ocpelogo
April 2009
OCPE Newsletter
Issue 87

In This Issue...

 OCPE Information





Additional Programs




Certified Internal Auditor



Certified Treasury Professional
OCPE takes Customer Service to a New Level

We pride ourselves on being responsive to our students' needs, but this email from a student who registered in our new class "Operating Juniper Networks Routers in the Enterprise" made us all smile!

Suzanne Hough, program coordinator for the Juniper classes, reports that she sent a student his confirmation letter and closed with "please let me know if I can be of further assistance."  Her student L.P. wrote to say he'd gotten his confirmation, and wanted to to know "Could a warm, home-made dinner be ready before class?  This would complement a long day at the office and provide the proper nutrients."  He went on to say, "Got to love a sense of humor; food court in Johnson Center would do.  Thank you for putting this program together, excellent stuff."

We'll take it under advisement...
 
topFeature Article
gisAin't No Mountain High Enough: GIS Professor Works to Protect Land Around Mt. Everest

By Tara Laskowski

When Barry Haack looks out the window of his second office in Kathmandu, the Nepali capital, and sees the massive expanse of the Himalayas with Mt. Everest rising off in the distance, he thinks how grateful he is for the path his career in geography has taken him.

Haack, professor of geographic and cartographic sciences at Mason, has spent the last three decades learning the technology of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) and training others on these techniques. He's seen the technology change and grow, and he has traveled the world, meeting scientists from developing countries and teaching them how to use these tools.  Click here to read entire article in the Mason Gazette.
topInstructor Highlights
gisinstrBarry Haack, PhD

Dr. Barry Haack is professor of geographic and cartographic sciences at George Mason University where he has worked for almost 25 years. His primary teaching responsibilities and research activities are in aerial photo interpretation, remote sensing, and GIS (Geographic Information Science). Among his principal research interest and experience has been the application of remote sensing technologies and geographic information systems in developing countries. He has conducted extensive basic and applied remote sensing research, including manual and computer analysis of data from conventional aircraft platforms and satellites and the integration of that data into a GIS.
 
In addition to his faculty responsibilities on the Fairfax campus,  Haack has been involved with the GIS Professional Certificate Program since its inception. The certificate program, offered through the Office of Continuing Professional Education at the Prince William Campus of George Mason University, began ten years ago and has grown in popularity - mainly due to the high caliber instructors. Haack's extensive experience and dedication to his field make his course, GIS 0220: Integration of Remote Sensing and GIS, one of the most popular in the program. Students from his most recent class commented:
 
"Dr. Haack is an excellent instructor - class well prepared and thoughtfully presented. Covered remote sensing topic so that both experienced individuals and not so experienced benefitted."
 
"The instructor was very, very knowledgeable. He has a strong command of the subject & is an asset to the program."
 
"I highly enjoyed the class - it made me miss my favorite college courses. Well done."
 
Haack received his PhD from the University of Michigan, as well as an MA in geography from San Diego State University, and a BS, also in geography, from the University of Wisconsin. Over the years, he has utilized his professional expertise in assisting other countries with their GIS needs. To gain a little insight on Haack's passion, read the article in this newsletter,  Ain't No Mountain High Enough: GIS Professor Works to Protect Land Around Mt. Everest.
chilesMarjorie Chiles

"Marjorie Chiles is outstanding. My colleague recommended the course and Marjorie and her enthusiasm for Ms. Chiles's class was right on." Fall 2008 student

Marjorie Chiles has been in government contracting for 13 years. Her background knowledge in government contracting covers timekeeping compliance, accounts payable compliance, DCAA audit liaison, and FAR and CAS regulations. Since 1995, Chiles has been involved in bringing three cost accounting systems online and three electronic Time Collection Systems online to manage over 4,000 employees. As a DCAA liaison, Chiles works directly with government auditors to manage all audits across three business segments for a major government contractor in the northern Virginia area.

"Marjorie Chiles is excellent." Fall 2008 student

Chiles is an instructor for the Contracting with the Federal Government Certificate series. 
New Program Announcements
pmpexamNEW! PMP Exam Preparation Intensive Review

This one-day course will awaken your knowledge of the material you must master to pass the PMP certification exam before the July 1, 2009 exam changes.  Perfect for those who have prepared for the exam previously - this course is designed to give you that extra boost.

