ocpelogo
March 2009
OCPE Newsletter
Issue 86

In This Issue...

 OCPE Information





Additional Programs




Certified Internal Auditor



Certified Treasury Professional
topFeature Article
projProject Management

Take the PMP Exam Before it Changes
 
The PMP Exam is scheduled to change in 2009.  The fourth edition of the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) was released in December 2008.  The new version of the PMP Exam based on PMBOK® fourth edition, will take effect July 1, 2009.  Those wishing to take the current exam prior to the June 30, 2008 deadline should do the following:
 
  • Apply online to take the PMP exam.  Project Management Institute recommends allowing up to 8 hours to complete the application process.
  • Schedule and take a PMP prep course.
  • Obtain a copy of the PMBOK®, Third Edition, and begin reviewing the material.
  • Schedule to take the exam prior to June 30, 2008 once you receive your approval letter from PMI.

Anticipate many people attempting to schedule and take the exam prior to June 30 deadline. Be proactive by completing the application and obtaining your approval letter.

George Mason University has courses designed to prepare you for the certification exam.  Click here to learn more about Mason's Project Management programs. 

To schedule participation in a PMP exam prep course and for additional information, please contact Christine Satorre at 703-993-4801 or csatorre@gmu.edu as soon as possible.


We can also bring courses to your organization.
For groups of 10 or more, contact Susan Stinson at 703-993-4802 or sstinson@gmu.edu
topInstructor Highlights
michaelMichael Sands, PMP

Michael Sands, PMP, an associate with Performance Business Group, has over 20 years of experience in management, organization development, and training with both the public and private sectors. As an independent consultant, Sands has provided training and technical assistance to both private and public firms. Sands has extensive experience as an Army officer in defense intelligence, management, and leadership and organization development.

As an Army officer, Sands served in numerous positions of significant responsibility. He led a project to create a new Army Reserve component intelligence organization with nationwide span of control of over 6,000 people and a budget of over five million dollars. He led the development of a software application affecting several levels of command and military service organizations in the Pacific region. Sands supported the creation of functional requirements for the first Army automated intelligence system. As a consultant, Sands supported firms seeking ISO 9000 certification, as well as process improvement initiatives. He has also provided over 5,000 contact hours to both public and private organizations in total quality management, organizational change management, and project management.

Sands has a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix. He is certified as a Project Management Professional through Project Management Institute.

"Michael Sands made wonderful practical association with the work place and current environment.  He was a terrific instructor."  November 2008 student

"Excellent, dynamic instructor."  December 2008 student

"Excellent delivery, kept it interesting, endless source of information." January 2009 student

Michael Sands teaches George Mason University OCPE project management courses at Mason's Herndon Training Center.  Click here for information.
New Program Announcements
junOperating Juniper Networks Routers in the Enterprise (OJRE) 


George Mason University is currently offering the Juniper Networks Routers training course Operating Juniper Networks Routers in the Enterprise (OJRE).  This introductory, hands-on class is convenient for working professionals, and will prepare you for the Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate - Enterprise Routing (JNCIA-ER) exam offered at local testing centers.

This instructor-led course combines lectures and labs with time for hands-on experience with J-series platforms and JUNOS software.  Learn to install, configure, conduct operational analysis, and troubleshoot Juniper Networks routers in the enterprise.
  • Save more than 50% Juniper course costs!   George Mason University is offering the OJRE program for only $1500 ($995 for current Mason students).
  • Juniper-authorized training provides a path to Juniper certification.
  • Ten three-hour sessions are included in this 30-hour course (students receive 3.0 CEUs for participation). 
  • Learning spaced over a six-week timeframe and class times are perfect for working professionals and students.  Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings (7:20 pm to 10:00 pm) and three Saturdays (9:00 am to 12:00 noon) on the following dates: 3/31; 4/7; 4/14; 4/21; 4/28; 5/2; 5/5; 5/9; 5/12; 5/16
  • Intended for end users of J-series platforms such as network engineers, support personnel, resellers, and others responsible for implementing Juniper Networks Enterprise Routing products.
Instructor: Pam Van Meter, Juniper-certified instructor mvanmete@gmu.edu

