Human Resources Office - October Closure Dates

Due to mandatory ctcLink training in Olympia, there will be no Human Resources staff at LCC on the following days:

·         Monday, October 17

·         Wednesday, October 19

·         Thursday, October 20

Due to the lack of staff, the office will essentially be “closed” on those dates.

Staff with urgent issues during the closure should contact either Payroll at extension 2220 or Nolan Wheeler at extension 2201.

Please make a note of the closure dates above and plan accordingly. Thank you!

Data Freeze Begins October 7

On September 30, we were notified that effective October 7 we will enter a “data freeze” until we Go Live with our new system in January. The “freeze” primarily refers to information that makes up something in PeopleSoft called the “course catalog.” This is not a reference to the LCC catalog, but rather to a complex set of databases that will house information about LCC courses, including course information and associated items like student fees and pre-requisites.

We received unofficial word of the freeze earlier in the week. In response, members of the LCC Executive Leadership Team signed a memorandum to help the campus community better understand this phase of the project. A copy of the memorandum is available here. 

While campus groups will be able to continue to meet and conduct business, the freeze will impact when certain types of changes can be implemented. It may seem inconvenient, but we are at a critical stage of this massive project—the first major system transition at LCC in over three decades. Exceptions to the freeze have to be reviewed by our functional leads and approved by the Executive Leadership Team before they can be made in the pre-Go Live environment.

Other Wave 1 colleges—including Clark and Peninsula—also implemented similar data change moratoriums this week.

Thank You ctcLink Ninjas and Other ctcLink News

In case you missed the announcement in July, LCC will not be transitioning to ctcLink (PeopleSoft) in October. We are currently scheduled to Go Live on January 30, 2017. Exceptions include the Financial Aid pillar (2016-17 data will not be converted to the new system, but 2017-18 data will be entered there) and Continuing Education. Continuing Ed may continue to use their existing third party system to handle enrollments, but a final decision has not yet been made,

There are a few things happening right now that have the potential to affect our Go Live date. First, there is a third-party assessment underway that's looking at project readiness. The evaluation is being conducted by the Gartner Group and is due by October. Second, there have been some formal concerns expressed to the Washington State Attorney General by the Spokane Community College District about the effectiveness of the ctcLink product (the Spokane District went live in August 2015). 

Right now we don't know what impact either of these things will have, if any, so we will forge ahead with project preparation as planned.

Speaking of project preparation, there are 31 individuals on campus who have been working diligently to prepare us for the upcoming transition. They have been leading our configuration and conversion activities, participating in meetings and training activities, and many will be leading testing and training activities at LCC as well when the time comes.

The word "ninjas" was chosen to describe them because ninjas are both stealthy and highly capable. The following "ninjas" were recognized at our All Staff meeting on September 9th:

1. Human Capital Management (HCM): Shani Dennick, Kat Everman, Desiree Gamble, Sam Orth, and Kendra Sprague.
2. Finance (FIN): Mary Beth Beck, Sherry Gohn, Rita Lawless, Molly Moncrief, Claudia Slabu and Kelley West.
3. Campus Solutions (CS):Justin Ford, Marisa Geier, Kelly Hall, Wendy Hall, Mary Harris, Betty Hayes, Brian Isbell, Yun LaPray, Kara McElroy, Micah McKee, Chad Meadors, Fran Nelson, Karla Rivers, Angie Rogers, Carmilla Rollins, Angel Ruvalcaba, Leah Sanchez, Nichole Seroshek and Julie Smith.
4. ctcLink Project Manager (aka "Super Ninja"): Eli Hayes.

Many thanks to our ctcLink Ninjas!

New Go Live Date Announced

January 30, 2017 has been set as the new ctcLink Go Live date for Wave 1 colleges (including LCC).

The Financial Aid module, which is part of Campus Solutions in the ctcLink system, will not Go Live at that time. Instead, it will be activated at the start of the next fiscal year. This will allow for a fresh start at the beginning of an award cycle, and help avoid some of the problems the FirstLink colleges (Spokane and Tacoma) experienced when they went live.

