He said Walt Disney’s dream started with a drawing of a mouse and a vision of greatness. CareerTech doesn’t have Mickey Mouse but it does aim “to help make dreams and success a reality for Oklahomans,” he said.

The CareerTech system of vocational technical schools across the state helps tens of thousands of high school students and adults each year gain job readiness skills, and for many, a start on a college education.

But the system also struggles with higher operating costs amid stagnant state funding, loss of many Baby Boomer instructors to retirement, and a significant high school drop out rate.

Still, CareerTech graduates add $2 billion annually to the state’s economy, Berkinbile said. 

Now that’s a mouse that roars.

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

State Regents last week approved a new degree program at Oklahoma State University: a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

The graduate program aims to train the practicing writer/teacher and will begin enrollment in fall 2012. The Association of Writers and Writing Programs cited an increase in the number of jobs for writers, both in academic jobs and as self-employed or freelance.

The MFA in creative writing requires 42 to 45 credit hours.

Other new programs approved by State Regents are:

OSU-OKC: Associate in Applied Science in Dietetic Technology; East Central University, Ada: Master of Science in Accounting; Tulsa Community College: Associate in Applied Science in Computer Programming, Transaction Processing Facility and Certificate in Computer Programming, Transaction Processing Facility; and Western Oklahoma State College, Altus: Associate in Applied Science in Production Agriculture.

OSU President Burns Hargis noted the packed house and large number of graduates this year. About 2,700 students were candidates for bachelor’s and graduate degrees.

But do all 2,700 have jobs lined up?

I asked a few and got mixed responses, some had jobs waiting across the globe, some were planning to go to grad school, some hadn’t started the job-search process.

With the slowdown in the national economy, some experts have said graduates will have fewer offers this year, particularly in struggling industries. Whereas, one year ago, a grad might have 2 or three good offers, this year they might be lucky to land one entry-level job.

What do you think? Have the nation’s economic problems caused any problems for Oklahoma graduates?

E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com

 Susan Simpson, Education Writer

My point was that if the skirt was of appropriate length and the shoes were nice, who’s cares about hosiery?

Readers Vicki, Diana and Jack do. The women both pointed out that many businesses have dress codes, so students should err on the side of conservatism in their attire. Diana says that some employers also might prohibit visible tattoos, which could be covered with opaque hosiery.

Jack said dress codes should revert back to the 1950s, because that’s when morals were high. But then he added that he’d like to volunteer for the hose-checking duty because “somebody’s got to do it.”

That last comment sort of sent chills up my spine, so I think I’m going to put on a pair of hose now — for warmth.

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

But along with checking out students’ resumes and ability to hold intelligent conversation, some officials could be checking out the females students’ gams. That’s because female students who wear skirts to the event are mandated to wear panty hose.

They aren’t mandated to wear skirts, so perhaps many will opt for trousers. But is the hose requirement even necessary in today’s society?  If a young woman is wearing a skirt or dress of appropriate length and dress shoes, who’s even going to notice her legs? And who’s going to monitor this requirement anyway? Will there be a “hose check” at the entrance?

The men have some rules of their own. They must wear a tie, and no shorts or hats are acceptable for either sex. Bookbags also are a no-no, which seems odd considering this is a college campus.

What do you think? I’m not advocating flip-flops and T-shirts here, but the hose rule seems so 1950s.

E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com or call 475-3930.

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

But help is available for folks that can shuffle and want to get a job at a casino. Oklahoma City Community College is offering noncredit online courses in dealing poker, blackjack and baccarat.

The courses are offered through Gatlin Education Services and The Johnny Chan Academy. Chan is 10-time winner of the World Series of Poker.

The courses aren’t cheap. $1,195 for the 75-hour baccarat class, and $1,395 each for the other two classes, which are 100-hours each.

OCCC says students that complete the program get job placement help from the Johnny Chan Academy.

What do you think? I don’t know what dealers earn here or elsewhere. Is this a career gamble that you would take?

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

It was advertised as an event to showcase local businesses and employers to students new to campus.

A restaurant and a retail store were taking applications. Most of the other vendors were banks pitching free student checking services.

The table that attracted the most students was stacked high with pizza boxes. But instead of gooey pepperoni, each box contained bank brochures, a package of Ramen noodles and a small bag of microwave popcorn.

Of course, students grabbed those freebies — “free” being the operative word here. Did that bank have better terms for students? Who knows?

We all like to think we’re getting something for nothing. That’s why I buy some of my cosmetics during “Free Gift!” events at the department store. But not all lipsticks are created equal. And very few banks are able to turn a profit with “free” services.

What do you think? E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

That’s because nearly 91 percent of grads gained employment within the first year.

The Association for Legal Career Professions says the employment market for new lawyers has remained relatively strong and stable for about a decade. (I’ll let you decide why that is … more lawsuits, more crime, more politicians?)

But not all the new attorneys are making big bucks. Only 14 percent were making more than $135,000 a year. Four in ten were earning $55,000 or less.

Here’s more:

* 75 percent got jobs for which passage of the bar was required.

* Just 2 percent were pursuing an advanced degree like an LLM

* The most common employment setting was private practice within a law firm.

* Public service employment, like public defenders and government jobs, accounted for 27 percent of jobs.

* Women were more likely to take government, judicial clerkship and public interest jobs.

What do you think? Do we need more lawyers, and do they get the respect they deserve?

Let me know at ssimpson@oklahoman.com

Susan Simpson, Education Writer

Many Oklahomans fall into this category — they work many hours but don’t earn enough to make ends meet. Add college courses into the mix and it becomes a real catch 22.

A national report released today says nearly half of working poor adults are enrolled in higher education half-time or less. They are trying to better their lives by gaining a credential, but because they must also work, they can’t take a full load of classes every year.

Going part-time — along with a lack of adequate financial aid — greatly hinders their ability to finish their degree.

Of course, many Oklahomans do make it to the end — taking the longer, harder road to graduation.

We want to hear from Oklahomans who are working, supporting themselves or families, while going to college.

Email me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com