Core Values That Guide Our Actions
- We expect ACCOUNTABILITY for our actions at all levels, to each other and to Park University.
- We treat all with CIVILITY and RESPECT while being open and honest in our communication.
- We seek EXCELLENCE in all we do, with passionate learning as our highest priority.
- We celebrate GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP through our connected learning and working environment, liberal arts education and community stewardship.
- We embrace INCLUSIVITY that fosters diversity, teamwork and collaboration.
- We act with INTEGRITY through honesty, efficiency and reliability.
Mission Statement
Park University transforms lives through accessible, student-centered, quality higher education.
Vision Statement
Park University will meet learners’ needs for a lifetime.
History of Park University
Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City, Park University has developed into a comprehensive, independent institution that is a national leader in higher education. In 2000, Park achieved university status and now serves 16,500 students annually at 41 campus centers in 21 states and online, including 35 campuses at military installations across the country. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and dedicates itself to affordability, innovation and quality.
Serving an ethnically diverse student population and nontraditional adult learners has, for many years, been central to Park’s educational mission. Even in its first year, the University enrolled women students as well as men, something that was unusual at the time; and two of the original 17 students were Native Americans. Park was also an early integrator when it welcomed African-American students to live in Park’s residence halls in the 1950s. Park has educated generations of students from diverse backgrounds providing affordable access to a private university education.
Park University’s flagship Parkville Campus is situated high on a bluff commanding an inspiring view of the Missouri River, which sweeps in a broad bend around the quiet community of Parkville. To the south and southeast, the skyline of downtown Kansas City, Mo., is visible. The 700-acre campus is a site of breathtaking natural beauty with woodlands, waterfalls and wildflowers.
Steeped in history, one can almost sense the presence of former Parkites who assisted in constructing many of the Parkville Campus buildings. Mackay Hall, on the National Register of Historic Places, houses administrative offices as well as classrooms. Construction began in 1886 with students quarrying stone from the surrounding land and carrying it to the site, building the structure as a means of earning their tuition. With its clock tower overlooking the residence halls, classrooms and other more modern facilities around it, Mackay is the symbol of Park University.
You can still work to help pay for your Park University education, and there is still a Park family atmosphere. This is the part of the University we can’t put on a map or show on a tour, yet it is as much a part of Park as the buildings and the landscape. This is friendliness, helpfulness, caring and concern for one another. It transcends race, religion, gender, cultures and income bracket. It is known as the Park Spirit.
Park University is committed to being one of the finest institutions in the nation, providing quality education in a wholesome environment for all students, including traditional and nontraditional full-time students on the historic Parkville Campus, and fully employed, full-time and part-time students on campus centers across the nation. And Park prides itself in its long-standing partnership with the U.S. military, and it is recognized as one of the largest providers of online undergraduate education to the armed forces.
Parkville and Kansas City
Park University calls Parkville, Mo., and the Greater Kansas City area home, offering students both small-town life and the flashing lights of a big city. With a population of more than 5,000, Parkville allows students the small-town lifestyle and tightly knit community often times associated with smaller universities. The Kansas City metropolitan area, the 29th largest in the U.S. with an estimated population just more than 2 million, provides numerous entertainment and shopping options, along with excellent opportunities for student employment in industries, businesses and agencies throughout the region.
Parkville is ideally located in the Heart of America, just 10 minutes northwest of downtown Kansas City, Mo., and 15 minutes south of Kansas City International Airport. Just minutes away are tradition-rich barbeque spots and professional sports venues, recreational activities, performing arts, museums, galleries, theaters and parks, making the Kansas City area one of the hottest tourist destinations in the country.
Accreditation
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL, 60604 (800-621-7440).
The undergraduate and graduate business and public administration programs and the Master of Healthcare Administration program in the School of Business are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), 11520 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66213 (913-339-9356). The B.S. in Economics degree is not considered to be a business program and is not accredited by ACBSP.