The Continuing Education portion of ctcLink is still under discussion at this time. LCC currently uses a system called Campus CE to manage Continuing Education functions. It is looking fairly likely that Campus CE will continue to be used after Go Live, but a final decision has not yet been made. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The state ctcLink team is in the process of adding nine new people to their ranks. The extra staff will mean additional support for the Wave 1 colleges in preparation for Go Live in early 2017.

The Benefits of ctcLink

By now you have probably heard that LCC is getting a new computer system, called ctcLink, likely in early 2017. You may have also heard about some implementation issues at Spokane and Tacoma, the state's first college districts to adopt the new system. You may be less aware, however, of the benefits the new system will bring. Here are a few.

Students, faculty and staff will have access to information from anywhere there is an Internet connection, at any time of day or night. There will be online tools for just about everything, and processes will be much more similar from college to college than they are now. This will be good for students who transfer between colleges, or attend more than one institution at a time. It will also lead to an overall increase in effectiveness and efficiency across the state.

Here are some additional benefits of the new system:

• Common ID Numbers - Students will have a single, electronic record with one identification number, available to all 34 colleges in the Washington Community and Technical College System.
• Admissions Application - Future students will have one admission application process regardless of where or when they decide to attend.
• Student Monitoring Tools - Students will be able to monitor their "time to degree." Educational planners and faculty advisers will also be able to audit the process to assist students in achieving their educational goals.
• Single Electronic Record - Faculty and staff will have a single electronic record with one identification number, even if they move between colleges or work at more than one institution at a time.
• Purchasing and Payroll Process - Colleges will be able to consolidate purchasing and payroll processing.
• Paperwork Reduction - Faculty and staff will be able to do most functions electronically, greatly reducing our reliance on paper forms.
• Electronic approvals - managers and administrators will be able to electronically approve purchase requisitions, leave requests and much more without handling unnecessary paper.

ctcLink Employee Training Update

Although our Go Live date has been postponed, employee training opportunities are still rolling out as planned this summer.

There is good news -- the delay means there will be about three extra months to convert and validate data, and get up to speed on the new system. How much training you'll need depends on your role at LCC.

Training Opportunities for All LCC Employees
If you work at the college, you will need to learn how to do some basic things in PeopleSoft, like report your time and manage your personal information. If you are the curious type and like to poke around online, the ctcLink Reference Center is a great resource for you. On this site, you will find instructions (with screenshots from the new system) on everything from activating your account to requesting an absence to reporting your time using a timesheet.

If you are the really curious type and want to learn about more than just the basic employee functions within PeopleSoft, there is a self-paced PeopleSoft Fundamentals course available to everyone. To enroll in the course, just use the same login information you would use to enroll in a college assigned Canvas course. For most employees, that's the @lcc email address (jdoe@lcc.ctc.edu, for example) and corresponding 900 (identification) number.

If you prefer face-to-face training, we will begin offering classroom-based sessions during in-service week (the week before fall quarter starts) in September 2016. Watch your email inbox for more information about face-to-face training opportunities, which will include faculty-specific sessions.

Training Opportunities for Individuals with Specific PeopleSoft Job Functions
People who are responsible for specific tasks, referred to as subject matter experts or SME's, have access to some additional tools beyond the general employee resources noted above. Just this week, many of our SMEs were invited into very specific Canvas courses designed to help them learn about how their roles will work in the new system.

There are also a number of individuals who have been identified as potential "Train the Trainers." Many of those employees will be traveling to Olympia in August and September for training from the ctcLink project staff. A portion of the Olympia-based training will be dedicated to helping employees at the Wave 1 colleges maximize the learning process for people they will be responsible for training.

For more information about ctcLink, please also visit our ctcLink webpages at http://lowercolumbia.edu/ctcLink/index.php.

Account Activation in ctcLink

Some people are wondering how their accounts will be created within the PeopleSoft environment.

Our experience will be considerably different, and easier, than the FirstLink colleges. All faculty, staff and students who are in our system when our data is converted will have an EMPLID, and therefore an account, in the new system when we Go Live. This was not the case for Spokane and Tacoma.

In case you're wondering what an EMPLID is, it's the new acronym for identification number. Faculty, staff and students will all have EMPLIDs. These identification numbers will be unique to you within the community and technical college system in Washington, so if you are associated with more than one college you will use the same identification number everywhere you go.

