Campus Life and Student Services

Academic Support Center

(www.park.edu/academic-support-center)
The Academic Support Center (ASC) located in the Norrington Center on the Parkville Campus, offers many services to Park University students, all free of charge to Park students.

The Center also monitors the academic progress of students who are admitted on probation, or who become academically “at risk” after admission, or are placed on academic probation. Academic counseling is provided to assist the student in regaining good academic standing.

Free Tutoring

Tutors are available for many academic subjects, including writing, math, accounting, computer science, and others. Most tutoring is done in the ASC during operating hours Monday - Saturday. Some appointments are available outside our regular hours with tutors who work on-call. In addition to tutoring in the ASC, online writing help and virtual tutoring are available through the Canvas course “Park Tutoring Help,” in addition to online tutoring through Tutor.com.

Computer Lab

A computer lab is maintained with standard software for most needed applications, Internet access, and online course access. The staff is available to help students who need assistance.

Disability Services

The Assistant Director of Academic Support Services coordinates services and accommodations for qualifying students with disabilities. Students must identify themselves by submitting a Request for Disability Services form and by providing adequate and appropriate documentation to the Assistant Director of Academic Support Services. Park University policy on disability services may be found in this catalog, and at www.park.edu/terms-and-regulations.

StepUP Program

StepUP is designed to give personalized mentoring and support to its participants, in order to encourage and assist them in achieving their college degree. StepUP students are advised by a professional mentor, receive motivational and educational programs and other free services.

Testing Center

(www.park.edu/testing-center)
The Testing Center, located in the Mabee Learning Center, administers CLEP, DSST, MoGEA, and final exams for online courses by appointment only. Students may schedule and pay for fee-based tests online. The Testing Center also handles most testing for disabled students approved for testing accommodations. The Testing Center administers residual ACT (for Park University students only). At the request of the instructor, the staff may also proctor exams for students who have missed classroom tests. Most tests must be arranged by appointment. CLEP, DSST, ACT and MoGEA tests require an administration fee of $25 in addition to the cost for the exam. Call the Testing Center, (816) 584-6887, for more information. Check the website for more information about the tests, and for current days and times of Testing Center services.

NOTE: Park University does NOT administer GRE, TOEFL, Missouri Content Assessment, GMAT, LSAT or other tests. Most of these tests have websites that have more complete information and the location of testing sites.

The Campanella Gallery

Located in the Norrington Center on the Parkville Campus the Campanella Gallery showcases art exhibits by professional and student artists in a wide variety of styles and media. Twice a year, the Gallery is reserved for exhibits by graduating Park University art majors. The Campanella Gallery serves the educational mission of the Department of Art, Design & Interdisciplinary Studies, the Park community and the wider art community. The Campanella Gallery was named in honor of Vincent Campanella, painter and Park University professor emeritus of art. He served the University as the distinguished artist-inresidence and chaired the Department of Art, Design & Interdisciplinary Studies for 29 years.

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center (CDC) assists students in all stages of career development including skills assessment, resume and cover letter preparation, interview coaching, and internship and job search strategies, all to insure successful attainment of a career upon graduation. The CDC develops and offers workshops and events—on the Parkville Campus, at our Campus Centers nationwide, and online to prepare our students for launching and advancing their careers and in making successful career connections. For a comprehensive listing of services and events visit the eRecruiting system accessed through our website at www.park.edu/career or contact the CDC staff at (816) 584-6402 or careerdevelopment@park.edu.

Career Planning and Assessment

The staff of the Career Development Center is highly trained in career advising and welcome the opportunity to assist current and prospective students and alums in identifying their career options and developing a plan of action to address individual skills and interests.

Career Services

The CDC will assist with resume and cover letter composition, interview preparation, networking skills, and career planning. These services are free to Park students and alumni. The CDC can schedule meetings in the Kansas City area or virtually worldwide.

Career Seminars/Workshops/Interview Days

• Weekly and online workshops on topics including: Resumes, Cover Letters, Interview Prep, Career Fair Prep, Networking, Negotiating, Job Search Strategies for International Students, Transitioning From Military to Civilian Careers, and many more.
• Class Lectures
• On-campus interviews

Internships, Part-Time Employment, and Full-Time Employment Opportunities

Students are encouraged to investigate internship possibilities after their sophomore year in school. This is their best assurance of fulltime employment at graduation. Listings of part-time and full-time jobs and current internship opportunities are posted in our eRecruiting system. Go to the Career Development website www.park.edu/career – click on the eRecruiting link. Then access the student link and create your own job search account. Students are encouraged to check the database frequently as new opportunities are posted on a regular basis.

