Virtual Executive Assistant
The Virtual Executive Assistant program aims to prepare students to start a business, obtain work, and build a career as a virtual assistant by providing them with a strong background in business and web writing, communication, presentation, branding, independent contractor management and marketing skills.
Program Objectives
- Recognize available opportunities for virtual assistant work in a variety of career and skill areas.
- Outline the methods of effective interpersonal and written communication.
- Communicate with correct use of the English language.
- Create simple graphics.
- Demonstrate proficiency with a variety of computer and web-based business applications.
- Interpret data using computational and analytical skills.
- Describe the culture, standards, practices, and needs of the business sector.
- Identify methods of individual and business marketing using the web and traditional means.
- Discuss the elements, variables, and life cycle of a contract and the roles and responsibilities of the signatories.
- Develop effective strategies for building and managing a successful freelance career as a virtual assistant.
- Describe how to use online and traditional job search tools and resources to locate and secure work.
- Develop a marketing plan.
Professor
Terri holds a Master’s in Technology, Innovation & Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has been a school educator, senior education specialist learning coach, and corporate and on-camera trainer. Terri is a trained actress, improvist, voice artist and salsa dancer. Conveying emotion and connecting with an audience is both her specialty and a passion.
Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation
All members of the Lakewood College community who use the school's computing, information or communication resources must act responsibly. Support is accessible by calling 1-800-517-0857 option 2 or by emailing info@lakewood.edu
Books and Resources
"How to Become a Successful Virtual Assistant: Learn the Business Side & Ditch the 9 to 5" - Melissa Smith
Evaluation Method
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance.
Course Requirement Summary
- Assignments - 280 Points
- Forums – 160 Points
- Capstone Project - 50 Points
Grading Scale
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given above in evaluation methods.
Your overall course grade will be determined according to the following scale:
A = (90% -100%)
B = (80% - 89%)
C = (70% - 79%)
D = (60% - 69%)
F < (Below 60%)
Assignment and Discussion Forum Post Rubrics
Writing Assignment Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
Very Poor |
No Response |
|
Original Posting ____/10 |
Writing assignment was well thought out, coherent, and thoughtfully organized with all parts of the questions addressed along with appropriate grammar and spelling |
Writing was clear and relatively well organized and responded to many/most of the key points with a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Writing was somewhat confusing and not well organized and had little or no focus on the subject matter with significant grammar and spelling errors |
Writing is confusing and hard to follow with no organization while missing the point of the assignment entirely |
No Assignment |
|
Total Points ____/10 |
Additional Comments: |
Discussion Question Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent Pass |
Good Pass |
Poor Fail |
No Response Fail |
|
Original Posting PASS/FAIL |
Original post reflected good focus to the discussion with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Original post responded to the topic in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Responded with little or no focus to the discussion and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Reply to fellow student PASS/FAIL |
Response to fellow student reflected good focus to the post with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Response to fellow student in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Little or no focus to the post and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Total Points PASS/FAIL |
Additional Comments: |
Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism
Cheating (dishonestly taking the knowledge of another person whether on a test or an assignment and presenting it as your work) and plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own the ideas or writing of another) are a serious issue. While it is legitimate to talk to others about your assignments and incorporate suggestions, do not let others "write" your assignments in the name of peer review or "borrow" sections or whole assignments written by others. We do get ideas from life experiences and what we read but be careful that you interpret these ideas and make them your own.
I am aware that many types of assignments are available on the internet and will check these sources when there is legitimate suspicion.
Penalty is a zero on the assignment. In cases where there is a major or continuous breach of trust, further discipline, such as an "F" in the course, may be necessary.
The major consequence of any form of cheating is damage to your character and the result of trust and respect.
Disability Accommodations
Students who have a disability and wish to request an academic accommodation should contact Jim Gepperth, the Disabilities Services Coordinator and Academic Dean. The student can request an accommodation at any time although it is encouraged to do so early in the enrollment process. The student should complete an accommodation request form which begins a conversation between the school and the student regarding the nature of their disability and an accommodation that would help the student succeed in their program. The school may request documentation regarding the disability to address the accommodation request effectively. The school will communicate to the student the type of accommodation arranged. This process typically follows a team approach, bringing together persons from the academic department (including the instructor) and personnel from other departments as necessary. Additional information on disability accommodations may be found in the Lakewood University Catalog.
Disability Services Email: disabilityservices@lakewood.edu
Supplemental Texts
You can use the following resources to assist you with proper source citation.
American Psychological Association Style Guide- https://www.mylakewoodu.com/pluginfile.php/118179/mod_resource/content/1/APA%20Style%20Guide%207th%20edition.pdf
The Purdue OWL website is also a helpful resource for students. Here is a link to the OWL website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
Library
Mary O'Dell is the Librarian on staff at Lakewood University
She is available by appointment. You can make an appointment with her by emailing her at modell@lakewood.edu or call at 1-800-517-0857 X 730
You may also schedule a meeting at this link: https://my.setmore.com/calendar#monthly/r3a761583354923270/01032020
She can assist you with navigating LIRN, research, citations etc.
Support
Each student at Lakewood University is assigned a Success Coach. Your Success Coach exists to assist you with academic and supportive services as you navigate your program. They will reach out to you, often, to check-in. Please use the resources they offer.
Student Services is available to assist with technical questions regarding Lakewood University and all services available to you.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
info@lakewood.edu
studentservices@lakewood.edu
Career Services
Students are offered Career Services at any point as they journey their academics at Lakewood University.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
careerservices@lakewood.edu
Objectives
- Recognize available opportunities for virtual assistant work in a variety of career and skill areas.
- Outline the methods of effective interpersonal and written communication.
- Communicate with correct use of the English language.
- Create simple graphics.
- Demonstrate proficiency with a variety of computer and web-based business applications.
- Interpret data using computational and analytical skills.
- Describe the culture, standards, practices, and needs of the business sector.
- Identify methods of individual and business marketing using the web and traditional means.
- Discuss the elements, variables, and life cycle of a contract and the roles and responsibilities of the signatories.
- Develop effective strategies for building and managing a successful freelance career as a virtual assistant.
- Describe how to use online and traditional job search tools and resources to locate and secure work.
- Develop a marketing plan.