Davenport University Rolls Out New Programs for Working Students

Right:  Kriss Kinney started Davenport in the Fall of 2014.  She is striving to obtain her Masters in Social Work.  

 

Returning to college is a big decision for many students, especially for those who work or have families. Cost of tuition, location, and degrees offered are main factors to consider when considering going back to school to obtain a higher education.

 

“The adult student audience have different needs and different goals that the traditional student coming right out of high school. Davenport has been serving that audience and its needs and delivering on their goals for over 100 years,” said Amy Lucas, Executive Director of Admissions for Davenport University.

 

Davenport University offers flexible scheduling; small class sizes, and accessible faculty and staff said Lucas. This is important for those non-traditional students looking to further their education. Davenport’s long history of serving the adult student population makes them different from other schools explained Lucas.

 

“It really focuses around the ability to make obtaining your degree a lot easier for adults at Davenport than at other institutions,” said Lucas.

 

Lisa Lawson, a graduate student at Davenport University, said Davenport was the perfect choice for her. As a transfer student, Davenport was able to provide her with a quality education while meeting her needs while being gainfully employed.

 

“The small class sizes are probably the best reason,” said Lawson. “Also having a dedicated advisor is another reason that students choose our institution. At other schools you just get whoever was available that day and here they have one [advisor] that can be contacting by email or calling.”

 

To further assist working students, Davenport is offering a new partnership with the State of Michigan. This program is available to all State of Michigan employees, dependents, part time workers, contractors and student assistant employees (part time workers who are also in school), said Lucas.

 

There are many programs that are offered to State of Michigan employees that cover all of the state departments. For those partaking in specific programs offered, a discount is applied.  These programs offer a 4-year degree at the end of completion. There is also a partnership with the State of Michigan for a dozen or more non-credit programs that focus on training.

 

“We come in and we deliver management training or customer service training,” said Lucas.

 

According to Lucas, the training programs are also offered at a discount. Normally the cost of tuition is $633 per credit hour. With the discount, the price is reduced to $230 per credit hour. For graduate students studying technology, business, or health the cost of tuition is $342.50, with a normal rate of $685 per credit hour.

 

Kriss Kinney started Davenport in the Fall of 2014.  She is striving to obtain her Masters in Social Work.  With 66 credits left to go she is excited about being a student at Davenport.  

 

Kinney added, “At first I was skeptical about it but once I started going I realize that I will not stop until I reach my goal. Only I can better my future and to do so education is key.  In 2012,  I went back to Lansing Community College prior to being a state employee, obtained my Human Services certification along with my general Associates.  I had been temping for the State and decided to go get an associate’s degree.  Within two months of starting classes I applied and was offered a job as a student assistant.  Three months after I started classes I was offered a permanent job. I was laid off but recalled to another department (Treasury).  When the program was first introduced to me, I signed on immediately and have nothing but positive things to say about transferring to Davenport University.”

 

Regarding the discount Kinney said, “Going to Davenport has amounted to savings for me. Huge savings!  I am able to keep more money at home now that tuition is so inexpensive for me.  I have been able to get an education, go on vacation and I will be getting married in October of 2015.”

 

For dependents there is a flat discount of 25 percent, this applies to contractors as well. Employees interested in classes outside of the 13 programs a flat discount rate of 50 percent is applied.

 

Not a State of Michigan employee, do not worry. Davenport offers scholarships to new and continuing students based upon grade point average from high school or other colleges or universities. Students who have no college experience or have not attended high school in a while, scholarships are offered based on entrance exam scores.

 

A new 30 credit Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is now being offered. Previously this degree took 39 credits to complete. Fewer credits mean less time to complete and more money in the student’s pocket.

 

“We’re repackaging some courses so that the same learning outcomes can be delivered with fewer courses,” said Lucas.

 

There are a multitude of degree programs at Davenport University. According to Lucas, the school is best known for its Accounting, Finance and Business Management degrees for undergraduate students, however there are plenty of other programs that make the university stand out. The Masters in Urban Education is especially exciting for students. The Master’s in Urban Education is not just for current teachers.

 

“So this is a very innovative program that’s delivered at high schools to high school teachers that will prepare them and enhance their existing skills when it comes to serving the urban student audience,” said Lucas.

 

A new Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy will be coming in fall 2016 said Lucas.

 

“That’s really exciting for us because of the caliber of our faculty and our reputation in the college of health. We’re attracting people from all over the country,” said Lucas.

 

In today’s work force, college is important for those who want to advance in their career and increase their earning potential said Lucas.

 

“We see the value of continuous learning… There are a lot of benefits outside of your paycheck, including the self fulfilment that you get when you have completed your degree. The example that you’re setting for your family and your kids in particular makes going back and getting a degree worthwhile. The skills that you gain as far as self-discipline… So there’s a lot of benefits to the students,” said Lucas.

 

When considering a school, the first thing a student must take into account is their needs explained Lucas. It is important to do a needs analysis to determine the appropriate path to obtaining a degree. For example, a student who works may need a flexible schedule. They may need online classes, peer support or academic support. So figuring what is required to complete the degree is the first step.

 

 Lucas said employers are looking for employees who not only have an education but that they also possess valuable skills that can be used right immediately to positively impact the workplace.

 

“Davenport is very much a leader in the industry and is valued by employers, especially within the State of Michigan, as a leader in the industry because we are delivering graduates to those employers who can start adding value to the employer on day one,” said Lucas.

 

This is why the partnership with the State of Michigan is so valuable. Employees get a program tailored to fit their specific needs relevant to the job they have or the job they want.

 

Davenport plans to expand their partnership with employers to reach more students explained Lucas. According to Lucas, the vision is to take what they have learned from the partnership and apply it to other employers’ statewide.

 

“We’re excited to get out to the agencies throughout the entire state and be able to share the good news and get some students enrolled from some of the outlying agencies and departments,” said Lucas.

 

Lucas said the partnership with the Stare of Michigan has been successful so far.

 

“Through employee surveys and through a dedicated effort to make the State of Michigan a better employer for their employees, they’ve solicited info and acknowledged the feedback…The fact that the state recognized that and put concentrated efforts into helping their employees overcome those obstacles is really commendable,” said Lucas.

 

For more information or to apply, visit their website at www.davenport.edu or give them a call at 1-800-686-1600. Web chat is also available.      

 

Selected Degree Programs for Michigan State Employees