The State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO, 65102 (573-751-3469) has officially approved the academic standards of Park University for teacher education and other school professional programs.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Master of Social Work (MSW) are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 1701 Duke Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
The Master of Public Administration Program is pursuing accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), 1029 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 200051029. Applicant status is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted. Accreditation documents are available for review upon request in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Park University
8700 NW River Park Drive, Box 5
Parkville, MO 64152-3795
Phone:(816) 584-6355
Fax: (816) 741-5578
Email: academic_affairs@park.edu
The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Park University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Licensure Disclaimer: Requirements for licensure vary from one profession to another and from state to state. If you are considering an online academic program that leads to a professional license in your state, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in your home state BEFORE beginning the academic program located outside your state. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by that state in order to be eligible for a license. Eligibility for licensure and/or certification may involve more than successful degree completion. If you are interested in professional licensure, please check with the appropriate licensing body in the state where you intend to practice.
State Approvals
Please see most up-to-date State Approvals at www.park.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ParkStateApprovals2018-19.pdf
Arizona: Park is authorized to operate by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 W. Adams, Phoenix, AZ 85007; 602-542-5709. For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Please see: https://ppse.az.gov/complaint.
Contact:
Keith Blanchard
Deputy Director/Investigator
602-542-5769
Keith.blanchard@azppse.gov
Arkansas: Park is exempt from reporting to the state of Arkansas. To review Park University’s Letter of Exemption from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, please visit our website at https://www.park.edu/accreditation.
California: Park is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA, 95833; 916-431-6959.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Please see: http://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint.shtml.
Contact:
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95833
916-431-6924
https://www.bppe.ca.gov/about_us/contact.shtml
Georgia: Park is authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990, by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, GA, 30084; 770-414-3300.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission complaint information. Please see: gnpec.georgia.gov/gnpec-student-complaint-rules.
Idaho: Park is authorized to operate by the Idaho State Board of Education, 650 W State St., # 307, Boise, ID, 83720; 208-334-2270.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Idaho State Board of Education: https://boardofed.idaho.gov/higher-education-private/private-colleges-degree-granting/student-complaint-procedures/.
Contact:
Val Fenske State
Coordinator for Private Colleges & Proprietary Schools Idaho State Board of Education
650 West State Street, (PO Box 83720)
Boise, ID 83720-0037
Main Office: 208-334-2270
Direct line: 208-332-1587
valerie.fenske@osbe.idaho.gov
Illinois: Park is exempt from reporting to the state of Illinois.
Kansas: Park is authorized to operate by the Kansas Board of Regents, 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 520, Topeka, KS, 66612; 785-430-4240.
For Kansas Board of Regents complaint information, please contact: Crystal Puderbaugh, at (785) 430-4240, or file an online complaint with KBOR: https://www.kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/private_out_of_state/complaint_process.
Massachusetts: Park is authorized to do business as a nonprofit entity by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division, McCormack Building, One Ashburton Place, 17th floor, Boston, MA, 02108; 617-727-9640.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education complaint information, please see: http://www.mass.edu/forstufam/complaints/complaints.asp.
Contact:
Angela Williams
Paralegal and Coordinator for Accountability & Regulatory Affairs
617-994-6963
awilliams@bhe.mass.edu
Missouri: Park is exempt from reporting to the state of Missouri.
Montana: Park is authorized to operate by the Montana University System, 2500 E. Broadway St., Helena, MT, 59601; 406-444-6570.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Montana University System. Please see: http://mus.edu/che/arsa/StateAuthorization/Students.asp. Individuals with complaints regarding institutions that are operating in Montana, but are not part of the Montana University System, have the following
options:
- Utilize the internal complaint processes of the applicable institution.
- Complaints concerning consumer protection violations should be directed to the Montana Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection. https://dojmt.gov/consumer/consumer-complaints/
- Complaints concerning proper licensure under Montana law (see Board of Regents’ Policy 221), including, if applicable, complaints related to State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement standards, may be directed to the Montana University System Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, 2500 Broadway PO Box 203201, Helena, Montana 59620-3201, 406-444-6570.
- Complaints concerning broad institutional academic practices, such as those that raise issues regarding the institution’s ability to meet accreditation standards may be directed to the applicable institution’s accrediting agency.
New Mexico: Park is authorized to operate by the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2048 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM, 87505.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the New Mexico Higher Education Department. Please see: http://www.hed.state.nm.us/students/hed-student-complaint-form.aspx.
Contact:
Diane Vigil-Hayes
Private & Proprietary Schools Administrator and Compliance Officer
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2048 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-476-8418
505-476-6500
Diane.Vigil@state.nm.us
North Carolina: Park is exempt from reporting to the state of North Carolina.
