Newman University will host an open house event Nov. 14 for students interested in education and social work programs.
The open house is one of four offered this fall and was created to accommodate high school seniors, transfer students, graduate degree seekers and their families’ busy schedules. The event will provide an opportunity to get to know Newman University’s mission, academic community and campus offerings.
“Open houses are a chance for prospective students and their guests to learn about a large number of program options within a given interest and in a small amount of time,” said Associate Director for Admissions Recruitment Georgia Drewes.
“They also allow students to speak one on one with faculty in those programs so they know what to expect and how Newman is different, and they can start forming strong bonds with faculty and admissions staff.”
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with an optional free dinner at the Mabee Dining Center for prospective students and their families. Programming begins at 6 p.m. in the Sr. Tarcisia Roths, ASC, Alumni Center, which is located in the Dugan-Gorges Library and Campus Center.
Education is one of the most popular majors for Newman undergraduate students and a popular choice for those looking to further their career with a master’s degree.
Alumna Alicia Thompson, superintendent of USD 259, received her master’s in curriculum and instruction at Newman and spoke of her experience as being hands-on and personable. Coming from a smaller university in Oklahoma, she said she was looking for another university with that small, family feel, and Newman provided that for her.
Bret Howard completed the district level licensure program at Newman University in 2016 and is now the superintendent at USD 235 in Uniontown, Kansas.
“My experience at Newman University was exceptional,” Howard said. “The professors are all current professionals in the field. We were provided not only theory but practical and real-world experience with our course work.”
Currently, the shortage of teachers in Kansas has allowed most education students to receive job offers prior to their graduation.
Dean of the School of Education and Social Work Cameron Carlson will attend along with fellow education professors to speak to any interested students.
Students interested in social work will have the opportunity to speak with social work faculty including Master of Social Work Coordinator Jennifer Jones.
“It is one of the fastest-growing professional careers with very diverse areas of practice. Our cutting edge trauma-informed curriculum is leading the way for the future of social work practice at a clinical level,” said Jones.
According to Bachelor of Social Work Director Yelando Johnson, “Employment in social work is expected to increase commensurately with the needs of a growing and diverse population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting growth rates exceeding 20% in specific areas such as behavioral or mental health.”
Students will be able to get a head start on their Newman journey at the open house event by asking questions and forming relationships with faculty and staff as well as current and potential students.
Director of Admissions Cammie Kennedy is looking forward to the open houses, she said.
“Newman open houses are great ways for prospective students to not only come to campus and meet with faculty but are great opportunities to hang out with our current students.
“These prospective students are in a more casual setting and tend to feel more comfortable asking current students about college classes, living on campus and what our student life has to offer them.”
Drewes added, “We are happy to offer the open houses in the evening, adapting to the schedule of transfers and graduates like we never have before.”
Find more information and RSVP to the open house here.
The final open house will be held Thursday, Dec. 5 and will focus on humanities, arts & letters, Catholic studies and social sciences.
