UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — Penn State New Kensington, which was recently designated a "Military Friendly School," will host a series of special admissions events during Veterans Week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9-13 at the campus. The highlight of the week is the administration of justice program open house scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The number of veterans deciding to start or return to college continues to rise as more military personnel fulfill their service obligations and return to civilian status. The ranks of adult learners, those classified as at least 24 years old, also are expanding as more displaced workers look for a career change or seek additional education.
To help nontraditional students navigate the many challenges associated with the higher education decision, the admissions staff encourages veterans to make appointments for personal meetings to discuss the educational benefits available. There are numerous academic options for veterans and adults, including: selecting from more than 200 noncredit, certificate and degree programs; choosing full- or part-time status; and scheduling day or evening classes. Assistance with the application form also is available. The $50 application fee will be waived during the week. Appointments are recommended but not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.
To make an appointment, call the Admissions Office at 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.
AOJ programThe featured event of the week is the administration of justice (AOJ) open house. Participants can learn about the potential of the degree with guest speakers discussing the flexibility of the administration of justice bachelor's degree, the technological aspects of the security and risk analysis minor, and hands-on internships in local communities.
Faculty in the AOJ program will talk about various aspects of the criminal justice field, the current job market, and recent research. The keynote speaker will be Jeffrey Roth, assistant professor of administration of justice. In addition, AOJ alumni, like recent graduate Craig Synan, will provide other perspectives on the program. A tour of the campus will follow the presentations.
The administration of justice program focuses on the interrelated components of the criminal justice system — public and private sector enforcement and investigation, legal systems, correctional treatment, and community services. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction, practical training in laboratory courses, individual study, and field experience, students will be prepared to pursue an array of career opportunities in federal, state and local law enforcement and correction agencies, court-related services, probation and parole services, and private-sector security. For more information on the administration of justice program, visit www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/43065.htm.
To register for the open house, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS, or visit www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm. Veterans resourcesPenn State New Kensington provides additional support to suit the needs of veterans. The main resource is the Veterans Services office. Diana Hill, veteran certifying official at the campus, helps veterans with the requirements of benefit programs.
Another support feature is the Adult Learner Resource Center and Lounge. It gives veterans and adult learners their own space on the campus. The lounge includes a small library of resource books, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, a computer and printer, white board, table and chairs for small group study, and comfortable chairs for relaxation. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Veterans and adult learners comprise approximately 28 percent of the student population at the campus. New Kensington strives to support military veterans in reaching their academic goals while maintaining a healthy life balance. For more on Veterans Services, contact Hill at 724-334-6047 or duh3@psu.edu.
For more on the campus’ educational benefits for veterans, visit www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/FinancialAid/vetsfa.htm.
Military Friendly SchoolsThe Military Friendly Schools designation is conferred upon the higher-education institutions exhibiting leading practices in recruiting and supporting post-military students. Selected colleges are able to incorporate the most current, unique data about their school that is not captured elsewhere, giving service members and their families a well-rounded look at their education programs. More than 1,600 schools earned the 2015 Military Friendly Schools designation.
Up to 400,000 service members leave military service each year, and more than a third attend college after separation. The Guide to Military Friendly Schools is available at all military transition classes, as well as throughout U.S. military bases and communities across the globe, reaching hundreds of thousands of transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and military transition program managers each month —individuals who know and trust the tested military friendly name.
The criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.