Everyone that has an EMPLID will need to activate their account in PeopleSoft after Go Live. There will be training sessions as well as written instructions on how to do this. As a part of that process, everyone will need to create a password and provide answers to three security questions (similar to other online accounts you may have).

There will also be training and instructions provided for how to do general employee tasks such as checking your leave balance.

People who are not already at LCC when our data is converted will have a different process to follow for account creation.

Q & A about Wave 1 Go Live Delay

On June 15, 2016, LCC President Chris Bailey announced that the ctcLink Go Live date for Wave 1 colleges had been postponed. This means that LCC will not be going live with the new PeopleSoft system on October 31, 2016 as previously planned.

Here's what we know so far.

Q: Why was Go Live postponed?

A: The delay was largely due to to issues related to Finance at the FirstLink Colleges (Spokane and Tacoma) which delayed things for Wave 1 colleges. It became clear that the timeline for data conversion and testing was too compressed (given the demands of year-end close) to support a successful transition.

Q: What is the new Go Live date?
A: The state project team is looking to extend the timeline for Wave 1 colleges by about three months. A new Go Live date will be selected in consultation with the colleges, and will take business processes such as registration and financial aid deadlines into account. A new Go Live date is expected to be announced in July 2016.

Q: Is LCC the only college affected?
A: No, LCC is not the only college that is being delayed. This was a system, rather than a college, decision. All of the Wave 1 colleges (LCC. Clark, Grays Harbor, Peninsula, Green River and Columbia Basin) have been postponed. It's possible that Waves 2 and 3 will also be postponed, but it may be some time before we know for sure. Changes to the Wave 2 and 3 schedules will not impact LCC.

Q: How will this affect you?
A: Unless you are a subject matter expert working on data configuration, the change shouldn't have much impact on you. It might actually be a positive thing, because the state project team will have more time to develop training. In particular, the delay will allow more time for them to develop training around business processes (in addition to how to use the new technology).

Q: How will the delay affect training?
A: Postponing the Go Live date allows us to extend the training timeline by about two months, which means more training sessions will be provided. And, as noted in the question above, it allows the state project team more time to develop training resources for our use.

Q: Will the change impact leave requests?
A: Always check with your supervisor about leave requests. In terms of the project, training will likely not start for staff until late August or slightly later. We don't expect any training to occur on scheduled Friday closures over the summer (which was previously a possibility).

Q: Will the work that's been done so far by subject matter experts still be relevant, given the delay?
A: Most of the data configuration work that's been done so far will still be relevant. We believe that only data that is specific to Fall Quarter 2016 (which mostly occurs in the Campus Solutions pillar) will need to be configured again. More information will be provided to the subject matter experts as it becomes available.

Q: How will this affect work that is being completed by the subject matter experts?
A: Ongoing work in each of the pillars is being reviewed by the project team, and they will make any needed adjustments to the timeline. Generally speaking, Campus Solutions and Human Capital Management will have an expanded timeline for configuration, testing and training. Work in Finance will be delayed until after year-end close (approximately mid-July).

Check Out Draft Communication-Change Management Plan

If you are interested in learning more about how different aspects of communication and change management will be handled during the ctcLink transition, please check out the draft ctcLink Communication Plan posted on the LCC website.  the plan is accessible through our main ctcLink webpage; see "ctcLink Communication Plan" on the navigation list on the left.

The plan, which was reviewed by the Executive Leadership Team on June 8, provides an overview of the primary audiences for the project--students, faculty/staff, community and media--and primary channels of communication and training (if applicable) for each.

Because we want to use the communications plan to assist with change management as well, expected outcomes are also included. For example, it is expected that within two weeks of Go Live, students will be able to perform basic functions like accessing their EMPLID. Why two weeks? Because registration for winter quarter will be starting not long after Go Live, and we want to make sure students are prepared.

In the faculty/staff section, one of the expected outcomes is that faculty will be able to post grades within four weeks of Go Live. Why four weeks? Because that puts us just ahead of finals for fall quarter, and entering grades will be an important task faculty will need to accomplish in that time-frame.

We will continue to update and adjust the plan as needed throughout the project period.

ctcLink Project Employees Hired

The clock is ticking on our ctcLink conversion, and work continues at a brisk pace! 

