NMC Weekly Update - May 26th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE






Hafa Adai, Tirowami and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

PRESIDENT THANKS ORGANIZERS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMMENCEMENT
The NMC commencement this past Saturday was a joyful occasion for NMC’s students, faculty, and staff to celebrate with our community and to rejoice in our most important purpose: providing the means and opportunity for our students to achieve their personal educational goals! This commencement was especially rewarding because one of our own, Dr. Debra Cabrera, was chosen by our graduating students to be the keynote speaker. As Dr. Cabrera’s colleagues, we can all take pride in this special recognition and important institutional celebration.

President Tony DeLeon Guerrero thanks the Graduation Planning Committee, the Decoration Team, and our Administrative Services Team, as well as the Admissions Office staff and other members of our Student Development unit for the superb job they did. They worked over a period of several weeks with the graduating students and student volunteers preparing for this culminating event of our academic year. This occasion is when we splendidly showcase ourselves to the public, and reflect upon the very special role each of us plays in the betterment of our island community and in “improving the quality of life for the individual and for the Commonwealth as a whole,” as our NMC mission states.

The President, on behalf of our NMC Board of Regents and entire college community, sincerely appreciates the organizers’ collective efforts in making our 2006 Commencement Exercises a huge success and memorable event. Un sen dangkulu na si Yu’us ma’ase!


SUMMER 2006 ENROLLMENT INFORMATION (as of May 25, 2006)
Overall Headcount: 229, FTE: 212, Credits: 1,271; Summer Session I Headcount: 117, FTE: 85, Credits: 509; Regular Session Headcount: 59, FTE: 40, Credits: 239; Extended Session Headcount: 77, FTE: 63, Credits: 377, Summer Session II Headcount: 31, FTE: 24, Credits: 146.

May 26, 2006 is the last day to Add/Drop for Summer Regular and Extended sessions. Summer Session II is Open for Registration up to June 30, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please see your Academic Advisor for assistance. For more information, please call the Admissions & Records Office at 234-5498, extensions 1523/28/39.


A TASTE OF AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL)
Instructors/Presenters: Ms. Jan Fried, Associate Professor and Mr. Roy Balantac, Instructor, at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and Kapi'olani Community College, respectively, will be teaching here at NMC this Summer.

This is a FREE workshop, open to the community. The workshop is scheduled for May 30-31and June 2, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Building D at the NMC As Terlaje Campus. Ms. Fried and Mr. Balantac will also be presenting at the Garapan Street Market on June 1, 2006.

If you are interested in learning more about American Sign Language and receiving credit for it, NMC has created a Summer Session class entitled SL101-01, Introduction to Sign Language, from June 5 thru July 14th, Monday thru Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 4:55 p.m. Mr. Roy Balanctac will be the instructor.

This event is sponsored by Northern Marianas College University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). For more information, please call Ms. Josephine Fejeran, Ms. Laureen Manibusan or Ms. Dawn Revilla at 234-5498, extensions 1010 or 1030.


THE WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve our President and explore public service. They are seeking exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to normal office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer.

All candidates must be at least 18 years of age, hold United States citizenship, and be enrolled in a college or university. Please explore the White House Intern Website for additional information at information at at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html. To apply, read and complete the White House Intern Application. A strong application includes the following:
• sound academic credentials
• history of community involvement and leadership
• solid verbal/written communication skills
• demonstrated interest in public service

Completed application materials must be submitted to Karen Race, Deputy Director and Intern Coordinator in the office of White House Personnel, at intern_application@whitehouse.gov prior to the following deadlines:
• Applications due June 16, 2006 for FALL 2006 term – (September 5 to December 15, 2006)
• Applications due October 13, 2006 for SPRING 2007 term – (January 9 to May 11, 2007)

If you have questions you may contact Karen Race by phone, (202) 456-5979 or by e-mail to intern_application@whitehouse.gov.


