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WHERE INNOVATION IS TRADITION 

 

   
February 2013
      OCPE Newsletter
  
Issue 133
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Additional Programs





New Course Sessions   
nc
In response to student requests, Mason has added the following new course sessions to the spring schedule of courses!  Click on the course listing for details! 

March 14 - May 2, 2013
Thursday mornings
 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Mason's Herndon Training Center

February 23 - May 18, 2013
Saturdays
 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling, VA

Call us at 703-993-4800 for more information!
Feature Article 
vcThe Value of Conversation
 

By Susan Schwartz, PMP 

 

Today's fast-paced world, on the surface, appears to be driven by technology and social media. Text, email, and social media postings offer an immediacy of notification anytime/anywhere. This just the facts approach provides efficiency for daily, tactical operations; however, how do these nimble-fingered managers finesse the intricacies of complex problem resolution or team leadership?  

Along with an app-filled smart phone, today's business leader needs to be comfortable with a variety of communication tools.

Before there were bits and bytes, conversation was one of the primary communication modes by which people shared information, context, and knowledge.  Conversations allow people to suspend preconceived notions and open their minds to evaluate a broader range of possibilities. Some people may call these methods brainstorming, advocacy, or inquiry. The key point is that by working through the conversational process, managers are participating in a dynamic learning process that is low cost and enables low risk exploration for alternatives.

 

This simple communications forum encourages full participation by all stakeholders involved with the challenging situation. The conversation process encourages teams of people to explore a variety of situational alternatives before settling on a solution that successfully addresses the challenge of the moment and meets the ultimate organizational goal.

 

Sometimes conversations will evoke strong emotions, opposing opinions, and other high stakes actions. The best strategy to take when conversations start to become a bit heated is to take a breath and determine the outcome you want from the current dialog. What outcome do you want to occur for yourself, for others, and for this relationship? With these answers, you will be able to re-enter the conversation and participate with a focus on developing the courage and flexibility to work through these crucial moments, teams are able to create stronger solutions as well as a resilient esprit de corps.

 

Encouraging conversation as a business tool can provide its own communications efficiency. As people learn about the challenges their colleagues face and are better able to understand the full organizational picture, it is not an unusual side effect for organizational silos to break down and for team members to more easily initiate cross-functional collaboration.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------- 

Susan Schwartz has more than 30 years of experience creating technology-based business solutions within collaborative team environments. Her leadership and contributing team member roles span across a variety of functions: project management, organizational change, systems analysis, technical design, product management, technical writing, knowledge management, cross-industry partner relationships, group facilitation, adult learning and performance improvement. Schwartz teaches Mason's Leading Matrix-Managed Teams and Solving Complex Problems courses.  Contact us at 703-993-4800 to learn more about these courses.      

 
Events
gisEsri Federal GIS Conference
 

George Mason University will be highlighting the GIS Certificate Program, February 25-27, at Esri's Federal GIS Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

 

This conference is the place to gain the expertise you need for the trends and initiatives that could impact your work. More than 100 sessions and a variety of networking opportunities give you valuable technical training and management insights to help you succeed in the coming year.

 

Whether you're an elected official, government executive, non-governmental organization (NGO) leader, or GIS professional, this event offers every resource possible to help you leverage geospatial technology to accomplish your mission. Click here for information about the conference and registration. Federal employees attend at no charge!

 

Be sure to stop by the EXPO where you can browse innovative geospatial solutions and network with other attendees. George Mason University will be in Booth # 115 - we'll be happy to provide information about how a GIS Certificate could enhance your career.   

If you can't make it to the conference, but would like information about the GIS Certificate Program, visit our website or contact Program Manager, Jeanne Spencer at jspence2@gmu.edu  or 703-993-8337.

