Blogs, Journals, Wikis:  Click to Sign up  (as designated)
Presenter Suzan Sollie

• Wed., Sept 19^th 2-4 p.m.  (LRC  346)
• Tues., Sept 25th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (virtual)

Multimedia Workshops:  Click to Sign up  (IMPACT Center, Library)
Presenter Graesen Arnoff

• Using Windows Movie Maker
  • Thurs., Oct. 4^th 10 a.m.-Noon
  • Using iMovie
    • Thurs., Oct 4^th 2-4 p.m.
    • Utilizing the Voice options in Powerpoint
      • Thurs., Sept. 20^th, 2-3:30 p.m.
      • Mon., Sept. 24^th 10-11:30 a.m.
      • Using Multimedia for your Courses
        • Fri., Sept. 21^st 10 a.m.-Noon
        • Tues., Sept. 25^th 2-4 p.m.

Prezi:  Click to Sign up
Presenter Angela Xiong

• Tues., Sept. 25^th 10 a.m. – noon
• Fri., Sept. 28^th, 2-4 p.m.

IMPACT Center:  Facilitating Communication and Collaboration in the Classroom using Technology:  Click to Sign up  (IMPACT Center, Library)
Presenter Melissa Eichelberger

• Wednesday, September 12^th, 3-4:30 p.m.

“I’ve just finished my first full academic year at Lewis University and I thought this would be a good time to reflect a bit on progress at work, and say “thank-you”.  The enrollment in our programs have been on a good upward trend.  Adult students care about four key things – academic quality, convenience, flexibility, and affordability. Our success is built on these.

Task force on adult student persistence
One of the major initiatives this year was a Task Force on adult student persistence.  This Task Force was composed of great leaders from across campus: Dr. Tennille Allen, Dr. Michael Cherry, Dr. Calvin Edwards, Linda Elsik, Dr. Ian Gladding, Dr. John Greenwood, Rita Herrick, Rachel Hudson, Dr. Ann Jordan, Bob Kempiak, Dr. Keith Lavine, Dr. Clare Lawlor, Dr. Laurette Liesen, Brother Lawrence Oelschlegel, Dr. Anne Rapp, Joni Bradley-Scott, Smret Smith, Sarah Wiegman, and Dr. Jion Yen.

Lewis has a good record on adult student persistence (much better than the national numbers) but we lose too many after the first term.  We want to improve persistence, so we’ve launched two initiatives.

1.       Enhance prior learning assessment
The first of these initiatives is a project to enhance participation in prior learning assessment (PLA).  We’ve expanded the PLA program to allow adult students to develop a portfolio that details the learning they have gained through work and other experiences and have that assessed for elective credit by a university-wide faculty committee.  This is in addition to the existing forms of PLA (course-specific tests and portfolios, licensure and certification, CLEP/DSST, and ACE evaluated credits).  The goal is to increase participation in PLA to about 25% so that we can help adult students persist.  I’m proud of the vital work that Dr. Anne Rapp has put into getting this part of the new program launched and I’m looking forward to the work of the new committee members: Dr. Tom Brignall, Dr. Safwan Omari, and Dr. Chris Palmi.

2.       Get them started right
The second is our new online student orientation.  This is a free no-credit course led by each of the SPCE advisors.  Our hope is that each new student will complete the orientation prior to the start of the semester and will have useful information to refer to throughout their career at Lewis University.  The orientation covers advising, student services, and tips for success.  This orientation project has been ably led by SPCE advisor Joanna Baumann and has benefited from the thoughtful feedback of her colleagues Bernie Valderrama and Maggi Pfrommer.

Honoring adult students
We’re proud of our new chapter of the adult honorary society Alpha Sigma Lambda.  We launched this chapter in April with an induction of 84 new members.  Bernie Valderrama brought diplomacy and attention to detail as she led the chapter formation.  We were delighted to have Provost Stephany Schlachter and Dr. Lesley Page among our speakers.  The ASL coordinating committee members Dr. Mike Cherry and Dr. Mary Fisher provided valuable contributions to the planning as well as to the induction ceremony.  SPCE staff members contributing to the induction ceremony were Sandy Schuh, Rhonda Richter, Fabiana Tkac, Sarah Wiegman, and Joanna Baumann.  Dr. David Anderson and Dr. Anne Rapp provided their support and encouragement to the students.

New major in Professional Studies
We’ve approved a new major to help us in our work with community colleges and their applied science programs and particularly in our work with the Community College of the Air Force in Albuquerque.  Those who graduate with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Studies will have a concentration derived from their prior course work in an applied science program, a full general education program and the core in Professional Studies.  The new program is slated to go to the Board of Trustees this Fall after it has been reviewed by the Provost’s office.

New communication tool
Our online newsletter School News is designed to give adult students and faculty members current information and provide a flexible way to communicate for our program directors, advisors, and support departments.  Our efforts have been guided by the marketing department (Mona LaMontagne, Jimmy Cowan and Syl Goyette), CATS videographer Graesen Arnoff, and excellent work from Sandy Schuh, Rhonda Richter, and our graduate assistant Everett Reed.  Dr. Mike Cherry has been our most active contributor – many thanks! We’ve all learned a lot in our first year with this blog tool!  Check it out!