SUMMER 2006 COMMUNITY COURSES FROM CDI

Meeting Management
This course teaches participants to run effective and efficient meetings. Learn how to plan and evaluate meetings, effectively prepare and use an agenda, and increase participation and teamwork while increasing commitment to organization-wide decisions. 5 Hours, 0.5 CEUs, June 20—June 29, Tues/Thurs, 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Room A-6, $45.00 (Register by June 15)

Taking Effective Minutes
This course teaches students how to record, write up, and present minutes effectively. Learn the role of the minute taker in meetings and how to take minutes and prepare meeting papers.
5 Hours, 0.5 CEUs, July 24— July 28, Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Room W-3, $50.00 (Register by July 20)

Microsoft Excel I
Learn how to create workbooks; enter data; format cells; perform simple calculations; manipulate formulas; add cell borders and shading; insert and remove cells, rows, and columns; print workbooks; create charts; and add graphics to worksheets. 10 Hours, 1.0 CEUs
June 19—June 23, Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Room W-3, $85.00 (Register by June 8)

Project LIFE (Ages 12-14)
Four-week leadership development program. Students will build self-confidence, develop a personal leadership philosophy, enhance career opportunity awareness, and create a pathway for lifelong personal development. July 5—July 28, Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room A-3, Tuition: $150

Passport to College (Ages 15-17)
Four-week developmental program designed to assist high school students in their pursuit of a college or university degree. Topics include College Life Skills, Career Planning, College Prep English, College-level, Writing/Speech, and College Prep Mathematics. June 26—July 21, Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room D-1, Tuition: $200

Portraiture for Adults
June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.,10 Hours, 1.0 CEUs. $100.00 - materials included (Register by June 21)

Conversational English
This is a fundamental course in conversational English; it is designed to be practical and functional. Students participate in regular conversational drills to enhance their ability to speak and understand spoken English. 20
20 Hours, 2.0 CEUs
July 17—August 7, Mon/Wed/Fri
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Room A-9
$150.00 (Register by July 13 )

Children’s Art Class
June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26,
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
$100.00 - materials included
(Register by June 21 )

These are short courses designed to improve individual knowledge and skills. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certificates are awarded to each registered student who completes all course requirements.

Full payment is required to be registered and admitted to class. To register, visit us in Building P, NMC Saipan. For additional information, call 234-5498 exts. 1005, 1030, 1014 or send an email to compass@nmcnet.edu.

Free Computer Skills Assessment
Do you want to know your computer skill level? Take a free skill test that will assess your working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Call CDI at 234-5498 extension 1030 to schedule your assessment.

Join our client list! If you would like us to fax or e-mail you a copy of our schedules as they are printed, call 234-5498 extensions 1005, 1030, 1014 or send an e-mail to compass@nmcnet.edu

Community Development Institute (CDI) offers lifelong learning opportunities, including professional development training and personal enrichment courses.
• Language Development Courses (English, Japanese, Chinese, Etc.)
• Customized Training
• Contract Training
• Short Term Courses
• Computer Training
• Summer Youth Programs
• Baccalaureate & Graduate Degree Courses from partner institutions
• SROTC
• Recreational Courses (Music, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Fitness)


BUSINESS WORKSHOPS, Sponsored by NMC SBDC & CDA (9th ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS MONTH – SAIPAN

Monday, June 5th, 9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
“Essential Skills of Leadership” Workshop by Ken Shankweiler, Ph.D.

Wednesday, June 7th , 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
“Delegating” Workshop by Ken Shankweiler, Ph.D.

Tuesday, June 27th, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
“Resolving Conflicts” Workshop by Rik Villegas

Wednesday, June 28th , 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
“Managing Complaints” Workshop by Rik Villegas

Registration time for workshops: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. For more information or to register right away, please contact NMC SBDC at 235-1551. Fee: $20.00 Per Workshop. All Workshops to be held at the NMC SBDC Conference Room, Building T.

Have a Safe and Super Memorial Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - May 19th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE




Hafa Adai, Tirowami, and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

NMC’s 2006 Graduation Ceremony
NMC’s 26th Commencement Exercises will begin at 4:00 p.m., tomorrow, Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the American Memorial Park’s Amphitheatre. The following is the breakdown on the number of graduates at NMC for Spring 2006: Saipan = 148; Tinian = 34; and Rota =7.

