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Belmont Abbey College

The Catholic College of the South

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New Social Media and Digital Communications Minor

Author: Dr. Erin Jensen (Crusader Faculty Advisor), Associate Professor of English

The Social Media and Digital Communications minor just started this semester. Please contact erinjensen@bac.edu if you are interested in this minor.

The Social Media and Digital Communication minor is an interdisciplinary minor focused on providing students with increased understanding of and practical experience with using social media and digital communication. Students will have options for classes in English, Business, Digital Humanities, Computer Science, and Digital Art. As part of the coursework, students will create and run social media campaigns and engage in application assignments within their various classes. Upon completion of the courses necessary for this minor, students will have the skills necessary to find jobs in a variety of positions, including social media writing, social media management, graphic design, digital design, content creation, content strategy, digital communication, and many others. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this minor, students from all majors would be welcome and would find that the minor complements their major studies and increases their employment opportunities.

Minor in Social Media and Digital Communication: 15 credits
Students will complete five courses (15 credits), including one required course (EN 361) and four additional courses.
Required for all students:

  • EN 361 Writing for Social Media (3 credits) (Taught Spring 2023 and Summer 2023)

Students will choose any four of the following courses:

  • EN 106: Introduction to Digital Art and Multimedia Art
  • CS 110: Introduction to Video Game (3 credits)
  • CS 243: Web Site Development (3 credits)
  • DH 301: Introduction to Digital Humanities (3 credits)
  • DH 400: Methods in the Digital Humanities (3 credits)
  • EN 363: Professional and Technical Writing (3 credits)
  • BU 315W: Business Communication (3 credits)
  • BU 319: Advertising and Promotion (3 credits)
  • Digital Communication (to be added)
  • EN 453 Internship or Department Internship class (3 credits)
  • Additional social media and digital communication-based courses as they are added to individual departments

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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New Minors in Accounting

Author: Toni Berbick, Associate Professor of Accounting

Belmont Abbey College has approved two new Accounting Minors to compliment the revised Accounting Program Curriculum: The Cyber Audit Minor and the Fraud Minor.

The new curriculum reflects the new format and content of the CPA exam and is based on the ACIPA’s Evolution Module Curriculum and the content on the CPA exam effective 2024. The first minor is in Cyber Audit Risk and Compliance (Cyber Audit) and the second is Fraud and Forensic Investigations Minor (Fraud Minor). In addition to providing students with the skills and competencies required of a newly licensed CPA, both minors address the global skills gap in these two areas. These two new minors complement existing minors available to Accounting Majors including a Minor in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, Cyber Security, Criminal Justice and Pre-Law.

The Cyber Audit Minor is designed for Business and Accounting students who want to complement their major by adding the valuable and highly sought-after skill set of IT Audit. The Cyber Audit Minor compliments the existing Cyber Security Minor offered by the Computer Science Department at the Abbey. While the existing Cyber Security Minor focuses on data risk from and technical perspective, the Cyber Audit minor focuses on operating and control risk based on a foundation of Accounting Information Systems. This was a joint effort between the Accounting and Computer Science Departments.
The Cyber Audit minor was developed with the guidance and support from members of the Charlotte Chapter of ISACA, including Mr. Steve Spittler, CPA, CISA – Senior Audit at LPL Financial and Charlotte ISACA Academic Relations Committee Chair; Ted Wolff, CISA – IT Audit and Risk Management Professional, recently retired from a position as a Senior Leader in Vanguard’s Global IT Risk & Control; and, Kyle Conn, CPA, CISA – IT Divisional Risk Advisor at Vanguard. Their experience and insight were invaluable and I am most grateful for their time and support.

The Fraud Minor is designed for Criminal Justice and Accounting majors interested in pursuing a career in Risk Assurance, Compliance, Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, and Anti-Money Laundering. Students will learn the skills necessary to identify financial fraud, how to assess and mitigate the risk of fraud and understanding the criminal investigative procedures. The required coursework is designed to meet the hiring demands of accounting, banking, investment and insurance institutions as well as federal and state regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities.

The Fraud Minor was developed with collective guidance from members of the Charlotte Institute of Internal Auditors, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, federal, state and regional law enforcement agencies and major banking, investment and insurance firms in the region. This minor was a joint effort between the Accounting and Criminal Justice Departments at Belmont Abbey College.

I am grateful for the support and guidance from Dr. David Williams, Vice Provost and for the vote of confidence from Dr. Travis Feezel, Provost, Dr. Brad Frazier, Dr. Julie Beeman, Mr. Gupta, and Dr. Alessandro Rovati. It is truly a pleasure to work in a such a collegial and empowering environment.

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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Tutoring Options: Writing Center and STEM Lab

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Joy Dygowski

Maybe you attended our open house or saw the posters tacked up around campus, but Belmont Abbey College is proud to announce that we have a brand-new Writing Center and new STEM Lab tutoring that is here to help students just like you. The Writing Center is located in the back of Stowe Hall, Room 216, and is open for drop-ins or by appointment Monday through Thursday. The STEM Lab is located in the Science building and has appointments available throughout the week.

