The University of Akron is the public research university for Northern Ohio. Founded in 1870, it is the only public university in Ohio with a science/engineering program ranked in the top five nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The same publication included UA's Industrial/Organizational Psychology program among the country's top 10, and the University's law school was named the best value in the nation in 2002 by National Jurist magazine. The University of Akron also excels in such areas as global business, sales and marketing, and intellectual property law.

Serving 24,300 students from more than 100 countries and 35 states, the University offers over 350 associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and law degree programs and approximately 100 certificate programs at its main campus in Akron, its Wayne College branch campus in Orrville, and at sites throughout Medina and Summit counties.

It is accredited at the highest level as a comprehensive, doctoral degree-granting institution by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and by 35 professional accrediting agencies. The University of Akron is comprised of nine degree-granting colleges, and its School of Law. UA also is a partner in the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine consortium.

Culturally, the University is a rich resource, hosting concerts, performances, prominent speakers, and various special events. Its venues include the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, the Guzzetta Recital Hall, and the Paul A. Daum Theatre, where the talents of students in dance, theater and music are showcased. The nationally acclaimed Ohio Ballet is in residence on campus.

UA also offers students a complete sports program. Zips teams compete in Division I-A in the Mid-American Conference, and Zips athletes have been signed by professional football, baseball, basketball and soccer teams. A broad array of fall and spring intramural sports, as well as clubs and intercollegiate competitions, are open to all students.

The University of Akron offers a high-quality education at an affordable cost, with tuition rates among the lowest in Ohio. Financial aid of more than $121 million is annually distributed to thousands of UA students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

The University of Akron's vitality results from its connection to the pulse of industry, community and research. Its setting in the heart of a dynamic, regional economy allows it to build partnerships with businesses and governments, which in turn create career advantages for our students. In combination with unique University programs and competencies, these opportunities provide a competitive edge for our students that we call the Akron Advantage.

Many factors contribute to the Akron Advantage, but its key elements include:

• Career Advantage Network:

  This program guarantees major-related experiential learning opportunities prior to graduation for every student, regardless of academic major or degree level. Such learning may include cooperative education, practicum, internships, clinical/field-based experiences, student teaching, service learning as well as other experiences that include clear, major-related goals and means to evaluate goal performance.

• Technology Without Boundaries (SM):

  UA is the most wired-for-wireless public university in Ohio. The entire campus computer network has been rebuilt, permitting the use of wireless laptop computers both inside the classroom and outdoors, on the campus' greens and walkways. The University also has entered into partnerships with companies such as PeopleSoft, IBM, Cisco Systems Inc., 2Way Corporation, Tivoli Systems Inc., and Time Warner to streamline business operations and to expand student and faculty Internet resources.

• New Landscape for Learning & New Landscape for Living:

  A $200 million, multi-year campaign is transforming The University of Akron campus into a "New Landscape for Learning." Two of six new buildings already have been completed, and three more are under construction. In addition, 14 existing facilities will be renovated and 30 acres of new green space created. By 2005, students and faculty will have use of a Student Recreation Center, Student Union Building, Student Affairs Building and College of Arts & Sciences building. The "New Landscape for Living" is a community revitalization effort that will affect more than 40 blocks of UA's surrounding neighborhoods. Funded in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the program includes as partners local government, businesses and nearly 150 residents and community leaders in the target area. These two important initiatives are not only transforming the physical landscape, but - more importantly - provide direct learning and working opportunities in various disciplines.

Although impressive in their own rights, all of these initiatives and competencies are only means to a single goal. That goal is to provide a place where students can dream, dare, and do the things that it takes to change the world.

Join us, and together, we will shape the future.

www.uakron.edu
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