Volunteers are working hard today to ensure tomorrow’s big event goes smoothly for our proud 2006 graduates. All NMC Graduates and staff are asked to be present no later than 3:30 p.m. to be comfortably placed and ready to begin on time.

NMC Welcomes New Mathematics Instructor
Hafa Adai to Robert (Bob) Gravina and his wife Shuhua Wang who arrived from Nashua, New Hampshire on May 9th. Bob joins the Science, Mathematics, Health & Athletics Department as a full-time Mathematics instructor. Bob has spent forty years full-time/part time as a mathematics/computer science chair/professor in both undergraduate/graduate departments at Northeastern University-Boston, MA, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, MA, Rivier College-Nashua, NH, the University of London- England in the Institute of Education, and the University of Tanzania at Dar Es Salaam, Africa.

Coupled with his extensive academic background, he has held the post of training manager/consultant for Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, the Cushing Practice, Global Knowledge Network and ProAct Business Development. He has delivered training in Hong Kong, France, Sweden, Ireland, England, Brazil and the U.S. He was a major in the U.S. Army Ordinance /Special Forces as an explosive expert. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His adventurous nature and interests in cultural nuances brought him and his wife to Saipan.

Bob has been thrilled to meet the members of the Saipan Community. He states: “Everyone has been courteous, helpful, supportive, genuine and positive. Si Yu’us Ma’ase for the opportunity to work with your sons and daughters and guiding them to achieve their goals. The wealth of any nation is its people. NMC has given its staff the honor and responsibility to educate its most important resource- its students.”

Welcome aboard Bob!

Financial Aid Presentation and Workshop
The Financial Aid Office did a PowerPoint presentation and workshop for ongoing as well as new NMC students on May 15, 2006, at the Student Center. There were two parts to the presentation. The first part consisted of information on available federal, state, and local financial aid that are out there for students to apply, how students can retain their financial aid, and what to look out for when searching for financial aid. The second part was on how to fill out the 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

There were seven (7) students who attended the workshop. FAO had anticipated more, but students may have already applied prior to this date or will wait for later. The students were very attentive and had many good questions, which the FAO staff was able to answer. Some of them forgot to bring their 2005 1040s so they were asked to come visit the FAO during the next several days with their 1040s to complete their application.

The students were also informed that Pell awards take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to process. The most frequent misconception students have is that once they apply for financial aid (FAFSA) they are automatically awarded. This is not the case. Applying only tells the student if they are eligible or not based on their EFC number. The FAO has to verify all applications before the student is awarded. The awarding period is when the FAO sends out the award letters to students. This is why the Financial Aid Office again, encourages all students who plan to enroll at NMC this Fall 2006 to apply as early as possible in order to be awarded during registration period. Deadline to apply for Fall 2006 Pell is on Sept. 8, 2006.


Appreciation for Marianas-Japan Cultural and Educational Exchange Night
To promote inter-institutional relationships, NMC hosted a total of 350 students and 50 chaperones from our sister schools in Japan at the Civic Center Basketball Court on May 12, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This social event gave our NMC students and employees an opportunity to interact with our sister schools and formed stronger bonds between our respective educational institutions.

Our NMC Planning Committee under the leadership of their Chairperson, Dean Jeanette Villagomez, worked diligently to ensure that this event was enjoyable and successful. The President extends his sincere appreciation to all those NMC employees and students who helped to make this event the splendid success that it was, whether your contribution was as a part of the committee that planned and participated in carrying it out or whether you showed your support primarily by your attendance. Thank you yan un sen dangkulu na si Yu’us ma’ase para todus I ayudun miyu!

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - May 12th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE




Hafa Adai, Tirowami, and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

NMC has a Complete Board of Regents
The CNMI Senate held its regular session on May 11, 2006 at the Tinian Court House. On the agenda was the confirmation hearing for newly appointed Regent Member Mrs. Maria “Malua” Peter. Regent Peter was confirmed by a unanimous vote, making her the seventh member to the NMC Board of Regents.

