News
Thursday, May 21, 2009 - John F. Kennedy faculty, students, staff and alumni honored at two events.
Addition of John F. Kennedy University Establishes National University System as Model for 21st Century Education
John F. Kennedy University Announces Art & Ecology in Costa Rica in Partnership with ComunicArte
JFK University's Legal Studies Program Earns ABA Approval
For more news from JFK University, see our quarterly newsletter, Connections.
Addition of John F. Kennedy University Establishes National University System as Model for 21st Century Education
Affiliation Highlights System's Stability and Commitment to Expanding Lifelong Learning Opportunities La Jolla and Pleasant Hill, Calif. - April 7, 2009 - The National University System, a network of affiliated institutions committed to meeting the emerging demands of education in the 21st century, today announced that an agreement to add John F. Kennedy University as the System's newest affiliate has been finalized. With the addition of John F. Kennedy University, the National University System now has the potential to provide lifelong learners with access to a complete range of educational offerings, including K-12, technical programs, certificates, teaching credentials, and associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. "The addition of John F. Kennedy University reflects the National University System's mission of connecting students with innovative educational programs," said Dr. Jerry C. Lee, chancellor of the National University System. "The System has become a unique model in higher education; a multi-tiered alliance of institutions offering traditionally underserved student populations multiple pathways to educational opportunities." "For 44 years, JFK University has given students an innovative education that serves to advance the well-being of our diverse local and global communities," said Dr. Steven Stargardter, president of John F. Kennedy University. "The National University System shares this educational vision. By working within and leveraging the System's model and resources, JFK University's ability to educate and inspire positive change will be strengthened." The combined affiliates of the National University System have a fair market value estimated between $700 million and $1 billion. In addition to John F. Kennedy University, the affiliates of the National University System include: National University; National Polytechnic College of Science; National University International; the Division of Pre-College Programs, consisting of National University Virtual High School and National University Academy; Spectrum Pacific Learning Company LLC; and WestMed College. Other entities related to the System include the National University System Institute for Policy Research and the Center for Integrative Health. The addition of JFK University's Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD.) program means for the first time National University System students will have the option of obtaining a doctoral degree from a System affiliate. John F. Kennedy University consists of five schools: Education and Liberal Arts; Holistic Studies; Law; Management; and the Graduate School of Professional Psychology; and the Division of Continuing Education. Similar to National University's one-course-per-month format and accelerated pace, JFK University allows students to earn a degree while balancing work and family commitments. "All of the affiliates of the System are committed in one form or another to providing access to education to students interested in health care, and JFK University's programs, specifically the Doctorate in Psychology and its School of Holistic Studies, fit seamlessly into that commitment," said Dr. Lee. As an affiliate of the National University System, JFK University will retain its name, identity, and standing as an independent, fully-accredited university. The affiliation provides the university with access to the System's extensive resources, and ensures a strong foundation for the continued growth of John F. Kennedy University. About the National University System
The National University System was established to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The System is uniquely aligned to connect a diverse population of students to a network of innovative educational programs that are relevant to their lives, careers, and the marketplace and are delivered in a format that respects competing life priorities. Dr. Jerry C. Lee has served as the System's Chancellor since it was founded in 2001. In addition to John F. Kennedy University, the affiliates of the National University System are National University; National Polytechnic College of Science; National University International; the Division of Pre-College Programs consisting of National University Virtual High School and National University Academy; Spectrum Pacific Learning Company LLC; and WestMed College. Entities related to the System also include the National University System Institute for Policy Research and the Center for Integrative Health. For more information, visit: www.nusystem.org. About John F. Kennedy University
Founded in 1964, John F. Kennedy University was among the first institutions of higher education in California committed to lifelong learning for adults. Today, the University's five schools and one division provide innovative higher education opportunities to more than 2,000 working men and women who, despite a full range of life responsibilities, are determined to advance their education and improve their future. A pioneer of education that integrates theory and practice, John F. Kennedy University and its students touch the lives of more than 30,000 people in Bay Area communities every year through their support of outreach centers and public programs. Dr. Steven Stargardter has served as President of John F. Kennedy University since 2004. For more information, visit www.JFKU.edu.
John F. Kennedy University Announces Art & Ecology in Costa Rica in Partnership with ComunicArte John F. Kennedy University's Department of Arts & Consciousness (JFKU A&C) announced a partnership with the ComunicArte Project (CAP) to offer a three-week study abroad experience, Art & Ecology in Costa Rica, starting Summer 2009. The course, a multicultural learning exchange to creatively and holistically address the most pressing environmental issues of our time, is open both to JFKU students and anyone with a passion for art and community building. The three-weeks abroad will take place from July 23 - Aug. 16, 2009 in Punta Banco, a village of 250 on Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast, and will be complemented by classroom work at JFKU's Berkeley campus beginning in June. "CAP and the Department of Arts & Consciousness share a common mission to merge art and sustainability to engage citizens and enrich the lives of communities," noted JFKU A&C Core Faculty Robbyn Alexander. "Our new partnership amplifies the impact of the mission by encouraging the development of practical, ecology-inspired art programs with the potential to better the lives of individuals here in the U.S., and abroad." As many as 14 students will be accepted into the course, which will be co-taught by Alexander and CAP Founder Ashlie Gaos. Students will develop projects promoting environmental sustainability through community art before going abroad and, upon traveling to Costa Rica, integrating art and ecology to develop and apply them with the residents of Punta Banco. At the end of three weeks, students will bring projects back to the United States in an effort to create cross-cultural understanding and encourage sustainable living in their local communities. "The ideas and projects to be implemented during the Art & Ecology residency program in Costa Rica will be as diverse as the students participating," continued Alexander. "We intend for them to be a model for future community art and sustainability projects, and to inspire other artists, spiritual leaders and educators to think creatively and use art to encourage environmental sustainability in their communities." For program information, visit www.jfku.edu/costarica or www.comunicarteproject.org.
JFK University's Legal Studies Program Earns ABA Approval
On Feb. 24, 2009, JFK University's Legal Studies program was granted approval from the American Bar Associations House of Delegates (ABA). Effective immediately, the prestigious approval makes JFKU's program the only ABA-approved bachelor's degree in Northern California. "ABA approval is the highest designation a legal program can receive," noted the Director of Paralegal and Legal Studies Program Lisa S. Hutton, Esq. "Receiving ABA approval speaks to the high quality of a JFKU Legal Studies education and the support and resources our students receive as they prepare for careers in the legal field." By granting approval, the ABA acknowledges both JFKU's bachelor and certificate programs in legal studies meet the organization's strict standards in key academic areas such as curriculum, caliber of faculty, learning assessment and law library resources. JFKU's Legal Studies faculty is comprised entirely of local, practicing attorneys, so students benefit from real-world insight while preparing for careers in the legal field. Legal Studies students also have the opportunity to gain professional and real-world experience outside of the classroom through internships. Additionally, the program and the University's law school share a campus, giving JFKU's Legal Studies program the benefit of a full, on-campus law library. This experience and support is invaluable in the competitive legal field, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow "much faster than average" through 2016. "As demand for legal professionals grows, so will competition to hire the best candidates. Graduating from an ABA-approved program, with the support and connections JFKU offers, our Legal Studies students are poised to be among those in most demand," commented Hutton. For more information, visit www.jfku.edu/legalstudies.