Within the Campus Solutions pillar, three project-based Program Assistants have been hired to support departments with considerable workload issues related to ctcLink. The employees are Karen Boyle and Hannah Taylor (Registration), and Sarah Nichols (Financial Aid). Karen, Hannah and Sarah will perform tasks routinely covered by others who are immersed in data conversion and related issues. 

It is anticipated that at least one more project employee will be added within the next month or two to provide additional support for areas heavily impacted by the conversion.

In other ctcLink news, there are no additional CONFIRMED data configuration meetings on the calendar for the moment. The ctcLink project team out of Olympia is heavily occupied with ongoing Finance issues at the FirstLink colleges (Spokane and Tacoma) right now, and we are awaiting further instructions from them about additional meetings. 

The next data conversion (Cycle 3) is currently scheduled for June 22 (subject to change). As a Wave 1 college, we will go through a total of five data conversion cycles before we Go Live later this year. In contrast, the FirstLink colleges (Spokane and Tacoma) only went through two conversions. By the end of July, we should be fully converted and will have had multiple opportunities to correct any issues that arise along the way.

Announcing ctcLink Reference Center

The ctcLink Reference Center is a handy, quick-reference tool you will want to be familiar with. There is something for everyone on this site!

The site contains instructions, for example, about how to use ctcLink's Self Service functions. From the main ctcLink Reference Center page, scroll down to see the Self Service options. Under "Employee Self Service," for example, you can manage your personal information and voluntary deductions, and request an absence or overtime (among other things).

Under "Faculty Self Service" you will find faculty-specific information including how to manage your advisees, look up your schedule, enter grades, use early alert, etc. Be sure to check out the "Faculty Center Video" for a quick but thorough overview of what you will be able to do in PeopleSoft.

There is also information about how to perform specific functions such as looking up student email addresses. In PeopleSoft, student information lives in Campus Solutions, or CS for short. To find out how to locate student biographical information, select "CS Fundamentals" from the main ctcLink Reference Center page. From there, select "Campus Solutions - Basic Navigation." You will find step-by-step instructions on how to access student email addresses along with other information such as phone numbers, addresses, etc.

If you are a content expert responsible for inputting data into PeopleSoft, you will also find specific instructions on this site.

Be sure to bookmark the ctcLink Reference Center page for future use. You can also find the link on our ctcLink page, located at lowercolumbia.edu/ctcLink under "ctcLink Reference Center."

Enroll in New PeopleSoft Fundamentals Course

Are you curious about ctcLink? Perhaps a bit nervous about what to expect? If you answered yes to either question, then we have an opportunity for you!

The ctcLink training team has published a new training course on PeopleSoft Fundamentals intended to help people become familiar with the ctcLink project, and more generally with PeopleSoft software.

In the course, you will get an introduction to the project, learn about the different pillars and modules inside PeopleSoft, get to know the terms and concepts used, and learn about navigation, favorites and main menu functions. You will also learn how to activate your ctcLink account. Please note that it is not yet time for us to activate accounts at LCC!

The course is available to all interested employees, but is geared toward staff who will be working within the three ctcLink pillars (Campus Solutions, Finance, Human Capital Management). The course can be accessed at https://sbctc.instructure.com/enroll/PGCB3B. Please note that the course is in Canvas, so use your lcc email address (jdoe@lcc.ctc.edu) and 900 number to log in.

Many thanks to the ctcLink training team at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) for providing the course.

ctcLink Conversion in Full Swing at LCC

LCC is scheduled to "go live" with the state's new computer system in fall 2016. There are several different phases of preparation needed in order to prepare for the big day, and activity is well underway.

Data conversion is the focus of much of our current activity. Data conversion has several different components, including: analysis of existing data, creation of new data structures, and cross-walking of old to new data fields. Subject matter experts in each of the pillars are working earnestly to meet deadlines set by the project team.

LCC's pillars include Campus Solutions (basically everything in SMS, and then some, including Financial Aid), Human Resources, and Finance.

The conversion process includes face-to-face meetings at LCC as well as on other campuses, lots of web-ex meetings and phone conferences, and a considerable amount of "homework" doled out by the project team.

The next phase of the project will be to test our converted data, following by user acceptance testing. The testing phase will continue into October.

