FPU still welcoming students for fall
While the economy is forcing some California universities to cut back, Fresno Pacific University is responding with more--increased student aid, a four-year graduation guarantee, new regional centers and expanded programs.
Classes are open across the 45-plus traditional undergraduate areas of study as well as the seven bachelor's degree completion and 16 master's degree programs. A variety of credentials and certificates are also available.
"As an independent university, FPU is not dependent on the legislature or other entities for operating funds," said Stephen Varvis, vice president of enrollment management. "We can still act on our commitment to offer a high quality education, including professional preparation and ethical development, at an affordable price to qualified students."
FPU will welcomed about 40 students during Registration Day July 16. In addition to registering for classes, participants completed financial aid plans, set up student accounts and learned about the student life program. Parents toured the campus and met with administrators.
This summer's four Registration Days got about 280 students on the road to higher education at Fresno Pacific. "We say this is their first event as an FPU student," said Rina Campbell, director of undergraduate admissions.
Admissions are still open at the main campus in southeast Fresno as well as adult bachelor's degree completion and master's programs at the regional centers in North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield
Some FPU classes are also available at the College of the Sequoias in Hanford and West Hills College in Lemoore.
Over the past few months FPU has introduced several initiatives to help students:
Graduation guarantee
One of FPU's strengths is its four-year graduation rate which, at 51 percent, is the highest in the Central Valley. Beginning in January 2009, the university guaranteed graduation within four years to qualified students entering the traditional undergraduate program.
Students who fulfill their responsibilities and are not able to graduate in four years will receive the needed courses in the next semester at no cost in tuition or student fees. The offer is open to new first-time students and covers basic requirements for a single major with no minor.
Increased financial aid
Nearly all FPU students receive some form of financial aid. The amounts of several scholarships have been increased for 2009-2010. FPU's top freshman academic scholarship, the President's Scholarship, has been raised to $10,000. Other academic scholarships have been raised and range from $5,000-8,000.
New regional centers
Adult programs--both bachelor's degree-completion and master's degree--remain vigorous. In March the new Bakersfield Center opened on Stockdale Highway across from the new Riverwalk, a development on the west side of the city planned for upscale restaurants and shopping. The 22,000-square-foot structure has 13 classrooms, a computer lab and a student lounge.
A new Visalia Center opened in May, with 35,000 square feet, 22 classrooms and two computer labs. The location at Plaza Drive and 198 allows easy access from adjoining cities like Hanford and Tulare.
MBA, RN to BSN, online programs
The new global MBA from will prepare Valley professionals for success in the international economy. Classes start in August at the North Fresno Center. Among the features of the program is that students will see the world they're learning about. A two-week international trip is included in the tuition. Candidates may be traditional B.A. graduates or working professionals who have completed their bachelor's degree.
Classes began in February for a program to help registered nurses complete a bachelor of science in nursing with a focus on leadership. A bachelor's degree opens the way for advancement in supervision, administration and other areas.
The university is also exploring more online and blended programs, such as those already available in kinesiology, school library and information technology and curriculum and teaching.
"As an independent university, FPU is not dependent on the legislature or other entities for operating funds," said Stephen Varvis, vice president of enrollment management. "We can still act on our commitment to offer a high quality education, including professional preparation and ethical development, at an affordable price to qualified students."
FPU will welcomed about 40 students during Registration Day July 16. In addition to registering for classes, participants completed financial aid plans, set up student accounts and learned about the student life program. Parents toured the campus and met with administrators.
This summer's four Registration Days got about 280 students on the road to higher education at Fresno Pacific. "We say this is their first event as an FPU student," said Rina Campbell, director of undergraduate admissions.
Admissions are still open at the main campus in southeast Fresno as well as adult bachelor's degree completion and master's programs at the regional centers in North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield
Some FPU classes are also available at the College of the Sequoias in Hanford and West Hills College in Lemoore.
Over the past few months FPU has introduced several initiatives to help students:
Graduation guarantee
One of FPU's strengths is its four-year graduation rate which, at 51 percent, is the highest in the Central Valley. Beginning in January 2009, the university guaranteed graduation within four years to qualified students entering the traditional undergraduate program.
Students who fulfill their responsibilities and are not able to graduate in four years will receive the needed courses in the next semester at no cost in tuition or student fees. The offer is open to new first-time students and covers basic requirements for a single major with no minor.
Increased financial aid
Nearly all FPU students receive some form of financial aid. The amounts of several scholarships have been increased for 2009-2010. FPU's top freshman academic scholarship, the President's Scholarship, has been raised to $10,000. Other academic scholarships have been raised and range from $5,000-8,000.
New regional centers
Adult programs--both bachelor's degree-completion and master's degree--remain vigorous. In March the new Bakersfield Center opened on Stockdale Highway across from the new Riverwalk, a development on the west side of the city planned for upscale restaurants and shopping. The 22,000-square-foot structure has 13 classrooms, a computer lab and a student lounge.
A new Visalia Center opened in May, with 35,000 square feet, 22 classrooms and two computer labs. The location at Plaza Drive and 198 allows easy access from adjoining cities like Hanford and Tulare.
MBA, RN to BSN, online programs
The new global MBA from will prepare Valley professionals for success in the international economy. Classes start in August at the North Fresno Center. Among the features of the program is that students will see the world they're learning about. A two-week international trip is included in the tuition. Candidates may be traditional B.A. graduates or working professionals who have completed their bachelor's degree.
Classes began in February for a program to help registered nurses complete a bachelor of science in nursing with a focus on leadership. A bachelor's degree opens the way for advancement in supervision, administration and other areas.
The university is also exploring more online and blended programs, such as those already available in kinesiology, school library and information technology and curriculum and teaching.