For complete course description and content from Juniper Networks site - visit http://www.juniper.net/training/technical_education/courses/EDU-JUN-OJRE.html

Call 703 993-2109 or click here for registration information.
Program Announcements
capmCertified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)


Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification is emerging as a valuable credential for those actively working on projects. Mason's Certified Associate in Project Management: Exam Prep course prepares participants for the CAPM® certification examination offered through the Project Management Institute.  Those who have successfully demonstrated their mastery of the basic concepts of project management can earn the CAPM® designation.

Covering the nine knowledge areas identified in the PMBOK®, this four-day course includes lecture, case studies and class participation.  Extensive use of case studies and in-class exercises provides active student involvement in the practical use of course content. 

June 2 - 5
at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Click here to learn more about this exciting program!

Now is the time to gain knowledge and skills that will prepare you for the future!

Register Now!

Call 703-993-4800 to register or for more information.
riskManaging Project Risk

While identifying strategic paths is difficult, of even greater significance is how best to implement the resulting strategies. Many firms have successfully turned to the discipline of project management to deal with how best to implement strategy. The result has been improved revenues and profits.

This 2-day course focuses on how project management can give firms a competitive edge, and how adopting and implementing a full project management structure can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole organization.

  • High-risk projects contain many unknowns (technology, objectives, resource availability, etc.)
  • Project failure may lead to significant financial impact or physical injury - often on a large scale
  • Time frame is immoveable
  • Deliverables are large and complex
  • May involve public or worker safety
  • May be mandated by law, society or nature

You learn various techniques for assessing and managing risk, and learn how to "Crash" (i.e., accelerate) a project. In addition to standard techniques, such as Risk Severity matrix, participants learn how to effectively apply advanced concepts such as Monte Carlo simulation. Simple, but comprehensive, matrices identifying potential risk events are provided as a guide. In addition, you will learn how to develop backup and recovery plans.

April 1 - 2

October 6 - 7

at Mason's Herndon Training Center


Register Now!

Click here or call 703-993-4800 for additional information. 
 
DBDesignated DESIGN-BUILD Professional™ Boot Camp
 
March 9 - March 13, 2009
Mason's Herndon Training Center at the Center for Innovative Technology
 
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and George Mason University Office of Continuing Professional Education have teamed up to offer you a way to optimize your time, energy and dollars by offering the three DBIA™ designation core courses along with an Exam Prep course and a Designation Exam administration in a week-long, intensive Boot Camp format.
 
Topic Highlights include:
  • Fundamentals of Project Delivery
  • Principles of Design-Build Project Delivery
  • Design-Build Contract and Risk Management
  • Designated Design-Build Professional™ Exam, review and administration
 
Fee:
$2600 - DBIA members and Mason Alumni
$3600 - non-members
 
Act now to reserve your seat in this highly effective and efficient Boot Camp! 

Limited seats still available. Hurry and enroll today!
 
Click here for registration information.
iaConducting the Internal Audit Engagement

Distinguish Yourself.  Become a Certified Internal Auditor.

The CIA is the only globally accepted designation for internal auditors. It is the standard by which internal audit professionals demonstrate their knowledge and competence in the areas of governance, risk and control.

This course, Conducting the Internal Audit Engagement, is the second in the series, utilizing The Institute of Internal Auditors CIA Learning System program, designed to provide comprehensive and flexible training to CIA candidates worldwide.

Topic highlights include:
  • Conduct engagements
  • Conduct specific engagements
  • Monitor engagement outcomes
  • Fraud knowledge elements
  • Engagement tools
Internal Auditors at all stages of career development will benefit from this program.

Enroll now!   Classes begin in March.

