SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – April 18 – Frightened workers scatter, police officers crouch behind squad cars as an angry employee roams the office with a loaded weapon. Americans have become all too familiar with the scenario as incidents of workplace violence occur around the country.
However, Dr. David Sellen, a professor at Argosy University/Inland Empire, says work-related homicides are less common than other forms of workplace violence. “Rape and physical assaults are more common,” he said. “But they don’t get the attention of the media.”
Sellen, a professor in Argosy University’s department of Psychology, teaches courses such as psychodynamics, counseling and interview techniques. He has a law degree from Southwestern University, Los Angeles, and a doctorate in Neuropsychology from University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Sellen works with law enforcement agencies in Critical Incident Debriefing, where psychologists help victims of violent acts normalize their feelings. He says that workplace shootings are often caused by a combination of events.
“These situations include a triggering event, such as a job termination, interpersonal trauma, such as depression, stress or substance abuse, and an unprepared workplace environment,” he says. “Office buildings are often less prepared for violent acts than courthouses and police stations which often have security.”
The typical workplace shooter is more often male than female, has a history of violence, tends to be withdrawn and a loner. Other signs include antagonistic and obsessive behavior and career frustration. Workers are also under additional pressure because of the lack of stability in today’s workplace.
“People tend to feel less secure in their jobs because of the way the economy has changed,” Sellen said. “The average person is likely to see at least three major job changes in their lifetime and most people are not prepared. People tend to think the employer will take care of them.”
Failing to prevent and protect workers from workplace violence is extremely expensive for American companies. Sellen estimates workplace violence-related lawsuits cost American employers about $500 million annually. Faced with these rising costs, more companies are being proactive in training workers to prevent and identify potentially violent situations.
“Ever since 9-11, more companies have started offering training to help employees address grievances and to defuse situations,” he said. “Many companies now offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) which offer free counseling for employees who are facing personal problems.”
Sellen said Cal/OHSA, which is responsible for enforcing workplace safety laws in California, has strong guidelines for companies on creating a violence free workplace. They also suggest companies have a workplace violence prevention policy and committee. Cal/OHSA also gives recommendations on how employees can report potentially violent situations to the company’s human resources department.
Sellen says workplace violence is preventable if companies take a more hands-on approach.
He offers these suggestions:
• Companies need to ensure that employees have workplace violence prevention training. • Companies need to have an open line of communication to the supervisor so threats or strange behavior can be reported. • Employees need to be active listeners. No threat should be taken lightly. Any threat should be reported to the Human Resources director or the supervisor. • Employers need to make sure that employees have a venue to handle their grievances. • Companies need to do in-depth background checks to screen out employees with violent histories. • Companies planning to do layoffs can prepare employees for the change by offering counseling, career training and letters of recommendations.
For more information about Argosy University/Inland Empire, call (909) 915-3800 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire. For more information on Cal/OHSA recommendations to prevent workplace violence, go to http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields but also in the arms and weapons field. For more info please check their lastest scope comparison. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Argosy University/Inland Empire has named Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, MA interim president for its campus in San Bernardino. Vasquez-Osborn brings more than 10 years of professional experience in higher education to the position. She succeeds Dr. Darren Adamson who was recently named president of The Art Institute of Salt Lake City. A national search for a president of Argosy University/Inland Empire is currently being conducted.
Vasquez-Osborn joined Argosy University in 2006 and most recently served as director of Admissions for the campus. Prior to joining the institution, she worked in admissions for the University of Phoenix for seven years where she was instrumental in the successful expansion of learning centers throughout the Inland Empire area. In addition to her experience in the proprietary sector of higher education, she also served in a similar role at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. where she managed recruiting high school students from culturally diverse backgrounds and mentoring them through the admissions process. Prior to entering education, Vasquez-Osborn spent four years in the social service arena working for Arapahoe House, Colorado’s largest non-profit drug, alcohol and mental health treatment facility. At Arapahoe House, she oversaw the outcomes assessment for the agency’s largest program focused on the treatment of women and their dependent children. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and History from Macalester College and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in Ontario, Calif. Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440 , www.ncahlc.org). ### Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Dr. Mark Katz, an award-winning child psychologist and author, is the featured speaker at Argosy University’s first symposium of the year. His presentation, “Resilience in Children,” will be held Thursday, April 12, from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the University’s campus located at 636 E. Brier Dr. in San Bernardino. The presentation is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.