North Dakota: Park is authorized to operate by the North Dakota University System, 10th Floor, State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Ave., Dept. 215, Bismarck, ND, 58505; 701-328-2960.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the North Dakota University System. Please see:
Tanya Spilovoy, D. Ed.
Director of Distance Education and State Authorization
1815 Schafer St., Ste. 202
Bismarck, ND 58501-1217
tanya.spilovoy@ndus.edu
Ohio: Park holds Certificate of Authorization by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, 25 South Front St., Columbus, OH, 43215; 614-466-6000.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Ohio Board of Regents. Please see: https://www.ohiohighered.org/students/complaints.
Contact:
Matt Exline
mexline@regents.state.oh.us
614-728-3095
Oklahoma: Park is authorized to operate by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 655 Research Pkwy #200, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Please see:
Contact:
Mr. Jose Dela Cruz
Coordinator of Academic Affairs Projects
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405-225-9141
South Carolina: Park is exempt from reporting to the state of South Carolina.
Tennessee: Park is authorized to operate by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Parkway Towers, Suite 1900, Nashville, TN, 37243.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, students may send the complaint, in writing, to Postsecondary State Authorization Staff.
Contact:
Shauna Jennings
Investigations Officer & Complaint Specialist
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
404 James Robertson Parkway, Ste. 1900
Nashville, TN 37243
shauna.jennings@tn.gov
615-741-0662
615-741-5293
Texas: Park is authorized to operate by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Box 12788, Austin, TX, 78711; 512-427-6225.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Please see: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=C9BD55D4-C5A3-4BC6-9A0DF17F467F4AE9.
Contact:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board College Readiness and Success Division
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711-2788
Studentcomplaints@thecb.state.tx.us
Utah: Park is authorized to operate by the Utah Department of Commerce, 160 E Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Please see: http://consumerprotection.utah.gov/complaints/index.html.
Contact:
Utah Division of Consumer Protection
Attn. Complaint Processor
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6704
801-530-6601
801-530-6646
http://www.dcp.utah.gov/
Virginia: Park University is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV). If a student complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure (and by doing so the student under no circumstances will suffer any adverse actions by Park University) the student may contact SCHEV as a last resort.
State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV)
101 North 14th Street 10th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Washington: Park is authorized to operate by the Washington Student Achievement Council (the Council) and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Park University to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry wtih it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.
Regarding complaints, for all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processess defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Washington Student Achievement Council. Please contact:
Karen Oelschlager
Program Administrator Washington Student Achievement Council
P.O. Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
360-753-7869
kareno@wsac.wa.gov
Wyoming: Park is authorized to operate by the Wyoming Department of Education, 2300 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, WY, 82001.
For all students, it is highly recommended that you attempt to resolve your grievance at the institutional level using the processes defined on Park’s website and catalog(s). However, students may appeal to the Wyoming Department of Education. Please see: https://edu.wyoming.gov/downloads/schools/student-complaint-process.pdf and https://edu.wyoming.gov/downloads/schools/student-complaint-form.pdf.
Contact:
Elaine Marces
307-777-6210
307-777-7673
elaine.marces@wyo.gov
* July 2018, Addendum
Memberships
Park University is an institutional member of the following:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- American Association for Adult and Continuing Education
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
- American Midwest Conference
- American Society for Public Administration
- Association for Continuing Higher Education
- Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education
- Association of American Colleges and Universities (founding member)
- Association of College and University Housing Officers International
- Association of University Programs in Health Administration
- Association of Veterans Education Certifying Officials
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Council of College and Military Educators
- Council of Graduate Schools
- Council of Independent Colleges
- Council on Social Work Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri
- International Association of Schools and Institutions of Administration
- Kansas City Professional Development Association
- Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
- Missouri College Relations Committee
- Missouri Colleges Fund
- Missouri League for Nursing
- NASPA- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- NASPAA-The Global Standard in Public Service Education
- National Association of Colleges and Employers
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
- National Association of International Educators
- National Association of Veterans Program Administrators
- National College and University Business Officers
- National Hispanic Institute
- National League for Nursing
- National Society of Leadership Success
- North American Association of Summer Sessions
- Service Members Opportunity Colleges (charter members for all services)
- Study Missouri
- Texas Association of Collegiate Veterans Program Officials
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Park University is committed to equality in employment in all personnel matters, both academic and non-academic areas. Park University shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, and veteran status. The University will follow procedures to prohibit discrimination in accordance with appropriate legal principles, including, but not limited to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries or concerns may be directed to the Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.
