EPCE Online Newsletter
Welcome to the July 2008 issue of EPCE Online, with news and information from the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE).
Table of Contents
- Registration - Use the dog days of summer to further your career
- Student Story - Julie Landes doubled her salary after receiving her degree
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering - New partnership with Clemson University!
- Save Money - NO GAS required for online programs
- Provider News - Excelsior College forms first virtual ANS Chapter
- Industry News - 67% of Americans support new nuclear power plants
- Member News - IBEW Renewable Power & Earth Day
Enroll now for online courses!
Join the growing number of adult learners who are taking the first step to further their career. By enrolling at one of EPCE’s top rated universities you too could be on the fast track to success.
Find out more about these online education opportunities designed for careers in the electric and nuclear power industries at the Overview of EPCE Courses and Programs.
Don't forget, tuition for these programs is discounted through EPCE!
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“I enrolled in the EPCE online educational program specifically to advance within OG&E. I’m happy to say that since receiving my AAS degree, I have been promoted and as a result have doubled my salary." Julie Landes |
Julie began working for OG&E roughly three years ago as a Drafter. She found that she enjoyed the energy industry but wasn't satisfied with her limited understanding of electrical theory or her position within the company. Co-workers, supervisors, and Human Resource personnel encouraged Julie to consider enrolling in EPCE's online educational offerings through Bismarck State College.
According to Julie, "I chose the EPCE / BSC program for several of reasons. I knew I needed industry-specific college courses to advance at OG&E. I also knew that with two small children online courses were my only option. Plus, the fact that my employer endorsed and advocated the program made it a no-brainer."
When asked to elaborate regarding BSC Julie said, "The instructors were very well informed and extremely flexible." She cited an example of when her husband was injured and required her fulltime attention. Her instructor worked with her to extend assignment and test deadlines allowing her to care for her family but still complete her coursework.
Julie's situation was different from many of her peers as she already held a BA degree in English, History, and Art and was well on her way to earning her Master's. What she lacked was industry-specific knowledge that she could directly parlay into her work. "If it weren't for EPCE, I wouldn't be in my current position. The program has allowed me to reposition myself with knowledge and technical expertise that I otherwise wouldn't have had."
New Online B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University
Since technology is ever changing and expanding, the need for electrical engineers is always growing. Engineering knowledge is highly valued in the industry, with many positions requiring electrical engineering expertise. This is why EPCE is excited to announce a unique opportunity for those interested in pursuing an online ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree at Clemson University.
Clemson & EPCE have worked together to offer this new degree and are in the process of selecting the first group of students to start the online engineering courses. This online degree is dependent upon filling the first class. Get involved now to help shape the future of this program.
To start the engineering classes, students need to have completed a series of prerequisite courses. Those who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree in math, physics, or other engineering discipline will likely have already completed the prerequisites. Others will be able to take these courses at an approved college or university either locally or online.
Visit the BSEE program page on the EPCE website for program information and the list of prerequisites. Please let us know if your interest in the program so we can keep you informed about developments in this new online program.
Get an energy industry education, online -- NO GAS required!
Do you need yet another reason to enroll in an EPCE sponsored online degree program? Well think about how much money you could save if you weren’t driving to and from school? With the current gas prices you may want to consider one of the EPCE programs.
Become a student!
Become a student!
A recent New York Times article reveals huge increases in online enrollments at colleges across the country with gas prices being the main reason. The article also pointed out that, "Once an incidental expense, fuel for commuting to campus now costs some students half of what they pay for tuition, in some cases more."
Read the NY Times Article
Read the NY Times Article
Excelsior College forms first virtual American Nuclear Society (ANS) Chapter
Excelsior College is one of the newest charter members of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and the first virtual chapter. This allows students of the EPCE sponsored B.S. in Nuclear Engineering Technology to tap into valuable nuclear industry resources that include job opportunities as well as current industry news and trends.
The purpose of ANS is to promote the awareness and understanding of the application of nuclear science and technology. The ANS is comprised of over 11,000 engineers, scientists, administrators, and educators working together to create a place to share common ideas regarding the nuclear science and technology.
Industry News - 67% of Americans support the construction of new nuclear power plants
Two-thirds of Americans (67%) said they support the construction of new nuclear power plants in the U.S. The survey conducted by Zogby Interactive, a public opinion research company, also finds that the majority of respondens believe that nuclear, solar, and wind as the options that should receive federal financial support.
The majority of those surveyed were also more likely to support a nuclear power plant in their own community rather than a coal, natural gas or oil plant.
The majority of those surveyed were also more likely to support a nuclear power plant in their own community rather than a coal, natural gas or oil plant.
The first Earth Day was celebrated nationwide on April 22, 1970. Since its creation people have become more aware of our environment and the strains we put upon it. In 1970, President Nixon created the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, and over the past 38 years numerous conservation acts have been passed and planting a tree has become a common school activity every April 22. Therefore, it is no surprise that the IBEW is actively promoting renewable energy.
On April 22, 2008 the IBEW Local 99 in Providence, R.I. displayed the largest solar energy array in the state at their Union headquarters. Business Manager Allen P. Durand stated, "We’re trying to jump-start a renewable energy epidemic." They are encouraging local students to come to the Union hall and learn more about renewable energy. Currently, the Union has a three tier system that includes 242 panels with a capacity of 50 kilowatts. Local 99 also offers suggestions to decrease the cost of solar panels for the residents of Rhode Island by using federal and state tax credits.
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