Planet eCampus

Studies have shown that students who regularly participate in exercise have better grades than those who do not; is there a causal connection between the exercise and better grades or is it discipline that students display across both studying and exercising that is the determinant? The evidence showing that regular exercise should be a component of our lives is compelling and is being expanded upon with regard to the physical and mental benefits; i t's so good for you! So how can it help you be a better student? Feeling down?   The demands of school can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when combined with work schedules, home life…the list of stressors goes on. Exercise has been shown to positively affect mood, lowering stress and anxiety.  Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that are believed to leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Think about using exercise as a time to decompress, or alternatively, an opportunity to recon...

Online institutions of higher education tend to offer multiple class formats in order to fit the needs of their non-traditional student base. Some schools may require you to choose one format over the other, while others allow you to mix long and shorter classes at once. eCore and eMajor courses are offered in Full Session formats, consisting of 16 weeks of instruction, as well as two 8 week Short Sessions in both the Fall and Spring Semesters. Students at affiliate institutions are able to register for any combination of Full Session, Short Session I, and/or Short Session II courses. While mixing class schedules can be convenient, it can also be a recipe for disaster if you’re not prepared.  Unprepared students who register for Short Session II courses have a significantly higher chance of getting behind and performing poorly in the course. Here are 5 signs that an eCore or eMajor Short Session II course may NOT be for you. 1. You have never taken an accelerated c...

Stressed about school? Relax! As the time to begin classes draws nearer, many people find that their stress and anxiety levels ramp up in tandem. Let's look at some relaxation techniques to help you use less energy combating stress, thereby directing it onto tasks like school, work and family life. Deep Breathing As stress increases, we clench our jaws, and our shoulders ride up toward our ears — forcing our breathing to become shallow. Shallow breathing, or chest breathing, affects our productivity significantly because it prevents the brain from getting the amount of freshly oxygenated blood it needs to function optimally. Breathing fully from the diaphragm, or deep breathing, allows more oxygen in and more carbon dioxide to exit. Deep breathing counteracts the fight or flight, or stress, response so that we are no longer reacting defensively to perceived threats to our well being, eliciting the "Relaxation Response." Coined by Dr. Herbert Benson, the Relaxation Res...

The journey to a college degree is not always an easy one, but Codee Burton is enjoying it every step of the way. He is fortunate...He has a strong support system, which can make you or break you during your college career. He also makes the most of his free time, which creates a good work-life balance. Too much work can be hard on the soul.  What is your occupation?   I work at the Drury Inn and Suites in Valdosta, GA. What is your college major?   My major is Organizational Leadership, emphasis on Public Relations. Why did you choose to take courses through eMajor?   I like eMajor because it makes college, with all of it's challenges both in and out of the classroom, just a little bit more convenient. More importantly the professors and advisors on campuses are what make it so easy and accessible to use. I haven't had one professor that hasn't been more than willing to do what it takes to see us succeed throughout the course. Who is the bigg...

Emily Delano Age: 17 Clayton State University Why is completing your college degree important to you? Completing my college degree is important to me because I want to be able to support myself in the future and have a secure job.  Why did you choose to take online classes through eCore? I chose online classes through eCore because I wanted to take multiple college classes in high school before I actually started college. I chose online because they are flexible classes that I can easily work in with my high school schedule.  How would you describe the instructors you’ve had in your eCore classes? The instructors are really great. They email you very often and clarify any problems a student may be having through emails or discussion posts. They are all very helpful, supportive, and always have open communication with students.  Besides being a college student, what do you spend your time doing? Besides being a high school and college student, I work at ...

Regina Dean Age: 24 Valdosta State University Why is completing your college degree important to you? Graduating with my degree is important to me because being a nurse is something I have wanted since I was little. Now that I'm a wife and mom I want to make my boys proud of me and do something for myself while helping others. Why did you choose to take online classes through eCore? I am a stay at home mom and enjoy chasing my one year old around all day. Once I start the second half of my bachelor’s degree I will be busy and won't see my little boy much. Online classes mean I get to spend all day with my son and still go to school at night when he's asleep. How would you describe the instructors you’ve had in your eCore classes? My instructors have all been very vocal through online discussions, and interact with the students more than just grading and assigning work, more so than other online classes through other colleges I have attended. Besides be...

Military Transition: Resume Concepts What you don’t do in the military: write resumes, interview for a job (normally), and you never negotiate salary and compensation. What you will do during your transition is write resumes, interview for a job and negotiate salary and compensation. Can you imagine negotiating compensation for your next tour of duty? “Ma’am I am really interested in your offer but can you arrange for me to telecommute on Fridays and get me a free membership at the country club?” And that is not the only hurdle you may have to overcome…some employers have a few ill-perceived notions about you and the military: You are rigid You don’t understand profit and loss   You have had unlimited resources   Leading is easy because you just give orders These misled perceptions can create barriers, but a well prepared and focused resume will dispel all of these notions and set you up for success. An effective way to create the building blocks of yo...