Contact us at 703-993-4800 for to register or for more information.
sprhNEW SPHR Intensive Review

George Mason University, OCPE is now offering a one-day intensive exam review course for the SHPR® exam!

May 2, 2009 at Mason's Fairfax Campus
9 am - 5 pm

This course is ideal for you if you are a PHR®, have already taken or are currently in our Human Resource Management Certificate program, or have used the SHRM Learning System® self study program and would like additional review to master the SPHR® subject matter.  This review course is built upon your foundation of previously studying all six modules of the SHRM Learning System and completing the related web-based tests.  This course will provide you with a intensive review for SPHR® specific content.

To register or learn more about this program click here or contact Christine Satorre at 703-993-4801 or csatorre@gmu.edu.
HRMHuman Resource Management

The SHRM® Essentials of Human Resource Management Certificate Online

April 6 - May 11

If you're new to human resources or need to strengthen your employee management skills, the SHRM® Essentials of Human Resource Management Certificate program is for you. Knowledge of the essentials can improve valuable on-the-job effectiveness, protect your small business from needless litigation, and help advance your career. The course will equip you with practical skills you can immediately apply to your own situation.

Using Blackboard, a web-based set of course tools designed to deliver online learning, you can be part of a virtual class that will thoroughly cover the course content. You will follow a schedule and interact with your instructor and peers in a virtual environment. This course covers the same content as the classroom-based program, offers flexible scheduling and the benefit of attending class on your own computer.


What students are saying -

"This course provided a comprehensive overview of the foundations of HR - the SHRM materials will be useful references." Fall 2008 participant

"The instructor provided excellent information along with each module and weekly input and feedback which enhanced my learning." Fall 2008 participant

"Great overview for someone new to HR." Fall 2008 participant

"I really enjoyed this course. It was very informative and I have learned a lot. It was fun and I would do it again." Fall 2008 participant

Goals are accomplished one step at a time. 
Take the first step!

Register Now.

Click here or call 703-993-4800 for more information or to register.


This course is also available in a traditional classroom based format.  Click here for information and schedule.
EthicsBusiness Ethics for the Human Resource Professional

This six-week online course gives you the opportunity to explore ethics related problems and concerns in today's dynamic business environment from the human resource perspective.  Areas of focus include stakeholder analysis, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and ethical reasoning models.   

This course is for you -
  • if you are a human resource professional with a desire to build your expertise in managing business ethics issues.
  • if you are a business unit manager who is interested in exploring the issues inherent in business ethics and in establishing an ethical climate in your organization.

You will benefit -
  • Learn important knowledge and skills you can use immediately in your day-to-day job.
  • Participate in virtual class discussions - a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas and developing strategies to cope in today's global work environment.
  • Earn 18 strategic recertification credit hours.

Enroll now! 
Classes begin May 18!

Click here or call 703-993-4800 for more information!
leadershipLeadership Communications

Leadership Communication Certificate Series

 Author, CEO and visiting George Mason professor, Steve Gladis, PhD returns for a third time to present his successful Leadership Communication Certificate Series starting in March.  Don't miss the four half-day, highly participatory seminars.  "Steve is a great educator & uses real life examples to enhance his class work.  Great for new people & as a refresher."  -Lisa Martin, President & CEO, Leapfrog Solutions

March 17 - Team Writing

April 7 - Dynamic Presentations

April 28 - Powerful Persuasion

May 19 - Leadership Communication Styles
 
All sessions will be held from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) in Herndon, VA.  Seminars are $450 each or register for the full certificate series at a special package rate of $1,495 and receive a complimentary seat in the new workshop The Transparent Leader!

Click here to review detailed course and registration information or contact Rosalynn at rdhrama1@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2113.
 
SPECIAL
Mention the OCPE E-newsletter to receive a 10% discount.
GatlinGatlin Education Online Program
 
Ever think of an online course...but just not sure?  Consider the following benefits of the Gatlin Online courses:
 
Flexibility
All courses are asynchronous.  Begin courses at your convenience.  Most courses are designed to be completed in six months.
 
