Technical Writing portfolio

Project 3- English 2100

Kristin Shields

Kristin Shields 730 E. 8125 S. Sandy, Utah 84094 April 6, 2014 Ms. Devan Avanadi Assistant Director of Financial Aid Western Governors University 700 E. 4500 S. Salt Lake City UT. 84403 Dear Ms. Avandi: I would like to formally apply for the Financial Aid Specialist- FA II supervisor position in Western Governors Financial Aid department. As you are aware, I have extensive experience with WGU Financial Aid starting 4 years ago in the Financial Aid Customer Service Center. Since then I have been promoted twice within the Financial Aid Department. During my tenure I have developed exceptional customer service skills and adaptability to the ever changing industry of Federal Financial Aid. I have become proficient in the department of education regulations and guidelines. I have a demonstrated ability to work collegially with leaders across inter University Departments. My active pursuit of a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Marketing, and then a MBA with Western Governors University, will allow me to continue to contribute with the education needed to be a success in this position. These are just a few examples of my accomplishments. I hope that you will find that this brief view, in combination with the attached resume, describe a dedicated employee of Western Governors University with the experience and skills to meet or exceed the requirements of the Financial Aid Specialist-FA II supervisory position. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. Sincerely, Kristin Shields

Kristin Shields Project 3-English 2100 Technical writing portfolio

Table of Content:
Samples of technical documents

1. Technical DescriptionThe sample text titled Technical description: Wood Veneer Furniture is an example of a technical description of wood veneer furniture. The text is used to describe the basic features of wood veneer and assist the reader in identifying the differences between wood veneer furniture and solid wood furniture. The ecological benefits of veneer wood furniture are also illustrated. It is designed to be utilized as hand out material to prospective clients at a high end furniture retail company that specializes in veneer furniture.

2. Set of InstructionsThe sample text titled Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan is an example of a one page emergency action instructional chart for a place of employment. The chart illustrates the steps to follow in the event of a life threatening allergic reaction to bee or wasp venom. The chart is designed for a person who would be at risk of a life threating allergic reaction to keep this in plain view in their work environment. It is designed to instruct on the use of an epinephrine-pen which would be kept on hand at all times by the person at risk.

3. Power Point Presentation Training ModuleThe power point presentation title Term Break Return is an example of a training presentation. The presentation provides step by step instruction of the financial aid review process for term break students at WGU University. The objective of the presentation is to provide training to WGU financial aid employees on the process. (Please see as a separate attachment to this portfolio- PP #1)

Kristin Shields Project 3-English 2100 Technical writing portfolio

Wood Veneer Furniture

A common perception of the consumer of high end furniture is a furniture piece made from wood veneer is of lower quality than those made from solid wood. In reality, high end furniture is usually constructed with a combination of veneers and solid wood, a process which has been used for centuries and can be found in many high end antiques.

What is veneer?
A veneer is a thin layer of wood which has been cut or peeled from a tree and used as the outermost layer of the piece of furniture. Veneers are generally cut from trees of beautiful or exotic woods. Some more common woods used are cherry, mahogany, maple and pecan. The veneer generally covers a piece of functional solid wood or quality particle board.

Benefits of veneer vs. solid wood

Veneer
Ageing Humidity Weight Environmental
no effect no effect lighter uses less trees

Solid Wood
Solid wood will warp and bow Solid wood will split or crack heavier more trees are needed

Kristin Shields Project 3-English 2100 Technical writing portfolio

Design advantages
The best logs are used for veneers. Surface imperfections can be eliminated during manufacturing. Veneers are bendable and can be shaped to fit curves. Patterns and designs can be created from different pieces and different types of wood that can create a form of art that can last lifetimes.

Environmental Advantages
The veneering technology makes it possible to get 15 to 20 tables out of the same lumber used to create just one solid wood table (Lincoln, 1987). Lower grade lumber or material which may have generally been used for waste such as sawdust; is recycled to make particle board or composite.

Recognizing veneer
Look for variations in surface appearances. If veneers have been used, the underside or backside of the piece of furniture will have a different wood used. If the grain goes all the way through the top, bottom and sides of the surface it is a solid wood piece. Veneers will have banding on larger surfaces such as table tops, which is most likely covering up unfinished edges.

Bibliography
Lincoln, W. (1987). The complete Manual for Wood Veneering. Stobart Davies Ltd.

Kristin Shields Project 3-English 2100 Technical writing portfolio