Yes, even Walter can blog
I’ve been experimenting with ways of reaching alumni by building a more active presence on LinkedIn and helping build a more active LinkedIn group for the Organizational Leadership program.  I’m hoping to share some of the lessons from that project this Fall with our other programs.  I’ve occasionally contributed to the discussions on LinkedIn about quality and costs and the growth of the for-profits.  Recently, I was asked to contribute to Evolllution, a forum for discussion of issues in lifelong learning and I’ve contributed two posts so far – What Are the Most Important Elements of a Successful Adult Higher Education Program? and Supporting College Completion for Adult Students.  Take a look and tell me what you think.

I am honored
I’ve been active in the Association for Continuing Higher Education for a number of years and this year I was elected to the board of trustees.  I will assume this new role at the November meeting in Austin, Texas. Katherine and I are looking forward to visiting with our friends in Austin in November.  I am honored to be trusted by the members and hope I can prove helpful.  I enjoyed my work at the Fall 2011 ACHE conference on a workshop on best practices in advising with my Simpson College colleagues Dr. Rosemary Link, Andrea Biklen, Craig Peck, and Liz Glodek as well as a workshop on getting volunteers for the regional chairs.  These presentations are available on my Google drive.  I’m pleased that Dr. Mike Cherry will present at this ACHE Fall conference his excellent work in support of academic quality with our faculty in the College of Business.

Staff and Leadership changes
The delightful group of staff members was augmented this year as Sarah Wiegman joined our staff as Director of Administrative Services.  She has done a great job streamlining processes.  Many thanks to Dr. Cal Edwards for his support for Sarah’s transition to our staff.  We’re pleased for Sandy Schuh and sad for us that she has moved to a new role in the office of the Provost.  Dean Khasawneh and Dr. Faisal Abdullah are shifting the role of program director for our Information Technology Management program to Dr. Safwan Omari and we look forward to Safwan’s guidance.

SPCE Fall Kick-off event scheduled for Aug. 20
We’ve got our SPCE Fall Kick-off event scheduled for Aug. 20.  Last August we had over 80 faculty members in attendance as we explored attendance policies, academic support, influencing perceptions of fairness in grading, effectively using small groups, enhancing writing, and effective uses of Blackboard.  We’re looking forward to the event this year as our planning committee (Dr. Joyce Hayward, Sarah Wiegman, Dr. Anne Rapp, Dr. John Greenwood, Dr. Keith Lavine, Dr. Faisal Abdullah, Dr. Safwan Omari, Dr. Tennille Allen, Dr. Mike Cherry, Linda Elsik) is conducting a survey and will be finalizing the agenda soon.

Personal note
It’s been a good first year.  Many thanks to our President, Brother James Gaffney for dedicated leadership (and quick wit), Provost Stephany Schlachter for her guidance, and to my colleagues on the Dean’s council (Dr. Bonnie Bondavalli, Dr. Rami Khasawneh, Dr. Nan Yancey, Dr. Michele Young, Dr. Julie Krahl, Dr. Jan Mines, and Dr. Peggy Rice) for their good ideas. I’ve been blessed this year to get to know our thoughtful and dedicated Graduate and Adult Admission staff (Angie Bizzotti, Carmen Green, and Nina Nowaczyk) led by Rita Herrick and Leslie Jacobson.  Thanks to everyone who has shared their ideas and opened doors!

Poet Mary Oliver asks: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?” My life has been greatly enriched this year due to the birth of Reese Mae, our wonderful grand-daughter.  This has provided several trips to LA to visit with my son and his wonderful bride.  May you have as many reasons to smile as I have been blessed with this year!”

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On Monday, August 20, 2012 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm at the Oak Brook Campus SPCE will be

hosting a faculty kickoff event.    

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OBL (Online-Blended Learning) Certification I and II Workshop (face-to-face)

Monday June 4- Thursday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily (lunch included)

Participation in this interactive, hands-on, bootcamp-style workshop will result in receiving Certification as an online and/blended instructor.  You can expect to learn the technical competencies of navigating Blackboard and its’ associated tools as well as the pedagogy associated with quality online and/or blended courses.

Orientation: Getting Started with Blackboard (Online)

May 29^th – June 10^th

Prerequisite for Online Certification participation

OBL (Online-Blended Learning) Certification Level I  Workshop (online)

June 11^th – July 22nd

Participation in this online workshop will result in receiving Certification as an online and/blended facilitator.  You can expect to learn the technical competencies of navigating Blackboard and its’ associated tools as well as the pedagogy associated with quality online and/or blended courses.

To register:  click here

Questions?

Contact Sue Sollie

solliesu@lewisu.edu

815-836-5518

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John experienced a very formative Lasallian education at St. Joseph High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1974 from Illinois State University. John completed his Master of Science Degree in City and Regional Planning at Southern Illinois University in 1976.

In 2001, he applied his exceptional talents in his current position as President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development. John’s many achievements in this position include major improvement of the economic climate of Will County through transportation by promoting the development of an inland port, two intermodal yards, and bringing more than $2.5 billion of private investment to the area and the development of 25,000 jobs. He continually leads the way in improving workforce development and education, and he has encouraged the establishment of partnerships aimed at strengthening the relationship between business and education.

Nationally known as an innovative leader in economic development, John has served as Chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning; President of the Metropolitan Economic Growth Alliance; as Vice Chairman on the Illinois Development Council; and as a member of the Will County Workforce Investment Board. He is a founding member of the Will County Community Foundation Board of Directors, an adjunct faculty member in the Lewis University College of Business, and a member of the Advisory Board for the Lowell Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship and Real Estate.

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