During the summer, train-the-trainers will be identified for the different pillars. End user training will come last, with training likely to start toward the end of August and continue into October.

Training will be delivered both electronically and in-person. The project team has adopted a "flipped classroom" model, meaning that much of the content will be delivered online, with face-to-face time dedicated to hands-on activity and questions. At least a portion of the training will be delivered via Canvas.

A new set of web pages about ctcLink is under development and will be launched soon. The web pages will cover background information about the project, frequently asked questions, and will include links to a number of training resources already developed by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

New University Center Breaks Down Barriers

The Problem

Transferring to a four-year university is a tricky process. There are hoops to jump through, papers to sign, emails to send and phone calls to make. There is also relocation to consider. Moving halfway across the state or country isn’t a simple task for most of us. Families, jobs, and mortgages are roots that run deep, and for many of us, a bachelor’s degree is a golden apple at the top of a tree.

The Numbers

In fact, Washington State statistics show that while the Lower Columbia region has a high number of people who have earned an associate’s degree, “Only 16% of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County adults over age 25 have completed four or more years of college compared to a state average of 32%” (statistics taken from information printed in the 2013 LCC Spring Class Schedule).

Beginning Fall 2013, however, Lower Columbia College will provide a ladder that can help students reach the top of that tree.

The Solution

You may have noticed construction taking place as you’re entering the Alan Thompson Library. This will be the home of the new University Center, which will house representatives from Eastern Washington University, WSU-Vancouver, and City University. The new University Center will break down some of the barriers that many students face when they are ready to transfer to a four-year university.

For example, geographical limitations will no longer be an issue that keeps students from earning a bachelor’s degree. With bachelor’s programs offered from the LCC campus, students will no longer need to relocate in order to attend a university.

The Icing on the Cake

In addition to making it easier to earn a bachelor’s degree without relocating, the University Center will also help eliminate psychological barriers. Instead of waiting 24 hours for a return email, or speaking with someone over the phone hundreds of miles away, students will now be able to meet with advisors from EWU, WSU-Vancouver, and City U face to face without leaving town. Just a quick jaunt to the Center (maybe slightly less than quick, depending on parking) will save students time, money, and sanity.

Beginning Fall 2013, Eastern Washington University will offer bachelor degree programs in Applied Technology and Interdisciplinary Studies. City University already offers a BA in elementary education and WSU-Vancouver has expressed interest in offering a BS in nursing in the near future. If these changes are predictive of anything, it's that more and more opportunities will soon be available to students in the Lower Columbia region.

Learn More

If you’re a student interested in learning more about the new programs offered by the University Center, check with your advisor. If you’re a returning student interested in a bachelor’s degree, you can contact the LCC Entry Center at info@lowercolumbia.edu.

Moms Honored for Academic Excellence

Every year, the All-Washington Academic Team recognizes outstanding students from communities across the state of Washington.  The award has become highly prestigious to the state’s community and technical colleges because it praises academic excellence, sometimes despite personal odds the recipients face.  For a point of reference, David likely would have received the award after he planted the stone in Goliath’s forehead like an Indian bindi.  If he chose to attend a community college, that is.

This year, two mothers with wills of steel and hearts of gold were chosen for the All-Washington Academic Team from Lower Columbia College.  Maryanne Hirning and Michelle Saiz filled the shoes of their academically outstanding predecessors, being honored by Gov. Jay Inslee at a ceremony held in Olympia.  They will both receive $1,000 in scholarships–$500 from Keybank and $500 from the ever-benevolent LCC Foundation.

The following is an excerpt from "Moms Excel in New Roles as College Students" in the 2013 Summer Quarter Class Schedule:

Daughters Drive LCC Studies

LCC President, Chris Bailey, congratulates 2013 Academic
Team member Michelle Saiz while her daughters watch at
the awards ceremony in Olympia.