The Career Development Center is located at:
Mabee Learning Center, Suite 224
Parkville Campus
Parkville, MO 64152
(816) 584-6402
careerdevelopment@park.edu

The CDC’s hours are:
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday,
with additional evening hours available by appointment.

Counseling

The Counseling Center supports student mental health and wellness through limited individual counseling services, consultation and referral services. Located in Dearing Hall on the Parkville campus, the Counseling Center also houses a resource library with self-help and wellness materials. For students in need of intensive services or specialized care, Licensed Professional Counselors on staff can help connect students with mental health facilities and providers in the community. For more information, contact counselingappointments@park.edu or visit www.park.edu/counseling.

Dining Services

All students living in the residence halls are required to have a meal plan. There are several locations on campus to obtain food including the Thompson Dining Hall, the Savor Sandwich shop in Thompson, the convenience store in the Copley Quad Residence Hall, and the Jolly Roger coffee shop in the Norrington Center. Special diet needs may be arranged by contacting the Director of Food Service at (816) 584-6395.

International Nonimmigrant Students

Park University has a distinguished group of 292 international students representing 51 countries. The Office of International Students (OIS) serves Park University’s international nonimmigrant student population from pre-admission through post-graduation. Newly arrived international students will attend a Check-In Session with OIS as well as an international student Orientation to provide education on visa regulations, help students acclimate to their new home and assist with personal concerns such as culture shock. OIS provides ongoing social activities, individualized student advising and continuous guidance regarding Department of Homeland Security policies and benefits. The office also provides admission guidance for international nonimmigrant students

The Office of International Students advises one of the largest student clubs on campus, the World Student Union (WSU). Each month, WSU plans social activities for club members, which may include fund raisers, fun excursions in the city, community service projects. ISS sponsors various forums for students to share their culture — the Culture Hour, The Coming to America Series, International Education Week, Cultural Sharing Event and more.

Contact Office of International Students:

• In person: Herr House, room 209
• By phone: (816) 584-6820
• By email: international@park.edu

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST

Mail Services

All students living in the residence halls will be assigned a campus mail box located in the Mail Center for the receipt of their mail and packages. Commuter students are eligible for a campus mail box assignment upon request and availability of vacant mail boxes. There is no charge for this service. The Mail Center is located in the Academic Underground, Room MA212 and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Mail Center provides stamps and envelopes for purchase, all postal supplies, Fed Ex, UPS, and DHL shipping services, both domestic and international, plus packaging supplies and assistance. For more information call (816) 584-6296.

Mcafee Memorial Library

The McAfee Memorial Library provides access to quality information resources that enables a diverse community of learners to think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate a global perspective and engage in lifelong learning and service to others.

Collections

Our collections include more than a quarter million books, ebooks, videos and periodical and research databases. Electronic resources are available 24/7 at www.park.edu/library. Additional materials can be obtained via interlibrary loan and/or reciprocal borrowing agreements with local and regional libraries.

Services

Reference and instruction librarians are available to help with basic research and the use of electronic resources on-site, via phone, email and live chat (seven days a week). They also offer classroom instruction in basic research, in the use of electronic resources and in support of course assignments. Contact one of our reference and instruction librarians to schedule an instruction session. Instructional videos in the use of electronic resources can also be found on the library website.

Parkville Campus

The library, located in the Norrington Center, provides a comfortable environment for individual and group study, including individual study carrels, tables, seminar and group study rooms. Computers, and a network printer/copier/ scanner are also available for use.

Special Collections and Campanella Gallery

The library also administers the Fishburn Archives, located in the Academic Underground, which consists of manuscripts, print material, photographs, scrapbooks, artwork, and artifacts including furniture, sports trophies and textiles, documenting the founding and history of Park University and Parkville, Missouri, and is available by appointment. It also houses the Campanella Gallery, which features art exhibits from Park students and faculty and local artists.

Library hours

Hours during Fall and Spring terms are CST/ CDT (Hours are subject to change.)

