SUNY, Peace Corps Agreement Provides Graduate Credit for Service
The State University of New York and the Peace Corps have signed a new partnership agreement allowing SUNY graduate students to earn academic credit for two years of Peace Corps service overseas.
“This agreement with the Peace Corps marks an incredible opportunity for the 41,500 graduate students currently enrolled at SUNY and all those who will follow,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “With this expanded access to the Masters International Program, our students will have a greater impact on communities across the globe and return home with invaluable experience to add to their educational portfolio.”
All students enrolled at SUNY’s 28 graduate schools, including Buffalo State, are eligible to apply for the Peace Corps program. Students will apply separately to the Peace Corps and to a SUNY graduate program to prepare them for service in the following areas: agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth development.
Once accepted by both the Peace Corps and a university, students begin their studies on a SUNY campus, serve overseas with the Peace Corps for two years, and then return to school to finish their graduate work. During Peace Corps service, students will work on projects related to their master’s studies.
The agreement opens doors for those Buffalo State students keen to further the college's commitment to service while completing their studies.
"Buffalo State, through its multidisciplinary studies degree programs, is poised to serve graduate students interested in this exciting opportunity," said Kevin Railey, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. "We will be exploring ways to structure these opportunities this year."
Over the years, more than 100 Buffalo State alumni have volunteered their time and efforts to the Peace Corps' cause.
"It's hard to contemplate what I would have done had it not been for the Peace Corps," said Ron Peters, Buffalo State's first alumnus to serve in the organization. "But I am certain my life would not have been nearly so interesting."
Lisa August, associate director of the Career Development Center, coordinates Peace Corps informational meetings on campus. August sees the new partnership as a boon for both students and the global community.
"Increasingly, students and alumni have been very interested in international service programs as a way to not only advance their careers, but also make their mark on the world," said August. "At the same time, employers are seeking to hire people who are fluent in 'globalization.' This agreement is a tremendous opportunity to deepen our joint programming in a way that substantially benefits both our students and the communities they will serve."
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“This agreement with the Peace Corps marks an incredible opportunity for the 41,500 graduate students currently enrolled at SUNY and all those who will follow,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “With this expanded access to the Masters International Program, our students will have a greater impact on communities across the globe and return home with invaluable experience to add to their educational portfolio.”
All students enrolled at SUNY’s 28 graduate schools, including Buffalo State, are eligible to apply for the Peace Corps program. Students will apply separately to the Peace Corps and to a SUNY graduate program to prepare them for service in the following areas: agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth development.
Once accepted by both the Peace Corps and a university, students begin their studies on a SUNY campus, serve overseas with the Peace Corps for two years, and then return to school to finish their graduate work. During Peace Corps service, students will work on projects related to their master’s studies.
The agreement opens doors for those Buffalo State students keen to further the college's commitment to service while completing their studies.
"Buffalo State, through its multidisciplinary studies degree programs, is poised to serve graduate students interested in this exciting opportunity," said Kevin Railey, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. "We will be exploring ways to structure these opportunities this year."
Over the years, more than 100 Buffalo State alumni have volunteered their time and efforts to the Peace Corps' cause.
"It's hard to contemplate what I would have done had it not been for the Peace Corps," said Ron Peters, Buffalo State's first alumnus to serve in the organization. "But I am certain my life would not have been nearly so interesting."
Lisa August, associate director of the Career Development Center, coordinates Peace Corps informational meetings on campus. August sees the new partnership as a boon for both students and the global community.
"Increasingly, students and alumni have been very interested in international service programs as a way to not only advance their careers, but also make their mark on the world," said August. "At the same time, employers are seeking to hire people who are fluent in 'globalization.' This agreement is a tremendous opportunity to deepen our joint programming in a way that substantially benefits both our students and the communities they will serve."
Related article
"In the Cause of Peace"
Media Contact:
Mark A. Norris, Associate Director, Web Administration | 7168784859 | norrisma1@buffalostate.edu