As a child, Michelle attended 12 different schools, falling behind as she struggled to learn with changing curriculums and an undiagnosed learning disability. She dropped out at age 16 and went to work. After becoming a parent, Michelle realized she didn't have the skills to help her daughter with school and in 2005 earned her GED. Four years later, she began college classes toward a nursing degree because she wanted a career caring for others. With hard work, Michelle has earned a 3.89 GPA, but missed being accepted into the nursing program on her first try. Determined to show her daughters they could do anything they wanted, Michelle dedicated her entire summer to studying to retake the application exams. Her efforts were rewarded with acceptance to the program this spring. Michelle has found time to also teach her daughters the value of community service. She volunteers in the classroom at Kessler elementary and enlisted her family’s’ help with volunteer efforts for rescued PAWS animal adoption organization. “All of the LCC faculty have been extremely helpful,” Michelle said. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” she advises. “Throw yourself out there!”

Faculty Support Aids Success

Maryanne Hirning celebrates with her husband, Ted, and
sons, Nicholas and Jacob, after receiving her medal.

Maryanne will tell you that [hers] is a “love story.” She supported her husband, Ted, through two tours in Iraq and while he earned his master’s degree. She also loves her role as mom to sons nick, 17, and Jacob, 12. So when Maryanne decided to pursue her own dreams, the men in her life gladly returned that love. “We've all made sacrifices.  I've missed some games and dinner often arrives via delivery,” she said. “Now they proofread my papers and are my biggest cheerleaders.” In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Maryanne is serving as an editor of The Salal Review, LCC’s award-winning literary and arts magazine and helping organize the campus Spring Arts Festival. The Kelso mom has continued to volunteer with parent-teacher organizations at Beacon Hill Elementary and Huntington Middle School and with Cowlitz Youth Baseball. Her success at LCC helped Maryanne gain the self-confidence to write a federal matching grant to help low-income youth play baseball. Maryanne chose LCC because it was close to her home, affordable and had a reputation for providing a quality education that would transfer to baccalaureate institutions. She has been admitted to WSU Vancouver to continue studies toward her bachelor’s degree and her dream to become a school librarian. To her delight, she found the campus provides a wealth of other resources including great lectures and art shows for her whole family to enjoy.

Steps to Success ~ Ad Astra Per Aspera

Welded sculpture serves as teaching tool and inspirational decor.

Many people go their whole lives without thinking about welding. It might surprise them to know that welding affects an estimated 50 percent of the US gross national product. Without welding, skyscrapers, bridges, cars, rockets and ships would not exist. (Cary, 1998)

Ad Astra Per Aspera means 'a rough road to the stars'

Welding, at its core, is a way of bonding two pieces of metal together. But for Sam Devere, it's much more than that. Having earning an associate degree in welding, as well an associate in arts transfer degree in economics, he's focused on tutoring students in the welding lab, while nurturing his artistic streak.

As president of the Lower Columbia College Welding Club (which he started in January 2011), he was tasked with creating a sculpture for an evolving space in the Student Center. He and the other club members strategized how to visualize the college's brand by incorporating symbols of learning, higher education, and the 'higher and hire', slogan.


The theme of 'steps' emerged, together with 'books'. Sam felt that books as physical objects were dying, and he wanted to memorialize them.

"Ten years from now, kids will wonder what books looked like", he explained.

From left: Tim Rose, Sam Devere, Stephanie Bradford

and Marjorie Ganos in front of 'Ad Astra Per Aspera'. 

Sam and the welding students practiced essential welding skills while creating the sculpture in LCC's welding lab, then painted it with repurposed colored paints left over from previous projects. They named it 'Ad Astra Per Aspera', a Latin phrase meaning 'a rough road leads to the stars'.

"That phrase is engraved on the memorial plaque commemorating the Apollo 1 spacecraft, and has been associated with many historical characters and events," Sam explained.

"It seemed to fit this project because we are all striving towards something bigger."

Sam plans to pursue his bachelor's degree by transferring to a four-year university at some point in the future. The skills he's learned at LCC in the classroom, by working with people, and by pursuing creative endeavors, will serve him well.

"I'm having fun," he says,"and people are cool with it [the sculpture]."

The Steps to Success ~ Ad Astra Per Aspera sculpture is located on the first floor of the Student Center, just inside the West entrance (doors closest to the Quad).

Sam is passionate about what he's doing, while pursuing his dreams. For that, we salute him!

Reference:
Cary, Howard B. (1998) Modern Welding Technology. 4th Edition. Ohio: Prentice-Hall.

Digital Forensics Certificate Program Begins Winter Quarter

Computers play a prominent role in almost every workplace today to manage financial, and personnel records and communications.

