October 15 - ERAU Online Term Begins October 16 - CCC Last Day to Enroll in Fall B Session October 17 thru December 18 – ERAU Winter Term October 18 - Education Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ Heritage Club October 20 - MCM Fall, Mini-Mester II Begins on Base October 20 - Commissioning Briefing at 2:30 p.m. October 23 thru December 17 - CCC Fall B Courses October 29 - All AFROTC Applications Due to HQ AFROTC November 05 - ERAU’s 2011 Graduation November 11 - Veterans Day- E&TS, ERAU, and CCC Closed November 14 and Onward - MCM Early Registration for Spring 2012 Begins on Base November 21 thru January 20 -CCC Registration for Spring A 2012 Begins November 24 - Thanksgiving- E&TS, CCC, ERAU & MCM Closed November 25 - ACC Family Day December 05 thru January - 06 ERAU Spring Registration December 12 thru January - 16 MCM Final Examinations December 17 - MCM Commencement December 23 thru January 03 - CCC & ERAU Closed Winter Break January 13 - MCM Late Registration and Advising for Spring Term (which starts 01/17) “ D E D I C AT I O N T O E D U C AT I O N ” A W A R D Dyess Education and Training Services (E&TS) and Coastline Community College (CCC) have begun a new initiative- “Dedication To Education”. Every month, we salute Dyess Airmen’s outstanding performance in successfully using the alternative-credit-by-exam, CLEP or DSST tests, at Dyess’ National Testing Center (NTC). An achievement letter, signed by Mr. Tim Scheving, Dyess FSDE Education and Training Section Chief, is sent to these Airmen’s leadership announcing their names and their accomplishment. Earning 12 or more semester hours towards the timely completion of their CCAF and civilian degrees, for that month and relevant quarter. The award highlights the superb academic achievement and the outstanding example these Airmen set by using the Dyess NTC as the most cost-efficient, timely, and technology-advanced alternative for earning college credits available for their CCAF degrees advancement and voluntary higher education progress. The letter is officially presented to the nominee by the their unit First Sergeants and Squadron Commanders. The July and August, 2011 “Dedication to Education” award nominees are: A1C Bryant Hinrich 15 SH SSgt Charles Edwards 12 SH Sra Kanit Dararutana –15 SH SSgt Alehandro Valencia– Hernandez 12 SH Dyess E&TS and CCC are very proud to have helped these Airmen excel in their education! Congratulations, and may your pursuit for learning never cease! Education & Tr aining Services 2011 Dyess Education Fair By Mr. Michael Keith Dyess’ Lead Guidance Counselor Degrees Offered at Dyess FSD Flight Chief Dr. Rebecca Davis Carson Rm 329, 696-5539 FSDE Education and Training Section Chief Mr. Tim R. Scheving, Rm 326, 696-5538 Education Lead Guidance Counselor Mr. Michael Keith, Rm 322, 696-2146 Education Guidance Counselor Mrs. Jacquline Vesey, Rm 323, 696-5545 Base Training Manager Mr. Douglas Erikson, Rm 327, 696-5541 Education Technician Ms. Katherine Stevenson, Rm 317, 696-5544 CCAF Advisor Ms. Nelda Cortez, Rm 317, 696-5004 DL & Computer Manager Ms. Scarlett Nixon, Rm 308 B, 696-7963 McMurry University Dr. Rosemary Wallace, Rm 320, 696-5540 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ms. Alana Sims, Ms. Amy Riordan Ms. Sherri Wood, Mr. Chris Snow Rooms 318 & 321, 692-2007 National Test Center & Coastline Community College Ms. Kalina Hill, Rms 325 & 306, 696-5543 Cisco College Ms. Linda Grant, Room 129, 696-1250 Testing Administrator Mr. Richard Gammon, Rm 315, 696-2145 WAPS Test Administrator Ms. Natasha Clayton, Rm 117, 696-5763 Formal Training SSgt P. Carol Johnson, Rm 301, 696-1438 SrA William K Madden, Rm 301, 696-1438 POST 9/11 GI BILL BRIEFINGS 7 FSS/FSDE 425 Third Street Bld. 7232 Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX 79607-1525 Phone: (325) 696-5544/5004 EVERY TUESDAY, 9 a.m., RM 304 COMMISSIONING BRIEFINGS THIRD THURSDAY, 2:30 p.m., RM 304 4 Dyess Advanced Education Quarterly Volume IV, Issue 4 7 FSS/FSDE Directory T H E S P OT L IG H T I S O N Dyess Air Force Base Educational Quarterly Important Dates Force Development Flight McMurry University General Education courses toward CCAF Courses toward Bachelor of Business Administration Courses toward Bachelor of Arts Courses toward Bachelor of Science Core Business requirements toward various concentrations Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University BS Professional Aeronautics BS Technical Management Master of Aeronautical Science Master of Science in Management Various Certificates Coastline Community College GEM - CCAF General Education Requirements 16 AA &AS Degrees & Certifications Options through the Military Spouses Program 26 AA & AS Degrees and Certifications Options for Service Members IT Certifications-CCNA and Comp TIA Certificates CISCO College AA in General Studies AA in Teaching AAS in Management AAS in Criminal Justice AAS in Business Systems AAS in Child Care Technology AAS in Industrial Technology AAS in Auto Technology AAS in Nursing Licensed Vocational Nurse The 2011 Dyess Air Force Base Education Fair will be held on October 18, 2011 at the Heritage Club from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Currently, we have 31 schools attending and we expect a few more to RSVP. Goodfellow Air Force Base and Dyess AFB have coordinated our Education Fair dates to entice school to attend two education fairs in one trip. Dyess’ Education Fair will be held on October 18 and Goodfellow will hold theirs on October 19th & 20th. Education Fairs take on different formats at different locations. Whatever the format I think the main concern is that the students get what they need. Many students are just starting their education. To them its just like buying a new