 

New Program Announcements
bimBuilding Information Modeling (BIM)
 
 

BMI Building Information Modeling (BIM) is changing the ways in which buildings are designed and built, the ways they look and the ways they function. BIM offers a novel approach to design, construction, and facility management in which digital representation of the building process is used to facilitate the exchange and interoperability of information in digital format. This 40 hour computer lab course is designed to teach virtual design and construction techniques using modern BIM software.

 

Special Springbreak Course Schedule

March 11 - March 15, 2013

Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5:30 pm

Fairfax campus: Volgenau School of Engineering

 

Earn your Mason Certificate of Attendance and 4.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) 

Tuition: $1,900          
 
  
Call us at 703-993-1511, email advance@gmu.edu or click here for full course outline and registration information.
Program Announcements
dbDESIGN-BUILD

DBIA imageFor the 6th consecutive year, The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and George Mason University's Office of Continuing Professional Education have teamed up to offer you a way to optimize your time, energy, and dollars by offering the four DBIA™ designation core courses along with an Exam Prep Course in a week-long, intensive Boot Camp format.

The DBIA/George Mason University Boot Camp Certificate program covers:
  • Fundamentals of Project Delivery
  • Principles of Design-Build Project Delivery
  • Design-Build Contracts and Risk Management
  • Post Award Design Build  
  • Certification Exam Prep Course

Course starts Monday, March 4 at 8 am and concludes Friday, March 8 at 5 pm.  Special events during the week include:
  • Tuesday evening networking event - Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins hockey game at the Verzion Center in Washington, DC 
  • Thursday evening networking event - Dinner with guest speaker at Clydes Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, VA   
Earn a George Mason University Certificate of Completion with
continuing education units (CEUs)and professional development units (PDUs ) for 100% participation in all five days.
 
This program includes student manual and materials, networking events, DBIA and George Mason University certificates of completion and certification exam fee.

Exciting networking events provide opportunities to share ideas and connect with other Design-Build professionals.


Optimize your time and money with this week-long  
boot camp!

March 4 - 8, 2013  
at Mason's Herndon Training Center  
at the Center for Innovative Technology  

register button 

Click here or contact Susan Stinson at 703-993-4802 or sstinson@gmu.edu for more information.

hrmHuman Resource Management
SHRM banner image

There's never been a better time to pursue your  
PHRŽ or SPHRŽ designation. 

 

SHRM 2013 LS books image If your goal is HR certification, we'll lead you to success with our Human Resource Management Certificate program. Achieving major career goals is challenging and time consuming. Our structured learning environment, whether in the classroom or online, keeps you on track and improves content retention. Mason's experienced instructors focus on critical exam content. Click here to learn more!      

 

If you've been thinking about HR certification, let us help you achieve your goal.

 

Choose from the following courses:

 

 

 

February 12 - April 30, 2013 

Tuesday evenings

Mason's Fairfax Campus 

    

February 13 - May 1, 2013

Wednesday evenings   

Mason's Prince William Campus 

 

March 14 - May 2

Thursday mornings

Mason's Herndon Training Center

   

March 16 - April 27, 2013       

Saturdays

Mason's Arlington Campus  
  

March 18 - June 9, 2013 
Online

 

 

Register Today!

   

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


iaInternal Auditing

IIA CIA boarder image

 

Now is the time to earn your CIAŽ  

 Check out these great reasons why you should start TODAY!


The CIA exam changes in July
When the CIA exam transitions from a 4-part exam to a 3-part exam in July 2013, no exam parts will be waived for other professional certifications held. (If you are a CPA or hold another related credential, now is the time to get started and take advantage of the current Professional Recognition Credit for Part 4!)  Learn more about the CIA transition plan today!

 

Get Started Worry-Free With Mason's Classes
If you take classes now using the IIA CIA Learning System but aren't able to complete the CIA exam in the 4-part program, you can upgrade to the 3-part training materials for free! Visit www.LearnCIA.com/upgrade for complete details.

Start now with Mason's Certified Internal Auditor Certificate program. Click here  or call 703 -993-4800 for details.   
baBusiness Analysis   Business Analysis image

Learn business analysis practices and tools you can use immediately!