On television and in real life, records and data from electronic communications devices - computers to cell phones - are used to solve questions and crimes. Just like physical evidence at a crime scene, this virtual data must be properly handled to stand up in court.

Lower Columbia College will offer a new certificate program in Digital Forensics starting Winter Quarter 2013 for computer science students, working computing specialists, law enforcement, and security professionals who want to add this specialized training to their resumes.

Businesses, government and non-profit organizations, and law enforcement all need computing specialists trained to handle issues related to these digital activities as they apply to policy, ethics and law.

The four-quarter sequence of courses is designed for individuals with some computer network training or security work experience.

The 18-credit certificate can be used to complete an Associate in Applied Science degree in Information Technology Systems or as a stand-alone certification for those with previous computer network skills.

Students will learn how to:

• Apply digital legal requirements related to the handling of evidence in an investigation.
• Demonstrate proper handling of possible evidence related to investigations following identified digital forensic procedures.
• Demonstrate skills in acquisition, recovery, analysis, and documentation of digital data from digital devices and systems.

Courses will be offered in online and in evening hybrid formats to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

To determine if you qualify to begin the program this winter, based on work experience or college coursework, please contact the LCC Entry Center and ask for Computer Science Instructor David Rosi.

---

Instructor Bio

John Leech is a senior instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He is currently assigned to the Technical Operations Division/Digital Forensics Branch, where he is the program coordinator for the Mac Forensic Training Program (MFTP) and the co-coordinator for the Mobile Device Investigations Program (MDIP). John was previously employed as a Computer Forensic Senior Professional with Computer Sciences Corporation. In that capacity, he was assigned as an instructor for the Department of Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA). At DCITA, John developed and delivered courses for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies engaged in the investigation of high technology crime and intelligence gathering. He has also taught college courses in the areas of Information Technology and forensics.  

Mr. Leech is also a retired law enforcement officer. A veteran police officer with twenty years of service, John spent ten years, as a detective, investigating major crimes. During the course of his career, he acquired more than twenty commendations and letters of appreciation.

John is a Certified Technical Instructor (COMPTIA) who holds many forensic certifications from both government and industry. Mr. Leech also holds a Master's of Science degree in Forensic Studies (IT), a B.S. in Information Technology and an A.A.S. in Interactive Media.

John is a member of the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners, the Northern Ohio Information Technology Roundtable, InfraGard, the High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA), and the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).

Business Student Defies Odds; Puts 2nd Chance on Fast Track

Following a serious logging accident on Valentine’s Day 2007, doctors told Jeremy Fralick’s parents to plan his funeral. Two weeks later, when he awoke from a coma, they told Jeremy he would never walk or talk again. Life, as he knew it, was over.

But Jeremy recovered from his injuries and wasted no time in taking full advantage of his second chance.

A desire to help others led him to become a volunteer firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Castle Rock Fire Department. He also completed an internship with the Longview Fire Department. In addition, he decided to earn a college degree.

Fortunately, the online Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Management at Lower Columbia College is a perfect fit for busy adults.

Online business degree student Jeremy Fralick talks with
Longview City Manager Bob Gregory
at the annual LCC Foundation Scholarship Social.



“It has been a blessing to be part of LCC and a part of the online courses due to my extremely busy schedule,” Fralick said.

 A top student, he received the Baker Lumber Scholarship to help complete his studies in just 18 months and is on track to graduate at the end of Fall quarter.

Students learn the same skills covered in traditional classroom sessions, including accounting, economics, human resources, marketing and other business-related topics. Many of the online courses are offered two or more quarters each year helping students enroll in the classes they need without waiting. Several are also available in an evening hybrid format that includes a once weekly classroom lesson with online work for the remaining assignments.

Business instructor Tim Allwine reports the lion’s share of his students prefer hybrid or online classes. According to his class evaluations, over 60% report working half-time or more and 95% have high speed Internet access at home.

Anyone who has used a Smartphone or made a purchase over the Internet has the computer skills to take his online business courses, Allwine says. “It’s that simple.”

The key to success with online classes is the student’s ability to be self-directed in completing work on time, he notes.To help, Allwine provides assignment deadlines throughout the quarter and makes them clear well in advance.