home. You know that it’s going to be a big investment and you want to make the right decision. Education Fairs provide a convenient, single point of access to representatives and programs from schools in the local area and those from across the country. It’s a good way to meet representatives and ask questions about their programs and to get the answers you need to make the right decision. Many times when you go to an online website for a school you don’t always receive the answer(s) you need. Many times you have to fill out a registration form just to have someone contact you in a few days. And, in some cases, those schools will contact you over and over again, and you never get the answer to the questions you originally asked. Most of the time you leave the website because it’s just too much that has to be done to get some answers. At an education fair, representatives are armed with answers. They want you to get the answers you need because they feel that if you learn about their school’s programs first hand, you are likely to choose their school. Therefore, ask every question you can. Some good questions to ask: - What is the accreditation level of your school? - Does your school offer many types of course delivery? I’m a visual learner. - I’m on active duty and sometimes I have to deploy. Is your school flexible with that? Will the instructors work with me while I’m deployed? - What majors do you offer? - Do you offer certifications in related subjects? - What credits from my CCAF degree will you accept? - What about Teacher Certification? You can probably think of a dozen more questions that you would like to ask. Write down your questions so that on October 18 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Heritage Club, you won’t forget to ask the really important questions which will help you to make the right decision. TSTC Flight Training Program By Mrs. Jacquline Vesey, Dyess’ Guidance Counselor Did you know that now you can use Air Force (AF) Tuition Assistance (TA) to obtain a Private Pilot Certification? It’s true. Per AFI 36-2306, Para 5.4.2.5: “flight courses are eligible for Military (Mil) TA when documented as part of an educational plan, such as licensure/certification”. This is an exciting development in the use of Mil TA to attain a Private Pilot Certification (PPC). Not all AF bases will meet the specifications to use TA for the PPC, but luckily for us at Dyess, we have an excellent opportunity to attain it thanks to a collaborative effort with Texas State Technical College’s West Texas Campus here in Abilene. Here is an overview of the program: - AF Mil TA allows a one-time $4500 limit for approved certification programs, - The Private Pilot Certification (PPC) offered by Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is an approved certification program, but is unique due to cost and weather factors. Key elements to understand before committing to this program: - The PPC costs a MINIMUM of $6700, - AF TA only pays a MAXIMUM of $4500. This means that you pay the remaining balance of at least $2200, either out-of-pocket or through personal loans. Please note: the GI Bill is not authorized for PPC. The total tuition may increase due to fuel prices or additional flights required prior to your final check ride. Dyess Air Force Base Educational Quarterly You must complete PPC within one year (weather delays included). You must pass each Stage or you will have to reimburse tuition for that stage (Stage I = $3100, Stage II = $1400) in addition to any other tuition or fees owed to TSTC If, after reading the above key elements, you are still interested in this program, you will first visit TSTC to learn details of the PPC program, tour the facilities, and meet with the program manager and instructor pilots (POC information below). Next, you will need an approved Flight Physical (paid for by YOU; approximate cost = $85); TSTC can provide contact info for doctors. Then, TSTC will complete a Vocational Coursework Plan (VCP) for you and will sign it once the approved Flight Physical is provided to them. You must sign the VCP too, showing you understand the financial obligation you are committing to. Finally, you will take the VCP to the Education Center where a counselor will review it, sign it, and load it in your Education Record. The counselor will also input the TA request for you. Note, if you have prior flight training and want it assessed for credit toward the PPC, you will need to provide flight logs and information to TSTC Air Academy for evaluation; any costs for this assessment are your responsibility. TSTC POC: Mary Wilhite, mary.wilhite@abilene.tstc.edu; 671-8009 E&TC POC’s: Michael Keith or Jacquline Vesey, 696-5544 7fssfsde@dyess.af.mil. Force Development Flight $100 book voucher for each class taken at Cisco College Details below Cisco College is your LOCAL community college and is the perfect place for you and your families. We understand your unique needs and challenges and make it possible for you to finish your degree, regardless of your location. You can: Complete your CCAF academics Work on transferable credits toward a bachelor's degree Earn an associate degree in many career-related fields, including allied health or nursing The college offers a variety of options at a price you can afford. With over 30 years of experience in working with airmen and their families, we know how important it is that the education you receive is comparable to your nonmilitary counterparts. Through quality academic programs, a commitment to workforce development and personal life enrichment opportunities, Cisco is preparing students for success in the 21st century. Location: Classes offered at 712 E. Industrial, conveniently off the loop. Undergraduate Degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching and Associate of Applied Science as well as many certificates are available. Career and Technical Education: Today's career and technical education opens a whole new world of career opportunities and helps students, employees and lifelong learners fulfill their career potential. Career and technical education is about high-skill jobs with great pay. And most importantly, it's about jobs with unlimited career potential. A technical education pathway is affordable and fast. In one or two years, and sometimes less, you can receive the skills you need to get the job you have always wanted. Currently, nearly one-third of the fastest-growing occupations will require an associate's degree or a postsecondary vocational/technical certificate. Transferability: Cisco’s courses transfer into degree programs at accredited institutions (Speak with your four year school to assure the classes fit into your major field). Cisco representatives are available at the Dyess Education Office on Tuesday afternoon from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. in room 129. Please call (325) 696-5544 first. Accreditation: Cisco College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate-level degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Cisco Junior College. Note: The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support the institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Book Vouchers-Active duty will qualify for a $100 book voucher for each class, once the member has presented the tuition assistance form signed by the education office. Dependents will need a letter from the education office stating they are eligible dependents. 2 With your CCAF you can earn college credit for training! Graduation from basic military training earns you four semester credit hours and automatically registers you into a degree program designed specifically for your Air Force specialty. CCAF degree programs require a minimum of 64 semester hours consisting of physical education; technical education; management, program electives, and general education requirements.. While you're learning a high-tech Air Force skill, you will also earn semester-hour credits for entry-level, advanced, and skill-upgrade technical training. Completion of Airman Leadership School, NCO Academy, and Senior NCO Academy earns you additional semester-hour credits. School Corner Contact your CCAF Advisor Nelda Cortez at (325) 696-5004. McMurry University McMurry University is a Methodist-affiliated four year undergraduate liberal arts institution. Since 1960 the University and Dyess AFB have enjoyed a continuous partnership. McMurry does not charge an application fee for admission of active duty personnel or family members. We offer a special military rate for active duty students using Tuition Assistance ($250/credit hour). Students pay only for textbooks. A “Dependent Scholarship” is available for family members. Our “BLUE STREAK” program allows students to work solely on CCAF in an easy and quick manner. Classes are available on base, campus or online. Contact Dr. Rosemary Wallace at (325)696-5540 or visit www.mcm.edu. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Distance Education: Take classes from anywhere. Many courses are available online, allowing you to take your education with you no matter where you or your family may be stationed. Dyess Air Force Base Educational Quarterly Community College of the Air Force Force Development Flight Since 1925, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been the world’s oldest and largest aviation/ aerospace institution. Today we offer much more than aviation. ERAU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is an AU-ABC school. ERAU offers military transfer credit, transfer credit from other accredited institutions, and CLEP and DSST opportunities. ERAU accepts up to 90 semester hours of applicable transfer credit toward BS degrees. AF Service Schools may transfer to MS. We offer degree program options at the Associate, Bachelor, and Master level with in residence courses at Dyess AFB or online from anywhere in the world. Certificate programs are also available. Contact us at (325)-692-2007/696-1785 or email: dyess@erau.edu. Coastline Community College Service Members and Military Spouses: Coastline Community College is “Your Partner in Education”. Through our participation in the General Education Mobile (GEM) and the Military Spouses program, we can guarantee timely, affordable, flexible, and student-oriented courses beyond the traditional classroom format. Do not miss the great incentives we offer you and your deserving spouse: Regional accreditation and total portability: 8 week online, five sessions per year $50 Textbook Program for GEM & Military Spouses $250 “1 Carat Incentive” Scholarship “Learning Community” courses Accepting up to 40 S/H in transfer and requiring only 12 S/H residency. Contact us at (325) 696-5543 or e-mail: khill@coastline.edu. Cisco College Cisco College (CC) is your local college, and the first choice for those who need transferable skills and education. CC has a proud history of working with Dyess AFB and will go the extra mile to accommodate military personnel and families. CC is accredited and offers both transfer degree programs as well as some of the hottest career and technical education programs available, including pharmacy technician and nursing! CC offers more than 50 online classes with faculty available for in-person assistance as well as 12-day mini-mesters to accommodate busy, uncertain schedules. Contact Linda Grant at (325) 696-1250 or e-mail linda.grant@cisco.edu. Dyess Air Force Base Educational Quarterly 3 Force Development Flight