Open Enrollment 
Register for our self-paced courses at anytime, anywhere.  The courses are available for immediate registration.
 
Convenience
The lessons and learning materials you need are sent right to your home.  There's no commute to classes.  You study around your schedule.
 
Support
Assistance is just an e-mail away. You will be assigned an instructor who will work with you as needed.
 
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion, you will be awarded the George Mason University Certificate of Completion.
 
Certification Preparation
Many of our programs will prepare you for industry certification exams.
 
Corporate Partnership Program
Call for more information about this special discount program.
 
We offer you over eighty certificate programs.  There is sure to be a course to meet your professional development needs. 
 
Click here to visit our web site and review our full portfolio of courses today!
 
For more information, e-mail Rosalynn at rdhrama1@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2113.
 
Go Mason!  Mason Alumni register today and receive a 10% discount!
procurFederal Contract Procurement Cycle


image

This two-day course covers the government procurement cycle, including the provisions of the Truth in Negotiations Act, and contractor responsibilities for compliance. Pre award audits, BAFO's and award protests will be discussed. Applicability of the False Claims Act will be covered including exercises, examples, and case studies.

Experienced professionals who are new or nearly new to government contracting or professionals in need of a refresher will benefit from taking this course.

Fall 2008 students said -

"This course exceeded my expectations as the team exercises really gave me a great understanding of the procurement cycle from start to finish."

"The knowledge gained will be an asset to anyone in the proposal world."

Register now for the next class!

April 1 - 2, 2009 at Mason's Training Center in Herndon


Contact us at 703-993-4800 or click here for more information including full 2009 schedule of courses!
payrollPayroll

Take charge of your payroll career!

Payroll PayTrain® Fundamentals teaches the fundamental payroll calculations and applications necessary for individuals who are new to the payroll industry, those who support the payroll industry, and those who are preparing for the FPC or CPP certification examinations. This course will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills required to maintain payroll compliance and prevent costly penalties.

April 8 - June 10 at Mason's Herndon Training Center

April 13 - June 15 Online

What students are saying -

"Refreshed what I did know, clarified and explained all I didn't know."  Fall 2008 student

"I was able to learn basics of payroll which will help me to perform better at the job." Fall 2008 student

"It is a great basic knowledge course. It is a must for all payroll professionals." Fall 2008 student

Take charge and register for this course now!

Contact us at 703-993-4800 or click here for more information.

techTechAdvance
Information Technology Programs

Learn. Grow. Advance.

Advance your career with a university program designed for the busy schedule of working professionals. Our goal at George Mason University is to provide quality, hands-on training to prepare students for real world job responsibilities and certification tests.

For more information about TechAdvance programs, please call the Program Director at 703-842-7404 or email advance@gmu.edu 
 

Mention this newsletter
and get a 10% discount on the following classes!


In accordance with DoD 8570.01-M, "Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program," providing guidance and procedures for training, certification, and management, George Mason University is proud to offer the following sessions of the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) Program.

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) Fast Track
May 4 to July 13 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

March 23 to March 27 - Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

 
Now featuring these new programs from TechAdvance!
Call us today about these exciting classes!

IPv6 Fundamentals
April 20 to May 20 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling

MCTS-Biztalk Server
April 14 to May 14 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling

VPN Fundamentals Fast Track
April 20 to April 23 - Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5:30 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)

Optical Networking Fundamentals Fast Track
April 27 - April 29 - Monday through Wednesday from 9 am to 5 pm at Mason Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)


Expanded course offerings now available at Mason's Arlington Campus - easily accessible via Metro's Orange Line!