Regent Peter’s appointment and senate confirmation fills the final vacant seat on the Board. Regent Peter brings to the Board her many years of educational service and experience as a public servant. She will be a great addition to the NMC Board of Regents. It was in late October of 2005 that four NMC Board of Regents Members term expired. NMC President Tony DeLeon Guerrero said “I will like to express our institutional gratitude and appreciation to Ms. Maggie Olopai-Taitano, Ms. Abbie Cing-Cabrera, Mr. Galvin Guerrero and Mr. Jose Sablan (George Pitu) for their services and contributions as NMC Regents. Our entire college community members are forever grateful for all their individual and collective efforts in improving NMC’s Programs and Services.”

The Current NMC Board of Regent Members are Chairperson Kimberlyn King-Hinds; Regent Elaine H. Orilla; Regent Eloise Furey; Regent Dr. Rita H. Inos; Regent Linsa F. Lizama; Regent Charles V. Cepeda; Regent Maria “Malua” Peter; Honorary Student Member Rose Marie Jones; Honorary Staff Member Lorraine Cabrera; and Honorary Faculty Member David Rumptz.

New Enrollment for Government Health Insurance
The Government Health Insurance has just informed us that there will be a new enrollment period because of a recent change in their third party administrator. The Government Health Insurance will no longer be associated with HPMR, but with another insurance called Aenta Global Benefits (AGB).

Because the plan has been modified to include improved benefits and new premium rates, all current members must re-enroll and complete the new Group Health Insurance Enrollment Form to continue your health insurance benefit. Failure to re-enroll will automatically terminate coverage under prior enrollment, effective July 1, 2006. For those employees who are not enrolled or have been denied enrollment in the prior program, this is the opportunity to enroll.

The enrollment period will start May 16, 2006 - June 15, 2006. Please visit the Government Health Insurance office at the Retirement Building located in Capital Hill.

For NMC Tinian and Rota employees, please visit your respective CNMI Retirement Offices for enrollment.

Jack Kiyoshi from HRO will be scheduling a date and time for the CNMI Government Group Health Insurance to conduct an employee orientation with NMC employees soon. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact Dolores Moore or Ray Deleon Guerrero at the Government Health Insurance Office: 664-8026.

Financial Aid Workshop for Students
The Financial Aid Office will be holding a Financial Aid Powerpoint Workshop and Presentation for all new and ongoing NMC students on Monday (May 15, 2006) at 10:30am at the Student Center. The workshop will consist of two parts. The first part is on financial aid information such as what types of aid are available, how to retain your financial aid status, and what to look out for when searching for financial aid. The second part is on how to fill out the 2006-2007 FAFSA (for those students who haven't done so yet). We advise all students to bring a copy of their 2005 1040 tax returns (if they filed already) and a pen. The workshop will be about an hour long. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact Ms. Daisy P. Manglona-Propst, Financial Aid Program Officer at tel. no.234-5498 ext.1527 or via email to daisym@nmcnet.edu.

Marianas History Class Presentation
Marianas History class will be making a presentation at 4:00 p.m. today (May 12th) at the Student Center on recent developments with oral histories conducted by the students on how the Japanese Jail was run during the Japanese administration. They have been some very interesting developments as a result of this research project. Everyone is welcome to attend.

New Director of Institutional Effectiveness beginning May 15th
Robert Churney is originally from southern California and has spent 22 years as an educator in the Pacific. He has an M.A. in International Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He first came to the Pacific as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji where he worked as a vocational teacher for the Ministry of Social Welfare. After the Peace Corps, Robert worked as an international trade policy analyst for the California Governor’s Office. He then returned to the Pacific and worked as an institutional researcher and social science instructor at the American Samoa Community College. Later, he taught social sciences at the Palau Community College before moving on to the College of Micronesia-FSM in Pohnpei. At the College of Micronesia-FSM he was Social Science Department Chair for many years and was extensively involved in student learning outcome-based assessment. Robert is married, his wife Arieta is a Fijian and also an educator; they have two sons, Robert Jr. and Jonathan, who are college students.