May 15, 2009
or
June 12, 2009

at Mason's Herndon Training Center

Contact Christine Satorre, Program Manager, at 703-993-4800 or csatorre@gmu.edu for details and registration information.
 
Program Announcements
EthicsBusiness Ethics for the Human Resource Professional

This six-week online course, Business Ethics for the Human Resource Professional, 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!
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 SPHR Intensive Review 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 an 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.
timeTimekeeping and Labor Regulations for Federal Contractors

image

This two-day course, Timekeeping and Labor Regulations for Federal Contractors, emphasizes timekeeping requirements and labor regulations for federal contractors. The issues associated with total time accounting, uncompensated overtime, salaried vs. hourly compensation, and electronic timekeeping systems will be covered in depth.

Compliance issues related to labor legislation, the legal nature of a timesheet, and the impact of time recording on project costing, payroll, bids and proposals, and billing will also be discussed. A mock floor check will be created.

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 -

"Excellent, full of great information."

"I am very pleased with training and feel like it will really help with my job."

"I learned a lot of this I didn't know for my current position in my company."

"Good insight in types of timekeeping requirements and DCAA guidelines."

"It truly exceeded my expectations. I was not expecting to get the "law" around timesheets in such detail."


Register now for the next class!

April 15 - 16, 2009
or
June 17 - 18, 2009

 at Mason's Herndon Training Center


Contact us at 703-993-4800 or click here for more information including full 2009 schedule of courses!
pmProject Management - Managing and Leading Teams

Projects are carried out through teams. Managing the people side of projects is often as challenging as mastering the technical aspects. Meeting project objectives is complicated by the development of virtual teams where members are geographically dispersed, increasingly diverse teams where members have different cultural backgrounds, and project stakeholders (e.g., clients, customers, etc.) with conflicting interests.

This two-day course, Managing and Leading Teams, covers alternative approaches to project management including tools and techniques that project managers can use. Topics such as communication, team selection, team dynamics, motivation, and leadership are covered. The participants develop an understanding of how and when to apply various project management techniques.

May 6 - 7, 2009

 at Mason's Herndon Training Center


Fall 2008 students said -

"The teamwork can be applied directly to my work experience. I can use it right away."

"Excellent tools to use managing and leading a team with different personalities, knowledge and discipline."

"This course exceeded my expectations. I truly enjoyed this course and it is a definite tool for my management tool box."

"Course provided more than anticipated. Lots of useful material, tremendous interaction and knowledgeable instructor."

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

The SHRM® Essentials of Human Resource Management Certificate

May 12 - 13, 2009

at Mason's Arlington Campus

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.


What students are saying -

" Great course for foundational learning of general HR functions."

"Very organized and gives you all the basics."

"Great class - will have entire staff attend."


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 an online structured format,  Click here for online course information and schedule.
iaBusiness Analysis and Information Technology

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, Business Analysis and Information Technology, is the third 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 May 2, 2009
at Mason's Arlington Campus

Contact us at 703-993-4800 for to register or for more information.
payrollPayroll

It's not too late - 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!

Check out our Training "Stimulus" Offer:
Register two for a course, and the third is registered FREE!
(Only one offer can be used at a time)


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


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

May 18 - September 9 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus (Metro accessible)

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

May 18 - June 12 - Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 am at Mason's Arlington Campus

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

July 8 - July 20 - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

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

July 24 to August 14 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm at Mason's Arlington Campus

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
June 22 to June 24 - Mondays and Wednesdays 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
July 6 to August 5 - Mondays and Wednesdays 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
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)


Accelerated Programs for experienced IT professionals

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

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) Fast Track:
June 8 to June 12 - 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
 
gatlinGatlin Education Online Program
 
Looking for flexibility?  Need to work at your own pace?  Our Gatlin Education Online Programs may be just right for you!  We now offer over 75 online certificate programs.  Whether you are trying to enhance your career or transition to a new one, there is a Gatlin course for you.  Gatlin courses offer you the convenience of boosting your resume from home, work or the location of your choice.  Work on your courses day or night - 24 hours a day. 
 
Look for the following new upcoming course:
 
Event Management and Design
 
Click here to visit our web site and review our full portfolio of courses today!
 
For more information, e-mail rdhrama1@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2113.
 
Go Mason!  Mason Alumni register today and receive a 10% discount!