Information Technology Foundations (A+, Network+, MCP, CCNA, Security+)
March 28 to October 11 - Alternate Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

April 25 - October 24 - Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling

A+
March 28 - May 9 - Alternate Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

April 25 to May 30 - Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling

Network+
April 4 to April 18 - Alternate weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

June 6 - June 20 - Alternative Weekends (Saturday and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
March 6 to March 18 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

May 2 to May 16 - Alternate weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
March 23 to April 15 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

May 30 to June 27 - Alternate weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Security+
April 20 to May 6 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

July 11 to July 26 - Alternate Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Oracle 11g Database Administration
May 11 to September 16 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

July 27 to November 30 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Oracle 11g SQL
May 11 to June 15 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

July 27 to August 26 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Oracle 11g PL/SQL
March 5 to March 10 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

September 2 to September 9 - Mondays and Wednesday from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Oracle 11g Certified Associate
March 17 to April 16 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

September 16 - October 19 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Oracle 11g Certified Professional
April 23 to May 26 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

October 26 - November 30 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007
March 2 to April 1 - Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 pm to  10 pm at Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling

June 27 to July 25 - Alternate Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

Sun Certified Java Programmer
April 25 to June 21 - Alternate Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)

Web Design and Developer
April 4 to August 8 - Alternate Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9 am to 6 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)

Advanced Web Developer with ASP.Net
May 5 to September 1 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Herndon Training Center

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator Windows Server 2008
June 2 to October 8 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
March 24 to August 27 - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)


Accelerated Programs for experienced IT professionals

A+ Fast Track
March 2 to March 6 - Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

CCNA Fast Track
June 1 to June 5 - Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)

IPv6 Fundamentals Fast Track
July 20 to July 24 - Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro Accessible)

 
Please visit our web site at http://ite.gmu.edu/techadvance for all course descriptions and schedule information.

For more information about TechAdvance programs please call the Program Director at 703-842-7404 or email advance@gmu.edu
 
fmschFacility Management

Spring II Facility Management Schedule Available Now!

Now is a great time to register for the Professional Certificate in Facility Management and advance your career.  Classes in the program are good for professionals at every career level with backgrounds in the fields of engineering, architecture, buildings operations and maintenance, property management, interior design, business administration, or anyone with an interest in the field of facility management.

FM 0105 - F06  Facility Planning and Design Management
Tuesdays, March 24 - May 5   6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
at Mason's Fairfax Campus

FM 0115 - F05  Operations and Maintenance Management
Wednesdays, March 25 - May 6   6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
at Mason's Fairfax Campus

FM 0221 - F01  Automating Facility Management
Thursdays, March 26 - May 7   6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
at Mason's Fairfax Campus

FM 0403 - P02  Tech Systems 
Tuesdays, March 24 - May 5   5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
at Mason's Prince William Campus

FM 0200 - P05  Communications for the Facility Manager
Thursdays, March 26 - May 7   6 pm to 9 pm
at Mason's Prince William Campus

FM 0215 - L02  Theories of Facility Management
Thursdays, March 26 - May 7   4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
at Mason's Loudoun Site

FM 0229 - W01  Managing FM Contracting and Purchasing
Tuesdays, March 24 - May 5   7 pm to 10 pm
at a Washington, D.C. location

FM 0100 - W07  Principles of Facility Management
Wednesdays, March 25 - May   7 pm to 10 pm
at a Washington, D.C. location

FM 0215 - W04  Theories of Facility Management
Thursdays, March 26 - May 7   7pm to 10 pm
at a Washington, D.C. location
 
Click here for full course descriptions and to download the registration form. For more information, e-mail Joy at jroach1@gmu.edu or call 703-993-8335
 
EVENTS
fmConference and Expo

The Professional Certificate in Facility Management and other OCPE programs will be featured at

The Building Operating Management's National Facilities Management & Technology (NFMT) Conference and Expo

March 10-12,  2009
at
Baltimore Convention Center

Stop by Mason's booth #1874 and meet some of our staff and instructors.

Visit http://www.nfmt.com/pdfs/NFMT09_brochure.pdf for further information on how to register for this FREE event.