NASPA recognizes accelerated degree program as top model

A national higher education association has recognized the Accelerated Leadership Program (ALP) offered by the Liberal Studies department and supported by the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies as an outstanding model for adult learners.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) will present the Outstanding Adult Learner Program award to Grand Valley at its annual conference March 12 in Los Angeles.

ALP was established in 2014. Students who enroll in the 19-month accelerated degree program already have some college credits and take one five-week course at a time.

Simone Jonaitis, executive director of the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies, said the program works because it offers a high-quality curriculum taught by dedicated faculty members. 

"The faculty work very collaboratively together not only to ensure students have quality and relevant content, they work collaboratively to build community among their students," Jonaitis said.

Kate VanDerKolk, student services coordinator, said students gain experiential learning and community engagement opportunities through internships, research and capstone projects.

"This innovative, interdisciplinary format has been able to meet the needs of students with diverse professional goals ranging from government business, nonprofit and education sectors," VanDerKolk said. "It has a track record of launching students into their next steps: a promotion, career change or a graduate degree."

Learn more about the program online at gvsu.edu/lead19.

NASPA also recognized the GVSU Votes! initiative as a 2018-19 Gold Award Winner, receiving a NASPA Excellence Award in Civic Learning, Democratic Engagement, Service Learning and Community Service.

GVSU Votes! consisted of several activities, including voter registration drives and events, a weekly discussion series and a voting-themed football game.