Belmont Abbey College’s Writing Center exists to help students become better writers. The Center’s one-on-one session approach is aimed at helping both the student and the tutor to work through ways to improve the students writing. If you are interested in receiving one-on-one instruction from one of our experienced tutors, do not hesitate to schedule your appointment now.

Students can easily book an appointment at the Writing Center and STEM Lab through Canvas under the ‘Tutoring Options’’ tab which will redirect you to our online booking platform called ThinkingStorm. Once you have arrived on the ThinkingStorm website you can book a session that fits into your schedule. Or simply stop by our room in Stowe Hall and one of our skilled tutors will be more than happy to assist you with all your writing needs and questions! Or stop by the STEM Lab in the Science Building.

Throughout a student’s journey here at Belmont Abbey, it is almost guaranteed they will have numerous ups and downs throughout their educational voyage. Whether you are an athlete, seminarian, or part of the Honors College, school can be stressful. Combine this stress with learning how to write academically at a college level and you have a perfect storm. Thankfully the Writing Center here at Belmont Abbey College is here to help!

In an interview with one of our new tutors, Danashia Tucker, she said that; “The Writing Center is a great addition to Belmont Abbey, it provides the students with tutoring and guidance on their writing assignments.” When asked about what kind of writing help the majority of students are coming into the Writing Center for, she responded by saying that; “during a typical tutoring appointment, I help the students with the format of their papers, brainstorming ideas, and structure.” Danashia concluded the interview with an encouragement to all students to visit The Writing Center, saying; “visiting The Writing Center can be beneficial for any student having a difficult time with the writing process, or simply looking for guidance.” As a tutor myself, I could not have said it better.

A visit to The Writing Center here on campus can help to bridge the gap between a high school writing style and what you will be expected to do here at The Abbey. It can be overwhelming for students to ask for help with their writing, but the Writing Center is here to create a non-intimating environment to give the student the skills they need to become a stronger writer. The Center offers peer tutoring to students from all majors, and will also help with any writing-focused project for any of your classes. We want to help the individual student to develop strategies that will make them a better writer. The Writing Center is always here to help. Whether it’s a thesis, confusion on an assignment, or you just want a second opinion and some clarification on your writing, our tutors will work with you to give you the tools and direction needed to take your writing to the next level and set you up for future success here at the Abbey!

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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New Internship Coordinator, Coordinator of Accessibility Services, and Academic Advisor

Author: The Crusader Staff Writers

There are many new faces on campus this semester including an Internship Coordinator, Coordinator of Accessibility Services, and Academic advisor. Welcome to the college!

Jenny Johnson
Internship Coordinator

I am excited to be a part of the Belmont Abbey community and serve in the Career Services department. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. After working in the business sector for several years and much self-reflection, I moved into the education field. I earned a Master of School Administration degree from UNC-Charlotte, became a school administrator, and have happily worked in various levels of education for 25 years. As you may have guessed from my original career change, I struggled with finding the right career for me, like many of you. When I matched my business interests with my purpose, helping others learn and reach their greatest potential, I found fulfillment in my career. I have always enjoyed working with students directly, which led me to my position at the Abbey. I would love to hear your story and help you explore your interests and purpose to help you find the best career path to share your God-given talents with the greater community.

I invite you to connect with our office no matter where you are on your college and career path. Please don’t wait until you are a senior to find out about all the services we offer! We can provide you with various resources to help you throughout your college experience and as you move into your career. Having trouble declaring a major, we can help!

Need some extra cash? Let us help you connect with local employers and gain experience for your resume. Does your major require an internship? Career Services supports the internship search and approval process. Ready to start your career? We can help you make the most of the opportunities available.

Whether you aren’t sure where to start or have a plan in place, I would love to meet you. Our offices are located in the New Residence Hall to the left after you enter the building. You can find me in Office 108!

Carrie Minnich
Coordinator of Accessibility Services

Carrie is the new Coordinator of Accessibility Services and a Professional Academic Advisor for Belmont Abbey College. She joins the staff here after retiring from Gaston County Schools, where she worked for thirty years as a teacher of Exceptional Children, a school administrator, and the Executive Director of the Department for Exceptional Children. She enjoys her role at the Abbey, especially the time she spends with students and teaching a First Year Experience class.

Carrie has been married to her husband, David, for 32 years and is mom to Allie (28), John (21,) and her Goldendoodle, Sam (4). She loves living in Gaston County, where she can enjoy outdoor activities, great restaurants, and beautiful changes in the seasons.

Brittany Kuznitz
Academic Advisor

I am the Abbey’s newest Academic Advisor! I have been advising for 6 years and I’m originally from Fulton, NY. I am an alumna of Nazareth College (BS Communication Sciences & Disorders) and Canisius College (MS College Student Personnel Administration). Outside of work I love spending time with my husband, AJ, and our two dogs, Tucker & Bayley. I am also in a bowling league and my happy place is reading on the deck of our family beach house in Oak Island, NC!

This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.

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