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Park UniversityPark Distance LearningCharles D. Kater, Ph.D.Associate Vice President, Park Distance Learning______________________________________________________________________________Park Distance Learning is a pioneer in non-traditional studies through its focus on the creationof degree programs to fit the unique needs of individual students. Park Distance Learningassists diverse segments of the population in achieving career and personal goals throughout theirtotal educational experience. It is called “non-traditional” because it specializes in high quality andpersonalized educational service for service personnel and full-time employed adults. The key wordis service. The entire staff and faculty of Park University act as facilitators of the student’s educationalexperience. Because of this approach, Park Distance Learning has set a standard in serving studentsseeking personal development or new pathways to degree completion through innovative processes.Park University began meeting the educational needs of service members in 1889, and ourcommitment continued through the establishment in 1972 of the Military Resident Center System(MRCS). In 1989, the name was changed to Park Extended Learning, and in 2003, because of theadvent of Internet courses, became the Park Distance Learning with two schools: Park ExtendedLearning and Park Online. In 2010 it took on the name of Park Distance Learning.Park Distance Learning programs are now located on military installations, communitycolleges, commercial facilities convenient to students, and on the Internet. Park Distance Learning isone of the nation’s largest programs serving over 22,000 students per year.Because the program at each location is tailored to the needs of the local student population,only selected degrees and certain majors are offered at each extended campus center. The degrees andmajors offered are agreed upon by Park University and the agency or authority being served. Noticesare posted publicly at each extended campus center specifying the degrees and the majors beingoffered.Park Online began under the auspices of the Park Extended Learning with one pilot class inEnglish in 1996. The first class was a success and very quickly the online program found its ownpath for the adult student. Park Online has developed over 200 courses and offers 500 sections perterm with over 14,000 students enrolled each year. Eight baccalaureate degrees and four associatedegrees are offered through Park Online. Students seeking to continue educational careers aftercompletion of their baccalaureate degree may enroll in programs for online courses in the areas ofMaster of Education, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Affairs, Master of Artsand Communication and Leadership or Master of Health Care Leadership.Many of the online courses are taken by students at Park Campus Centers who seek the benefitsof an online education. Students often find that the flexibility of online learning helps them adapt toa hectic work schedule, family obligations, or unexpected travel. The online learning environmentoffered by Park Online provides flexibility, adaptability, and convenience. In addition, onlinelearning materials can facilitate the student through adaptation to study that suits his/her learningstyle. Most online courses are scheduled within five eight-week terms in an academic year with classesbeginning on Monday to midnight Sunday.Park Distance LearningPark Extended LearningMission StatementThe mission of the Park Extended Learning at Park University is to provide quality, multifaceted andcost-competitive learning experiences for non-traditional students, to enable study in and impactupon the communities in which they live and work.Vision StatementThe Park Extended Learning at Park University will be an internationally recognized leader inproviding transformational learning experiences to promote lifelong learning within the globalcommunity.32