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Bringing students back as easy as 2+2

Program gives social workers new options

Even for people working in the human services Ñ those who have helped people overcome just about any type of problem imaginable Ñ the thought of going back to school can be intimidating. And for some who are up to the challenge, the reality of traveling to the Lawrence campus just isn't practical.

To help working adults in the Kansas City area further their education, KU's School of Social Welfare started the 2+2 program two years ago in conjunction with the Edwards Campus and Kansas City Kansas Community College. The first class is set to graduate this May.

Lori Messinger, associate professor and director of undergraduate social welfare programs, said the program was started to serve a large number of professionals who have an associate's degree. The program partners with Kansas City Kansas Community College, but those who take part in the program can take electives and general education classes for credit at a number of community colleges.

KCKCC has been wonderful. They've provided us with office space and let us use their classrooms. Students can never leave that campus and get their bachelor of social work degree from KU. That is very helpful, because for many, coming to the Lawrence campus just doesn't work.

Lori Messinger, associate professor and director of undergraduate social welfare programs

Students attend junior and senior level classes two nights a week for two years. Classes are offered throughout the year, including summer. Messinger said the partnership has worked well for the university, the community college and students.

"KCKCC has been wonderful," she said. "They've provided us with office space and let us use their classrooms. Students can never leave that campus and get their bachelor of social work degree from KU. That is very helpful, because for many, coming to the Lawrence campus just doesn't work."

KU faculty members teach social work classes at the community college campus, and a full-time KU staff adviser is present. There is also a mentoring program that matches students with other practicing social work professionals in the community. Many of the mentors were recruited from the KU alumni ranks.

"We have some great people serving as mentors. It's been a great matching process," Messigner said.

The program has drawn a diverse student population. Messinger said one-third of the 30-plus students are people of color, and half of the students are more than 30 years old.

While the program is helping some students finish their education, it is helping others complete a turnaround in their lives. Some have overcome addictions, financial problems and been recipients of social services and are now on their way to helping others overcome the same struggles.

"If you look at the backgrounds of the students it's very diverse," Messinger said. "We have a lot of people who are moving from the receiving end of services to the delivery side. We were really hoping to address the needs of the students in that community, and I think that's what we've done."

KU HISTORY

This month’s observation of Veterans Day and the recent success of the football team perfectly demonstrate the spirit behind the creation of KU’s Memorial Stadium. The athletic arena was officially dedicated on Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1922, four years after the fighting stopped in the First World War. The project provided a home for sporting events and serves as a memorial to the 130 students, faculty and alumni who died in the war.