Chat-based reference service (“Ask a Librarian”) hours can be found on the library website, at: www.park.edu/library.

Military and Veteran Student Services

The Department of Military and Veteran Student Services increases access to and success in postsecondary education for military, veterans, wounded warriors, and their families by providing a broad range of services, fostering peer connections and coordinating community support, through:

• Advising military, wounded, veteran students, and dependents during walk-in hours, workshops, appointments and via conference calls
• Connecting military, wounded, veteran students, and dependents with college resources, such as academic advising, career and personal counseling, tutoring services, financial aid, and external service organizations, to promote success at Park University
• Assisting with identification of federal and state education benefits eligibility
• Assisting with applying for benefits via workshops, online, printed materials and website
• Providing Park’s Student Veterans Organization with department resources, advisement, and programming

Contact:
1st Floor Thompson Commons
Parkville, MO 64152
(816) 584-6530
http://military.park.edu/

Pirate Fitness Center and Wellness Programs

All Parkville campus students have access to the on-site facilities of the Pirate Fitness Center. Our Pirate Fitness Center has three branches: Intramural Fieldhouse (Labor Hall), Copley-Quad Fitness Center, and Chesnut Hall Fitness Center. The Copley Quad and Chesnut Hall Branches of the Pirate Fitness Center are open 24 hours and utilized for Residential Students. Current hours of the Intramural Field House facility can be found on our Crew page. These facilities include free weights, dumbbells, machine weights, exercise balls, resistance bands, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and treadmills. Contact the Fitness Center staff by e-mail at piratefitness@park.edu, for a complete schedule of classes, wellness programs, and details on the facility. 

Publications and Broadcast Venues

Park University students have the opportunity to work on student-run publications: the student newspaper, the student literary magazine, the campus radio station, and student telecasts. For more information, please call (816) 584-6327 or (816) 584-6263.

The Stylus, Park’s award-winning newspaper, is operated and managed by students. It provides an invaluable laboratory for news writing, feature writing, editing, digital composition, and photography. Its staff is not limited to journalism students, staff members and editors come from all corners of the campus. The Stylus is focused on news, features and sports that are relevant to the Park University commity and serves as a forum for student opinion. It is also available online at www.stylusonline.org. Please direct all inquiries to stylus@park.edu.

The Scribe is Park’s student-edited literary and art magazine, which contains fiction, drama, poetry, essays, and visual art created by Park University students.

Educational radio station KGSP-FM, 90.5 FM is student operated and broadcasts at 100 watts to the Kansas City area and streams live online. The TV Production Studio on the Parkville Daytime Campus Center serves both as a teaching facility for TV students and as the facility for production of the Pirate News broadcast. Students produce programs with both studio and digital field equipment.

Students assume a wide range of responsibilities in both audio and video productions. Park’s hands-on emphasis ensures that students will build professional portfolios that qualify them for professional employment. Interested students should call (816) 584-6321.

Pirate News is the video news show staffed, edited, produced and published by students. Pirate News focuses on campus events, athletics and area news of interest to Park University.

Students at Park University, particularly those majoring in Multimedia Journalism and Public Relations, and Communication Studies, are encouraged to experience all of these handson outlets to develop well-rounded career preparation and to find exciting venues for selfexpression.

Students assume a wide range of responsibilities in both audio and video productions. Park’s hands-on emphasis ensures that students will build professional portfolios that qualify them for professional employment. Interested students should call (816) 584-6321.

Residence Life and Education

Park University believes in providing the opportunity for students to develop in all areas of their lives. The residence hall experience is intended to enhance the student’s classroom experiences and provide opportunities for students to develop the whole person. Please visit www.park.edu/life-park/parkville/residence-life to learn more about our programs.

Additionally, every effort is made to encourage students to assume responsibility for their own behavior, while at the same time developing respect for the rights of others. This total student development, requires that certain policies and procedures be established for residence life. These policies and procedures are contained in the Residence Life and Education Handbook and are available at www.park.edu/life-park/parkville/residence-life. 

Student Activities and Clubs

There are a number of cultural and social activities for students at Park University, including celebrations, lectures, dances, concerts, athletic events, and other forms of entertainment and education. There are traditional events such as Fright Night, Spring Fling, Homecoming, and International Education Week. The Park Student Activities Board (PSAB) holds co-curriculur events for the Kansas City Area. Some events, such as International Talk Like a Pirate Day, are celebrated at all the Park University campuses. Many events are open to all Campus Centers. For more information, please call (816) 584-6377 or check the online Activities Calendar, available through the Student Life home page at: www.park.edu/student-life.

