Park University Continuing to Serve the Educational Needs of the United States Military PARK WARRIOR CENTER (PWC) is a unique educational opportunity for wounded warriors and their families developed in response to the needs identified by the United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment at Quantico, Va. The Park Warrior Center is a multifaceted pilot project designed to offer college courses in a structured delivery format that will both educate and transition wounded servicemembers to Online degree programs. • • • • • •
Credit-bearing college courses Certification courses and degrees through a transitional program Academic advising Assistive technology resources An Online support system via a web portal and blog Financial aid
How PWC will be structured: The Park Warrior Center will be piloted at two U. S. military locations, yet to be identified, and one “virtual” location. Students will progress in three cohorts of 10, each in different delivery models: face-to-face, blended and Online. Each cohort will meet a minimum of three days a week for 10 weeks to foster a strong sense of community and allow for better assimilation of content. In addition to meeting academic department requirements, all faculty and advisers will be trained in working with ADA-need students. One of PWC’s most significant strengths will be its Park Learning Buddy® Program. Approved spouses, dependents or friends will be encouraged to enroll in courses alongside wounded warrior students as a Park Learning Buddy.® The program’s budget calls for $300,000 in scholarships to assist these buddies.
Course Number
Course Title
Term
Credit Hours
New Course
Life and Study Skills
I
*
CA105
Introduction to Human Communication
I
3
FI 201M
Personal Financial Management
II
3
EN 105
First-Year Writing Seminar
III
3
LS215
Selected Topics in Humanities: Critical Thinking
IV
3 *Designed to be a non-credit-bearing course
Park’s long-standing relationship with the military allows for implementation of this program with a modest budget — $337,000 per year for three years (including Learning Buddy® Scholarships). For information on supporting these efforts, please contact Vice President for University Advancement Laurie McCormack at (816) 584-6210 or laurie.mccormack@park.edu.
Office of University Advancement | Park University 8700 N.W. River Park Drive | Parkville, MO 64152 | www.park.edu Spring 2009 << 21