Diversity Statement
Park University is committed to recruiting, developing, retaining, and promoting talented employees with diverse backgrounds, talents, skills and experiences. At Park University, diversity encompasses a variety of characteristics, lifestyles, and perspectives. The University firmly believes this diversity is essential to enhancing the quality of service to its students, to meeting the needs and goals of its learners, and to ensuring the personal satisfaction of its employees and the Park University community.
Physically Inaccessible Classrooms
Park University takes seriously its commitment to removing educational barriers and providing accessible facilities to all students, employees, and visitors. Due to its historic campus, the University has a limited number of classrooms that are only accessible by staircase. These rooms include the following: Lower level of the Chapel, Alumni Hall 3rd floor, Herr House (except limited first floor access), and Dearing (except first floor). The University encourages all students to check schedules for classroom assignments as soon as possible to determine the location of their classrooms, and whether they have any concerns about the accessibility of the assigned classroom. Students who have accessibility concerns due to a documented physical or mobility-related disability should contact Disability Services, Ms. Florenda Jarrard, Assistant Director of Academic Support Services, (816) 584-6313 or disabilityservices@park.edu. The University encourages students to notify Disability Services as early as possible to allow the University the opportunity to provide appropriate accommodations prior to the start of classes.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Park University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, religion and age in employment, and in its admission, education, programs, and activities of students under state and federal law, including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. Park University will not tolerate sex discrimination or harassment of applicants, students, or employees, whether by students, faculty, staff, administrators, contractors, or outside vendors. Park University recognizes not only its legal responsibilities but also its moral and ethical responsibilities to prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex and to take appropriate and timely action to ensure an environment free of such inappropriate conduct and behavior. Additionally, Park University will not tolerate retaliation in any form against an applicant, student, or employee for reporting a violation of this policy or assisting in the investigation of a complaint. Inquiries or concerns about the Non-Discrimination Policy may be directed to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources or the Dean of Students.
Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC)
Park University is an undergraduate institution designated as a two-year and four-year member institution of SOC. Park University recognizes the unique nature of the military lifestyle and has committed itself to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training experiences. SOC has been developed jointly by educational representatives of each of the Armed Services, the office of the Secretary of Defense and a consortium of thirteen leading national higher education associations. It is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC).
For Readmission Requirements for Service Members, please see Appendix section at the end of this catalog.
Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAp)
The Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP) is conducted by colleges and universities that offer associate or bachelor degree curriculums and that are members of Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC). Concurrent with their enlistment in the Army or Army Reserve, new soldiers may apply for admission at a participating SOC college or university of their choice. If they meet admission criteria, they are granted admission on a full or provisional basis. Provisional admission means that the student may be required to take certain foundation courses or undergo other academic preparation as determined by the university and may be limited in the number of courses undertaken. Enrollment is deferred until completion of initial enlistment for active military service or, in the case of Army Reserve, until completion of initial active duty for training. The student must meet degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment in classes at the university. Enrollment of a student who attempts college/university course work elsewhere is subject to academic performance standards stated in the catalog. Admission of a student receiving other than an honorable discharge is subject to institutional review. This agreement is in effect for two years following completion of initial enlistment for active military service or initial active duty for training.
Corporate and Organization Partners
For more than 140 years, Park University has remained committed to its motto, Fides et Labor (Faith and Work). By fostering partnerships with companies and organizations across the United States, Park not only expands the scope of internships available to its students and job opportunities to its alumni but also interacts with industry leaders to ensure its curriculum remains relevant in a rapidly changing, globally interconnected world.
Some of the top employers in the country hire Park University graduates. Park University offers services which prepare students for their career search and facilitate employer-student engagement including job postings, site visits and job fairs.
The Park Partners program, launched officially on July 1, 2015, is designed to create mutually beneficial relationships, which fulfill career services, corporate philanthropy, leadership and professional development, and networking objectives. As companies and organizations seek to recruit, retain and develop talent necessary to compete in today’s global marketplace, they seek multifaceted partnerships with dynamic academic institutions.
Park University thanks the many organizations and industry leaders which hire our graduates, provide internships to our students, contribute volunteer service on a University board or council and/or provide major philanthropic support.
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