Students typically spend 85% of their time outside of the classroom. It is partly because of this large block of unstructured time we encourage students to explore the involvement opportunities here at Park University. In addition to filling time and meeting people with similar interests, involvement on campus has many benefits.

There are personal, academic, and professional benefits to becoming involved at Park University. Students who are involved acquire a wide variety of benefits including earning better grades, becoming more likely to graduate and are simply more marketable when job searching or applying for graduate school. To learn more about the student organizations Park University offers, please visit: www.park.edu/student-life.

If there is not an organization that currently piques your interest, then we encourage you to start a new student organization. All you need to be a recognized organization is 5 members, an organization constitution, full-time faculty or staff advisor and a completed Park University certification form. Stop by the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement for assistance, call staff at (816) 584-6377, or check the website at: www.park.edu/student-life.

Student Government

All students enrolled at Park University are considered members of the Park Student Government Association (PSGA) and are welcome to attend PSGA meetings. The Student Senate consists of the Executive Board and the Senate. Members of the Executive Board are President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Business Manager. Members of the Senate include students representing both the residential and commuter population. The PSGA assists Park University in its commitment as an institution of higher learning; acting as a means of communication between students, faculty and administration; while addressing the needs of the campus and serving as the comptroller of the student life fee funds. For specific information about PSGA, please check the website at: www.park.edu/clubs.

Student Leadership and Engagement

Staff in Student Life provide a comprehensive Student Leadership program to equip both emerging and experienced student leaders with skills and experiences that will benefit them during their time at Park University, in their careers, and in the community. There are also many opportunities for Student Engagement, offering students a chance to understand their leadership style and become civically engaged with their campus, local, and global community. For more information about these programs and events, orientation, or to utilize the Student Leadership and Engagement resources, please check the website at: www.park.edu/student-life.

Student Life

Student Life encompasses several areas of the campus that provide outside-the-classroom support, services and programs for all students at all campus centers. Areas within Student Life include Residence Life, Student Leadership and Engagement, Student Activities and Orientation, Counseling Center, Student Clubs and Organizations, Pirate Fitness, Park Student Government Association, Summer Conferences, Student Conduct and Dining Services. Please check the website at www.park.edu/student-life or call (816) 584-6377 for more information. Many special events and programs provided by staff are offered on evenings and weekends.

Student Success Center

Student Success Coaches optimize the student experience by helping students navigate their academic plan, review their degree audit, enroll in courses, and understand their payment options. Parkville Daytime Students can meet with their Student Success Coach face-to-face in Herr House, by phone at (816) 746-2526, or by e-mail at parkvillesuccess@park.edu. Distance Students should contact Virtual Student Success Coaches by calling (888) 947-5988 or e-mailing advising@park.edu. Students attending a campus center are able to contact their location directly. www.park.edu/campus-centers/index.html

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday
thru Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday CST

www.park.edu/enrollment-services

Study Abroad

Through participation in a study abroad program, Park students have the opportunity to earn Park credit abroad while attending one of Park’s international partner institutions. Park University offers study abroad opportunities in numerous countries around the world. Bilateral, direct and study abroad consortia agreements are in place and continue to be updated to satisfy the need of students.

Students can study abroad for a semester, a year, or a summer program. The credits taken abroad are counted towards the students’ degree requirements and calculated into their GPA.

Study Abroad participants continue their enrollment at Park through a placeholder course overseen by the Registrar’s Office. This maintains the students’ enrollment during the period of the study abroad program and upon return facilitates the translation of coursework taken abroad into Park credit. Study Abroad advises and helps students coordinate their study abroad experience, and offers ongoing support during the study abroad program.

Varsity Athletics

Park University has a highly successful varsity athletic program offering 15 varsity sports that compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Varsity sports include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, men’s baseball, women’s softball and women’s golf. Park is a member of the American Midwest Conference (AMC), the Mid American Men’s Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference (MAMVIC) and is a NAIA Division I Independent in men’s and women’s basketball. Varsity student-athletes are required to comply with eligibility guidelines established by Park University, the NAIA, and the AMC.