Marianas-Japan Cultural and Educational Exchange Night
NMC will be hosting two of our sister schools from Japan tonight. A total of 350 students, and 50 chaperones from Japan will be visiting the CNMI. Our NMC family will be hosting our guests at the Civic Center Basketball Court/Sabalu Market Grounds from 6pm to 10pm. This event will give our NMC family a great opportunity to interact with our sister schools and allow us to make stronger bonds between our respective educational institutions.

This inter-institutional event is intended to strengthen international friendship, goodwill, cultural understanding, and academic ties between NMC, Seisa Group and Oshima Gakuen.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this event or would like to volunteer or donate, please contact our Planning Committee Chairperson, Dean Jeannette Villagomez at 234-5498 ext.1347. Thank you!

NMC President Invited to Hiroshima
NMC President Tony V. DeLeon Guerrero is invited by the Chairman and Principal of Koryo High School (KHS) to attend the institution’s 110th Anniversary Celebration from May 16-18, in Hiroshima, Japan. The Board of Regents Chairperson, Kim Hinds, approved for the President to travel and represent NMC and participate in the 110th Anniversary Celebration Commemorating the founding of Koryo High School, a prestigious private school in Hiroshima. The travel expenses incurred by the NMC President will be covered by Koryo High School. NMC and KHS signed a Sister-School Agreement on January 17th, 2005.

Prior to going to Hiroshima, the President will be spending a couple of days (May 13-15) in Nagoya to meet with individuals interested to collaborate with NMC in bringing Japanese students to the CNMI. President DeLeon Guerrero will also be signing a Memorandum of Agreement to promote academic ties and cultural exchange programs between Shogen Junior College and NMC. The official meeting with Dr. Sogen Yamakawa, President of Shogen Junior College, is scheduled for May 15th.

This trip to Japan by the NMC President will advance the college’s effort to promote educational partnerships and marketing interests to attract Japanese students to enroll at NMC as well as to expand study abroad opportunities for NMC and CNMI students.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - May 5th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE





Hafa Adai, Tirowami, and Greetings Everyone!

S0297 Student Presentations
On Thursday evening, May 4, nearly 60 students in Sam McPhetres’ Current Issues Class presented final reports on four research projects they elected to do over the 2006 Spring Semester. These projects included a complete survey of the Garapan tourist district done at the request of the new Saipan Zoning Board. Apparently, this is the first such survey to include infrastructure, types of businesses and uses of the area. The students themselves had some very interesting experiences conducting this project.

The National Park Service (NPS) requested a survey be done of visitors to the new Visitor Center at the American Memorial Park. Ten (10) students worked together to conduct the survey and prepared a report for the NPS. A third group concentrated on developing a new survey of understanding by the population of issues surrounding Article XII. The fourth group conducted a survey of the Northern Marianas College campus on suicide awareness and prevention.

Each of these student groups had prepared PowerPoint presentations along with handouts for the special guests who were invited. Each group was responsible for inviting persons from the community who are involved in their particular issues. The press was also invited. Each of the reports will be finalized and turned over to the responsible agency with whatever data has been collected. Copies of the PowerPoint's and reports will be on file for the academic community and students at the Commonwealth Archives on campus.

Projects conducted over the past couple of years included a survey for the Office of the Public Auditor, Public Attitudes toward the Legislature and Government, survey of Tourism in the Northern Marianas, a Study on the Impact of Poker Establishments on Saipan, Unexploded World II Ordinance and Various Environmental Issues. Projects are selected by individual classes. They take the place of individual research papers and individuals are graded on their degree of participation and contributions.

On May 12, at 4 p.m. in the student center, the Northern Marianas History Class will present a report on efforts to gather oral histories of persons who have personal knowledge of the Japanese Jail in Garapan during the Japanese administration. There were some very revealing new data discovered. The college community and general public are welcome to this student presentation.

