Owensboro Community and Technical College

Low self-esteem can negatively affect various aspects of your life, including your relationships, your academic pursuits, and your health. Learn steps to boost your self-esteem. Presented by Barb Tipmore, Director of Counseling Services

Do you know how to use MLA citations in your essays? Mary Bruner will provide an overview of the latest MLA styles.

Dr. Jim Glenn will provide pratical strategies on how to save money when you don't have much to begin with in this informative session

Students attended the Dynamic Leadership Institute (Phase 1): Personal Development, presented by David Powers, Career & Workforce Development Coordinator for Western Kentucky University Owensboro. This is a three phase process

Students attended OCTC's will celebration of Constitution Day with a presentation titled "Freedom of Speech: Limitations & Expectations." The presentation and panel discussion featured OCTC faculty member, Nicole Nacey, and Owensboro Human Relations Commission Executive Director, Sylvia Coleman. On Constitution Day, we recognize the anniversary of the nation's constitution and the efforts and responsibilities of all citizens. In the summer of 1787, delegates convened in Philadelphia to create "a more perfect union" and to craft the country's constitution. They worked to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom, taking into account national and state interests, as well as individual human rights. The delegates signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. By June 21, 1788, the Constitution was ratified, having been approved by nine of the 13 states. Efforts to recognize citizens and the Constitution began in 1939, when newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst advocated a day to celebrate US Citizenship. In 1940 Congress created "I Am an American Day" to be celebrated on the third Sunday in May. On February 29, 1952, President Harry Truman signed into law "Citizenship Day." It was established to replace "I Am an American Day." On August 2, 1956, Congress requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week." One additional change was made to the event when a federal law enacted in December 2004 designated September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."

Student attended an Informational Open House regarding first time home buying. This event was sponosored by the Greater Owensboro Realtor Association.

Do you always feel as if there is no time to do what matters to you the most? Learn strategies to help find more time and see how you can manage your time more effectively.

This scavenger hunt, sponsored by the OCTC Learning Resource Center (LRC), TRAC, and the OCTC Common Reading Committee, invites participants to locate 17 "cameras," like the cameras in the Common Reading Fall 17 book - The Circle, by Dave Eggers.

Met with a representative from the University of Louisville to discuss transfer opportunitites.

As part of the Common Reading's Dystopian focus this semester, students, facutly and staff took a trip to the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville, KY, to see The Hunger Games Exhibition, an interactive exhibit of costumes, props, and displays related to the film.

Students attended a presentation about the dystopian genre, its history, other related terms, and how it all applies to this semester's Common Reading, The Circle. Presented by: Tonya Northenor, Associate Professor.

Attended OCTC's Fall 17 Student Fest event on the Main Campus. Students were able to explore different services provided by OCTC, as well as talk with representatives from local organizations that provide resources for OCTC students.

Completed career inventories with Katie Ballard and began career exploration.

This student is being recognized for being in the Administrative Office Technology program.

On March 20, students attended a presentation hosted by Attorney General Andy Beshear and New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, Inc. Attorney General Beshear talked with the students about his campaign #voiceofjustice that he hopes will raises awareness and bring transparency for campus sexual assault. The #voiceofjustice contest is a student produced video competition, where the participants recorded 30 second videos regarding campus sexual assault awareness.

Students attended the Dynamic Leadership Institute (Phase 1): Personal Development, presented by David Powers, Career & Workforce Development Coordinator for Western Kentucky University Owensboro. This phase included: PHASE 1 (four personal development and self-awareness sessions) Understanding Personality Differences This session utilizes the Myers Briggs Type Indicator to help participants better understand individual personality preferences and to improve the manner in which they relate to other personality types. Participants will learn strategies to intentionally "manage" and "use" their personality more effectively when trying to influence others. Type implications on leadership and supervision are a focus. Effective Communication The key to effective communication is the art of listening. This session provides participants with a better understanding of communication interference and presents practices that help eliminate the various "noises" we must overcome to be a good communicator. Emphasized in this program is the role context plays in the communication process, and participants are encouraged to modify the way they communicate to fit the context of the audience. Problem Solving Participants practice small group problem solving to gain a better understanding of team dynamics. They learn practices that enhance their influence within small groups and gain insight on how to address group member conflict and non-functional behavior. Through team activity, participants become more knowledgeable about the problem solving process and dealing with "difficult" people. Diversity Awareness -Global Beads The role diversity plays in leadership and influence is presented. Participants are encouraged to become intentional in their experience of diversity and to gain a greater understanding of cultural differences. The importance of culturally literacy and the appreciation and value various types (ethnic, gender, age, thought, personality...) of diversity are emphasized.

Learn tips on how to get your resume noticed when applying for a job.Bring in some notes (work history dates and locations, high school dates, list of skills, etc.) and let Lindsey Greer, TRiO Advisor, help you create and customize a functioning resume.

Explore the nature area with Dr. Micah Perkins from the OCTC Biology Department. April 11, 2017

Do you have the skills needed to be a good team member? Learn what it takes to be a valuable member of a team while having fun.

