Edwards Campus will offer courses in Leavenworth, learning opportunities for military
OVERLAND PARK ‑ The University of Kansas is making its high-quality programming more accessible for current and transitioning military. Starting this fall, it will have a new presence in Leavenworth and offer an online certificate for military transitioning into civilian workforce.
KU is an ideal partner for military personnel as they pursue their educational and career goals. In the 2015-16 Military Times survey, the university was recognized as the No. 8 “Best for Vets” public university in the nation.
Starting fall 2016, KU will offer a variety of high-demand courses in Leavenworth that complement military professions. Students can pursue graduate coursework in project management, environmental assessment and leadership. Courses will integrate both military and civilian students, fostering rich learning opportunities and a dynamic educational environment. Students can also pursue courses from the online bachelor of general studies, which will help soldiers and their families continue and complete their education even if they are transferred to another base.
“The University of Kansas and Fort Leavenworth have a long history of mutual support and shared learning. These new course options will provide military leaders, their families and our civilian students opportunities to learn from one another. That learning will strengthen our state, nation and national security,” said Neeli Bendapudi, incoming provost and executive vice chancellor.
“We’ve designed the enrollment process, access to classes and student services to work within the timeframe of service members attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth,” said David Cook, vice chancellor, KU Edwards Campus.
Courses will be offered off-post at the new Fairfield Inn throughout the fall semester while the university finds a permanent location.
“A distinct advantage of a KU education is becoming part of the Jayhawk network, including the KU Veterans Alumni Network,” said retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mike Denning, director of the KU graduate military program.
Military Transition Certificate
Since 2011, the unemployment rate for veterans has been cut in half, and in 2015, there were new private sector commitments to train or hire 90,000 veterans and spouses. As more private- and public-sector industries realize the benefits of hiring service members and veterans, the need for career-readiness transitional training has increased. To answer that call, KU will offer an online certificate to provide convenient access to resources, training and connections with local businesses for transitioning and active-duty military and veterans.
The 12-credit-hour certificate, which will be available in fall 2016, is composed of four online courses that can be completed in less than 10 months. Courses may be applied toward an academic degree and include interpersonal management, workplace success skills, career transitions and professional career management.
“With this certificate in hand, military personnel can confidently transition into the civilian workforce after a successful military career,” Denning said.
The Military Transition Certificate is designed for active duty, National Guard or Reserve members of the Armed Forces who are within their last 18 months of service seeking to enter the civilian workforce.