Inspiring Success Story: Machinist Benjamin Perrigo Gets Hired!

"LCC is a small school with a great vocational program," Benjamin Perrigo, Class of 2012.

Benjamin Perrigo operates equipment in LCC's
Machine Trades lab.

Benjamin Perrigo is a grateful graduate, and excited about his new job at The Leatherman Tool Group in Portland, Oregon, where he's been hired as a Level 2 production machine operator. In his new position he will operate punch presses, grinders and milling machines used to make blades that go into Leatherman tools. 

Benjamin attended LCC on the GI-Bill after serving as petroleum supply specialist in the Army. His job consisted of mechanical work, a field he wanted to continue after leaving the service.

LCC's Machine Trades program was a logical fit. Benjamin wanted to hit the ground running once he obtained his degree, and he'd heard the program gave graduates good preparation for the workforce.

Manufacturing jobs have changed over the last decade, going high tech and requiring workers to have more training and computer skills. It's estimated that within five years as many as 3 million manufacturing jobs will come back to the USA from foreign soil. But they won't be the old-style labor jobs. They'll be high-skill, high-demand positions, the kind that require at least a community college degree.

Which puts LCC's Machine Trades program center stage. Benjamin earned his two-year associate in applied science degree, while learning (and practicing) many of the computer skills that have become necessary in today's manufacturing environment.

"Employers want people who can program, set-up and operate computerized machine tools", Benjamin explained.

Machine Trades instructor Kam Todd continues to enhance the college's reputation for training machinists who, upon graduating, enter the workforce with competitive skills designed to give them an edge.

At the end of Spring quarter Benjamin was voted 'Outstanding Machine Trade Student' for 2012. He also credits LCC for assisting him with his Post-9/11 GI-Bill benefits, without which he would not have been able to reach his educational goals after serving his country.

"I got amazing help from Financial Aid staff. LCC is a Veteran-friendly college" he said!

Learn more about Veterans Services at Lower Columbia College.
Learn more about Machine Trades programs at Lower Columbia College.

Benjamin Perrigo operates computerized machinery

Benjamin Perrigo and a student work in the lab.

Inspiring Success Story: LCC-City U Education Grad 'Going Home' to Teach

As early as 8th grade, Tim Shampoe was inspired by his own teachers to consider a career in education.

Tim Shampoe and son Jaiden visit the City U offices at LCC.

But life intervened. He served in the military, traveled the world, got married and became the father of three sons. Tim was successful at a variety of jobs in sales and volunteered as a motivational speaker for military groups and schools, to steer young people away from addictive behaviors.

Shortly after the family moved to Longview, he lost his job due to the economy. A friend recommended LCC as a college that was very supportive of veterans.

Thanks to a partnership between LCC and City University of Seattle, Tim is realizing his dream of teaching. After finishing his associate degree at LCC, in Fall 2010 he became part of the first cohort to enroll in the new Elementary Education and Teacher Certification program.

 

Ready for His New Job

Tim completed his CityU coursework this spring and has already found a job teaching fifth grade and coaching the Knowledge Bowl team at the same White Salmon Elementary School he attended as a youngster.

“It’s like going home again!” he said.

The eight-quarter program met locally on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturdays. Students also completed online assignments and lessons.

“The evening and weekend classes allowed more time for my family, plus I didn’t have to drive a long distance,” Shampoe said.

Classes were taught by area teachers who held master’s degrees.

“The local teachers with expertise in Special Education, Math and History really knew their stuff!” Tim said.

He also praised the staff at Castle Rock Elementary, where he completed student teaching, for helping him succeed.

Students chose either Elementary Education or Special Education and then selected a second area – Elementary Education, Special Education, Mathematics, Reading, or English Language Learners. The second endorsement qualified graduates to teach classes in those subjects through grade 12.

Two Endorsements

“The dual endorsement really increases the marketability of the graduates,” Tim said.

15 of the 17 students who began the program two years ago graduated with other CityU students at a regional ceremony in Seattle on June 16.

Students interested in joining the next CityU cohort in Elementary Education at LCC may contact: Ann Williamson at awilliamson@lowercolumbia.edu 360.442.2892, or Paul Denhert at PDehnert@cityu.edu for more information.