Dr. Darren Adamson, campus president, said the university plans to have a symposium, featuring a noted guest speaker, every quarter. “Through these special seminars, our students and the community will be introduced to experienced professionals and learn about current and relevant topics in various fields,” Adamson said.
A resident of San Diego, Katz has served as director of Learning Development Services, a company that has provided educational and psychological services to children, youths, adults and families for the last 21 years. Katz has also served as the supervising psychologist at San Diego Center for Children, a leading provider of mental health services to children and families in the San Diego area. In 1998, Katz received the Rosenberry Award, a national award given annually by Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colo. that recognizes an individual’s contribution to the field of behavioral science.
Katz is also the author of “On Playing a Poor Hand Well,” a book that discusses overcoming difficult childhood experiences and how those lessons can be incorporated into the current mental healthcare system. Recently Katz was part of a team of experts who participated in a federally funded campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying and other forms of school violence.
For more information on the event, please contact Dr. Deborah Wheeler at (909) 915-3770 or e-mail dewheeler@argosyu.edu.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org). ### Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
DIVERSITY CAREER & JOB FAIR ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2007
(San Bernardino, CA) The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job Fair announces four dates in 2007. The first is slated for March 14 in Victorville at the Ambassador Hotel and Convention Center, also April 4 at the San Bernardino Airport Galaxy Center. Other Diversity Job Fairs are set for Sept. 5 in San Bernardino and, Sept. 19, in Victorville. Recruiting events in Temecula and Corona are planned for the spring and fall of 2007. “Our goal is to bring together those who want to work locally and with the great local companies who want a diverse workforce. Too often, employers assume minorities won’t fit in or won’t be interested in their companies. Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Lionel Dew, president of the Victorville African American Chamber of Commerce. The employers searching for a diverse local workforce include: San Bernardino County, Riverside County, 99.9 KOLA Radio, X-103.9, 909Models.com, Universal Nursing Systems, and others. Not every employer will attend every event. What’s it all mean? To organizers it’s simple: we are happy to help people of all ages, races, and backgrounds find the local job they want. According to Sherrice Mitchell, executive director for the Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce, “The unemployment rate for Blacks and Hispanics is two times greater than for whites, and the Diversity Job Fairs can help remedy that.” Sponsors include the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, the San Bernardino City Employment and Training Agency, the Inland Empire and Victor Valley African American Chambers of Commerce, 99.9 KOLA Radio, X-103.9, 909Models.com, Hispanic Connect, publications including: Black Voice News, Precinct Reporter, WestSide Story and El Chicano plus Dameron Communications. For more information call (909) 888-0017 or (877) 909-6633.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Jan. 25, 2007 — Students in Argosy University’s master’s degree in forensic psychology program are, “entering a very specialized career field with great opportunities,” said Dr. Alex Yufik, department chair for forensic psychology. Argosy University/Orange County launched the new program this past month and is seeing increasing interest in not only the program, but the entire field.
“Forensic psychology, and the larger area of psychology and law, have both enjoyed steady growth during the last three decades. Graduates specializing in this area will have the training necessary for a variety of employment opportunities in the court system or with attorneys,” he said.
“Forensic psychologists provide evaluation and expert testimony regarding criminal forensic issues such as trial competency, waiver of Miranda rights, criminal responsibility, and drug dependency,” Yufik said. They also provide evaluation in civil cases and assess and treat inmates at correctional facilities, he said.
Yufik stated that forensic psychologists should not be confused with forensic pathologists, forensic toxicologists or criminal profilers made popular by television shows such as “CSI” and “Bones.”
Argosy University provides students with several different course options including classes held on campus, online and on weekends.
“Interest in the program has been high, but we are still accepting students for the last remaining available seats this semester.” Yufik stated the students in the class are a diverse group including recent college graduates, an attorney and professionals seeking a career change.
Yufik, who has taught at Argosy University for two years, has a doctorate in clinical psychology, with a specialization in forensic psychology, from George Washington University. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney and a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. Yufik also works with the State Bar of California’s Law Assistance Program, which provides assistance to attorneys with substance or mental health issues. He previously taught at American International University in Los Angeles, and still teaches at Cal State University, Los Angeles.
Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the N. Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
(Santa Ana, Calif.) As a 22-year veteran of the Ontario, Calif. Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Paul Graff has surely seen his share of tough cases. But when it came to cracking the case to choose the right school for his master’s degree, Graff found the key in Argosy University/Orange County. Graff is currently a student at Argosy University/Orange County and is pursuing a Doctor in Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree. In December 2000, while recuperating from an injury, Graff considered going to his personal injury solicitor in Cork and back to school to study for a master’s degree. Because of his past affiliation with joint law enforcement and education conferences, Graff was familiar with Argosy University/Orange County’s College of Education and Human Development, and later, with its American School of Professional Psychology. “I had always wanted to return to school and further my education, with a focus and goal on assisting emergency service professionals with mental health issues, preferably as a police psychologist,” explains Graff. He was impressed that the curriculum at Argosy University/Orange County focused on the working professional, so he contacted them in his first step in achieving his goal. Attending graduate school full-time and attempting to stay on track with a full-time job can be a tough balancing act, and Graff believes that Argosy University/Orange County’s education delivery model has served him well. Time is not the only thing Graff must negotiate. His busy schedule includes serving as a hostage and crisis negotiator with the Ontario Police Department SWAT team, and he is actively involved in many professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, Forensic Mental Health Association of California, the executive board of the California Association of Hostage Negotiators, and a peer support group with the Ontario, California Police Department. As he finishes his course of study, Graff will apply for an internship with a specialty in forensic psychology. Upon completion of his Argosy University education, Graff wishes to pursue a career in police and forensic psychology, with an emphasis on providing mental health services to emergency service personnel. “My experiences at Argosy University/Orange County have been rich and fulfilling, and I feel I have been given excellent training and education along the way. The school has afforded me the opportunity to pursue my dream, a dream that would have gone unrealized, if not for the school’s focus on providing a quality educational experience for the working student.” Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the N. Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
(SANTA ANA, CALIF.) — When Dr. Neville Swaby, International Business graduate from Argosy University/Orange County received the opportunity to serve as an advisor to the president of Jamaica, he was extremely flattered. “I feel humble, yet honored,” says Swaby. “But the education I received from Argosy University has prepared me to take on such a challenge.”
The decision to attend Argosy University/Orange County was not one of great difficulty for Swaby – the school’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offered everything that he was looking for in a school. “The DBA programs at Argosy University/Orange County combine sound academic theory and principles. The curriculum is well structured and fosters skills in research, communication, analysis, synthesis, problem solving and decision making. Argosy University/Orange County has excellent classroom and online collaboration with instructors who possess excellent industry knowledge,” says Swaby.
Swaby has always strived for the best in his career, and his achievements represent the high standards he sets for himself. Along with being an advisor to Jamaica’s president, Swaby is also a financial manager and international business consultant, as well as an assistant professor at the University of Technology in Jamaica. “The structure and delivery format at Argosy University/ Orange County takes into account that working professionals have limitations on their time,” says Swaby. “The school’s DBA program is designed to offer a curriculum without the need for a student to take a break from his or her career.”
When asked how Argosy University/Orange County has aided his career, Swaby said, “Argosy University’s DBA program empowered me with the innovative leadership and critical analysis skills I need to successfully compete in today’s complex corporate environment. I utilized the multidisciplinary strategies acquired from professors in the International Business program to manage, to advise, and to coach others.”
Swaby serves as an excellent example of how successful hard work can make someone. He offers the following advice to other Argosy University students who are just as hungry for success: “Stay focus, study hard, and put in the extra time necessary in order to achieve your goal.”
Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the N. Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. As the American population ages the workforces is facing the problem of how to replace baby boomers who will soon be retiring in droves. Like other sectors the community college system is also facing a crisis. Argosy University/Orange County is one of a few universities that has created a degree program specially designed to produce the next generation of community college leaders. Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University/Orange County campus, the university designed the doctorate of Education community college executive leadership to help solve the problem. “About 45 percent of all current community college presidents will retire by the year 2007 and an even higher number of senior admistrators will retire in the next four to six years,” he said. “The degree is an accelerated program that appeals to community college administrators who are looking to move into senior administrative positions such as president, vice president, dean and directors in community colleges,” Egbert said. In an article in The News, a publication produced by the Community College League of California, San Diego CCD Chancellor Constance Caroll, describes the situation a, “beyond serious. It is now an emergency.” The doctor of education in community college executive leadership was created on the recommendation of the Argosy University/Orange County’s advisory board which includes several community college presidents and chancellors. “As we talked they told us that many administrators from the baby boom generation are nearing retirement,” he said. “The presidents said they didn’t see a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.” Egbert said that apart from the many open positions in community college administration, the salaries are also competitive. “The base pay for community college administrative positions in Orange County is in the low to mid $100,000,” he said.
Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the N. Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Jan. 25, 2007 — Dr. Ray William London, dean of graduate programs for the College of Business and Information Technology at Argosy University/Orange County, has been certified as an information privacy professional. Dr. London recently passed the International Association of Privacy Professional’s (IAPP) certification examination and joins a select group of 1,000 certified privacy professionals in 15 nations.
The IAPP is the largest organization for privacy professionals and has a membership of 2,800. The organization provides a forum for the debate and discussion of privacy policies in business.
According to the IAPP’s Web site, the Certified Information Privacy Professional exam is the foundation course for any professional working in the privacy field.
“It is the industry’s first broad-based certification and is made possible through founding grants from Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft,” London said. “The goal is to implement, interpret and cooperate with privacy policies, regulations, laws and court decisions.”
He added that the course dealt with privacy law, work place privacy and web based privacy. London said it took about six months to prepare for the exam.
London also teaches graduates classes in corporate social responsibility, conflict resolution and crisis management. He is also is the founder of London Associates International, a consulting business, with clients in the United States, England and Australia.
Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman Sr. Director, Communications (912) 201-8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
(San Bernardino, Calif.) — San Bernardino-based law firm Tomlinson, Nydam & Prince, LLP recently named M. Brian Cullen as partner. Cullen, a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, handles matters such as real estate, business, family law, probate, general litigation, transactional and title issues. Cullen is a member of the California State Bar, the San Bernardino County Bar Association, the Greater Inland Empire Municipal Attorneys Association and the American Bar Association.
Timothy Prince, managing partner at Tomlinson, Nydam & Prince, said Cullen will help the firm expand its business and transactional practice, while carrying on the firm’s traditional strength in real estate, probate and family law.
“Brian has an almost uncanny ability to focus on the needs of business and solve problems, whether they require negotiations or litigation,” Prince said. “Brian has worked for law firms in Irvine, San Bernardino and San Diego,” Prince said. Before joining the firm a year ago, Cullen worked for the local firm Skousen & Skousen.
“His experience and knowledge make him a valuable asset to our firm as we serve the legal needs of the people and business community of San Bernardino,” Prince said. The firm handles a broad range of clients in civil litigation such as personal injury, automobile accidents, product liability, wrongful termination and business disputes. Cullen will continue to handle probate and family law matters as did former partner Kenneth Nydam prior to his recent retirement.
Like Nydam, partner Stan Tomlinson is highly regarded among Inland Empire attorneys, having served as president of the San Bernardino County Bar Association and long-time legal counsel for the San Bernardino County Law Library. Tomlinson is a recipient of the John B. Surr Award, the highest honor of the San Bernardino County Bar Association. Tomlinson also served as treasurer through many campaigns of the late Congressman George Brown, Jr. and as an elector for the 1992 Electoral College. Prince is active in many local civic organizations. He has volunteered with groups such as the Rotary Club of San Bernardino, where he currently serves and is president-elect, Downtown Business Association, Native Sons of the Golden West, American Lung Association of San Bernardino, YWCA of Greater San Bernardino as well as the San Bernardino County Bar Association.
While attending Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, Prince worked for former Justice Marcus Kaufman in the California Supreme Court. Prince has provided his legal experience to the Legal Aid Clinic of San Bernardino, Cal State University, San Bernardino legal clinic and as Judge Pro Tem of the San Bernardino Superior Court.
Prince, who practiced with the former firm Wilson, Borror, Dunn & Scott in San Bernardino until 1998, is also active in state and local politics as officer and former president of the Democratic Luncheon Club, a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention, numerous state conventions and a candidate in the primary and 1998 runoff election for mayor of San Bernardino. He was recently elected to serve as California Democratic Party executive board member from the 63rd Assembly District. In 1997, he was chair of the campaign defeating Measure S, a property tax that would have significantly impacted local businesses as well as individuals. Prince graduated with highest honors in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1990.