Explore the nature area with Dr. Micah Perkins from the OCTC Biology Department. April 10, 2017

Low self-esteem can negatively affect various aspects of your life, including your relationships, your academic pursuits, and your health. Learn steps to boost your self-esteem. Presented by Barb Tipmore on March 30, 2017

Owensboro Community & Technical College hosted nationally renowned speaker Josh Davies, on Friday, March 17, in the Humanities Building on the main campus. Davies presented "Give Employers What They Want: Work Ethic". "This is just one way we can give back to the community, to share a speaker of this caliber will help our students, faculty and staff, but can also have ramifications for the broader community" added OCTC President, Dr. Scott Williams. "A real focus of our efforts are soft skills, and professional behaviors in the workplace, and Davies is an expert in this field." According to the Center for Work Ethic Development, "Employers are hiring talent based on soft skills like attitude and ambition, 9 out of 10 say the most important factor in hiring is work ethic. The challenge is that less than 1 in 5 candidates have these skills. While these foundational behaviors are the top traits that hiring managers are looking for in candidates, almost all job training is focused on academic and technical skills. New research shows that these behaviors can be learned, and make a huge difference in employability and retention. Work ethic behaviors are the key to workplace performance, and The Center for Work Ethic Development is the nation's only institution focusing on the research and advancement of them. Through interviews with over 1,500 employers, we have developed the strategies to build these behaviors in people from 16 to 60. Discover the secrets that The Center for Work Ethic Development is using to help educators, workforce development centers, and private companies build the seven behaviors of work ethic. This engaging and interactive presentation showcases simple training and leadership approaches that yield lasting results. Discover cutting-edge tactics for building the foundational behaviors of work ethic, and give employers what they really want!" By the end of the session, participants were be able to: Understand the concepts of work ethic See the impact of the work ethic gap in America Apply at least three tactics to improve work ethic Davies is currently the CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development. He is a published author and is frequently cited in national publications, including the New York Times. He chairs the Colorado Education and Training Steering Committee. Training Magazine recently named him as one of the top 10 trainers under 40 in America. To learn more about Mr. Davies please visit: https://workethic.org/team/

Employers want their potential employees to have soft skills. This workshop will explain a variety of soft skills that employees are looking for and how you can develop and strengthen those skills. Presented by Mary Bruner on March 29, 2017

Attended a student discussion with OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams. Sponsored by the OCTC Student Government Association (SGA). February 23, on the Main Campus.

In honor of Black History Month, OCTC Facutly Matt Alschbach hosted a presentation titled: Muhammad Ali: A Life of Perseverance, Principles, & Activism. Alschbach examined what Ali stood for and how he capitalized on his celebrity to bring attention to causes he felt worthy. "Muhammad Ali was more than just a great sports figure, he was a man of principle and practice." commented Alschbach. He added, "I've always enjoyed teaching KY History and he is a prominent figure that we explore."

The Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI) of WKU-Owensboro is a three phase program designed to teach participants interpersonal skills, leadership dynamics, and career/professional development strategies. The program strives to enhance self-awareness regarding personal strengths and weaknesses; to create a better understanding of leadership and influence; to develop stronger leadership and interpersonal skills; and to sharpen participants' professional skills. ***Resume Development: Best practices for resume development are covered, including: completion of a resume organizer or professional inventory, choosing the proper resume format, highlighting your strengths in relation to a position description, selection of references, and other technical tips. Networking/Leadership Interview: Participants learn effective strategies for building a professional network, including: the "Why?", "How?", and "Where?" of networking, networking strategies for introverts, utilizing social media as a networking tool, developing an "elevator" pitch, and the art of making introductions. Participants conduct an interview with a community leader for the purpose of practicing their professional skills and building a professional network. Interviewing: Included in this session is an overview of interview preparation and best practices, including: research and preparation, appropriate dress, behaviors that are desired and ones that deter from the interview, the value of interview follow-up. Participants learn how to prepare for one-on-one and panel interviews formats through "hands-on" experience. Professional Growth Plan: Participants utilize assessments and exercises to develop a professional growth plan based on the strengths and weaknesses identified in previous sessions.

The Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI) of WKU-Owensboro is a three phase program designed to teach participants interpersonal skills, leadership dynamics, and career/professional development strategies. The program strives to enhance self-awareness regarding personal strengths and weaknesses; to create a better understanding of leadership and influence; to develop stronger leadership and interpersonal skills; and to sharpen participants' professional skills. **DLI defines leadership as the ability to influence others through one's personal power. Self-awareness, communication skills, emotion management, the ability to effectively work with others, effective decision making, leadership adaptability and problem solving represent some of the factors that influence one's personal power.

Rebecca Thwaites will demonstrate how to sew a plushie -- a soft animal. Participants will leave with a hand-sewn project that they created. Presented on March 27, 2017

Learn tips on how to get your resume noticed when applying for a job. Presented by Katie Ballard on March 27, 2017.

Job applicants need to dress to impress at a job interview. If you never mastered the skill of tying a tie, Mike Rodgers, Interim VP of Academic Affairs and Director of Advancement, will not only show you some pointers but also offer advice on how to dress for success. Presented on March 23, 2017