Business analysis is the
discipline of identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems. Mason's exciting new Business Analysis Certificate program is designed to provide you with a foundation in all areas covered in IIBA's Business Analysis Body of Knowledge™ (BABOK). As a business analyst, you will learn how to understand your organization and bridge the gap between business needs and IT. 

  

The Certificate consists of four courses of two days each. 
All courses approved for PDUs!   

  

Enterprise Analysis and Business Requirements Success 
April 9 - 10, 2013 

  

May 7 - 8, 2013

 All courses held at Mason's Arlington, Virginia campus


   

Take courses individually or complete all four courses to earn a George Mason University Certificate of Completion.  Click here to learn more.
    
 
New course for students planning to sit for the certification exam!

 

 Certified Business Analysis Professional: CBAP Exam Preparation 

 June 17 - 20, 2013 

Call 703-993-4800 for details.   


 

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

This program is also available for groups of 10 or more! 
gGovernment Contracting


Gain knowledge to set yourself apart  
and be more competitive in the market.
 
Timekeeping and Labor Regulations for Federal Contractors, a two-day course, serves as a guide to the federal government regulations, as well as best practices for labor and compliance. As a federal contractor, it is not just timekeeping that makes labor compliant. This course will guide you through writing policies and procedures, understanding laws that govern wages, audits and how to prepare for audits. This course is beneficial for company personnel who are new to government contracting and those who want to assist their workforce in labor compliance. Click here to learn more. 

  

What students are saying about this course -

  

"Excellent for large companies with staff necessary to provide all levels of compliance"

 

"I feel I can audit my office and put us in compliance."

 

"All operations (G&A) staff and managers should take this class."

 

"This course gave me an excellent background and understanding of timekeeping and the labor regulations that apply." 

  

April 1 - 2, 2013   
at 
Mason's Herndon Training Center 

  

 Enroll in this course now to refresh
your government contracting timekeeping knowledge. 

  


Register for this program today!   

mail/fax 

online  

 

Click here or contact us at 703-993-4800 for more information.

Check out our Government Contracting Certificate program

for related courses.

 

All courses can be delivered in a confidential setting  

for groups of 10 or more!   

 

 
Information Systems
 

   

TechAdvance Logo

Students Sleeping & Jumping
 

February  and March 2013 Schedule

 

Take advantage of our upcoming winter classes starting in February and March. Register today and receive a 10% discount. Use coupon code NEWS0213. This coupon code is only valid if the registration is completed during the month of February 2013.  

  TechAdvance Course Listings 

 

Students are saying...

 

"I entered a complete novice, and I'm leaving with a working knowledge of many development languages and the ability to create and understand how I should create web sites. That is just amazing to me. My goal is to start my own web design business."  

- Christopher M. Carroll, Web Design and Developer, Summer 2012      

 

"Great class. Helped me pass my OCP exam. Excellent instructor. Very beneficial. Thanks!"  

- Amar Singh, CCNA, Fall 2012  

 

TechAdvance programs are specifically designed for the busy schedules of working and transitioning professionals. High-quality training meets your real-world job responsibilities and provides you with the ability to prepare for today's various industry certification exams. Our classes are scheduled throughout the year at multiple locations including Arlington, Herndon (CIT) and Loudoun. Classes are available during daytime, evening and weekend hours.

 

For detailed course descriptions and schedule information, visit  techadvance.gmu.edu. We are available by phone 703-993-1551 and e-mail  at advance@gmu.edu to discuss any of our programs.

 

 

paraParalegal

legal Mason's Paralegal Certificate program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The instruction is practice-oriented and related to those areas of the law in which legal assistants are most in demand. Click here for more information.

