Frequently Asked Questions

How acceptable is distance-learning via the Internet?
Distance-learning is clearly an accepted form of cost-effective education for working professionals. The growth and importance of the Internet is furthering the distance-learning concept daily and making independent study education accessible to more and more individuals.

Employers are aware of the fact that attending a classroom university is not possible for a significant number of their workforce, yet they recognize the corporate benefits that a career-related degree program can bring to their employees. For this reason over 800 companies, such as Hewlett-Packard, 3M, General Electric and General Motors, pay for all or a portion of their employees' tuition at Kennedy-Western University.

Can a Kennedy-Western student participate in the program online via modem?
Absolutely. Once a student has been accepted and has been assigned a student ID number, student services are accessable online. In addition to the requests for tutorial assistance, examinations and study materials, the adult learner has immediate access to the Kennedy-Western Electronic Library (KWEL). This service will assist the student in completing research and provide Internet links to technical libraries and other research sources. Students can visit their Student Services website, which includes student initiated study groups and discussion boards.

How does Kennedy-Western ensure that students receive a quality education via distance-learning?
Not only do Kennedy-Western students receive thorough study materials, but if they have questions, both the faculty and the Kennedy-Western Student Services staff are available to help. Students can contact the Student Services Department, Monday through Friday for tutorial assistance from a wide network of faculty advisors. Kennedy-Western continues to maintain our nationwide faculty network, developing additional educational services such as online faculty access and faculty forums for tutorial assistance. In addition to an introductory textbook supplied at no cost, students are directed to online university resources and databases such as MELVYL. MELVYL lists books cataloged by universities and the Center for Research Libraries. This resource also allows Internet links to over 40 other national and international library catalogs and information systems.

I understand that the majority of Kennedy- Western's faculty hold Doctorate degrees from regionally accredited universities. What other expertise do they have?
In addition to their duties as adjunct faculty, most of Kennedy-Western University's instructors teach full or part-time at respected traditional universities throughout the country. All of Kennedy-Western University's instructors have teaching experience in a traditional classroom. We also realize that real-world expertise is important to mid-career students. Therefore, we seek out professors who possess a wealth of practical hands-on experience and are well respected in their professional communities. Many of our professors have been published in leading professional and academic journals. They are experts in their fields and are available to assist Kennedy-Western University students as they matriculate.

Is the faculty involved in the development of curricula at Kennedy-Western?
Absolutely. Kennedy-Western faculty participate in our curriculum reviews and textbook selection, which are integral in maintaining the quality of the courses we offer. On an annual basis, our group of curricula reviewers consider every course offered by Kennedy-Western and select textbooks currently in use at classroom universities throughout the country. The reviewers critique the curricula in regards to appropriate, applicable and current information based on modern trends, new legislation and curriculum requirement changes.

What is Kennedy-Western University's commitment to computer-mediated distance education?
The University has an entire department that is constantly researching new software and other utilities to enable an efficient learning process. Kennedy-Western University clearly understands that occupying a seat in a physical classroom for a specific period of time is fast becoming the exception rather than the rule. With online access and a desktop or portable computer, the student can communicate with Kennedy-Western University 24 hours a day. For working professionals, learning over the Internet now means that critical work schedules don't have to keep them from their educational goals. Computer-mediated distance education is at the cutting edge of instructional delivery and the future growth of technology will offer more opportunities than ever before.

What are the computer hardware requirements needed?
The computer must be able to run Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or above. The size of this software package for a complete installation with all of the optional components such as the NetShow player, NetMeeting and Internet Mail is roughly 30 megabytes of hard disk space. We suggest you consult the Microsoft web site in order to determine if your computer has sufficient resources to run the software properly.

- Connection Speed
We have designed the site so that pages load as quickly as possible. We require a modem speed of at least 28.8kbps but recommend a 56kbps modem. (Please consult your Internet Service Provider to find out what protocols and hardware types they support). Broadband connections such as DSL or via cable modem will provide the best possible experience.

- Monitor Requirements
The site requires a VGA color monitor capable of viewing a minimum of 256 colors, though we suggest a Super VGA monitor capable of 64,000 colors or more. The screen resolution is best viewed at 800 x 600 pixels wide or larger.

How does Kennedy-Western safeguard the academic integrity of their programs?
Our faculty, who also teach at regionally accredited universities, and our annual curriculum review process ensure the integrity, quality and credibility of Kennedy-Western's programs. Our courses, exams, textbooks and faculty are the same as recognized classroom universities. Therefore, we feel comfortable enough to offer a curriculum comparability guarantee.

What is the difference between Kennedy-Western students and students at structured classroom universities?
Kennedy-Western's programs are oriented toward the mid-career adult and working professional. Conversely, classroom universities are attracting the 18 to 21-year olds whose life goals and ambitions have yet to be established.

Kennedy-Western University is not attempting to compete with such schools as UCLA, University of Texas, and NYU. Kennedy-Western students know who they are, know exactly what they want to do and are interested in a challenging and rewarding educational experience. For this reason, they are often more motivated than students at classroom universities. In addition, they gain significant advantages from their professional experience. Not only are they able to draw from the knowledge they have developed throughout their career thus far, but they may apply earned credit for what they have already learned toward their Kennedy-Western program.

How could a prospective student find out if they would be accepted? And, if accepted how much college credit they could be awarded for their previous education, work-related experience and career training?
Prospective students first take part in our free evaluation to determine whether or not they could be accepted into one of our degree programs. The University's Admission Counselors serve as personal resources and guide prospective students through the evaluation process.

If accepted, prospective students may receive college credit for what they have already learned, whether in the classroom or on the job. Thus, the qualified student does not have to repeat or take basic courses that have already been mastered. Instead the student concentrates on courses that relate to their professional interest.

Would Kennedy-Western University help a student approach their company in regard to tuition reimbursement?
Kennedy-Western University's Admission Counselors are trained specifically to help prospective students through the initial evaluation process and subsequent corporate tuition reimbursement. In addition, our Counselors are available to speak with representatives from the prospective student's company.

Kennedy-Western's programs are recognized and widely accepted within business and industry - over 50% of our students receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Click here to find a partial listing of organizations that have reimbursed some or all of their employees' tuition expenses.

Can I finance my tuition or obtain a student loan?
Yes. Kennedy-Western University's students may participate in any one of our tuition financing programs without having to qualify in advance. In addition, students may apply for student loans through SLM Financial Corporation, a division of Sallie Mae.

How is the tuition amount determined from the parameters, consisting of low and high ends, given in the tuition schedule?
Students are evaluated based on previous education, training and work experience. Once these items have been factored in and the student has been accepted, the University provides a schedule of course requirements and tuition payable.

Could a prospective student speak with a Kennedy-Western University alumnus prior to making an enrollment decision?
Yes. Once a prospective student has completed the evaluation process and has been accepted into the program, they may elect to speak with one of our Regional Alumni Directors. These Directors have all successfully completed a Kennedy-Western degree program and are available to answer questions regarding their personal academic experience.