Marianas-Japan Cultural and Educational Exchange Night
On May 12, 2006, NMC will be hosting two of our sister schools from Japan. A total of 350 students, and 50 chaperones from Japan will be visiting the CNMI. Our NMC family will be hosting our guests at the Civic Center Basketball Court/Sabalu Market Grounds from 6pm to 10pm. This event will give our NMC family a great opportunity to interact with our sister schools and allow us to make stronger bonds between our respective educational institutions.

This inter-institutional event is intended to strengthen international friendships, goodwill, cultural understanding, and academic ties between NMC, Seisa Group and Oshima Gakuen.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this event or would like to volunteer or donate, please contact our Planning Committee Chairperson, Dean Jeannette Villagomez at 234-5498 ext.1347.

Pacific Library Training Services
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently selected our very own Greg Sablan, of Library Services as one of two persons who will be representing the Commonwealth in the upcoming 2006 Pacific Library Training Services (PLTI) funded. This institute will be held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, in Honolulu, from the 7th through the 29th of June. Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) received funding for this project through the IMLS-funded "Librarians for the 21st Century" grant program. Congratulations “Greg” and best wishes for a successful workshop.

Upward Bound Student Selected for the 2006 Leeward Community College Math & Science Summer Program
Elaine Cruz, a sophomore at Saipan Southern High School, has been chosen to participate in the 2006 Leeward Community College Math & Science Summer Program from June 15 to July 21, 2006. The purpose of the Math & Science Summer Program is to motivate and excite students to consider careers in fields requiring math or science, to increase academic skills and prepare students for college programs to study, and provide guidance for academic, career goals, and personal needs. Generally, it is a summer, residential, pre-college program offering coursework in math, marine science, computer science, language arts, literature, Hawaiian language, and guidance.

Elaine is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Esteven Cruz of Dan Dan, Saipan. Elaine loves to read and spend time with her friends. Elaine is the only girl out of eight children. Currently, Elaine is taking a Health Occupation class to explore of health careers she wants to pursue in college.

When asked about her feelings when she received the word about being accepted to attend Leeward Community College Math & Science Summer Program, she replied, “I was so surprised and happy because I didn’t expect that I was the one who would be chosen. I am very excited and looking forward to visit Hawaii. Going to Hawaii this summer will give me the chance to experience how does it feel being away from home and attend college. I believe that by participating in the Leeward Community College Math and Science Summer Program would help me explore more of my career plan in nursing or medicine. I plan on becoming a nurse or doctor when I finish with my associate degree.”

Elaine is a participant of the Northern Marianas College Upward Bound Program, a Federal TRIO program tasked with the responsibility to prepare and motivate qualified high school students for post secondary education.

“Launching Your Business on the Internet” Workshop
On Saturday, May 6, the NMC Small Business Development Center will be sponsoring a special “Launching Your Business on the Internet” led by business coach Walt Goodridge, author of Turn Your Passion into Profit and writer of the Saipanpreneur Project column in the Saipan Tribune.

If you have an existing business or an idea for a new one and wish to get started launching and selling your product/service on the Internet, then this workshop is for you. In this three-hour workshop course participants will be taken through a step-by-step process of developing a viable concept and launching a web presence.

Specifics covered will include how websites work, reserving an effective domain name, choosing/developing the right product/service, selling online, setting up hosting for your website, setting up a merchant account to accept credit card orders, designing a functional, profitable website, maintaining your site, setting up a pay-per-click advertising campaign on Google, order fulfillment, creative marketing ideas and seven streams of income for your product or service.

Before attending this workshop, please do the following: 1) take the personality test on the passionprofit.com website and make note of your score; 2) brainstorm for an appropriate name for your website; 3) have a credit card day of event with at least $10 available credit; and 4) write all your questions in advance and make sure they are answered at the event.

The fee for the workshop is $20.00. It will be held on the NMC Saipan Campus in Building V, Room 110. Contact the SBDC at 235-1551 to reserve your seat.

Have a Wonderful Cinco De Mayo Weekend!