February 23 - May 18, 2013
Mason's Loudoun Site in Sterling, Virginia

or

March 11 - June 21, 2013
Online

Register Today 
 
Contact us at 703-993-4800  
or ocpecit@gmu.edu for additional information.

 ed

  ed2go CTP logo

 

ed2go Career Training Programs offer a full portfolio of online course. Our online ed2go courses are informative, convenient, and highly interactive! The courses are project oriented and include lessons, quizzes, hands on assignments, discussion areas, and more .

 

 

images

Check out these popular programs:

Payroll Practice and Management

 

"The course required a great deal of discipline, and my first on-line experience was easier than anticipated. I really enjoyed working with my instructor. She was very thoughtful, fair and insightful in her feedback, and has the patience of a saint. She knows how to "read" a situation, and could tell that at some points on my journey through the course, I was experiencing turbulence. She took time to answer all of my questions, and I could tell that she was interested in my well-being. This is an excellent program."  

-Technical Writing Student

 

"The course materials were easy and methodical in approach. The Instructor was very supportive and encouraging all through the course. The administrative and support system was very supportive and cooperative. I would really recommend this course to others. Thanks for all the support and knowledge provided in Medical Transcription."                                                                                  

-Administrative Medical Specialist Student

 

 

For course information, click here or call Ashley Russi at 703-993-2109.

lcLeadership Coaching

 

Leadership Coaching  

Don't delay, submit your registration today! This cohort is filling and space is limited.   

 

With anticipated excitement, the spring 2013 cohort begins March 27. Spaces are still available for this executive style Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance Certificate Program. The previous cohort reached maximum registrations.  

 

 

SPRING 2013 SCHEDULE

Course Module I - Leadership Coaching Foundation

March 27, 28, 29

 

Course Module II - Creating Awareness  

April 18, 19

 

Course Module III - Coaching Skills

May 9, 10

 

Course Module IV - Coaching Skills in Action  

June 6, 7

 

Course Module V - The Process and Business of Coaching  

June 26, 27, 28


This program is designed for practitioners who desire to develop knowledge and skills and practice coaching in realistic leadership scenarios. Designed to be highly participatory, participants will engage in experiential exercises and group activities that complement and support the theories and concepts introduced.  

 

Click here for more information or contact Rosalynn at 703-993-2113 or rdhrama1@gmu.edu .

 

Our Students Say...

 

"This program provides an excellent blend of self-development opportunities, theory, and practical coaching experience."  

- Suzanne Reardon, Spring 2012 cohort

 

"Chris, Bill, and Kaveh have a superb command of the subject matter and work together extremely well to "meet the class" and make necessary adjustments to accommodate needs of class and pace the flow accordingly. "  

- Elaine Bullington, Fall 2011 Cohort

 

"This course is terrific it is very well balanced between theory, practice, and how to put this into action when we build our future business."  

- Jon C. Dowell, Fall 2011 Cohort

 

lLeadership
George Mason University Leadership Action Certificate Program Steve Gladis

 

Early bird discount ends soon.  Register today!

 

"This is one more piece of the leadership puzzle, and Steve is masterfully guiding us as we complete the (leadership) picture."  

-Hans Hayes, Section Chief - Surface Programs, DHS/TSA

 

"Great context and excellent delivery. I feel better prepared to have the conversations that I need to lead my group."  

- Jerome Fowlkes, Business Owner

 

Steve Gladis' Leadership Action series returns this spring to Mason's Training Center in Herndon.  Join Dr. Gladis for a series of productive mornings, learning and networking as you develop your leadership skills and propel your career forward. Register by February 15 to receive the early bird rate plus a 10% discount when you use discount code ENEWSACTION.

 

Leading People

March 19, 2013

 

Facilitating Team Decisions

April 9, 2013

 

Getting Results

April 30, 2013

 

Motivating & Sustaining Performance

May 21, 2013

 

Classes conveniently scheduled for the working professional; half-days, every three weeks. All sessions will be held from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Center for Innovative Technology in Herndon, VA. Contact Rosalynn at rdhrama1@gmu.edu  or call 703-993-2113.